8.30.2013

Book Style: Breakfast At Tiffany's

Breakfast At Tiffany's


Breakfast at Tiffany's by Truman Capote is an undisputed classic, although I do prefer the movie to the book in this case; I just think the movie evokes more of Holly's personality, so shoot me. I think this edition's cover is particularly apropos as it conveys the city life, 1960s, and the trademark Tiffany blue all so beautifully. Since Holly Golightly is technically a working girl, albeit a rather high-end one, I decided to play with that theme a create a corporate working girl appropriate outfit. A simple sheath, minimalist blazer and sexy but classy pumps work well together. Some Tiffany jewelry was a must, of course. I love these cat-eye frames to pay homage to the retro look this book title will always invoke in any of us that have ever seen the Audrey Hepburn film. 

8.27.2013

Book Style: The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book




I love this simple, graphic Puffins Classics cover of The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling. I don't think any outfit based on a book set in tropical India could be anything but warm weather appropriate; I decided that a dressy, Summer evening, drinks-with-friends outfit would be perfect. Leopard print trousers, a breezy white blouse and strappy flats make an easy and chic ensemble. I chose a statement making tiger ring and a more delicate elephant necklace to help draw in some of the novel's famous characters. A simple clutch and jungle green nail varnish complete the look.

8.24.2013

Link Love: 08.24.13

[image found here]

8.23.2013

Book Style: Punch

Punch



Punch by David Wondrich is a very well researched book on the origins of Punch (capital p on purpose) and contains many wonderful, historical recipes for real Punch, not the super sweet, sherbet floating, neon colored stuff we drink at receptions these days. But the cover offered up the quintessential punch pink hue and I ran with it. And if we're drinking Punch we'd better have on a fabulous party dress. Toss in a few nautical references as thanks to the sailors who most likely brought Punch's ancestor home to England for further tinkering and perfection and we've got the outfit I wish I could rock to the next Spring wedding I get invited to.

8.21.2013

Book Style: The Beekeeper's Apprentice

The Beekeeper's Apprentice



The Mister gave me The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King as a bit of a challenge for this Book Style set. It's one of my favorite books in the whole world because it is the first book in the Mary Russell series, a Sherlock Holmes pastiche. That being said, yellow is my least favorite color ever. But I have wiped the smug smile off my husband's face with this one; he just gave me a nod of approval actually. Guess it helps to know (and love) your characters so well. I wanted to maintain the tomboyish, academic look that Mary embraces throughout most of this first novel. I think I achieved that with her trademark "sturdy boots", walkable shorts, and geek-chic eyewear. The silk material of the shorts and the bling of the, oh-so-appropriate, Alexander McQueen honeybee jewelry harkens to her heiress status. Did you notice that the cozy wrap sweater also sports a honeycomb motif? And no Mary Russell outfit would ever be complete without a nod to Holmes; a 221B necklace does the trick here. Oh, I almost forgot, that delicious chocolate nail varnish is called "The Professor".

8.19.2013

Book Style: The Vesuvius Club

The Vesuvius Club



Tackling the first Lucifer Box novel, The Vesuvius Club by Mark Gatiss (yes, that Mark Gatiss), was a bit of a challenge since the color scheme didn't exactly inspire me immediately. I ended up having quite a bit of fun creating an evening look with a sexy tuxedo, though. Touches of orange and saffron really draw everything together and I love the contrast of the cream corset over the citrus-y blouse. This ring is my hidden treasure; the stone is named "volcano". Get it? Vesuvius/volcano. The scarf is another bit of insider, I've already read the novel, humor: The print is a millipede.

8.17.2013

Link Love: 08.17.13

[image found here]


8.16.2013

Fairy Tales Revisited: Little Red Riding Hood

Fairy Tales are a nice marriage of my literary loves and my love of folklore and mythology. They also make me reminiscent of the more whimsical time that exists only in childhood. So without further ado, I present my newest series that highlights some wonderful ways to pull some of our favorite childhood fairy tales into our modern lives:

Little Red Riding Hood


  1. Cutest little tote bag ever! I love this Little Red canvas tote that is tucked inside the wolf plush. I would totally carry this everywhere.
  2. These custom heels are completely out of my walk-able realm, but a girl can dream, right?
  3. As someone who wears glasses all the time, I appreciate this "All the better to see you with" soft glass case so much!
  4. This clutch is a nice mix of whimsy and glamour.
  5. I really might need this 3D Red Riding Hood necklace.
  6. Super cute Red + Wolf pillow!
  7. Antique Red Riding Hood spoon ring. This is brilliant.

