Iona's Closet

Things I Love: I Enjoy Being a Girl (or Summer Beauty Favorites)

2011-07-25T13:53:00.000-07:00

1. Vichy Dermablend makeup: I've become obsessed with Lisa Eldridge's make-up videos lately - girl is a capital-P Professional! One of my favorites is this amazing video, where she basically real-life Photoshops away a model's acne. I've had acne issues on and off for the past three years (as teenager, nothing; I hit 23 and all of the sudden, it's zit central on my jaw bone) and this video was so amazing that I had to buy the magic makeup Ms. Eldridge used. I just got it last week and I'm in love - it works just as well as it does in the video.
2. "That Gal" makeup primer: I love Benefit cosmetics. Every item I've tried from them has become a favorite. I ordered a sampler that included That Gal makeup primer, PoreFessional primer, and Stay Don't Stray eyemake primer and already know that I can't go without That Gal. Not only does it smooth over any dry spots, it adds a bit of brightness. My makeup goes on so much better now.
3. Sephora foundation brush #47: Really love how soft this is, as well as how small it is. It makes it easy to get smooth coverage. Plus, makeup brushes are fun.
4. Kiehl's lip balm, coconut flavor: Best lip balm ever, no contest. Instead of constantly applying it throughout the day, I only need to use it 2-3 times a day. It's magic.
5. "Hello, Flawless!" powder foundation: The name pretty much says it. Another Benefit product I love to bits. And combined with That Gal primer, it doesn't look powdery or cakey at all.
6. Kate Spade Twirl perfume: a fresh summery scent. I haven't bought new perfume in awhile, so it's nice to have something to switch between from my standard Daisy (though I will never get rid of Daisy, it's my absolute favorite ever).
7. High Beam highlighter: The last Benefit product on my list, but one of my all-time favorites. It's good for days when I don't want to wear much makeup: a bit on the cheekbones and a bit on the browbone brightens up my complexion enough that I don't look tired. It's pretty great stuff.
8. Bumble and bumble Surf Spray: LOVE this stuff! It's meant to give you wavy "beach hair," but it also makes your hair a bit matte, so it covers up second (or third) day grease. It also gives my super-straight hair texture.

Shopping Local, pt. 1: Of Dust, Steele, and Nurses in Foreign Lands

2011-07-01T21:28:00.000-07:00

Ages ago, I mentioned Books of Yesterday, a used book store in Logan that I love dearly. I attempted to describe the stacks and stacks of the printed word that live there, but didn't provide any pictures. Fortunately, I had the afternoon off last Thursday and decided to spend it in the basement of my favorite local book shop.

This is the tower of books sitting in an "employees only" area of the basement (I've never seen an employee down there, so felt safe taking a picture). They seem to be books on their way out - even the amount of books headed to the recycling bin is kind of amazing.

The section that always transfixes me. How can there be so many Harlequins? How can there be so many sub-categories of Harlequins? How can I possibly find the most hilarious covers when there are several thousand to go through? It blows my mind to bits.

This is the shelf I concentrated on most - it had the most vintage Harlequin covers. Lots of nurses in foreign lands. A surprising amount of nurses in foreign lands. Nearly every other book about nurses in foreign lands.

A collage depicting my contempt for Danielle Steele: this is the reason the lowest Cover Judging grade awarded is called the Steele Pendant. Not only do these covers display no originality, their sheer volume (three very full shelves) indicate how much "Danielle Steele" cares for her writing. The cover's color may change, but I doubt the stories do (although, as previously noted, I've never once read any of the books I feature in Cover Judging).

This is the front quarter of the basement - it's quite long and narrow (and fittingly, the horror section is placed in the poorly-lit corner at the very end). Even with pictures, it's hard to display the magnitude of this place. It's seriously crazy. In the best possible way, obvs.

And less you think I wasted all my time in the romance section, I came home with The Complete Book of Sewing, copyright 1943! Along with about ten 1960s Harlequins, but that hardly matters, right?

**Update: I just found this video that shows parts of the top floor (sadly, no basement).

June Photo Challenge: Bad habits, trucks, and sunsets

2011-06-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

This week's most challenging was the bad habit picture: I'd thought I might buy a bunch of candy and photograph it, but then I'd end up eating all of it; I couldn't figure out how to show my nose-scrunching to adjust glasses habit. It took me until 10:30 to decide on zit-picking, a not-at-all gross picture.

The one I like best is the childhood memory picture of the library. It's not the world's best picture (it's pretty boring, actually), but ever since I've applied to grad school, I've realized how much I was affected by all those childhood library trips. All of the library books I read as a kid led me to being the dorky English major I was in college and the librarian-in-training I hope to be soon. Cheesy, but true. :)

London calling

2011-06-12T17:36:00.000-07:00

On September 26th of this year, I will finally fulfill a life-long wish:

I'm going to London!! I've wanted to visit England ever since I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe as a kid. It's only been worse since - I graduated in English Lit, for crying in the mud!

My dream of seeing London finally reached its tipping point when I watched Sherlock the other week (a great series, you should watch it). It's a modern-day version of the Sherlock Holmes stories and it's shot mostly on location in London. The city looks pretty amazing in the show and I finally decided: I've got vacation hours, I've got cash, I'm going!

One of my good friends, who lived in London for awhile, is going with me and I'm so beyond excited. My list so far includes the London Eye (because you have to do at least one cheesy touristy thing), Platform 9 3/4 (for nerd's sake), and an afternoon in Portobello Road. We're also going to make a pilgrimage up to Dublin to pay homage to the James Joyce statue. Those are our plans so far - if you have anywhere we must visit, please let me know. In the meantime, I will be counting down the days!

June Photo Challenge: A Study in Sandals, Sprite, and Dead Birds

2011-06-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

Something about White Peach Photography's 30-day Photo Challenge struck my fancy. I'm not one for such challenges, normally (I fail at all sew-alongs and dislike the idea of swearing off shopping for a month or whatever), but one photo a day for a month? I can do that.

The most difficult so far was day 5, a photo from a high angle; I couldn't think of any interesting high angles, so I went with the bridge over the canal. My favorite so far is my brother and the Mexican Sprite from the "something green" day, although my opinion may be swayed by the delicious real-sugar Sprite.

I may do another of these posts. If not, you can follow along on my Flikr account.
xo, M

My continuing conflict with footwear (alternately: A love letter to my Chacos)

2011-05-18T22:55:00.000-07:00

As I discussed in my surprisingly detailed essay on boots, I have a complicated relationship with shoes. I love them, of course, but it's hard to find the right pair. Now that spring is nearly here (fingers crossed), I've been evaluating my shoes yet again: hashed pair of Top-Siders I wear nearly every day, aging Chacos dying to be worn again, black Keds that I can't give up, a few pairs of colorful flats. I need to change things up:

Clockwise from top right: ASOS bow flip-flops, Topshop canvas tie flats, Topshop peep toe flats, Chaco Local Ecotread, Sperry Top-Sider 2-Eye, Birkenstock Bali, Topshop straw woven sandals

I tend to wear my shoes, especially my summer shoes, to the bitter end. And I have a bizarre sense of brand loyalty once I find the right pair. You'll notice this little collage contains Top-Siders, Chacos, and Birkenstocks, all of which are brands I love and own/have owned before.

Since I bought my first pair of Chacos, you'll rarely find me in anything else during the summer. I'm anti-flip-flop, but a huge proponent of Chacs: wear them with jeans, wear them with dresses, wear them hiking... Call me granola all you want, but I love my Chacos. I've had them for nearly five years, though, and as hard as it is to say goodbye, it's time for a new pair. I'm thinking of making a change from the waterproof nylon straps to the similarly designed, but nicer leather straps. But oddly, I feel a bit weird about that: shouldn't the point be that I can rinse my Chacs off with a hose after I wear them to First Dam? Am I weirded out because the leather Chacs are more grown-up? Shouldn't the citizens of Cache Valley lobby for a more creatively-named dam system? And why do shoes always seem to bring out my more thoughtful side?

Will I buy the leather Chacos? Or will I remain comfortably strapped into my beloved college student, been-through-everything pair? Stay tuned to find out.

A semi-comprehensive catalogue of clothing similar to Bridgit Mendler's in Lemonade Mouth

2011-05-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me for help in finding reasonable facsimiles of Bridgit Mendler's outfits in Lemonade Mouth, a style I admired a few days ago. Always willing to help (especially after work, when all I want to do is stare at the computer screen for awhile), I perused several "cheap chic" retailers (H&M, forever21, Urban Outfitters, and Topshop) and came up with the following:

lemonade mouth inspired by ionascloset featuring a crochet vest

Cooperative sweetheart neckline dress
$59 - urbanoutfitters.com

Forever21 empire waist dress
$16 - canada.forever21.com

H m cardigan
15 GBP - hm.com

TopShop knit cardigan
$64 - topshop.com

Forever21 crochet vest
$18 - forever21.com

TopShop full skirt
$70 - topshop.com

Forever21 stretchy bracelet
$6.80 - forever21.com

TopShop white bracelet
$25 - topshop.com

Heart shaped necklace
$17 - modcloth.com

Hope that helps some!
xoxo, Maren

TV Style/Review: Dresscue Me

2011-05-01T21:18:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure how I stumbled across Dresscue Me - it's pretty deep cable (channel 286 on directv) and at first glance, it doesn't seem to fit with the other shows on Planet Green. A vintage fashion reality show on the same network as Whale Wars and various renovation shows?

But Dresscue Me establishes its place in the Planet Green ethos early on in the episode, Shareen Mitchell, owner and designer for Shareen Vintage, is doing a collection of upcycled "bat-wing tops" (a phrase that is repeated endlessly), made from those crinkly Indian-print skirts everyone wore in the 90s. To fill the order, Shareen and an assistant visit this mountain of discarded clothing:

This scene really illustrates the green aspect of vintage dressing and the finished product shows how creativity can help eliminate all that wasted clothing.

Not my style, but I know a lot of girls who would love it.

The time we spend in the shop make up the best parts of the episode. Shareen Mitchell, whose LA-ness made my eyes roll a bit, is nevertheless very talented at matching the girl to the dress. The dress try-on parts of the episode really won me over.

Shareen Vintage has its celebrity clients (Nylon tells me that Kirsten Dunst shops there) and I was so excited to see Cat Deeley on my TV! I do miss her in between SYTYCD seasons. There's a charming dress try-on sequence with lots of Cat laughing joyously and ooo-ing over the fab dresses. We even get to see her try on a dress she wore on the show last season!

