Considering the fact that this is the first book review that I’m doing on Dressed to Death, I realized that I haven’t exactly come up with a “formula for analyzing books” for my lovely readers, but since I’m beyond head over heels for this particular piece of writing, and predictably devastated that it wasn’t longer (and didn’t last for an eternity), I’m going to wing it and sing my praises. I realize that “professional bloggers” recommend keeping articles down to 500 words or less, but a book this amazing is worthy of 5,000+ words - don’t worry, it won’t be that long. Given that I was the child who stayed up far beyond my bedtime reading books with a flashlight under my duvet, it comes as no surprise that I finished this inspirational read in a matter of a mere day… I tend to develop secret love affairs with great books - true story. Personal stories and psychoanalysis aside, #GIRLBOSS is an absolute MUST READ for the soldiers of my generation. Now onto #GIRLBOSS business…
Sophia Amoruso, Author of #GIRLBOSS
#GIRLBOSS, written by Sophia Amoruso, is one of the most refreshing pieces of writing that I’ve read in quite some time. Seriously. While hitchhiking isn’t considered a profession, and selling secondhand merchandise via eBay doesn’t sound “glamorous”, Sophia turned her various job experiences into an empire that trumps most. Through her journeys of committing petty theft and transitioning into a CEO of a multimillion dollar company, her tips on finances will leave you with a new sense of direction. For my Philosophers of Style, you’ll have a true appreciation for the woman who rocked vintage thrift store pieces while selling vintage Chanel simply because, well.. she’s a complete badass. A woman who stuck to her guns, was driven by passion, and had a secret love for fashion and all things that motivated her- the story of the ultimate #GIRLBOSS will leave you stunned, yet driven and motivated.
Throughout the book, Sophia stresses the idea that finding “success” is not a path that should be considered a “straight and narrow” one, which seems like a trivial proverb in this day and age, but she’s living proof of an unconventionally successful journey. She reminds the artistically-inclined (and others) that even though they may not necessarily know what they want to do, that’s quite alright. Throughout the years, I’ve been surrounded by friends who, for instance, wanted to become doctors. The obvious course of action is to go to med school, graduate, work towards being employed in a hospital, and inevitably open their own private practice - right? Sophia claims that she “never had one particular goal or dream” that she was working towards, but that she was essentially open to whatever life presented to her - as long as it was something “awesome”. She serves as the iconic reminder that a given individual doesn’t always know what position they’re actually working towards (i.e. doctors)- but that ultimately, it’s alright to know that you’re working towards doing something that is going to make you happy, while you’re simultaneously learning and growing. As I’ve stressed to my readers numerous times…
“If you’re doing what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Among the many tips that Sophia Amoruso gives on building a career, she subsequently gives ideas on how to maintain, and secure, your finances. A woman who went from running her one-woman show (Nasty Gal Vintage on eBay) in a rented poolhouse to purchasing her very first Porsche (yes, in cash), I would like to believe that her recommendations hold a certain sense of validity. She advocates a position that is in complete opposition to the stereotypical Carrie Bradshaw quote that states “I like my money right where I can see it- hanging in my closet”, by stating that “... money looks better in the bank than on your feet”. While many would rather spend money as quickly they make it, she instills readers with the idea that you should essentially work harder, spend less and save more.
Having a #realtalk moment; As a young female who went through phases of never having to worry about finances and bills to being suddenly, and as ironic as it sounds, predictably cut off… learning to be completely independent in a prime real estate area such as Los Angeles included being frugal, learning to work your #ass off, being financially responsible and conscious of all spending. It was a valuable life lesson that I’m most appreciative of. Thank you, mother. The key concept to embrace is whether you’re a struggling artist, an individual who is financially supported by willing family members, or the CEO of a multimillion dollar company, making wise financial decisions is a must.
#GIRLBOSS addresses the issue that many fashionably-inclined and style-conscious individuals may avoid. In the same way that a “dream career” doesn’t always naturally fall into our laps, neither does a sense of style. Shocker? It shouldn’t be. According to Amoruso, “Having good style takes thought, creativity, confidence, self-awareness, even sometimes a little bit of work”. This concept comes as no surprise since the vast majority of us have went through phases, stages, and episodes, where we made poor choices in terms of “fashion”, and even poorer choices in life. They’re learning experiences, right? Hopefully. Yet regardless of what phase we may be currently going through, and despite how much we may regret our decisions later, Amoruso also instills readers with the idea,“Confidence is more attractive than anything you could put on your body”. So whether or not you think you’re going to regret those “vintage” boyfriend jeans or the lace crop top that you bought from a local boutique, if you love it, rock it… and enjoy it to the max. Learn from your decisions and allow your sense of style to grow with you.
#GIRLBOSS, as I stated before, is an amazing book I recommend to all of my readers. As a writer who alternates between a more “academic” style of writing to one that is far more “laissez-faire”, I feel genuinely compelled to recommend those who haven’t read the book itself actually purchase it. Why, you might ask? While I’ve given tidbits and summaries throughout this article, and I’ve also created images which incorporate my favorite quotes in the slideshow below, I’m a firm believer in the idea that you can’t truly understand a writer’s message until you have actually read their “works of art” in entirety. In #GIRLBOSS, Sophia Amoruso gives her readers the ability to take a candid glimpse into her past, while she explains (in detail) the difficulties, and overcomings, that occurred along the way. These overcomings have ultimately led to her triumphs, trials, tribulations and glorious success. While she claims that she has never aspired to be a role model, she is not only a role model for #GIRLBOSSes in industry of fashion, but a role model for #GIRLBOSSes across the globe. I say this not only because I grew up with Southern roots and a Middle Eastern upbringing, but because I’m simply a female with aspirations and dreams. Follow your dreams at all costs, take no prisoners and buy the book. I promise you won’t regret it.
