Inspired By: The Classics, Vol. 12

It's been far too long since I've done a post inspired by classic books! So I put together some looks based on books I really like or want to read. Considering my friend Avra loves Anne of Green Gables so much, I can't believe I've never read it. 

Persuasion is my second favorite Jane Austen book after Pride and Prejudice. While I like the 1995 version with Amanda Root as Anne and Ciaran Hinds as Captain Wentworth, I would love for a new one to come out. I'm sorry, but the 2007 version is way too melodramatic and ridiculous, which is upsetting because it has a great cast (Sally Hawkins, Rupert Penry-Jones, and Anthony Head). Are there any movie adaptations of books you would like to see? 

Anne of Green Gables

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Written by L.M. Montgomery; Everyone's favorite redhead, the spunky Anne Shirley, begins her adventures at Green Gables, a farm outside Avonlea, Prince Edward Island. When the freckled girl realizes that the elderly Cuthberts wanted to adopt a boy instead, she begins to try to win them over.

Want to be a modern Anne Shirley? Throw on a jeweled green sweater, jeans, a brown and lace backpack, a journal, and black lace flats. Or you could try an outfit with a turn of the century flair: a green dress, a mustard beanie, a pink necklace, and black bow flats. 

Add to your Goodreads

Persuasion

Written by Jane Austen; Eight years earlier Anne Elliot was happily betrothed to Frederick Wentworth, but she breaks off the engagement when persuaded by her friend. Later Wentworth returns and all the tension of the novel revolves around one question: Will Anne and Wentworth be reunited in their love?

Girly with a touch of praciticality: a coral sweater, white lace skirt, gray stud earrings, and black oxford flats. Mix Georgian and modern styles by wearing a pink plaid kimono over a yellow dress, a pink flower ring, and sensible brown wedges. 

Add to your Goodreads

The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe

Written by C.S. Lewis; When Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie take their first steps into the world behind the magic wardrobe into Narnia, little do they realise what adventures are about to unfold and how their lives will change. 

Go for a look based on The White Witch and the book cover by putting on a bright blue dress, sparkly fuschia earrings, a cage bracelet, and nude heels. Or wear a British school outfit based on the Pevensie kids: a pom-pom beanie, a black blazer, a striped layered shirt, dark jeans, and brown booties. 

Add to your Goodreads

The Snow Queen

Written by Hans Christian Anderson; One of Andersen's best-beloved tales, The Snow Queen is a story about the strength and endurance of childhood friendship. Join Gerda on her quest to rescue Kay from the icy clutches of the wicked Snow Queen.

If you need something to wear to your holiday party and want some Snow Queen flair: throw on a white lace dress, a bluescarf, a sparkly bracelet, snowflake earrings, and sparkly gray heels. Or wear a white blazer, a white and blue patterned dress, a headband, a sequin clutch, and black heeled booties. 

Add to your Goodreads | This B&N edition is gorgeous!

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Inspired By: The Classics, Vol. 11

I'm continuing on with children's stories from last time because who doesn't like reading children's stories and feeling like a kid? That's probably why I love watching Disney movies! Even though I love creating these classic books posts, I'm going to put it on hold and bring back the monthly best-selling books feature.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

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Written by Eric Carle, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows a little green caterpillar as it eats through various foods until at last it creates a cacoon around itself. 

Put on something casual, like a green blouse, white distressed jeans, a bug print scarf, and nude flats. Or wear a green dress, a brown belt, a floral headband, and nude and mint heels. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Oh, The Places You'll Go

Written by Dr. Seuss, Oh The Places You'll Go tends to be a graduation gift because it's about seeing new sights and experiencing new things, life's ups and downs, and that success lies within. 

The cover is all pastel, which is great for spring, so put on a mint wrap dress, a pastel striped scarf, a teal clutch, and black heels. Or throw on a burgundy striped dress, a pastel necklace, blue stud earrings, and scalloped edge flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Written by Judith Viorst, this book follows Alexander, who wakes up one morning with gum in his hair and the day only gets worse from there: he trips on his skateboard and his brothers find prizes in their cereal boxes but not him. As the day gets worse, Alexander considers moving to Australia.

I love the various colors on the cover and if you do too then put on a purple cardigan, a yellow top, jeans, leopard flats, and a fuchsia satchel. Or wear a yellow cardigan, a striped top, jeans, a blue watch, and orange polka dot flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Goodnight Moon

Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Goodnight Moon is the classic bedtime story. In a green room, a little bunny is tucked in bed and says goodnight to all of the items in the room -- the picture of the three little bears, his mittens, and finally the moon. 

