VIPs

The FLIRT girls are in a state of frenzy. Fashion Week has arrived in New York City, and suddenly, their worlds have been flipped upside down, as they find themselves mingling with celebrities on a daily basis, and encountering some of the top designers in the fashion world in some of the most peculiar places. But Fashion Week isn't all these interns have to worry about. For school has started, and the girls are working overtime to handle their overdue homework, and FLIRT assignments. But things take a turn for the worst, when Alexa upsets a Sister at her all-girls Catholic School, leading to the removal of her beloved camera - along with a disk containing pictures for her boss; and soon Mel's luck follows suit, when she meets a cute guy in her Writing Workshop class, only to discover that he's not as truthful as he appears. Add to that the fact that Kiyoko's juggling guy problems with her music partner / possible boyfriend, Cody; and Liv is trying to cope with the fact that designers keep stealing her jewelry ideas. Now, the FLIRT interns must work as a team, in an attempt to survive school, and Fashion Week. But as a tabloid reporter from London begins closing in on them, along with Kiyoko's ravenous model-sister, Miko, the girls wonder if they'll ever be able to survive Fashion Week, school, and a full semester of this hectic schedule; or if they'll crash and burn like one of the many fad diets circulating throughout Hollywood. As with Nicole Clarke's other FLIRT efforts, VIPs brings a certain fabulosity to the table that will certainly leave readers - especially those interested in the fashion industry - grinning from ear to ear. Her discussions regarding different materials, and swatches; as well as the dialogue revolving around jewelry, and the intricacies of creating the perfect fashion are absolutely flawless; while the excitement the girls feel regarding Fashion Week is certainly catching. Unlike the previous FLIRT novels, VIPs delves into the world of name-dropping, which takes away some of the originality it displayed in past installments. However, it also adds a slight piece of familiarity for the reader, making them feel as if they're "in the loop." Clarke has done another wicked job creating a tale that follows four likable girls through the exciting - and oft-times upsetting - world of a fashion magazine, and the many ups and downs that accompany it. Like bubbles from champagne, VIPs will tickle your senses. Erika Sorocco