Tackling the first Lucifer Box novel, The Vesuvius Club by Mark Gatiss (yes, that Mark Gatiss), was a bit of a challenge since the color scheme didn't exactly inspire me immediately. I ended up having quite a bit of fun creating an evening look with a sexy tuxedo, though. Touches of orange and saffron really draw everything together and I love the contrast of the cream corset over the citrus-y blouse. This ring is my hidden treasure; the stone is named "volcano". Get it? Vesuvius/volcano. The scarf is another bit of insider, I've already read the novel, humor: The print is a millipede.
Search This Blog
8.19.2013
8.17.2013
Link Love: 08.17.13
[image found here] |
- Have you ever committed any of these common makeup mistakes? I know I sure have.
- I think this might be my favorite story of the year: A Russian man counter offered a sweet credit agreement with a major bank, they accepted without reading/noticing the changes, and now that they have noticed, they're a might upset. Only problem is, it all looks legal. Go Dmitry!
- The abandoned Walmart in McAllen, Texas has been turned into an amazing public library. I do love it when the things I hate are replaced with the things I love.
- If you really want to depress yourself, you can use this online calculator to figure out how many more times you will see your parents before they die. Yeah, depressed.
- Love Amanda's translations for things that book snobs notoriously say.
- Maybe it's the fact that I catch my bus at the train depot everyday, but I've been fantasizing about taking a train trip somewhere for our next vacation and this list of iconic train trips is not helping things.
- Prepare to be awed by these elderly women who really know how to embrace life. #MyNewIdols
- In case you don't know why you shouldn't text and drive, a little reminder.
- Kaleidoscopic art!
- I am all for this anti-date rape glassware. How to we make this happen everywhere?
- Facebook may not be struggling as much as some predicted, but it's still losing popularity and I am fascinated by this article written by a 13 year old about why she and her friends don't use it.
- I may be a little late to the game here, but I just discovered Tatty Devine jewelry and I'm in love.
- Meet the two real life candidates for the inspiration behind Snow White.
- And while we're on the subject of fairy tales: Some of the weirder Grimm's fairy tales you've forgotten all about.
- These 16 gorgeous bookstores are now on my bucket list of places to visit.
- JTT!!!!! (Sorry for the squealing, but he was my first celeb crush and I wondered where he'd gone to.)
8.16.2013
Fairy Tales Revisited: Little Red Riding Hood
Fairy Tales are a nice marriage of my literary loves and my love of folklore and mythology. They also make me reminiscent of the more whimsical time that exists only in childhood. So without further ado, I present my newest series that highlights some wonderful ways to pull some of our favorite childhood fairy tales into our modern lives:
- Cutest little tote bag ever! I love this Little Red canvas tote that is tucked inside the wolf plush. I would totally carry this everywhere.
- These custom heels are completely out of my walk-able realm, but a girl can dream, right?
- As someone who wears glasses all the time, I appreciate this "All the better to see you with" soft glass case so much!
- This clutch is a nice mix of whimsy and glamour.
- I really might need this 3D Red Riding Hood necklace.
- Super cute Red + Wolf pillow!
- Antique Red Riding Hood spoon ring. This is brilliant.
8.15.2013
Book Style: The Great Gatsby
While it was almost nearly instinctual to go the flapper girl route with a Gatsby-inspired outfit I decided to challenge myself and attempt something different. I think this resort outfit vibes 1920's very well. Loose and comfy pants with an Art Deco-esque structured blouse. I went ahead and brought in hints of red and coral with the accessories. Aren't those shoes to die for? A slouchy boyfriend sweater and a straw cloche help combat the elements on those Northeastern coastal beaches.
8.12.2013
Book Style: Shades Of Grey
Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde is a great example of modern speculative fiction and should never ever be confused with 50 Shades of Grey. The book is set in the future and is a dystopian tale that focuses on a humanity that has evolved (or devolved?) to be highly sensitive to color. People live in a highly structured society built around a caste system based on the highest color a person can see naturally; Ultra-violets at the top and Greys at the bottom.
