Some weeks, the news has you wondering, “can I get a little honesty? And fun? And maybe a cocktail?” Fortunately, the actress, and now-author, Jessica Alba arrives Friday to sign copies of her new book The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You (Rodale Books, $23) at 5 p.m., as part of Bethesda’s fifth annual fashion event, “The Front Row.” The three-day extravaganza takes place in the swanky-yet-charming Bethesda Row, where select restaurants and bars will offer specials, and over 35 fashion events will grace the nearby streets.
The Honest Life has broad appeal to Alba’s fan base, who may admire her for her films as well as her dedication to a chemical-free, “honest” lifestyle. The book is a catalog of guidance and tips on eco-friendly home upkeep and decor, beauty, style, and child rearing. In each chapter, Alba recounts stories about her upbringing or personal experience with certain products or diets. She also includes a section of helpful resources, like her favorite blogs, books, and brands, and a comprehensive sketchy ingredient spreadsheet. Oh, and lots of pretty pictures throughout.
What qualifies the Dark Angel to write such a book? In 2008, then-pregnant Alba met Chris Gavigan, the CEO of Healthy Child Healthy World, a nonprofit group that warns parents about their children’s exposure to hazardous chemicals. Though Alba was concerned about the risks of chemicals, she was overwhelmed and confused by what products to use as a new mother. Together, Gavigan and Alba launched an “unquestionably safe, eco-friendly, beautiful, convenient, and affordable” family essentials line, The Honest Company. She says the two of them road-test every item prototype at home on their own families. Her hope is that the line and book will help women and parents navigate their choices “until we get the laws fixed” in Washington. Despite Alba’s clear advantage in ensuring she has the best products available, the book strives to make “the honest life” accessible to all.
The signing will be held outside Redwood Restaurant and Bar (7121 Bethesda Lane) until 6:30 p.m. It will be followed by The Front Row’s headliner event at 7:30, a runway fashion show featuring 15 Bethesda clothing retailers’ spring, summer, and some of the fall collections. The show will be emceed by Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne, owners of the Georgetown Cupcake chain.
More information is available at bethesdarow.com/front-row.
