2016: A Year In Books

2016 was, in general, a giant dumpster fire of a year and, quite honestly, not my personal greatest year, either. That being said, I am finally reading again. Not quite back up to my old numbers but I did surpass my goal of 30 books this year by reading 39 titles total - totalling 11872 pages! And I don't feel the need to justify some of them being graphica. Huge progress for me. After the jump is a rundown of my 2016 in books:

Book Style: The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas is this year's holiday Book Style. The classic poem by Clement C. Moore has been adapted more times and ways that I can count. This Little Golden Book edition is part of my childhood. This is 100% a Christmas Day outfit: Cozy, fun, and festive.

Start off with a pair of reindeer and snowflake leggings and a graphic St. Nick tee. Toss on a warm reindeer cardigan to cuddle up in with your cup of nog. I adore these chimney socks and I really enjoy the idea of celebrating the famously quiet mouse  -"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" - with these mousey slip on shoes. I literally live in beanies, indoors and out, this time of year and this "Sugar Plum" beanie seems perfect to me. Adorn yourself with a Christmas tree watch, Santa necklace, reindeer earrings, a holly ring, and a gift bow ring. Now enjoy your holiday! 

Book Style: The Visitors

I fell in love really hard with this book. The Visitors by Simon Sylvester is magical, haunting, beautiful, angsty, and dreamy. Really all of my favorite adjectives. This is one of those rare books where I was as, if not more, fascinated by the characters and their development as I was into the plot. The story follows Flora, in her final year of school, itching to escape her stifling island life on (the fictional island) Bancree. Flora's prediction of a boring final year is interrupted by two mysteries: a unexpected new neighbor and the disappearances of some local men. Her tentative investigations overlap with a writing assignment on local mythology - her chosen subject is selkies. As she bonds with the new neighbor, Ailsa, the story dips and twists into a fatastically unexpected conclusion.

I went for a Flo-ish outfit with this Book Style. I had to find a red skirt, to represent the one Ailsa gifts to Flo. I paired it with a "Storyteller" bralette (which features a print reminiscent of a bandana) and a "Flora" tank. Fish print tights and "Ailsa" boots take care of the lower half. A plaid cardigan is a nod towards the traditional plaids of the Scottish setting and will keep you warm on the blustery Scottish coast. I had to include something from Song of the Sea because of the selkie connection and found an adorable backpack that Flo would've found perfect for carrying her collected notes in. The jewelry includes a driftwood necklace, a "Flora" bracelet, a whisky quartz ring, and a set of "Hope" earrings.

If you're looking for your next read and want something transportive with a touch of magical realism, please give this one a shot.

7 Stunningly Gorgeous Feminist Coffee Table Books

Look, I'm a cover snob. I have no problem admitting it. I will straight up buy way too many copies of beautiful books that I may not even love that much because of the pretty. I have also eschewed buying books I loved because I really hate their cover aesthetic. What can I say? I'm judgy. At least when it comes to the items that adorn my shelves. I don't want my books to be merely pleasing to the eye, I want them to matter to me, to say something about me. I want people to come over to my home and see the enticing pile of books on my coffee table (and side tables, and bookshelves, and teetering near the couch on the floor) and really get me. I want to impress people with my brain and my taste by the simple expedient of proudly displaying the books I want to share with the world. So feminist coffee table books are definitely up my alley. Seriously, my "Books" list on Amazon is really skewed towards gorgeous feminist coffee table books (and children's picture books...). Gorgeous and feminist. Have I said that enough? Okay, good. Now that y'all are on board let's explore your options from bringing a few feminist jewels to your own home!

Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen Illustrator Ann Shen's first book is stunning. This book profiles famous and infamous women who rocked the history books. We've got Josephine Baker, Lilith, Abigail Adams, Ching Shih, and Dolly Parton just to name a handful of the 100 bodaciously radical babes inside. Check out her website for even more of her gorgeous art.

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz and illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl A follow-up to their Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!, Schatz and Klein Stahl have once again compiled a beautiful and informative book accessible to all ages. The subjects range from the ancient Sumerian princess Enheduanna to Colombian street artist Bastardilla and from Beyoncé-approved Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie to 16th Century Irish Chieftain Gráinne Mhaol (aka Grace O'Malley). Check out Stahl's website for more fantastic art.

