Hollow City-Inspired Outfit

And I'm back!  I had a week to enjoy my family and collect my thoughts and now we're back into our normal schedule!

Before Thanksgiving break, I reviewed Ransom Riggs' Hollow City, the second book in the Miss Peregrine series.  I love this series and have already planned to read Library of Souls over Christmas break.

Earlier this year I designed my own outfit to fit the Miss Peregrine series, but today I thought I'd share an outfit geared toward one of the characters--Fiona.  Fiona is a very minor character in this book; in fact, she's not in the book for the second half.  But I'm so intrigued by her.  She loves Hugh but they're very quiet about their admiration for each other.  She doesn't talk because of a previous trauma in life.  She's reserved but steps in when needed and obviously loves the other peculiars.  So I decided to design a contemporary outfit based off her peculiarity with nature. 

Here it is!

So again, this is an outfit I designed based off of her character--not something I think she would wear.  That's what I love about this blog--I get to take characters and represent them through current fashion.

Here are the details:

• Since Fiona is all about nature, I found a leaf print blouse.  I love the variation in greens, and I think the color pairs nicely with the burgundy corduroy skirt.  These have a definite nature feel.
• The shoes and accessories again bring in a feminine yet rustic look.  Tall brown boots give the outfit an outdoor feel, and the brown watch and gold leaf earrings are simply yet sweet.

What do you think?  Would YOU wear an outfit like this?

To find all the individual pieces of the outfit, check out this resources link.

Many more book reviews/outfits coming up in the next few weeks! 

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.

Outfit Inspiration--Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

You guys.  I am obsessed with Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.  I'm reading the sequel, Hollow City, right now and it is a-mazing!  And since the third book in the series, Library of Souls, is coming out next month (!!!!), I thought it would be fun to design an outfit reminiscent of the books.

The covers of these books draw you in since they use actual photography.  I love the black and white, old school, creepy feel of them.

 

Aren't they creepy?  And cool?

So the books take place in both present day and the 1940s...so I designed an outfit to go along with the black and white 1940s.

This skirt is perfect for these book covers!  It's a mix of black, gray, and white.
I paired it with a graphic tee that says "Forever After."  I think that phrase perfectly describes Jacob's feelings for Emma.

These shoes are so adorable!  They totally have a 1940s vibe.
A silver bangle cuff completes the look.

I added some black tights (a 1940s lady wouldn't have shown bare legs, right?).

This outfit made me happy.

What do you think?

Skirt--Ann Taylor
Tee--Old Navy
Shoes--DSW (brand XAppeal)
Bangle--gift

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea-Inspired Outfit

Hey, readers and fashionistas!  A few weeks ago I reviewed Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea by April Genevieve Tucholke.  It was a creepy, mysterious supernatural that I absolutely loved!  And today's outfit is inspired by Violet and her growing relationship with the strange new guy in town, River.

One thing I loved about this book was Violet and River's date nights.  They were a bit more mature than the typical date-outdoor vintage movies in the town square, picnics with bread and cheese, elaborate cooking, etc.  And even though Violet and River's relationship is skeptical at best, their dates are swoon worthy.  They even dress in vintage costumes that they find in Violet's basement--a true trip down antique lane!  So that's what I was thinking about for Violet's outfit--a vintage take on a date night outfit.  And here it is:

Doesn't it take you back a few years?!  I love this for a date night.  So let's get into the details:

• The white lace top and knee-length printed skirt have a 1940s vibe.  They are sweet and respectable pieces while obviously very feminine.
• Look at those shoes!  Adorable, and I love pairing a darker skirt with light shoes.
• The light blue belt connects with the shoes and brings together the top and skirt as one cohesive piece.
• The pearl stud earrings and thin silver watch are vintage-inspired.  Simple, elegant, and reminiscent of times gone by.

So what do you think?  Someone wearing this (especially a teenager!) gives off a more respectable air and that they care about the date.  Better than jeans and a hoodie, right?

I could see Violet wearing this as she and River go off to try a pizzeria and then read poetry in the park.  Couldn't you?

Want the specifics of this outfit?  Check them out here.