The other client highlighted in the episode was a gal who was going to be in a wedding party. Shareen finds a GORGEOUS 50s seafoam-green wiggle dress that the girl loves. Shareen Vintage alters the dress and when the girl comes to pick it up, she brings her friend...who ruins everything. It's interesting to watch the girl deflate as her friend stares at the dress and dismisses it as "...wedding-y." She tries several other dresses that the friend dislikes and Shareen diagnoses the problem: "Do you wear vintage?" "No." And it all makes sense - to a lot of people, wearing vintage will always look either overdone or costume. Sometimes it's hard out there for a vintage-loving girl (she ended up looking cute in a tropical floral dress).

Unfortunately, the reality show construct just can't help itself and we're treated to a few "Shareen is the fashion boss from hell" scenes before the fashion line launch party. I wish this trope would go away: everyone gets stressed at their job, especially when they have a big event or project. Just because this person's job is in fashion does not automatically make them Miranda Priestley!

Beside that nod to reality tv, Dresscue Me is an enjoyable way to spend a half hour in the afternoon. More vintage dress fashion show, please!

Pattern re-write: Simplicity 2250 lining

2011-04-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Pattern instructions are quite inscrutable sometimes. Often, looking at the diagrams works better than deciphering the instructions. Before I started sewing this last dress, I checked out pattern reviews to see if there were any tricks to it. Of the eight reviews, five mentioned problems with the lining; most just scrapped it and left the interlining as is.

So, for my pattern reviewing friends and any others who want to make Simplicity 2250, a brief lining tutorial:

*Note: I found the lining pattern was a bit short, so I added 2" to the bottom of each piece.

1. Pin straps to the front of the bodice. This ensures they won't get caught in the stitching accidentally (I'm not the only one who's done something like that, right?)

2. Flip over the casing so the raw edges are on the top. You'll only need a few pins to help it stay put.

3. Right sides together, line up bodice and lining. Make sure to match the centers! Stitch along seam allowance.

4. Optional - To top-stitch the lining, just turn your lining to the inside, keeping the main bodice pressed out. Stitch just below the new seam using small stitches.

And you're done! This is a pretty common lining technique - I used it on another dress, attaching the lining to the neckband facing. I have to say, I love linings - they make the finished garment feel so luxe and it just looks so professional. So happy linings to you, friends, til we meet again!

New Dress Tuesday: Simplicity 2250

2011-04-26T19:30:00.000-07:00

It's done! I've been working on this dress off and on for about a month - I just haven't had much time for sewing, but I had to finish because I'm dying to wear this dress!

I fell in love with this Cynthia Rowley pattern as soon as I saw it and I was so excited when the fabric came in the mail. It's from Mood and it's perfect: kind of 60s, but kind of modern pixel-y and the prettiest salmon color. I really like it with this pattern - I think it works with all the tucks and pleats in the bodice.

The bodice is a bit tricky as far as fitting goes. There are about three darts on each side, each in a different length. I had a hard time adjusting it down to fit, but it ended up fitting pretty well. Definitely make a muslin of the bodice if you want to try this pattern!

The bodice has an interlining and a lining as well - I used a coordinating china silk and I love the finished look it gives the dress. The pattern instructions for the lining aren't well-written, so I'm going to do a tutorial for it, if you're interested in making this dress.

Also, I used horsehair braid on the hem! I've been wanting to try it since I read Gertie's tutorial and I love the effect on a fullish skirt like this. The skirt is a gathered and pleated rectangle skirt, so the horsehair braid really helps the skirt "float" instead of just hang. I'm really happy with the way the whole dress turned out - I've already worn it twice and can't wait to wear it again!

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

Today is the first warmish, "springy" day we've had all year - a perfect Easter Sunday. I went to my parent's ward this morning - I really enjoyed the talks in church today and it was fun to see both my parents in the choir (yes, my mom finally succeeded in getting Dad to join the choir!).

I have to say, though, the lack of Easter bonnets was a bit of a disappointment. In my day as a Primary girl, we got fancied up on Easter! Here is me and my sister, Easter 1988:


I was a terrible ham when I was a kid (and, okay, I still am).

I don't remember this outfit, but I'm loving my dress. Gingham with a strawberry half-pinafore? Yes, please! I love my sister's dress, too, with it's ice cream colors and tiny embroidered ice cream cone. And, of course, most importantly, we are wearing hats! Here we are, two years later:

Here, Amy (3) and I (5) are demonstrating that we are sooooooo big.

This is the Easter outfit I remember most: frilly and pastel with a fancy purse. I loved my Easter purse - it was the one time in the whole year that I got to bring crayons to church! (Even though I loved my pretty yellow purse, I was secretly jealous that my sister got the pink one!)

Hope your Easter was wonderful and filled with family, happiness, and love!

TV Style: Lemonade Mouth

2011-04-23T18:10:00.000-07:00

I am not above the Disney Channel. I know I'm too old for it, but I will watch Wizards of Waverly Place like an obsessed 12-year-old. Also, Disney Channel Original Movies.

Both places are were I found myself loving the way they dress Bridgit Mendler, a dimpled cutie-pie Disney Channel blonde. I even bought a skirt similar to one she wore in Wizards of Waverly Place. I am 26 years old.

However, I did not buy the wings or vampire teeth.

In the newest Disney Channel Original Movie, Lemonade Mouth, I decided I covet her outfits. They are so super-girly cute, in a dress-with-cowboy-boots kind of way. Observe:

This was my favorite outfit from the movie.

Seriously, super-cute, right? Is it wrong that I'm totally in love with the fashion on a Disney Channel Original Movie?

Book Report: The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets

2011-04-09T20:28:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't be me if I wasn't drawn in by this cover: give me girls in colorful 50s gowns and gloves, telling secrets as the title suggests and I'm there!

And while the cover fits, there's a lot more to The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets than fashion and gossip. Set in 1950s England, it's about being part of the generation that were only children when the war ended. Our narrator, Penelope Wallace, is young, "six foot with my shoes on," and lives with her beautiful mother and teddy boy brother in a grand house that fell into disrepair during the war. Penelope is level-headed and somewhat unadventurous, but like many teenage girls, she's obsessed with the singer Johnnie Ray.

After a chance invitation to tea at a bus stop, Penelope befriends the spunky Charlotte Ferris and Pen's quiet life changes for good. Charlotte is outgoing, spirited, and totally loveable; the girls share a love of Johnnie Ray and quickly become best friends. Charlotte introduces Penelope to her cousin Harry. Soon after their meeting, Penelope finds herself agreeing to accompany Harry to a party to make his ex-girlfriend jealous. But will their friendship remain just friendship?

The book focuses on Penelope's family, also, which I found lovely. After a dreaded "duck supper," Penelope and her brother Inigo learn that the family is broke and that their ancient, grand house, Magna, won't be restored to it's former grandeur. Their young mother, married at 17 and a widow at 23, hesitates to even speak to another man (even a charming and handsome American who's very interested and very rich!). Inigo, her little brother, is getting in trouble at boarding school for listening to rock and roll on the radio; after receiving a record from his American uncle, Inigo cultivates a growing obsession with a new American singer, Elvis Presley, and hopes to make his living as a musician.

That's about the full cast (though I neglected to mention the fabulous Aunt Clare, Harry's mother). There are so many things to like about the plot, which has a sweet romance, but also focuses on Penelope and Charlotte's best friendship and the Wallace family's struggles living in Magna. Much of the book is about the changes in post-war England: Charlotte plans on designing and selling clothes in her own shop, Inigo wants to move to America to become a musician, Mrs. Wallace overcomes her resistance to Americans, and Penelope is allowed to fall for someone who isn't rich.

It's a simple book and a quick read, but there's a lot to think about and enjoy inside. If you're looking for a sweet book with a little romance, The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets is a great choice!

That's what you get for making whoopie (pie)!

2011-04-05T22:31:00.000-07:00

I'm an unashamed Top Chef lover - I even watch the Masters seasons. More to the point, I watched the horror show that was Top Chef Just Desserts without diminishing my love for this series. TC: Just Desserts was the kind of high emotional drama that TC: Original Recipe avoids. Just Desserts left me with a greater appreciation for the original series and with a deep curiosity about "whoopie pies".

I had to google whoopie pie, which turns out to be what I know as "homemade Oreos," surely a Utah-phenism* - see post title for possible scandal.

*Other dessert-related Utah-phenism: Better Than [Robert Redford] Cake

I found a really straightforward recipe on the Omnomicon blog - it was perfect for this last Sunday, when we didn't have much in the house. All you need are the basics: flour, cocoa, shortening (loads of shortening), milk, ect.

I learned that it really helps if you have one of those neat-o cookie scooper things. Otherwise, your cookies turn out like this:

HUGE! They ended up being about 3-4" in diameter, instead of a dainty 1.5"! To solve the size issue, I used a small glass as a guide and cut each cookie individually.

This is my scary "I have a knife!" face

The creme filling is crazy - half cup margarine, half cup shortening! Some other things, too, but holy fattening delicious.

Yes, ladies, he's single! My little brother, who helped with the cookie batter.

Finished product: turned out pretty yummy, but I only got through one - they are RICH! I'll make them again, but only after I get a cookie scooper gadget thing.

Not gone for good

2011-04-01T22:36:00.000-07:00

I've not disappeared, I've just been working more and haven't had as much time for the old blog. However, I miss doing my cover judging and I've got a few sewing projects to discuss, so I'll be around.

In the meantime, please enjoy the following pretty 60s pictures:

We were sewing along . . .

2011-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

My sewing machine's first outing: the Swing Dress Sew-Along, hosted by Casey at Elegant Musings!

I've wanted to do a sew-along for a few months and this seemed like a perfect opportunity: the pattern is relatively straightforward, but versatile (hooray for multiple uses!) and Casey is one of my favorite vintage sewing bloggers!

I had a hard time deciding between a solid wool and a cotton floral, but my springtime wishful thinking won out:

It's a more modern-looking floral, but I like the contrast with the vintage-style pattern. Ordering fabric online is a bit stressful because you can't see how sheer a fabric is or how the print might look on a larger-scale item. It's better than the alternative, though (Joann's poly-blend), so fingers crossed that it's the right fabric for the dress!

Anyway, I'm excited to get sewing and I'll probably post a few progress pictures in the next few weeks or so.

Dear Nerdy Swimmer

2010-12-30T00:34:00.000-08:00

I think you're awesome - seriously.

My co-worker found your note and it made us smile. It reminded me of something I would've done (although, I wasn't as dedicated a student in high school and I certainly wasn't any kind of athlete).

I love your attitude, especially the way you want to share the things that make you happy with other people. You seem like a rad person - I really hope you make it to state this year!

Just wanted you to know that your thoughts didn't go unheard.

