Thursday, June 4, 2009

Guest blog and book giveaway: Lauren Lipton

One of the wonderful things about becoming an author is the chance to meet other authors whose work you really respect. I was so thrilled when I met Lauren Lipton last year at Kristin Harmel's book party. We hit it off, and the rest, as they say, is history. Not only is Lauren a great breakfast companion and email buddy, but, oh yeah, she's also an amazing writer!


Her latest, MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP, is out in bookstores now! It truly is the perfect summer read-- smart, clever and funny. What else could you want in a book?! And we're giving copies away today! Not one, but TWO lucky readers will be getting a copy of Lauren's novel. Deets on how to enter to win are at the bottom of this post.

Lauren's here today to chat about the important issues plaguing women today, and more specifically, women's fiction authors: What to wear....

So without further ado, here's Lauren!


Hi, Brenda, and thanks for the opportunity to guest-blog! I was going to riff for a while here about preppy fashion—a major theme in Mating Rituals of the North American WASP. But as it happens, my random musings have crystallized into a serious question, and the question is this:


What should I wear to my reading?


I thought I'd ask you because of all the reading outfits I've seen, the retro-chic frock you wore to read from Jack With a Twist last summer is hands-down the cutest. I remember it being buttercup-colored to coordinate with your book cover.


The choice was impressive. It has stuck in my mind as I prepare for a reading of WASP later this month.


The problem is, though, that my book is pink and green, and I look hideous in pink and green. In fact, I look hideous in all preppy fashion—the grosgrain, the madras, the seersucker. This is likely because, though I am the daughter of a Rhode Island WASP, my mother ditched her conservative togs the minute I was born and she and my father struck out for Southern California, where everyone was drinking sangria while sporting dresses with airbrushed rainbows and Indian tunics with little round mirrors sewn in. This was the eclectic fashion of my formative years, and though I'm hardly wearing it now, I'm more comfortable in it—or in something black and New Yorkish—than in anything embroidered with tiny ducks.


So my question, to you and your readers, is, how important is it to look the part during a reading? If I wear a WASPy wardrobe, will it look cute, or costumey? Do I go with my slinky vintage black dress (possibly designed by Versace before he was Versace), or do I do Lilly Pulitzer (adorable, but not me)?

Please advise. And you're all invited to my reading, at Barnes & Noble, 82nd and Broadway, on June 17 to see what I chose.



Big thanks to Lauren for stopping by! And now, on to the fun part: the free books! We'll be giving away not one, but TWO copies of Lauren's book.

Since Lauren is in dire need of our help, the contest rules are a bit different this week. You'll have to vote on what Lauren should wear! Leave a c
omment below with a recommendation on what Lauren should wear and you're entered to win one of TWO copies of MATING RITUALS OF THE NORTH AMERICAN WASP!

Want extra entries? That can be arranged.... Blog about this contest for another entry. Or you can send an email to five friends about this giveaway (don't forget to cc me, brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com!) for TWO additional entries! You must put "Brenda's Blog" somewhere in the email subject heading for your entry to count.

The lucky winners will be announced on June 17th, just in time for Lauren's fabulous Barnes and Noble reading!

33 comments:

a girl said...

I really enjoyed Lauren Lipton's first book. Am looking forward to reading her second book.

cagrowngirl@yahoo.com

Suburban prep said...

Since Lauren is trying to sell a book with a particular theme I think it might bide well with the audience and book buyers to wear an outfit that might be from the book.

I so have been looking forward to reading this book.

msgb245 at gmail dot com

Kristi said...

I would go with the WASPy wardrobe idea. Would love to win!

kherbrand at comcast dot net

traveler said...

This book is so enticing. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. A Waspy wardrobe would be your best choice. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Mitzy said...

I think the first choice, an outfit like something the main character would wear, would be the best choice - that way it gives the audience a better feel for the setting of the book and they can get into it even more!!

just1linmichele@aol.com

Nicole said...

Hello! I want to read this! I need some good summer reads! I hope to have time to sit on the dock & read, read, read!

I don't know much(eckhmm...anything really)about fashion but I'd go w/something simple yet chic. I'm sure Lauren will look good in whatever she wears...

*fingers crossed*

Sue said...