1930s-Inspired Outfit

Last week I posted a review on Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz, a story of Yanek, a boy who survived TEN concentration camps and TWO death marches during WWII.  So today's outfit is 1930s/1940s-inspired; it's not a straight-up inspiration of the Holocaust, because let's be honest, that would be horrible on many levels.  But it's based off the inspiration of the time period.  After all, Yanek's character was fascinated by movies and society life.

And here it is:

 Ahh, don't you just wish that this was normal attire again?!

• I think a blouse was a staple item in women's closets at the time.  I love the richness in this burgundy one and how it brightens up and balances the black pieces.
• A black pencil skirt--women were always in skirts, and this one has remained a timeless, stylish piece.
• Don't you love that hat?  Women also frequently wore hats outdoors, and this small-brimmed hat adds some "adorable" into the look.
• These strapped sweetheart heels were typical of the time and very lady-like.  A delicate heel for the "delicate" ladies of the time.
• I had to add a cute little necklace, and this gold glasses necklace was perfect!  Dainty jewelry was the style, but this one adds some personality.

So what do you think?  Could you see a woman of the 30s/40s wearing this out on the town?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review on a nonfiction book that will inspire you to live life to the fullest!

Want a closer look at the outfit pieces?  Click here!

Glow-Inspired Outfit

Hello, friends!

So it's been about a week and a half since I posted...I know, I know!  But let me tell you about that last week and a half.  First, we closed on a new house!  I am so so excited to get my decorating hands on this new house!  Then Luke and I were both gone on different retreats (me for church, him for work) PLUS I was on Fall Break and just decided I needed time to rest and READ!

So here's the outfit that I designed for Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan (I reviewed it in my last post).  I was designing for protagonist Waverly, so I wanted an outer space theme with a girly touch, and I think that's exactly what I got with this!  Here it is:

So let's break it down:

• I wanted the outfit's main color to be black because, let's face it, that what Waverly is mostly seeing in Glow--a black universe. So the majority of the outfit is black.
• The T-shirt is a solar system diagram, and it pairs so well with this girly skirt.  The two together makes a casual but sweet pairing.  And since all of the girls are being kidnapped so they can help women bear children, I knew I needed to accentuate the girly part of an outfit.
• Black tights and black boots keep the feminine touch.  However, since Waverly IS trying to escape for most of this book, she needed some kick-butt shoes that gave her some edge.
• Since Waverly and the rest of the characters are on a mission to start life over in a new universal existence, I wanted a pop of white to represent rebirth.  Hence this killer leather jacket.

And there you have it!  An outfit that Waverly could wear to express her femininity in space while also going on high-speed chases.

Jacket--Miss Selfridge
T-shirt--Fluffy Co (Modcloth)
Skirt--MSGM
Tights--Whistles
Boots--Ugg

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

Want to see the cutest little boy clothing?  Check back this week to see my stylish boys!

How NOT to Look Like a Librarian: Party on the Runway!

Hey, readers and fashionistas!  So I love posting Outfit of the Day (OOTD) posts and I've had a lot of people tell me how much they enjoy reading them.  And I've realized that these are all outfits that hopefully don't make me look like a stereotypical librarian.  Hence they will now be called How NOT to Look like a Librarian posts!

We recently had family photos taken by my friend Ariel (for those of you in the Indy area, go check her out at Ariel Eldridge Photography!) and we had so much fun!  Our boys really cheesed it up for her in our old downtown area, but my favorites were actually the couple shots she took of me and the hubby at our local airport.  Luke is a part-time pilot, so anything pilot-related is sentimental and even a little romantic for us.

So what do you wear on an airport runway?  And how could I dress to NOT look like a librarian?  Why a big gray tutu, of course!

When I saw this tutu at the store Windsor, my mom said "Julia, you CAN NOT wear that to school."  And I thought "Why not?!  This is so fun!"  So I snuck back later by myself and bought it (surprise, Mom!).  Here's what my outfit looked like:

 

I paired the tutu with a simple black T-shirt from Old Navy that says "Forever After" on it.  I thought that was a nice romantic touch.  Then I added a bright pink necklace I bought on vacation, black Steve Madden heels, and a gifted black bangle bracelet.

