In My Shoes: A Memoir

An unbelievable read that I was totally unprepared for. I tried to associate the catalogue of dramas unfolding with the images I had seen of Tamara Mellon over the years in the press, seemingly happy and carefree. The assumptions that I had made about her and her success have been completely blown out of the water. Right from the beginning pages I was thrown by the sheer honesty of the writing and her willingness to tell it like it was, a lost and broken soul from an early age, albeit from what appeared to be a privileged background. But she makes so clear, privilege and material comforts cannot prevent human suffering or be a substitute for a happy home life. All this even before Tamara's big idea! Surely I thought, building Jimmy Choo from nothing to a global giant, would somehow be a more straightforward story of hard work and reward, but not a bit of it. The plot thickened, as a relentless stream of obstacles to overcome headed her way, or maybe she was just wired to home in on them!! Her relationship with her mother, her new partner Jimmy another kind of pain and disappointment. But there was more to come in the shape of her controlling and abusive CEO, not to mention a series of "vulture" private equity partners. Phew! You just couldn't make it up. The contrast between the polished perception of Tamara Mellon and the real inside story, in her shoes, is simply staggering. After what seemed like being at war for most of her life, I was left uplifted and inspired, for what ultimately is a tale of triumph for the human spirit, from which we can all take hope. Well done Tamara - what a ride for this reader. Can't wait for the movie! WOW!!!

This was a really cool look into the founding of one of the very first big luxury shoe brands. Lots of gossip, and insight into really just how bitter someone with business sense and money can be. My boyfriend doesn't like to read, but he really enjoyed this book. If you are a shoe lover, and a gossip lover, this one is for you.

A Fashion Genius,this is book is very helpful for women of all ages ,who are entrepreneurs. I felt the strength and the courage she had and still have and to stand up for yourself,trust your instincts. Having experienced abuse from my parents ,I use to feel alone(it's a very lonely world) going to boarding school also ,after reading this book in less than 3hrs, I now have the strength to stay strong and also to Speak my mind even if people do not want to hear it. I admire her courageous spirit to always go forward and learn by her mistakes. It takes a woman with guts to pour her heart out,Tamara you deserve all the happiness life have to offer. You are truly a survivor and an amazing mom. A must read ,I love the business side of the book,the details that she went into,it's a crazy world out there,that's ready to eat you up with jealousy,bitterness,greed and resentment. Through it all that she made it:)thank you for writing such an inspirational book.

Tamara drops a lot of names and numbers, so what narrative there is is difficult to follow. I am glad that this book ended on a positive note. It highlights how women are taken advantage of in business even when the business and brand was their idea and the result of their hard work. I am sure she is stronger for the experience and wish her luck in her future endeavors.

A rollercoaster ride with a beautiful very smart girl, A lesson in resilience , I don't doubt that Tamara next enterprise will be a total success, excellent book,especially for women in business, very detailed, exiting,I love it!

I have read many business books, case studies, as well as biographies of successful entrepreneurs and this book is by far the best in detailing the ins and outs of launching a successful start-up, especially in the fashion industry. The author gives a first hand in-depth account of the challenges she faced at each phase of her venture including life long personal obstacles that weigh on her ability to persevere through the grueling start-up marathon. The kiss and tell aspect of the book makes it more personal but at times becomes repetitive. Tamara Mellon had the grit, drive, creativity, and vision to bring the Jimmy Choo brand to market and make it thrive. I'm pleased that she captured all of this in her excellent book, In My Shoes.

This book takes you through everything Tamara Mellon went through with the Jimmy Choo brand. Lies, betrayal, and practically dedicating her entire life to the business. Some of the book was hard to get through because she talks about awful her mother was to her and you just feel so bad for her. It's a great book for anyone wanting to start or already owns their own business. Tamara Mellon made a lot of mistakes with building the brand and I think that she wrote this book to ultimately help others not make the same mistakes as she did.

I completely disagree with the reviewers who found the book to be no more than a bunch of whining by a poor little rich girl. I found Mellon's candor and lack of a filter rather refreshing. Maybe she will regret some statements (surely some of her friends atecoffended by how she describes them) but I enjoyed reading about how she built up an iconic brand. It isn't "business advice 101" but there are life lessons in her story. Of course, she has an agenda - never too soon to create interest and a buzz about your next venture - but I'm still looking forward to hearing what she does post-Jimmy Choo. Taken as one of many female entrepreneurs, she definitely has something to add to the conversation.

I quite liked Tamara's candor, and the way she spoke about her path towards self realization. Of course she was born in wealth but this also comes with its tribulations. I would say a must-read for fashionistas who are into biographies.

Costó que llegara, pero lo disfruté mucho

good

Interessante história real da grife, mas temos q levar em conta que so estamos ouvindo um lado da história. Livro facil de ler para passar o tempo

A fascinating revelation of the birth and tribulations of an important fashion icon. Tamara Mellon has to be a muse for any woman contemplating building an empire, such stoicism in the face of the brutality of financial dinosaurs . Having worked for Vidal Sassoon in the 60's I personally found the environment and characters taking me back to familiar territory. A great read.