Book Style: Jaya and Rasa

I'm kind of obsessed with this book. Jaya and Rasa is the second book from author Sonia Patel. I'd seen her debut, Rani Patel in Full Effect, several times and was always drawn towards the cover, but I don't have a huge interest in hip hop culture, so I never picked it up. When I crossed paths with Jaya and Rasa and saw the Nirvana links, I knew I had to read this it. And am I glad I did! Here's my review from Book Riot's Best Queer Books of 2017: 

I rarely, oh so very rarely, appreciate non-fantastical YA. I fell head over heels for Sonia Patel’s newest, Jaya and Rasa, from the moment I spotted its stunning cover in the library. I appreciate so much getting to know these two wounded characters from pre-adolescence. Jaya is a transgender teenage boy, something his traditionally-minded Gujarati family would never accept. Despite not being able open up at home, he manages to find his own identity thanks to Nirvana, guitars, charity work, and a best friend who also doesn’t fit in well at his snooty prep school. Rasa has been forced to grow up too fast thanks to being forced to become provider to her younger siblings. When she thinks things might be looking up, despite CPS separating her from her younger brother and sisters, she finds herself trapped in the life of a high-end prostitute. Jaya and Rasa is less Romeo and Juliet in Honolulu, as it’s been billed, and more of a painfully honest look at what growing up “other” is like. Nothing is sugar-coated, the reality is bleak and honest, but Patel gives us just a bright enough glimmer of hope to keep reading, to keep going.

For this Book Style, I envisioned an evolved and more relaxed Rasa. A Rasa who is finally healing and not feeling the need to be overly sexualized 24/7.  A Rasa who loves, supports, and shares passions with her rock star boyfriend. A Nirvana tee was a must, of course. I paired the t-shirt with a pair of "Love Story" flares and "Oahu" platform slides. So, basically, I made this into my standard high school uniform. Class of 2002, baby! Woo! Anyways, I digress. I also gave Rasa the option of having a swimsuit handy since she loves to surf and free dive. I thought this "Teen Spirit" one piece was kind of perfect. It also makes me want sorbet. 

For the accessories I chose a neon pink "Sweety Charity" bag as a nod to Jaya's charity work and a "Munro Blossom Muse" scarf because I'm pretty sure Jaya wouldn't argue with me calling Rasa a Blossom Muse. Around the neck is a "Pimp Aigrette" stunner of a necklace, around the wrist is an "LGBT Pride Awareness" bracelet, and on the ring finger (or whichever finger) is a guitar wrap ring. For the earrings I decided on mixing two singles together: One ear can rock the "White Widow Leaf" ear jacket, which I chose because I prefer Rasa being a white widow instead of the black widow her mother conditioned her to be, and the other ear can rock a hoop with a chunk of molten rock, apropos of Hawaii, of course. 

For the final touches I went with cosmetics. Elizabeth and James' "Nirvana White" perfume is a floral, slightly exotic scent that is perfect for Rasa. She can coat her nails in a holographic and glittery "Crush on Lava" nail lacquer and coat her lips with "Shame" lipstick (to remind herself that she should never feel ashamed). Top off the look with a retro-tastic pair of "Classic 11 Surf" shades and Rasa's look is complete. 

Book Style: Dune

I haven't done a Book Style in forever and a day and my crazy ass decides to start back up with an all brown one. I just really enjoy the Penguin Galaxy Collection and it's the first Dune cover I actually liked! So here's a Dune Book Style for y'all. The general aesthetic is less related to the book and more of a modern desert traveler vibe. 

Let's start with the outfit proper: A Dune shirt designed by Daretown Kindling is a great base layer under a "Melange" open back sweater. I paired them with a pair of sturdy "Paul" chino trousers in a dreamy chocolate brown. Cinch the waist with a tiger-head belt and throw a pair of "Desert" chukka boots on your feet. On your head, a panama style hat will keep all of the elements out of your eyes. 

