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! 

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!

Shadow and Bone-Inspired Look

Last week I reviewed Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and gave it 5 stars--I loved it that much!  I loved the characters--Mal and Alina, the Grisha, the Darkling.  They were all fantastic!

One unique feature about the Grisha in the series (other than their special powers) is that they wear special jackets to distinguish them from normal people.  So I wanted to design an outfit that featured an awesome blazer.  Blazers are a great wardrobe staple because they can dress up an outfit, even if that outfit is pretty casual. 

Here's the outfit I designed:

Don't you love the green with the black and white?  Here's the rundown of the look:

• The rich green blazer is gorgeous!  It's slim-fitting, too, which takes away the bulkiness of some blazers.  This blazer definitely takes the outfit up a notch.
• I didn't want any colors to compete with the deep green, so I kept the rest of the outfit on a black/white/gold scheme.  The striped sweater and shorts are classy but casual.
• The accessories are chic but don't take away from the blazer.  And even though the necklace is large, it just keeps the outfit at a dressier level.  And I think the Grisha would like to look dressy.

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

To find the actual pieces of the outfit, click here.

I Am Scout-Inspired Outfit

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Today's outfit is inspired from my review of I Am Scout by Charles Shields.  This is a fantastic YA biography of Harper Lee and how her life impacted To Kill a Mockingbird.  Seriously a great read for Harper Lee fans!

This outfit brings back a bit of the 1950s and celebrates Harper Lee's preference for wearing male shirts. 
And here it is:

Do you catch the 50s vibe?

• I paired a chambray shirt with navy shorts.  Harper loved to wear men's shirts because they were more comfortable for her tomboy lifestyle, and a chambray shirt is a fashionable take on a guy's look!
• Don't you love this burgundy loafer?  It adds a pop of color and a little bling with the gold detail, but it's definitely not overpowering.
• A deep blue clutch, pearl earrings, and slim watch all add to the 50s feel of the look.

I love this look because even though it isn't overly feminine, it definitely still has some girly charm.  Perfect for a tomboy who doesn't want to look too much like a girl.

What do you think?  Would you wear something like this?

Want to find the pieces of this outfit?  Click here for all the details!

And don't forget to check out my latest YouTube video, a review on the book After Hours by Claire Kennedy!

Darius & Twig-Inspired Outfit

It's FRIDAY!  So excited about a three-day weekend!

Yesterday I reviewed Darius & Twig by Walter Dean Myers, and while I didn't really enjoy this book, I wanted to design an outfit for Twig.  He's a runner--a good runner--that's trying to figure out his true passions in life.

So I wanted to design a running outfit for Twig.  A basic, tried-and-true outfit that he could throw on whenever he had the chance to go out running.  And here's what I came up with:

 

• Don't you love the running shirt?  Get it, 13.1?  I love puns and cheesy jokes on exercise clothes since you usually need a smile in the midst of a tough workout.
• Basic running shirts that aren't constricting.
• I like the electric blue in the running shoes.
• Running essentials--exercise watch with stopwatch and headphones.  I know cross country runners aren't encouraged to run with headphones, but I definitely don't like running without them.

 Can you see a guy running in this?

And did you check out my August Favorites video yet?  It went live today--these are my favorite videos to watch!

Have a great Labor Day weekend!

REVIEW and Outfit--Cracked

I'll be honest--rehab books are not my favorite.  They're usually pretty depressing and even foul to an extent.  And I don't always want to add more drama to my life when I read!  So when I was assigned to read Cracked by K.M. Walton for an Indiana reading list committee, I knew I had to gear myself up for it.  But wow was I surprised!  Today I'm reviewing and sharing an outfit for the book!

• Standalone novel
• Realistic fiction

The Gist:

Victor's life is completely miserable.  He has no friends, his parents expect nothing less than PERFECTION from him (and punish him when he doesn't achieve it), and is relentlessly bullied by a classmate named Bull.  So he decides to end it all and swallows a bottle of sleeping pills.

But Victor wakes up in a rehab hospital, and now not only does he have to deal with his problems, but he also has to share a room with a teen boy and allow him to deal with his problems.

And then Victor sees his roommate--and it's Bull.

What I Loved:

• This book just had me from the plot.  How often do bullies and victims end up paired together at school, in sports, etc?  
• There's a double point of view--Victor and Bull both tell the story.  It's fascinating to see the story from both of their views.  At times you feel sorry for Bull and his living situation, but then you see his actions toward Victor and you remember that he truly is a bully.
• Victor's time in rehab not only shows how he deals with Bull but how he deals with his inward struggles and insecurities.  A lot of depth here.
• Definitely satisfied with the ending.

