The Woman I Wanted to Be: DVF Book Review


Do you ever finish a book and have the biggest smile on your face? Well that was me when fishing The Woman I Wanted to Be. I’ve talked about Diane von Furstenberg’s book for probably the last month and I’m so excited to finally review it and share some of my favorite quotes and what I learned from her! This book was exactly what I wanted it to be; raw, true and honest. She told the truth, she probably elaborated more on points that others would have just skimmed over and she admitted a lot of things I would have never had the guts to put into print! This was more of memoir than a how to start your own successful business, but you definitely learn a few things along the way! I once thought of her as simply the woman who created the iconic wrap dress 40 years ago, but after reading her story, she is so much more than that!! 



She told the truth//


Not only did she succeed, but for every success story, she had an equally terrible failure. She didn’t have a plan and admits that was to her detriment. She learned from her mistakes and because of this I felt like she really allowed readers to know it’s ok to fail as long as you take your failure in stride and not blame others for it. Her life was pretty charmed, her mother’s however was not and I think that was the part I hung onto the most and actually ended up crying a bit while reading the book…on the train…before work!  



She elaborated//


DVF is a wonderful storyteller. I read reviews of the book before I purchased it and a lot of people said they thought she was bragging during the entire book. I couldn’t disagree more! I found that her elaborate story telling painted a vivid picture and I could see her in every situation. At parties with amazing people, dancing at Studio 54 or lounging on yachts in the Mediterranean. Her life is and was very extravagant, but she never once came off as bragging about it or trying to show how much she had! In fact I think she wrote the way she did to show women there is nothing wrong with rewarding your success with wonderful gifts to yourself! 



She’s got gumption//


I’ve always loved the word gumption because it means having a wonderful spirit and being resourceful in your initiatives – that word cannot be a better descriptor of DVF!!! She didn’t set out to be a world famous designer, mostly because she didn’t know it’s what she wanted to do, but a few smart moves and a few not so smart business endeavorers led her to where she is today. 



She’s had many suitors//


She was very detailed about this part of her life, which spanned decades. I won’t ruin it for those of you who want to read the book, but it’s juicy!! Why I loved this part of the book is that I think a lot of women can relate to meeting someone and changing themselves for that person, I mean we all saw/read Eat, Pray, Love…certain chapters had a very similar feel! 




While reading I took screenshots of quotes or phrases that struck a chord with me, here are some I thought you’d find inspiring too!




“I’ve longed believed the “ifs” were the doors to my future, and I dared to open them one by one, as they came along”




“Passion and persistence are what matter. Dreams are achievable and you can make your fantasy come true, but there are no shortcuts. Nothing happens without hard work.”




“Love is life is love”




and then finally my favorite…




This book was probably one of the top 10 books I’ve ever read for a variety of reasons, but mostly because I saw so many different women in my life that all could have been my very own DVF. From my sister who is a fearless career women, to my mother who is selfless and has more gumption than anyone I know, to my grandmother’s who have both persevered. There is a little DVF in all of us and I think for me after finally reading this book I am closer to knowing exactly what kind of mark I want to leave with the woman that I am and will be! 




Have you read this book? Who are some women that inspire you?

xo,

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58 Comments

  1. Jenn
    February 4, 2015 / 11:41 am

    She's always had the reputation of being an amazing woman, so I'm glad that her book held true to all of that, and it seems even more! I'll be adding this to my list of books for sure! Thanks for sharing, friend!!

  2. Claire | Fashion + Feathers
    February 4, 2015 / 11:51 am

    Totally picking up a copy of this soon! I love reading about successful women, especially in the fashion industry! Thanks for the review, xoxo

  3. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 11:59 am

    I need to pick up a copy of this book!!! I've been wanting to read it 🙂 I just love her!

    lovejoanna.com

  4. Elle Sees
    February 4, 2015 / 12:00 pm

    you sold me! adding a copy to my list now!

  5. Whitney and Blaire
    February 4, 2015 / 12:08 pm

    Lovely review! I am going to order from Amazon today!
    xo, Whitney and Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  6. Brooke
    February 4, 2015 / 12:12 pm

    I so want to read this book now, it sounds great! Thanks for the review.

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

  7. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    February 4, 2015 / 12:17 pm

    This is definitely my next read! Actually, I might download it tonight and read it this weekend! I've heard from numerous people it's such a good book!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

  8. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    February 4, 2015 / 12:38 pm

    Adding that one to my list after the wedding! Thanks for the fab review girl!