8.15.2013

Book Style: The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby



While it was almost nearly instinctual to go the flapper girl route with a Gatsby-inspired outfit I decided to challenge myself and attempt something different. I think this resort outfit vibes 1920's very well. Loose and comfy pants with an Art Deco-esque structured blouse. I went ahead and brought in hints of red and coral with the accessories. Aren't those shoes to die for? A slouchy boyfriend sweater and a straw cloche help combat the elements on those Northeastern coastal beaches.

8.12.2013

Book Style: Shades Of Grey

Shades Of Grey


Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde is a great example of modern speculative fiction and should never ever be confused with 50 Shades of Grey. The book is set in the future and is a dystopian tale that focuses on a humanity that has evolved (or devolved?) to be highly sensitive to color. People live in a highly structured society built around a caste system based on the highest color a person can see naturally; Ultra-violets at the top and Greys at the bottom. 

I chose a felted wool shift because it's utilitarian and futuristic in its simplicity. I love the paint drip tights and the Pantone chip nail ring; I think they help pay homage to the colorocracy in the tale. The barcode ring and spoon earrings will make much more sense after you've read the book. (And on that note, when are we ever going to get the sequel Mr. Fforde???). I wanted to bring in the rainbow spectrum with subtlety and I think this manicure and these Jeffrey Campbell booties do a great job. I also love the rainbow hued floral necklace that is a nod to the gardens with pumped-in synthetic color that are mentioned in detail.

8.10.2013

Link Love: 08.10.13

[print available here]


8.09.2013

Book Style: Lolita

Lolita




Even if you've never read the book or watched the film, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov has become ingrained in our cultural consciousness; you say "Lolita" and people will instantly begin envisioning a seductive young girl. If you have read the book, you'll know that the narrator frequently references the titular character's complete American-ness, from her obsession with pop-culture and her teenage ways. I thought I'd sex up the girl next door with a mini circle skirt in red leather and a playful bra peeking through a basic white tee. The classic sneakers are made more playful with a strawberry print and no Lolita outfit would be complete without a red, heart-shaped lollipop necklace.

8.06.2013

Book Style: The PDT Cocktail Book

PDT


Playing with the PDT's speakeasy theme by encouraging the prohibition era's Art Deco and flapper vibes. I can just envision myself sipping on a gourmet cocktail in a dimly lit bar while wearing all of this finery. I wonder if I could manage to pull something like this together in time for the Holidays this year?

8.05.2013

Book Style: Bad Unicorn

Bad Unicorn


I had so much fun with this set. You know I loved Bad Unicorn for all of its geeky wonderfulness, so, amping up the rainbow hues in keeping with the cover art, I put together the ultimate geek girl outfit. Comfort is key here. (The truth is, I would wear this outfit everyday.) I tossed in some robot, dragon, AND unicorn jewelry since they all pop up in the book. I also, rather cheekily, chose "Princess Arcade" nail varnish which will make you giggle if you've read this wonderful book. 

8.03.2013

Link Love: 08.03.13

[image found here]


8.02.2013

Book Review: Homeward Bound


I came to this book in an odd frame of mind. See my friend Amanda had started to read it, was incensed by it, and promptly put it down and called it horrible. So when it crossed the counter at my former bookshop in Richmond I felt oddly compelled to read it, expecting to also hate it and then have something interesting to rant about on here. But Homeward Bound by Emily Matchar was a very compelling read, and, sorry Amanda, I found myself agreeing with a lot of her points.


I'll be honest, I think approaching this book as a childless woman, who works outside the home probably led to a different reaction to a lot of the points than approaching it as a mother or someone who is self-employed. So just keep that in mind for yourself. Basically this is a breakdown of the back-to-our-roots mentality that so many in my generation are embracing. Emily covers everything from the crafting resurgence (Hello Etsy!) to the homesteading phenomenon. If you want to better understand attachment parenting, homeschooling, self-sustainability or anything else even hovering on the fringe of this cultural subset I strongly suggest giving this a read. I also think a lot of our parents, mine are Boomers, would better understand the twenty-somethings desire to earn less and be more satisfied if they picked up this book and paged through. I'm going to recommend this book, even if you only read it to find out why it's been so controversial, I think you'll be better for it.