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Amber Green #1
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When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. As awards season spins into action Mona is in hot demand and Amber's life turned upside down. Suddenly she catching the attention of two very different suitors, TV producer Rob and Hollywood bad boy rising star Liam. How will Amber keep her head? And what the hell will everyone wear? The Stylist is a fast-paced, fun-packed rummage through the ultimate dressing up box.
368 pages, Paperback
First published February 11, 2016
242 people are currently reading
3718 people want to read
About the author
Rosie Nixon
8 books127 followersRosie Nixon is Editor-in-Chief of HELLO! where she has worked for the past eight years and has a love of all things celebrity, royal and fashion-related. Rosie previously held senior positions at glossy women's magazines including Grazia, Glamour and Red. In her career she has been lucky enough to attend a multitude of glamorous award ceremonies, premieres and showbiz weddings all around the world. Ever discreet and protective of the big stars she has worked with, Rosie's experience has undoubtedly enabled her to write her debut novel, The Stylist and the sequel coming in 2017, Amber Green Takes Manhattan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
October 3, 2018
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quote:
I stayed very still, waiting for her to throw a fit. Mona had the ability to scare me on a deep, primal level, like spiders.
It had been a while since I’d had a proper snog, but I didn’t remember it being quite as aggressive as this. The experience was beginning to feel more like a dental procedure than a kiss as his tongue explored my mouth.
My Review:
The Stylist was a wryly amusing, high energy, and frantically paced story of a fish out of water shop girl thrown into the shark-infested waters of celebrities, award shows, and high fashion. I enjoyed the comical and clever observations made of hungry models and celebrities behind the scenes by the jet-lagged and frequently hung-over assistant who was kept unfed and largely unwashed as she scurried about covering for the increasingly unreliable and unstable stylist to the stars. The entertaining storylines moved quickly and were laced with levity and a large cast of quirky characters as well as a leather jacket wearing micro pig named Pinky, who, of course, was a hero. Additions to my Brit Vocab list include "stodge,” which Mr. Google tells me is heavy and substantial food, and "squits,” an informal British word that is much more fun to say than diarrhea, and honestly, one can never have enough words for that.
4.5
Favorite Quote:
I stayed very still, waiting for her to throw a fit. Mona had the ability to scare me on a deep, primal level, like spiders.
It had been a while since I’d had a proper snog, but I didn’t remember it being quite as aggressive as this. The experience was beginning to feel more like a dental procedure than a kiss as his tongue explored my mouth.
My Review:
The Stylist was a wryly amusing, high energy, and frantically paced story of a fish out of water shop girl thrown into the shark-infested waters of celebrities, award shows, and high fashion. I enjoyed the comical and clever observations made of hungry models and celebrities behind the scenes by the jet-lagged and frequently hung-over assistant who was kept unfed and largely unwashed as she scurried about covering for the increasingly unreliable and unstable stylist to the stars. The entertaining storylines moved quickly and were laced with levity and a large cast of quirky characters as well as a leather jacket wearing micro pig named Pinky, who, of course, was a hero. Additions to my Brit Vocab list include "stodge,” which Mr. Google tells me is heavy and substantial food, and "squits,” an informal British word that is much more fun to say than diarrhea, and honestly, one can never have enough words for that.
April 26, 2016
“Fashion is not about utility. An
accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express
individual identity.”
----Lauren Weisberger
Rosie Nixon, the joint Editor of HELLO! magazine, pens a hilarious and The Devil Wears Prada kinda sassy story, The Stylist that follows the life of an assistant to a Hollywood celebrity stylist who flies from one glitzy award function to another ducking through the celebrity scandals and rumors and through handsome and glamorous men.
Synopsis:
When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. As awards season spins into action Mona is in hot demand and Amber's life turned upside down. Suddenly she catching the attention of two very different suitors, TV producer Rob and Hollywood bad boy rising star Liam. How will Amber keep her head? And what the hell will everyone wear?
Amber Green a not so-fashion-freak bags a sudden offer to be the assistant to Mona Armostrong, a famous celebrity stylist. For Amber it is her dream come true, as she gets to be the right hand of such a well-known stylist with the perks of attending the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs and maybe shake her shoulder with some A-listers. But soon her dream turns into a total nightmare as Mona turns out to be a real piece of work who made Amber's life really difficult and challenging. And in between her 24/7 job, she meets two charming yet badass male suitors who becomes a distraction for her. And will Amber be able to handle her life?
The author's writing style is sassy and funny and often laced with funny and fashion-sarcastic anecdotes that will make the readers go LOL all over the story. The narrative is realistic and hilarious and highly inspired from the world of glamour and fashion and this book will easily become a favorite one for the fashion-lovers. The author gives her readers a thorough as well as vivid view and idea about the world of Hollywood stylists and that adrenaline-rushing moments straight from the red carpet of some LA award show. The pacing is real fast as the readers will ride high up and down through this crazy, glitzy journey through the fashion and the stars.
