Book Style: Frankenstein

Another horror classic for this round of Book Style: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Everything but the leather jacket (unless you assume the Monster's skin was leathery?), which I used to offset the fitted-ness of the outfit, takes direct inspiration from the subject material. We've got some platform boots that pay homage to the Hollywood idea of Frankenstein's Monster's footwear. Some muscle leggings (I want! I want!) and an anatomy print tea work surprisingly well together. The anatomical heart necklace and spine-adorned knuckle clutch are a brilliant touch, if I do say so myself. And to top it all off, some lightning bolt earrings to get the monster off the table and lurching around.

Book Style: Dracula

Bram Stoker's Dracula is a horror classic and has been the source of inspiration and fascination for writers and Hollywood for years. I decided I would create an outfit worthy of one of my favorite fantasy heroines, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Sexy heels and crimson lingerie compete with kick ass dark denim and a vibrant leather jacket. The jewelry is my favorite part of this all around rad outfit: A sparkly fang ring, bat stud earrings, and a stake necklace. Love it! Maybe if Mina had rocked this outfit (and attitude) I would have had more sympathy for her.

Book Style: Jane Eyre

Today is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. Can I just say that I want to wear this outfit everyday for the rest of the Fall. EVERY DAY. All very proper and polished without being too fancy, much like our titular heroine. And isn't this cape/jacket thingy just too perfect? I chose this necklace, not only to bring in the touch of red on the cover, but because it reminded my of the flames that are a constant threat (and eventual salvation) in the novel.

Book Style: Animal Farm

I've been working up the courage to tackle this cover for George Orwell's Animal Farm for a while now; it seems so easy but it was really difficult. Mostly because, despite the satirical nature, the plot isn't all that fun and vibrant like this color palette. I went with some military inspiration since the book addresses some militaristic tendencies inherent in the Russian Communist revolution. I also tossed in that vintage Russian wedding band to pay homage to the subject material. A cute little piggy necklace is a nod to Orwell's talking animal leads. 

Book Style: The Picture Of Dorian Gray

I love this book. I'm a weird Dorian Gray/Oscar Wilde fangirl.  I couldn't put together a The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde outfit without having it be a party outfit. Seriously, Wilde is my consistent answer to the "Who, living or dead, would you like to have dinner with?" question. I also had to have a purple velvet jacket. Don't ask me why, but I cannot think of Dorian or Oscar without imagining them in a lush, purple velvet evening jacket. The skull ring is an nice nod to the eponymous picture and also helps draw some excellent parallels between the opulence of modern rock'n'roll and the similar opulence of the aestheticism movement that Wilde was so central in. Some dark, skinny jeans, supple gray booties, and a glitter clutch round out the outfit.

Book Style: Pride And Prejudice

This particular Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen cover is just too much fun. So much black and white graphic goodness to play with. I decided to offset all of the fun with some nods to the more proper British attitudes reflected in the novel. An equestrian style blazer and some high heeled spectator shoes may not be quite era-appropriate but they lend the necessary air of dignity to the glitzy tights and polka dot umbrella. And of course, Lizzie and her Mr. Darcy must have their love proclaimed via this adorable double finger ring.

Book Style: Alice In Wonderland

Something a little different today. 

I think I've mentioned my insatiable Alice love before and I'm not alone; the whimsical classics Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass have inspired many awesome covers over the years. I whittled down six of my favorites and included a tea cup for the Mad Hatter's tea party with each one. Some highlights from each one:

1. I love the whole '20s vibe that this cover has. And aren't those heeled Mary Janes ah.maze.ing?
2. I would wear this every day. The "Drink Me" necklace and White Rabbit ring enhance the playful vibe that starts with the striped tights.
3. So psychedelic and edgy. 
4. The most classic of all the looks, what with the blue and white and all. I love the idea of wearing that playful Cheshire Cat ring with a business outfit.
5. I love these colors together (no really, my kitchen is rapidly headed in this direction) and rompers as evening wear is where it's at. You'll take note that this is the only time I gave in and included and Alice band. Lot's of the Red Queen's roses here, too.
6. Poppy brights and adorable White Rabbit earrings are perfectly toughened up with the stompin' boots and leather jacket. Perfect for causing a ruckus with the Hatter.

Book Style: The Hell Screen

The Hell Screen by I. J. Parker is a detective mystery set in 11th century Japan. I don't know why the combo of Japanese and detective sent me straight to a '70s vibe, but it did. I think a classic cheongsam style blouse (I know it's not Japanese, but I was going for Asian) offsets dark-rinse denim flares wonderfully. Platform, black velvet Dragon heels will be perfect peeking out of the jean's hem. A trench coat is a detective must-have and I love this mustard colored one from Burberry. Some jade and dragon jewelry plays with the rich colors and the theme. Bright leather gloves and a oversized fedora complete the '70s PI look.

Book Style: A Clockwork Orange

I love me some A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess. This cover ties in nicely with the look of the Kubrick film and offers a nice opportunity to play with color. Some bright turquoise pants and a crisp white button down do a droog proud when paired with suspenders and some knee high Doc Martens. I would totally rock this bowler style cap in real life, so it gets included here. Pops of orange on a classic watch, nail varnish, and a Alex-approved sexy mesh bra add some great flair. Some simple emerald studs and the requisite false eyelashes complete the look. I decided that some bright yellow headphones were also necessary in order to listen to your favorite show tunes and classical composers.

Book Style: To Kill A Mockingbird

I've made Scout into a modern young lady with this To Kill a Mockingbird outfit. I think Harper Lee would be pleased with my bird motif Toms for Scout, they do support a worthy cause, after all. A playful and comfy romper and cardigan combo is perfect for Scout's no nonsense tomboy mentality. A lightweight scarf, colorful watch, and pretty necklace bring everything together. And I just couldn't resist these "Atticus" sunglasses.