Your friend,
Maren

**I save a lot of the scraps of paper I find at the library because they're funny or interesting. But this is probably the best discovery ever. I love it so much.

Merry Happy!

2010-12-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

photo found here

Hope your Christmas have been very merry! It's been a great holiday - my dad and I made dinner last night, which the fam ate by candlelight (tradition!), and we read Luke 2 and sang Christmas songs. Christmas Eve is always really lovely.

This morning, I found a sewing machine under the tree! I'm so excited to have one for my very own (I've been borrowing my mom's for too long) and can't wait to get stitching! :)

Merry Christmas!

Cover Judging: Lord Nightingale's Love Song

2010-12-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

The first truly fantastic cover I've seen in these last months:

First Glance: Ah, the Regency romance - fancy estates with extensive gardens, men in jackets and cravats, ladies in empire-waist gowns, horse-drawn carriages, and of course, pet parrots. All the classics of the genre on one cover.

Another fun aspect of this cover, as pointed out by my co-worker Kat: the proportion of the parrot to the horse. The parrot is at least the size of the horse's head, if not larger. That is one killer parrot. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: Lord Nightingale's Love Song is pretty straightforward for a romance novel; we've none of us any doubt that the couple pictured will fall in love. It's not terribly creative, but it'll do. Score: 3 out of 5

Tagline: Hooray! I haven't found one with a tagline in awhile!

Can a spinster strike the right note with an eligible bachelor?

Pretty great - is hits on the great pun-ery that is the stock-in-trade of taglines. Will she strike the right note in a book about a love song? I think she will. Score: 4 out of 5

Back of the Book:

A Grumpy Gentleman . . . No one can make the Marquess of Bradford smile - except his favorite horse.

Uh, okay.

He avoids dancing at London balls. He scowls at the marriageable misses in drawing rooms.

He scoffs at any woman who speaks - he'd rather converse with his dear horse. At least the horse had interesting things to say.

And his gruffness scares shy Miss Eugenia when she meets him on a dark balcony. . .

Run away, Miss Eugenia! He hates women! I've watched Law & Order - it's only a short step from that to serial killer!

. . . before an instant attraction between them lights up the night.

Right. Maybe she reminds him of his horse?

But she is off to Kent for the summer to care for the irascible Lord Nightingale and her young cousin Delight, and she never expects to see him again.

What? Is Lord Nightingale another young child?

In fact, Miss Eugenia's London season had been a disaster . . . so she has resigned herself to spinsterhood when the Marquess of Bradford appears on her Kent doorstep - covered in mud and quite enraged.

No seriously, girl. Run. No good can come of this dude and his woman-hating anger issues.

Of course she suspects Lord Nightingale is behind Bradford's complaint!

Of course! The irascible Lord Nightingale that's possibly a small child! I still have no idea.

But she also believes a secret sadness had made him a curmudgeon.

No, he's probably just a jerk with a long-held grudge and you can't fix him.

His horse knows the truth . . .

Naturally.

. . . and so may Lord Nightingale.

What? How? Who is Lord Nightingale and why does he know random things? Can he talk to horses? Is the horse a talking horse? Is that why the Marquess of Bradford is so fond of the horse's company?

I was so baffled as to Lord Nightingale's identity that I actually cracked open the book - something I've never done in the course of all my Cover Judgings. And I can reveal to you that Lord Nightingale is the parrot. A match-making parrot, to be precise. Apparently, the incorrectly-named Lord Nightingale brings together couples by eavesdropping on one person and repeating the information he uncovered to the other. By this method, he becomes the catalyst for four separate love matches over the course of the Lord Nightingale trilogy (plus Christmas special!). Straight-up truth.

I'm simply at a loss. I already dislike the dude, no matter what his "secret sadness" is, but a match-making parrot? That's golden. Score: 5 out of 5

Final Score: 16 out of 20, meaning Silver Deveraux, but I'm giving Lord Nightingale an honorary Golden Fabio for Conceptual Mastery.

A bit of mid-century for your mid-week blues

2010-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

I'm a big fan of Casey's weekly Flickr favorites posts - she always finds pretty things to look at and be inspired by! I thought it would be fun to show some of my own favorites that I've found recently:

Early 60s fashion illustrations: these come from a catalog called Rigas Modes and I'm totally in love with them. I particularly love the lady with the fur-collared coat and awesome black hat!
Mademoiselle winter fashion 1957: of course the red coat is adorable, but check out the blue hooded cape! Also, I want to hang out on a sleigh.
"The American Kitchen" ad, 1956: my mom is re-doing her kitchen - she's going to have similar creamy yellow cabinets, so I had to include this for her.
Pink record player: because I want one.
Aqua radio: because I love this awesomely mid-century color.

How tu-tu

2010-12-13T16:03:00.000-08:00

I made this girly little tutu as a Christmas gift for my girly little 3-year-old cousin. I'm so excited for her to open it!

There are dozens of tutu tutorials around - I've made the no-sew version before and they're cute. I wanted to use tulle, but have a similar look to these pettiskirts from Martha. I couldn't find what I was looking for, so I ended up making up my own pattern. I thought I'd make a how-to (which I haven't done before) in case anyone wanted to try my way.

Here's what you need:
about 8-12 yards* of tulle
about 1/2 yard of matching lining
9-12 yards* of ribbon
3/4" - 1" wide elastic
matching thread, scissors, pins, ect.

*The lowest yardage is what I used for a 3-year-old size, but I added the higher yardage for older kids.

. . . and here's what you do:
Skirt
1. Take waist measurement and add 1" seam allowance for width; measure for desired length and add 1" seam allowance. Mark measurements on lining and cut out. Fabric will be a large rectangle.

2. Place elastic along top of lining & mark 1/4" below.

3. Fold along marked line and stitch to form elastic casing.

4. Fold fabric in half widthwise and sew with a 1/2" seam allowance to elastic casing.

Finish seam with your preferred method. Hem bottom of skirt to desired length. Set skirt aside.

Tulle
1. Fold tulle in half lengthwise and pin ribbon along the folded edge.

2. Stitch ribbon in place along the top and bottom edges. Do this for all the tulle.

3. Cut tulle in half lengthwise. This will leave you with two long pieces of tulle, approximately 10" wide - you will be using both the ribbon-edged tulle and the plain tulle.

4. Sew long gathering stitches approximately 1" from the end of tulle. Leave a long thread tail.

5. Pull the thread & gather tulle.

Tutu
1. Pin in place around the bottom of the skirt for the first layer.

Stitch in place, then reinforce with a second row of stitching about 1/4" below. Trim excess tulle along stitch line.

2. Alternate ribbon-edged tulle and plain tulle layers to the elastic casing. The closer together you place the layers, the poufier your tutu will become.

Note: you may need to readjust the length of the tulle as you get to the top layers.

3. Stitch the last ribbon-edged tulle layer along the elastic-casing stitch line.

4. Pin ribbon over the stitching & stitch along top and bottom of ribbon to secure.

5. Make bow - or other embellishment - and stitch on. Be careful to stitch through only the top layer of the elastic casing.

6. Cut elastic at two inches less than the waist measurement. Insert elastic, stitch elastic ends together.

7. Stitch the opening shut.

Ta-da!

You're done!

Aw, thanks.

2010-12-09T01:38:00.000-08:00

The super-nice people at The Experts Agree featured one of my flowers on their blog:

I made these into pins that I gave my co-workers last year.

My Etsy vacation was so long that I'd forgotten how nice it is to have your stuff featured randomly.

An unexpectedly lengthy personal history of winter boots

2010-12-02T01:45:00.000-08:00


This was a tourism poster for Germany in 1932. But who wants to go there?

So, Utah. We've been known to brag that we have the "greatest snow on Earth". Were I into winter sports, I might feel more loyal toward yon powdery peaks. However, I am no skier and all this sickly slush is messing with my footwear situation. Despite my 25 years of living in this state, I have no great love for winter boots (though I did once own some kick-a Minnie Mouse snow boots with a Minnie head on the zipper).

Attending Utah State required some kind of winter footwear and I felt an unnatural degree of disgust whenever I saw a girl walking about in a pair of Uggs*. Thus the only boots I own: a pair of super-puffy white moon boots that I wore every day to that wretched campus. And I looked awesome (until I wore them so much they became less puffy).

Behold: the moon boots.

My days of trudging along snowy campus sidewalks are far behind me and moon boots would look rather strange on a library employee. But as I slushed about today in my Top-Siders, I realized I needed to set aside my distaste and sift through the boot category on Zappos. And amid the gross booties and hardwear-heavy, high-heeled leather, I found a few gems:

Top row: cute white Wellies, pretty gray ankle boots with a cute oversized button, and navy suede chukkas (whatever that means). Of this row, the grey boots are my favorite, mostly because I love the pearly-gray color.
Middle row: mid-calf leather boots with a cool wraparound zipper, gorgeous Frye riding boots that I'll never be able to afford and wouldn't be very warm anyway, and some cute ankle boots with a sweater cuff (probably the only pair I can see myself wearing on a daily basis).
Bottow row: These white Patagonia boots are basically a grown-up version of my moon boots and not at all practical, but I'm kind of in love. They're at least three kinds of fabulous. Next to them are some great Patagonia nature-girl boots. And just because of brand loyalty, some Top-Sider booties, which claim to be waterproof as well as super-80s preppy. Lastly, a pair of heeled boots that I like to imagine I would wear if I were a schoolteacher on Prince Edward Island and my name were Anne with an 'e'.
___________________________

*Uggs aren't even waterproof! They are made for surfers who don't want their feet scorched by the hot sand! Why are you wearing a Muppet on you feet if it's not even keeping them dry?! This is a rant you may have heard from me if you ever met me for lunch in the Hub during winter.

Christmas apron!

2010-11-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

Awhile ago, I mentioned that I'm making Christmas aprons for my sister, Mom, and me. Sadly, all sewing was put aside when the house addition started and the sewing room became the depository for displaced furniture, clothing, boxes, and books.

Oh, look! I am stirring a bowl of mime food!

I've been itching to keep sewing, so I snuck the sewing machine down to an empty corner in my room and made my apron yesterday!

The fabric deserves its own close-up:

When I saw the colorful 50s-style illustrations, it had to be mine. It's too perfect. The polka-dots fit with the cute housewifey feel of my main fabric - I'm really happy with the way they worked together for the finished product.

*As a side note, I think apron-making has become so popular because of the proliferation of quilting fabric. It's hard to go to JoAnn's and find a nice wool or silk for a dress, but cute quilt fabric is available in abundance. Oh, small towns. I both love and hate you at the same time.