For the accessories I chose a tooth ring, a Muad'Dib (aka a mouse) necklace, centipede full-finger ring, and a pair of worm earrings. I added a Dune book cover pin and a Kynes' Imperial Teardrop Mark Of Rank pin (I like the idea of doing several of these). Add a pair of "Jessica" sunglasses and a couple of coats of this metallic "Sand" nail lacquer and you'll be all set to save the empire, or grab coffee with friends. 

Nancy Drew Review: The Message In The Hollow Oak

It's time for another installment of the Nancy Drew Review project. The Message in the Hollow Oak was my third reread of the 64 original titles. For those of you intrigued by Carolyn Keene not being real, since I keep bringing it up, here's a nice chart that goes over the ghostwriting process for these 64 books. 

  

Side note: Anybody have any recommendations for me for easy-to-use video editing apps or software? Preferably free. Preferably. 

Book Style: 1984

This post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2015.

When I wrote this post 1.5 years ago, I was fresh off of laughing at the absurdity of Donald Trump throwing his hat into the election ring. Now we have President Trump's staff offering blatant lies "alternative facts"during press conferences. We have scientists being silenced. We have women's reproductive rights being stripped away. This might not be as fictional of a work as it used to be, sadly.

1984, or Nineteen Eighty-Four depending on which edition you have, is one of those novels I would’ve read even if it wasn’t George Orwell’s most famous, or assigned reading in the majority of U.S. high schools (an irony that is not lost on me). 1984 was the year I was born and I can’t not read a book that is named after the year I graced this fair planet with my glorious presence! All not-so-humble bragging aside, I really enjoy good dystopic fiction and satire and Orwell is the king of that genre. Without 1984 and its predecessor, Huxley’s Brave New World, there would be no Hunger Games, The Giver, Divergent, Maze Runner, or their ilk. 1984 brought the concepts and vocabulary of Newspeak, Big Brother, and Thought Police into the public consciousness. If you have ever uttered the phrase “Big Brother is watching you” and haven’t read this novel, shame on you. Fix that nonsense now.

Doing a Book Style for The dystopian novel wasn’t easy. None of these personality-filled wardrobe items would be acceptable for any of Oceania’s residents, but dammit I would try! I’m in the mood for casual weekend wear, so that’s what I focused on here. If you’re reading a novel as cynical and foreboding as 1984, you need to be relaxed and comfy. We have “1984” boyfriend jeans whose tie to the novel should be fairly obvious and a “Gin” sweatshirt tee for Winston’s “Victory” branded gin. A pair of “Julia” sandals, for Winston’s love interest, and a crisp white belt polish off the base outfit. For the accessories I included a “1984” tote bag, some “Propaganda” sunglasses, a “Big Brother Is Watching You” phone case, and two nail lacquers in “Caught Your Eye” (for the ever-watchfulness of the Thought Police) and “Private Weekend” (for Winston and Julia’s failed attempts to keep their affair private). Finishing it all off is the jewelry: an “Orwell” necklace, a “Big Brother Is Watching You” bracelet, an “Obey” cipher ring, and a pair of coral earrings for the shattered coral paperweight *cough* blatant symbolism *cough*.

Now stay aware, alert, and behaved. And remember, WAR IS PEACE, FREEDOM IS SLAVERY, and IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH!

Book Style: Dracula

This post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2014.



Dracula is THE classic monster novel. The salacious sexuality of the story and of the titular character have been drawing readers, and later moviegoers, by the hundreds for over a century now. While classically depicted in black and white with captivating touches of blood red, this edition from Penguin let me explore a more flamboyant costume for a Lady Dracula (with Winona’s Mina firmly in mind).

There’s a lot going on here, so let’s start with base layers. Sex appeal and vampires go hand-in-hand, so sumptuous lingerie was a must and this “Bat Your Lashes” bra and panty set is kind of perfect. Yellow tights for a kick of color and because, vampire or no, a lady does not expose bare legs to the public. Next up, a silky blouse with a necktie that evokes a gentleman’s cravat, and a flouncy bustled skirt – I know a proper Victorian lady would not be sporting anything above-the-knee, but when scaling buildings to assault woo your love, you need mobility. Some spiky “London” brogues and a lush, fur-collared “Mina” coat complete the main ensemble.

