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 Sound of Letting Go-Inspired Outfit

I love this outfit.  I would wear this outfit today.  It's cute and fun but definitely looks more put together than just jeans and a t-shirt.  And that's just the type of outfit that I like--comfortable, cute, and easy to throw together!

In The Sound of Letting Go, Daisy is a trumpet player and finds an escape when she plays.  An escape from her autistic brother, an escape from her fighting parents, and an escape from her confusion on her own identity.  So as I designed an outfit for her, I wanted to design something trendy for a high school students while expressing her love of music.  And here's what we have:

• The T-shirt is adorable--it's a throw to the movie Amadeus and is probably a favorite of many orchestra fans.  Pairing it with a short black skirt somehow makes a T-shirt even cuter and dresses it up immediately.
• The burgundy cardigan adds some color and gives an extra layer to the outfit.
• These Keds are adorable and keeps the look casual.
• A wrap bracelet and pearl stud earrings are easy accessories that won't be in Daisy's way as she plays the trumpet.

I love the mix of the casual and the dressy.  Definitely an adorable look for school!

Interested in any of these pieces?  Check them out here.

I Was Here-Inspired Outfit

What. a. week.  Friends, remember when I told you that I had gotten some poison ivy all over my face?  Well, I'm still not sure if it was poison ivy or something else, but that crazy inspection spread EVERYWHERE on my body.  It's 1 1/2 weeks later and I'm STILL on high dosage medicine and STILL trying to recover.  Yikes!  I think I'm reaching a turning point (thank goodness!)--just in time for school to start!

I want to share the outfit that I designed for Cody in Gayle Forman's I Was Here.  Man, what a powerful novel from Forman about depression, friendship, and recovery.  See my full review here.

Cody is a multi-dimensional character in this book; she's searching for answers of her friend Meg's death while also trying to understand who she is herself.  This becomes a literal journey as she travels to Meg's college town to piece together the puzzle of her death.  This outfit took on those deep layers and even gives off a feeling of searching.  Here's what it looks like:

Let's break it down:

• Cody grew up a bit beneath Meg's family's socioeconomic status, so this outfit needed to be a bit muted in color (especially since it also represents Cody's grieving).  I thought the distressed jeans (which I'm super obsessed with!) represented Cody's status well.
• The "Single with Cats" tank toys with the character cats that Meg surprisingly left behind.  This would've been Cody's subtle way of handling the secrets she's discovering.
• The comfy cardigan sweater is soft in color and comfortable for travel.
• The gray boots keep the outfit from being too soft and sweet.  Cody has her guard up as she travels and these boots give off that no-nonsense attitude.
• I think Cody would've noticed "M" monogram pieces now that she is without Meg.  A necklace like the one above is a way to remember Meg without going over-the-top.

What do you think?  Do you see Cody wearing something like this?  

Check out all the details of the outfit here.

Tomorrow I'm bringing you my July favorites!  Some FUN things that I've been loving this month!

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!

Belzhar-Inspired Look

Happy Friday!  Can I get three cheers on that one?!

Today I'm bringing you a look inspired by the book Belzhar by Meg Wolitzer.  I absolutely loved this book (especially the twist at the end!) and am excited to create a look for it today.

Since the book is set at a camp-like boarding school, I designed an outfit that I could see campers wearing when they want to look nice.  Because of the "magic" of Jam's English journal, she is able to see her deceased boyfriend in dream-like states.  So she's definitely going to want to look her best for him. 

Here's what I designed:

So cute!

• I think high-waisted shorts are so cute for camp settings.  They just have that vintage, "let's go drive around the country in our camper" vibe.  
• I paired the shorts with a floral tank top and cardigan.  Camps usually mean you'll be hot or cold (or both) so that's all covered here.  Again, I picked something that Jam would feel pretty in for her boyfriend.
• Keds are the perfect shoe to go with high-waisted shorts.  And who wouldn't want mint green Keds?!
• A gold monogram necklace (I used "R" here for Jam's deceased boyfriend, Reeve) adds a final feminine touch.

What do you think?  Would you wear this if you were at a camp/school?
 For the details of each piece, click here.

Two more reviews/outfits next week!  See you then!

The Testing-Inspired Outfit

Hi, readers and fashionistas!  

Last week I reviewed The Testing by Joelle Charboneau, a book that unfortunately I think I read too late in the dystopian fandom.  Meaning I've read so many dystopian books by this point that it just seemed like a combination of other well-known dystopian books.  Even the cover reminds me of a mockingjay/Catching Fire clock, which is just a shame.  