I ended up using the "Twirl, Girl!" pattern from the A is for Apron book (available at the Logan Library!). It's a super easy pattern - there's only two pattern pieces that are cut out five times. The pieces are sewn together to form one section and the five sections are sewn together, forming a swingy gored apron front. After that, you just add the waistband and ties and you're done! The whole project took about an hour and a half - such an easy pattern with such an adorable result!

I can't wait to wear it while making Christmas treats!

Book Report: Bright Young Things

2010-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

You already know that I loved The Luxe books, Anna Godbersen's YA series set in Edith Wharton's turn-of-the-century New York. Now, Ms. Godbersen turns to F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald's 1920s New York with Bright Young Things.

Our cover girl is Astrid Donal, a young society girl with loads of flapper style and a boyfriend who's the son of booklegger-to-the-rich Darius Grey. Along the way, Astrid meets Cordelia Grey, a gal just off the train from Ohio, who came to New York in hopes of meeting her long-lost father. Cordelia ran away with her best friend, Letitia Haubstadt, now Letty Larkspur, who fully expects to see her new name in lights very soon. Drama and romance ensue, along with plenty of clothing description (which I've been a sucker for ever since the Baby-Sitter's Club).

I really liked the two different worlds represented in this book: Cordelia and Astrid find themselves in the country clubs and all-night estate parties of White Cove, Long Island, while Letty moves in with three roommates and works as a cigarette girl in a downtown speakeasy. The upper-class stuff is done well (unsurprising after The Luxe books), but I found myself really loving Letty's life as an every day New Yorker: sharing a tiny basement apartment with three other girls, eating breakfast at a local diner, working all night until her feet are sore, circling auditions in the trade papers. It's every bit as romantic as Cordelia's new life as a wealthy bootlegger's daughter.

While I like Letty the best, the other girls are well-written characters, too. It looks to be a fun, exciting series and I can't wait to find out what happens next (and what was worn when it happens)!

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Sewing

2010-11-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I was hoping to find at Books of Yesterday - it's a sewing reference from 1943. I'm hoping that it would be useful when sewing from vintage patterns.

The book has some nice basic patterns for clothing and home decor - the decor is a little frilly (well, a lot frilly), but the clothing patterns are good. There's a great pattern for a basic dirndl that I can't wait to use, as well as some cute, basic apron patterns.

I'm most excited for the "Flossy Touches" chapter, which contains a reference for basic embroidery stitches, as well as some cute ways to combine these stitches.

Also, it has instructions for applique and some sweet, very 40s floral applique templates, as well as monogram templates for all your handkerchiefs, pajamas, and linens.

I think the illustration style from the 40s is so cute, but the way everything has a face is a little funny to me. A few examples:

And finally, a bit of pre-feminist imagry:

She's an angel, you see, because she made the table cloth, napkins, and the meal.

I've posted more pictures from this book on Flickr, so have a look!

Cover Judging: The Blue Rose

2010-11-03T00:32:00.000-07:00

If you ever want to get lost for a few hours (and you live in Logan), I recommend Books of Yesterday. When you walk in, you'd think it was a normal, if a bit crowded used book store. And you wouldn't be wrong, if you kept your wanderings to the first floor.

However, if you were to venture into the vast basement, you would find yourself surrounded: books on closely-spaced shelves, books piled on tables, books stacked underneath tables, books strewn about the floor, books hidden in a tiny old storage room. It's a labyrinth of used and vintage books - the sheer volume is overwhelming. You could spend an entire day there and still you wouldn't have sifted through half of the paperbacks in the basement.

Yesterday, I went in, hoping to find some vintage sewing or knitting books (which I will discuss later). I was going to leave after I'd found a fab 1940s sewing manual, but the pull of the Basement was too strong. Which is why, a few hours later, I found myself sitting on the floor, sorting through hundreds of Harlequin romance novels - five shelves' worth! There was a dearth of Cover Judging material, to be sure, but I only bought one:

First Glance: I want her hair. And her coat. Also, I think I might need color contacts. This edition was published in 1957, which seems about right, insofar as I'm in love with the fashion on the cover. Compared to the other passionate embrace-style covers, The Blue Rose is decidedly cute. It's also part of a trend I noticed: all the pre-1980s books prominently featured our girl on the cover. Her fella is seen either in profile, as here, or in a smaller background illustration. It's interesting, because it's the exact opposite now - often, the heroine isn't even featured on the cover, the better for her to be your stand-in. I'm not sure where or why the tide turned, but it would be interesting to look into. Anyway. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: The Blue Rose could be any number of things: a boat used to run away from a domineering father who is arranging an engagement to that awful Percy Danforth; a restaurant where the lovely and quirky waitress catches the eye of a super-strict business man who just needs a little love to bring him to life; an off-off Broadway theater where our girl stars in a sparsely-attended play while a shy fellow sits in the back, holding a rose and working up the nerve to talk to her every night. I like it when the title inspires me to make up corny plotlines. Score: 4 out of 5

Back of the Book:

Oh. Another girl named Rose. I think that brings the total up to four. I'm trying to decide if this blurb is implying that Stephen has some dark, dangerous secret - it does say that Rose "feared" they may have made a "terrible mistake". And yet the cover is so darn cute! Maybe Stephen's dark secret is that he is already married, but he keeps his mad first wife locked in the attic, an unhappy reminder of the time he spent in the Caribbean. And maybe Rose will run away and have some kind of odd relationship with an emotionless minister who wants her to go with him to India, but she'll return to Stephen and find him blinded as a result of the housefire created by his insane first wife. And he'll be all deformed, but she'll decide to love him anyway. And maybe that's why we only see his face in profile - because the other side is burned and craggy! I think I just figured this all out.
But I feel like this story might exist somewhere else . . . Score: 3 out of 5

Final Score: 11 out of 15, qualifying for the Silver Deveraux, but with special awards in Adorability and Styling.

It's Utah Halloween!

2010-10-30T11:25:00.000-07:00

Happy Utah Halloween, everyone!

This is my witch costume that I wore to work yesterday. We had a NON-PARTY social gathering which was Harry Potter-themed - complete with a golden snitch, the Hogwart's house banners, and candles hanging from the ceiling. I made chocolate frogs for the non-party - unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but you can buy the molds on Amazon here.

I threw together my costume the night before: black skirt, shirt, and cardi, nearly every necklace I own, tie-dye scarf, blue tights (which I knew I would wear eventually when I got them for $2 at Target), and my star shoes (which are far too small, but very witchy indeed). I borrowed my brother's jazz hat and pinned some feathers, lace, and a brooch to the brim - it ended up being the best part.

Iona's closet doors are open again!

2010-10-18T15:57:00.001-07:00

I've started missing my flowers, so after an extended break, I've decided to re-open Iona's Closet: Etsy edition!

At the moment, it's full of all the old favorites - colorful felt headbands and fancy ribbon flower necklaces - but there may be a few additions in coming weeks, so be sure to check in.

In the meantime, stick around these parts and look forward to more sewing/knitting posts, inspiration walls, and of course, more Cover Judging!
xx, Maren

New Dress Sunday

2010-10-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

My new fall/winter dress is done! (Mostly)

The Grandma Carole Pose - all the 50s/60s-era pictures of her and her sisters show them standing like this, all in a row.

It's taken me so long to complete that I had to wear it today, even though I've not finished the belt. I found some old fabric-covered buckle kits on Etsy and I'm excited to have a ladylike, perfectly-matched belt for this dress. I just haven't had the time to finish it yet!

The dress pattern itself wasn't terribly complicated - it was all the details that took so long. The pattern I have is made for a gal about a size and a half smaller than me, but I was actually excited to learn about pattern grading. The article I found most useful was from Threads Magazine - it has a good reference picture for cut lines and a chart with common "spread" amounts.

This is the first time I've made a muslin, also. For the most part, I've just done a pin-fitting with the pattern pieces and for simple modern patterns, that's fine. However, since I had to grade this pattern and transfer the pieces onto muslin anyway, I thought I'd give it a shot. I was glad I did, because the waistline needed to be let out more and the bust needed taken in (those 50s girls with their tiny waists and big busts!). Also, the sleeves ended closer to the shoulder than I wanted, so I was able to adjust that and make them into a longer cap sleeve.

The pattern had no instructions for a lining, so I just made a second dress out of lining and attached it at the neckline interfacing. It ended up working and made the dress feel "finished". Other time-consuming, but ultimately good things I did: twill tape at the neckline to help the notch lay flat, hand-stitched the hem and the arm openings, and "hand-picked" the side zipper for an added vintage touch.

The wool gabardine is just the right weight for fall - it's heavy enough to be warm, but it's not so heavy that I couldn't wear this into spring. I ordered too much, so I might make a skirt with the leftover. Overall, I'm really happy with this dress - I think it's lovely and I'm proud of myself for learning a few new things in order to make it!

Harry Potter e la pietra filosofale

2010-10-14T15:17:00.000-07:00

I love seeing the different editions of well-known books. Even when they get it wrong (yes, I mean you, The Twilight Saga: Wuthering Heights), it's interesting to see different interpretations of stories I know. Which is why I love the various translations of Harry Potter that the library owns:

These are the Spanish and German translations of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, respectively. It's fun to see the different Harrys, but it's so interesting to see what events from the story make the cover. In the Spanish language version, we see the golden egg that's a clue in the Tri-Wizard Tournament as well as the horses from Beauxbaton. In the German version, Harry is flying around the dragon, trying to get the golden egg. (Also, his glasses are that super-tiny, super-cool German style.)

However, the version that's most perplexing to me is the Italian version:

Obviously, wizard chess plays a part in the Philosopher's Stone, but where does ROUS come in? And why is Harry wearing a rat hat? And perhaps most disturbingly, why is Harry wearing Slytherin house colors??

The cover is kind of off, but the Italian Harry Potter offers something the others don't: illustrations!

This is when we first meet Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall. I wonder if there was a misunderstanding about Prof. McGonagall, who is able to transform into a cat, but is not actually a cat-woman. I do like Dumbledore's super-size beard, though - it denotes extra wisdom, surely.

The Hogwarts Express! (That's Hermione looking out the window - in Italy, she has a schoolgirl bob.)

Various pictures I liked: Harry capturing the Snitch, Dudders' pig-tail, Harry buying Hedwig (love that they have the same glasses).

Norbert! This is my very favorite illustration: it's got the main three (where's Harry's glasses?), a HUGE version of Hagrid, and Norbert, doing the cutest little baby-dragon sneeze ever!

I found a compilation of Harry Potters around the world here - the Finnish one is particularly great!

Cover Judging: Jamaican Sunset

2010-10-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

From the author of The Pirate and His Lady comes . . .

