Looks & Books » Best of the Looks Best of the Books http://www.looksandbooks.com Literary Fashion, Fashionable Lit Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:09:18 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 1/27/12 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/27/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12712/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/27/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12712/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:58:35 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2193 It’s raining cats and dogs here in New York (I wish that were true…actually it’s just really soggy and windy outside, not furry and cute) and I’ve got a very low-key weekend ahead of me. My goal is to be as productive as possible, cleaning the apartment and working on some writing projects, but I’ll most likely also reserve some serious couch time with Chief, and maybe some Friday Night Lights. I’m also hosting another clothing swap on Sunday at my apartment (this time with books too!). It’s the first one I’ve done in New York, so we’ll see how it goes–stay tuned for the full rundown next week!

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Best of the Looks:

I love how all the colors and patterns are working together in Julie of Orchid Grey’s look.

This Dorothy Perkins dress is perfect for summer parties. It doesn’t matter that I already have a few “perfect summer dresses.” I always want more!

This cardigan has my name all over it.

A look back at the headband, through history.

 

Best of the Books:

Many of the 2012 Academy Award nominees were actually based on books.

Have you seen Capitol Couture, the Hunger Games-inspired fashion Tumblr?? Go now.

America’s most literate cities–not necessarily the wealthiest.

25 Things I learned from opening a bookstore. 

 

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/27/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12712/feed/ 1 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 1/22/12 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/22/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12212/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/22/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12212/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:58:42 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2177 A Sunday BotL BotB post! Will wonders never cease? NYC got its first snow of the season (not counting the fluke Halloween weekend storm) yesterday and so I stayed in nearly the whole day, in slippers, drinking coffee and reading on the couch with Chief. It was wonderful. Today Joe and I are going to see Kevin Spacey in Richard III at BAM. I haven’t been to see a show in months, so I’m looking forward to it!

How have you been spending the weekend?

Best of the Looks:

I know we’ve all seen enough coverage of the fashion from the Golden Globes last week, but Evan Rachel Wood’s dress was my favorite by far. It was dramatic, gorgeous, and reminded me of Alexander McQueen.

Madewell’s spring line is out and I really want this dress.

Kendi’s right on the money with her take on 3rd grade. I had jeans exactly that color then, and frequently wore them with a brightly-colored sweater with a horse’s face on it. Trendsetter?

I love Monique’s personal and inspiring post about her hair.

A neat trick at Clothed Much to keep your belts in place.

Best of the Books:

Ten literary traditions for die-hard fans.

Author Sophie Masson dissects cover art among different editions at Writer Unboxed.

Miss Bibliophile unveils some truly unique dolls in the likeness of writers.

A new column on the Ploughshares blog dissects “blurbese,” the often cliche-ridden language of book reviews.

An entertaining post at BookRiot on how to merge bookshelves with your partner–without the fallout.

 

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/22/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12212/feed/ 2 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 1/13/12 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/13/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-11312/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/13/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-11312/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:39:50 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2168 It’s Friday the 13th! Has anything crazy happened to you today? I’ve had a pretty pleasant day, and the fact that it’s Friday always helps matters a bit. Also, THREE DAY WEEKEND!! I don’t have any huge plans this weekend, but they do consist of a birthday party, a date night with Joe to see a movie and try out the new bar in our neighborhood, brunch, and Downton Abby! Just enough activities to keep my happy. What’s on your calendar this long weekend?

Best of the Looks:

Jentine’s look just encapsulates everything I’m loving about style right now–a braid, a shiny pencil skirt paired with a utilitarian button down, calf-length boots in cognac, and tights. I’m stealing this.

This Dorothy Perkins dress makes me nostalgic. I don’t know why.

Speaking of Downton Abby, Miss Bibliophile showcases a lovely photo of the ladies, as well as an awesome Design Sponge “Living In…” feature.

Broke & Beautiful gives us the scoop on Miz Mooz shoes on sale–I really wish I could buy the Goldie t-straps in gray. Sigh.

Modcloth’s Sundress of My Life IS the sundress of my life…but not for the price tag. Yet another sigh.

Best of the Books:

Bookriot has the top most miscast literary roles.

Ten musicians who should write novels.

Is Twitter the literary salon of our time?

 

Lovely vintage book week posters.

Whimsical video of books that come alive at night.

What would Dorian Gray listen to? Stream his mixtape. 

 

 

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/13/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-11312/feed/ 2 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 1/6/12 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/06/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-1612/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/06/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-1612/#comments Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:46:24 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2162 It’s the first BotL, BotB post of 2012! Hooray! I have lots of great links saved up, as it’s been a few weeks since I’ve posted one of these, so let’s get down to business.