But Cia was an interesting protagonist, and we really get to see what she's made of in the final round of the Testing.  She's trekking across the country, avoiding possible enemies that are posing as alliances and watching out for deadly traps.  So I was definitely inspired by her character for an outfit.  I knew I wanted it to be rugged with a bit of practicality and yet still girly.  And here's what I designed:

Let's break it down:

• Notice that there are no bright colors here.  Cia is not bubbly, super smiley, or just out loud.  So her colors needed to be muted and even a little natural.
• I paired black skinny jeans with a leopard print tank top.  The print isn't too in-your-face and emphasizes Cia's ability to use nature wisely.  An olive cardigan over top is practical and dulls down the brightness in the top.
• Black slouch boots are totally what I picture someone wearing while trying to survive.
• The gold bracelet is just to add in a little femininity.  Keeps the outfit from looking too plain.

So what do you think?  An appropriate outfit for someone who's trying to stay safe in a dangerous situtation?

Skinny Jeans--Michael Kors  
Sleeveless Blouse--Keira Mischeivous
Cardigan--Lookbook
Boots--Diva Lounge 
Bracelets--Wet Seal

Tomorrow I'll be showing off some more library artwork--come back to check it out!

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

OOTD--A Pop of Lime

Hey, readers and fashionistas!  

Today I'm bringing you my own outfit--I just love Outfit of the Day posts, and it appears that you all do, too!  

With Spring slowly making its way into our lives, I've started adding a lot of color into my wardrobe.  Today's outfit does just that--it adds a burst of lime.  And lime is quickly becoming one of my favorite colors.  I've used it in my living room (lime curtains) and it really brightens up the space!

So here's my look:

Yep, just hanging out on my front porch in my cute wedges...

I am all about skinny jeans...I seriously can't fathom wearing "non-skinnies" on a regular basis.  I paired my dark jeans with a white and black polka-dot top with the cutest tie in the front.  Just darling and 1950s!  I added the lime cardigan to brighten it all up (sorry the color isn't as vibrant in the photo!).

For accessories I chose a white bangle, black dangly earrings, and THE MOST COMFORTABLE wedges I've ever owned.  Seriously--like walking on clouds.

A closer look at the accessories...and I was having a decent hair day!

So how are you embracing Spring in your wardrobe?  Do you have any lime pieces?  Share!

Jeans--American Eagle

Blouse and Cardigan--LOFT

Bracelet and Earrings--unknown (I've had for awhile)

Wedges--DSW

I'll be back tomorrow with a new book review!  See you then!

OOTD--Getting Ready for Spring!

Hey everyone!

Today I'm showing off an outfit I recently put together to get me in the mood for Spring!  The new season is kind-of upon us and there's nothing that makes me feel better than putting together fun, bright colors in an outfit.

Here's a photo that I took in my library...and now that I look at it, it kind of has a cute-librarian look, too!

 Don't you love the blues and corals mixed together?

Denim shirts are staple pieces right now because they can be dressed up or down in so many ways!  I paired this light denim shirt with dark denim skinny jeans and bright accessories. 

The teal polka dots on the cardigan are so sweet, and I love the complementary corals in the necklace and flats.  I added some teal chevron stacking bracelets for that extra pop of color.

Cardigan--Target (only $15!)

Shirt--Charlotte Russe

Necklace--Charlotte Russe

Bracelets--Christmas gift from my sis, Alison (from an Etsy store)

Jeans--American Eagle

Flats--DSW

*I purchased all items with my own money (other than the Christmas gift); I am not associated with any companies/products mentioned.

So what do you think?

How are you dressing for Spring?

Level Up-Inspired Outfit

I'm a nerd--I proudly admit it (along with admitting that I'm a complete nerdfighter!) so today's look was really fun to design.  Based off the book Level Up (which I reviewed yesterday), it combines the casualness and sometimes dorkiness of being a video gamer.  And here it is:

Doesn't this look so comfortable?  And yet it's got that fashion edge, too!

So here's the breakdown:

• The Gameboy t-shirt (which is SO CUTE!) takes the level of seriousness in this outfit down a few notches.  It's fun and fancy free!
• I added a lighter-colored cardigan because I think all outfits should have layers.
• Comfortable boot-cut jeans--a common wardrobe item and great for those who just aren't comfortable with skinny jeans.
• Pink converse shoes.  Converse shoes are both nerdy and cool, and the pink refers back to the colors in the t-shirt.

Such a simple, comfortable outfit that I think gamers would be proud to wear!  What do you think?