The characters are charming and quite well-developed, especially the main character, Amber Green, and the resemblance with Andrea Sachs fromThe Devil Wears Prada is spot on, as both of them are not much expert on fashion and share a similar experience with a devil she-boss. Amber is a evolving character here, who at first is struck by the fame but then gradually realizes the dark secrets of this world. The romance between her and the two guys, mostly with Rob, a TV reporter is sweet and passionately etched out by the author in to her story line.
The highlights of the book remains mainly in the crazy hum-drum life of a stylist, Mona who calls a lot of trouble to her name and every time Amber has to go save her ass. Mona's negative demeanor is strikingly portrayed by the author. Overall, this is an entertaining chick-lit which will be loved by all the contemporary romance readers.
Verdict: A highly hilarious fashionable tale.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express
individual identity.”
----Lauren Weisberger
Rosie Nixon, the joint Editor of HELLO! magazine, pens a hilarious and The Devil Wears Prada kinda sassy story, The Stylist that follows the life of an assistant to a Hollywood celebrity stylist who flies from one glitzy award function to another ducking through the celebrity scandals and rumors and through handsome and glamorous men.
Synopsis:
When fashion boutique worker Amber Green is mistakenly offered a job as assistant to infamous, jet-setting 'stylist to the stars' Mona Armstrong, she hits the ground running, helping to style some of Hollywood's hottest (and craziest) starlets. As awards season spins into action Mona is in hot demand and Amber's life turned upside down. Suddenly she catching the attention of two very different suitors, TV producer Rob and Hollywood bad boy rising star Liam. How will Amber keep her head? And what the hell will everyone wear?
Amber Green a not so-fashion-freak bags a sudden offer to be the assistant to Mona Armostrong, a famous celebrity stylist. For Amber it is her dream come true, as she gets to be the right hand of such a well-known stylist with the perks of attending the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs and maybe shake her shoulder with some A-listers. But soon her dream turns into a total nightmare as Mona turns out to be a real piece of work who made Amber's life really difficult and challenging. And in between her 24/7 job, she meets two charming yet badass male suitors who becomes a distraction for her. And will Amber be able to handle her life?
The author's writing style is sassy and funny and often laced with funny and fashion-sarcastic anecdotes that will make the readers go LOL all over the story. The narrative is realistic and hilarious and highly inspired from the world of glamour and fashion and this book will easily become a favorite one for the fashion-lovers. The author gives her readers a thorough as well as vivid view and idea about the world of Hollywood stylists and that adrenaline-rushing moments straight from the red carpet of some LA award show. The pacing is real fast as the readers will ride high up and down through this crazy, glitzy journey through the fashion and the stars.
The characters are charming and quite well-developed, especially the main character, Amber Green, and the resemblance with Andrea Sachs fromThe Devil Wears Prada is spot on, as both of them are not much expert on fashion and share a similar experience with a devil she-boss. Amber is a evolving character here, who at first is struck by the fame but then gradually realizes the dark secrets of this world. The romance between her and the two guys, mostly with Rob, a TV reporter is sweet and passionately etched out by the author in to her story line.
The highlights of the book remains mainly in the crazy hum-drum life of a stylist, Mona who calls a lot of trouble to her name and every time Amber has to go save her ass. Mona's negative demeanor is strikingly portrayed by the author. Overall, this is an entertaining chick-lit which will be loved by all the contemporary romance readers.
Verdict: A highly hilarious fashionable tale.
Courtesy: Thanks to the publishers from Harper Collins India for giving me an opportunity to read and review this book.
February 20, 2016
Originally posted on This Chick Reads
*Copy provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review*
How can this be a debut?
NO WAY CAN IT BE A DEBUT!
Man, this was such an UBER fun and entertaining book! Just like watching your favourite rom com, all snuggled up on the sofa, with a big mug of hot choc (or ice cream, if you're like me) after a looong working week. It's so RELAXING, funny, easy to read and you'll never want to leave Ms Nixon's fictional world full of glitz and sparkle.
The story follows Amber Green (bit of an unfortunate name) who works at Smith's though she's not much of an expert in fashion. She's the artistic type, who would rather spend hours matching clothes to perfection and making the most interesting shopping window that would attract customers all the way from the other side of the street. She's doing OK, and though she knows Smith's is just something till she finds another job (a proper one, as her lawyer mum would say), she enjoys working there and her boss, Jas is really nice and that's a big plus. But Mona Armostrong, the biggest and most well known British stylist is visiting ready to take some clothes from Smith's and all of a sudden Amber's life is changed. One silly mistake turns into a job offer and Amber is soon on her way to la la land as Mona's assistant, PR and basically everything Mona needs her to be. From her normal life and job she goes to this world full of celebrities who never eat, to a place where the size of your glasses is bigger than the dinner portion as the restaurant. Los Angeles and the Golden Globes, Amber feels like she's on top of the world. But working for Mona proves to be quite challenging. She's not that evil, at least not in my opinion, but she's demanding alright. And seems she's got only Amber to rely on and she's on call 24/7. Still, Amber loves it and sees it as a new opportunity to mingle with the famous and there's FREE champagne everywhere! How cool is that?
