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3 Creative Critical Takedowns of Alexa Chung's Book 'It'

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Alexa via Getty
Alexa via Getty

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If you'll allow us to take off our journalism pants for a moment, we'll say that we like Alexa Chung. We really like her. We think she's good at what she does, which is essentially being a wo-man-about-town, wearing cool stuff and saying cool things and giving really good breakup advice. And she's funny on Twitter, which is always a plus. Her book, It, seems to reflect that, so we're not too bruised over the searing critical response It is getting. See the feedback below, and style on Chung. Style on.

One Evening Standard writer, clearly confused and/or angry about being made to write about a style book, said:

Alexa Chung doesn't do, she just is. Well, she's done a bit—she's inspired a bag and an eyeliner, for example. And she has an exceptional relationship with her Converse and her denim hotpants. But her debut book is best understood as one great big enhanced selfie.

We're not sure who, if anyone, got dissed in The Guardian's quip:

Ultimately, It comes across like some stoned fashion student's end-of-term mood board, interspersed with frissons of abstract Stateside cool, with Chung affecting to exist in little urban "moments", of isolated bliss, pain and wisdom, in the style of, say, Miranda July or Greta Gerwig.

Even Cosmo UK's predictable applause comes with a caveat. "If you're after an in-depth, life-changing, challenging read, then this book isn't for you." BUT "If you love Alexa Chung, buy it. If you are interested in fashion and style, buy it. If you're after a book full of pretty pictures and inspo, buy it." All critics who take issue with It, feel free to send it over to our book shelves.
· Alexa Chung's Book Will Be Called 'It' [Racked]
· Heed Alexa Chung's Wise Words on Break-Up Hair [Racked]