  9. Kate at Green Fashionista
    February 4, 2015 / 1:02 pm

    You now have me completely sold on pickup up this book for our upcoming vacation. Perfect read while sunbathing 🙂

  10. Heather
    February 4, 2015 / 1:15 pm

    This is one of THE best book reviews I've read and I love the word gumption! Sounds like a great read that I'm adding to my TBR!

  11. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    February 4, 2015 / 1:24 pm

    What a great review and it seems like a book worth reading.

  12. Haven Way
    February 4, 2015 / 1:32 pm

    I love when a book by a celebrity makes you really, truly admire them even more! This woman worked her butt off to get where she is – gotta appreciate a lady who can hustle!

  13. Pink and Fabulous
    February 4, 2015 / 1:42 pm

    I have to read this! I love DVF and I can never turn down a book about a successful woman!! I'm so glad to hear how much you liked this!

  14. Courtney B
    February 4, 2015 / 1:51 pm

    I've been wanting to get back into reading books! Adding this to my list!

  15. kerri @ cheshire kat
    February 4, 2015 / 2:02 pm

    ok this is a great review! i feel like i can agree with you on all points and it is DEF a fav of mine for sure. she is so inspiring and strong and well, how can you not love her. and is it bad i want to go back to her manhattan store immediately if not sooner? 🙂

    cheshirekatblog.com

  16. Caroline @ Windy City Chic
    February 4, 2015 / 2:11 pm

    Love DVF. She is like my fashion mother haha. She is a true fashion icon and her clothes are timeless. Those people who say that she was bragging obviously don't know fashion either haha. I will have to read this book sometime because I would love to hear more of her story. Thank you for sharing your review too!! 🙂

  17. Shannon Jenkins
    February 4, 2015 / 2:13 pm

    Oh this sounds so good!! I love that it has some juicy parts too! I'll definitely have to put it on my must read!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  18. P!nky
    February 4, 2015 / 2:17 pm

    I've had this book on my list for awhile, after I saw a short documovie on her at work. I love her quote, you don't have to be a bi*ch to be good. I'll definitely pick this up, now! Thanks friend, you're the best!

  19. Jillian
    February 4, 2015 / 2:20 pm

    awesome review! im adding this to my list of books to read. thanks lady! xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  20. Carly Messmer
    February 4, 2015 / 2:22 pm

    You have convinced me to read this book. I've been looking for something to help motivate me from a business perspective, this sounds perfect.

  21. JMO
    February 4, 2015 / 2:28 pm

    Excellent review- I'm definitely intrigued and this may be my first non-fiction bio type read!

  22. Karly @ What Karly Said
    February 4, 2015 / 2:30 pm

    Oh my goodness – I am that much more excited to read this now! I purchased both my sister and I signed copies of this book for Christmas (she was giving away signed copies during the presale of the book!), and my sister just read it and had the same feelings about it as you did. I am truly fascinated by DVF, so I'm sure I will love the book. Thanks for your great review!

  23. Jax
    February 4, 2015 / 2:48 pm

    This really does sound like an incredible read. I'll put it on my list! I love when authors are honest, leave the reader with a lasting impression, and tell a juicy story.

  24. Julia
    February 4, 2015 / 2:51 pm

    This sounds really good and interesting! I am always fascinated by people like that and how they got where they are! Will definitely be checking this one out! Thanks!

  25. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 2:51 pm

    This is just what i needed to start reading this! I can't wait!
    ~~Megan~~
    poshprime.com

  26. Amy @The Crazy Wise Woman
    February 4, 2015 / 2:58 pm

    This is on my list. Can't wait to read! I love reading stories of successful people, esp women. They are never what you think they will be.

  27. MakeMeUpMia
    February 4, 2015 / 3:00 pm

    I have not read this, just added it to my Amazon list. Sounds like a great one!!

  28. Rebecca Jo
    February 4, 2015 / 3:10 pm

    I just love biographies… you can learn so much from people…

  29. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    February 4, 2015 / 3:13 pm

    Everything I've ever read about her has made me think she's awesome. This blog post included. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

    I hate when people think others are bragging because they're frank about rewarding themselves. DVF, you've earned it. Enjoy.

  30. Marie
    February 4, 2015 / 3:14 pm

    Thanks for review, will need to check this book out.

  31. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 3:25 pm

    This comment has been removed by the author.

  32. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 3:26 pm

    Sounds like a book I would love to read, thanks for sharing your thoughts Biana, looking forward to reading it)

    Tanya
    stripesnvibes.com
    BlogLovin

  33. Katie Elizabeth
    February 4, 2015 / 3:33 pm

    Totally picking this up soon! My goal for this year is to read one book a month so I'm thinking this will be my March book! It sounds so good!

