bargainsleuth's review
4.0
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I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There’s a lot to like about The Fashion Orphans. There’s the Odd Couple pairing of two sisters who are so different and how they try to find their way to common ground. There’s the questions about their mother’s life, a mother who was good at the big events but not-so-good at everyday mother stuff. There’s even a little romance thrown in, but not too much, which I thought was good. Too much romance doesn’t appeal to me.
One thing I didn’t like was a detailed description of sooooo many Chanel pieces. It’s clear the authors have done their work in researching the collections, but I didn’t find it necessary to be so thorough. The ladies’ mom had lots of high-end Chanel and some other designers–we get it. No need to beat the reader over the head with it. Maybe it’s because I’m a lot like Lulu, who prefers Gap to Bergdorf’s for her shopping. There was a time when I was in high school when labels mattered to me, but I soon outgrew that when I was in college and paying my way through school and buying my own clothes. It was a totally foreign thing to me to pay thousands of dollars for one item in one’s apparel/handbag/shoe/jewelry collection. I’m more of an Old Navy/Gap/thrift store kind of gal.
I also found both Lulu and Gabrielle very naive and not the wisest with their money choices, which had me scratching my head. Lulu’s barely hanging on, two years after her husband’s death, with $40,000 in credit card debt alone, plus parent student loans and an overdue mortgage. It seems the last two years she’s just survived, barely, and doesn’t want to confront anything uncomfortable, like bills. This reminds me so much like my mother after my father died. If it weren’t for my oldest brother to help her get a handle on things, she probably would have ended up like Lulu. Both Lulu and her late husband didn’t make the wisest money decisions and now she’s paying for it. She’s ready to sell the house because she can’t afford it. She’s really looking forward to an inheritance, only to find a collection of clothes, jewelry, shoes and handbags from her mother.
I really felt for Gabrielle, whose husband left her for another woman, had a much better lawyer than her in the divorce leaving her with hardly anything, and is ostracized in the industry she previously worked in due to her ex’s machinations. But just like Lulu, she hasn’t handled herself any better since the dissolution of her marriage. She’s got a job that barely pays the bills, and she frequently picks up rich men for one-night stands because she doesn’t want to risk her heart to another relationship. She’s got a small retirement fund and owns her condo, but otherwise, she’s just scraping by, too. She, however, has a totally different outlook on her mother’s collection than Lulu.
The more I read the book, the more pissed off I got at Bette, the mother, who made the women’s inheritance like a game instead of telling them straight out about the collection and what to do with it. She was definitely lacking in the mother department, unless of course it involved superficial things like shopping or throwing big birthday parties. Instead of just investing money or buying real estate, she bought couture. To each their own, I guess, but the sensible midwestern girl in me couldn’t wrap my head around it. It seemed so wasteful.
I thought Gabrielle and Lulu’s solution to be satisfying, to open a high-end thrift shop to promote the reuse of these high-end fashions. The clothing industry is a big producer of waste, so the eco-friendly message put forth was a good one. Both women make friends with Bette’s friends, who offer up other designer’s high-end designs for the shop. The addition of two helpful men that the women previously had known adds to the mix.
Overall, a very satisfying, quick read. I’ve enjoyed M.J. Rose’s other collaborations, and that’s what led me to this book. I look forward to more.
I was given an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
There’s a lot to like about The Fashion Orphans. There’s the Odd Couple pairing of two sisters who are so different and how they try to find their way to common ground. There’s the questions about their mother’s life, a mother who was good at the big events but not-so-good at everyday mother stuff. There’s even a little romance thrown in, but not too much, which I thought was good. Too much romance doesn’t appeal to me.
One thing I didn’t like was a detailed description of sooooo many Chanel pieces. It’s clear the authors have done their work in researching the collections, but I didn’t find it necessary to be so thorough. The ladies’ mom had lots of high-end Chanel and some other designers–we get it. No need to beat the reader over the head with it. Maybe it’s because I’m a lot like Lulu, who prefers Gap to Bergdorf’s for her shopping. There was a time when I was in high school when labels mattered to me, but I soon outgrew that when I was in college and paying my way through school and buying my own clothes. It was a totally foreign thing to me to pay thousands of dollars for one item in one’s apparel/handbag/shoe/jewelry collection. I’m more of an Old Navy/Gap/thrift store kind of gal.
