RRR presents... THE FASHION FIX by Lexi Rees - SPOTLIGHT + GUEST POST!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Can you BELIEVE that is is already OCTOBER? I know my mind was blown when I turned the calendar page this morning, and with that change in the time of year comes the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, and find new ways of improving our lives as well as the world. Why? It brings a new perspective, and that's all it takes to light the spark of change...and the same goes with books. Take today's title in the spotlight. It features sustainable fashion ideas, along with fun activities to bring your wardrobe to life, while helping to keep our planet a better place for the next generation. Curious? Well then, take a look at this...and then KEEP READING as the author share a bit about "slow fashion" and how she came up with this nifty idea...

The Fashion Fix: Activities and ideas for a stylish and sustainable wardrobe

by

Lexi Rees

About the book...

If you love fashion, this activity book will help you create a wardrobe which reflects your personal style AND is mindful of the impact the fashion industry has on the environment and human welfare.

• Learn the shocking facts about fashion
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• Make better choices when shopping
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• Develop your own unique style
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• Get creative with friends and family
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• Discover fun ways to upstyle and upcycle your wardrobe
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• Be crafty with recycling garments and fabrics

"Beautifully designed and bursting with ideas to help you get creative, The Fashion Fix is a smart, savvy and practical guide that will inspire you to dress more sustainably without sacrificing your personal style. It's packed with important facts but never feels depressing or preachy – instead it shows you how joyful it is to set yourself free from fast fashion and build a wardrobe that's uniquely yours, without costing the earth. I wish I'd had it when I was growing up! But it's still taught me a thing or two now." Lauren Bravo, author of How to break up with fast fashion

AMAZON UK  |  AMAZON US

MAIN SITE

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~~~ GUEST POST ~~~

The Fashion Fix:  Slow Fashion with Author Lexi Rees

Hi. Thanks so much for inviting me to join you today to talk about slow fashion, and the inspiration behind my new children’s activity book, The Fashion Fix. First off, I’m going to admit that my own fashion journey has been patchy. I’ve shopped at lots of the fast fashion chains and fallen for greenwashing on labels. I’ve overconsumed (how many black t-shirts do I really need?) and bought items that have remained unworn in my wardrobe with labels still attached. Honestly, I’m not sure I would believe anyone today if they said they had never done any of the above. 

So, my personal journey was really the initial spark for the book. One of the activities in The Fashion Fix encourages readers to recognise their own sustainable fashion journey with a staircase which is based on the psychology of the four stages of competence learning model. This involves a progression from unconscious incompetence, through to conscious incompetence, then conscious competence, and finally where something is so ingrained in your behaviours that it becomes unconscious competence: you just do it without thinking. Obviously, in the book the steps have way cooler names as you aspire to be a ‘Wardrobe Wizard’.

Enough of the behavioural science though. If you’ve seen any of my other books, you’ll know I absolutely love an activity book, particularly if it combines fun with what I call “stealth education”. With this in mind, narrowing down the activities for The Fashion Fix was a real challenge as there was just so much I wanted to include. In the end, there’s a range of puzzles and challenges, things to do on your own or with friends, and a broad selection of crafts. I LOVE crafts and always have multiple projects on the go so I’ve incorporated some of my absolute favourites like rag rugging and jewellery making – both of which are of course excellent ways to recycle/ upcycle items and require very little in the way of tools to get started.

I also have to mention my amazing illustrator, Eveyjoan. I’ve worked with her before on two mindfulness activity books – BElieve in YOUrself and Be More You and was desperate to work with her on this project. Not only is her quirky and cool style exactly what I had in my mind, but her obvious passion for slow fashion was really important to me.

Whilst I wrote The Fashion Fix with youngsters aged around 10-12 in mind, I’ve been delighted to get feedback from gown-ups that they have learnt stuff too. The thing that comes up most in these messages is they didn’t realise that their bamboo socks are actually made of rayon. That must be one of the most successful (cunning) rebrands ever. If any grown-ups are looking to learn more, please could I recommend a book called ‘How to break up with Fast Fashion” by the fabulous Lauren Bravo. I was deeply honoured that she wrote the introduction to The Fashion Fix. And I also really enjoy The Clothes Horse podcast although I’m not sure I would suggest starting at the beginning like I did, as with 138 episodes (and counting) it will take a while to catch up!

Thanks again. I hope you enjoy the book, and the journey to slow fashion.

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About the author...

Lexi Rees was born in Scotland but now lives down south where she’s slave to carrot obsessed gelding, a frisky mare, a dog who’s convinced he’s not been fed in a month, and a house of hungry boys.