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World by Rachel Ignotofsky Women in STEM fields! One of the prettiest books I've held in my hands in ages! Ignotosky's drool-worthy illustrations accompany pages on Hypatia, Ada Lovelace, Patricia Bath, Katherine Johnson, Marie Curie and 45 other brilliant dames. Head to Ignotosky's website for more artwork (and a downloadable screensaver!)

i am enough: An Adult Coloring Book for the Feminist in All of Us by Melissa Dojcsak of Penwomanship How about an inspiring, beautiful, feminist book you can color as you please? With a cover this gorgeous and illustrations to make your colored-pencil loving heart sore, I can't think of any reason why this doesn't belong on your coffee table. Check out Penwomanship for even more fantastic art from Dojcsak.

Feminist Ryan Gosling: Feminist Theory (as Imagined) from Your Favorite Sensitive Movie Dude by Danielle Henderson Maybe you prefer a touch of humor for your company to peruse as they perch on your sofa? Or maybe just some good old fashioned eye candy? Henderson doesn't disappoint with this book spun off from her insanely popular (now mostly defunct) tumblr. Take it from me, on a bad day "Hey girl"s from the maybe Mr. Eva Mendes will brighten your day.

In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney Slated for release in early October 2016, this one is already on my holiday list. Beautiful photographs accompany interviews with, like the title says, over 100 women. Women who have forged their own paths in the entrepreneurial world. Chefs, designers, writers, restauranteurs, and artists fill the pages of Bonney's book. As lovely as it is inspiring; add it to your lists now.

The Book of Jezebel: An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Lady Things by Anna Holmes Jezebel's founding ladyship has created the perfect hybrid between reference and coffee table book here. Covering the ABCs of womanhood - Abortions, Barbarella, and Casting Couches, that is - this book is full of tidbits about everything that affects the "fairer" sex. Honestly, this one really made me stop and consider how many, seemingly disconnected, objects, trends, and people affect how women are perceived by society.

Book Style: Much Ado About Nothing

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Continuing our adventure in Shakespearean Book Styles, today we're styling Much Ado About Nothing. For those unfamiliar with it's slightly complex plot - seriously, I love The Bard's comedies, but an Abbot and Costello routine is often easier to follow - let me give you a brief outline: Benedick and Beatrice secretly love each other, but don't even know it themselves, so spend all their time flirting bickering while their friends scheme to set them up. Claudio and Hero fall head-over-heels in love before an asshole named Don John tricks Claudio into believing Hero has been unfaithful, leading to Claudio slut-shaming her on their planned wedding day. Before the truth is revealed and all the lovers can be reunited Hero "dies from shame". When Don John's plans are finally uncovered, a distraught Claudio is forced by Hero's father (who's been bankrolling the insane amount of festivities the entire play, btw) to publicly un-slander Hero and to marry Hero's "cousin" who is really Hero-who-only-faked-her-death because nothing says true love like being called a whore and then giving your One True Love™ a heart attack from shock at the altar. I always like the bickering Beatrice and Benedick better, anyways. 

Onto the actual clothing. I drew inspiration for this outfit from a modern Italian donna di mondo. I paired this "Claudio" skirt with a military-style sleeveless blouse for the sheer joy of contrast, floaty meets regimented. A "Real Hero" leather jacket easily takes this look into colder temps. These "Margaret" booties also transition nicely into colder temps - just add tights when you get chilly! A striking "Beatrice" tote bag and a "Beatrice" rose crown are so delightfully Italian to me. A statement "Hero" bracelet pairs nicely with a "Gossip" citrine ring, "Ursula" tassel necklace, and masquerade-worthy earrings. A pair of "Benedict" aviators add the perfect incognito touch. 

Book Style + Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, inspired by an original story by J. K. Rowling is the subject of today's Book Style. I'm going to talk about the book below in more detail, since it's a bit spoiler heavy, so let's jump right into the Book Style.

A pair of black Harry's jeans and a vibrant "Ginny" tank form the base. On top I've added a "Stockholm Syndrome" cardigan for an extra witchy vibe and because I have some feels about how Delphi was raised. A pair of magical "Scorpius" sneakers and a "Magic Touch" hat will keep the tip and the toes covered. For jewelry I added a "Rubber & Magic" ring, a serpent arm band, an Augurey-inspired feather necklace, and a pair of skull earrings. For accessories I chose a "Witch Craft" clutch, a black magic phone case, and a pair of "B'witched" sunglasses to hide that evil gleam in your eyes. The final touch is a bit of sparkly "Dirty Baby" nail lacquer.

