Book Style: How To Be A Woman

I don't know why it took me so long to actually read How To Be a Woman by Caitlin Moran. I kept looking at it and going "Me. This book was written for me," but it never quite made it to the top of my reading pile. Honestly, this is the funniest, most honest, and personally resonating book I've read in ages. It's quite literally laugh-out-loud funny. I had to stop reading it in public because my poker face is nonexistent and when I'm amused my face apparently looks like an oasis of happiness to complete strangers who never let me get back to my reading once they inquire about it... sorry, personal rant. Not that I'm opposed to discussing the glory that is Ms. Moran's book. In fact, we can discuss it for ages. We can discuss all the books written by kickass women all the time. And if by some modern miracle Caitlin - it's cool if I call you "Caitlin" right? -  is reading this right now, please know I will gladly and proudly call myself a strident feminist anytime, anywhere, anywhen.

I really just wanted to recreate Caitlin's cover look: Red and white polka dot dress, black cardigan, black tights, brown boots, and a black belt. Of course, I did add some of my own touches, mostly inspired by the book and the subject material. I had to include some wicked eyeliner since that is a staple of Caitlin's makeup repertoire and mine as well. The hat is a whimsical touch, one I deemed necessary because I love hats, and, let's face it, we don't all have hair as fab as Caitlin's. A simple yet sweet "Feminist" pin that I really want to adorn all my bags (yes plural, I might have a tote bag addiction, so what? back off!) "Rock n' Roll" guitar pick earrings, "Rock n' Roll Nugget" bracelet, and a microphone necklace are a nod to Caitlin's career as a music journalist and television presenter.  I think the phone case should be pretty self-explanatory. "Bad Romance" nail lacquer (look at the sparkle!) is a bit of an homage to one of Caitlin's and my feminist idols - Lady Gaga. Finally, although they should go on first, is this bra and panty set. It's from Lonely Lingerie which advocates women wearing pretty knickers for themselves and they are high-waisted, architectural wonders that even Ms. Moran would approve of for their bum-coverage and practicality.

Have you read it? What did you think?

Book Style: Sexy Feminism

Sexy Feminism by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong and Heather Wood Rudúlph has been my go-to recommendation for women (and men) trying to dip their toes into women's studies and feminist reading since I first skimmed it a little over a year ago. This time I sat myself down and read it cover to cover, taking time to reflect on the end of chapter questions and action points, and digging my teeth into some of the referred web sites and literature. This time reading Sexy Feminism was a breath of fresh air for my psyche and a warm hug for my soul. I tend to be quiet about my values and beliefs because I grew up surrounded by voices that differed from mine. It's taken me most of my adult life so far to even really come to understand what my own beliefs are on several points. But I do know I believe in the radical idea that women are people who deserve the exact same rights as men. And if you believe women aren't property and shouldn't be denied basic rights because of their gender, then you too are a feminist. Saying it loud and proud is a freeing experience that I recommend to everyone. If even Taylor Swift can learn that feminism does not equal being a misandrist or being unfeminine (although it's totally cool if you want to dress, act, look more masculine) then everyone can get over the media-imposed implication of the word and start embracing it for what it actually is. Read this book. If you still have questions, send them my way. Talking openly about feminism is something I'm embracing.

This Book Style is a bit different, it's not really an outfit just a bunch of awesome lady-power oriented swag. From pro-feminism messages to clothing and jewelry from lady-run and women-friendly companies to products inspired by some of my own personal feminist icons - Lady Gaga, Wonder Woman, Frida Kahlo, the trio behind the Blogcademy (Shauna Haider, Kat Williams, and Gala Darling). Check out my own choices. Find your own. Research companies manufacturing and advertising practices to ensure they are kind to women. Throw your money at small businesses run by women. Read feminist literature. Read books by women. Buy the children in your life books by women and about women. Dress how you want because you want to. Pick a feminist hero; and yeah, they'll probably all have a flaw or two, we're all human after all.