Customer Reviews

Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide to Life As It Should Be

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This small book is packed with a million ways to literally make your life better. It feels more like book about good values than anything else. Colin constantly reminds us about considering other people's feelings. His definition of style is fantastic: Self respect, which leads to respect of others and their respect of you. That is why every other idea he comes up works so well and so well together. They aren't coming from garish desire to impress or cause envy, they come from a desire to please and make your guests, as well as yourself, comfortable and happy. I don't mean to overextend my point, but it's a rare thing to read a book about napkins, shoes, table clothes and invitations that comes from such an earnest place. THANKS Colin.

Secondly, the book has so many useful tips, guides, practices, drawings, photographs, etc... that literally show you step by step how to get your personal organization setup as well as how to host a party that you can actually have fun at!! It's not an impossible Martha Stewart like scenario, that no one can actually do, it's honest and has real nuts and bolts advice to help all of us live "life as it should be".

The content is good, but the layout and photographs are very disappointing. It's also a very small book, which I could not tell by seeing it online. It looks like the publisher was trying to save money by using mostly small, black and white photographs with a brown sepia tone. I found it hard to believe the Colin Cowie I see on TV actually signed-off on this book. There are several nice full color photos, but mostly small, poorly shot black and white. Again, the content is good, but be sure to "Look Inside" before you buy.

I suppose for the decorating portion of the book it's easy to create these looks for your home etc when you have money to spend. Of course, you don't always need to spend a lot of money, but it definately helps. I picked this up because I've seen Colin on Oprah and The Early Show heaps of times and his taste is always impecable. He is so talented and creative.
This book is full of wonderful ideas that can either be reproduced or similarily recreated. There are ideas about everything from organising clothing to how to be a good house guest and everything in between. He's got fantastic ideas and reading this makes me want to live my best life possible. I have no problem recommending this to almost everyone who wants to change things up a little or travel well or even how to get over a hangover. Interesting and great little book. It encompases a lot of topics and information.

I had advanced ordered this book, and was not disappointed! Colin reminds us to "Celebrate" each day, not just the special occassions or special things. And I needed to be reminded of that. I believe there are some things in life we can't control, so having things that we can control (things in order, clean etc) helps make the "stresses" easier to deal with. This is definitely a re-read for me! Thanks Colin.

The Amazon product review was obviously written by a marketing professional who probably works for Mr. Cowie. Cover to cover, this book is nothing more than common sense. The "must-have packing list" is the same as every other packing list you'd read on a travel website or put together yourself from simple logic. The "unbeatable cure for jet lag"? Sleeping pills. The tips on how to treat your guests, co-workers, concierge, etc. are nothing more than saying to treat them the way you'd like to be treated. The "ideas" are completely underwhelming.

If you are complete oaf with no friends and you're not sure why, then this book might shed some light and get you to go clean your bathroom and start being more polite to people. Otherwise, how-to guides by Martha Stewart or Miss Manners are much more helpful and entertaining than this book. I know Colin Cowie is very talented and I expected so much more.

What's the new etiquette for the 21st century? How do you fold a napkin, organize a brunch, make up a guest room--live your life? Someone gave me Colin Cowie Chic for a present and I have to say i was completely bowled over. This book is amazing. It's like a little black book of style (except it's brown, and made to look like a chic little wallet) It's kind of the ultimate guide to living well in a world that's moving so quickly that most of us don't know anymore the difference between a finger bowl and a goldfish bowl. Highly recommended -- (especially the idea that we owe it to ourselves to set the table for as many meals as possible -- because we deserve it). Bravo -- 5 stars all the way.

Without question the most useful, practical, sexy and smart book to date. For anyone struggling to organize their lives - this fuss free book takes you to the heart of the matter with style and glamour! Colin Cowie is beyond chic!!!!

A Fantastic guide written by a Fabulous author who has taught me thru his writings that you don't have to be a millionaire to live a "chic" lifestyle. The need comes from within and the tools on how to perfect "chic" are all here. Before owning one of Colin's books, I lived in a tiny NYC over stuffed one bedroom apartment. His books and website videos have taught me how to organize my apartment and my life and how to "turn drab into fab". I still live in the same apartment, but it is now a stylish NYC one bedroom with plenty of space to host a fabulous buffet style dinner party for 10 to 15 guests; which I do regularly. Even my ice cubes now have sex appeal...thanks to Colin! "Chic" is my guide to living the life that I want; everyday! I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their lifestyle and...to be Chic!

An admirer

WOW..IF THERE IS ONE PERSON WHO KNOWS HOW TO THROW AND ORGANIZE A PARTY IT IS COLIN...THIS VERY CHIC BOOK IS A MUST HAVE AND A GREAT GIFT ITEM...I LOVE IT..IT IS WELL ORGANIZED AND EASY..YOU WON'T REGRET BUYING THIS BOOK...LOVE IT. SO CHIC.

Once again, Colin wrote a fantastic book that i learned a ton from. Coming from the master of entertaining and lifestyle, I fee as if I am on the inside circle. This is a perfect gift for any reason to my friends who really could use some fresh insight.