Throw on something casual and cute: a star print scarf, a constellation graphic tee, jeans, star earrings, and periwinkle perforated flats. Or be really comfortable in pajamas, especially the "Sleep All Day, Read All Night" shirt. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these did you read as a kid? 

(I loved Goodnight Moon!)

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Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 10

This month I decided to do "classic" children's books. You can all thank Angie of Simply Sinova (you should all check out her blog because it's one of my favorites!) for this awesome idea! While most of these books are modern (they were all written between 1955 and 1974), over time they have become classic stories.

A Wrinkle in Time

{A Wrinkle in Time}

Written by Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time is a science fantasy novel that follows Meg Murray, a fourteen-year-old, who goes on a journey to rescue her father, a scientist. It turns out her father was working on something called the tesseract and before long, Meg, her young telepathic brother, and Calvin, the boy she likes, travel to strange places. (I've never read this, but now I want to!)

Go for a schoolgirl look by wearing a green dress under a beige sweater, glasses, wine-colored tights, and cut-out oxfords. Or you could dress like Calvin, the red-haired boy that Meg likes: wear an orange striped top, jeans, a mint-colored watch, and mint sneakers.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Written by Shel Silvertein, this book is a collection of poems and illustrations about childhood problems (like a girl not wanting to go to school) and fanciful stories (like when three brothers go for a ride on a flying shoe, a crocodile doesn't like it when a dentist cleans his teeth, or a man asks animals for suggestions on how to impress a woman).

Go for something chic but cozy in a black jumpsuit, a warm gray cardigan, black rose earrings, and gray peep-toe booties. Or instead wear a gray swing dress, burgundy tights, layered necklaces, and black heeled booties.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Harold and the Purple Crayon

Written by Crockett Johnson, Harold and the Purple Crayon is about four-year-old Harold, a curious little boy, who creates the things he wants. He draw a moon, a path to walk, a bed to sleep in, and more.

Wear the classic colors of the book: purple, blue, and black by donning a blue blouse, purple lipstick, black jeans, and purple pumps. Or a purple cardigan, blue dress, layered necklaces, and blue T-strap heels.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Where The Wild Things Are

Written by Maurice Sendak, the story follows a boy named Max, who dresses in his wolf costume and causes a ruckus in his house and is sent to his room, which transforms into an island with large creatures called Wild Things.

Wear a cozy outfit for exploring a strange land: an oversized gray cardigan, a striped top, jeans, a cat ears ring, and nude flats. Or go for a black hat with ears, a gray dress, a wolf ears ring, tights, and lace up boots.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these childhood books have you read?

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Inspired By: The Classic Vol. 10

Since it's December and it's lightly snowed a few times already here in New York, I wanted to create outfits for "wintery" classic books; books that either take place in winter, or a cold climate, or have to do with nature. The only exception is The Awakening, which @fantine1 on Instagram requested. If there are any classics you want me to do, feel free to comment below or message me anywhere on social media to let me know!

A Christmas Carol

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Written by Charles Dickens, this novel is a well-known Christmas tale about the importance of family and friends, never giving up, and being a good person. It's about Ebenezer Scrooge, a business man, who calls Christmas a "humbug," doesn't give to charity, and refuses his nephew's dinner invitation. During the course of Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts, who make him realize things about his life.

Go for a Victorian tomboy look in a tuxedo blazer, a loose white blouse, black pants, and brown oxfords. Or wear a white lace dress (for all of the ghosts that visit him), an open gray coat, a beaded belt, a gray watch, and lace up boots.

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

The Awakening

Written by Kate Chopin, The Awakening deals with women's roles as mothers and wives at the turn of the century (and is seen as a landmark work of early feminism). The book is about Edna, a wife and mother, who is vacationing with her husband on the Gulf of Mexico. Edna is unhappy in her marriage; she pursues love with another man and meets a woman whom Edna sees as an inspiration. 

Classic and chic: don a black dress, a beaded headband, a musical note ring (since the woman Edna meets is a recitalist), heart print tights, and black pumps. Or wear something free-flowing and free: a gold leaf headband, a bright orange dress, a broken heart ring, a sequin clutch, and nude flats. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Anna Karenina

Written by Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina is said to be one of the greatest Russian novels of all time. Set in 19th century Russia, it's about Anna, a married aristocrat, and her affair with Count Vronsky. Count Vronsky is eager to marry her, but first she would have to leave her husband, a government official. However, Anna is vulnerable to the pressures of society as a rich woman. 