Let’s run through all of the blood-thirsty accessories, too: A Dracula necklace, stake earrings, fang knuckleduster ring, crimson “Blooming Love” engagement ring, “Paranormal” UV reactive nail lacquer, and a batty clutch polish off our Lady Dracula.

Book Style: Heart Of Darkness

This post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2014.



Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness has proven to be perpetually controversial, first for its chastisement of colonialism and native subjugation and exploitation, and later for stereotyping race. Personally, while horribly racist in his description and treatment of native characters, I applaud Conrad for trying to bring attention to a horrible system, even if it focused a bit too much on the plight of the white protagonists/antagonists. A book like this will never be written again, for a variety of reasons, and, thanks in part to Apocalypse Now’s enduring popularity, it will continue to be read for years to come.

I wasn’t channeling a particular character this time around. This outfit is mostly inspired by this epically haunting cover design and the West African setting of the novel. The key elements of this outfit are an ethically sourced: an “Africa” print jacket and an easy, travel-friendly jumpsuit. Some “Congo” sandals and “Arrow” purse add the necessary (in my book anyway) gleam, while a silky scarf adds some warmth (or additional protection from mosquitoes). In the jewelry category, we have a pair of ivory skull studs, Africa earrings, an ivory bangle, a rifle necklace, and a “Slave Chain” ring. A pop of “African Violet” nail lacquer finishes up this look.

Book Style: One Kick

This post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2014.



I fell in love with Chelsea Cain’s work back when I discovered her Nancy Drew parody, Confessions of a Teen Sleuth, which is now sadly out of print. While I never became as impassioned about her Heartsick series as some of her fans, I’m incredibly thrilled with the launch of her newest novel and series. One Kick is the first of the Kick Lannigan series and if you’re a fan of thrillers you better get off your butt, run out to your local bookstore, and bring one home now. To paraphrase The New York Times review, Kick is comparable to Lisbeth Salander (you know, of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo fame), but way more relatable. She’s a survivor of kidnapping and child pornography. Almost a decade later, Kick is presented with an unprecedented opportunity to help rescue other children from the same circumstances.

I gave my best effort to keep this outfit fairly true to Kick’s in-novel attire (even when faced with an incredibly sepia-colored cover). She’s a tomboy who lives in denim and hoodies when she’s not training in the dojo. Her tragic tale made her into a celebrity, something her mother continues to exploit, and Kick often sports a cap and glasses to avoid the curious stares of her neighbors. The puppy dog socks aren’t something Kick would let show to many, but they accurately reflect her undying affection for her dog, Monster. The handcuff bracelet is symbolic of her imprisonment as well as her hobby of lock-picking. The tennis ball watch is a bit kitsch but it’s also a nod to Monster and the events that get the plot rolling. The final touch is the Scrabble tile necklace. I’m not going to tell you how that ties in! I don’t want to spoil the suspense.

Book Riot: Sirens of Titan

Wow. I made this one ages ago and I completely forgot to share it with y'all. The Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut is the subject of today's Book Style. Vonnegut's speculative fiction novel explores the theme of free will with interplanetary conflict and exploration as a backdrop. I wanted this Book Style to be futuristic, but in a vaguely retro way. I think I achieved that.

For the main outfit we'll start with a pair of purple "Rocket" lace panties. Next we have a pair of "Winston" pants and a celestial "Stonehenge" tee. Toss a lemon-hued leather jacket on (those Martian nights get chilly), step into a shimmery pair of "Chrono" boots, and grab your "Beatrice" bag before we move onto jewelry. I added a "Siren" ring, a dog necklace (I personally decided that Kazak the Space Hound is very mastiff like because I prefer mastiffs to dobermans), a pair of "Double Titan" earrings, an "Odette Space" ring, and a sun cuff. A multi-purpose cosmetic stick epitomizes future efficiency and this magenta illuminating stick in "Quantum" is so yummy on all skin tones. Finally, lacquer those nails with vibrant "Code Purple" polish and you're all set for tackling anything the Tralfamadorians throw your way. 

Book Style: Dorothy Must Die

The post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2014.