Okay, onto my thoughts about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Careful, SPOILERS ahead!

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I won't be the first person to proclaim that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child gave me a lot of mixed feelings. Unlike some people, I'm okay with the story continuing. I'm even okay with the play as a whole - even if I wish it wasn't ONLY a play. Losing Jo's voice, as integral to the world of Harry Potter as the Boy Who Lived, himself, is a bit of a blow to the emotional depth of the story. And reading a play always means experiencing less character insight than a novel allows. We are suddenly stripped of the inner monologues, the nuanced emotions, the narrative point of view. If I saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live in London, I believe that I wouldn't be mourning this lack of intimacy. I like to think I'm blessed with a fairly creative imagination and Jack Thorne's stage direction allowed me to get a sense of what being in the theater would actually be like, but reading it on paper is cold. I would recommend really looking at the cast and performance photos ahead of time to help envision the characters better. I will admit that picturing them as the overdone "aged" versions from the final film never worked well for me. With the lack of physical descriptions in the script, I found it easier to see them that way.

What I do love about the direction that Jo guided Thorne and John Tiffany in is that the play addresses a few of the qualms I had with her original ending. They are able to add a bit more depth to Dumbledore and Snape by acknowledging that while admirable in their sacrifices, they were deeply flawed humans. I'm still not sure how I feel about Voldemort and Bellatrix getting it on. I know Bellatrix would've been all about it, but Voldemort always struck me as being incredibly asexual. I can't picture him getting off on anything but power and cruelty. Maybe the were into BDSM. Or maybe they used some sort of magical in vitro to produce an heir of the Heir of Slytherin. So, that's weird. I hate that Delphi misses out on an opportunity at being a more three dimensional character by being introduced in a play and losing out on us seeing her better. Not thrilled that there's an air of being desperate for daddy's approval, either. I feel like making her evil in her own right would have been a better move. Voldemort's heir would surely want power for herself in her father's absence, not to bring him back to power. Maybe if they'd elaborated on her background more and her upbringing and how much indoctrination she had actually been subjected to. Ah, if wishes were horses... All in all, I am glad I read it and I enjoyed dipping my toes back into the magical world of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

If you're on the fence about this one, I would recommend it with a couple of caveats: Remember it's a play. Remember that it isn't a story about Harry, it's a story about Albus and Scorpius.

Book Style: Twelfth Night

Next up in my Shakespeare Book Style series is the comedy Twelfth Night. Fun fact, I can never spell "twelfth" correctly; assume that every instance here was accompanied by a squiggly red line of vocabulary judgement. Twelfth Night is a fun romp filled with love triangles, devious co-workers, and mistaken identities.

For this outfit I wanted to play with the idea of masculine/feminine dressing. I have a deeply rooted love of androgyny that my curves defy at every sartorial turn, so any excuse to really bust out the menswear makes my heart extra happy. Let's start with a pair of "Olivia" skinny jeans and a "Buck Gender Roles" t-shirt (also available as a tank!). Nothing embraces the long-standing tradition of women borrowing from the boys like the tuxedo and a pale pink tuxedo jacket brings the style game up a level here. Pro tip: Dress up jeans and a tee in seconds with a blazer, it will never get old. Another "masculine" silhouette meets "feminine" coloring with the pale pink brogues. I had to sneak in a pair of yellow socks for poor Malvolio - I can't be the only one who really pities this poor schmuck! A pair of bright blue suspenders adds some cheek to the menswear theme. Echoing the same vibrant cobalt with this envelope clutch, perfect for securing messages, ties the look together.

Now onto jewelry. A pearl ring can be used to woo your very own Cesario, should you choose. On the other hand (pun, so so so intended), a "Love Triangle" ring also fits the bill. A "Sebastian" watch brings in the masculine element to the jewelry selection while "Olivia" earrings reflect the love triangle theme yet again. Finally, sport a tiny fake mustache with this quirky little septum ring!

Book Style: The Tempest

Today's Book Style is another of my favorites from Shakespeare, The Tempest. (At this point, I think I may try and tackle all of his plays, even Hamlet.) The Tempest is such a stark play, and one of the few that does not bear an easy lineage. I love the blending of mythologies (Ariel, Juno, Ceres and Iris) and the brand of magic Prospero wields, based so much on words and knowledge. 