First Glance: Clearly, our fella is the centerpiece of this cover and I'll get to him in a minute, but first, let's talk about his lady. It's rare that the heroine appears on the cover - even more rare that you can see her full face. Of course, the purpose of the lady in these novels is to be a surrogate for the reader - often you'll find that while her clothing enjoys rich descriptions, her actual features do not. Which is why our girl on the cover deserves some notice: were I to read this book, I would not be able to place myself in her role, as I do not have dark, curly hair nor do I have a lobotomized stare.

Now, on to our hero . . . LOVE HIM! When this book came through, I immediately fell for those well-defined features, accented with the world's best mustache (perhaps those who make it a life pursuit to study mustaches can tell me what this one is called). Not only does his facial hair recommend him, but that hair: falling in dark, sculpted waves past his collar. Clearly, this is a romantic hero for the ages. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: Jamaican Sunset! Such a romantic sounding title: obviously sunsets are one of those natural wonders that one wishes to enjoy with a true love. However, sunsets signal the end of a day, which could have deeper connotations for our curly-haired heroine and her mustachioed lover - does the Jamaican sunset signal the end of their love? Or does it get darker and signal the end of a life? Let's find out. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Back of the Book: Prepare yourself for some most excellent romance novel names.

"Publicly betrothed to Baret Buckington, her handsome sea captain, Emerald Harwick can scarcely contain her joy. She will manage her plantation's Great House on Jamaica until his return from sailing with buccaneer Henry Morgan, and then they will marry."

Already, I'm sensing that this marriage will never take place. I also suspect that mustache man is not Baret Buckington, but someone else entirely.

"But then problems out of the past put in an unexpected appearance."

Told you.

"Emerald is abducted and finds herself on an unscheduled sea voyage."

. . . Wherein she bickers with her abductor, though their fights are underscored with romantic tension. Eventually, her beauty and feminine willfulness change her abductor, who becomes protective and loving toward her. Soon, she finds that she never wants this unscheduled sea voyage to end. At least, that's what I've come to expect from reading the back of these books.

"That long-ago stolen treasure from the Prince Philip comes into play once more. Baret hopes to free her imprisoned father and unearth the treasure."

Huh? Why is this not mentioned before? And why isn't Baret rushing to save his lady love who has been abducted by sea pirates?

"But Baret's enemy - pirate Rafael Levasseur - emerges as a final threat to Emerald's cherished hopes."

What? Please explain. How is pirate Rafael Levasseur the final threat? Is he the one who abducted Emerald? Has he commandeered Baret Buckington's ship and left Baret in the middle of the ocean with only an empty barrel as a raft? Is he forcing Emerald to marry him? Is he the mustache man on the cover? Is he the cause of Emerald's lobotomized gaze? Will I have to actually read this book to make sense of this disjointed blurb? Score: 3 out of 5 (would have been 2, but the names get an extra point)

Final Score: 10.5 out of 15, meaning the Bronze Feather. While this book excelled in creating a cover hero for the ages, the back of the book fails to identify man: is it Baret Buckington and are we to be impressed by his seeming protectiveness? Or is it Rafael Levasseur and is the grip on her arm indicative of his sinister plans to control Emerald? We may never know.

Still in Circulation: Art Nouveau Typographic Ornaments

2010-10-03T01:31:00.000-07:00

Some books remain shelved, hiding amongst more relevant or popular titles. Even the well-versed staff are unaware of their existence, though they are Still in Circulation.

Earlier in the week, the cover of this little oddity caught my eye:It may have been the colors, which are even more garish in person. The font also intrigued me - I always pause for interesting or old-timey lettering. It seemed like such a strange book for us to have; most of our books on typography are relatively new, with chapters on Adobe Illustrator and the like. I'm not sure why we've kept it, when other books from its era have phased out. But it turns out, I'm glad it's there.

Isn't she beautiful?

Moving past the hideous cover, the typographic ornaments (aka clip art) are really lovely - and copyright-free, as the intro page informs me!

The images are culled from a collection of print from the period - this book was published in 1980, but the images are authentic Art Nouveau.

Lily pads!

It's very nature-themed, as the Art Nouveau movement was, with loads of floral borders and embellishments.
I loved the page of marsh-themed images: frogs, reeds, and dragonflies.
There was a whole section dedicated to peacock feathers - I'm partial to this rendition:

Love the berries!
(my elementary coloring attempt)

There are hundreds of images (I didn't even get to the astrology section!), all with a beautiful graphic sense - many of them could be used or reinterpreted today. I focused on the pictures in this post, but I may do a post on the borders later - this book had so many! I'm sure you can find most of these with a quick Google Image search, but I'm having fun with them - and since they're copyright-free, feel free to have fun with them, too! (Just click on the picture for the full-sized image.) xx, Maren

Found in my mom's sewing cabinet

2010-09-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

Absolutely true!

I love this ad so much. The slogan is my favorite part because knitting is fun - and easy too!

From a booklet called "Beginner's Manual of Knitting," Star Knitting Book No. 77, published in 1950. Part of my great-grandmother's vast sewing and handwork collection.

To-do list

2010-09-26T22:32:00.000-07:00

My sewing queue:
Butterick 6448 (vintage): I was excited to find this pattern on ebay - I ordered some navy wool gabardine from Fashion Fabrics Club for a fall dress and this pattern is exactly what I had in mind! The square neckline with the notch is a huge selling point for me; in general, it's just a lovely dress with a silhouette that works for my body type (love the 50s nipped-waists!). This will be the first vintage pattern I've actually sewn, so wish me luck!

Christmas aprons: I'm such the fighter against popular crafts (boo, watch bands!) and I've resisted the allure of apron-making thus far. However, when Joann's had a 5 patterns for $5 sale, I couldn't not get these cute apron patterns.I have fabric to do Christmas aprons for my mom, my sister, and me. I'm excited about the fabric I picked, too, because it fits each of our tastes: my sister got a bright candy-stripe red with green bias trim, my mom got a lovely "Santa toile" that is so very her style, and I found an awesome 50s-style print with illustrations of a city street during Christmas.

And finally . . .

It's beginning to look a lot like Halloween and I've decided this is the year I do the costume I've thought about doing for the past five years . . .And I even have the ruby red slippers to go with it!

New Skirt Sunday

2010-09-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

I wasn't happy with the last skirt I did (Simplicity 2416 - do not get me started on the pocket situation in the instructions for that skirt!), so I took a break from sewing for a couple weeks. However, a good ol' fabric sale brought me back!

I went a taaad overboard, piling up bolts and bolts of fabric for Halloween and Christmas, but at least I've got a good to-do list going (more on that later). Further, I found a lovely green linen/rayon blend that's the perfect weight for a fall skirt:

skirt: made by me, Simplicity 2315
top: Elle (yes, it's from Kohls)
shoes: Steve Madden, thrifted
earrings: Liz Claiborne
"M" initial necklace: Etsy

I used Simplicity 2315, which was an exceptionally simple, straightforward pattern. The construction is really basic - simple seams, a back zip, and a little bit of detail work at the waist. It's a good starter pattern if you're new to sewing (or a nice quick project if you're more experienced).

I have to admit, I was late for church and didn't have a whole lot of time to come up with a complete, cute ensemble. I'll probably wear a different top next time (and hopefully, my hair will look less spinster librarian-ish!). I've got a long-sleeved white shirt that I want to wear with it, once the weather starts acting like it's fall!
Overall, I'm happy with how this one turned out. The fabric is such a great color and I adore the bow at the waist. Also, it's got me excited about my upcoming projects!

Late-summer pastels

2010-09-18T19:15:00.000-07:00

click photo for larger view

It's been a warm September so far - I've been dying to pull out my sweaters, but it looks like I'll have to wait. In the meantime, please enjoy this gorgeous 1960s photo from My Vintage Vogue - I love the combination of gauzy white with a pastel embroidered cardigan. It looks very September to me: still very summery, but with a bit of fall thrown in.

Other pretty things are from Queens Wardrobe (lovely pleated-skirt dress and fab shoes) and Anthropologie (cute gathered skirt, gorgeous embroidered cardi, and adorable bow belt).

Cover Judging: Stardust of Yesterday

2010-09-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

I've not done one of these in awhile. This one is pretty great, though.
First Glance: I'm thinking tale of a lost love - there's a hazy overlay on top of the portrait of this man's eyebrows, plus it seems that a rose has been laid, possibly on his grave. Causes of death? Perhaps Sandra Bullock wasn't there to push him out of the way of a train. Or maybe that Orange County car wreck turned fatal. Or, most likely, that ballerina freaked out after he told her she didn't have great feet and she attacked him. Feel free to extrapolate on any other Peter Gallagher roles I'm forgetting. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: It's rare that I pick a Cover Judging based on the title alone; usually, I need a few more elements of ridiculous before I'm convinced I'll have something to say. But this title . . . this one is special. Stardust of Yesterday: have you ever before read a title that evokes such non-specific nostalgia? Can't you just feel our heroine's yearning for better, sparklier days? Doesn't the title just reach your heart and demand that you feel the same? Are you not crying already? I am. Score: 5 out of 5

Back of the Book: Oh, friends. It seems I've lead you astray: this is not the story of a lost lover. It's far, far better than that:

"Genevieve Buchanan inherited a castle - and a ghost to go along with it."

Which is expected in the life of most girls, particularly ones who may or may not be related to the beautiful Daisy Buchanan.

"But Kendrick de Piaget (!!!) was no typical ghost. He was a handsome and infuriatingly arrogant thirteenth-century knight."

That's right: while Daisy was off in Long Island, causing the death of Jay Gatsby and a few others, Genevieve was in her castle, verbally sparring with a "handsome and infuriatingly arrogant" ghost named Kendrick de Piaget.

"At first he wanted to frighten Genevieve, though she was more charmed than scared by his ghostly tricks."

I almost want to read this, because I'm imagining a scene where Sir Kendrick floats around doing his scariest ghost things while Genevieve giggles in delight at his antics.

"But when his thoughts turned to wooing her instead, Genevieve had to face her greatest fear . . ."

I want you to guess what her greatest fear may be. A lot of people are pretty afraid of ghosts (not Genevieve, though!). My personal greatest fear is snakes. Other common fears: failure, rejection, abandonment, clowns. If this were Romance Novel Mad Libs, I would probably pick clowns to end that sentence. However, I am not in charge and I can only report on what I am given. Thus, I have to inform you that Genevieve's greatest fear is:

". . . falling in love."

Of course.
Score: 4 out of 5

Final Score: 13 out of 15 - Missing the Golden Fabio by half a point, Stardust of Yesterday qualifies for the Silver Deveraux with special achievement awards for Outstanding Titlemanship and Creepiest Couple Yet.