T-shirt--David and Goliath
Cardigan--Target (less than $25)
Jeans--Old Navy
Shoes--Converse
 
*I am not associated with any companies or products mentioned.

Tomorrow I'm back with another review--see you then!

Modcloth Uniquely You Style Competition--Check It Out!

Happy Thursday, readers and fashionistas!  I was recently contacted by a Modstylist from Modcloth.com (her job sounds so cool--she basically stays up on trends and helps people create outfits for any occasion!) and asked if I would participate in Modcloth's Uniquely You campaign.  I thought it sounded super-fun, so I jumped at the chance to participate!

In the Uniquely You campaign, fashion bloggers are sent images of Modcloth accessories or articles of clothing; then we get to create a collage with up to 7 other Modcloth products and feature them on our Polyvore pages.  Modcloth will pick their favorite ensemble, and that winning blogger will have their collage featured on the Modcloth Polyvore page.  How fun!  I can't wait to see everyone's entries!  

For this week's contest, I was sent the image of the In the Key of Chic Dress in Polka Dots.  You guys, this dress is so adorable!  It is whimsical and cheery and I immediately knew exactly how I wanted to style it!  So here is my style entry:

 

Isn't it just darling?!  Check out the full link here!

Cardigan      Heels      Clutch      Earrings      Necklace

Here's the breakdown of the outfit:

•  Like I said, the dress is called "In the Key of Chic (polka dots)."  I can definitely see this outfit at a baby shower, a graduation, or any spring occasion!  It's light, full of color, and just plain fun!  I knew I wanted this dress to be the focal point of the outfit, so all of the other pieces needed to fit around it. 
• Because the dress is so colorful, I wanted the accessories to highlight it, not surpass it.  So I chose honey and royal blue--they complement each other well and bring out the colors of the dress.
• The honey cardigan keeps the dress casually formal (yes, you can be casual AND formal!).  If the cardigan is tucked into the royal blue belt, a woman's waist is defined and shown off!
• Aren't these blue heels ADORABLE?!  These definitely keep the outfit fun and flirty--I love them!
• Some simple honey and blue accessories--blue stud earrings and a yellow clutch.  Again, they go with the color theme and keep it whimsical.
• I added a red bow necklace; even though this accessory is small, it does so much!  It draws out the red in the dress, keeps the outfit from being too "matchy," and stays fun.

So what do you think?  Leave a comment below to tell me what you think!  And don't forget to check out Modcloth.com--their clothing and accessories are so adorable!

*I was contacted by Modcloth to enter their Uniquely You contest.  I am not being compensated for this post and have no other connection to Modcloth.  This is simply my design and my opinions!

 I'll be back tomorrow with another book review--see you then!

OOTD (4)--A Nerdy Travel Outfit...and a September Favorite

Hey, guys!  I'm in Washington DC right now!  My sister, Alison, is being promoted to a Major in the Air Force, so our family has come along to celebrate (and as an added bonus, my other sister, Lauren, and I will be singing the national anthem with Alison at her ceremony!).  So I thought I'd show you the outfit I traveled in!

I'll fully admit it--I'm a nerd (although a fashionable nerd, right?).  I love learning, reading, museums--all the typical nerdy stuff.  So when I saw this owl shirt, I knew I had to have it.

Even though I'm kind of getting tired of the owl trend, I fell in love with this guy--I mean, he has a bow tie, cardigan, AND glasses!!!  Love him.  I think I'll name him Walter.

When traveling, especially flying, it's important to dress in layers.  So I paired the owl shirt with the colors in it--a red/orange tank top underneath and a mustard cardigan on top.  So comfy and so cute!
I love skinny jeans and I added some blingy sandals to dress it all up.  
I'll admit--I completely forgot jewelry and didn't want to deal with security making me take it all off.  So I just had some faux diamond studs in my ears.

Isn't he so cute?!

Owl shirt--Target
Cardigan--Target
Tank top--Old Navy
Jeans--TJ Maxx
Sandals--Rack Room Shoes

And since September is now over--I can't believe it!--I wanted to share one of my favorite products from this month.  I've heard people rave about this product for a few years now but just got around to picking it up.  And I LOVE it!

It's the Seche Vite top coat for your nails.  It totally covers and protects your nails and the best thing about it is that you can put it on your nails while THEY'RE STILL WET!  I love love love this product.  I got mine at CVS.

What have you been loving this month?  Come back tomorrow--I'll be reviewing the second and third books in the Eve series by Anna Carey, with correlating outfits, of course!

*I'm not associated with any of the companies/products mentioned.