Put on Your Pearls Girls

This is a sweet little bit of nonsense from London designer Lulu Guinness (the ultimate girl's girl) who has put together a collection of her favourite bon mots with lots of very, very pretty pictures. Most of the sayings are nothing new ("use your imagination, trust your instincts and follow your dreams") but they're inspiring and uplifting in this format just the same... ("sometimes a well dressed man is the best accessory"). The 'character' in the book, Lulu, is fictional but based on Guinness herself and is very likeable with her cherry red lips and brunette beauty. She elegantly flits from page to page in a delightful whirl of lilac (one of Guinness's signature colours), roses, high heels and pearls taking us from boudoir to dressing room to work, boutique, fantasy land, cocktail lounge and back. While it's light on text (the word count is about 2000 tops!) Martin Welch's illustrations are enchanting and the pop up bits will appeal to everyone's inner child. Isn't this all a bit silly in a book aimed at sophisticated women of style? Of course it is but that's half the fun! With its minimal text this is a perfect treat to dip in and out of when you are feeling a bit blue or blah. Pour yourself a nice cool drink, put your feed up and indulge in a bit of Guinness's aesthetic, wit and whimsy. The book includes a charming foreward by the British actor Helena Bonham Carter, has a double page spread (in red of course) dedicated to the great Diana Vreeland and includes a refreshing 12 style suggestion list which includes; - Money doesn't equal style - If you're feeeling fat why not shop for accessories - Carry bags of personality - Less can be more but sometimes more is more - You CAN be too rich or too thin One to buy for your 'inspiration library' or for a friend/daughter/mother who needs a little bit of cheering up and reminding of what fun it is being a woman. For an American take on similar themes have a look at Kate Spade's Style - it's just as pretty and a bit heavier on content.

This adult "pop up book" is adorable and so much fun! I have loved giving this as a friend treat or something to make my girlfriends smile!

Granted this book is not everyone's cup of tea, but I feel that Lulu Guinness's book is a breath of fresh (scented) air! I like the color scheme used throughout the book and the sense of whimsy that the illustrations evoke. The book is a welcome respite from the "real world" with all of its chaos and stress...and very, very entertaining.