I also found both Lulu and Gabrielle very naive and not the wisest with their money choices, which had me scratching my head. Lulu’s barely hanging on, two years after her husband’s death, with $40,000 in credit card debt alone, plus parent student loans and an overdue mortgage. It seems the last two years she’s just survived, barely, and doesn’t want to confront anything uncomfortable, like bills. This reminds me so much like my mother after my father died. If it weren’t for my oldest brother to help her get a handle on things, she probably would have ended up like Lulu. Both Lulu and her late husband didn’t make the wisest money decisions and now she’s paying for it. She’s ready to sell the house because she can’t afford it. She’s really looking forward to an inheritance, only to find a collection of clothes, jewelry, shoes and handbags from her mother.
I really felt for Gabrielle, whose husband left her for another woman, had a much better lawyer than her in the divorce leaving her with hardly anything, and is ostracized in the industry she previously worked in due to her ex’s machinations. But just like Lulu, she hasn’t handled herself any better since the dissolution of her marriage. She’s got a job that barely pays the bills, and she frequently picks up rich men for one-night stands because she doesn’t want to risk her heart to another relationship. She’s got a small retirement fund and owns her condo, but otherwise, she’s just scraping by, too. She, however, has a totally different outlook on her mother’s collection than Lulu.
The more I read the book, the more pissed off I got at Bette, the mother, who made the women’s inheritance like a game instead of telling them straight out about the collection and what to do with it. She was definitely lacking in the mother department, unless of course it involved superficial things like shopping or throwing big birthday parties. Instead of just investing money or buying real estate, she bought couture. To each their own, I guess, but the sensible midwestern girl in me couldn’t wrap my head around it. It seemed so wasteful.
I thought Gabrielle and Lulu’s solution to be satisfying, to open a high-end thrift shop to promote the reuse of these high-end fashions. The clothing industry is a big producer of waste, so the eco-friendly message put forth was a good one. Both women make friends with Bette’s friends, who offer up other designer’s high-end designs for the shop. The addition of two helpful men that the women previously had known adds to the mix.
Overall, a very satisfying, quick read. I’ve enjoyed M.J. Rose’s other collaborations, and that’s what led me to this book. I look forward to more.
christinepro's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. Gabrielle and Lulu are sisters that have not gotten along in the past. Their mother’s death brings them together in a way that they never could have imagined.
I loved the Coco Chanel story that was interwoven and very integral to the story and how the sisters dealt with their mothers death.
This is a good story for anyone who loves fashion.
I loved the Coco Chanel story that was interwoven and very integral to the story and how the sisters dealt with their mothers death.
This is a good story for anyone who loves fashion.
2nd2lastunicorn's review against another edition
4.0
Estranged sisters Lulu and Gabi are forced to go through their deceased mothers things but her will made it very clear: her “collection” was to be split evenly between them and had to meet the approval of her lawyer before anything was taken from her apartment. Tasked with that from the lawyer, they deem the Grey Lady, the sisters find a treasure trove in their mother’s living space and have to decide what she would want them to do Twitch it and if their relationship can withstand it.
Super cute story about sisters finding each other again through fashion and bonding. The relationships in this book are the entire backbone and really compel you to continue.
Super cute story about sisters finding each other again through fashion and bonding. The relationships in this book are the entire backbone and really compel you to continue.
ondbookshelf's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
geolatin's review against another edition
4.0
Food for the Soul
I have a feeling this book will linger with me. If I find myself adding it to my annual re-reading schedule, I’ll bump my stars to a 5. I appreciate the journeys these two women and their friends go on, through griefs old and new. They come out with the treasure of the strength to build new lives.