Golden Globes, BAFTAs, Oscars... Amber is conquering the world! But fame comes at a price, and soon she's about to face some problems and will have to save Mona's reputation on more than several occasions. Not everything that shines is gold or never judge a book by its cover, never have those words been more true. In between working like crazy and feeling like zombie because of lack of sleep, there's a bit of a romance too (as in every good chick lit book) and involves not one, but TWO sexy guys, Rob the assistant producer and Liam the gorgeous American actor.
I absolutely adored this book! Rosie Nixon is an editor for HELLO! and obviously she's got tons of experience with fashion, celebrities, gossips and new trends and she puts damn good use of all of it in her dazzling debut. As a reader I felt she's on a stable ground, writing about what she knows and loves and it definitely made me enjoy the book so much. I was immediately hooked and adored each second of it. I read a proof which is around 400 pages long, but I simply flied though it, it's such an easy and fun book. Not a single moment was I bored and our heroine, Amber Green is such a hilarious character, I laughed out loud so many times.
Speaking of Amber, she's truly an amazing character. She might be in the fashion industry, but she's not air headed and actually, she's very pleased with the way she is, how she looks and dresses. This is indeed refreshing, as I've read tons of chick lits where everything is revolving around how the MC is unsatisfied with her looks. Amber knows who she is, what are her priorities in life and has a brilliant sense of humour. She's one great chick I would love to hang out with, she seems very relaxed and comfortable in her skin, which is not usually the case with the people in fashion industry.
Fast paced and brilliant humour, 'The Stylist' is surely one of the best chick lit debuts I've ever read. I can already picture it on the big screen and truly believe it would make a great film. It's evident Rosie Nixon is an amazingly talented writer and simply a breath of fresh air! She's EXACTLY what the chick lit scene needed. If you're a fan of Sophie Kinsella and Lauren Weisberger, and like books about fashion (with obviously, many references of fashion brands and trends) then this is certainly a book you must not miss out. Rosie Nixon is an author to watch out for and I'm more than happy to watch this brilliant star shine!
Read
March 21, 2016Meh. I wanted to like this one - and had it been released a few years ago I probably would have devoured it. I got just over 100 pages in and I just lost interest, Amber was more interested in going to all these posh places than actually working. I wanted to know more about being an actual stylist; or working for one, than going to Soho House. It was all about the name dropping. A book like this should whip along at pace, not feel like it's dragging and it felt like it was dragging. Cut the waffle, and get down to the nitty gritty, down to the good stuff. There's a fine balance between name dropping and celebs and this was over the line for me. Loads of people liked it, I just couldn't get into it personally.
July 4, 2019
A cute book, but nothing memorable really. The characters were all annoying for the most part, and while it was quite predictable I still enjoyed it.
November 26, 2019
Over a year ago I won this book in a goodreads giveaway. It never came. Recently saw it in the library and thought why not? Honestly for what it’s marketed as it misses the point. Characters were 1 dimensional and plot predictable but not in a fun way
February 12, 2016
Rating 3.5
This is a fun, light hearted read. When the main character is called Amber Green - like the traffic lights, your suspicions that this isn’t going to be taken seriously are immediately alerted and that’s just where the fun starts! Take someone who has accidentally put odd shoes on a mannequin off to work as an assistant stylist the stars for a couple of weeks and get ready for Hollywood craziness, stroppy stars, all the award ceremonies and red carpet treatment together with some mysterious illnesses - and don’t forget the pet pig!
This is full of all the extremes of behaviour associated with many of the worst aspects of stars who see themselves as above everyone else. The worst perpetrator is Mona Armstrong, stylist to the stars who takes advantage of everyone around her, is bossy, opinionated and reluctant to pay! Amber is the ultimate naive young lady dropped into this manipulative world. Can anyone survive the experience and come out unscathed?
Add in the hints of romance, betrayal, a beach wedding, possible bankruptcy and so much more. This is full of humour and shines the spotlight on the world of fashion in London and America. A great read for anyone who likes fashion, gossip and stardom mixed with dreams, hopes and romance.
Many thanks to Cara Thompson for gifting me an copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
This is a fun, light hearted read. When the main character is called Amber Green - like the traffic lights, your suspicions that this isn’t going to be taken seriously are immediately alerted and that’s just where the fun starts! Take someone who has accidentally put odd shoes on a mannequin off to work as an assistant stylist the stars for a couple of weeks and get ready for Hollywood craziness, stroppy stars, all the award ceremonies and red carpet treatment together with some mysterious illnesses - and don’t forget the pet pig!
This is full of all the extremes of behaviour associated with many of the worst aspects of stars who see themselves as above everyone else. The worst perpetrator is Mona Armstrong, stylist to the stars who takes advantage of everyone around her, is bossy, opinionated and reluctant to pay! Amber is the ultimate naive young lady dropped into this manipulative world. Can anyone survive the experience and come out unscathed?
