I enjoyed reading this story of two sisters coming together after the death of their mother.after their mother’s death two sisters must come together to work to decide what to do with the vintage fashion collection they have been left.

I was probably not the best person for this book as I know less than nothing about fashion, but I did find this to be an enjoyable read for the most part. I found the main characters to be well-developed and enjoyed watching the relationship between the two sisters go from bitter estrangement to one of love and acceptance. I did find the first part of the book to be a little slow in its pacing, but was pleased when things picked up once the sisters started going through their mother's collection and making a plan for it. I have to admit to a bit of eyes-glazing-over when the descriptions of all of the fashion treasures were discussed, but again, I'm not a fashion person at all. To someone who speaks that language, this book would probably be captivating.

At points I did feel like there was a bit too much going on, with several subplots and a lot of characters to keep track of, but overall it was a good read, and one I will recommend to some I know who might be more in the book's target demographic.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Two sisters, Gabrielle and Lulu, their mother dies leaving them only a small amount of fortune. Both the sisters have heaps of debts to pay and the money they both inherited from their mother is not very sufficient. However, they find a hidden closet in their mother's house and when they open the closet, they find dozens and dozens of branded items, mainly Chanel items. While working out what to do with the items, the two sister's relationship which was estranged before started to build.

The writing was great and the author did a good job of drawing the reader into the story, to feel like they are in this part of adventure with Lulu and Gabrielle. I do like how the relationship between Lulu and Gabrielle slowly developed and also I like there's a backstory behind this novel. There were some funny parts in the book as well, the fact that Lulu is Jewish and the all these traditions the meals, the food is all interesting to read as well. Initially it was a bit boring at first but soon towards the middle of the book it got interesting. Though the ending was slightly predictable, I did like how the book ended..

Overall, I actually enjoyed this book--the writing was spot on, enjoyed and laughed about the book. Worth five stars in my opinion!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC. The review is based on my honest opinion only.

Gabrielle and Lulu haven't gotten along in years. Then, their Mom dies. Their mother was very unconventional in her parenting and both girls leave their childhood feeling slighted by their lives. Gabrielle feels slighted by her fathers death and the way her mom parented her into adulthood. Lulu feels slighted because Gabrielle and her mom hate her dad and his family. The only family the girls can agree were great is their maternal grandparents. That's the only place they feel fully loved and united. After their mothers death, the girls find out the craziest secrets, including her secret closet filled to the top with Chanel. The girls go through so many emotions, find new friendships, and lives through the process of figuring out their mothers secrets. This is a feel good book about two sisters coming together for one cause, even as they fight and claw their way to their dreams.

I absolutely loved the premise of this book and found the first half super engaging - I was hooked straight away. However, as things started to progress with the sisters it started to get a bit too easy/sappy for my taste. Almost like everything just magically fell into place.

I am extremely close with my two sisters and mother, so I absolutely connected with that aspect of the novel. Especially their relationship with the mother. It reminded me a bit of Because I Said So and The Devil Wears Prada, just slightly sappier without a Miranda Priestley-esque believable villian.

All in all - well written and super sweet, but it might have been a bit too “happy ever after” for me.

Thanks to NG for my early copy ❤️

What a delightful book! The story of two estranged sisters reunited to solve the mysteries of their mother's will while reconnecting with each other was lovely.

I smiled while reading The Fashion Orphans and enjoyed seeing the journey through both Lulu and Gabrielle's eyes. The writing gave them each a lot of depth and treated both with a lot of compassion.

The secondary characters were also well written and added a lot charm.

Thank you to NetGalley and Blue Box Press for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thanks to publisher Blue Box Press and NetGalley for a digital advance reader copy. All comments and opinions are my own.

I really liked this feel-good novel - as it has several of my favorite elements - sisters, New York, fashion, and friendship.

Two estranged half-sisters living in New York are brought together again when they meet for the reading of their imperious mother's will. Both sisters expect their inheritance will resolve serious money issues, so are surprised and shocked that their mother has left them with a secret walk-in closet overflowing with high-end current and vintage designer clothes and accessories— most from Chanel.

I appreciated how the co-authors incorporated the inherent wisdom of many fashion-related quotes into the story. Based on solid historic research, they integrated the theme of fashion and what it represents to explain the politics of women using clothes and accessories as a form of expression. For instance, in the 1920's clothing was emblematic of women's determination to revolutionize the status quo. And the women in "The Fashion Orphans" grow to celebrate the motto: "fashion fades, style endures."

But this isn't dry or academic. The entertaining story that is built around the mid-life sisters' relationships with each other, their family members, as well as their mother's friends - and the healing that takes place - as they reinvent themselves makes this an uplifting and inspiring read that honors women, their style, and their friendships.

I loved The Fashion Orphans.
Its a story about 2 half sisters; Gabrielle and Lulu who aren't even speaking to each other until they''re called to a lawyer's office for the reading of their mothers will
What follows is a story of sisterhood, both blood and not, of love and family and forgiveness and most of all, fashion!
If you like couture, you will love this book.

