Book Review: Clothes… and Other Things That Matter by Alexandra Shulman

Fashion lovers rejoice! I have a book that will take pride of place on your shelf for years to come.

Goodreads Blurb

Clothes… and Other Things That Matter by Alexandra Shulman

In Clothes… and other things that matter, Alexandra Shulman delves into her own life to look at the emotions, ambitions, expectations and meanings behind the way we dress.

In 40 essays covering everything from the bra to the bikini, the trench coat to sneakers, the slip dress to the suit, she explores their meaning in women’s lives and how our wardrobes intersect with the larger world – the career ladder, motherhood, romance, sexual identity, ambition, failure, body image and celebrity.

By turns funny, refreshingly self-deprecating and often very moving, this startlingly honest memoir from the ex-Editor of British Vogue will encourage women of all ages to consider what their own clothes mean to them, the life they live in them and the stories they tell.

Review

I had no idea who Alexandra Shulman was previous to Clothes but there was something intriguing about the book so I had to jump on the tour. I think perhaps it was to do with the massive wardrobe/style overhaul I’m going through at the moment. Not that this book offers fashion advice. It just fit my vibe at the moment.

So what does Clothes offer if not fashion advice. Firstly, I got to know Alexandra Shulman and she is a pretty interesting person. No Devil Wears Prada vibes, which is cool. Even better for me, I got a look inside her wardrobe. I love going through other people’s clothes and feel there is nothing better than repurposing someone’s hand-me-downs. Sadly I didn’t inherit anything from her wardrobe by writing this review but I still got that thrill of exploring someone’s wardrobe.

Seriously though, the best part of this book for me was that it wasn’t simply Alexandra’s memoir, but a look into various historic fashion pieces. I learned where some items originated from and what they represented at the time. It was super interesting and meant that I flew though this book.

Fashion lovers are going to adore Clothes. If you consider yourself part of that group, pick up your copy of the book here.

I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.