Add in the hints of romance, betrayal, a beach wedding, possible bankruptcy and so much more. This is full of humour and shines the spotlight on the world of fashion in London and America. A great read for anyone who likes fashion, gossip and stardom mixed with dreams, hopes and romance.
Many thanks to Cara Thompson for gifting me an copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
May 26, 2018
The cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous, I would love a T-shirt in the exactly the same design. The Stylist is a must-read for The Devil Wears Prada and Shopaholic fans.
I loved reading this novel, which Hello Editor Rosie Nixon debut novel draws upon her own experience of the fashion world to create this fast-paced ,fun-loving book about fame, love and style.
In less than five minutes Amber Green had gone from shop girl in an exclusive London boutique to window dresser to temporary employee of Mona Armstrong who is the stylist to the stars. Amber will be Mona's assistant helping out at the LA Golden Globes day and staying at Mona's house in LA for the fortnight plus food and expenses, but only get paid fifty quid a week.
The Stylist is a real feel good read, you will absolutely just love it.
I loved reading this novel, which Hello Editor Rosie Nixon debut novel draws upon her own experience of the fashion world to create this fast-paced ,fun-loving book about fame, love and style.
In less than five minutes Amber Green had gone from shop girl in an exclusive London boutique to window dresser to temporary employee of Mona Armstrong who is the stylist to the stars. Amber will be Mona's assistant helping out at the LA Golden Globes day and staying at Mona's house in LA for the fortnight plus food and expenses, but only get paid fifty quid a week.
The Stylist is a real feel good read, you will absolutely just love it.
July 10, 2017
2 stars or 4/10 from me.
Sorry to say I found this a chore to read. I lost interest in it and felt that it could've been much shorter to be honest.
I was expecting great things from it with it being compared in some ways to The Devil Wears Prada, but I felt that it didn't deliver.
I don't like giving up on books, as I feel that the author has taken the time to write it and the least we as readers can do is read it all. I also, often feel that if I give up on a book that I might have missed out on a good read if it gets better as you carry on with it. However, if I'd given up on this one I wouldn't have missed out on much at all.
It's a contemporary humorous read with a hint of romance thrown in.
I didn't really engage with many of the characters at all and really couldn't have cared less at all about what happened to them.
Sorry to say I found this a chore to read. I lost interest in it and felt that it could've been much shorter to be honest.
I was expecting great things from it with it being compared in some ways to The Devil Wears Prada, but I felt that it didn't deliver.
I don't like giving up on books, as I feel that the author has taken the time to write it and the least we as readers can do is read it all. I also, often feel that if I give up on a book that I might have missed out on a good read if it gets better as you carry on with it. However, if I'd given up on this one I wouldn't have missed out on much at all.
It's a contemporary humorous read with a hint of romance thrown in.
I didn't really engage with many of the characters at all and really couldn't have cared less at all about what happened to them.
February 12, 2016
This was a really fun read set in the glitzy world of styling celebrities and the awards ceremonies- with plenty of humour. Plenty of mishaps happen to Amber as she helps Mona in the new job she fell into accidentally. Can she pull it off- who else could attend an awards ceremony in a Onesie????
A lovely book that combines friendships, romance, working relationships and dream destinations with a fascinating job that keeps you on your toes working with difficult celebrities and bosses. Add in the cutest little mini pig called Pinky- he's an adorable character in his own right.
I would definately read the next book by Rosie Nixon.
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
A lovely book that combines friendships, romance, working relationships and dream destinations with a fascinating job that keeps you on your toes working with difficult celebrities and bosses. Add in the cutest little mini pig called Pinky- he's an adorable character in his own right.
I would definately read the next book by Rosie Nixon.
With many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2018
(free review copy from publisher) If you love British chick lit + you loved The Devil Wears Prada + you want a fun, madcap romp through the style world of London and Hollywood ~ grab a copy of this one!
.
I inhaled The Stylist over the past 24 hours and just ordered the UK edition of the 2nd book in the series from Book Depository.....because the internet is amazing and BD brings me books I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get my American hands on. This one originally released a few years ago in the UK and just hit the US market - and I’m so glad it did because it was SO fun! Totally reminds me of Bridget Jones Diary and the Shopaholic series - both obsessions of mine.
.
I inhaled The Stylist over the past 24 hours and just ordered the UK edition of the 2nd book in the series from Book Depository.....because the internet is amazing and BD brings me books I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get my American hands on. This one originally released a few years ago in the UK and just hit the US market - and I’m so glad it did because it was SO fun! Totally reminds me of Bridget Jones Diary and the Shopaholic series - both obsessions of mine.
December 19, 2018
Fashion, frippery and silliness... lite!
In fraught times, I seem to read either heavy duty nonfiction or the least politically pertinent or serious writing I can lay my hands on! Well, The Stylist jumped into my hands from the book bin after wading through some sombre thinking material, and I was happy to be whisked away to the fantasy of gorgeous fashion, happily ever after wishes fulfilled in careers and hopefulness in love.
