You Are Not Alone

Fashion and appearance form an important motif in the novel, reflecting both the Moore sisters’ manipulation and Shay’s own insecurity. One of the first qualities Shay notices about Cassandra and Jane is their chic, seemingly effortless style. Shay is sure that much of their confidence and charisma are rooted in their stylishness, and she is thrilled when they suggest a makeover.

Shay does not realize that style is only one piece of the sisters’ identity and that the makeover is part of their broader manipulative interest in Shay. The makeover is, in reality, part of the sisters’ attempt to make Shay appear dangerously obsessed with Amanda by making her look as much like Amanda as possible. This, in combination with Shay’s interest in Amanda’s life, her appearance at Amanda’s funeral and former place of work, and the fact that she moved into Amanda’s old apartment, will make it appear as though Shay wants to be Amanda. The self-confidence the makeover provides Shay also further indebts her to the sisters, with Shay failing to realize that she is allowing someone else to shape her identity for her.

Shay also receives a handbag filled with items from Cassandra and Jane.