I adore a great reimagining of a beloved story. Wicked was the first Oz rewrite, but it wasn’t the last. (We’ll just leave the “best” debate out of this discussion, shall we?) Danielle Paige’s new series kicks off with Dorothy Must Die and transports us back to Oz with Amy Gumm, or “Salvation Amy” to her cruel classmates. The Oz Amy’s twister transports her and her trailer to is vastly different from the Oz Baum introduced us to in his classic tales. This Oz is being slowly destroyed as Dorothy, who managed to find her way back after Kansas wasn’t as glamorous as she desired, and Glinda, are mining too deep and too often for magic. Amy soon finds herself recruited by the Bad side to assassinate the horrid Dorothy and stop this madness. But is bad actually good or not? And what has happened to Ozma? You must read this one if you have a soft spot for Oz. Or just love a good twist on a classic tale. I would apologize for the cliffhanger, but I’m suffering right along with you.

While Amy wears many different guises, and sometimes faces, in the book, I went with her soul here and chose a laidback outfit a midwest teen might actually choose. Gingham was a must, although stealing Dorothy’s signature blue felt wrong. Some well worn jeans would be standard in Amy’s thrift shop wardrobe and adding the flash-style “Mom” patch seemed appropriate given the underlying message of family at the series heart. The shimmer-finish Converse are, of course, a nod to the ruby slippers. A (kick-ass) hat and “Stay All Day” lipgloss add some drama, perfect for such a dramatic landscape, and should also help equip Amy to deal with the unpredictable length of days in Oz. A black magic necklace and “Which is Witch?” nail lacquer are apropos tie-ins to the coalition of bad witches she finds herself part of. The lion satchel and twister ring should be self-explanatory. As should the charms: A trailer, a lion, a witch’s hat, and a sparkly (and teeteringly high) shoe.

Book Style: The Invisible Man

This post originally appeared on Book Riot in 2014.



The Invisible Man is possibly one of my favorite classic “monster “novel/ellas because Griffin, a.k.a. the Invisible Man, isn’t a monster at all; at least not a supernatural one. He’s human, a brilliant and evil human, which is combination that is ,by far, way creepier than anything else could ever be in my book. I love how well this Penguin edition conveys the subject without resorting to actual bandages on the cover!

Once again, I’ve gone the gender-swap route with the main antagonist: Lady Invisible Man. She needs to be covered head to toe lest we perceive that she’s not actually all there, but I didn’t go full balaclava level coverage because I figured that some (implied) substantial makeup and full cascading wig would create enough distraction once combined with everything I did provide our main mad doctor. Let’s start at the toes and work upward shall we? Opaque tights and over-the-knee boots take care of the legs and feet. A bandage skirt (get it?) fit for an actress gives absolute coverage the lower half. The top portion of the outfit includes elbow length gloves, a vibrant blouse and a dramatic cape. An ample scarf and a wide-brimmed hat offer additional coverage, along with some theater-worthy sunglasses. I also provided our lady villain with an invisible clutch and optics-inspired bangle.

Book Style: American Gods

Welcome to the first Book Style of 2017: American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This is one of my perennial favorites and I had been wanting to do a re-read before the television series launches sometime in 2017 - come on Starz, give us a firm date! - and then I stumbled across the new 10th Anniversary mass market edition with the cover art from acclaimed illustrator Robert E. McGinnis and I had to have it. I'm a sucker for pulp/ish art and that vibrant poppy-hued title is so grand! 

This outfit started with Laura in mind, hence the navy dress, but it quickly morphed into a semi- gender-swapped Wednesday. Which makes the "Odin" dress a perfect launch point for this Book Style. A pair of silver "Loki" loafers, an "Ibis Whistler" hat, a "Lucky Charms" scarf, and a "God" clutch round out the accessories. For the jewelry I restrained myself to the following: a "Kali" necklace, a two-finger "Anansi" ring, a "Morning Star" midi ring, a pair of golden disc hoops that reminded me a lot of magic golden coins, a"Jackal" cuff, and a Kobold brand watch. Moody "Sheba" lipstick and "Storm Chaser" nail lacquer finish out this look. Now if it will just get warm enough for me to wear something similar. 