Picture from last week.

2010-09-18T00:58:00.000-07:00

Me and little brother on a short Labor Day jaunt to Bear Lake.

Another DI find post

2010-08-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

In which I display the remainder of my vintage pattern haul:

probably mid-1950s

McCall's 4344: This is the illustration from the instructions - I couldn't find the cover picture anywhere. I probably won't make this dress - I've nowhere to wear it! - but it's such a classic 50s silhouette that I had to buy it.
probably mid-1950s

Simplicity 1934: So cute! It's another classic 50s dress: "styled with softly pleated skirt, wide neckline and collar and short kimono type sleeves. V. 2 dress is gayly trimmed with rick rack." I love the pattern descriptions, they're so sweet! Also love: the coat. It's fab, especially the collar. I've never made a coat before, but this doesn't look too difficult.probably late 1950s
Simplicity 3782: The final 50s dress - this one might be early 60s, with the ruffled sleeves and fab hairstyle model #1 is sporting. The band around the skirt of dress #1 is super cute and I love the sweet collar and bow from dress #3.

probably early 1960s
Butterick 2748: Total Jackie look - model B even has the haircut. A girl can always use a good pencil skirt pattern, so I picked up this one.

And, as promised, the Gidgit-style swimsuit:

McCall's 6817: I had to get this! I'm a huge fan of vintage swimsuits and I love the idea of a belted swimsuit. The neckline and straps are so cute, too - love the buttons! If I make it, I might make the shorts a bit shorter, but not much. Also, I love that this pattern includes a skirt to wear over the suit - it's a great basic skirt pattern that I'll be using soon. This is definitely one of my favorites of the lot!

DI find of the week!

2010-08-30T14:40:00.000-07:00

Trips to the DI (Utah's Goodwill) are a good Monday adventure. Sometimes I go through the whole women's clothing section or I browse through the records and books. But Deseret Industries Adventures always include three stops: the dress section, the furniture section, and the sewing pattern section.

Most of the time, the patterns are from the 80s-early 90s, occasionally going back to the 70s. Rarely, I'll find a pattern or so from the 60s. But today, this day of days, someone cleared out their extensive collection of patterns - someone who probably owned a fabric store during the 40s and 50s!
Behold:

Simplicity 7260: This might be my favorite, because it's so wearable. Just a simple dress with some cute detailing at the top - it's kind of summery, so I might need to wait until next year . . . unless I can find the perfect fall/winter fabric!

probably early or mid-1940s

Simplicity 2676: This one is in the most delicate condition - it's falling apart pretty badly and the pieces are traced copies of the originals. But I picked it up because I really like the top right dress - I'd do the skirt knee-length, but I'd leave the rest because I love the princess-seaming.

Simplicity 3215: I love a poufy skirt and I think all skirts and dresses need pockets. I couldn't leave this one on the shelf, even though it's missing the instructions. This one is pretty versatile, too: it would work with a summer or winter-weight fabric. I'm liking the separates option - the top is cute and the skirt is everything I love about skirts!

Most of the patterns came in manila envelopes, so I found the corresponding images at Vintage Pattern Wiki and glued them to the front of the pattern (Simplicity 2676 is my copy, though). In all honesty, I'm having fun just looking at them. Vintage pattern illustrations are so sweet!

I have several more, so look forward to those later - one is a Gidgit-style swimsuit!

Picture from last week.

2010-08-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

My little brother returns from a two-year sabbatical in Georgia!

Late September dreaming.

2010-08-28T17:47:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to sweater weather - August is usually the time I start daydreaming of crisp autumn wind and multi-colored foliage. I'm working on a sweater right now (it'll be up on Ravelry soon!). In the meantime, enjoy these adorable sweaters, found in vintage '40s knitting patterns from Iva Rose. I love all the little bow accents on these sweaters! I also love the belted sweaters - especially the double-belted sweater on the bottom. It's such a cute, feminine look.

The pink shoes are a pair I missed out on, but I saved the listing because they are so inspiring to me. I think they're 60s, because they look kinda mod (my favorite!). They're just so simple yet so girly, which is my favorite style always!

Spreading the gospel of Margaret

2010-08-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

It's not often that I'm asked for book recommendations beyond asking my opinion about The Hunger Games (very favorable, btw). When I am, my go-to rec is "anything by Margaret Atwood," with a particular plug for The Blind Assassin.

(cover loving!)

A few years ago, in between school semesters, I spent my summer devouring any Atwood book placed in my path. She's an author with the amazing ability of creating a complete, believable, and absolutely unique first-person voice for each novel she writes. Her narrators are realized so fully that initially I thought she wrote autobiographical fiction. And while some aspects of her stories are probably autobiographical, Cat's Eye in particular, most of them are simply life stories told by complete, rounded characters.

Many of her books deal with feminist issues, some through realistic fiction and others through science-fiction. One of her most-read titles is The Handmaid's Tale, often referred to as a feminist 1984. While I like The Handmaid's Tale, I think The Blind Assassin is her most interesting and successful combination of genres.

The Blind Assassin is a "novel within a novel," a science fiction/romance book that's broken up and woven between the story of two sisters and their lives in Toronto. The younger sister dies as a young woman, but becomes a beloved literary celebrity when her science-fiction/romance book is published posthumously. Her novel is interspersed between the voice of the oldest sister, now an old woman, explaining her decisions and coming clean about all the mistakes she's made. It's extremely engaging - the stories are placed together and combined perfectly.

All of this is to say that a patron read The Blind Assassin on my recommendation and came in to tell me about how much he loved it/Margaret Atwood. It made me feel happy and I decided that I've picked the right career.

Sewing Machine Attack!

2010-08-17T13:34:00.000-07:00

I've been sewing up a storm lately. I seem to go through a sewing phase every year or so, where I'm obsessed for weeks and then drop it for months and months.

Anyway, I've done a couple of skirts in the past few weeks - I'm most proud of this one:The fabric is a linen I found on clearance at Joann's - I really loved the super-girly stripey pink. There was just enough left on the bolt to make this skirt!I've had this pattern - Simplicity 2444 - for several months and never got around to making it. I own a very similar dress already, so I've not felt a pressing need for another one. However, I really love the pleated skirt (with pockets, of course!) from the dress - it's also super-girly, so I thought it would be a good match for the fabric.

I added the bow as an afterthought - I'm not sure I'm going to keep it permanently, but I like it for now.

The fabric was pretty see-through, so I had to improvise a lining. . . which turned out very well, if I do say so myself! There really isn't anything I'd change about this skirt, which is rare with clothes I've made for myself. Overall, this is one of the best sewing projects I've done - I've already worn it three times!

Pictures from this summer

2010-08-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not big into photography (hello, Nikon Coolpix!), but this nifty little application makes me want to take pictures everywhere I go: AnalogColor has several different presets that make your photos look like vintage polaroids. It costs about $12 and the site goes through the Google translater, so that's always amusing.
I had some fun today, running through a few pictures from this summer:

Festival of Colors, May 2010 - green polaroid filter

Seattle trip, May 2010 - toy camera filter

Seattle trip, May 2010 - blue polaroid filter

Family reunion, July 2010 - blue polaroid filter

Sisters, July 4, 2010 - fake lomo filter

Sister Day in Sugarhouse, August 2010 - strong contrast filter

Old Spice Guy @ Your Library

2010-07-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

Flashback: Dada-ish Poetry, Revisited

2010-07-13T10:03:00.000-07:00

A true Dadaist poem is completely random: you cut out words from books, magazines, newspapers, place them in a pile, and draw them out randomly. The words stay in the order they're drawn and you add line breaks, punctuation, ect.

This is not a true Dada poem: I cheated. I drew out about 10-15 words for each line and selected the ones that I liked, thus my Dada-ish poem:(click picture for better view)

I made this a couple years ago, when my brother left on his mission. He's coming home in a month (yay!) and I was looking through my journal from when he left and found this poem. I liked how it turned out, so I thought I'd share.
xoxo, M

Cover Judging: American Heroes, Against All Odds

2010-07-03T14:53:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd of July! In honor of the upcoming holiday, we're leaving the highlanders and lairds in their dark Scottish castles and heading home to the States. I feel quite happy to introduce you to some real American Heroes:This series was published in the late 80s-early 90s and included an American Hero from each state. (see here to view all the covers)

Unfortunately, the series is out-of-print, so I'm unable to view the back covers and give a full Cover Judging. So we'll have to go with supposition.

From the Colonies:For me, it's a tough decision between Delaware and Maryland. Delaware, he looks like he could drop some Derrida in conversation, yet still seem unpretentious and kind. But Maryland, he looks as though he's overcoming the loss of someone special and needs some extra care so he can love again; also, the sweater. I don't know. These New England guys, I tell you.

Some Southern Gentlemen:Oh, hands down it's Louisiana. Somewhere in his plantation, I'm in my suite, making a dress out of curtains and having my maid pull my corset tighter.

For our more modern fellas, I find that Missouri has a soulful gaze and perhaps a troubled past. Perhaps he's a policeman who recently lost his partner in a shoot-out and if he'd only shot the bad guy half a second sooner, his partner would still be alive. And he really misses ol' Smitty and needs to talk it through. I'm there for him.

Corn-Fed Midwesterners:You know I'm picking Nebraska. Open-collar shirt, blazer, book in hand in his library - what's not to love?

Some Wild Westerners:I have to go with the hometown boy - Mr. Utah is rocking the tight-jeaned, possible paleontologist look quite well.

West Coast/Pacific Island Represent:Do you think that they might be the same guy, only the cover designer darkened California Guy's hair? They're posed nearly identically. Evidently, living near the Pacific Ocean means one throws one's shirt/jacket over the shoulder casually at all times.

And finally, my very most favorite, Mr. New Jersey:
Who doesn't love a man with a baby?

Hooray for America!

Cover Loving

2010-06-26T20:30:00.000-07:00

There's a new Project Runway-alike on Bravo right now - Work of Art. It's pretty much the regular formula: robotic host, charming mentor, challenges that involve the show's sponsors somehow.

Typically, the sponsor-driven challenges don't interest me, but I enjoyed this week's book cover challenge (brought to you by Penguin Books Deluxe Classics). One of the books featured was (of course) Pride and Prejudice; neither of the competitors produced anything worth mentioning, but the current Penguin cover art intrigued me:That gorgeousness steered me toward the Penguin website and this illustration:Dear Emily, your honor is restored. Fashion illustrator Ruben Toledo designed this fantastic Wuthering Heights cover, which fits the story perfectly - he even included the blustery-ness of the moors!

