A Time To Dance-Inspired Outfit

Happy Friday!  Whew, after this week I am READY for a weekend!

Yesterday I reviewed A Time to Dance, a lovely book about a girl overcoming adversity and finding her love in dancing.  The book taught me quite a bit about Indian culture and dance, so today's outfit is inspired by the female protagonist Veda and her love of the dance bharatanatyam (look it up on Youtube; it's really cool!).

This outfit is inspired by the clothes used in bharatanatyam.  Here's what I came up with:

• These flowing pants are very popular in bharatanatyam, so I chose a pair that wasn't too bright or patterned.  The black button-up top is similar to the shirts seen on the male dancers.
• The black flats are simple yet a definite part of the outfit.
• Bubble bracelets and anklets are very popular in the dance, so I chose a group of bracelets that are similar yet still chic.
• Evil eye earrings ward off bad spirits--there's much symbolism behind them.

So what do you think?  Do you see the resemblance?

Want to see details about this outfit?  Get all the specific here!

Made You Up-Inspired Outfit

I really loved the characters in Made You Up.  There was no love triangle (thank you, Francesca Zappia!), the characters were realistic, yet there was depth to each individual.  I could've designed an outfit for any of the book's characters, so I decided to just stick with Alex, the protagonist.  She's smart yet a bit on the outskirts, and I wanted both those traits to be featured in the outfit.  Here's what I created:

• I picked bold red pants because Alex's hair is this bright red.  Not orange or ginger--RED.  Colored pants are fun to add in a wardrobe.
• The T-shirt is a patent shirt.  With Alex and Miles always sharing random historical facts together, it seemed natural for Alex to wear a nerdy shirt like this.
• The black cardigan keeps Alex from being the center of attention and keep her comfy.  I think she would have wanted to wear something baggy--something she could "hide" in.
• I've mentioned before that author Francesca Zappia wore Converse shoes for us, so I just automatically think of Alex as wearing them, too.  A simple black pair.
• I don't think Alex would wear a lot of jewelry, just basics like this watch.

So what do you think?  Would you wear something like this?  Does it fit Alex?

Don't forget to check out my YouTube channel--I posted an October Wrap-Up video today!

The Martian-Inspired Outfit

Last week I reviewed The Martian and last night I saw the movie.  Verdict--I loved both!  And there were enough differences to keep my interest throughout the entire movie. 

Wardrobe in this book is pretty normal for an astronaut--you've got the standard spacesuit and then just comfortable work clothes.  All NASA-issued, of course. 

So for my outfit inspiration I decided to create a NASA-inspired outfit that would be perfect for a fall walk around the neighborhood.  So much of Mark Watney's story featured him walking around, fixing broken equipment, considering his survival plan.  So I wanted to design an outfit that was easy to work in, appropriate for outdoor weather, and representative of NASA's clean lines in design. 

And here's what I came up with:

Let's break it down:

• The puffy jacket of course is about as close as we get to a spacesuit.  I love the silver color; white coats aren't as practical and this still has a NASA feel to it.
• A comfortable sweater and leggings are perfect for walking and working.  I love the clean lines of the sweater with just a touch of blue.  
• Black combat boots are comfortable (yes, really) and good for all kinds of terrain.  Trendy right now, too.
• Astronauts don't mess with dangly jewelry, so simple pearl earrings (these are only $12!) add some femininity but just a touch.

So what do you think?  Would you walk around your neighborhood in this outfit?

The Beginning of Everything-Inspired Outfit

Ok, if you read my post yesterday about The Beginning of Everything and didn't go out and buy it/check it out at the library, go do that right now.  Don't worry, I'll wait.  Go ahead.

Ok, now that that is done, let's move on with Robyn Schneider Week!  Today's outfit is inspired by Ezra, the protagonist of the book.  Poor Ezra goes from being the most envied guy in school to the guy trying to figure out his identity.  And in the midst of his search, he joins a debate team.

We never had a debate team at my high school, so the concept has always intrigued and terrified me.  So you go into a debate as prepared as you can be but may not have anything to say back to your opponent?!  Scary!  Probably why I'm not a lawyer...

