At the turn of the millennium, the slogan in the store windows of skin care giant ‘The Body Shop’ said it all: There are 3 billion women who don’t look like supermodels… and only 8 who do.”
In amongst a generation of women already armed with that knowledge, (non-super) model Carolyn Donovan addresses the escalating obsession with the impossible; sharing stories of everything from catwalk mishaps and bizarre travel stories, to raising snotty-nosed, grubby-handed children while trying to maintain the (so-called) glamour she is renowned for: in a hilarious unveiling of what working in the modelling industry is really like.
Inspired by the surprising amount of girls who still cling so tightly onto the fairytale of ever being tall enough, “pretty” enough, or just plain lucky, the countless mothers who corner her to ask: “how does my daughter become a model?”, and the overwhelming surge of hopefuls swarming to audition for TV shows; Chooks in Stilettos takes us on a realistic tour into the crazy world of one of Australia’s most sought after models for more than two decades. Revealing everything, from the secret to successful longevity in such a youth-obsessed industry to the evil pitfalls of playing with Barbie, and wonderfully peppered with wacky moments from Donovan’s own girlfriend’s of varying professions, Chooks in Stilettos not only entertains with the bizarrely eccentric we discover when sneaking behind the scenes of filming a television commercial, but links us together in the many-sided scenarios of being… women!
Be prepared to snort with laughter and squirm with empathy – while learning some clever tips – in this hilarious exposé on what the behind the scenes life of a model really looks like, as Donovan spills the beans on some insider secrets:
Cheaper (and less painful!) alternatives to botox
How to whip up a glamorous red carpet dress in 5 minutes flat
Magical beauty secrets hiding in your pantry
And how to see yourself like a supermodel gets to
Chooks in Stilettos appeals to all age groups: from teenage girls seeking the words of an industry insider, and mummy’s wondering when the ‘yummy’ bit is going to kick in, to an older generation who will smile and nod in agreement at how life happens so quickly – while you are “busy making other plans.”
About the Author
Carolyn Donovan is a model and writer. She has strutted the catwalks, featured in numerous magazines, and been the face and voice of countless advertising campaigns across the globe for more than two decades - but there is nothing airbrushed fluffy or low-fat lite about her writing.
She credits extreme hunger, onstage mishaps, needing to whip up emergency red-carpet dresses, being a sole parent in desperate need of a babysitter, and living out of suitcases for many years all as perfect opportunities for something to go terribly wrong: causing many a sink or swim moment.
Be prepared to snort with laughter and squirm with empathy as Carolyn Donovan takes an honest look at the glamorous side of life.
Her latest book, CHOOKS in STILETTOS is currently available in paperback. Described as ‘Kathy Lette meets Chicken Soup for the Soul‘ and jam packed with hilarious stories, handy hints and surprising wisdom, it’s a must-read for every female from the budding fashionista right through to the disillusioned ‘yummy mummy’ about to throw in the towel on the whole glamour game.
Industry Reviews
Chooks In Stilettos, Carolyn Donovan Carolyn Donovan, face and voice of advertising campaigns around the globe, gives us the reader a comical & light-hearted insight into the captivating world of the fashion and modelling industry. She is able to explain that even though this industry seems all things glamorous for the outsider, it is still a profession where you have to work hard and has all its highs & lows. From extra early wake up calls to travelling with unreliable luggage, it is a refreshing look at a world few will enter. In an easy to read style of relating stories from her own personal every day experiences, interwoven with quotes and other women s shared stories, Carolyn reminds us that, with each word she writes, that women are women whatever walk of life they choose. We can relate well as women, as we all have similar pressures, hopes & desires in our day-to-day lives. This book will inspire women to be who they are in which ever capacity life holds you, but most importantly to remember that life is life and things happen, all you need to do is be able to laugh & keep on living through it. A wonderful heart warming book for any woman, who needs a laugh or even a gentle nudge to pursue her dreams."