I chose a felted wool shift because it's utilitarian and futuristic in its simplicity. I love the paint drip tights and the Pantone chip nail ring; I think they help pay homage to the colorocracy in the tale. The barcode ring and spoon earrings will make much more sense after you've read the book. (And on that note, when are we ever going to get the sequel Mr. Fforde???). I wanted to bring in the rainbow spectrum with subtlety and I think this manicure and these Jeffrey Campbell booties do a great job. I also love the rainbow hued floral necklace that is a nod to the gardens with pumped-in synthetic color that are mentioned in detail.
8.10.2013
Link Love: 08.10.13
[print available here]
- Following up on my review of Homeward Bound, I found this great little interview with the author, Emily Matchar.
- If you spent the bulk of your childhood and adolescence in the '90s like me, then this rather thorough list of y/our childhood toys will make you rather nostalgic.
- J.K. Rowling is a fabulous author and an even more amazing human. All of the royalties from her no-longer-secret novel, Cuckoo's Calling, will be donated to charity. Rock on.
- Book-inspired ice cream flavors. My favorite is the Clockwork Orange (duh!), but the Oliver Twist is pretty funny and that Whirled War Z is a brilliant play on words.
- Fellow Americans, you too can flex your patriotic muscles and help select the US Luge team's new outfits. Here's the direct link to the voting site. (I'm torn between "Silver Wave" and "Racer").
- In case you haven't seen this awesomeness yet: Concentric sphere cakes done up to look like planets. I'm not sure what's more mind blowing, the dedication to detail or the fact that there are perfectly round cakes inside of other perfectly round cakes.
- Who wants to try and make this DIY wrapped wire wall art with me?
- Gingers (or redheads if you refuse to indulge my faux-Britishness) might be going extinct. What!?
- I would be terrified to come across any of these in person, but I have to admit that these are some freaky-cool looking spiders.
- Meredith Bryan decided to try being nice instead of keeping her walls up and was surprised by the feedback. Turns out if you're nice people will reciprocate.
- Remember how so many ignorant people were all freaked out about having an interracial family in a Cheerios commercial? Well these kids' react just the way you'd expect to the controversial commercial: They don't understand what's different about the family at all. Kid brains are way better in a lot of ways.
- If you're not familiar with the Henrietta Lacks case, let me summarize: Her cancer cells were harvested and have been used for important and profitable research for years. Without her knowledge and without any sort of repayment. Her descendents weren't so happy about this and it went to court. Well now a compromise has been reached.
- Meet Gabrielle Turnquest, the youngest person to pass the bar exam and become a barrister in the United Kingdom in several centuries. She's only 18 and an American to boot. So rad.
- Oh, and while were on the subject of exceptional young women, meet Thessalonika Arzu-Embry who is preparing to receive her bachelor's degree in psychology at the ripe old age of fourteen!
- I love Birmingham's (Alabama) solution to a outdated tunnel that was dark and consequently dangerous: They had a happy-inducing light installation installed. Now it's lit and artistic.
- Enjoy this mini Empire Records reunion.
- Finally, in sports news I really wish would happen: The MLB is considering a lifetime ban for A-Rod.
8.09.2013
Book Style: Lolita
Even if you've never read the book or watched the film, Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov has become ingrained in our cultural consciousness; you say "Lolita" and people will instantly begin envisioning a seductive young girl. If you have read the book, you'll know that the narrator frequently references the titular character's complete American-ness, from her obsession with pop-culture and her teenage ways. I thought I'd sex up the girl next door with a mini circle skirt in red leather and a playful bra peeking through a basic white tee. The classic sneakers are made more playful with a strawberry print and no Lolita outfit would be complete without a red, heart-shaped lollipop necklace.
