Coconut Library

Front Row: Anna Wintour: What Lies Beneath the Chic Exterior of Vogue's Editor in Chief

On Saturday, I finally finished reading Front Row by Jerry Oppenheimer. This is an unauthorized biography of Anna Wintour, editor in chief of Vogue for the past couple of decades, and woman from whom the character Miranda Priestly (from The Devil Wears Prada) was based. 

It took me two weeks of reading to finish this book. Usually, if a book is taking that long to read, I will set it aside, or read other books at the same time. This book, however, captured my attention enough that I wanted to finish it. I don't know if it was the large pages or small font that slowed me down, but more likely it was the rugged writing. This biography does not read like a novel...it reads like a instant message conversation. Choppy, too many direct quotes that are not seemlessly woven into the narrative, and plenty of jumping around. The subject, however, is what held my interest. 

Wintour is in a class of her own when it comes to the fashion (and fashion magazine) world. Though she was publicized to the masses through Lauren Weisberger's novel, TDWP, (the topic of which is, in fact, included in Oppenheimer's book) she has been incredibly famous in her own right in the magazine publishing world for some time. The information given in this expose is not baffling, especially to those who are familiar with the character Miranda Priestly, though it is extraordinary that a real person embodies them. There is light shed on why, perhaps, Wintour acts the way she does, and at times it is understandable. There are many questions that come from delving into her persona, such as: Would a man be as scrutinized for acting this way in the business world? Would she be as respected or coveted if she did not embody this unique flavor? Is her method of acting better than others actually what makes others believe she is better than them?

Oppenheimer catalogs Wintour's personal life as well as professional ascent from before her birth up until 2004. Though it is not the smoothest read, it was a highly interesting subject for me. I have had fun looking up pictures and videos of Wintour, while reading, to get a view of the real deal. I do not recommend it if you are just a fan of Vogue, as this does not give enough behind the scenes juice of the magazine to read it solely for that. It is definitely for those who are curious about the goings on of Anna; those are the ones who will make it through to the last page of this almost 400 page book. It will, for those fans-- or just inquisitive minds-- be a good jump into the deep end of the pool of information about Anna Wintour. 

Three and a Half Coconuts

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Be Practically Posh and Thrifty Chic

Two of my favorite decorating/ lifestyle books right now are Practically Posh and Thrifty Chic. I have many that I love to have around as inspiration books, but these are two that I love and can look at over and over again (and have) most recently.

 

Practically Posh by Robyn Moreno is a lifestyle book for the “glam” life. It involves everything from cooking to parties to travel. She really packs a lot in to this little book, and each chapter is just short enough to hold your attention, but long enough to give significant ideas. I use this book as a reference book as most of what she talks about is realistically do-able and unique. If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s hearing the same idea over and over again in a package that claims it's something new, so luckily Moreno has fun, fresh ideas and the book itself is cute enough to display as a little decoration. It’s also a delicious little gift idea. You can visit her website if you want more information or more inspiration. The subtitle includes the word glam, but I would describe it as funky, down-to-earth, unique, and realistic.

Five Coconuts

 

Thrifty Chic by Liz Bauwens and Alexandra Campbell is a great decorating book that I found at Juxtaposition down in Orange County (if you have a chance to go there, you will know what my heaven looks like). My friend, who lives in Newport, took me there after lunch one day. She knew I would become obsessed and she was right…I dream about that place now. This is a book I use as inspiration because, although not everything in this book is right for every house, or every room, I feel so relaxed when I am visualizing what it would be like to spend time in the homes and rooms featured in these pages. The décor in the book is what I imagine my beach house would look like if I had one. Or my country house. Or my villa. Or maybe all of them? Someday, my friends, someday. 

The woman who lives in these pages has loose, unfussy hair, bare feet, and a flowing summer skirt. She is calm and happy. She cooks from scratch while drinking wine, and has time to brew her own tea and pick flowers from her garden. Can you see her? If not, maybe you need to buy the book... or take a holiday.

Four Coconuts

 

I love decorating books full of pictures of rooms I would like to get to know. I’ll share more of what I have that moves me later. Yesterday was my last day of work for the year, so I’m going to go Om out and enjoy some "I'm on vacation" inspiration of my own. 

 

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Green Living

What I’m into right now is Green reference books. Not the color green, but Green as in eco-friendly. This is not a new thing for me. I grew up Green before it was cool. Believe me, it was not cool, in the 80’s, to have a carob peanut butter cup as opposed to a Reese’s Pieces chocolate covered peanut butter cup. Or to have natural soda, which (of course) really isn’t soda so defeats the whole purpose. Or goat’s milk, rice milk, soy milk instead of regular milk (although I didn’t really care about this, because I hated milk, it was still not exactly “cool”). We shopped at Wild Oats and Alfalfa’s (these pre-dated Whole Foods—at least in Colorado, where I grew up) instead of the regular grocery stores, where they sold Twinkies, fruit rollups, Hostess cupcakes, and snowballs (basically everything I really wanted to have in our cupboards). When I first tried makeup it had to be hypoallergenic, and I used Kiss My Face back when I was still young enough to be embarrassed that the word “kiss” was on my face wash. Our doctors were in Boulder and were homeopathic doctors. (Disclaimer: my mother did take us to the regular doctor for what was necessary, and a regular dentist for our teeth—though we didn’t have fluoride treatments, which now-a-days is not as uncommon). If I wanted a “normal” toothpaste instead of Tom’s of Maine, my mom would nonchalantly say, “ok, if you want to be swallowing ingredients that they put in rat poison be my guest.” I never ended up wanting the toothpaste.

