Senior year is full of surprises when Chloe returns home from her internship in New York City. While she was learning the ins and outs of the fashion industry, her friends were getting ready for senior year. Settling back into her old life proves to be harder than Chloe thought. As much as she tries to fall into her old routine, she can't help feeling left out and left behind. Chloe is ready to realize her dream of being a designer, but deciding on a fashion school is another story — especially when that means deciding between California or New York. And when she agrees to design dresses for Winter Formal, the pressure grows even more intense. Can Chloe handle the stress of senior year and figure out what her future holds? For ages 9-12. Third book in the Chloe by Design series.
I received a copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning of the book there was a page and a half of a 'Diary Entry' of the main character. Using this technique the author was able to provide a recap of the previous books in the series without making it obvious or boring. I really appreciate this, considering that I had not read the previous books. I also liked how it flowed so well into the rest of the novel.
This book was not stressful and intense; it was a realistic story, with the conflict being the main character dealing with the stress that comes with college applications, the decision of which college she should actually go to, and trying to smooth things over with her best friend when they both are getting frustrated with the one another.
Onto the specifics of the book.
An antagonist from the previous books had begun acting kindly toward Chloe, making me immediately suspicious. I was dreading the moment when she would steal Chloe's fashion sketches and designs for her own college applications. But this didn't happen. I was relieved.
I really liked watching the relationship of the main character and her previous rival change from rivalry to friendship.
I like when there doesn't have to be a worrisome, stressful subplot in a book. Sometimes a realistic conflict and plot will work just as well, as is the case here.
Also, I really liked the main adult characters in this book. They were always there to help the Main Character through the problems she was having and to give her good advice. I appreciate the fact that the adults were intelligent and kindly, not fools with cruel behavior. Chloe's relationship with her mother was very sweet, and reminded me a bit of my relationship with my mom.
I liked the design in the pages of the book. Between chapters there would be a page or two with what looked like a watercolor paint splotch on them. Sometimes a page would also have a barely noticeable ruler on it. I just liked that this novel had an artistic design because it was different from most (or all) books that are sold in bookstores today.
I also really liked the fashion sketches that the book included. Whenever an outfit was described in the book, whether it was something a character was wearing, or something that the Chloe was sketching for her college applications, the next page would offer a sketch showing what the outfit looked like. I found myself beginning to look forward to seeing these whenever I would read an outfit description. My favorites of these were the dresses that Chloe was designing for her classmates for the Winter Formal.
Recap: I loved the realistic conflict of this book and appreciated the fact that I was able to read through it without becoming concerned for what would happen later in the plot. The decorations on the pages and the fashion sketches were an extremely fun addition that gave the book personality.
P.S. I am feeling like I want to get into fashion design, even though it isn't something that I have any interest in. I want to make myself fabulous clothes and draw fashion sketches. This should wear off soon.
I absolutely loved it!! The process of college admissions and Chloe's feelings, I could honestly relate so much. I enjoyed all the fashion illustrations and ufff my inner child with fashion designing dreams was crying. Its an ABSOLUTE FIVE STAR!!
**A copy of these books were provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
The Chloe By Design series was not one I would normally have thought to read only because I am not extremely knowledgeable on the fashion front, but the books had catchy covers, interesting story lines and I am always interested in a good series. Margaret Gurevich and Brooke Hagel offer up a coming of age story for all to show that hard work pays off and sometimes that hard work is a bit harder and more stressful than you imagined.
The story follows Chloe Montgomery as she embarks on a roller coaster of a ride. The first book starts with her trying out for Teen Design Diva and continues on to the perils and joys that followed. Chloe is such a great character to read about because she could be anyone. While she is extremely talented and fashion forward, which some cannot relate to, she is self-conscious, indecisive, makes mistakes with friends and has to apologize, and is torn by a boy on what to do... all while trying to make her book move towards her dream job. She goes through things we can all go through. And her best friend is amazing too. I love her just as much as Chloe. All the characters that Gurevich and Hagel write about are relatable, funny, friendly, and well thought out. The little details about each supporting character brings the story together, weaving them into an extendable family I would love to be a part of. The story also offers many good lessons that a young adult or teen could learn from in their own lives.
I already have recommended this book to numerous people, including my 13 year old niece and my 30 year-old friend. While it may be categorized as Young Adult Fiction it definitely is a fun, easy, and most importantly entertaining, read for all. I personally cannot wait for the next book from Gurevich and Hagel. This one definitely deserves the five stars I'm giving it.
Cute, relatable light hearted YA story about being overwhelmed by decisions & deadlines. My favorite part was the illustration and showing how creative minds pick up inspiration from their environment/people near them. Loved it!
