GIVEAWAY TIME!

THE PRIZE: We are delighted to have one signed copy of Tales From the Back Row: An Outsider’s View from Inside the Fashion Industry for you! Per Amazon:

Funny and fearless, Tales from the Back Row is a keenly observed collection of personal essays about what it’s really like to be a young woman working in the fashion industry.

In Tales from the Back Row, Cosmopolitan.com editor Amy Odell takes readers behind the stage of New York’s hottest fashion shows to meet the world’s most influential models, designers, celebrities, editors, and photographers.

But first, she has to push her way through the crowds outside, where we see the lengths people go to be noticed by the lurking paparazzi, and weave her way through the packed venue, from the very back row to the front. And as Amy climbs the ladder (with tips about how you can, too), she introduces an industry powered by larger-than-life characters: she meets the intimidating Anna Wintour and the surprisingly gracious Rachel Zoe, not to mention the hilarious Chelsea Handler, and more.

As she describes the allure of Alexander Wang’s ripped tights and Marchesa’s Oscar-worthy dresses, Amy artfully layers in something else: ultimately this book is about how the fashion industry is an exaggerated mirror of human fallibility—reflecting our desperate desire to belong, to make a mark, to be included. For Amy is the first to admit that as much as she is embarrassed by the thrill she gets when she receives an invitation to an exclusive after-party, she can’t help but RSVP “yes.”

The book comes out Monday, but we read an advanced copy — we blurbed it, in fact! Full disclosure — and I fully believe you AT LEAST need to read the bit where Amy interviews for a gig with Anna Wintour. I would have peed myself. (Which actually would also be good book material, so at least there’s that.)

THE TASK:  As always, I will pick the winners at random. But to keep it fun, and speaking of Anna, please comment and tell us the most terrifying boss you’ve ever had.

THE RULES: All entries must be posted in the comments of this post by 9 p.m. Pacific time on Monday.  FYI, if this is the first time you’ve commented here, the system will automatically kick you into comment moderation, but don’t worry, I will rescue you. The contest is for US residents only. (Prizing provided by the author. Thank you!)

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