8.06.2013
Book Style: The PDT Cocktail Book
Playing with the PDT's speakeasy theme by encouraging the prohibition era's Art Deco and flapper vibes. I can just envision myself sipping on a gourmet cocktail in a dimly lit bar while wearing all of this finery. I wonder if I could manage to pull something like this together in time for the Holidays this year?
8.05.2013
Book Style: Bad Unicorn
I had so much fun with this set. You know I loved Bad Unicorn for all of its geeky wonderfulness, so, amping up the rainbow hues in keeping with the cover art, I put together the ultimate geek girl outfit. Comfort is key here. (The truth is, I would wear this outfit everyday.) I tossed in some robot, dragon, AND unicorn jewelry since they all pop up in the book. I also, rather cheekily, chose "Princess Arcade" nail varnish which will make you giggle if you've read this wonderful book.
8.03.2013
Link Love: 08.03.13
[image found here] |
- I'm not a huge beach person (it's hot, I burn like a lobster, and sand gets in awkward places) but this beach library is the best idea ever.
- Be prepared to feel extra lazy after you watch this amazing video of a paralyzed man dancing like a pro with the help of crutches.
- Pixar is crafting another masterpiece that reminds me a lot of this old Disney cartoon short.
- George H. W. Bush did the most awesome thing ever.
- This is major news for those of us that use bikes as one of our principal means of transportation: Groundbreaking court case convicts careless (and highly insensitive) cyclist of manslaughter for killing pedestrian.
- I'm not sure what to think about the woman who rode her horse into a McDonald's after being denied service at the drive thru. I mean, why didn't she just tie the horse up outside?
- This article reflects a lot of my feelings on the craft beer movement. (Just a hint, beer snobs suck.)
- Want to put your commute into perspective? Watch this video of the rush hour
from heller in Beijing. - Considering we now live on the other side of the country from most of our family, this high speed transport would be awesome if it happened soonish.
- I've become mildly obsessed with the best podcast ever, also know as Welcome to Night Vale.
- Okay, Zonkeys are frickin' adorable.
- These honeycomb sculptures are pretty amazing.
- Which of my Seattle blogging buddies wants to check out the new Habitat cocktail lounge in Nordstrom with me?
- Sweden is so good at recycling that they now have to import waste.
- Literary coffee? Yes, please!
- I will never be fully domesticated, but I do love some Martha Stewart and I really like this article about the (non-domestic) lesson we can learn from her.
- Summer feet blues? Here's some help.
- A digital detox is something we should all give a try.
- As if being tall wasn't awkward enough sometimes, now I find out I'm more likely to get cancer because of it. Just great.
- Speaking of tall girls: Hayley Campbell is hilarious and totally understands what being tall in a world of petite women and short men feels like.
- I need this Deborah Lippmann punk nail trio. Two of the shades are straight from the runway.
- Here's a graphic reminder to be safe at the lake or on the river this summer.
- So, apparently our healthcare costs are way out of control if the royal birth, with all of the special treatment Kate received, cost less than the average American birth.
- Ruslan Khasanov new Pacific Light art video is amazing to look at.
8.02.2013
Book Review: Homeward Bound
I came to this book in an odd frame of mind. See my friend Amanda had started to read it, was incensed by it, and promptly put it down and called it horrible. So when it crossed the counter at my former bookshop in Richmond I felt oddly compelled to read it, expecting to also hate it and then have something interesting to rant about on here. But Homeward Bound by Emily Matchar was a very compelling read, and, sorry Amanda, I found myself agreeing with a lot of her points.
I'll be honest, I think approaching this book as a childless woman, who works outside the home probably led to a different reaction to a lot of the points than approaching it as a mother or someone who is self-employed. So just keep that in mind for yourself. Basically this is a breakdown of the back-to-our-roots mentality that so many in my generation are embracing. Emily covers everything from the crafting resurgence (Hello Etsy!) to the homesteading phenomenon. If you want to better understand attachment parenting, homeschooling, self-sustainability or anything else even hovering on the fringe of this cultural subset I strongly suggest giving this a read. I also think a lot of our parents, mine are Boomers, would better understand the twenty-somethings desire to earn less and be more satisfied if they picked up this book and paged through. I'm going to recommend this book, even if you only read it to find out why it's been so controversial, I think you'll be better for it.