If you enjoy, oh dear, Sophie Kinsella!, you will get a kick out of Rosie Nixon’s charmingly goofy debut. Easy peasy escapism... and clothes!
If I wasn’t so old, I’d be younger!
A very cute 4 stars.
In fraught times, I seem to read either heavy duty nonfiction or the least politically pertinent or serious writing I can lay my hands on! Well, The Stylist jumped into my hands from the book bin after wading through some sombre thinking material, and I was happy to be whisked away to the fantasy of gorgeous fashion, happily ever after wishes fulfilled in careers and hopefulness in love.
If you enjoy, oh dear, Sophie Kinsella!, you will get a kick out of Rosie Nixon’s charmingly goofy debut. Easy peasy escapism... and clothes!
If I wasn’t so old, I’d be younger!
A very cute 4 stars.
June 19, 2017
4 and 1/2 Stars
When Amber Green (!) becomes an assistant to stylist extraordinaire Mona Armstrong for the approaching and highly-publicized award season she can’t believe her luck. The stars, the glitz, the glamour, what more can a girl working at a trendy boutique in London want? A lot, as it turns out. Before she even has time...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
When Amber Green (!) becomes an assistant to stylist extraordinaire Mona Armstrong for the approaching and highly-publicized award season she can’t believe her luck. The stars, the glitz, the glamour, what more can a girl working at a trendy boutique in London want? A lot, as it turns out. Before she even has time...
http://sleaze-factor.blogspot.ca/2017...
March 11, 2016
Loved this book! I read it slowly to eek out the pleasure for as long as possible. I love sit down in the evenings, put my phone on silent and get lost in the world of celebrity stylist.
Amber is thrown into this world by a happy accident (although she'll never admit the accident part) after Mona Armstrong visits the boutique she works at. One minute shes a shop assitant and the next she's thrust into her dream jobs (the one that a million girls wanted!)
Or is she? It doesn't take her long to figure out that being on the receiving end of Mona's demands isn't as fun as she first thought it might. There. There are definite nods to The Devil Wears Prada in The stylist. Like Miranda, Mona is an aggressive control freak who gets what she wants by barking at everyone around her.
Rosie really get's across the pressure that these assistants are under during awards season. You can tell she's probably seen it all first hand and that makes it all the more fun to read.
The book is paced really well. I never found myself skimming or zoning out. I wanted to take in every little detail. Reading The Stylist was just a really enjoyable experience.
A must read for Shopaholic and The Devil Wears Prada fans.
Amber is thrown into this world by a happy accident (although she'll never admit the accident part) after Mona Armstrong visits the boutique she works at. One minute shes a shop assitant and the next she's thrust into her dream jobs (the one that a million girls wanted!)
Or is she? It doesn't take her long to figure out that being on the receiving end of Mona's demands isn't as fun as she first thought it might. There. There are definite nods to The Devil Wears Prada in The stylist. Like Miranda, Mona is an aggressive control freak who gets what she wants by barking at everyone around her.
Rosie really get's across the pressure that these assistants are under during awards season. You can tell she's probably seen it all first hand and that makes it all the more fun to read.
The book is paced really well. I never found myself skimming or zoning out. I wanted to take in every little detail. Reading The Stylist was just a really enjoyable experience.
A must read for Shopaholic and The Devil Wears Prada fans.
September 6, 2018
A fun and often light-hearted story about Amber Green, a simple shop girl in a London boutique, with her chance at grabbing for the stars. Celebrity stylist Mona Armstrong is needing an ‘assistant’ to style her stable full of stars ahead of the Golden Globes, Oscars and BAFTAs. What Mona doesn’t realize is that Amber is a ‘newbie’ to the styling gig, and perhaps isn’t quite the person she was expecting. But like much of Mona’s behavior – she jumps in and drags the ever-willing, if not so experienced Amber, along for the ride. Well – sort of. Amber is actually the ‘face’ of Mona during this story – there’s plenty of ‘other items’ that require Mona’s focus, and being on hand with stroppy stars, navigating the cutthroat worlds of the bridge between fashion, customer happiness and exposure, the pitfalls are frequent, usually funny in that ‘OMG I can’t believe it” way, and Amber is quickly learning where NOT to step.
It’s not just having an eye for what suits whom: Amber also has to wrangle a tiny pig, survive on champagne and M & M’s with little sleep and barely time to breathe, cover for the missing Mona at nearly every turn, and for bonus points pose as a publicist when a star gets into hot water and the scandal could ruin everything. It’s clear and evident that much of the scenes are influenced by the author’s career - from huge temper-tantruming starlets to the more subtle ‘I will kill your career’ demands and requirements all seem plausible – if utterly ridiculous to the ‘normals’ of the world. And Amber does a pretty solid job of navigating all of the challenges, and finding a bit of life and possibly love, for herself.
