Choosing the Simply Luxurious Life: A Modern Woman's Guide

In short, the meaning of the book - save up - to buy expensive items (same names - DVF, Hermes, Chanel...). Quality over quantity. Less is more. Basic colours, basic thoughts. However, not all expensive things of high-end brands have really good quality. Sometimes they are overpriced. Thoughts about finding personal style are also very common, basic. What so personal about this well-known list of "trench-striped top-pencil skirt-statement necklace" etc? There is no deep thoughts about how to make style personal, if you get what i mean. I see girls in this basic wardrobe everywhere, and there is nothing "personal". Author writes so much about how happy she is to be single, how wonderful it is, that you don't need to have a partner (actually she talk about people as another items in her perfect flat or wardrobe...). You are enough. First love yourself. Enjoy being alone. You are your best company... And it's ok to think so, but she repeats these thoughts throughout the book over and over. By the end of the book i started to think that author is selfish, nervous, lonely person, who struggles with "pressure of society" (because she writes about it all the time) and she likes all the expensive stuff in basic colors. In this book, there are not so many, actually, names of brands, or shops, or advices how to choose really quality items, so practically this book is not very useful. The book is some kind of the summary of all the books that author has read about style, self-help and so on. By the end of the book i read only highlighted lines, because that was enough to understand what she wanted to say (again)). The good thing about this book is that you can read this one and do not buy all the others that she's mentioned in the book and on her blog. (i saw the list of the books that author has read and understood where her "philosophy" and knowledges has came from...). Sorry for mistakes, english's not my native language, but i hope my review will be helpful).

I expected to love this book but I am on the lower side of neutral. I think that if I was in my 20's, this might be a 4 star book. Beyond the information in it, which I found very basic with one or two sentence synopsis of very popular books, it read like a stream of thought. I found it a bit scattered and difficult to read at times. Though the chapters had titles, Ms Ables would often go off on a subjects that she had already addressed a few times prior and I would forget what the chapter was about. She talks a lot about finding yourself, how good it is to live a lone, to be single...no matter what the chapter subject is about. I found myself thinking, " Yes , you made that point and I get it. " Therefore, I found it very repetitive. Her introductions and synopsis of a chapter were also much more verbose than the actual subject of the chapter...in which she tended to just list things. I think that this is more a sign of an inexperienced writer. I came close to returning it but did not because of the quotes from famous people that she has in each chapter. Those I really enjoyed. It is not a well laid out book by any means and offers little information.

I love the blog of the author, so I was very excited to read this book. But the book as a collection, somehow feels like a self-help book for young adults. It may be a good book to give for girls going off to college.

Ables does a great job of explaining that one does not have to be rich to live a simply luxurious life. She concentrates on knowing oneself, one’s own style, and living within one’s means financially.The chapter on style concentrates on developing a capsule wardrobe of timeless quality pieces instead of buying lots of trendy pieces that will not last as long nor will they look good the next season. By costing out the number of times that you will be able to wear a quality piece of clothing, it makes sense to purchase the quality piece instead of the cheaper stuff.There are also great chapters on finances travel, setting up one’s home, and hosting and being a guest.I highly recommend this book.

I bought the book while on a French-do-it-better reading kick, and before discovering the blog. The book is less about the French, and more a series of self-help essays. (This makes sense as the foundation of the book is blog entries.) I like to read it when in need of encouragement or emotional refreshment. You won't find many specifics on style, fashion, food, etc; it is more general than that. Ms. Ables gets to the details on the blog instead. Nevertheless, this is a pleasant read that is best taken essay-by-essay; reading it like a novel would be overwhelming.

I loved this book. It was everything I wanted and didn't even know I wanted. It came at such a pivotal point in my life. I read the Audible version of the book and while I enjoyed it, I plan on getting the hard copy as well so that I can earmark some passages. Very well written, with a lot of care put into the planning and crafting of it. Highly recommended for women of all generations, looking to lead a simple yet luxurious life.

I have followed Shannon's blog, The Simply luxurious life, for many years. It was always my first read with my morning coffee. Being a huge fan, I was certainly waiting with great anticipation for this book to be released. I must say that I was not sure that the book could keep me engaged, after all I have read Every single post that Shannon had on her blog! Boy, was I wrong...the book exceeded my expectations! I purchased on my iPad kindle app, but will be purchasing the hard copy as well.Thank you, Shannon for the lovely book!Michelle Dann, Texas

thank so much for writing this book, it had given motivation and strength to know I can do it, I can create the life I want I have choices I choose me. others may not agree with it or understand, that's okay because I know I will be happy, my happiness is more important.

This is a thoughtful book with lots of inspirational tips and ideas of how to create a more fulfilled life, while being very much your own person. So often lifestyle books miss the mark with regard to individuality. Shannon Ables doesn't preach or suggest a 'fool-proof' way to live a better life. She takes you from where you are now and gently guides you to where you may want to be. Everything from becoming more financially savvy to building a signature style. You will feel better equipped to lead a more luxurious life when you have read this book. Read it from cover to cover, or dip in and out. You will find something that you can relate to.

I have had this book on my wishlist for a long time. I don't know why I didn't buy it sooner. I love Shannon's podcast and blog and the book is another extension of both. Really really recommend this book to anyone wanting to invest in themselves.

Really amazing book on how to live a simply luxurious life, quite amazing, well written, interesting, funny and well though out. All the best qualities of the blog and more. So much inspiration, insight and food for thought. Buy it!

Love this book. So much good advice to take in I found I needed a hard copy not just a kindle, so I could refer back to more than one thing. Well written

I follow the authors newsletter every wknd.She likes the things I like.When she said she was writing a book I put it on my list as soon as it came on Amazon.Love it. Xx