I'm always a fan of black, so I'd vote for the slinky black dress. Thanks for the giveaway! It looks so great.

s.mickelson at gmail dot com

mindy said...

the slinkier the better thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

jemscout425 said...

i think she should wear a white 1940's style sundress with a great hat
pksanddancer(at)yahoo(dot)com

KR said...

Slinky black....no contest!!! I'm looking forward to reading the book.

mj.coward[at]gmail.com

Sir Thrift-A-Lot said...

She should wear a 70's disco outfight like the lead singer of Deee-Lite!

Would be great to read the book,

jchaborek
at hotmail.com

A Reader said...

As someone who grew up in alligators and docksiders I would reccomend something kind of preppy. However, if she doesn't feel comfortable with that than I vote for basic black and pearls.

Good Luck!
Thanks for the giveaway!
kimspam66(at)yahoo(dot)com

Esme said...

I would love to win this book.

throuthehaze said...

I think it would be fitting to wear an outfit that is from the book.
throuthehaze at gmail dot com

scottsgal said...

she should definitely wear something that coincides with her book! This is at the top of my summer TBR list

msboatgal at aol.com

Emilie said...

I would vote for the preppy wardrobe, but if it makes you feel really uncomfortable in it, wear what makes you happy!! Maybe all black, but a couple of pink and green bracelets? Or a belt? Preppy totebag?

Anonymous said...

Mary
zenrei57 (at) hotmail (dot) com

I'd definitely suggest the slinky black BUT I think Lauren needs to accessorize it in such a way as to promote/tie in to the image best represented by her book.
This way, she will not look so much 'as a character' but rather 'in character', if you get the diff :) Either way, hope all goes beautifully for Lauren!!!

Llehn said...

I see this book everywhere! I would love to read it!

lesly7ch(at)yahoo(dot)com

Susan said...

basic black is always nice!

Carlene said...

I think you should wear a green shirt with pink stripes like ont he front of Mating Rituals. Please include me in your giveaway.
Thanks
Carlene
iluvreading(at)verizon.net

LittleEagle said...

I would go with the slinky black dress and wow the crowd.

wendy wallach said...

slinky vintage black dress most definitely....

madamerkf at aol dot com

Anonymous said...

I would go with what is the most comfortable. That always makes the best impression. So if you feel more beautiful in black- go with it!

bsyb100 at gmail dot com

donnas said...

I think something from the book that the main character would wear while staying simple yet classy would be the best bet.

bacchus76 at myself dot com

Belinda said...

The slinky vintage black dress would be my pick. That is always stylish.
Thanks!
1bmore @ gmail . com

Pamela S said...

Definitely the classic vintage black slinky dress. Add a strand of pearls for the WASPish look. Good luck!!

This sounds like a great summer read, full of romance, and exploring possibilities. I originally thought this book was actually about WASPS (yes, I'm that dumb LOL) so wasn't very interested. But your review makes it sound great. Thanks so much!!

pamelashockley(AT)netscape(DOT)net

Linna said...

This book is quite popular, and everyone is blogging about it. I can't wait to read it. Please count me in.
linna.hsu(at) gmail (dot) com

Lesley (aka Upper West Side Writer) said...

I would recommend wear whatever is YOU--you'll probably look silly wearing something that isn't you, even if it's more "appropriate" to the book.

Thanks!

lesleymfan(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'd pick the vintage black dress too. CUTE! How much fun that you know the author!! Sounds like a great book written by an interesting person.

Thanks!
reaganandromeo(at)yahoo(dot)com

Ally said...

OK, I LOVE Lily Pulitzer, but you should wear your WASPY clothes, as that's what you're most comfortable in! We, your readers, love you for your talent and what you wear is fun, but not why we come out to see you. I'm sure you'll look adorable!

When in you're in NY I suggest something that breathes. It gets hot and stick.

I'm dying to read this book!
allygotts567[at]hotmail[dot]com

Sarah Z said...

WASPy for sure - slinky black means sexy and confident!
Thanks
Sarah
believedreamcourage (at) gmail.com

Esme said...

She should wear Ralph Lauren in pink and green with pearls

chocolateandcroissants at yahoo dot com

Mishia said...

Casual and comfortable! Anything to show that you are comfortable with your audience.