Best of the Looks:

This week, I am inspired by Jill’s of Good Life for Less technique of layering a collared shirt under a turtleneck. Sure, she cribbed from J. Crew, but who doesn’t? I’m antsy to try it but afraid it will look clumpy on me.

A handy (and cute) list of wardrobe staples at Casual Glamorous.

I need this scarf in my life.

Veronika’s classic vintage black dress is stunning.

Adorable t-strap flats from J. Crew.

Want this, now please.

Best of the Books:

Encouraging news at Annie Cardi’s blog: Reading is cool!

The 25 greatest epigraphs in literature.

A list of less ambitious book titles. 

 

Digital text and what it means for the future of writing.

Full Stop has an inspiring list of uplifting wintry literature–just in time for the truly blustery weather.

A visit to the Shel Silverstein archive. Love!

And...just because I can.

 

I’m gearing up for a fun and only semi-busy weekend. I can’t wait! Happy weekend, everyone!

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2012/01/06/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-1612/feed/ 1 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 12/16/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/16/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-121611/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/16/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-121611/#comments Fri, 16 Dec 2011 21:00:45 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2127 Holiday season is in full swing, which means things have been a teensy bit frantic–running around trying to get everyone’s gifts purchased, wrapped, and distributed; attending holiday parties; wrapping up various work and home projects before traveling; and trying to fight off the sickness that seems to have descended on the city. I’ve got a full schedule of holiday socializing, gift wrapping, and errand running this weekend, but I’m looking forward to taking advantage of the city!

What are you all up to this weekend? Is your holiday season keeping you out of trouble?

Best of the Looks:

I spotted this look on the Wear Color tumblr and I dig the femininity of the full skirt and the vibrant green paired with the camel coat.

Monique shows off a lovely merlot thrifted dress paired with cozy layers–winter perfection.

A round up of pretty beauty products at Design Sponge.

Thanks Sara Zucker for sharing a clip of dogs running through Bergdorf Goodman’s. Watch till the end. It’s worth it.

Glitzed up basic pumps.

Best of the Books:

Electric Literature is running an awesome short short contest–check it out.

A list of the Best Books of 2011 You HAVEN’T Read.

Food & literature:  a truly perfect pairing.

A collection of quotes from Christopher Hitchens, who died this week.

Stereotypes according to your favorite book of 2011.

 

 

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/16/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-121611/feed/ 1 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 12/2/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/02/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12211/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/02/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12211/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2011 13:23:34 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2090 Can you believe it’s December already? There’s a makeshift Christmas tree stand a block away from my subway station: a few pine trees leaning against a fence, a string of colored lights, and a boombox taped to a lightpost. It’s been pretty cheerful walking home the past couple of nights, hearing “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” blaring from above, smelling pine in the air. A little weird, but mostly fun.

Best of the Looks:

This look from All This Happiness combines a few of my favorite things: yellow, polka dots, oxfords, and red lipstick.

I’m not sure I could pull off these Dolce Vita boots, but I sure do like them a lot.

So, I have a weakness for yellow. And Topshop. This dress = yes.

Speaking of awesomeness in yellow, Chloe. 

A vampy nail polish from NARS for the winter.

Best of the Books:

HBO is looking into adapting William Faulkner’s work for the small screen. I don’t know how to feel.

The NYT’s Ten Best Books of 2011 list is out. I haven’t read any of the top ten. Sigh.

The Jacket of Jackets from the NYT list is also out. Um, amazing?

On supporting your local indie bookstore–it’s so important!

A creative nonfiction short from Brevity that I liked.

 

 

 

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/12/02/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-12211/feed/ 5 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 11/18/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/18/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111811/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/18/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111811/#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:26:12 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2051 This week was tough: a work trip to DC, doctors appointments, and a mischievous pup who likes to bark his head off at 6:30 a.m. have had my stress levels (and my crankiness) at an increased rate, but there have also been good things: a visit with a good friend, a happy homecoming to my boys, and a fun weekend to look forward to–all of which have kept me going. Not to mention that Thanksgiving is less than a week away! I have had an intense craving for my grandmother’s stuffing for about 3 weeks now in anticipation.

How has your week been? Any fun weekend plans?

Best of the Looks:

Green is a big color right now, and I couldn’t be happier. I’ve always been partial to green, and Zoe Saldana is looking gorgeous in it.

What would I give for this Kate Spade weekender bag? It’s on sale! Ok, so it’s still more than I could ever afford, but maybe someday.

A cool tip for making your own nail polish from eye shadow and clear nail polish on Never Too Much Glitter.

Winter’s coming. Fast. Would you wear this fuzzy Madewell hat?

 

Best of the Books:

A compilation of ten famous literary characters and their real-life inspirations.

Ann Beattie’s 7 Truths about Writers. 

