Danielle BernsteinThis is Not a Fashion Story: Taking Chances, Breaking Rules, and Being a Boss in the Big City

First, just to preface this, I’m not a personal friend of Danielle’s, nor do I aspire to be an influencer or to work in fashion. I wasn’t going to write a review at all despite the fact that I loved the read, but having read some of these, I feel like I have to add my 2 cents.I’m astounded by the abundance of negative reviews citing that danielle is extremely unrelatable or too privileged to write this book. I felt like she was grounded and real (and happened to eat at good restaurants and party at hot clubs along the way - it’s her story!). When talking about her parents divorce, she totally admits that she came from a comfortable family - not the wealthiest on the block, but certainly in a wealthy zip code. She then says that divorce came with some belt tightening - please show me one child of divorce that can’t relate to that. That spoke to me for sure - literally as though we were discussing our lives over cocktails. In terms of people disappointed that they didn’t get a literal playbook for success, perhaps entrepreneurship is not for you. If anything, this book should have taught you that there isn’t a playbook if you’re an entrepreneur, but there are best practices like vetting your business partners and reading the fine print (which danielle communicates to us in the form of relevant anecdotes from her life).I think people lost a bit of perspective when evaluating the book. It’s sweet and funny in the way that satc or gossip girl are, it’s an easy read that you breeze through. Is it literary genius? No, but why someone would expect that from a 27 year old girl whose job it is to sell us product (obviously oversimplifying) is beyond me. I literally teared up at the end because reading about the growth and concurrently watching it unfold real time has been inspiring. The story of a girl who hustled to create something this massive (aided by a fairy godmother or not) is inspiring! The fact that she’s grown up and has matured and has become passionate about giving back is also inspiring! Could she have included some more scandalous business bits like the jewelry line (which I personally was expecting to read about because I had just started following her around then), sure, but I certainly didn’t feel like I was left high and dry after reading this book.I’m a financial consultant and there was plenty in this book that I could both relate to and was inspired by - check your expectations and read the book! Enjoy it for what it is!

In response to what a lot of the reviews are saying in the 1 and 2 stars, its not a Brag fest. The only reason why you think that is because your uncomfortable with people noting their accomplishments and you should just support one another for those! Not all of us grew up with resources like she did but was she supposed to say no to incredible opportunities because she wanted to be a woman of the people? NO. You can't hold a grudge on someone because the grew up with wealth, its what they chose to do with those privileges that counts- and if your a follower she dam well proved what she can do. Maybe she's a little flattering of herself in the book but its part of her charm she's confident and proud of herself, I honestly hope woman aspire to be that proud of themselves. This is a chic New York gal talking about the glam and fabulousness of the city, I see it as her painting a great picture (a gossip girl/sex in the city read). Also people, this is not Michelle Obama's memoir have a little perspective for what your reading and don't pick at things that aren't necessary.I am currently at the halfway point and I just had to tell someone how much I loved it! Whether you're going through a breakup, figuring out what to do with your life, career decisions, life decisions just anything, you can find answers and advice in this book. Danielle is a strong, confident and successful woman who puts it all on the table with a great sense of humor to really tell the story about a young girl growing up and finding her path in life. It's not cheesy or overly girly its just really an inspiring and fun read. I left with reading just half of that book feeling like a new woman, who knows where I'll be at then end!

So I came onto Amazon to purchase Danielle's new book after watching her promote it on her Instagram for months. I was super curious and excited about reading it. However, as soon as I came on Amazon, I saw a ton of negative reviews about this book. I almost didn't buy it as a result, but my curiosity got the best of me so I decided to take the plunge. And I am SO happy that I did. This is seriously a super real, genuine and authentic narrative of a girl who literally worked her way up from the fashion closet bitch to create a huge brand, platform and honestly positive space for her following -- especially with her new WeGaveWhat initiative. That isn't covered in the book, but still. I honestly have so much more respect for Danielle after reading this -- not that I didn't before -- but I better understand how she got to where she is today and the hard work she has put in to succeed. It is truly an inspirational story about taking risks and being the best version of yourself, along with silly stories about men and personal lessons as well. All around a fabulous read and I am so happy to have taken the time to read it. I would recommend this book to anyone -- outside of Danielle's very interesting and inspiring tale, there are lessons to be learned for anyone!

I follow Danielle online and I wanted to read about her life story. This book zeros in on all of the things you didn’t expect to hear - and us really a tell all. Which is relatable, honest and truly inspiring! If you don’t follow her, please do. A fantastic read and influencer.

De los mejores libros que he leído, me encanto!!

I read her book twice, I had bought it in advance, but I got so anxious that I ended up buying it in apple books! But my book arrived these days and yesterday I read it all over again, all at once 💕

Aunque este en inglés se entiende muy bien, me lo he leído casi de un tirón y me ha gustado mucho conocer más "desde dentro".

I have been a dedicated follower of Danielle and her ventures for a couple of years, always eager to see what she would produce next. When she announced the publishing of a book I was ecstatic - so much so that I finished this book in a little over 24 hours. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. Sexy, charming, admirable. This book offered a glimpse, and often a little more, into the becoming of Danielle Bernstein. It was amazing to see how she built her career purely on determination, pursuing her dream, and mostly passion. I need a second book asap! I don't care what it is about, I just love her style of writing. Well done Danielle, a truly amazing book.