I have a feeling this book will linger with me. If I find myself adding it to my annual re-reading schedule, I’ll bump my stars to a 5. I appreciate the journeys these two women and their friends go on, through griefs old and new. They come out with the treasure of the strength to build new lives.
tiffanic's review
4.0
A fun read for anyone who loves New York, fashion, or just a heartwarming story of sisters reconnecting. After their mother Bette dies, Gabrielle and Lulu are left with nothing except a surprise closet full of vintage Chanel. With the help of their mother’s stylish, quirky friends they try to figure out just who Bette was and if this unusual inheritance can help turn their lives around.
mailovesbooksblog's review
3.0
The pacing was a little weird for me it was slow in the middle then the ending was a bit rushed, but overall a good quick read!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Half-sisters Gabrielle (55) and Lulu (48) have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward, their controlling recently deceased mother.
The sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will and instead of a sizable inheritance discover all they have been left is their mother’s secret closet jammed with high-end designer clothes and accessories—most from Chanel.
Contemplating their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they explore the collection, meet and fall in love with her warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures—it seems their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond—helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Half-sisters Gabrielle (55) and Lulu (48) have only two things in common: mounds of debt and coils of unresolved enmity toward, their controlling recently deceased mother.
The sisters arrive for the reading of their mother’s will and instead of a sizable inheritance discover all they have been left is their mother’s secret closet jammed with high-end designer clothes and accessories—most from Chanel.
Contemplating their mother’s self-indulgence, the sisters can’t help but wonder if Lauren Weisberger had it wrong: because it seems, in fact, that the devil wore Chanel. But as they explore the collection, meet and fall in love with her warm, wonderful friends, and magically find inspiring messages tucked away in her treasures—it seems their mother is advising Lulu and Gabrielle from the beyond—helping them rediscover themselves and restore their relationship with each other.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
suzannefine's review against another edition
5.0
It’s taken me a bit of time to digest this family drama novel before I was able to write a review which would adequately put into words how much I loved it - and not spoil it for readers.
The Fashion Orphans is a beautiful tale of estranged sisters who come together after their mother passes away. Gabrielle and Lulu each faced their own hardships - but can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher what the hidden messages their mother leaves them (in a closet of vintage Chanel nonetheless)? Along the path of discovery, they meet and are “adopted” by their mother’s best friends - all who help them discover the real essence of living a full life. They face challenges and learn to work together towards a future - which includes being in each other’s lives.
I cannot write enough good things about this book. The family drama, laughs, loves, tears - it’s all in here. Randy Susan Meyers and MJ Rose wrote a beauty in The Fashion Orphans.
Thank you to NetGalley, and BlueBoxPress for the opportunity to review an Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.
The Fashion Orphans is a beautiful tale of estranged sisters who come together after their mother passes away. Gabrielle and Lulu each faced their own hardships - but can they overcome their differences and work together to decipher what the hidden messages their mother leaves them (in a closet of vintage Chanel nonetheless)? Along the path of discovery, they meet and are “adopted” by their mother’s best friends - all who help them discover the real essence of living a full life. They face challenges and learn to work together towards a future - which includes being in each other’s lives.
I cannot write enough good things about this book. The family drama, laughs, loves, tears - it’s all in here. Randy Susan Meyers and MJ Rose wrote a beauty in The Fashion Orphans.
Thank you to NetGalley, and BlueBoxPress for the opportunity to review an Advanced Copy. All opinions are my own.
alilandau's review against another edition
4.0
In this novel by co-authors Randy Susan Meyers and M.J. Rose, estranged sisters Gabrielle and Lulu find themselves thrown together to solve some mysteries around their late mother’s will. Elder sister Gabrielle was raised in Manhattan’s wealthy Upper East Side, while her younger half-sister Lulu was raised mostly by her working-class Brooklyn grandparents. On top of losing their mother Bette, both sisters are recovering from devastating losses; Gabrielle’s husband has recently left her and Lulu is a young widow. Gabrielle and Lulu are shocked when they attend the reading of their mother’s will, and instead of the inheritance that they both expect, they find that they have inherited a puzzle that needs to be solved.
