Link Love: 11.23.13

Unwoven Light by Soo Sunny Park

• Think your vocab is up to snuff? Try this tough vocab quiz. Then try the advanced one. For as much crap as everyone always gives me for using weird and obscure words, I didn't get 100% on either test.
• Wanna watch a robot paint the Mona Lisa by firing paint out of a cannon? You know you do.
• Things I learned this week include how the crossword helped (if we're using a very loose interpretation of the word) end World War II.
• These Burton-ized Disney Princesses are so perfect.
• My bookstore, Elliott Bay Book Company, made the list of indies to throw your money at this holiday season. Yay! (No really, throw your money at us. We're selling online too!)
• If you've ever watched a Disney film with me, you probably already know all these, but here are some of the true - much less warm & fuzzy - versions of the fairy tales.
• Kaelah posted this recipe for a Hot Butterscotch Cocoa cocktail and now I don't want to drink anything else for the rest of the winter.
• I always love when I find kindred spirits who feel the need to correct other people's  ignorance, so finding We Are Not Amused, a tumblr that trolls the Victorian tag and kindly corrects all the mistakes, made my day.
• I need Prologue Tea Company to be real. Now. Concept art this good should not be allowed online because it reminds me of what I can't actually throw my money at.
• I want this piggy bank.
• The 100 best novels as chosen in 1898. SO interesting to see what would still make the cut and what's painfully obscure.
• I love the idea of ghosting. 
• I need to visit these magical places in my lifetime, and the best part is I've already checked one (the glowworm caves) off the list.
• Stunningly beautiful food, at least on the inside. 
• Please say it's true: Monty Python is reuniting!!!

Book Style: Samuel Johnson VS The Devil

John Connolly's Samuel Johnson Vs. The Devil series¹ has been described as Terry Pratchett meets Douglas Adams and I couldn't agree more. In each book, poor Samuel must foil the Great Malevolence² and his right hand demon Ba'al's attempts at bringing about the end of the world. Luckily, Samuel has the help of his best friends, his loyal dachshund Boswell, a pair of hapless policemen, and a not-so-evil demon named Nurd³. The second two books also feature a band of surly, thieving, but very genuine dwarfs and the put-upon Dan the Ice Cream Man. These books are pure genius and I will not listen to any naysayers on the subject. Like Connolly's The Book of Lost Things, the first and third book in the Samuel Johnson series feature gorgeous covers. I'm not a huge fan of the weird 3D style art on the second title, but I didn't want to just leave it out entirely either⁴.

1. The Gates: I wanted to capture the essence of Samuel here, mismatched sneakers and all. The dachshund bag is the perfect nod to Boswell and the hot rod shirt is my subtle nod to Samuel's father's prized car that Nurd drives back into Hell to save the day. A devil necklace seemed appropriate and I thought the PBR bracelet could stand in for some of Spiggit's highly combustible brew.
2. The Infernals: Some ice cream heels help make this outfit a bit dressier while still keeping it playful. The moon sweater is an ode to the peculiar shape of Nurd's head and, of course, a cuff bracelet for Biddlecombe's bravest constabulary. Boswell gets blinged out on a necklace this go round.
3. The Creeps: I figured a dressier outfit was in order to attend the grand opening of Mr. Grimly's toy store as a guest of honor. That t-shirt features Einstein's physics formulae⁵ and the seat belt clutch could be of some use to Nurd in his job⁶. Boswell is silver-plated and wrapped around your finger this time and goes nicely with those viking ship earrings. Some celestial/moon themed nails tie the whole look together. Oh, but try not to squish any nosferatu eyeballs with those killer crepe wedges.

1. I honestly didn't know this was the full title of the series until I finished the third book a couple of days ago. I just referred to it as "Connolly's Samuel Johnson series" because I didn't think it had a proper name at all.

2. He is never actually called the Devil, calling into question whoever named the series... I'm looking at you Mr. Connolly.

3. And Wormwood, Nurd's oldest friend and assistant. Even if Nurd would never admit the friend part out loud.

4. Because I'm a nice person, that's why. Don't argue. I am very nice.

5. Perhaps the scientists at CERN should have looked at a few of them before they went fiddling about with the fabric of the Universe.