 

 Oh you know, just sitting on a runway.

 I love this shot, but don't let me fool you--Ariel and I were giggling between shots.

So what do you think?  Would YOU wear this outfit on a runway?

I think this would be a fun outfit to wear to a party or out on a date...it's fun and light-hearted with some soft touches.

I am not associated with any of the clothing companies mentioned (although Ariel Eldridge Photography is one of my bestest of friends!).

A little strong or a little sweet...Pretty Girl-13-Inspired Outfit

Well, I made it through the first week of school!  And it was probably my BEST start to a school year that I've ever had (score!).  I'm loving my students and the direction that our semester is taking.  Just feels good to be back in the swing of things!

Last week I reviewed Pretty Girl-13...not my favorite book for sure, but I knew it gave me some great outfit inspiration.  In the book, Angie has several personalities that often take over.  So I thought I'd take an article of clothing and show how to style it for two very different personalities.  The article?  A long-sleeved flannel shirt.  Fall is coming up--the perfect time for flannel.

So here's what I designed:

Isn't that flannel shirt so cute?!

So what kinds of personalities are you seeing?  Angie had one personality that was like her protector, her "strong" side, so that's the outfit on the left.  And then Angie sometimes communicated with a child-like personality, hence the soft and sweet look on the right.  Let's break them down.

To toughen up a look, add skinny jeans and a leather jacket.  The flannel softens the jacket but the whole outfit still has a stronger appeal.

To soften it, add a flare skirt with a glittery belt and pearls (fake will do!).  This really "girls" up the outfit and keeps it looking sweet and innocent.

Which one do you like better?  I could see myself wearing the outfit on the left to a hayride and the one on the right to a dinner out.

Tomorrow I'll have a new book review on a book that I just COULDN'T put down!

Flannel shirt--GAP

Jacket--Nelly.com

Jeans--House of Fraser

Skirt--NewLook

Pearls--Blue Nile

Belt--Old Navy

*I am not associated with any companies/clothing items mentioned.

Rapture Practice-Inspired Outfit

Hey, readers and fashionistas!

Yesterday I reviewed Rapture Practice by Aaron Hartzler, a book that had me laughing, gasping, and sighing in frustration.  Seriously, friends--such a good book!

So in designing an outfit based off the book, I thought it would be fitting (no pun intended!) to design a conservative outfit that still looked chic.  Aaron's mother dressed very conservatively (and only wore skirts/dresses), so I wanted to design a current, updated look that hopefully even she would approve.

So here it is:

Think it would get Aaron's family's approval?

I'll break it down:

• Maxi skirts are ALL the rage for about the second year in a row.  You're going to especially see them everywhere with the spring and summer seasons approaching.  This skirt has a trendy chevron design, and what could be more classic than black and white?  This skirt could be paired with just about anything.
• Denim shirts are also really big right now (and also go with just about anything), so I paired this with the skirt and tucked it in for a cleaner look.
• I added the necklace to give a POP on the top of the outfit.
• Gladiator sandals are cute but not over-the-top.
• OPI's Bubble Bath nail polish is soft, gentle, and feminine.  I didn't think Aaron's mother would go for a bright teal or yellow polish!  

So what do you think?  Would you wear this outfit?  Do you see someone who is very conservative wearing it?

Tomorrow I'll be back to share another outfit from my own wardrobe.  See you then!

Shirt--Lucky
Skirt--Boohoo Mysha
Necklace--Aldo
Sandals--Nine West
Nail Polish--OPI "Bubble Bath"

Panic-Inspired Outfit

Hi, friends!

In my review of Panic by Sharon Draper, I explained how protagonist Diamond is a dancer in an after-school dance troupe.  So for today's outfit, I thought I'd show an outfit that shows off you're a dancer but isn't in-your-face.  Does that make sense?  And this would be a super cute outfit for someone walking to dance class after school.

Here's the outfit:

I kind of wish I was a dancer, because this is super cute!