  34. Leslie Lukens Martin
    February 4, 2015 / 3:45 pm

    I've been waiting for this review! I've gotta get this book SOON!

  35. Lindsay @ Lovely Life Styling
    February 4, 2015 / 3:54 pm

    Oooo! I've been looking for a new book to read! Thanks for the review! Can't wait to read it!

  36. The Siberian American
    February 4, 2015 / 4:24 pm

    I love books about strong women who aren't afraid to admit their mistakes! Thanks for the review. Definitely going to pick this one up. 🙂

  37. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    February 4, 2015 / 4:42 pm

    I've always loved that quote from her and now I am def going to read the book!

  38. MELODY JACOB
    February 4, 2015 / 4:42 pm

    yes dear, i have.. when i read purple hibiscus.. nice book.. i will read it
    check out my new post melodyjacob1.blogspot.com/2015/02/whatsblog.html
    thank you

  39. Amy {Cupcakes+Couture}
    February 4, 2015 / 4:53 pm

    i really really need to read this. thanks for reminding me to add it to my kindle purchase list!

  40. Nadine
    February 4, 2015 / 5:22 pm

    Well that last quote basically sealed the deal for me wanting to read this book! Usually not a type of book I would have picked up but now I am sold!

  41. Anonymous
    February 4, 2015 / 6:12 pm

    Thanks for this review Biana! I'm definitely going to read this book now. DVF is such a role model for women!

    Xoxo,
    Karen
    kensingtonwest.me.uk

  42. Fashiongetsfierce
    February 4, 2015 / 6:21 pm

    I've just found your blog and I think it's really inspiring, it will be an honor for me if you can visit mine too, and if you want to follow, it will be a pleasure to follow you back! 🙂 <3

    By the way I am having a cute giveaway on my blog, you can win a lollipop necklace, I hope you join and If you do, good luck, I hope you win! <3

    Fashion gets Fierce.
    Fashion gets Fierce Giveaway.

  43. Kristen
    February 4, 2015 / 6:21 pm

    i love that last quote, and of course i love the word gumption too. sounds like a very interesting book 🙂

  44. Unknown
    February 4, 2015 / 7:53 pm

    CUTENESS!
    M♥
    Simply Sutter

  45. Carly
    February 4, 2015 / 8:13 pm

    Sounds like a great book! I'm definitely adding it to my reading list
    Dresses & Denim

  46. Anonymous
    February 4, 2015 / 8:26 pm

    I NEVER would have picked up this book but thanks to your review I'll be adding it to my goodreads list. She's so stunning!

  47. Cupcakes and Crossbones
    February 4, 2015 / 9:33 pm

    I have been wanting to read this book, it's my next read for sure!

  48. Ashley
    February 4, 2015 / 11:06 pm

    Such a great review and a book I’m definitely adding to my list!

  49. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    February 4, 2015 / 11:12 pm

    Great review, Biana! Sounds like a great book!

  50. Lindsay T.
    February 4, 2015 / 11:37 pm

    Great quotes! i'm going to check this book out!

  51. Carly
    February 4, 2015 / 11:37 pm

    This is such a good review! Definitely makes me want to read it even more now!

  52. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    February 5, 2015 / 12:52 am

    Sounds like an awesome memoir! Reading books has not been one of my strong suits recently but I think I would enjoy a book like this. Great review!!

  53. Elda Larrazabal
    February 5, 2015 / 1:17 am

    this sounds like it's fantastic! Looking it up on Amazon right now!

  54. Good Girl Gone Glam
    February 5, 2015 / 3:15 am

    This was a great review. I have always loved DVF but reading your review leads me to believe that there is much more to love! I will be adding this to my must read list! Thanks for sharing!
    Marianne
    goodgirlgoneglam.com

  55. Jess at Just Rainbows and Butterflies
    February 5, 2015 / 1:46 pm

    I'll have to add this to my list of books to read in 2015! Sounds fantastic!

  56. Love Playing Dressup
    February 5, 2015 / 3:00 pm

    Oh my … well done on the review..
    i so want to read the book now!

    -Neha
    Love Playing DressUp

  57. Kay R.
    February 6, 2015 / 12:07 pm

    Great review! I think Im going to purchase this now!! I love DVF!

  58. Stephanie Chalk
    February 15, 2015 / 6:31 pm

    You sold me! I am picking this up in the next few days and can't wait to begin reading it. Xo, Stephanie