She writes action-packed adventures and fun activity books for children. She’s passionate about reducing her footprint on the planet and becoming more self-sufficient.

She has an active programme of school visits and other events, is a Book PenPal for three primary schools, and runs a free online #kidsclub and newsletter which includes book recommendations and creative writing activities.

SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  PINTEREST  |  INSTAGRAM

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for the guest post. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Making her runway debut... BONJOUR GIRL by Isabelle Laflèche!

HI guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

It's Friday!  Woo hoo!  You made it to the end of another week.  Grant it, for those of you that work in similar fields, weekends don't really mean Saturday or Sunday for days off, but you know, we cater to one and all, so I hope you feel at home anyway.  Moving forward...

I had a rare event this week...two days off in a row from work (whoa...I know, so weird)...and so yesterday, I spent a portion of my time between the epages of today's title in the spotlight.  It's an ebook that features a quirky leading lady trying to escape her past while building her future in all places, the cyber spotlight and fashion industry.  Oh boy...yeah, let's just skeletons do not generally stay in the closet in the biz, nor do secrets stay secrets for long.  Ladies and gents, today's title is on deck...

Bonjour Girl

by

Isabelle Laflèche

9781459742000

Durdurn

About the book...

When Clementine Liu arrives in New York City to study at the Parsons School of Design, she knows that she’s found her place. It isn’t long before she meets her fashionista soulmate, the loud and charismatic Jake, and Jonathan, a dreamy fashion photographer that turns her world upside down.

Between schoolwork and glitzy fashion shows, Clementine launches a blog, Bonjour Girl, and her wit, originality, and flair quickly catapult the site to cult status. Unfortunately, this comes with a price: Clementine is faced with online abuse and public humiliation. In the midst of all the drama, she finds out that a classmate is not what she seems, and Clementine has to find a way to save both her reputation and Jake’s fashion collection.

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The Devil Wears Prada prepared you for the cutthroat world of the Fashion Industry...but did you ever stop to think where those same people got their start?

Clementine Liu knows all too well about the fans and fanatics, the competition and those that will go to the extreme to get what they want...and she's only in college.  Yeah, college!  Grant it, it IS the school to end all school's when it comes ot wanting access to the best of the best in the industry, but really...MUST we sharpen our nails on the backs of our classmates?  Apparently for some the answer is YES...and now Clementine has to find a way to not only rescue her reputation, but her self-confidence, if she's to rise to the top and become the superstar we all know she can be.  Good thing she has a few confidants to lean on, and the sound advice of family long since living...

I adored Clementine for all her quirkiness, for her ability to BE HERSELF even in the face of adversity (or hoards of black, gray, and white clad New Yorker students), and her desire to say true to her inner compass even when things seem to be spiraling out of control.  Now she has a moment of two where a lapse in judgement or an overly kind heart took her away from the proverbial runway, but NOBODY'S PERFECT and sometimes those alterations are the only way to create the grand masterpieces we're meant to become.  With her spunk, and spirit, she's gonna go far...even with the haters harrassing her...and that big heart of hers shines so brightly, the friends, and relationships she gathers are truly meant to be.  I would love to see her site in real life because her goal, her message was all about diversity, and bringing a voice to the creator that is doing BIG THINGS, but getting a bit lost in the shuffle.  She even lends that spotlight to her friends which endears them even more to her and her cause, thus allowing the pay it forward principle to march on.  In short, SO much to love here!  Now for a little cutting room maintence...

For me, there were only two drawbacks.  First is certainly all a matter of opinion (and perhaps my eARC edition as well), the cyberbullying.  I know, it's DEFINITELY a thing nowadays and its reach is worldwide thanks to the net, but the two I was actually able to read in the book, I didn't really think much of.  I mean, I get it...no one wants to be talked about especially in a negative light, but Clementine seemed like such a STRONGER characters than that.  To let some measly little comment stake her versus roll off her back seemed beneath her...but again, it's all a perspective issue.   To her, it was the end of the earth; to me, I say walk away, let it go, and follow Celeste's advice.  Second thing...I was always waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Color me cynical, but there was a lot that just seemed to come up roses for our girl.  Issues at home...new school acceptance accross the pond!  End of a disasterous relationship...BOOM perfectly lovely male specimen that ACTUALLY seems genuine!  Lack of friends...instafriend...with a hiccup or two to keep things interesting!  I'm not saying she didn't have her obstacles to face...hello uber version of MEAN GIRLS...but her life definitely wasn't just the thorns of the bush.

All in all, I enjoyed my time with "Fashion Week" a lot more than I thought I would.  The characters were fresh, the diversity plentiful, the surprises forthcoming, and the payback oh so sweet.  Definite recommend for Young Adult fans of all ages!