Bette was not a warm, caring mother and both Gabrielle and Lulu have deep resentment towards her. Bette was always dressed impeccably and tried her hardest to impress the importance of high-quality designers upon Gabrielle and Lulu. The sisters are completely unprepared, however, to discover that Bette had a secret closet that is full of high-end designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories, mostly by Chanel. They are instructed by Bette’s lawyer to work together to figure out what to do with this collection of designer goods. Both Gabrielle and Lulu are trying to get back on their feet financially, and are not happy when they learn that Bette’s will will not allow them to sell this valuable collection.
As Gabrielle and Lulu sort through the collection and catalog each item, they find some hidden messages from Bette. These unexpected messages from their distant, controlling mother make the sister take pause, and they slowly realize that they need to work together and might be able to regain some of the closeness they had as children. Gabrielle and Lulu also get to know some of Bette’s friends, who come together to support the sisters and give them a new perspective on who Bette was, and the sides of her that her daughters never got to see.
This book is about sisterhood and family, and illustrates the strength that women can offer to one another. The story explores the bonds of friendship and obligation to families. This novel gives a fun window into the world of high-fashion,and touches on how women have used fashion to fight for their independence throughout history.
Bette was not a warm, caring mother and both Gabrielle and Lulu have deep resentment towards her. Bette was always dressed impeccably and tried her hardest to impress the importance of high-quality designers upon Gabrielle and Lulu. The sisters are completely unprepared, however, to discover that Bette had a secret closet that is full of high-end designer clothes, bags, shoes and accessories, mostly by Chanel. They are instructed by Bette’s lawyer to work together to figure out what to do with this collection of designer goods. Both Gabrielle and Lulu are trying to get back on their feet financially, and are not happy when they learn that Bette’s will will not allow them to sell this valuable collection.
As Gabrielle and Lulu sort through the collection and catalog each item, they find some hidden messages from Bette. These unexpected messages from their distant, controlling mother make the sister take pause, and they slowly realize that they need to work together and might be able to regain some of the closeness they had as children. Gabrielle and Lulu also get to know some of Bette’s friends, who come together to support the sisters and give them a new perspective on who Bette was, and the sides of her that her daughters never got to see.
This book is about sisterhood and family, and illustrates the strength that women can offer to one another. The story explores the bonds of friendship and obligation to families. This novel gives a fun window into the world of high-fashion,and touches on how women have used fashion to fight for their independence throughout history.
mbladams's review against another edition
4.0
Gabrielle and Lulu have had a difficult few years. They lost their father 4 years ago, and both Gabrielle and Lulu lost their husbands a couple of years ago (Gabrielle's ex-husband cheated on her and took her money and reputation, and Lulu's husband passed away). At Lulu's son's wedding, the sisters had a huge fight, and haven't really spoken since. Now their mother has passed away. They never doubted that she loved them, but she wasn't a warm and fuzzy mother, either. Both sisters go to the will signing hoping for a big enough inheritance to make their money troubles go away. But they are in for a surprise. Their mother left them some money (not nearly enough), but most of their inheritance is tied up in her "collection," which the sisters must decide together what to do with and get the approval of the lawyer before they do anything.
I won't spoil the book by sharing what the collection is, but is fascinating! As the sisters explore what the collection is and what it meant to their mother, they also meet her friends, learn more about their mom, and grow close again. They also start to heal and move on from the disappointments and heartbreaks they've gone through in the last few years, and take a chance on new careers and new love.
This is a lovely story of family, friends who become family, and the love we share with them that makes all the hard stuff worthwhile.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy of a wonderful book!
I won't spoil the book by sharing what the collection is, but is fascinating! As the sisters explore what the collection is and what it meant to their mother, they also meet her friends, learn more about their mom, and grow close again. They also start to heal and move on from the disappointments and heartbreaks they've gone through in the last few years, and take a chance on new careers and new love.
This is a lovely story of family, friends who become family, and the love we share with them that makes all the hard stuff worthwhile.
Thanks to NetGalley for this advance copy of a wonderful book!