Book Style: The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas is this year's holiday Book Style. The classic poem by Clement C. Moore has been adapted more times and ways that I can count. This Little Golden Book edition is part of my childhood. This is 100% a Christmas Day outfit: Cozy, fun, and festive.

Start off with a pair of reindeer and snowflake leggings and a graphic St. Nick tee. Toss on a warm reindeer cardigan to cuddle up in with your cup of nog. I adore these chimney socks and I really enjoy the idea of celebrating the famously quiet mouse  -"Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse" - with these mousey slip on shoes. I literally live in beanies, indoors and out, this time of year and this "Sugar Plum" beanie seems perfect to me. Adorn yourself with a Christmas tree watch, Santa necklace, reindeer earrings, a holly ring, and a gift bow ring. Now enjoy your holiday! 

Book Style: The Visitors

I fell in love really hard with this book. The Visitors by Simon Sylvester is magical, haunting, beautiful, angsty, and dreamy. Really all of my favorite adjectives. This is one of those rare books where I was as, if not more, fascinated by the characters and their development as I was into the plot. The story follows Flora, in her final year of school, itching to escape her stifling island life on (the fictional island) Bancree. Flora's prediction of a boring final year is interrupted by two mysteries: a unexpected new neighbor and the disappearances of some local men. Her tentative investigations overlap with a writing assignment on local mythology - her chosen subject is selkies. As she bonds with the new neighbor, Ailsa, the story dips and twists into a fatastically unexpected conclusion.

I went for a Flo-ish outfit with this Book Style. I had to find a red skirt, to represent the one Ailsa gifts to Flo. I paired it with a "Storyteller" bralette (which features a print reminiscent of a bandana) and a "Flora" tank. Fish print tights and "Ailsa" boots take care of the lower half. A plaid cardigan is a nod towards the traditional plaids of the Scottish setting and will keep you warm on the blustery Scottish coast. I had to include something from Song of the Sea because of the selkie connection and found an adorable backpack that Flo would've found perfect for carrying her collected notes in. The jewelry includes a driftwood necklace, a "Flora" bracelet, a whisky quartz ring, and a set of "Hope" earrings.

If you're looking for your next read and want something transportive with a touch of magical realism, please give this one a shot.

Book Style: Much Ado About Nothing

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Continuing our adventure in Shakespearean Book Styles, today we're styling Much Ado About Nothing. For those unfamiliar with it's slightly complex plot - seriously, I love The Bard's comedies, but an Abbot and Costello routine is often easier to follow - let me give you a brief outline: Benedick and Beatrice secretly love each other, but don't even know it themselves, so spend all their time flirting bickering while their friends scheme to set them up. Claudio and Hero fall head-over-heels in love before an asshole named Don John tricks Claudio into believing Hero has been unfaithful, leading to Claudio slut-shaming her on their planned wedding day. Before the truth is revealed and all the lovers can be reunited Hero "dies from shame". When Don John's plans are finally uncovered, a distraught Claudio is forced by Hero's father (who's been bankrolling the insane amount of festivities the entire play, btw) to publicly un-slander Hero and to marry Hero's "cousin" who is really Hero-who-only-faked-her-death because nothing says true love like being called a whore and then giving your One True Love™ a heart attack from shock at the altar. I always like the bickering Beatrice and Benedick better, anyways. 

Onto the actual clothing. I drew inspiration for this outfit from a modern Italian donna di mondo. I paired this "Claudio" skirt with a military-style sleeveless blouse for the sheer joy of contrast, floaty meets regimented. A "Real Hero" leather jacket easily takes this look into colder temps. These "Margaret" booties also transition nicely into colder temps - just add tights when you get chilly! A striking "Beatrice" tote bag and a "Beatrice" rose crown are so delightfully Italian to me. A statement "Hero" bracelet pairs nicely with a "Gossip" citrine ring, "Ursula" tassel necklace, and masquerade-worthy earrings. A pair of "Benedict" aviators add the perfect incognito touch. 

Book Style + Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, inspired by an original story by J. K. Rowling is the subject of today's Book Style. I'm going to talk about the book below in more detail, since it's a bit spoiler heavy, so let's jump right into the Book Style.