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About the author...

Photo: © Emmanuel Bévia

Isabelle Laflèche worked for more than 10 years as an attorney in New York City, Montreal, and Toronto before pursuing her passion for writing. Her debut novel, J’adore New York, is an international bestseller, and her series of J’adore novels are enjoyed by readers worldwide. She has lived in New York and Toronto, and currently lives in Montreal.

Visit her ABOUT ME page for a fun list of TEN THINGS you may not know about her!

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM  |  PINTEREST

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Special thanks to Kama at Kama Timbrell Communications for the ebook for review as well as the chance to bring this title to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or the publicity team, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title sis set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY September 18th, 2018 via Durdurn, so mark your calendar or pre-order your copy today!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

12 Days of Picture Books: Mitford at the Fashion Zoo by Donald Robertson

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.


Well I can officially say that the business of my week took a toll on my brain. This post should have been LIVE early this morning and when I scheduled it out...it's posting NOW.  *-*  So sorry everyone!  Trust me though, it's definitely a case of saving the best for last or rather later in the day.

Time to dive back into the 12 Days of Picture Books celebration (already in progress) from Penguin Young Readers.  If you didn't already know, it stars 12 fabulous Picture Book titles from their recent catalog additions that would make a sweet addition to anyone's holiday reading, or shopping list.  I've actually featured a few of the titles here over the past several weeks and a few others are still to come, but without further ado, let's turn our attention to today's book of choice and "12 Days..." title....

Mitford at the Fashion Zoo

by

Donald Robertson

9780451475428

Viking Books for Young Readers

Think Devil Wears Prada meets 13 Going on 30, aimed at the kiddo set but PERFECTO for all ages!

Mitford is the most adorable wanna be fashion editor's assistant EVER!  Truly!  Unlike in the actual model industry where those resembling giraffes are glorified, Mitford's gangly appearance, individual awkwardness, and inexperience in the industry work totally against him.  It's not until Panda Summers, THE editor at 'Cover', is in desperate need that NHR Mouse decides to give him a chance.  A hope, a sneeze, and some ingenuity later, and Mitford has inadvertently secured his place in the fashion industry, endearing himself to all in need, and showing he has a real nose for the business.

I'm serious readers, this book is 100% fun!  From cover to cover with all the words in-between, it tells a story all can relate to while relaying the message that dreams are never out of reach unless you give up on them.  The illustrations throughout truly resemble the artwork you'd see in a new-line-design type of portfolio and thoroughly represent each situation Mitford finds himself in from exasperated start to stunning solution.  Try not to laugh as he gets Shark Jakobs out from behind his fashion rut.  Keep your grin in check when traffic is standing between Panda Summers' arrival at the fashion show and Mitford comes through with a "modern" mode of transport.  Attempt to contain your bubbling mirth when Zap's fashion show is a slithering success thanks to a last minute cameo by some out of work actresssssss thanks to Mitford's ingenuity.

In short, it's a TALL tale to tell with several large shoes to fill, but who better to do it than Mitford and you can bet they'll be fashionable from every angle.  Recommended for the tall to the small as it has something for everyone.  The little ones will enjoy the images, slightly older will get the humorous situations, and the adults will see the hidden laughs and play on names/words throughout. 

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About the author...

Donald Robertson is a Toronto-born/New-York & LA- based artist whose prolific career spans decades and industries. Robertson has dedicated his whole career to the creative industry, most recently rejoining Estée Lauder on special projects where he works today. To his credits, Donald worked with the founders of MAC Cosmetics, where he helped launch VivaGlam to raise millions globally for the fight against AIDS. Next trading in beauty for fashion, Robertson launched American Marie Claire before redesigning American Glamour with Conde Nast and Hearst.   In the past two years, he has focused free time on his solo art career after Instagram launched him into the global spotlight where the press has named him the “Andy Warhol of Instagram.” His interview by Lee Woodruff aired on CBS This Morning, adding to countless features in publications including CR Fashionbook, Vanity Fair UK, Vogue Korea, Vogue Brazil, Harper’s Bazaar, the NY Post, and InStyle Magazine. Among his many projects, recent highlights include an art show at Colette in Paris, collaborations with prolific fashion designers including Giles Deacon, Jenna Lyons of J Crew, and shoe designer Brian Atwood, his first solo gallery show at Eric Firestone Gallery in East Hampton, and the birth of his two twin boys, Charlie and Henry.  This summer, Donald took over the windows of Bergdorf Goodman as he prepares for his first book release, Mitford and the Fashion Zoo. Follow him on Instagram @drawbertson.