There’s a ton of solidly clever moments here – and the rise from shopgirl to stylist, despite Amber’s eye for fashion, is probably something every fashionista hopes for – that instant recognition and opportunity to mix in the ‘world’. And Mona’s often MIA-moments with her always seeming to be around to take credit for both the looks and the successes does feel possible – if frustrating. There were some hitches and moments that could have used a bit more editing to tighten up the flow and keep the moments moving forward, but this was a promising story with a MC in Amber with her good-intentions and eye for a statement fashion moment that keeps the story fresh and clever.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
It’s not just having an eye for what suits whom: Amber also has to wrangle a tiny pig, survive on champagne and M & M’s with little sleep and barely time to breathe, cover for the missing Mona at nearly every turn, and for bonus points pose as a publicist when a star gets into hot water and the scandal could ruin everything. It’s clear and evident that much of the scenes are influenced by the author’s career - from huge temper-tantruming starlets to the more subtle ‘I will kill your career’ demands and requirements all seem plausible – if utterly ridiculous to the ‘normals’ of the world. And Amber does a pretty solid job of navigating all of the challenges, and finding a bit of life and possibly love, for herself.
There’s a ton of solidly clever moments here – and the rise from shopgirl to stylist, despite Amber’s eye for fashion, is probably something every fashionista hopes for – that instant recognition and opportunity to mix in the ‘world’. And Mona’s often MIA-moments with her always seeming to be around to take credit for both the looks and the successes does feel possible – if frustrating. There were some hitches and moments that could have used a bit more editing to tighten up the flow and keep the moments moving forward, but this was a promising story with a MC in Amber with her good-intentions and eye for a statement fashion moment that keeps the story fresh and clever.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
November 17, 2018
Sometimes you need something light hearted, fun and easy. The Stylist is exactly that.
Amber Green is new to the fashion world and works in an exclusive London boutique when she meets stylist to the stars Mona Armstrong. Mona is styling celebrities for the upcoming award season but her assistant has just quit. Amber quickly steps up and is suddenly jetsetting off to style celebrities for the Golden Globes, movie premieres, the BAFTAs and the Oscars.
Very much like Devil Wears Prada, The Stylist is a fish out of water story in the glamorous world of fashion and celebrity culture.
Amber Green is new to the fashion world and works in an exclusive London boutique when she meets stylist to the stars Mona Armstrong. Mona is styling celebrities for the upcoming award season but her assistant has just quit. Amber quickly steps up and is suddenly jetsetting off to style celebrities for the Golden Globes, movie premieres, the BAFTAs and the Oscars.
Very much like Devil Wears Prada, The Stylist is a fish out of water story in the glamorous world of fashion and celebrity culture.
July 17, 2019
Cândva demult, pe când făcea plopul pere, răchita micșunele și eu nu știam să gătesc, am vrut să rup gura târgului. Prin urmare, am decis să prepar o varză cu carne și să-mi invit prietenii la masă. Am căutat rețete, am compilat, am combinat, am cumpărat ingredientele și am purces la treabă. Acuma nah, n-ar fi fost greu dacă respectam o rețetă, numai că pe-atunci mă credeam mai deșteaptă decât permite legea, așa că am luat un pic dintr-o rețetă, un fragment din alta, un ingredient din alta și până la urmă varza mea a ieșit varză.
Stilista lui Rosie Nixon am perceput-o exact ca pe varza cu carne de-acum 30 de ani. Are ingrediente din belșug, are un pic de Becky Bloomwood, un pic de Andrea Sachs, un pic de Miranda Priestly, un pic de Emily, un pic de Suze, un pic de Daniel Cleaver și un pic de Mark Darcy, dar combinația dintre ingrediente nu e deloc fericită. Plus de asta, de ce ai scrie o nouă rețetă a unui fel de mâncare? Doar pentru că ești bucătar?
Ei, nu toți bucătarii sunt masterchefi, faptul că ai ajuns să muncești într-o bucătărie îți dă dreptul doar la salariul lunar. Bonificațiile pentru inspirație și inventivitate, pentru gust și aromă, pentru aspect și prezentare se acordă doar celor care le merită cu adevărat. Doamna Nixon deocamdată muncește în bucătărie, doar atât.
Mi-e ciudă doar pentru că am comandat acest fel de mâncare, luându-mă după prezentare, care suna cam așa: "la fel de bun ca Diavolul se imbraca de la Prada al lui Lauren Weisberger si ca Ma dau in vant dupa cumparaturi al lui Sophie Kinsella... Cititorii inteligenti se vor amuza cand va fi vorba sa ghiceasca ce staruri au fost sursa de inspiratie pentru personaje. - Library Journal"
Replica mea la prezentarea aceasta ar fi trebuit să fie pur românească, ceva gen "Să mori tu?"
Atâââât!