But Ezra joins the debate team with some of his new-found friends and competes in a full-day, multiple-debate competition.  And that competition is the inspiration for this outfit.  I wanted something trendy (after all, Ezra was at one time a popular student) and dressy but something with a relaxed feel as well (since Ezra isn't debate team-obsessed).  And here's what I designed:

Hey, I'd be happy if my hubby wore this outfit!

Let's detail it:

• I think baby blue is the most handsome color on a man, so I k new that I wanted that to be the driving force in the outfit.  I paired the baby blue dress shirt with a deep gray cardigan.  Cardigans are still dressy but a bit more casual than a blazer.
• Light gray pants are sleek next to the baby blue/dark gray cardigan on top.
• Aren't these light gray shoes great?  Again, dressy in a casual way.
• The deep blue bow tie is a fun trend, and I think guys in bow ties get noticed quickly.  Wearing a bow tie would have been on Ezra's side as he went into his first competition.
• Love this black/silver watch!  It's a simple statement accessory and complements the outfit well.

Obviously this isn't the outfit Ezra wears in the novel, but I think it'd be one he could definitely carry off!  And I would expect to see Toby in a bow tie, too--he would rock that accessory!

Interested in this outfit?  Find all the details here.

Tomorrow I'll post my interview with Robyn Schneider about beauty products and her new book, Extraordinary Means!  You'll definitely want to check that out!

Panic-Inspired Outfit

Happy Monday, all!  Anyone else as tired as I am with Daylight Savings Time?  Man, this morning wore. me. out.  But after a super fun day with my students (we made paper cranes today to celebrate peace and diversity!) I'm bringing you an outfit inspired by Panic by Lauren Oliver--loved that book!

In Panic, teens have to face some pretty major challenges--the terrifying, daring, and unusual.  Most of their challenges are physical, so having an outfit fit for movement is key.  For one of our main characters, Heather, I designed this outfit:

Here's how I chose this look:

• We have the basics for any kind of exercise/working out.  The workout cropped pants, t-shirt, and jacket.  I chose black and gray in case a challenge caused the teen to need to be as "invisible" as possible.
• I love this graphic gray tee.  The finger point gives off the message of "Hey, I'm coming for you and going to win this game!"  And in the game of Panic, the teens need every amount of courage they can muster.
• The pink shoes and watch are again staples for a fitness challenge.  I chose deep pink in case the teen would want to be seen in some way, as a safety precaution.

So what do you think?  I would TOTALLY wear this outfit when working out or doing a physical challenge.  Would you?

Another review coming soon in one of the most disgusting, surprising series I have ever read!

Want to see more of this outfit?  Check out the details here!  

Beautiful Music for Ugly Children-Inspired Look

Happy Monday, everyone!  Unfortunately I've had a case of the grumbles all day--two-year-old tantrums, state testing, end-of-year restlessness...whew!  It was wearing on me today!

But a blog post will make me feel better!  Here's an outfit that I designed based off the book Beautiful Music for Ugly Children (which I reviewed last week).  It's a book about Gabe, a guy who was actually born as Elizabeth.  So today's look is a women's outfit that has incorporated male-friendly pieces.  Here it is:

Chic yet masculine too, right?  I think a girl would be pretty trendy in this!

• I chose a pin-striped blazer because blazers are still a huge staple for anyone's wardrobe.  And I like the pinstriped look as we head into the summer season.
• Paired with the blazer are navy ankle pants.  Ankle pants are making a comeback and can be paired with all kinds of shoes.
• Speaking of shoes, these glittery Sperry shoes are awesome!  So trendy but can still be semi-professional.
• A large watch with a male-inspired face brings this together.  You don't want too many accessories in a guy-inspired look, and this one does it just right.

So what do you think?  Gals, would you wear it?  Guys, do you see the inspiration?

Blazer--Newlook
Pants--White House Black Market
Shoes--Sperry
Watch--Michael Kors 

*I am not associated with any companies/products mentioned.

I'll be back this week with more book reviews AND a look at how I'm making my house stylish!

