Books & Looks: Danielle

Say hello to Danielle!

When it comes to clothes and books, I generally like to keep it somewhat simple. Listen, that's not to say I don't like to go all-out with accessories or read some flowery epic from time to time... I love excess and drama. But on a day-to-day basis? I prefer polished, easy-to-throw-on outfits and just-plain-good books.

Book: Falling into Place by Amy Zhang

One of my favorite reads in the past year is a debut novel by Amy Zhang, called Falling into Place. After seeing Miss Zhang (who is still a college student! How cool is that?) speak about her book at an event in the fall, I knew I had to read her book. The story is centered on high school student Liz Emerson, who wants to end her life because she feels she has hurt too many people. The writing is simple yet beautiful, with a lot of striking imagery. The narrator is unknown until the end, and the revelation was incredibly satisfying. I found Falling into Place to be an inspiring read for two reasons:

1. Zhang is young, but she has accomplished so much already! As a post-college creative writer (and mega procrastinator, it seems), reading Zhang's book was a good kick in the butt. It got me excited about writing again.
2. Falling into Place is a unique read, It's refreshing to see a story told from a new perspective. I also thought it was interesting that the main character is a bully, as opposed to someone who is bullied.

Look:  I work as an editor at a publishing company, and I enjoy dressing for work. A lot of the outfits I'd wear to the office I also wear on my days off, too! There's something really great about feeling put-together in a dress and some stockings. This dress is from Oasap, and I love the color and the ribbed detail. It's very easy to throw this dress on, and it can either be worn by itself or paired with cardigan and a chunky necklace. I love versatile pieces. 

Is wearing tan stockings outdated? I feel like a lot of my friends would rather go bare-legged, but I love the polished, sort of airbrushed quality that stockings give. These are No-Nonsense, which you can pretty much pick up everywhere (the grocery store, CVS). Nothing fancy. From an early age my mom always made sure I had stockings on when I wore a dress, and I don't think it's something I'll stop anytime soon. 

I don't wear these boots too often (I'm generally a ballet flats kind of girl), but they make me feel awesome! Cool heels are an instant confidence booster.

I moved to New York City this summer, and once the fall rolled around I knew I needed a good coat for the blustery commute. It may be kind of silly, but I go a little starry-eyed when I see New Yorkers sporting great trenches or peacoats on their way to work. As an early Christmas gift, my mom bought me this beautiful gray coat from Liz Claiborne. I didn't know I could be in love with a coat, but here I am. You have to keep warm, so you may as well feel fabulous as you do it!

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Thank you, Danielle!

Have you read the Falling into Place?

Want to be a part of Book & Looks? Pick your favorite book and piece of clothing and take some pictures, then email me at sara.strauss8922@yahoo.com with the subject "Books & Looks". In the email, include: four to five pictures (preferably horizontal), a paragraph or two about why it's your favorite book and why it's your favorite piece of clothing, and three social media links. 

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