I'm so happy about these covers that I'll even include his update of the book notorious for driving young people away from studying literature in college*:*Based on anecdotal evidence culled from about 10-15 separate conversations in college.

The Maren & Amy Comedy Minute

2010-06-03T15:20:00.000-07:00

Text conversation proving that my sister is funnier than me:

Me: Bra shopping sucks. There's a bra that offers an airlift. As though my boobs need the last helicopter out of vietnam or something.
Oh also apparently we all need bras that we can wear 12 different ways now.
And finally apparently we need a special bra to wear with t shirts. I hate products marketed toward women.

Amy: I hate shopping at stores for 'plus sized' women. Apparently since i'm fat, i'm a DIVA!

See how I use a million words to prove my point and Amy just gets in there and gets the funny done?

Blog I Like: A Collection a Day 2010

2010-04-29T12:34:00.000-07:00

A Collection a Day is a pretty great blog, run by collector and illustrator Lisa Congdon. She makes bread tags look like art:It makes me feel slightly ashamed of my Hello Kitty collection.

Does Not Signify: Fun with the Public Domain

2010-04-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Ms. Bronte,

We regret to inform you that the copyright for your novel Wuthering Heights has lapsed. While we prefer your sister Charlotte's bigamous brooder Rochester to the tortured, vengeful Heathcliffe, we recognize his value as the originator of the dark romantic hero. Furthermore, Kate Bush never wrote a song about Rochester.

The purpose of this letter is to inform you of the big plans we have for your novel. As we're sure you're aware (even from beyond the grave), your classic story of tortured, passionate love has found its way into the pop-culture vampire phenom Twilight! Congratulations!

We're delighted to tell you that this has generated a renewed interest in your work, with many readers hoping to discover the connection between their favorite vampires and Heathcliffe and Cathy. Which is why we've taken the liberty of repackaging your work:We've taken Wuthering Heights to new heights! Some readers may have passed by your work previously, but we've reminded them that this is Bella and Edward's favorite book! We've removed any hint of unhappiness and vengeful hatred and turned it into a continuation of the Twilight universe! And to further the connection between the two works, we've told fans that "Love never dies" - a statement as true for Bella and Edward as it is for Cathy and Heathcliffe!

Which brings us to this next, tricky question. Now, we don't want to impinge on your artistic integrity, but we're wondering if there's something you can do about that icky unhappy ending? We would love to meet with you and have several ideas for potential re-writes.

Again, Ms. Bronte, our sincerest congratulations on the renewed interest in your work.

Yours,
HarperCollins Publishers*

P.S. We were wondering if you had contact information for Mr. Shakespeare - we'd love to chat with him about some exciting new ideas we have for one of his plays!*but not really, it's just me responding to stimuli. xoxo, M

Cover Judging - Black Jack

2010-04-01T12:42:00.000-07:00

First Glance: I feel like romance covers had a real renaissance in the 80s-90s, what with Fabio and all, and they've been reaching for that second lightning strike ever since. Quite literally, in the case of Black Jack. This book was, surprisingly, published this year, 2010. But the cover styling is so very 80s, with the black and neon blue color scheme. The fella, the titular Black Jack presumably, checks the boxes: ab definition, waxed pectorals, cleft chin. It's all very by the numbers, thus I'm having a hard time finding anything funny to say. Score: 3 out of 5

Title: Black Jack - Pretty good. Perhaps a tale of an international playboy named Jack, who spends too much time in Monte Carlo, playing blackjack while women in sparkly dresses cling to his arm. Perhaps the story of a man with a dark past or a dangerous dark side which he's redeemed from once he meets our heroine. Very good. Score: 4 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Here's where it becomes great:

The Secret Service can't control him. The British government can't silence him.

I feel like 8th grade essay composition teachers should use this as an example of a strong opening sentence, as it really draws the reader in and makes them want to learn more.

But renegade agent Travis Caine [!] is one loose cannon you don't want to mess with [!], so his commanders cut him a break - and cut him loose.

Again with the sentence structure! I love the idea of cutting loose an already loose cannon. And cutting a break and cutting loose, all in one sentence! It's as though they were intent on including any phrase that dealt with "cutting" and "loose".

His new HQ is America's top intelligence force, Elite Ops. His new code name is 'Black Jack.' And his new assignment is to die for.

I'm so intrigued! What could this assignment be?

She's smart, sexy, scintillating - and one of Elite Ops' savviest agents.

Stop! Eighth grade English teachers, what better way to teach your students alliteration AND adjectives than this sentence. She's smart, sexy, scintillating - and just when you think they're through, she also savvy!

Lillian Belle's code name is 'Night Hawk,' and Travis certainly wouldn't mind flying a few midnight maneuvers with her.

More alliteration. . . although, I'm not sure that double-entendre is part of the eighth grade curriculum.

But when their mission turns into a red-hot game of danger, deceit, and double-crossed signals [even more alliteration!], Travis begins to wonder: Can he trust her? Can he resist her?

I believe the answer to both questions is no. Score: 5 out of 5

Final Score: 12 out of 15 - qualifying Black Jack for the Silver Deveraux. Congratulations, you captivatingly comely loose cannon!

Still in Circulation: Dressing Right

2010-02-25T10:54:00.000-08:00

Some books remain shelved, hiding amongst more relevant or popular titles, keeping us from exploring their contents. The well-versed staff is unaware of their existence, even though they are Still in Circulation.

I'm excited to add this feature to my librarian-blogger repretoire. In circulation, I come across so many great, old books that I never would have known about otherwise. Often funny and interesting, sometimes kind of ridiculous and charming. This one's a bit of everything:
Dressing Right might be an easy joke, what with its late-70s/early 80s fashions and extreme male modeling.

So let me get this part out of the way: ha ha ha ha ha ha men used to have mustaches ha ha ha ha ha ha my dad used to wear that ha ha ha ha ha ha ha hairstyles!

Now I've put that behind me, I'd like to talk about the advice found within Charles Hix's guide to the well-dressed man.

Mr. Hix is all about bringing style to the masses: "When fashion becomes elitist, it's a bore designed for boors."

He's also about equality: "Neither biologically nor physiologically superior are women's eyes to men's; nor do women possess an innate sense of what goes with what that men by their birthright lack."

And he's also about clean living: "Believe it or not - and you should - dressing right in the right way with the right attitude can be a natural high."

Other nuggets of truth and wisdom:
"One of the prime reasons for dressing is to get undressed."
"Man does not live by vested suit alone."
"Only creeps hire bouncers to oust nonconforming guests."

Once I got over the "OMG, did people actually wear this?"-ness of Dressing Right, different categories of outfits began emerging. While some remained in the "Did people actually wear this?" category, others fit elsewhere:

Surprisingly not from Urban Outfittersand Downright Bassian

Dressing Right by Charles Hix is available for checkout at the Logan Library. Only, you'll have to put it on hold, because I'm keeping it the full three weeks. xoxo, M

Cover Judging - To Tame a Highland Warrior

2010-02-08T18:20:00.000-08:00

All right, friends. I've taken a month off from Cover Judging to remind myself that the GRE board does not define "enervate" as 'a spell in Harry Potter that is used to restore a person to consciousness."

Side note: Other Harry Potter spells that find their home on the GRE Vocab "Hit List":
evanesc(ent)o, impervious, obliviate, and stupefy.

This is all to say that I've not abandoned judging books by the covers. Why, here's one now . . .

First Glance: There's not a whole lot there, visually, with this one: the author's name and the title reserve about three-quarters of the cover. And we get a bicep (though he's cheating by crossing his arms) and a shadowed glimpse of waxed chest in a sort of blue-toned black-and-white. In this case, however, the visual isn't the point . . . Score: 3 out of 5

Title: . . . It's the title. To Tame a Highland Warrior. There's a reason the publisher put the title in two-inch caps: because the purpose of this book is instructional. This book has finally answered the question of our hearts: Is it even possible? Can a highland warrior be tamed? If so, how might I accomplish faire feat? Will it require abandoning the privileged life I once knew, or being kidnapped and coming to love my kidnapper, or is it a simple matter of bickering with the handsome rogue until I realize that I would rather bicker with him than get along with anyone else? This book holds the answer. Score: 4.5 out of 5

Tagline: "Only her love could gentle his savage soul . . . "

I know. But lucky for everyone, I've been studying parts of speech like a mad lexicographer. And gentle, normally used as an adjective, can also be used as a verb. Definition: to tame; render tractable. Essentially, our tagline is "Only her love could tame his savage soul . . . "

I think I can see our cover designer's problem: due to the placement of the tagline, this cover runs the risk of putting "tame" in tiny letters directly above the huge "TAME" in the title. But our canny cover designer saw a way around this: thesaurus! And I'm so glad s/he did, because this tagline is probably one of my favorites. It hits all the right notes: he's untamed, wild, a wanderer and only she has the ability to make him settle down. And it tops that off with a great, antiquated usage of the word gentle. Two thumbs up. Score: 5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: This time, it's complicated.

"He was born to a clan of warriors of supernatural strength, but Gavrael McIllioch abandoned his name and his Highland castle, determined to escape the dark fate of his ancestors. Hiding his identity from the relentless rival clan that hunted him, he called himself Grimm . . ."

Here's a question: Mssr. McIllioch is in hiding, dashing from place to place, a lone exile from his clan, right? I'm guessing he's not writing many letters, penning any novels, or spray-painting his name on the sides of buildings. So why, when he rechristens himself Grimm, does he have to include an extra 'm'? Is he a closet romantic who feels the extra 'm' gives his pseudonym added danger? Does he want people to linger on the "mm" when they speak his name? Or is it a subtle hint from the author that our Grimmm is a tasty treat?

". . . to protect the people he cared for, vowing never to acknowledge his love for ravishing Jillian St. Clair. Yet even from afar he watched over her, and when her father sent an urgent summons, "Come for Jillian," he raced to her side--into a competition to win her hand in marriage."

Hm. A summons. So maybe Grimmm has correspondents after all.

"Why had he run from her so many years before? And why return now to see her offered as a prize in her father's manipulative game? Furious, Jillian vowed never to wed."

Is Jilly furious at her father for orchestrating a game that ends in her marriage or at Grimmm for leaving her "so many years before"? Is her vow never to wed a protest against her weirdo dad or is it her way of telling Grimmm that if she can't have him, she doesn't want nobody, baby?

"But Grimm was the man she loved, the one who urged her to marry another. He tried to pretend indifference as she tempted him, but he could not deny the fierce desires that compelled him to abduct her from the altar."

Kidnap subplot, check!

"She was the only woman who could tame the beast that raged within him--even as deadly enemies plotted to destroy them both...."

