Pretty in Plaid: A Life, a Witch, and a Wardrobe, or, the Wonder Years…

3.75 stars

Pretty in Plaid is another memoir by Lancaster. In it, she looks back at elementary school, high school, college and her first real jobs (the 70s, 80s and 90s), while also keeping an eye on fashion and what she's wearing at the times of certain events.

As Jen is only five years older than I am, looking back, especially at the 70s and 80s was a lot of fun for me. I don't think this one is as funny as some of her other books, but the nostalgia was fun for me. Have to admit I couldn't really relate as much to the college (sororities and parties) portion of looking back, but the earlier stuff was especially enjoyable. Have to admit that I love the title and cover, as well... I do love plaid! ( )

Jen Lancaster's memoir of her youth is told through particular items of clothing that she owned. It's a cute concept, and the fashion items usually play a role in the stories she tells. The essays themselves are for the most part entertaining, but after a while, the reader starts to realize that Lancaster is using a lot of words to not say much at all.

The problem inherent in the writing career Lancaster has built for herself is that this is her fourth memoir (she's since released a FIFTH), and she's still in her forties. Each book is fairly lengthy in its own right, and while Lancaster's writing is often witty, smart, and (perhaps overly) self-aware, not a lot happens in her books. It could be argued that four memoirs in as many decades is overkill for someone who has a very average life.

Something about this book fell flat for me, and while I'm having a hard time articulating what exactly I struggled with, I don't really think I can recommend it, either.
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I've read Jen Lancaster's blog for over a year. I figured it was time to try one of her books. This book was FUN. I loved the narrator. It was nice to have a fun fluffy book for once. On to another! ( )

Jen Lancaster's writing is like a drug. You start on page one and suddenly you're out of control trying to inhale the pages as quickly as possible. Pretty in Plaid is the story that leads up to Lancaster's first book- Bitter is the New Black. She actually is a very intelligent, witty woman despite how she may come off in her books. She does seem kind of ditzy and snarky in her books, but its all in good fun. She started out in business and when she was unemployed she started her blog, got so many followers that she got an agent and then wrote her books. Now she's fricken superwoman. She is pretty much my hero and she gives me faith that someone like myself can be as successful as she's become. ( )

I really liked all the 80s memories. Sometimes I'd catch myself, "Yeah, I remember that." Totally brought back stuff long forgotten.