Here's the breakdown:

• Ballerina skirts are the best!  So adorable.  And this one is delicate and not too over-the-top.
• The black tee gives off the look of a black leotard, and the dance sweatshirt is casual and fun.
• Ballet flats--should I even explain this?
• Minimal jewelry like pearl stud earrings keep the outfit soft, and dancers are often known for being light and flowing.

So what do you think?  Could you see a dancer wearing this on her time off?

Tee--ACNE Trans Dance Tee
Skirt--USTrendy.com
Sweatshirt--Forever 21
Flats--Charlotte Russe
Earrings--Reeds White Pearls

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

I'll be back next week with a new review and Friday Find!  See you then!

Bomb-Inspired Outfit

Last week I reviewed a nonfiction (gasp!) book by Steve Sheinkin--it's called Bomb: The Race to Build--and Steal--the World's Most Dangerous Weapon and is all about the building of the atomic bomb.  So that means it was set during WWII.  So of course I had to design an outfit today for that time period.  And here's what I created:

I like to imagine that my grandmothers wore outfits like these in the 40s!

Here's the breakdown:

• The plaid pencil skirt was a staple in the 1940s.  I kept the pattern simple here--navy with tan and gray lines.  
• To lighten the look, I added a peach ruffled blouse.  Going sleeveless was probably a little risky for the 40s, but this is an interpretation, right?
• Blue pumps.  You always saw ladies in pumps, and this color nicely complements the clothes.
• A pearl bracelet to keep the outfit soft and sweet.
• A boater hat...I love the hats of this time period! A fun way to add some pizzazz to the outfit!

So what do you think?  Does this show off the ladies of the 40s?

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

Skirt--House of Fraser
Blouse--Modcloth.com
Shoes--Aldo
Bracelet--Bloomingdales
Hat--6pm.com

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

Add a Little Painting to your Weekend...and an OOTD

Hi, readers and fashionistas!  Well, the weekend is almost ever and Thanksgiving week is here!  I'm so excited to have this week to celebrate with my family!  But let me share a little bit from my weekend first...

One of my first pieces of "big girl" furniture that I bought on my own when I graduated college was a dining room table set.  And it's the same set that we use in our dining room today...but I'm kind of over it.  The wood finish on the tabletop was pretty weak--hot plates would often leave burn marks on top.  So we started using a tablecloth...and I hate tablecloths.  They're always uneven or need washed about every day.  With Christmas almost here, buying a whole new dining set wasn't really in the budget, so I decided to paint the table.

With the AWESOME advice of my cousin-in-law, Morgan, we bought chalk paint.  Specifically Annie Sloan paint.  Guys, if you are painting furniture, you HAVE to use Annie Sloan's chalk paint (not to be confused with chalkboard paint--it's called chalk paint because of its chalky feel).  This paint requires NO priming or prepping of the furniture.  And a little paint goes a long way!  Even though a quart of the paint is pretty pricey--about $38--it covers two tables plus a few chairs.  

You can't find Annie Sloan in a typical paint store, but it's sold in antique and small business shops.  You might have to do a little research to find it, but honestly, it is SO worth it (and my husband, who grew up painting with professionals, agrees!).

So here's how our table looks now:

And I LOVE it!  It has that shabby chic look and we haven't had any burn mark issues!

The chairs are going to disappear soon--hopefully with some great Cyber Monday sales!

So if you're a fan of painting furniture or adding some life back into some old pieces, you must check out Annie Sloan!

Ok, now on to an Outfit of the Day.  I've worn this outfit to work twice and both times received numerous compliments (from both co-workers and students).  And it's practically all from Target!  I love this outfit because it keeps me looking young and fresh but it meets all dress code standards.  Here it is:

• The skirt, which--let's be honest--is the center of attention of the outfit is a pink houndstooth print.  Hot pink.  I love it--and it's from Target!
• The black boyfriend tee and cami are also both from Target.
• The thick black belt is from Charlotte Russe, and a student told me that this outfit wouldn't nearly be as good without the belt.  It definitely brings the pieces together.
• Black tights (Target) and black heels (Madden Girl) keep the outfit professional.
• Simple accessories--a thick black bangle (a gift) and an initial pendant necklace (Linx & More) keep the outfit dainty but focused on the skirt.  I also wore stud earrings from Charlotte Russe.