7.29.2013
Book Style: The Book Of Lost Things
The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly is such a fun whimsical book that contains a very poignant coming of age tale. I think the cover with its midnight blue background and golden vines is a nice reflection of the words within. I wanted to try and convey a World War 2 era British schoolboy in this casual, weekend-ready outfit. I think the Peter Pan collar necklace, newsboy cap, and oxford shoes lend a nice masculine touch while the gold glitter polish, fairy tale book locket ring, and Great Expectations purse bring the magical elements in. (Oh and by the way, if you haven't yet read this book, do so immediately. It's wonderful.)
7.27.2013
Link Love: 07.27.13
[image found here] |
- Free Willy is 20 years old (!), this is a great article catching up with Jason James Richter (the non-whale star) and hearing his thoughts on child stardom.
- I really liked Cherie's post about the (I can't believe it's still happening) fat-actress stereotype in Hollywood.
- I'm really not sure what's cooler: This chemical reaction or the kids' calling it "Kraken".
- Lenny Kravitz is a genuine rock star, and his Parisian apartment lives up to his glam rock reputation. I want to live there so badly.
- This is a very interesting look at what Twitter means to the modern magazine publishing industry and might help you understand why pop stars are on the covers instead of fashion models.
- The 6 most groundbreaking female writers you've never heard of.
- I want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up; her advice for young women is spot on.
- Ready for an "Awww" moment: Meet Goldie, a brave dog who risked her own neck to save a tiny kitten, who is now her full time companion.
- Wonderpuss Octopus does insanely amazing things with puffy paint. (FYI there are some decorated adult toys as you scroll down, still amazing puffy paint work though)
- Iceland has some of the most epic scenery ever.
- Listen to (the wonderful) John Green educate you about the real names of 44 common fictional characters. Do you know who the guy on the Quaker Oats box really is?
- Make dessert in a mug. Here are 30 recipes to get you started.
- Celebrities real hair colors. I'll admit that a few surprised me, and a few, like Emma Stone, I prefer with their unnatural choices.
- There are some days that I wish I was more of a primper, but there is no way I could maintain Katy Perry's makeup routine. It takes 90 minutes!
- Super heroines get a hipsters makeover. I love Harley Quinn.
- Andrew Kolb's Cartoon Conspiracy series brilliantly merges cartoon worlds through illustration.
- Did you hear about the Romanian mother who loved her criminal son enough to allegedly burn priceless stolen artworks? No for real, this woman needs to be read the riot act.
- Can you pass the American citizenship test? I only missed three and I'm blaming those on poor math skills.
- I've become obsessed with Heavenly Nostrils.
- If you haven't heard yet, there's a new royal baby (isn't he adorable?) and this asinine reporter seems to think Kate should be praised for having a boy on her first try. 1. Someone needs to revisit how gender selection works, because it's got nothing to do with the mama. And 2. It really doesn't matter that the new baby is a boy since the Commonwealth just voted to allow girls to be first in if they're first born.
7.25.2013
Book Style: From Russia With Love
A little bit of Bond today. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming is one his most well known Bond novels and this edition from Penguin Ink is my favorite cover (and holds a place on my bookshelves). Sexy is a must for any bond girl and the deep rose, charcoal, and black color palette only helps that along. I played with the Russian theme by picking a clutch that reminds me of Russian Orthodox stained glass, Russian Red MAC Lipglass, and the Anastasia set of lingerie by Myla for the requisite Bond-worthy underpinnings. A nod to Bond's quintessential British-ness with the Jack Wills' nail varnish, too.