This was a very interesting storyline. It was not at all what I expected. Just as it was not at all what any of the characters expected when they undertook the journey through their mother's closet. And what a closet it was. I'm not the biggest fashionista, but even I was drooling over the idea of some of these classic Chanel dresses. the bags, I can take or leave, but wouldn't it be quite the gift to get the notes like these girls did? Even if their business had gone under, those notes alone would have made it worth it. Recommended for adult collections.

Wow! This was a heck of a ride. Almost too angsty, maybe even depressing for me, but I'm glad I stuck with this book. There are bits of this story that will stretch the line of credibility to the thinnest, but the characters make giving up your disbelief worthwhile.

To explain this story would be taking the chance that I'm going to give something up, but I'll give it a try. This is a story of two sisters who have had different lives with their mother while growing up. They also had very different lives as adults, and to be sure, these are women, not young adults.

Their mother had died, leaving them a legacy, one that they have to figure out together what to do with. Oh, and did I tell you that these sisters were estranged?

So this story ends up being about sisters learning to love again, each other, and the men in their lives. It is a story of coming to terms with what life has handed them. It is a story of multi-generations learning to love each other.

Plus, it was a remarkable story of Coco Chanel.

The Fashion Orphans is a wonderful story of family connections and interactions and how they affect the family dynamic. Gabrielle and her younger half sister Lulu have been estranged for several years. When their mother passes away she doesn’t leave them an outright inheritance but a mystery they must solve together to unlock their mother’s legacy. Her collection of Chanel is overwhelming but they learn from her friends and neighbors details that show a person they never knew. What will they do to preserve and honor her legacy.
I enjoyed this story from beginning to end. The struggles between Gabi and Lulu are so realistic that I could feel their pain. Each one has individual loses in addition to the loss of their mother. The writing style rotates between the points of view of each sister giving the reader a deeper sense of what they are thinking. I give this book 5 of 5 stars
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a wonderful story of two seemingly opposite sisters brought up by a neglectful mother. The road to discovering that the sisters are not as opposite as they seem and the mother was not as neglectful as portrayed makes for a delightful and insightful read. I loved every word of it and highly recommend it.

Two estranged sisters are left a "collection" from their mother that they must figure out what to do with.

An enjoyable novel about 2 sisters( Gabrielle and Lulu) who have inherited a treasure trove of Chanel clothing and accessories after their mother(Bette) has passed away. Through the process of taking inventory of the handbags and etc they learn more about their mom. They have some disagreements on what to do with it all since they don’t see eye-to-eye on what to do with the collection. Overall, through going through the collection they revitalize their bond even if they. do have some bumps along the way.

If you are a fashionista or want to live vicariously through Bette you will enjoy this book.

Gabrielle and Lulu are half sisters from the same Mother. Expecting a windfall after their Mother's death, they discover their inheritance consists only of a closetful of designer clothes and accessories. Both sisters are reeling from life events and are desperately in need of cash. But, how will they use these items to help solve their financial problems? Will unscrupulous family members detail their plans? Enter friends who provide their wisdom and material goods to help the sisters. There's romance, conflict in the mix, too. Altogether a great read. An enjoyable story about the love between sisters, family, mothers and children and how work, determination and a good plan can bring success and confidence. You will enjoy it. I did! Thank you Net Galley and Blue Box Press for the ARC of this fun book which will be published 2/1/2021. I recommend it :)

I enjoyed this book so much! The story of two sisters who were alienated because of what happened in the past is a story of hope, reconciliation, and love. It gives me a warm feeling and lets me appreciate my siblings. The part where they discovered the treasures their mother left behind is both heartwarming and fun. If you like fashion and family drama, this one is for you.

Loved it!! I would give it 3.5 stars, almost 4. Enjoyed getting to know Gabrielle and Lulu. They loved each other but constantly argued. Neither were living the life that they always envisioned. It's a miracle they survived into adulthood with Bette as a mother. I couldn't believe how young the girls were when they were riding the subway all by themselves. Too bad Gabrielle and Lulu didn't get to see the Bette that all of Bette's friends got to see. Bette's Will was outrageous, the only good thing about it was that it brought Lulu and Gabrielle back together. Obsession doesn't even describe Bette's love of Chanel. Did she love her daughters as much as her designer collection? It was funny and extremely sad when Gabrielle and Lulu would do the worst Bette; best Bette. Thea's son and daughter-in-law were awful. Nigel was so easily influenced. Loved the women in the SES. They were sweet and became an instant family for Gabrielle and Lulu.

Definitely recommend the book, especially if you are a fan of fashion. The book was full of love, friendship, grief, loss, forgiveness and tons of fashion. Look forward to reading more books by the author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Blue Box Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I adored this book! The author made you fall in love with the characters, although both sisters could be a bit self centered. I love the theme of family, friends that are family and community.

3.5 Personal Thoughts Stars
* * * 1/2 <i>Spoiler Freer- A Quick Review
This book hit a chord with me because it deals with all the things left behind by a parent. It is an experience that is very personal to anyone who has to go through it. You will find memories forgotten, you will find words written to remember or to be shared but never were, you will find parts of yourself and the one who left.

This is a book that looks at that experience between two sisters, a couture collection that represents different things to each daughter, and how they handle it.

The story brings together two estranged sisters when there mother dies. She leaves them a fortune for them to figure out. Love how things work out in the end.