What I Didn't Love:

• The adults who worked in this rehab facility were idiots.  Victor is imploring with the employees to switch his room, and no one would give him the time of day.  Aren't they there to LISTEN to their patients, at the very least?!  Man I hope these characters aren't based off real-life people.
• The man who Bull "meets" in the cemetery is a little too good to be true.  

A really enjoyable read for me and one that I think my students will love as well (even though I said I don't prefer rehab books, teens LOVE them!).  This will be an easy one to recommend!

I thought I would design this book's outfit for Victor.  Victor is smart and well-behaved and his family/teachers expect top-notch performance from him.  So I designed an outfit that gives off a smart, studious vibe.  And here it is:

Wouldn't you assume that a guy wearing this outfit was a well-behaved young man?  That is definitely the expectation for Victor.

• The plaid shorts, denim shirt, and gray sweater all give off a preppy vibe.  The muted colors make the outfit appealing, not overpowering.
• Boat shoes do the same and really solidify this as a "good boy" outfit.
• A bright silver watch is the perfect accessory for a guy.

What do you think?  Would you like to see a guy wearing this?  Get all the details for the outfit here.

More fun coming this week!

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender-Inspired Look

If you're looking for a mysterious, strange, lovely, thought-provoking book, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender is definitely one to put on your to-read list (check out my review from Tuesday).

Today's outfit is inspired by Ava's family...they're different, a little carefree, uncertain, and maybe even a little wild.  And here's what I designed:

Man, I love this outfit, and I love how it fits the family from this book.  Obviously not literally, since I'm not trying to camouflage wings in the look, but figuratively--it's wild-spirited while still staying inside the lines.

• An off-the-shoulder shirt is always a bit of a surprise and gives a sense of relaxation and unexpectedness.
• Pale pink skinny jeans give a softness and femininity.  There is a sweetness to Ava and to her mother, and this expresses that.
• The feather sandals--ADORABLE--give off the carefree spirit.
• The pop of color in the earrings (I've had my eyes on these for awhile) and watch represent boldness.  You're not afraid to make a statement if you put in a pop of color.

I would totally wear this outfit--would you?  It's an outfit that is worth a second look--just like the book keeps you thinking.

Want specific details of this look?  Check it all out here.

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!

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.

The 100-Inspired Look

Today I'm sharing an outfit that I designed for Clark from The 100.  Now let me say from the get-go that I haven't seen the TV show The 100, so I have no idea if this matches AT ALL what Clark's TV character is like.  This is all related to the book and what I felt Clark would wear once she made it to Earth.

I absolutely loved The 100!  I loved the various voices, points of view, and plot situation.  I raced through it and definitely recommend it!

Of all the characters telling the story, Clark seems to be the main one.  Maybe that's because two male characters tend to be wrapped up in her as well, so her name seems to float around a little more than the others.  So she was an easy choice for the outfit design.

Clark is strong, attractive, and determined.  She branches off from the group once she reaches Earth and is intent on surviving and helping others survive.  All of that together is how I came up with this:

• I used cargo pants because they are comfortable and make hiking/camping a little easier.  And with Clark traipsing off into the woods to search for a missing girl, she needs pockets and comfortable walking.
• The T-shirt is a reminder of Clark's home in space.  
• Converse shoes are trendy yet comfortable.  I think Clark would still have a few trendy pieces (since she has two guys interested in her) but wouldn't want that to get in the way of her survival.
• The black watch is useful yet chic.
• Same with the teal backpack--obviously useful with a bit of a girly touch.

So what do you think?  Would you hike around in an outfit like this?

Check out The 100!  It's a fantastic read that will have you racing to finish!

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!  

We Are the Goldens-Inspired Outfit

Happy Monday, everyone!  Are you geared up for Thanksgiving?  I am ready for the break--even though I have been out of school lately with various trips and conferences, it will be nice to have a chance to just collect myself again.  Moving to a new house has taken a toll, so it's going to be good to just re-group.

Today's post is an outfit inspired by We Are the Goldens by Dana Reinhardt.  In the book, Nell and her sister Layla are soccer players.  So I wanted to design an outfit for Nell on game day.  Since I work in a school, I see the student athletes when it's game day--they dress nicer than the typical school outfit.  So that's the inspiration for the look.