7.24.2013
Book Review: Unnatural Creatures
Unnatural Creatures is a collection of short stories compiled by, and contributed to, by Neil Gaiman and Maria Dahvana Headley. I love everything Neil Gaiman touches, so of course I loved this, but with good reason, not just because I'm a hopeless fangirl.
I would highly recommend getting yourself a copy of the hardcover to own and cherish for years to come. This is a true heirloom collection, in my opinion. And as a nice bonus, all the sales benefit 826DC, "a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting students in their creative and expository writing, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write".
7.23.2013
Book Style: One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey is one of those covers that will always look just a bit psychedelic to me. I decided to pay homage to the book and the movie by incorporating some of Randle Patrick McMurphy's iconic wardrobe elements into my outfit. Mac's beanie and leather jacket remain, albeit punched up quite a bit. I wanted this to vibe fun and whimsical to match his attitude; anything goes if you think it's possible according to Mac. I also found these wonderful cuckoo earrings, how perfect are they? And once you imagine "I'm not weird, I am limited edition" in Jack Nicholson's inimitable voice, you will never be able to not hear him when you see that phrase.
7.22.2013
Down The Rabbit Hole
Out of Print Alice pouch // Eat, Drink + Be Alice Duo // Alice in Wonderland heels // Queen for a Day mini skirt Alice's Adventures in Wonderland Lithograph // Drink Me mug // Alice recycled corkboard // Disney Alice leggings Screenprinted Alice sundress // Alice travel poster art print
If you know me, you know I love anything even remotely Alice in Wonderland related. After discovering Out of Print the other week I've been inspired to track down all sorts of Alice related goodies. I'm particularly enamored with the black and white Disney's Alice leggings from Hot Topic (Yes, I know I'm 28, I still like Hot Topic, okay?). I know I've got more freedom in my wardrobe than the average adult since I work at a bookstore; the one dress code rule is "Bottoms are required", seriously, and the reason this even needs to be said had my boss and I laughing so hard. But I think that you could incorporate some Alice, or your favorite book, whatever that may be, into your daily wardrobe. Does anybody else love Alice as much as I do?
|
7.19.2013
Book Style: Etiquette & Espionage
I decided to take on a newer book for this round of Book Style. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger is one of my new favorite YA novels. While it would be tempting to take an outfit based on a steampunk novel in an over the top steampunk direction, I resisted, only giving in with these amazing boots and the nod with the structured blazer. I decided that a modern femme fatale look would be appropriate to pay homage to a young assassin-in-training. Lots of lace and some hidden daggers complete the look.
7.18.2013
Book Review: The Resurrectionist
I rarely hate a book. I mean, as much as I loathe trudging through some of the classics *cough*Dickens*cough*, I still recognize their literary merit and I appreciate having read them. I also, almost never, don't finish a book; even a bad book I choose to see through to the end. That being said, The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth came pretty close to earning my hatred.
See? This should have been awseomeness squared. But it wasn't. It wasn't long enough. It felt rushed at the end. It felt like the illustrations were more important than the plot. It left me incredibly unsatisfied. All in all, I would not recommend this book to anyone. Sorry. Better luck next time.
7.17.2013
Book Style: Catch-22
Catch 22 by brandileahbailey featuring a black pendant
It may be the boredom setting in, now that I've settled in but still have a couple of weeks until I start working, but I thought I'd indulge myself and start a new series: Book Style. I'm going to take some classic and/or eye-catching book covers and create outfits from them. Nothing beats books + fashion!
First up is Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. I decided to play on the military theme and the patriotic color scheme to come up with a modern, street-savvy outfit with some military punch. I'm particularly enamored with the crystal/bullet necklace and the chevron earrings.
Got any books you'd like to see me re-imagine?
7.15.2013
Book Review: Fireblood
Fireblood by Jeff Wheeler is a nice new fantasy find for me.
