3.28.2016

Character Style: Ronald Bilius Weasley

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). 


3.27.2016

Character Style: Hermione Jean Granger

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. 


3.26.2016

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban

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.


3.24.2016

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets

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?



3.19.2016

Book Style: Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone

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.