And when I think soccer, I think stripes.  So I designed a classy outfit for Nell with sleek stripes.  Here it is:

Simple enough to wear to school and comfortable...but still stylish!

• Like I said, soccer makes me think of stripes, so I went for a simple yet chic black and white striped sweater.
• The black skinny jeans pair nicely with the sweater.  Keeps it casual.
• I always see my athletes wear flats when they dress up.  They're more comfortable in their dress, so flats just make sense (stereotypically, the star of the girls' basketball team doesn't do well with heels!).  But adding the bows to the top of the flats gives it a feminine touch.
• A simple but beautiful watch keeps the outfit trendy and accessorized.

What do you think?  Could you see a student wearing this before a game?

More reviews coming up!

Sweater--Uniqlo 
Jeans--House of Fraser 
Flats--Saint Laurent 
Watch--Nixon Kenzi 

*I'm not associated with any brands/companies mentioned.

If I Lie-Inspired Outfit

Hi, readers and fashionistas!  School is one. week. away.  Where did this summer go??!?  I have to admit, though, that I am excited to get back into the school schedule.  I have some REALLY exciting events planned for this school year and I just can't wait to get started!

Last week I reviewed the book If I Lie by Corinne Jackson--I loved Quinn's story of finding forgiveness and acceptance within her small, military-proud town.  Since Quinn is a military girlfriend for part of the book, I thought I'd design a cute outfit for girls welcoming home their soldier men.  So a little patriotic and a lot girly and cute!  Here it is:

I debated on whether to go with the bold red dress or something softer, like an olive green (military color).  But I think this color has a much more welcoming appeal.

• This sundress is cheerful and flirty.  I love that it has a young factor but could be worn by women of all ages!
• The jean jacket vest pairs nicely with the dress, both in material and color.  I like the layer that it adds without being as bulky as a full jacket.
• I love these tan wedges.  The color is understated so that the dress gets the full attention, but they're summery and sweet.
• A white watch and tan purse accent the look nicely and keep the patriotic feel.

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

Dress--Emily and Fin (Modcloth)
Jacket--Madewell

Wedges--Modcloth

Watch--Marc Jacobs

Purse--Valentino

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

More reviews coming soon!  Keep checking back!

The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life-Inspired Outfit

Ouch!  I was supposed to post a week ago...oops.  But I have a great excuse--inventory!  Yep, it's the end of the school year which means library inventory, or as I like to call it, the two weeks when I have no life.  Because we literally scan every single book in the library to make sure everything is good to go for summer.

But I AM back today with an outfit inspired by the book The Best Night of Your (Pathetic) Life by Tara Altebrando.  I reviewed this book last week and am excited to share the outfit today.  Since the book revolves around a scavenger hunt, today's outfit is the perfect look for a full-day scavenger hunt.  Something comfortable with a kick-butt message.  So here it is:

Isn't it so fun?!  I could totally see my friend Cherie wear this on a regular basis (which if you don't know her, check her out!).  Let's break it down:

• A Wonder Woman t-shirt...love!  It's fun but strong, just what you need for a scavenger hunt.
• Distressed cuffed jeans.  These are comfortable and easy-moving.  Plus I love the look of cuffed jeans with tennis shoes.
• These tennis shoes are awesome!  Who wouldn't want bright teal shoes?!
• A yellow watch (gotta have a watch in a scavenger hunt!) and red stud earrings (no dangles to get in your way) round out the outfit with fun.

What do you think?  Would you wear this outfit?

T-shirt--Under Armour
Jeans--Annie Bing
Shoes--Nike Roshe Run
Watch--Marc by Marc Jacobs
Earrings--Kate Spade

 Such a fun outfit!

I'll be back tomorrow with a new book review (with a very tough cover!)--see you then!

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!

Finally Back! A Just One Day-Inspired Outfit

Well it has been awhile.  Like a LONG while.  From a sick baby to a girls' weekend to a Shakespeare festival and a book March Madness competition, my personal and professional lives have been beyond booked!  But things are FINALLY starting to slow down and I'm feeling like I'm able to breathe again.

So here's an outfit that I designed to go with my review from two weeks ago, Just One Day by Gayle Forman.  I loved this book and can't wait to get my hands on the sequel!  I decided to design a chic-looking travel outfit.  Because if you're going to visit Europe, you need to ditch the tennis shoes and fanny packs and get cute!  So here's a comfortable but stylish travel outfit:

I love the color mixture of coral and turquoise...don't you?