 

All that to say, I thank my mom for instilling the Green in my blood and making it second nature to me. Not to mention probably adding health to my years (and my lifelong eating habits) that would be missing if I spent my childhood shoving sugar and processed foods down my throat. Although I am not even close to being an eco-maniac or even as eco-conscious as many Angelenos, I still enjoy learning about ways to be Green and organically healthy…as long as they’re easy. J

 

There are two books that I’m using right now as references. They are easy to look through, don’t require you to read from cover to cover, and are fun, excellent resources for my level of Green-ness.

 

The Organic Pharmacy by Margo Marrone:  Marrone and her husband started The Organic Pharmacy in London years ago, and just recently opened one up in Los Angeles! Not only do the Pharmacies have pre-made homeopathics, but you can make an appointment with one of the Pharmacists, like you would with your doctor, to be treated homeopathically. The book is a reference tool to guide you through detoxfication of your home and your body as well as specific symptoms.

Five Coconuts

 

Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-Friendly Life by Ed Begley, Jr.:  Maybe you’ve seen Living with Ed on HGTV. It’s about Ed and his wife, Rachelle, who live a very eco-friendly life in Los Angeles. Rachelle keeps Ed realistic with her desire to live a fashionable and comfortable existence, while still enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly living to the environment that Ed is so passionate about. This is a fun book, with good ideas and inside information into the Begley’s lives and home. The show is fun as well, and this is a good companion to it. 

Four Coconuts

 

So, why not add a little Green to your life in fun, easy ways? Even if you don’t take any of the advice, it’s still exciting to learn new things and hear new beauty secrets; for your home, the Earth, and your face!

 

xo,

The Coconut Librarian

Favorite Non-Fiction of '08-'09

My years (for my entire life since I was five) have been measured by the school year. So, until I break that habit, if I ever do, you know that when I say "year" I mean from September to June. "The Summer" is it's own entity and I call it just that, "the Summer." Ah, us crazy teachers. I will not, however, be a teacher after this year. I am taking a break as I have been working with children in some form or another (babysitting, camp counseling, nannying, and teaching) since I was a child. It's time to rest my kid holding arms before I, possibly someday, have my own children to hold forever. 

All that to say that today and tomorrow I am going to be telling you about the best reads that I've had this "year" :), both fiction and non. Today I will talk about Non-Fiction because I'm strapped for time, and because I read less of it. Do note, however, that I am an ADD reader (well, I am an ADD everything) and read about 5 books at a time. Ruth Bell Graham, Billy Graham's late wife, who by the way, is absolutely charming to read about and much more quirky than you would imagine a women who was married to one of the biggest hell and brimstone preachers would be, once said that she always has an assortment of books to read. That having only one book to read is like having only one thing for dinner everynight... instead she liked to take a bite of meat, then broccoli, then potatoes... and such with her reading. I LOVED that sentiment as I feel exactly the same way (even though I secretly admire those of you who can stay so focused as to read through your books one at a time).

So, Non-Fiction picks for this year are:

The Change Your Life Challenge by Brook Noel.: Absolutely wonderful. Really did change my life. I recommend actually going step by step through the book like she suggests--when you get to the end, you'll be so glad you did. I learned SO much about myself using this book, and it is such a slow process that you could do it even if you are strapped for time. It is not a rush-through-it kind of book, even though you'll want to. It was the first book where I couldn't avoid finding out what I think of something rather than what I think I'm supposed to think about something. 

Five Coconuts

The Last Campaign by Thurston Clarke: This is the story of Bobby Kennedy's campaign for president up until the day he got shot. I loved this book. It was such a clear picture of what politics used to be like. Can you imagine a politician as famous as Bobby walking through a crowd without bodyguards today? The way he talked, the courage and demeanor he had...wow. I'm not saying he was perfect, we all know the Kennedys weren't, but it was a treat to go back in time and feel like I was there. Discalimer here: I love politics, if you don't I still think you'll be moved by the humanity in this story, but if you do you will enjoy it that much more. Some of the issues that they talk about (civil rights for one) are still going on in a different way now. The way that I cringed hearing about how they treated black Americans back then will be how our grandchildren cringe hearing about how our society treats gay Americans now. 

Four Coconuts 

Why French Women Don't Get Fat by Mireille Guiliano: I haven't actually used this book as a diet book, though I'm sure it's wonderful. Lots of the advice in here is the same advice I've been given by my mom, who was given it by her father; moderation, moderation, moderation. Maybe you've heard it too? The main reason I so loved this book is because I am infatuated with French culture. I play up on the small percentage of French that I am and run with it, haha! I love everything French, including France (of course), and I loved this gem that taught me more about French life, French culture, and that je ne sais quoi that the French possess. Enjoy, and read with a glass of wine. 

Four Coconuts

The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama. This book gave such interesting insight into this politician's life. I found it stirring not just because he was my candidate of choice, but rather because it gave the reader a vision of the nature of politics from a young politicians eyes, and life. I imagine it is a book that would be appreciated more by a supporter of Obama than not, because the ideas that he shares are inspiring to those who have passion for those beliefs and thoughts.  It was stimulating to say the very least. 

Five Coconuts

These are the two major works of Non-Fiction that I have read this year, though there have been others that I've read pieces of or skimmed through. I will include those in later blogs, but today and tomorrow are about my favorites!

xo,

The Coconut Librarian