Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman Paperback – March 1, 2011

I've owned this book for a good 6 months, as I LOVE books on style. The book jacket itself is so darling, I figured I had to have this little gem adorning my bookshelf. I've LOVED the art work of Chesley McLaren since I discovered her book for my children, Zat Cat! I finally got around to reading the book a few days ago, and I'm very impressed. I, too, have read several biographies and seen the movies about Chanel's life. There wasn't a lot I didn't already know about that crazy French chick. But I must say, I loved Karbo's writing style. This book reminds me of "How to Be Lovely" or "What Would Audrey Do?", two of my cute little books about Audrey Hepburn. Those books are not so much complete biographies of Audrey....God knows those abound. They are just sweet little interpretations of how Audrey would behave, react, etc. in different modern situations. Similarly, Karbo's book is an interpretation of Chanel's actions so to maybe explain to us Chanelophiles how such a poor little urchin with so much working against her made herself into THE name in fashion.I'm amazed at some of the reviews, and that such reviewers would actually pick up a book about Coco Chanel. This woman was a wacky little creature. Karbo dissects such wackiness with humor (very dry, some may not get it) and MUCH insight. She wasn't so much as saying that in this day and age you might as well shoot yourself if you're not married by 31..(according to one reviewer, New York is different), she was saying that with societal norms as they were (and are), it takes a certain personality to NOT choose the traditional route and forge ahead with your dreams. Chanel had many suitors and could have easily chosen one to marry, but we probably wouldn't be reading books about her now. Yes, she CHOSE to stay single. She was married to her dresses, as Karbo says. Would Oprah be Oprah if she had ever married Stedman? Who knows? Would Martha Stewart be who she is had she stayed married? Again, we don't know, but marriage may not be an option for some of our greatest and most creative women.Karbo doesn't so much write about her life, as some reviewers have stated. This book is ALL about Coco Chanel. However, Karbo adds her little side stories about her trying to acquire an actual Chanel jacket, which I think is cute. Her writing style makes her seem like she could be your funniest girlfriend. And I'm jealous she had a grandmother that designed Hollywood costumes!

You will enjoy this one if you are a fan of Chanel and are interested to know more than just about fashion side of Chanel's life. I have purchased this book after watching the movie "Coco before Chanel" and found out many interesting facts about Chanel's biography. It was very enlightening to find out exactly how Chanel developed her style by simpy accomodating her needs. It was fascinating to find out that she came up with idea of belted cardigan simply by not wanting to put on a pullover lended to her by a boyfriend over her head. She had a hat on and she didn't want to go through the trouble of taking the hat off and messing up her hair, so she cut the pullover open, put it on and tied a belt around it.I found out a lot interesting facts not only about Chanel's style, but also her personality and her social life. I would highly recommend this book.P.S. This book somehow reminded me of "I love your style" by Amanda Brooks, which I absolutely LOVED. I prefer books on style that do not force things upon youor force you to choose a "category" for your personal style, but instead help you to discover your individual style by showing you how others have developed theirs

This book is a humorous reminder of Chanel's life story and how Chanel's contributions shaped a way of life through her example, as well as through her designs. Chanel dressed the contemporary woman as Chanel, herself, wanted to be dressed. For the first time in eons, women's comfort was taken into consideration, allowing the active, responsible, busy woman a wardrobe that reflected 20th century sensibilities, while still infusing luxury and elegance, and, also, flattering the female form.Author, Karen Karbo, respects her subject and her audience. With humor and reverence, she reminds us of who brought us the clothes, accessories and perfume, that we love, and that enhance our existence even today. Karbo recognizes that Chanel was and is a lifestyle package that is just as relevant today in the 21st Century as it was in the 20th Century. She imparts the historical facts and wisdom of this fashion icon with a fun and very readable writing technique. It was interesting to hear how Chanel influenced the writer. The writer sympathetically and honestly brought Chanel to life for us to enjoy. Thanks, Ms. Karbo.

I really enjoyed this book, Karen Karbo's tone is engaging, and the material, well - how can one go wrong with Coco? Yet, I couldn't give it five stars, because while it was a great introduction, it wasn't very concise, and while it explored Karbo's life lessons, I didn't feel all of them were fairly transferable. However, there is still a lot of useful material gleaned from here, especially for someone first encountering Coco's AMAZING approach to life.

This is an informative, light read. Very entertaining while educational, you learn about fashion, history, Chanel and it's worth it. If you are at all interested in Coco. Read it. I am a novice in the fashion world so really appreciated the lessons about the different kinds of Chanel and how her style really continues to influence the world, even if you don't look good in the traditional tweed jacket. I have a curvy body type but the simple comfortable style, pearls, black, white, jersey. We would all be a lot more uncomfortable if it weren't for Chanel being a savvy business woman who made due with what she had. Read the book to find out what i mean.