For the Book Style, I wanted to dress a modern day Miranda. I imagine her being less shipwreck-chic and more aristocrat-stranded-in-Bali. The outfit starts with a pair of flowy "Tempest" pants and a cropped floral bustier in "Storm Blue". I added a long, lightweight red cardigan to help insulate from stormy gales and sea mist. For the feet I chose a pair of earthy "Ariel" platforms. A sorcerer's daughter stranded with ample luxury goods would of course drape herself in jewelry. A pair of "Magic" threader earrings, a "Storm" accent earring, a "Prospero" watch, "Magic Eye" and "Miranda" rings, a "Duke" bracelet, and a "Work Your Magic" necklace will certainly help her win Ferdinand's heart. Finishing the look with "Shoreline Sea Foam" nail lacquer and a smokey "Sycorax" eye shadow embraces the dual ethereal and dark aspects of this play. 

Book Style: Macbeth

When it comes to Shakespeare I tend to favor the darker and more fantastical plays to the dryer histories or the romances. Macbeth reigns supreme for me. Perhaps it's because it is The Bard's shortest play. Although, I think it's probably because the women have all of the power and fortitude. Lady Macbeth is evil, but she's in control - even if she doesn't get a first name! The three witches set all the events of the play in motion with nothing but their words. Just wonderful. The men are all reactionary, while them women are decisive and ambitious and manipulative. 

For a Macbeth Book Style, tartan was a must. But then I fell in love with this possibly-faux-tartan shirt dress and I don't care if it's authentic or not. To keep the legs toasty I added this beyond-perfect pair of dagger tights. On top a McDuff cardigan - I know it's "MacDuff" technically, but Anglicized names come in many not-quite-right varieties. On the feet, a pair of blood splattered pumps will really get under Lady Macbeth's skin. A Macbeth book clutch is a must-have for this outfit, too. For jewelry, I chose a "Dagger" necklace, "Thunder" earrings,  a "Witch" ID bracelet, and a "King and Queen" ring. Add a touch of "Hecate" lip paint to your pout and go assassinate a king or two.*

*For serious, do not assassinate anybody, no matter how tempting.

Book Style: Lullaby

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I love me some Chuck Palahniuk. His twisted brain speaks to me. The very first thing I ever read of his was Lullaby. It still remains one of my favorites. For those of you not familiar with the basic plot, Carl Streator is a newspaper reporter assigned to work on a piece about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Streator, himself, lost his wife and infant child suddenly. As work progresses on his article he notices a disturbing pattern: All of the families involved had a copy of Poems and Rhymes Around the World open to an African "culling song"; the same poem he read his wife and child the night they passed. Streator eventually realizes the culling song works and sets out with a real estate agent, Helen Hoover Boyle, to destroy all the remaining copies of the poem to prevent further deaths. Joining them on their hunt is Helen's assistant, Mona Sabbat, and Mona's boyfriend, Oyster. 

For this Book Style I was channelling Mona more than any other character. A little bit punk, a little bit hippie, a lot of I-do-as-I-please. Also, next time I say I'm going to style a book with a predominantly white cover, sit me down and ask me to reevaluate my decisions! I started with these denim shorts that honestly tie more into the book cover than the book in anyway. I tossed a pair of white fishnets on the legs. An oversized white "Rhymes" tee and an oyster-colored, vegan-friendly moto jacket have the top half covered. For shoes, a pair of "Rhyme" boots in "white peace" will keep your feet comfy and dry while you road trip the country in search of a killer poem. A "Carl" belt adds some weight to the outfit.For jewelry I fell in love with this skull nose ring and "Until Death Do Us Part" ring. A "Mona" pendant and a pair of "Africa" gold studs rounds out the ensemble. 

Does anyone else love Mr. Palahniuk as much as I do? What's your favorite book?

Book Style: The Island

Fact: I rarely like non-fantasy YA.
'nother Fact: I adored Olivia Levez's The Island.

Definitely recommending this gritty and realistic novel which absolutely earns the comparisons it has garnered to Robinson Crusoe and Hatchet. Our protagonist, Frances, is sentenced to a work program on an island in the Indian Ocean in lieu of jail time for her crime. When the plane carrying her, the group leaders, and her fellow juvenile delinquents crashes in the middle of the ocean, Fran's survival skills are put to the ultimate test. There's nothing like hours of solitary time on a deserted beach to really think about the consequences of her actions, either. By the time it turns out that Fran's island may not be as deserted as she assumed, you'll be rooting for this unlikely, and often bristly, hero.

