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.