It's cold in Russia, so wear a brown faux fur stole, an off-the-shoulder black dress, a ribbon and rhinestone necklace, a heart ring, and patent black heels. Or don a long gray coat, a dark red dress, a black faux fur stole, red studs, and black booties. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Walden

Written by Henry David Thoreau, Walden is Thoreau's autobiographical account of his time living isolated in nature. In 1845, he built himself a wooden hut near Walden Pond in Massachusetts and stayed there until 1847. This book chronicles his life living with the bare minimum and his thoughts on the ways of man, the government, and freedom. 

Be relaxed and comfortable: wear a green sweater, distressed jeans, a green necklace, a leaf ring, and floral sneakers. Or put on a blue and green plaid dress, a leaf necklace, black leggings, and heeled brown booties. 

Buy the book: B&N | Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these books have you read?

Back in high school, I read A Christmas Carol and Walden.

I'm looking for Books & Looks submissions! Click below for more info!

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Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 9

I took a small break from The Classics series, but they're back! I'm hoping to do one of these posts once a month or once every two months. If you have any classic novels that you would like me to create an outfit for, let me know! I'm up for suggestions. 

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

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Written by Lewis Carroll, we're all familiar with this whimsical and mind-tripping tale of a girl who goes down a rabbit hole and encounters mysterious creatures and people, like the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the hookah-smoking caterpillar. 

I took inspiration from these interesting covers for the above outfits: a light blue chambray dress, a white sweater, a yellow zippered purse, cat stud earrings, and black oxford flats. For the Mad Hatter's outfit, I went with a blue hat, an emerald blazer, a cream sweater, blue printed pants, and dapper flats. 

Buy the book: Amazon | Goodreads

The Hunchback of Notre-Dame

Written by Victor Hugo, this story is about Quasimodo, the hunchback of who lives within the walls of the cathedral because his adoptive father, Claude Frollo, the Archdeacon of Notre-Dame, orders him to stay inside as the bell-ringer. Quasimodo falls in love with Esmerelda, a Gypsy street dancer. 

For these looks, I took inspiration from the classic Disney movie that I've seen way too many times. For Quasimodo: a burgundy polka dot tunic, black leggings, cross ring, pointed black flats. For Esmeralda: a white crop top, a purple skirt, owl necklace, gold ear cuff, and teal heels. 

Buy the book: Amazon | Goodreads

Black Beauty

Written by Anna Sewell, Black Beauty is the classic children's novel told from the horse's point of view. It starts with his carefree days on an English farm to his difficult time pulling cabs in London. 

Of course I had to go with all-black looks for Black Beauty: a black top, a black pleated skirt, black stud earrings, and velvet pointed pumps. Or a black chiffon top, high-waisted black jeans, a horse ring, a bow bracelet, and black heeled sandals. 

Buy the book: Amazon | Goodreads

The Taming of the Shrew

Written by William Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew is about Katerina, the "shrew" that no man wants to marry. She has a younger sister, Bianca, who has several suitors, but their father refuses to marry off Bianca until Katerina is married first. 

This play has a soft-spot in my heart because when I was in middle school I did a school project with Jackie and we made a hilarious video. And did you know that the 90s movie 10 Things I Hate About You is based on this play? I went for something fun and modern for these outfits: For Bianca a white lace dress, a sparkly necklace, a purple belt, and gray heels. For Katerina's outfit: a black dress, a floral blue necklace, a blue belt, gray thigh highs, and brown booties. 

Buy the book: Amazon | Goodreads

Which of these have you read?

Which outfit is your favorite?

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Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 8

We're already at Volume 8 of The Classics Series! Awesome, right? Since it's summertime (at least in the Northern Hemisphere), I chose journey books because people tend to travel more when it's warm. Have you read any of the books below? I read The Adventures of Huckberry Finn and some of Moby Dick, but gave up because it's so dense. 

Any books in particular you would like to see next time?

The Jungle Book

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Written by Rudyard Kipling, The Jungle Book consists of 14 tales, the most well-known is about Mowgli, a boy raised by a pack of wolves and the wild animals of the jungle. 