When the Spy Needs to Stay in Shape...

Hi, friends!

Well, the snow has returned to Indiana...sigh.  I'm sending my best thoughts to the groundhog that he doesn't see his shadow in a few weeks.  We're ready for spring!!!!

But onward we go!  In my last post I reviewed Scorpia Rising by Anthony Horowitz, the 9th book in the oh-so-loved Alex Rider series.  This series is so exciting--full of suspense, thrills, and even anxiety--and I cannot recommend it enough (especially to your reluctant guy readers!).  I've designed a spy-like outfit before, so today I decided to focus more on a "get fit" look.  After all, Alex Rider has to be in good shape if he has any chance of getting away from the crazy villains in this series.  So here's today's look:

A cute look for staying fit...or for going on a mission!

• I love the pairing of the long, tight-fitting shirt with the slim workout pants.  Allows for easy movement while giving maximum effort (baggy shirts won't be getting in the way here).  I think a hot pink color is a perfect spy workout color--it's bold, in your face, and confident.
• Aren't these shoes AWESOME?!  I love the bold neon yellow color with the pink detailing.
• Sunglasses, of course, are just a necessity for a spy.  These are pretty stylish with the animal print.
• The hot pink watch is perfect for workouts and keeps the outfit girly.  Love.

So what do you think?  Would you work out in an outfit like this?

I'll be back Thursday with another book review--keep reading and stay fashionable!

Long-sleeve zip-up shirt--Under Armour

Pants--Under Armour

Running Shoes--Under Armour

Sunglasses--Under Armour

Watch--Soleus (Amazon)

*I am not associated with any of the companies or products mentioned.

Welcome to Candor!

Hi, friends!  Yesterday I designed an outfit inspired by the Amity faction from the Divergent trilogy.  Today I'm moving on to Candor, the faction known for those who tell the complete, and sometimes blunt, truth.  I have a student who I jokingly tell would DEFINITELY belong in Candor--he's completely honest with me, even when it's something I don't want to hear!

The Candor faction is all about black and white--because the truth should be just that, right?  Their symbol is a weight scale, so I felt that this was pushing my outfit to be more business-like than casual.  And here's what I designed:

Totally Candor, right?!

Here's the breakdown:

• Because I wanted a business look, it seemed only obvious to go with nice black pants (J Jones New York for about $37) and a printed top.  I love this polka dot blouse with the tie in front; it's professional but fun at the same time.  This top is no joke--$435 from Avenue32.com! 
• Aren't these heels awesome?!  Again, very professional, but they add a bit of fun and surprise.  I can just see someone clicking down the Candor halls in these shoes.
• I love the size of this white watch with black lettering.  It's a bold accessory that really completes the look.  And it's only about $40 from The Buckle!
• Black hoop earrings are feminine and sweet, but again--professional.  These particular earrings are Steve Madden and retail for about $22. 

So what do you think?  Would you wear this if you were Candor?

Tomorrow we're moving on to Erudite, the smart and somewhat proud.  See you then!

*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

The Knife and the Butterfly-Inspired Outfit

Hello, readers and fashionistas!  On Monday I reviewed Ashley Hope Perez's latest book, The Knife and the Butterfly.  So today's outfit is inspired by that book, specifically the main character Azael.  Now today's outfit is awfully girly to be inspired by a guy gang member, but it's really the colors I was after.  Here it is:

 

This outfit is all about blue and white!  

I'll admit--today is a foggy, rainy day in Indiana and today I'll be at work, so this outfit combines the rainy atmosphere with a dressy work look.  

Why blue and white?  Because those are Azael's gang's colors...and gangs have to be recognizable by their colors (or so I've been told).

So let's break it down:

• This royal blue jacket is TO DIE FOR!  So chic and perfect for a rainy day.  I love it!  Plus it gives me the pop of blue I wanted for this outfit.
• Crisp white pants and a white button-down blouse.  This keep the outfit sleek while incorporating the white color (and yes, I know white isn't worn this time of year below the waist, but I totally ignore all social fashion "rules" when designing these outfits!).
• I didn't want to add blue shoes, because that would be overdoing it, so I paired the outfit with gray/silver flats.  I love the toe silver detail on these!  Just the sophisticated pop I wanted.
• Ok, these blue butterfly earrings are kind of cheesy, but this book uses a butterfly as a metaphor (and obviously in the title), so I added them.  In a way, though, they actually take a few years off the outfit, so this could definitely be worn by someone in her low 20s.