• The coral shorts and heart graphic tee are comfortable yet contemporary.  A carefree look that still lets you look put-together.
• Gladiator sandals, ever the trend, are a worthy alternative when looking for comfortable footwear.  
• The light turquoise watch keeps you on schedule and has a more glamorous look than simple athletic watches.
• A crossbody bag (the new fanny pack!) keeps your special items close, and this turquoise bag is the perfect pop of color.

So what do you think?  Could you see yourself traveling in this outfit?

I'll be back tomorrow with my own outfit of the day--a way to dress up a T-shirt!  See you then!

Shirt--Modcloth
Shorts--American Eagle
Sandals--Sole Society
Watch--Olivia Burton
Bag--MG Collection (Amazon)

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

The Killing Woods-Inspired Look

Happy Friday, readers and fashionistas!  

Yesterday I reviewed the book The Killing Woods by Lucy Christopher, a mystery involving a girl whose PTSD-suffering father is accused of murdering her classmate.  Creepy, right?

Well, in the book, Ashlee (the victim) often played a game called "The Game" with her boyfriend Damon and his friends.  The Game basically involved hiding in the woods while looking for the others; then you fight with them until you get their dog collar off their neck.  The person with the most dog collars at the end of the night wins.  Totally not a game I would want to play as a girl, but to each his own, right?

Since Ashlee is the only girl that played the game, she chose a pink, girly dog collar.  So today's outfit is based off her...it's an outfit that I could see a girl wearing while running through the woods at night, with an added splash of color.  And here it is:

Athletic but girly, right?

Let's break it down:

• The shorts are the splash of color that I wanted.  Even though Ashlee would probably only want to wear dark colors in the woods (to prevent the other guys from finding her), she did choose a pink dog collar so I chose pink for the shorts.  She seemed spunky enough, too, that I could see her wearing these shorts just to prove that she could be tough competition in any outfit.  I love the tuxedo stripe along the edges of the shorts!
• The rest of the outfit was kept dark but girly--a simple black V-neck t-shirt.  Shirts like these are so comfortable.
• Cute black running shoes.  Gotta be comfortable to run in the woods, right?
• Ashlee and the guys had watches or cell phones to keep track of their time in The Game, and this one is chic and black.
• I thought I'd be clever and throw in a dog tag necklace...close enough to a dog collar, right?  It's tough jewelry with a feminine touch.  I just couldn't resist.

So what do you think?  Could you see Ashlee running through the woods in this outfit?  

Check back soon for more great posts on YA books!  Have a great weekend!

Shorts--Merona from Target
T-shirt--House of Fraser
Shoes--Nike Free 5.0
Watch--Debenhams.com
Necklace--Forever 21

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

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 Abnegation!

Ahhh, Abnegation--the selfless.  This is the faction that I would strive to choose.  It's a tough one--they are completely selfless, choosing to forgo any semblance of pride or selfishness in order to serve others.  This is the faction that our protagonist, Tris, was born into, and she is pretty honest in describing her difficulties in fitting within the lifestyle.

As would be expected, the Abnegation residents wear gray.  This color keeps them unnoticeable in a way and definitely out of the spotlight.  So that is the color inspiration for today's look.  I chose to make this outfit an athletic look, because the Abnegation focus on working and helping rather than sitting around.  And I kept this look relatively inexpensive, since the Abnegation wouldn't spend much on their looks.  Here's the result:

Here's the breakdown:

• Of course I wanted gray as the most prominent color, so I chose a gray active long-sleeved shirt to go over a plain white tee.  These are comfortable, flexible choices that are just not in-your-face pieces.
• I wanted to add some color, though (this is, of course, an inspiration look rather than a direct representation!), so I added sky blue shorts.  the Abnegation faction always seems peaceful and calm (until the end of Divergent, but that isn't entirely their fault), and that's what light blue means to me.  And these are comfortable shorts that aren't revealing too much of a girl's body!
• These are cute tennis shoes that match the color scheme perfectly!  And Nikes are pretty universal, so I could see all members of the faction wearing the same shoe.
• Abnegation residents wouldn't wear jewelry (that shows too much pride), so I chose a simple athletic watch since it is a tool as much as a piece of jewelry.

So what do you think?  Did I pull it off?  Tomorrow is the final fashion day--I'll conquer the Dauntless look!  See you then!

Gray active shirt--Old Navy--$25
Merona T-shirt--Target--$7
Daniele Alessandrini shorts--$152
Nike Flex Experience tennis shoes--$60
Timex Ironman Triathlon sports watch--$55 (JC Penney)

*I am not associated with any 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.