I did not enjoy the series in general. Except for the first book. The last 2 books had no excitement or parts where you want to keep reading. I don't recommend the series.
The 3rd book was not exciting because it only talked about college applications. Which was not that exciting. I really had to force myself to finish reading the book. When something exciting or interesting was about to happen it basically just dismissed the interesting part. Example: when Chloe and Alex got in a fight because Chloe was hanging out with Nina, Alex got mad and basically two pages later everything all at once was fine again and then it just happened again. Two page later they just got back together all friends and the problem wasn't even really solved. I feel like this book had no real story or excitement.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Measuring up by Margaret Gurevich was an outstanding book. The book was fast passed and I could not put it down. I loved the way the author incorporated the fashion pictures they made the book more fun to read. Measuring up was very relatable because the book includes school stress as well as home stress and no matter what age you can relate. This book was in a genre that I don't normally read but I found that as girly as it gets is a fun genre that I will try to read more of. Measuring up is about a Senior who is trying to decide which fashion college to go to. Not only is she doing this but she is designing personal prom dresses for all of her grade. The book takes you through the intense world of fashion and school. Measuring up stars Chloe a perfectionist fashionista that is trying to plan her future and making friends on the way.
I think I forget when I’m reading these books that they are aimed at a middle grade audience. I come away thinking I wanted more but then I imagine 10 year old me sat reading this (ok 10 year old me wouldn’t have liked this because it’s too fashion based, but imagine!) and it would have been a hit. A well written, well thought of story which doesn’t upset me or stress me out. It throws so many interesting ideas and plot points around that are relatable and understandable to younger audiences. Not only that, the art work is exquisite and the fashionista in me right now as I’ve got older LOVES this side of these books. I want the next one. Is there a next one coming? Please say there is...
This book is about a girl name Chloe and she is in the last year of highs school. Ever since she got back from summer break, a trip to another state, she felt weird during high school. She eventually got along with a lot of her friends. She loves her family, her friends, her boyfriend Jake, and herself. She’s just a nice girl in general. Her parents and friends were easy going and nice to her. They would always support her no matter what. Life has been hard for Chloe due to trying out 2 or 3 different colleges about fashion. She ends the year with alot of friends who love her. And she got accepted into her favorite designing college.
Maybe a 4.5 I liked Nina being back, mostly cause my style is closer to hers so I’m rooting for her. The Dear Diary entries are still pointless. I don’t need to be reminded of what just happened. Otherwise I liked designing for all the girl, some of the college stuff(cause let’s face it no one wants to think about picking a college) and I kinda wish it was a little longer to see Nina and Chloe’s prom dress designs. Anyway a good end to the trilogy.
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked that it always kept you on the edge of your seat and you always wanted to continue reading. I do think though that it was a little longer than it had needed to be and some parts of the story were not really necessary. But again I do think this book is a good read and I strongly recommend this book to all readers.
Third book in the series, just the same as the others. Not a lot of character growth or interest, but the pictures are pretty. Inexplicably, the villain from book one suddenly becomes an ally. We didn’t know her motivation then, and we don’t know it now, but we’re just supposed to believe she’s changed her ways. Peeve.
I'm rounding down instead of up because there was no finality with what college she picked. It felt like a cop-out ending to keep the author from having to deal with either Alex or Jake being disappointed. Speaking of Jake, there should have been a kiss scene! They've been kinda sorta dating for over a year now; it was time to make it official. Overall, still a good book.
This is a fun non stressful book about a young fashion designer. I really liked the illustrations and felt they added so much to the story. I liked how the friendships evolved. There were things I found unrealistic - no worries about money to create the designs or to find the correct fabric. I think my students will enjoy this book though.
This book was to boring I usually go for fantasy and now I remember why... I hate reading about things that can really happen why?? WHEN I CAN DO IT MYSELF!!! Plus I felt like the writing was dull and the whole point of this book and the main focus was those sketches....
i really liked this book and read the last 200 or so pages today and finshed it in like an hour and a half, it’s really cute and fun and it’s a very, very fast paced book!! i loved it!
i can’t believe how fast i read this book. in the middle of the book i wasn’t sure how i felt about it. but the author had a great ending and really made the whole series worth while.
I continue to enjoy the illustrations included throughout the novels of this series. The storyline was fine. Not outstanding but not un-readable either.
If you grew up reading Sew Zoey and The Time- Traveling Fashionista, you will enjoy Chloe By Design. The illustrations are awesome- perfect for Project Runway fans. Wish the font were larger, though.
This book was one of the best design books I have read! With all the fashion designs and inspirations, I really felt connected to this book more in a different way than others. This book gave me the courage and some inspiration to plan for my future in designing as well. I would totally recommend this book to anyone who loves fashion and even those who love to just read it.