Some rejected titles for classic books.

A thoughtful summary of this week’s events in the Occupy Wall Street movement. Absolutely shocking.

I’m sure you guys have seen the trailer for The Hunger Games movie. If not, here it is. I won’t tell anyone if you watch it multiple times.

 

Happy weekend, everyone!

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/18/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111811/feed/ 1 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 11/11/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/11/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111111/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/11/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111111/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:59:47 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2034 Happy 11/11/11! Make some wishes–maybe they’ll come true today. Right? I’m looking forward to this weekend being productive and fun. I’ve got a trip to IKEA planned, as well as a full-scale apartment overhaul and cleaning, a housewarming party, an expedition to the Bronx for Italian food, and just generally getting stuff DONE. That’s it, Internet. I’m telling you, so now I’m being held accountable.

What are you up to for the weekend?

Best of the Looks:

As the weather gets a little nippy, I find myself drawn to the cowl scarf–I finally picked one up at Urban Outfitters last weekend and I’m looking forward to wearing it! Right now, I’m inspired by Lucy Laucht’s neutral version paired with sunny yellow and polka dots.

Speaking of scarves, a pretty braided scarf tutorial at Sidewalk Ready. 

Perfect holiday party dress at Kate Spade. 

Advice on how to stay inspired at A Beautiful Mess. 

 

Best of the Books:

Doubleday Books shows us gorgeous paper sculptures–the artist is unknown!

Guide to fictional places you can visit in real life. 

The future: interactive book covers.

The Books They Gave Me--an oddly moving Tumblr devoted to books given as gifts.

A playlist for Record Collecting for Girls on Largehearted Boy.

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/11/11/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-111111/feed/ 2 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 10/28/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/10/28/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-102811/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/10/28/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-102811/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:56:51 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=2013 It seems like I haven’t done one of these Friday posts in a long, long time. I do enjoy putting them together, but truth is, they take a bit of time, and on Fridays I am usually scrambling about, finishing up the week’s work so I can properly enjoy the weekend. And this upcoming weekend is one I intend to enjoy immensely, despite all the dire warnings of winter weather. My good friend Kim has just returned from Taiwan, where she’s been researching a book she’s writing for the past year. She is staying with Joe and I this weekend, and I’m sure there will be many good times enjoyed by all. Additionally, and unrelated, I am going to see Jeff Mangum, the famously reclusive lead singer of Neutral Milk Hotel, in concert on Saturday night–I’m looking forward to this show more than I’ve looked forward to a show for a long while.

What are you all up to this weekend? Are you dressing up for Halloween?

Best of the Looks:

I already have a wedding dress, but this one from the Jenny Packham’s new collection actually made me say “Goddamn” out loud when I saw it. Maybe I can have two dresses? Dream big….

A tiny bookcase necklace spotted on Bookshelf Porn.

There’s officially no avoiding it now–it’s sweater season. I like this heather grey one from Madewell.

I’m stealing Christine from My Style Pill’s three little buns hairstyle. So cute.

 

Best of the Books:

A thought-provoking piece on our disappearing handwriting at More Intelligent Life.

 

The Carolina Quarterly is publishing three of Joe’s brilliant poems. Check them out online here.

An interesting interview with Gary Shteyngart, author of Super Sad True Love Story, about technology and our social skills.

The NY Times profiles Haruki Murakami.

A gallery of Sylvia Plath’s drawings (she would have turned 79 yesterday).

Literary jack-o-lanterns!

]]> http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/10/28/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-102811/feed/ 2 Best of the Looks, Best of the Books 9/23/11 http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/09/23/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-92311/ http://www.looksandbooks.com/2011/09/23/best-of-the-looks-best-of-the-books-92311/#comments Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:49:19 +0000 Jill http://www.looksandbooks.com/?p=1975 It may be dark and gray outside, but it’s Friday, and the clouds aren’t going to ruin my enthusiasm for that fact. I’m looking forward to a weekend with a girl’s night, some celebratory brisket, a Fleet Foxes concert, and a trip to the New York Renaissance Faire (yeah, that’s right.). What are you all doing this weekend?

Best of the Looks:

This Lauren Moffatt coat would be great for Fall…if only I had a spare $450.

Pretty pretty blue Kate Spade necklace.

Bobbi Brown has just released an eyeshadow collection for girls with glasses. Finally!!

More tips on pairing makeup with glasses from Birchbox and Warby Parker.

Yeah, so they have Hunger Games shoes.

Best of the Books:

A magic typewriter that makes cocktails from words–I’ll take 48, please!

New Shel Silverstein poems–no less amazing then when I was 10.

A new scratch n sniff book about NYC.

A “read” button soon to be added to Facebook?

The importance of a writer’s voice.

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