For a casual look that is perfect for summer and lounging around in trees or hammocks, wear a palm tree print kimono, an embroidered white crop top, green shorts, a colorful bracelet, and tan sandals. Or go for a fancier but still wild look: a leaf print crop top, a black pleated skirt, a tiger ring, and black wedges. 

Buy the Book: B&N | Amazon

Moby Dick

Written by Herman Melville, this is the epic story of Captain Ahab and his maniacal, life-long journey to find and kill the great sperm whale that destroyed his former ship and left him crippled. This is essentially a tale about obsession, man vs. nature, and man vs. self. 

While aboard a ship, you need something comfortable and functional, so wear a blue hoodie, black romper, whale ring, and black booties. Or wear a gray cardigan, light gray tunic, black leggings, whale print scarf, and black flats. 

Buy the Book: B&N | Amazon

Gulliver's Travels

Written by Jonathan Swift, this story is about Lemuel Gulliver, who travels to four extraordinary realms: Lilliput, where people are six inches tall; Brobdingnab, a land of giants; Laputa, a flying island, and to a place where intelligent horses are served by savage humanoids. 

You want to look your best when meeting new people, especially when you're in fantastical places, so wear a lace blue dress, black sunglasses, a gold cuff, and black wedges. Or wear a black and white striped dress with a blue necklace, blue bracelet, travel journal, and brown cut-out wedges. 

Buy the Book: B&N | Amazon

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Written by Mark Twain, this tale is about Huckleberry Finn, a rebellious young boy who doesn't want to society to make him civilized, so he saves Jim, the runaway slave, and the two of them take a raft down the Mississippi River. Along the journey, the two becomes friends and Huck Finn learns about responsibility. 

Go casual in the hot Southern sun by donning a baseball cap, a red plaid top, distressed jean shorts, lots of bracelets, and blue Toms. Or for a trendy look, wear a striped crop top, distressed overalls, dotted Keds, and a brown crossbody bag. 

Buy the Book: B&N | Amazon

Which outfit is your favorite?

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Inspired By: The Classics Vol. 7

This month, I decided to create outfits around modern classics, as in novels written within the last one hundred years. I just chose these off the top of my head because I read all of them (except for 1984) in high school. Looking at this list, they're all rather depressing stories, but they're still great reads, especially Fahrenheit 451, which is my favorite of the bunch. 

Fahrenheit 451

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Written by Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451 is about a society in which books are forbidden. Guy Montag is a fireman, but his job isn't to stop fires, it's to start them -- he burns books. His whole life he's believed that society was right, but his views start to shift after he hides a book.

Wear a burnt orange hoodie, a "Break the Rules" graphic tee, a book watch, distressed jeans, and lace-up boots. Or for a summery look, wear a cropped orange top, orange and blush-colored pleated skirt, stacked rings, tote bag, and pink sandals. 

Buy the book: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Brave New World

Written by Aldous Huxley, Brave New World takes place in an "ideal" society: people are born into castes, they're told what to believe, there's recreational sex, and a drink that makes everyone happy, and yet Bernard Marx longs to break free and do as he chooses.

Since sex from a young age is okay in this society, wear a tight-fitting black dress, a printed scarf, black bracelet, and mint heels. Or wear a red button up, a spike necklace, black jeans, and red flats. 

Buy the book: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

1984

Written by George Orwell, 1984 takes place in a startling dystopian future in which Big Brother watches your every move and there are thought police to make sure you never stray from what they want you to believe. There are those who rebel, but if you're caught the consequences are dire.

Wear shaded sunglasses, a blue button up, gray pants, an eye bracelet, and blue sneakers. Or since the future is bleak, wear almost all black: a striped long cardigan, a black eye graphic tee, black leggings, and black sneakers. 

Buy the book: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Catcher in the Rye

Written by J.D. Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye is about Holden Caulfield, a cynical sixteen-year-old who has been expelled from school. He sees the people around him as phonies, even the teachers at the school, and begins to see himself as "the catcher in the rye," as in someone who must save children from adulthood. 

Like the plaid on Holden's hat, wear an ombre plaid top, a red hat, distressed jeans, friendship bracelets (since he's all about childhood and innocence), and brown booties. Or wear a baseball cap, a Neverland graphic tee (since he's similar to Peter Pan), jean shorts, a black necklace, and black booties. 

Buy the book: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Have you read any of these books?

Which is your favorite? Or least favorite?

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