What do you think?  How would you incorporate blue and white into an outfit?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review that reminds me of a great Halloween costume (which may be foreshadowing my Friday post just a bit!).

 

The Name of the Star-Inspired Look

On Monday I reviewed the book The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, a great October read that combines mystery with the supernatural (i.e., Jack the Ripper has come back from the dead).  So today's look is inspired by the Victorian time period and the dark mystery of this book.  Here it is!

 

A spooky but sophisticated look, right?

Here's the breakdown:

• The shirt...isn't is so Victorian looking?  I love the black color, the high neckline, the lace collar--this shirt is perfect for this look!
• Plum is a great color for this time period, so I added plum pants that aren't too skinny.
• Black heels--these are some awesome shoes that hype up the look.  Kind of gives an "I'm not messing around" feel to the outfit, don't you think?
• The accessories--pearl earrings to keep it time period-appropriate, a large black ring to heighten the mystery, and plum nails to color-coordinate. 

I love this look because it gives a mature yet mysterious interpretation of the days of Jack the Ripper.  What do you think?

Tomorrow I'm reviewing the sequel to The Name of the Star--it's called The Madness Underneath.  See you then!

Rise-Inspired Outfit

Happy Friday!  

Yesterday I reviewed Rise, the final book in Anna Carey's Eve series.  In the book we see Eve become pretty rebellious--she is mourning the loss of her love, Caleb, and therefore, out to kill her father.  She makes some dangerous decisions in this book and ventures out on some pretty risky missions.  So today's outfit focuses on the times when she sneaks out of the palace.  She's fighting for a cause and basically risking it all.

So here's the outfit:

Edgy, risky, dangerous...right?

Here's our breakdown:

• I chose dark colors--black and burgundy--to represent the seriousness of Eve's situation.
• The cross sweater is very trendy right now.  To me it looks like someone is fighting for a cause, standing up for their beliefs.  It's bold and difficult to ignore.
• I paired the sweater with burgundy pants.  Pants because Eve needs to move easily in a mission and burgundy to give it a different pop of color.
• The black booties toughen up the look but give Eve a chance to run when necessary.
• Someone out to avenge their love's death is probably not concerned about jewelry, so accessories are minimal here.  A bold burgundy watch (you need a watch on a mission, right?) and a simple, black headband.  Strong choices that aren't overly girly or frivolous.

So what do you think?  Suitable for Eve's mission?

I'll be back this weekend with a look at my older sister's home decor and an OOTD post.  See you then!

OOTD (2)--Stripes

Let's face it--if you work in an office or, in my case, a school, you notice that black pants are a staple in every woman's wardrobe.  But black pants don't have to be boring.  You can jazz them up with various tops and accessories.  

I love the black pants that I purchased for this fall and winter--they're comfortable and form fitting.  But I'm SUPER excited about a blouse I found to go with the pants.  It's professional, sleek, and eye-catching (my friend Blaine told me I looked like a "cute prisoner," which definitely had me humming "Jailhouse Rock" for the rest of the afternoon).  And of course I had to pair it all with heels!  
So here's the look:

Just hanging in the audio section of my library...

The stripes are vertical, which of course means visually slimming.  

I debated on whether to throw in a bright pop of color through the necklace but opted to stick with the classy black (it's a bubble necklace).  I'll probably change up the accessories each time I wear the outfit.

I definitely recommend tucking in the blouse.  It gives a sleeker, fitter look.

Top and pants--Express

Necklace--Von Maur

Heels--Madden Girl (purchased at DSW)

So what are some of your favorite work outfits?  What do you think of the stripes?

**And yes, that is a giant Chinese carton behind me--I love my library artwork!

Tomorrow I'll be back with a review of a book from one of my favorite YA series!