A pair of black Harry's jeans and a vibrant "Ginny" tank form the base. On top I've added a "Stockholm Syndrome" cardigan for an extra witchy vibe and because I have some feels about how Delphi was raised. A pair of magical "Scorpius" sneakers and a "Magic Touch" hat will keep the tip and the toes covered. For jewelry I added a "Rubber & Magic" ring, a serpent arm band, an Augurey-inspired feather necklace, and a pair of skull earrings. For accessories I chose a "Witch Craft" clutch, a black magic phone case, and a pair of "B'witched" sunglasses to hide that evil gleam in your eyes. The final touch is a bit of sparkly "Dirty Baby" nail lacquer.

Okay, onto my thoughts about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Careful, SPOILERS ahead!

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I won't be the first person to proclaim that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child gave me a lot of mixed feelings. Unlike some people, I'm okay with the story continuing. I'm even okay with the play as a whole - even if I wish it wasn't ONLY a play. Losing Jo's voice, as integral to the world of Harry Potter as the Boy Who Lived, himself, is a bit of a blow to the emotional depth of the story. And reading a play always means experiencing less character insight than a novel allows. We are suddenly stripped of the inner monologues, the nuanced emotions, the narrative point of view. If I saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child live in London, I believe that I wouldn't be mourning this lack of intimacy. I like to think I'm blessed with a fairly creative imagination and Jack Thorne's stage direction allowed me to get a sense of what being in the theater would actually be like, but reading it on paper is cold. I would recommend really looking at the cast and performance photos ahead of time to help envision the characters better. I will admit that picturing them as the overdone "aged" versions from the final film never worked well for me. With the lack of physical descriptions in the script, I found it easier to see them that way.

What I do love about the direction that Jo guided Thorne and John Tiffany in is that the play addresses a few of the qualms I had with her original ending. They are able to add a bit more depth to Dumbledore and Snape by acknowledging that while admirable in their sacrifices, they were deeply flawed humans. I'm still not sure how I feel about Voldemort and Bellatrix getting it on. I know Bellatrix would've been all about it, but Voldemort always struck me as being incredibly asexual. I can't picture him getting off on anything but power and cruelty. Maybe the were into BDSM. Or maybe they used some sort of magical in vitro to produce an heir of the Heir of Slytherin. So, that's weird. I hate that Delphi misses out on an opportunity at being a more three dimensional character by being introduced in a play and losing out on us seeing her better. Not thrilled that there's an air of being desperate for daddy's approval, either. I feel like making her evil in her own right would have been a better move. Voldemort's heir would surely want power for herself in her father's absence, not to bring him back to power. Maybe if they'd elaborated on her background more and her upbringing and how much indoctrination she had actually been subjected to. Ah, if wishes were horses... All in all, I am glad I read it and I enjoyed dipping my toes back into the magical world of Harry, Ron and Hermione.

If you're on the fence about this one, I would recommend it with a couple of caveats: Remember it's a play. Remember that it isn't a story about Harry, it's a story about Albus and Scorpius.

Book Style: Twelfth Night

Next up in my Shakespeare Book Style series is the comedy Twelfth Night. Fun fact, I can never spell "twelfth" correctly; assume that every instance here was accompanied by a squiggly red line of vocabulary judgement. Twelfth Night is a fun romp filled with love triangles, devious co-workers, and mistaken identities.

For this outfit I wanted to play with the idea of masculine/feminine dressing. I have a deeply rooted love of androgyny that my curves defy at every sartorial turn, so any excuse to really bust out the menswear makes my heart extra happy. Let's start with a pair of "Olivia" skinny jeans and a "Buck Gender Roles" t-shirt (also available as a tank!). Nothing embraces the long-standing tradition of women borrowing from the boys like the tuxedo and a pale pink tuxedo jacket brings the style game up a level here. Pro tip: Dress up jeans and a tee in seconds with a blazer, it will never get old. Another "masculine" silhouette meets "feminine" coloring with the pale pink brogues. I had to sneak in a pair of yellow socks for poor Malvolio - I can't be the only one who really pities this poor schmuck! A pair of bright blue suspenders adds some cheek to the menswear theme. Echoing the same vibrant cobalt with this envelope clutch, perfect for securing messages, ties the look together.