It's the first in a series, and is clearly written as such. This book does not stand alone, so if you're someone who needs instant gratification, I would wait until the rest are available before you pick this one up. Mr. Wheeler does an excellent job of continuing the tradition of Tolkien and his like by crafting a well fleshed out world and telling an epic tale without taking any shortcuts or rushing through a plot. The thoroughness may feel too slow for some; here's a hint: If Lord of the Rings was too slow of a read for you, don't attempt this one.
This book focuses on the formation of an elite expedition by Tyrus of Kenatos. Tyrus intends to defy the Arch Ryke and venture into the Scourgelands to find the source of the recurring plagues that have been a constant source of agony and death over multiple generations. Two of his "recruits" are his alleged niece and nephew who were separated at birth and who have no idea of the other's existence until the events in the book begin taking place.
I'm excited to see where the next installment takes them.
7.13.2013
Link Love
[image found here] |
- Peanut Butter Bourbon-filled Doughnuts? Yes, please.
- I know this is slightly old news now (sorry, jeez, I was moving...), but in case you missed it: Watch this adorable interview with the interracial Cheerios girl who proved so controversial.
- An oldie but a goodie (and mostly for my friend Jess): The power of sedatives used during wisdom teeth surgery makes one girl very remorseful about murdering her beloved teeth. "They were just tryin' to help me chew!"
- Life measured out in jelly beans. Seriously, watch this video. It will really make you stop and think about how you spend your days.
- I'm easily amused, but I think these famous pictures redone as selfies are very interesting.
- A fourteen year old girl is raped and then her community (adults and teens) slut-shames her instead of standing behind her. This kind of behavior has got to stop people. It's never the victims fault, no matter what she chose to drink or wear. NEVER!
- I've often joked that my improbably high heels could double as a weapon, but I never thought I'd actually see it as a real headline.
- Glenn Arthur's Forever Fabled series is my ideal blend of rockabilly, pinup, and classic fairy tales.
- For all of you fellow Sherlock Holmes fans: Interesting breakdown of the current suit between the Conan Doyle estate and several authors (including one of my faves, Laurie R. King) over the copyright for Sherlock Holmes. Is he public domain or not?
- Everything in the Out of Print store is now on my Christmas list. I want all of the bookish stuff!
- Neil Gaiman is one of the most prominent writerly voices in social media. Here's why he's planning to unplug and take a sabbatical from all his blogging, tweeting, and updating.
- Human-powered helicopter. Yep, da Vinci would be proud.
- Edible flowers fascinate me. I would love to learn to use them. They seem so ethereal and somehow very British to me.
- Get ready to go "awwww": Parent's compiled this video of their son featuring one second from each day of the first year of his life.
- Fat Heroes. I kind of want this framed.
7.12.2013
Book Review: The Stud Book
The Stud Book by Monica Drake was a book that I honestly picked up because the ARC came to us pimped out in a care package from Chuck Palahniuk (Ha! Finally I spelled it right on the first go!). I figured that anything one of my all time faves endorsed would be worth at least checking out.
Mr. Palahniuk was right. This is a really great book that touches on a pretty big nerve in my life and the lives of a lot of young, and not so young, women: Motherhood.
The story centers around the lives of four long-time friends. One is married to a textbook example of metrosexuality and is desperate for a child of her own; despite multiple miscarriages she refuses to consider adoption. Another is a single mother with two daughters; one in college and the other a bored and slightly troubled teenager. The third is a married, freshly-minted mother of an infant girl who is struggling with her identity as she makes the shift from competent, academic she-warrior to sleep-deprived, fumbling mommy-hood. The final character is a bisexual photographer who refuses to tie herself down with marriage or labels.
Monica Drake's style is wonderfully, painfully honest and slightly cynical. She takes a page from her friend Chuck and makes the reader really think by showing the extremes that life can take. I came away from this book with the message that life is what you make it. Family is defined by you, not society; and sometimes we all strive a bit too hard for what we think we should be and forget to just enjoy what we are and who we're with.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)