I wanted to do beach-worthy and youthful for today's Book Style. It's not Fran's exact outfit - I refuse to style Spongebob bikini bottoms. Honestly, I'm so far from teenage now that I'm not even sure a 16 year old girl would wear anything I style. Anyways...

Let's start with a "Castaway" bikini. (Not pictured: All the sunscreen you'll want to apply. And reapply. And reapply again.) A pair of "Love Yourself" denim cutoffs seemed appropriate for Fran's journey. A "Françoise À La Mer" tee on top keeps the look easy. A pair of terrier leather flip flops are surely something Fran would love; she has a soft spot for pups, after all. I kept the jewelry simple with sparkly fish earrings, a fishtail bracelet, and an "Indian Ocean" necklace. In the category of Things-Fran-Would've-Loved-To-Have-Had-Handy we have a bright blue pair of aviators and an adorable shark iPhone case. Of course, even stranded, Fran was never without her eyeliner (this one is "Delinquent") and her nail lacquer (this sandy taupe is "Coconuts").

If you want to entertain and challenge your DIY survival skills, check out Olivia Levez's tutorial on how to make a shoes out of your bra!

Character Style: Ronald Bilius Weasley

Ronald Bilius Weasley. Resident smartass of Hogwarts. So used to existing in his brothers' shadows that being friends with super-famous, albeit against his will, Harry Potter seems to be a fairly natural fit for Ron. The thing is, Ron is actually a talented Quidditch player and an incredibly loyal friend - thus, a natural Gryffindor. His nerves and his belief that he is always second best often work against him, but Ron deserves better from his own self-esteem. Even Dumbledore was so aware of Ron's crippling insecurities that he had the foresight to gift him the deluminator. He's also crazy good at Wizard's chess. He's a professional curser, and is often scolded by Hermione for sprinkling in one too many foul words. 

Ron is the sixth of seven Weasley children, and the youngest son. Therefore he's not only "The King" on the Quidditch pitch but also the king of hand-me-downs. He's your standard grade Weasley: Flame red hair, fair skin, and ample freckles. He has blue eyes and is described as "tall and lanky", although, in my book, 5'9 isn't particularly tall. Maybe I'm biased since I'm 5'10 and my 6'4 husband thinks I'm short. Ron often complains about all the maroon he's forced to wear, but it's actually oddly endearing against his ginger locks, and I secretly think he prefers it. He's going to be found wearing trainers, jeans, and comfy tees most of the time. In the winter he'll be bundled up under one of his mum's famous hand-knit Christmas sweaters. The only new things his parent's were ever been able to afford to give him are a new wand (to replace the one mangled by the Whomping Willow) as a reward for his bravery and his watch gifted on his 17th birthday (a traditional coming of age gift for wizards). 

Character Style: Hermione Jean Granger

Trying something new out today: Character Styles! For my first trip down this dangerous new rabbit hole of inspiration, I went with Hermione from the Harry Potter. Only fitting since I'm in the midst of my Harry Potter Book Style series. 

Hermione is whip-smart and shares my overwhelming need to impart her knowledge on the less informed. (I'm sorry, I know it comes off as being a bossy know-it-all, but we just can't help ourselves.) She's also always concerned for the welfare of innocents and less powerful magical creatures and believes in equality with a ferocity I admire. I think she would be a pretty fierce environmentalist, even if she doesn't natural gravitate towards Herbology. She's also, definitely, a bonafide #feministkilljoy!

Physically, she has a rather unruly head of brown curls that she often wears loose or restrains in a braid. For special occasions she has been known to go through the effort of straightening it out into sleek updo's. Her brown eyes are usually buried in a book; the library is one of her favorite haunts. She's more concerned with studies than fashion, so her (off-duty) wardrobe is a mix of casual basics. Comfy t-shirts, oversized sweaters and hoodies. Denim and practical footwear. When she does dress up, for the Yule Ball or Bill & Fleur's wedding, she favors shades of lilac and periwinkle and stuns in simple silhouettes and jewelry. She would, of course, always have a watch on her, can't be late after all. I've never pictured Hermione being particularly fussed about makeup, either. Natural look at most. She's definitely always got a book on her, though. 