Now onto jewelry. A pearl ring can be used to woo your very own Cesario, should you choose. On the other hand (pun, so so so intended), a "Love Triangle" ring also fits the bill. A "Sebastian" watch brings in the masculine element to the jewelry selection while "Olivia" earrings reflect the love triangle theme yet again. Finally, sport a tiny fake mustache with this quirky little septum ring!

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.

Book Style: Lullaby

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I love me some Chuck Palahniuk. His twisted brain speaks to me. The very first thing I ever read of his was Lullaby. It still remains one of my favorites. For those of you not familiar with the basic plot, Carl Streator is a newspaper reporter assigned to work on a piece about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Streator, himself, lost his wife and infant child suddenly. As work progresses on his article he notices a disturbing pattern: All of the families involved had a copy of Poems and Rhymes Around the World open to an African "culling song"; the same poem he read his wife and child the night they passed. Streator eventually realizes the culling song works and sets out with a real estate agent, Helen Hoover Boyle, to destroy all the remaining copies of the poem to prevent further deaths. Joining them on their hunt is Helen's assistant, Mona Sabbat, and Mona's boyfriend, Oyster. 

For this Book Style I was channelling Mona more than any other character. A little bit punk, a little bit hippie, a lot of I-do-as-I-please. Also, next time I say I'm going to style a book with a predominantly white cover, sit me down and ask me to reevaluate my decisions! I started with these denim shorts that honestly tie more into the book cover than the book in anyway. I tossed a pair of white fishnets on the legs. An oversized white "Rhymes" tee and an oyster-colored, vegan-friendly moto jacket have the top half covered. For shoes, a pair of "Rhyme" boots in "white peace" will keep your feet comfy and dry while you road trip the country in search of a killer poem. A "Carl" belt adds some weight to the outfit.For jewelry I fell in love with this skull nose ring and "Until Death Do Us Part" ring. A "Mona" pendant and a pair of "Africa" gold studs rounds out the ensemble. 

Does anyone else love Mr. Palahniuk as much as I do? What's your favorite book?

Book Style: The Island

Fact: I rarely like non-fantasy YA.
'nother Fact: I adored Olivia Levez's The Island.

Definitely recommending this gritty and realistic novel which absolutely earns the comparisons it has garnered to Robinson Crusoe and Hatchet. Our protagonist, Frances, is sentenced to a work program on an island in the Indian Ocean in lieu of jail time for her crime. When the plane carrying her, the group leaders, and her fellow juvenile delinquents crashes in the middle of the ocean, Fran's survival skills are put to the ultimate test. There's nothing like hours of solitary time on a deserted beach to really think about the consequences of her actions, either. By the time it turns out that Fran's island may not be as deserted as she assumed, you'll be rooting for this unlikely, and often bristly, hero.

I wanted to do beach-worthy and youthful for today's Book Style. It's not Fran's exact outfit - I refuse to style Spongebob bikini bottoms. Honestly, I'm so far from teenage now that I'm not even sure a 16 year old girl would wear anything I style. Anyways...

Let's start with a "Castaway" bikini. (Not pictured: All the sunscreen you'll want to apply. And reapply. And reapply again.) A pair of "Love Yourself" denim cutoffs seemed appropriate for Fran's journey. A "Françoise À La Mer" tee on top keeps the look easy. A pair of terrier leather flip flops are surely something Fran would love; she has a soft spot for pups, after all. I kept the jewelry simple with sparkly fish earrings, a fishtail bracelet, and an "Indian Ocean" necklace. In the category of Things-Fran-Would've-Loved-To-Have-Had-Handy we have a bright blue pair of aviators and an adorable shark iPhone case. Of course, even stranded, Fran was never without her eyeliner (this one is "Delinquent") and her nail lacquer (this sandy taupe is "Coconuts").

If you want to entertain and challenge your DIY survival skills, check out Olivia Levez's tutorial on how to make a shoes out of your bra!