Stilista lui Rosie Nixon am perceput-o exact ca pe varza cu carne de-acum 30 de ani. Are ingrediente din belșug, are un pic de Becky Bloomwood, un pic de Andrea Sachs, un pic de Miranda Priestly, un pic de Emily, un pic de Suze, un pic de Daniel Cleaver și un pic de Mark Darcy, dar combinația dintre ingrediente nu e deloc fericită. Plus de asta, de ce ai scrie o nouă rețetă a unui fel de mâncare? Doar pentru că ești bucătar?
Ei, nu toți bucătarii sunt masterchefi, faptul că ai ajuns să muncești într-o bucătărie îți dă dreptul doar la salariul lunar. Bonificațiile pentru inspirație și inventivitate, pentru gust și aromă, pentru aspect și prezentare se acordă doar celor care le merită cu adevărat. Doamna Nixon deocamdată muncește în bucătărie, doar atât.
Mi-e ciudă doar pentru că am comandat acest fel de mâncare, luându-mă după prezentare, care suna cam așa: "la fel de bun ca Diavolul se imbraca de la Prada al lui Lauren Weisberger si ca Ma dau in vant dupa cumparaturi al lui Sophie Kinsella... Cititorii inteligenti se vor amuza cand va fi vorba sa ghiceasca ce staruri au fost sursa de inspiratie pentru personaje. - Library Journal"
Replica mea la prezentarea aceasta ar fi trebuit să fie pur românească, ceva gen "Să mori tu?"
Atâââât!
May 3, 2021
My latest read was a bit of a daft novel and probably not everybody’s cup of tea, but sometimes it’s nice to read something where you don’t really have to think and can just get swept along in an entertaining story. It follows Amber, who puts herself forward for working as a stylist’s assistant for a couple of weeks in LA. It’s funny and heartwarming and was really pleasant to read!
April 25, 2021
A beach read with just enough fun bits to keep a reader coming back.
A young fashion-backward heroine, Amber Green, gets offered the chance to work with one of the UK's top celebrity stylists during the filming of a docu-drama pilot about her career.
Immediately jetting off to Los Angeles for the Golden Globes, Amber is thrown into the crazy world of fashion and movie stars. Her boss, uber-stylist Mona Armstrong, has mowed through several assistants and is putting Amber through the gears. As the story progresses, Amber is forced into the stylist spotlight when Mona's increasingly erratic behaviour throws everything off the rails.
While I enjoyed the light-hearted story, I wonder if any writer will ever create a Brit heroine who isn't modelled after Bridget Jones? Surely there could be other characteristics aside from self-deprecating, booze hound, messily adorable and get-on-with-it attitude. I suppose there's a certain comfort in this stereotype, although I'm ready for a fresher take.
There are a couple of romantic threads in this story. One surfaces out of nowhere and ends just as abruptly; the other thumps along for most of the book, eventually ending up where you imagine it will.
I did wish there was at least one redeeming quality attributed to Mona. The true test in creating a great antagonist is finding ways for a reader to sympathize with them. The opportunity was missed to shade Mona. Instead, she's a one dimensional dragon-lady boss. By the end, I didn't really care what happened to her.
A fun, peek-behind-the-curtain story about the glittering world of high stakes fashion.
A young fashion-backward heroine, Amber Green, gets offered the chance to work with one of the UK's top celebrity stylists during the filming of a docu-drama pilot about her career.
Immediately jetting off to Los Angeles for the Golden Globes, Amber is thrown into the crazy world of fashion and movie stars. Her boss, uber-stylist Mona Armstrong, has mowed through several assistants and is putting Amber through the gears. As the story progresses, Amber is forced into the stylist spotlight when Mona's increasingly erratic behaviour throws everything off the rails.
While I enjoyed the light-hearted story, I wonder if any writer will ever create a Brit heroine who isn't modelled after Bridget Jones? Surely there could be other characteristics aside from self-deprecating, booze hound, messily adorable and get-on-with-it attitude. I suppose there's a certain comfort in this stereotype, although I'm ready for a fresher take.
There are a couple of romantic threads in this story. One surfaces out of nowhere and ends just as abruptly; the other thumps along for most of the book, eventually ending up where you imagine it will.
I did wish there was at least one redeeming quality attributed to Mona. The true test in creating a great antagonist is finding ways for a reader to sympathize with them. The opportunity was missed to shade Mona. Instead, she's a one dimensional dragon-lady boss. By the end, I didn't really care what happened to her.
A fun, peek-behind-the-curtain story about the glittering world of high stakes fashion.
January 8, 2021
This is a quick, light read. Goes down easy. It’s one of those stories where a lot of the tension comes from the main character being underdressed (stale onesie at the Oscars!) or unshowered. And it’s not entirely the story’s fault that I didn’t like it more. I should have read it during awards season in a non-pandemic year rather than in a time of plague as the country was undergoing an attempted coup. Content warning: no one can stop after just one drink. Everyone is constantly getting absolutely hammered on accident.
September 1, 2018
So excited to receive this novel!
October 22, 2019
If you enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada, you will enjoy this story.
