Book Review: ‘Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One)’ by Vicky Oliver

Some of my girlfriends just have this knack for looking spectacular on the cheap. They know how to find bargains, they know how to assemble great mix-and-match outfits, and they have a “put together” look that I envy. I can only manage that look if I venture into really expensive stores and let the shop girls pick out things for me. The problem is, I don’t have the wallet to do this very often!

That’s why I was thrilled to see the nifty new book by bestselling career author Vicky Oliver, called Live Like a Millionaire (Without Having to Be One) (Skyhorse Publishing, 2015). It’s full of shopping, dressing, and style tips for men and women who want to bump up their image–but don’t have a bottomless bank account to draw from.

I’ve enjoyed other books by Vicky Oliver, and this one didn’t disappoint. She’s got this wry sense of humor and a lively style of writing that gives readers the feeling that they’re getting personal guidance from a very smart, sophisticated, and savvy friend.

Oliver’s book offers timeless fashion advice, such as wearing your “power color” to make a strong impression, or skimping on items like hosiery, outerwear, and manicures, which no one notices anyway. But “living like a millionaire” is about so much more than dressing. It’s also about networking your way into elite social circles, surrounding yourself with influential people, adopting a powerful vocabulary, and having impeccable manners and proper etiquette.

This book would be invaluable for recent college graduates who find themselves in the “real” world, desperate for hints and secrets on how to look and act professional, stylish, and classy, even though they’re pulling in a starter-job salary and paying off student loans. But Oliver also speaks to men and women who are well-ensconced in their lives and careers, but who are looking to upgrade their social standing, redefine their personal brand, or just make some self-improvements that will boost their confidence and image.

For Oliver, being a “millionaire” is a more an attitude than a measure of income. If you know how to speak well, look well put together, and feel comfortable about your ability to mingle in any social circle, you’ve got the millionaire attitude. The good news is that you don’t have to have a lot of money to give the impression that you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and educated at an Ivy League school. All you have to do is read Vicky Oliver’s book and try on some of her fun ideas. This little gem of a book is creative, clever, and above all, jam-packed with practical advice.