6. Turns out an immortal, but reformed demon with a penchant for fast cars makes an excellent automotive safety test dummy.

Last Unicorn Tour

Justus, Peter S. Beagle, + me (also the debut photo of my shorter than Mia Farrow's haircut)

Last night I had the ultimate pleasure of attending The Last Unicorn Tour when it hit Seattle. My friend (and coworker) Justus and I headed down to the Cinerama after work. I should mention that this is Justus' absolute favorite book. Ever. The evening started with a signing session that we skipped on the advice of our newfound friend, Ashley, who had attended Saturday night's event as well. She advised us to just hop out right before the credits and get in line for the post show signing. So with that reassurance we settled down to enjoy some of Cinerama's epic chocolate popcorn and chat. At 7:30 an amazing question and answer session began which lasted an hour and included some great stories from Peter, the most adorable question from a little girl, a baby signing (for real), and a surprise proposal from an audience member (not to Peter, but to her partner). It was so great. Next we got to watch the film, which is a blast from my childhood and gave me warm fuzzies all over. Finally we got to chat with Peter while he signed my book and Justus' poster and multiple books. I have completely over simplified the whole experience because it really was so grand and I am so glad I decided to go. 

Book Style: Death, Dickinson, And The Demented Life Of Frenchie Garcia

Death, Dickinson, and the Demented Life of Frenchie Garcia by Jenny Torres Sanchez is such a great, heart-breaking book that gives you so many feels and then ends up comforting you in the end. Frenchie is a recent high school grad who is in the midst of a serious, an unacknowledged depression after being rejected from the art school of her choice and witnessing her best friend become attached at the hip with his new girlfriend. Oh, and she's probably suffering from some serious issues that resulting from the suicide of her high school crush the morning after they spent a whimsical night getting their fortunes told, plunging into the ocean, attempting to steal a duck-shaped boat, and choosing ice cream at the local Walmart. Frenchie eventually works her way through her grief by talking things out with her imaginary friend, Emily Dickinson, and reliving the infamous last night with a new, flesh-and-blood, acquaintance. I wanted to put her in the outfit she would have worn that night. This had to include her spiderweb tights and a rock concert appropriate tee. Yellow combat boots are perfect for Frenchie, although her's would probably be splattered with paint. The fortune cookie necklace is meant to represent the fortune teller and the nail polish is called "Ice Cream Social". The grave ring is all about the graveyard at the end of the street where Frenchie often seeks respite and the company of Emily. And since the cover gave them to me, some great skull accessories were in order. 

Book Style: Beowulf

I couldn't put together a Beowulf outfit without going for a modern warrior princess look. Daggers on the cuff, bloody skulls on the fingers, and nordic-looking dragons through the ears are the accessories that top off an outfit featuring knee-high gladiator sandals, a drapey maxi skirt and tank, a tribal bralette, and a fierce should chain. A purse would be too dainty with something like this, but a modernized fanny pack looks utilitarian and tough and blends in like a belt would. Oh, and that nailpolish? Yeah, the color's called Boudicca. Now she would have never have encountered all the problems Beowulf did.

Link Love: 11.09.13

[image found here]

• Let's discuss racism in classic literature with Amanda over at Dead White Guys.
• So this doodled styrofoam cup has left me in awe, especially after reading about the nonchalance with which it was created. 
• Be prepared to sob as you watch this video of a father whose dying wish was to be able to walk his two daughters down the aisle. SOBBING.
• Steampunk pendant light DIY. This is why Jen is my hero.
• Need a bookish Christmas present idea? Why not get your resident bookophile a subscription to Book Riot's Quarterly box?
• Gala tells us how to travel alone without ruining your marriage.
• Gail Carriger's reddit. You're welcome.
• Gorgeous shipping container homes. I would love to live in all of them, but #1 and #23 are so amazingly perfect.
• Does being called plus size sound or feel different to you than being called curvy?
• Disney princesses as Marvel heros.
• Best nail art I've seen in a while. I'm obsessed with the evil eyes, the black on black polka dots, and that geometric blue one.
• Hey, how about we put our phones down and notice the armed gunmen around us. Wow.
• I found this so fascinating: How the blind perceive race.
• The Panopticon is going to be a film! Yay!
• So pretty. So mesmerizing.
• Watch live Letterform talent happen.
• Meet the real (read: inspiration for) Jessica Rabbit.
• These long exposure shots of couples sleeping are so fascinating. I wonder what the Mister and I would look like?
• 27 adult jokes in kids' cartoons that flew right over your head when you were younger (but you can totally enjoy now).
• I want me a creepy-cool PyroPet candle.
• Here's an intriguing, interactive choose your own adventure style story.
• I must see this Calvin and Hobbes documentary.
• YA picks for fairy tale junkies like me.
• I would also love to own this skull sugar spoon. 

