Fully embracing ourselves for who we are is often one of the most difficult internal battles of our heads and of our hearts. Many of us have a harder time telling the world, or even our closest friends, the dorky things that make us happy than we do admitting to ourselves that we enjoy those things. Next Level Basic by Stassi Schroeder is part-handbook, part-self-help book on the author’s own personal journey with growing into her own person and encouraging readers to do the same.
For those who are less familiar with the author, Stassi Schroeder is one of the stars of Vanderpump Rules (one of my guilty pleasure tv shows). In addition to her part on the popular television show, she also hosts her podcast Straight Up with Stassi, has written a few fashion blogs of her own, and even created a holiday. However among the numerous things she has added to her resume, her time on Vanderpump Rules is generally considered to be what she is most well-known for. Since the show’s inception, she has grown up considerably from the twenty-three year old waitress she started as. She has gone through numerous relationship break-ups, friendship break-ups (arguably the worst kind), reconciliations, and endured all of the other hurdles you face during your twenties, but she did it on national television. Her defining characteristics include her honesty, self-confidence, transparency, and inability to hide her true self. Stassi always says what is on her mind, even if it is what most people are thinking but are afraid to say aloud. Her candid approach to reality television has made her one of the most likable people on the show. Her frank honesty might not work for all situations and circumstances, but it makes for great television. Her straight-forward approach to life has surprisingly resonated with many members of the audience, myself included. Although it can have an antagonizing effect when she argues with one of her costars over whether or not either of them are in healthy relationships, it has a bonding effect with the audience when she unashamedly admits her love for ranch dressing or Game of Thrones because she shows that she is just like the rest of us.
One of the themes that drives Next Level Basic is one of the overarching problems of today’s social world that many people are shamed or teased for enjoying things that are considered to be “basic.” Usually, “basic” is defined as anything mainstream, or trendy, and typically girly. It often is in reference to things such as pumpkin spice lattes, spray tans, romantic comedies, Pinterest, a love for the royal family, and striving for a cohesive Instagram feed. Although it isn’t exactly the biggest problem in the world to be teased for enjoying these things, it can get annoying after a while. More often than not, it can cause people to begin to hide these things from their life, only enjoying them in secret. Stassi attempts to strike back at hipsters, haters, and contrarians by outlining the things she loves that are basic and detailing why it’s okay to enjoy those things. She takes that message even further by emphasizing that no one should be shamed for enjoying anything they like, regardless of it’s basic or not. The negative attitude towards other people’s passions is simply unnecessary.
Personally, I have been a long time viewer of Vanderpump Rules. I have been in Stassi’s corner for a long time, just waiting for everything to finally work in her favor. I have also listened to Stassi’s podcast on and off over the past year or so, and I often look to her for fashion inspiration. When I learned she was writing a book about being “basic” and all the other silly things I too enjoy, I could not have been more excited for this next chapter of her career. With that being said, I was eagerly awaiting the announcement of a book tour!
I was ecstatic to attend this special event she did at Bloomingdales a few weeks ago! Held in the shoe and beauty departments, the event began with a photo booth, hors d’oeuvres, and a bar. I got to the event early to take an OOTD mirror photo (something Stassi is known for) and to buy a copy of the book for her to sign. When it was finally my opportunity to have Stassi sign my book and take a picture with me, I have to say that she could not have been nicer. Between the brief Q&A she did at the beginning of the event and my short one-on-one interaction with her, I truly got the impression that what we have seen of her on the show over the years is an authentic representation of herself and that the book would be just the same.
Since the book signing, the only thing that slowed me down from finishing her book sooner was my schoolwork. Midterms season is a busy and stressful time for college students everywhere, and UCLA is absolutely no exception. However, Next Level Basic is a quick read. It really will not take you very long, but I promise that it is very entertaining. Stassi’s voice and tone are prevalent throughout her book. Utilizing words such as “for realsies,” instead of “for real,” and “totes,” instead of “totally,” it feels as though Stassi is talking directly to you. Some may feel that her diction lacks a professional tone. However, I find this book refreshing because you can tell Stassi is simply talking to her readers through the book in the same way she would likely talk to her friends over a glass of wine. It feels genuine and not pretentious. She knows she is not an expert on dating and relationships, and she is not trying to pretend that she is by using fancy language and complicated syntax to mask her lack of qualifications. However, she does recognize that she has learned a thing or two about life, and there are many people out there who could benefit from hearing what she has learned. Although Next Level Basic does include serious topics like relationships and breakups (very fitting for me right now), she also discusses more light-hearted subjects such as her fashion journey, love of musical theater, and where you can find the best ranch dressing.
Next Level Basic is certainly a deviation from my typical genre of reading. I usually lean toward fictional stories that allow me to escape into another world. However, I might explore more books written by celebrities or that are part of the self-help section. It has been interesting learning about how other people approach life, and what they would do differently if they could go back in time. I personally think I am doing pretty well with my life, but this type of reading causes me to reflect and think about what my next few steps in life are.
Although Stassi’s readers are likely going to be fans of the show, who are familiar with her and interested to hear her story, I think she brings up some very good points that every woman in their early twenties should consider. Although most of why I enjoyed Next Level Basic is likely due to being part of her target audience, I recommend this book to anyone who feels that they want to be more comfortable with who they are. Enjoy your “basic” life and do not let anyone make you feel less than for doing so! Life is far too short to spend so much of it unhappy, uncomfortable, or ashamed. Proudly be your basic self!
xx
Emily