So what do you think?  Would you wear this outfit to work?

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

*I am not associated with any of the companies or brands mentioned and purchased everything with my own money.

The Selection-Inspired Outfit

Ok, you can't really read The Selection by Kiera Cass without drooling over the cover.  And really, I feel like I'm almost betraying the book by creating an outfit based off of it.  Because it's perfect.  And doesn't need any changes.  Let's just look at it again, shall we?

 

I think if I owned this dress I would wear it all the time.  Even when I did the dishes.  Because it's that gorgeous!

Ok, moving on to the outfit I did design.  It's a day look inspired by the dress and an outfit I could see main character America wearing as she attends an afternoon tea in the palace.  Here it is:

Pretty cute, right?

So here's how I designed it:

• The dress on the cover is all about two things: ruffles and tulle.  Tulle ruffles!  I can't get enough!  So I chose an aqua dress with a ruffle waistline.  This particular dress is from the Mossimo brand at Target and is only $20!
• But I needed some tulle to add to the dress, so I found a white tulle slip/skirt (this one is from TopShop for $50) that could easily slide underneath the dress.  The dress goes from slightly stiff to pretty fun when a little bit of tulle is peeking out underneath!
• Pearls, pearls, pearls!  I wanted the dress to be layered in pearls to add a touch of the dramatic.  The shorter layer here is from Forever New for $24; the longer layer is from Tiffany's and is over $1300...yikes!
• Some silver pumps finish the look, because a possible-princess-to-be has to wear heels, right?  This particular shoes are YSL and are pretty pricey--$665!  But any cute silver pump would do.  

So what do you think?  I know, I know, it's not the dress on the cover...but a good representation, right?

I'll be back tomorrow to review The Elite, the second book in The Selection series.  See you then! 

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

This Is Not A Drill-Inspired Outfit

On Monday I reviewed the book This Is Not A Drill, a tragic realistic story about an elementary school hostage situation.  Since the topic is pretty serious and could hit home with many people, I decided to pick a more light-hearted side of the book to feature in my fashion re-do.  

In the book, Emery and Jake teach French to the first graders; isn't that adorable?!  I can just see a class of first graders throwing around "Merci!" and "Je voudrais..."
After thinking all about our Americanized interests of French culture--Eiffel tower, baguettes, berets--I decided to create a look based off of the French maid (but a PG-version!).

So here it is:

Are you getting the French maid vibe?  

The outfit breakdown:

• The striped skirt and cream blouse are the basis for the French maid look of black-and-white.  It's a flirty yet appropriate pairing.
• French maids always have lace, so I added a fun, black lace necklace to add just a pop on the shirt.
• Isn't that the most adorable French-inspired watch?!  Ok, a little over-the-top for the outfit but I couldn't resist!
• You have to have good shoes if you're trying to look French.  These heels are GORGEOUS!
• The red nail polish is a no-brainer.  It adds some vibrancy to the look.

So what do you think?

I'll be back tomorrow with a review of a sweet/humorous/realistic love story, Eleanor & Park.  See you then!

OOTD (3)--Leopard Skirt

Today's Outfit of the Day is a great look for fall if you're wanting to step it up a bit.  The colors are deep browns and blacks but the overall effect is comfortable and flowing--that's fall, right?

Here it is:

This is also a great way to incorporate leopard print into your wardrobe without it being over-the-top.  Subtle but effective.

Adding a brown/gold belt accentuates the waist and dresses up the look while gladiator sandals keeps it comfortable.  Simple accessories--bangles and stud earrings.

I wore this on a Saturday when we were traveling to visit some friends at a local university.  This was a great outfit to wear for a comfortable trip but still sent the message that I wanted to look nice.

Skirt--TJ Maxx

V Neck T-shirt--Target (I wore a cami underneath since the shirt was a little see-through)

Belt--Target

Sandals--Boutique I found on vacation

Bangle--gift

What do you think?  What's a great comfortable yet dressy look that you've designed for fall?

*I'm not being sponsored/paid by any companies mentioned.  Just an outfit I put together!