Book Style: Lunar Chronicles

I am absolutely obsessed with Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series. Every book is a retelling of a classic fairy tale, but the whole series is such a beautifully complex thing that weaves all of these wonderful characters together. And it's sci-fi! I recently finished reading the advanced copy of the third book, Cress (oh, the perks of being a bookseller) and it is just as amazing as I expected. I decided in honor of the upcoming February release date for Cress and to bide my time until Marissa writes the fourth title, Winter, I would make a Book Style for these three. I decided I would base each outfit around the main titular character and try to stay true to their essence. There might be some spoilers for Cinder and Scarlet here, but I'll try to steer clear of giving too much away for Cress.

1. Cinder - Obviously, this one is Cinderella. Cinder is a 16 year old, cyborg mechanic in New Beijing. Her best friend is an android named Iko. She's pretty tough and isn't really the girly type. I gave her some combat boots and a handy hip bag for practicality. The kimono-inspired blouse is a nod to New Beijing's prevalent Asian styling. A wrench ring represents her mechanical inclinations, Iko gets some love with the adorable robot earrings, and a lunar-esque necklace hints at Cinder's true origins.
2. Scarlet - Red Riding Hood is really a feisty 18 year old French girl whose grandmother has gone missing. She forms a tenuous alliance with a street fighter who goes by the name "Wolf" in order to track her down. Scarlet is a natural beauty who never bothers with fancy clothes; they would only get in the way on the farm. Comfort is key here. Of course she needed her beloved red hoodie (isn't the asymmetry on this one amazing?) and I couldn't resist tracking down a tomato tee so she could wear her love for Wolf proudly. Some French-inspired nail polish just for fun. Ditto for the Red Riding Hood necklace. The rocket ship watch will help keep her on time for her produce deliveries and amuses me since that's where she ends up. The lunar earrings were essential for my sanity here.
3. Cress - Rapunzel needs a major haircut if she's ever going to impress the man of her dreams. She also goes by the name Crescent Moon, Cress for short, and she's been held captive performing high tech espionage for the Lunar queen on a lone satellite for most of her life. Cress is the girliest one of the bunch so she gets a dress for her petite self. She also ends up needing some decent footwear, so I provided these great strappy sandals. The bandana is to tie that notorious hair back, but it's also a nod to something I won't reveal for you yet, same for those eye earrings and military jacket. Spoilers, as River Song would say (I will never apologize for mixing my fandoms. Never!). I love the jewelry here. While the two Earthen (well sort of, in Cinder's case) girls get lunar jewelry, the Lunar girl gets a necklace to represent the swirl globe she's been gazing longingly at for years. And doesn't that ring remind you of long, silky tresses?

In conclusion, if you haven't read this series yet, stop what you're doing and go to your bookstore and grab Cinder and Scarlet now. Now, I say.

Book Style: Great Expectations

I couldn't do a Great Expectations Book Style without making it a wedding dress in honor of Miss Havisham! If you're a traditionalist who believes a bridal gown must be white (or white-ish) then feel free to pretend this is a bridesmaid outfit. Playing with all of these moody blues was fun, and blue is supposed to be a traditional wedding color. I playfully added the handcuff bracelet in honor of Pip's benefactor's rather sordid past. The amazing wedding cake is another nod to the benefactor's stint as a sailor.