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

For the third Potter book, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, I wanted to do a lady-Sirius. As flawed as Sirius is as a character - I mean he makes Harry look like a downright calm, rational planner - I do still love and feel for him. The sacrifices he made out of loyalty to James are heart-wrenching. This outfit is less Sirius-post-Azkaban and more how I imagine a teenage girl version of Sirius would dress!

Of course I stuck with the motorcycle aesthetic. We have to annoy mum somehow! A pair of skinnies in "Grim Shadows Grey" tuck right into a pair of "Remus" boots. On top we'll toss on a witches tee under a "Shaggy Dog" sweater. Slip into a rebelliously bright motorcycle jacket and cinch your waist with a "Prisoner" belt before we move on and discuss accessories. 

A "Sirius" bracelet for your wrist and a rat ring for your fingers. "Moon Phase" earrings will add a bit of sparkle to your ears while a stag necklace will show the whole school where your true loyalties lie. Lacquer up your nails with "Shattered Souls" gold glitter polish and grab a "Stag" bag to hold all your books contraband and the marauders' map. Now off to the Shrieking Shack you go, Lupin is waiting for his pals.

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

For Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets I knew I wanted to focus on Ginny. Because Ginny is the best and the movies do her no justice. Ginny survived being possessed by Voldemort. Ginny is a super talented witch. Ginny doesn't let anyone tell her what to do. Team Ginny! Sorry, I get excited about my favorite Weasley. Basically, this is a look I can picture Ginny rocking at school. 

For the outfit let's start with some Gryffindor panties first, then toss on a vibrant, phoenix-red mini skirt with a comfy, oversized "Ginny" sweater. Pull on some over-the-knee Hogwarts crest socks because socks are very important to this story. *sniff* Dobby *sniff*. Finally, pull on a pair of "Elf" booties and grab your car handbag before the Whomping Willow gets to it.

Moving onto accessories we have a phoenix phone case, naturally. A spider watch on your wrist, a diary key necklace and a toilet necklace (I'm sorry, but I'm so in love with this one) around your neck, a pair of broomstick earrings dangling from your ears, and a Slytherin-worthy snake ring complete the look.

Anybody else share my love of Ginny? Do you hate movie Ginny as much as I do? Does anyone else think Bonnie Wright made an adorable younger Ginny but didn't really grow into the role well?

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone

I don't know if I've ever discussed just how much of a Potterhead I am. Like full-fledged obsessed. I read the first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone the summer between my junior and senior year of high school while on vacation. Our family friends' granddaughter's copy was lying about and I picked it up out of boredom and I didn't put it back down until I'd read the final lines. I was hooked. I managed to read the next 3 books by borrowing them from various children in my life (usually my cousin's step-kids). By that time, I was caught up and waiting for the next publication dates. My anxiety doesn't allow for midnight release chaos, but I was at Barnes & Noble each of the following weeks consuming too many danishes, bagels and coffees as I read through the fresh hardcovers. For those of you who may poo-poo reading books in a bookstore for free, I took immaculate care of the books, never stained, creased or bent the spines (that's why I only read hardcovers this way) and I did eventually buy the boxed set! Anyways. I love this series and have recently been doing yet another reread of it. I'm currently in the middle of Half Blood Prince and I have been reminded why that film infuriates me with 1) How many plot points got changed or omitted and 2) What they did to my strong, fierce Ginny... grrr. All this blather is my way of introducing a new Book Style series on the Potter books. Gotta have something to occupy myself until November and the release of Fantastic Beasts!

Okay onto the outfit. Toss a Hogwarts tee under your very own Gryffindor Quidditch varsity jacket. Slip into a pair of "Harrys" distressed skinny jeans and slide your feet into a pair of Gryffindor socks and a pair of "Wizard" boots. A Gryffindor headband will keep those untamed Hermione-esque curls in check and this adorable "Owl Post" clutch is the perfect place to stash your invisibility cloak or wand. For jewelry we have a Gryffindor charm necklace, a "Wizardly" onyx bracelet, a beautiful pair of "Sorcerer" earrings, and, of course, A Golden Snitch ring.

Which of the books are you most excited to see an outfit for? I'm looking forward to Half Blood Prince when I can really break into the Slytherin colors! Being a Slytherin, myself, and all.