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Special thanks to Rachel at Penguin Young Readers for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the full tour, or the publisher's ever growing catalog, be sure to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Dial Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.


Need some ideas on what to give the readers in your life this holiday season?  Stop by the Penguin Young Readers Holiday Gift Guide to find the perfect gift and don't forget to stop by their FACEBOOK PAGE to enter to win some of the titles featured on the tour!

STAY TUNED right here as we explore a few others titles during this 12 day celebration of bookish wonders perfect for readers of all ages to discover under their trees (or menorahs, or however you visibly celebrate your holiday) this season.

Until next time...happy reading!

Non-Blonde Pride: Brunette Ambition by Lea Michele

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today we’re stepping out of the Fiction box and into the realm of Self-Help and Personal Growth.  Though not my normal forte, this title came to my attention two fold.  First, I noticed it in store because it had one of the fabulous actresses from the show Glee on the cover, and as it turns out, she’s also the one who penned it.  Immediately, I made a mental note to check it out some time in the future.  The second attention grabber came the very next day.  I was checking my email like everyone else in the world and came upon an interesting one indeed.  You see, it happened to be from Gianna over at Crown Publishing and it was asking if I was interested in featuring THIS EXACT TITLE.  (Sweet!)  Of course, I responded with a yes and the rest as they say is history….or will be after today because today has to pass to become history and guess what the book of choice is? 

Brunette Ambition

By

Lea Michele

9780804139076

Crown Archetype

About the book…

The star of the hit show Glee shares her experiences and insider tips on beauty, fashion, inner strength, and more in an illustrated book that’s part memoir, part how-to, and part style guide.

Lea Michele is one of the hardest working performers in show business.  Whether she’s starring as Rachel Berry on Glee, rocking a glamorous look on the red carpet, recording her solo album, or acting as the spokesperson for L’Oreal, Lea is the ultimate multi-tasker.  She knows better than anyone that it is difficult to be your best self and keep things in perspective when your to-do list is overflowing and you are faced with challenges, so she’s developed a foolproof system for remaining healthy and centered.  In Brunette Ambition, she reveals the lessons and advice that have worked for her--from beauty and fashion secrets to fitness tips, and career insights.  Supplemented with never-before-seen photos and revealing anecdotes, it’s the book Lea wishes she’d had in her teens and early twenties: A practical and inspirational guide to harnessing tenacity and passion and living the fullest life, no matter what obstacles life puts in your way.

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All it said up there…totally true and then some.

This is a book that Mother’s will wish their daughters to read; a book girls may pick up in passing, only to share it with their friends and their friend’s friends later on.  You get to know Ms. Michele (sorry, almost called her Rachel!) on a deeper level; her motivations, her ambitions, what’s most important in her life and the ways she fights back when the going gets tough.  She wasn’t born into a life of want but she also didn’t have a silver spoon hanging from her mouth.  Her family helped keep her grounded while she kept reaching for the lights of Broadway and when broadcast media crossed her path, it was an unexpected gift wrapped in love and friendships that have and will last for years to come. 

 If you’re a follower of the theater, her work history may simply be a walk down memory lane, but for those of us only becoming acquainted with her through Glee, it’s presented in less of a resume and more of an experiences had, lessons gleaned.  It shows how whether or not you’re on the stage in your chosen (or forced…because let’s me honest, we’re not all where we want to be at the moment, kudos to you if you are) profession, the pearls of wisdom gained can be applied to the everyday ordinary.  I found her truest truth shared to be very Dr. Seuss-esque (and I mean that in the best way possible)….something along the lines of being yourself because you are an original and were made perfectly for the part.  Simple yet true. 

So, in conclusion, this is part her story, and part OUR story.  Through her shared experiences, readers are able to glean lessons learned while picking up tips and tricks for staying healthy and balanced overall.  I gotta say, I love the fact that although she is a celebrity, she’s a real advocate for doing things at home, the easy, simple (and more inexpensive!) way.  There’s definitely a soup recipe I’d like to try out and I wouldn’t be surprised to randomly find me attempting a full plank with side twist in the near future.  (^_^)  Recommended read for teens through adults.

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About the author…

LEA MICHELE is best known for her performance as Rachel Berry on the critically acclaimed, Golden Globe-, Grammy-, and SAG-award-winning Fox television series Glee. She has been nominated for an Emmy, a SAG Award, and multiple Golden Globes. She divides her time between New York and Los Angeles.

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Review copy received courtesy of Gianna at Crown Publishing.  (THANKS!)  For more information on the title, author, or publisher, feel free to click through the links provided within the post.  This title is available now via Crown Archetype, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC, a Penguin Random House Company, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf near you.

Until next time…happy reading!