February 4, 2021
easy to read , a glimpse in the fashion world
August 29, 2022
honestly the only bad thing about this book was the one bought of second hand embarrassment i got at one point. everything else was perfect actually
March 31, 2025
This was a fun easy read- I never knew about high fashion stylist. I could easily see this be a tv miniseries that I would binge. Just fun- no deep thoughts needed.
June 2, 2019
Such fun! Late-twenties Londoner Amber Green is working in a high-end boutique in the West End and gets the plum job of assisting a renowned fashion stylist to the stars as she prepares her clients for the BAFTAs and the Oscars, which includes a trip to Hollywood.
All sorts of unexpected challenges occur, wardrobe, personal and otherwise. It's quite a bit more than Amber expected (actually she wasn't quite sure what she was expecting), but of course things have a way of working out for the best.
If you enjoy fashion, intrigue and eavesdropping on the lifestyles of the rich and famous with a British twist, this is definitely a treat. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
All sorts of unexpected challenges occur, wardrobe, personal and otherwise. It's quite a bit more than Amber expected (actually she wasn't quite sure what she was expecting), but of course things have a way of working out for the best.
If you enjoy fashion, intrigue and eavesdropping on the lifestyles of the rich and famous with a British twist, this is definitely a treat. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
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December 13, 2018It's not the worst book I've ever read, but it's close
January 2, 2019
Fun and charming! If you loved the Devil Wears Prada this book is for you!
February 13, 2016
The first thing that I'd like to say is that I - truly - haven't expected "The Stylist" to be so damn great read! Yes, it somehow reminded me of "The Devil Wears Prada" but this book has its own distinctive voice and its own brilliant characters, and I adored that it focused around award season in Hollywood and London, such as Golden Globes, the BAFTAs and, of course, the Oscars - ha, who doesn't like some celebrity spotting?
This book was truly fast paced, there was not a single flat moment, and the idea for it was genius - a girl, who in fact doesn't know much about fashion, finds herself on the red carpet, getting an assistant stylist job. Simple and yet creative. But of course not so easy for Amber Green (yes, just like the traffic lights!) - we can think what is there to the job, choose some dresses, shoes and ear - rings, but it turns out that there is much more to it, and you must also be a therapist, psychologist, a bank, mini pig - sitter and taxi, and often pull out the stars from troubles.
It was crystal clear that Mona is going to turn out not like she'd like people to perceive her. I quickly started to dislike her, even though I always felt some kind of pity for her, although I couldn't stand when it was Amber doing all her job. She was, in fact, high there on the list of no - go bosses, together with Miranda from "The Devil Wears Prada". I think she would do anything to only survive in this fashion industry, no matter what and no matter for what price.
There were moments that Amber's never - ending inability to say NO was truly getting on my nerves. But apart from this, she was a truly likeable character who always gave her best. I really liked that she decided to grab life by its horns and throw herself in at the deep end, as more than knowing her fashion, she was rather better in steaming the clothes that they were selling in the boutique. She was likeable, realistic and a great fun.
I also liked that the book took as on a journey - literally - almost around the world. We were in London, in LA and there where the place where the sun always shines and there are beautiful beaches, and - as opposed to the poor Amber, we could really marvel at the views and enjoy the descriptions of the places. Because yes, Amber needed to concentrate on never - ending emergencies. Moreover, I am not so much myself into big fashion and I don't faint over dresses presented on the red carpets, but Rosie Nixon can for sure describe the gowns and accessories.
There is of course a romance aspect to this book, and while this with Liam seemed a little too far - fetched, the one with Rob was just my cup of tea. It was not so straight - forward and the author made it a little complicated, and truly, I didn't know how this storyline is going to end - yes, we are in for some surprises in this book!
Altogether, it was a light, easy to follow, enjoyable book with some twists and turns, written in a very engaging, forthcoming way. It was fast - paced and full to brims with great characters, all of them nicely developed, and one of them the mini - pig Pinky, who turned out to be a very significant character in the end. There is really no time to come out for a breath, as there is always a crisis or two, damp down emergency involving Hollywood's biggest stars, and yet it is not overwhelming, it flows in a very easy, natural way. The author has truly captured the spirit of the fashion industry, with all the feelings, such as jealousy, envy, disbelief but also pride, and greatly pictured industry where appearances are everything, and she also gave personalities to the A - listers in this story, they were not all the same, and showing the other side of being a celebrity as well. The writing style was brilliant, so engaging and witty, and easy to follow, and the humour in this book is so natural and not at all forced. I particularly enjoyed the "behind - the - scenes" parts at the biggest awards there are. So really, this is a great debut novel, with larger - than - life characters and Rosie Nixon effortlessly brings them all to life - you could totally imagine them behaving the way she has described. It is a must - read for all the fashionistas out there, and not only, as I am sure everybody is going to find there something to love.
Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for a review.
October 20, 2022
A solid mix of chaotic fun with enough weight to balance it out. The romances got a little bit cringe, but the moments were far and few enough to keep me moving. Nixon's commentary on cultural and social differences between America and the UK along was well delivered.
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