Well, I really hope it works out for these kids. Score: 4 out of 5

Final Score: 16.5 out of 20 - To Tame a Highland Warrior receives the Silver Deveraux, with a lifetime achievement award in Titles and Tags.

Does Not Signify: Born a Coal Miner's Daughter

2010-01-18T14:01:00.000-08:00

A lot of people put The Memory Keeper's Daughter on hold. We have several copies, so I end up shelving this book a couple times a week. I've never read the back, so I don't know what it's about. I think the daughter might drown in it, because the cover features a desaturated, floating dress that's kind of glowy, like in movies where people drown and it's supposed to be symbolic of being overcome by whatever.
Another book that's checked out a lot is The Wizard's Daughter. Again, haven't read the back, but I assume it's about a wizard's daughter whose father forbids her to see her true love, who is a Muggle. But she's rebellious and goes to see the Sea Witch, who turns her into a mute Muggle for three day, so then it's up to the wizard's daughter to make her Muggle fall in love with her before the sun sets on the third day. Seems a little derivative.

Also popular is a book called The Beekeeper's Daughter. It's a Harlequin Superromance novel and I can only guess that it takes place in the same reality as The Memory Keeper's Daughter.
I've kind of rolled my eyes at this trend because I consider it a lazy way to title a book. It's basically a fill-in-the-blank title: The [Unconventional Occupation]'s Daughter. All the author needs to do is come up with an unconventional occupation and then input a spirited young daughter who grew up knowing she and her family were a little different from everyone else. And when the time comes for her to learn her father's trade, she must choose between carrying on the family traditions and love, I'm guessing.

Anyway, I've rolled my eyes at the trend, but mostly ignored it until I saw a copy of The Gravedigger's Daughter. And for some reason, maybe because I could tell that the girl will grow up to be preternaturally aware of the dead, meaning she'll be a lot deeper than her peers, and because even the title is trying so hard for depth, that I came to a decision: all publishers should place a moratorium on The [Unconventional Occupation]'s Daughter.

It's a trope that's been repeated so often that it doesn't even mean anything anymore.

Old pals and their talents

2010-01-05T10:57:00.000-08:00

My high school pal Ty designed this shirt:

It's pretty clever and kinda sweet, so you should click on over to threadless and score it! :)

Cover Judging - A Highlander Christmas

2010-01-01T16:31:00.000-08:00

This isn't an official Cover Judging; it's a belated Christmas gift.
Regularly scheduled Cover Judging to resume next week. Love, M

Last post of the year

2009-12-31T10:33:00.000-08:00

Books I read this year:

There's probably more, I just lose track.

Out of Context: Dispatches from the Internet

2009-12-20T17:45:00.000-08:00

This is a kind of interesting Facebook game. . . .*This has been another dispatch from the wide world of internet.

Cover Judging - The CEO's Christmas Proposition

2009-12-14T21:12:00.000-08:00

I've made a discovery this festive season: Silhouette Special Editions. From their website:

"These contemporary romances from the Silhouette Special Edition line will strike a chord with you as heroines find the balance between their work lives and personal lives on the way to true love!"

Doesn't that sound like a thrilling story? Furthermore, most of these tales of balancing work life and personal life occur during the holiday season. So, without further adieu, here is the first of a few Christmas titles I have for you:

First Glance: This one is all about the styling: I am 100% in favor of her shiny gold pumps. Especially because they match the gold lamé top she's sporting. Also: her hair. And his hair, now I look at it - gotta love a side-part. I'm also loving the weirdly shaped fairy-light sculptures behind our happy couple. And, as the wreath at the bottom left informs me, this appears to take place somewhere with photo-worthy architecture. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: The CEO's Christmas Proposition - Clunky. Very clunky. It just doesn't flow. I would love it, however, if they had made our hero a Chief Financial Officer, because I like the sound of CFO. It's one of those titles that I enjoy hearing, much like Comptroller or Ombudsman. Come to think of it, I rather like the sound of The Comptroller's Christmas Proposition. Score: 2.5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Oh, boy. Here we go:

"A case of mistaken identity landed Devon McShay on the receiving end of a mind-blowing kiss - from her new client!"

Again with the mind-blowing kisses! (Well, technically the last time they were called "earth-shattering" kisses, but I think the concept remains the same.)

Also, Devon McShay? That is a quality romance novel moniker. And speaking of that, listen to the great newspaper reporter-in-the-1940s name of her client:

"CEO Cal Logan was an undeniably handsome man, and despite their business relationship, Devon couldn't help thinking about kissing him again."

And then . . .

"When a crippling ice storm traps them in Salzburg for Christmas, sharing a room is their only option."

Of course it's their only option. I'm sure every hotel in all of Salzburg is booked solid, leaving only one room left. A room with only one bed, which they must share. And, hopefully, he will hang a sheet between them on the bed, because that is the proper, gentlemanly thing to do. Just like Clark Gable. You're listening to me, aren't you, Cal Logan, CEO? Proper, gentlemanly, Clark Gable: all good things. I don't want to hear about any shenanigans . . .

"And sharing their bed becomes their pleasure. Could this passionate encounter evolve into anything more than a holiday affair?"

Sigh.
Score: 3.5 out of 5

Final Score: 1o out of 15 - Qualifying for the Bronze Feather, The CEO's Christmas Proposition gets points for its cover stars' styling, as well as their excellent naming. May Devon McShay and CEO Cal Logan's love last the whole year long.

Picture from Last Week

2009-12-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

Out of Context: Dispatches from the Internet

2009-12-10T13:29:00.000-08:00

There are so many things that I don't understand about this ad. Mainly, is Beardo supposed to be representative of the moms returning to school or is he supposed to entice moms to return to school?

Because I think it might fail either way.

Old-Timey Cover Judging: The Quicksilver Pool

2009-11-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

Donations are all the same, usually. Most days, the donation bin overflows with pocket-sized paperbacks that cost $6.99 at the grocery store. Sometimes, grandpa clears out his shelves and shelves of Louis L'Amour; other times grams is getting rid of evidence that links her to her romance novel obsession. Occasionally, we'll get a book-of-the-week type who reads their bestseller once before passing it on to us. But, for the most part, the bin is full of paperbacks that can fit in your purse.

Which is what made this most excellent novel stick out even more:
First Glance: It's got a bit of that oil-painty look often employed in Regency romance novel covers. But there's just something so adorably old-fashioned about this cover. Maybe it's her face, which has the pristine look of a 50s screen siren; maybe it's his lantern-jawed facial structure. It could be the font, which seems strangely old and modern at the same time. It might be the colors - raise your hand if you want that pink dress! I'm not sure, but the old-fashioned look of this book had me intrigued. Score: 4 out of 5

Second-Page Surprise!(forgive the photo, which was taken with a co-workers phone)

When one opens The Quicksilver Pool, one finds yet another detailed rendering of the story's characters. I'm assuming that's our heroine in the fabulous green dress, though her hair color seems to have changed. There appears to be a stiff, perhaps disapproving, matronly figure ensconced in the middle of the parlor. The red drapey curtains give it an ominous feel, so immediately I'm thinking the matronly figure might have sinister tendencies. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: The Quicksilver Pool - it's hard to judge this one by my usual standards, because I'm usually looking at books from the last twenty or so years. Also, I don't know anything about quicksilver as a substance, so I can't go into any symbolic connotations. But the name has a romantic sound to it, so I'm giving it high marks. Score: 4 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book (or Inside Flap, as is the case): This one is best described in movie-pitch terms: it's Jane Eyre meets Gone with the Wind, but with an angry ghost! Intrigued? Listen to this:

"The great Tyler mansion on Staten Island became a house of menace and hidden danger for Lora Blair from the moment she arrived there as the new bride of Wade Tyler."

House of menace and hidden danger! I love it!

"Years before, Wade's first wife Virginia had died there under mysterious circumstances. No one dared speak openly of her death to Lora, and every day Lora faced increasing hostility from everyone at the Tyler house."

I'm guessing that imperious-looking matronly character is the main source of the increasing hostility our Lora faces.

"With mounting horror Lora soon realized that some unseen, unknown person was maneuvering her to the edge of what could be a fatal "accident." Was the same death being prepared for her?"

I love the wording of the final question - what an odd concept, death being prepared. Plotted, yes. Planned, sure. But prepared? It sounds so strange, yet it makes me want to read the book, in hopes of finding more interesting, out-of-place phrasing. Score: 4 out of 5

Final Score: 16 out of 20 - Though qualifying for the Silver Deveraux, The Quicksilver Pool stands by itself in Cover Judging. It's not ridiculous or mock-worthy; it's also not the most amazing book cover ever. It's simply an interesting bit of forgotten-novel history.

P.S. Here are a few different paperback editions of the book:I think our cover is the best, though.

Book Report: The Luxe Style Edition

2009-11-16T14:23:00.001-08:00

Awhile ago, I posted my thoughts about the great brain candy series The Luxe. The final book in the series came out a couple weeks ago and it was everything I hoped it would be: dramatic and romantic with lots of fabulous hats. Plus, Splendor has maybe my favorite cover of the series:
Gorgeous, right? I love the lavender and the sparkly appliques - and our cover girl is Diana, who is my favorite character.

So, here are a few gorgeous items, in honor of the fab New York socialites of 1900:

1. Necklace by Kay Adams, $945 at kayadams.com
2. Ring by Happy Max Designs, $16 at happymaxdesigns.etsy.com
3. Lavender Dress from theVINTAGEdress, $65 at theVINTAGEdress.etsy.com
4. Red Poppy evening gown by rubypearl, $725 at rubypearl.etsy.com
5. Rhinestone and pearl necklace by luxedeluxe, $128 at luxedeluxe.etsy.com
6. Large gold bonnet by Natalilouise, $400 at natalilouise.etsy.com
7. Midnight black fascinator by Natalilouise, $300 at natalilouise.etsy.com

Cover Judging - Moon Awakening

2009-11-07T19:56:00.000-08:00

But first . . . from our friends at the OED:

laird: A landed proprietor. In ancient times limited to those who held [land] immediately from the king. The southern form lord was as early as the 14th c. introduced into Scottish use in the English senses of the word.

highlander: A native of the Highlands of Scotland. Also, a soldier of a Highland regiment. First introduced in 1642 by James Howell's "Instructions for forreine travell."

So, in summation: laird rich, highlander ripped. Now that we've cleared that up . . .First Glance: My first instinct was "magical highlander." It's the background, really, that gives away the magic - the various textures layered on top of the ocean, the ethereal quality of the colors, the line drawing at the top that might be a griffin. These things all equal some sort of magic. Moving on to our hero, his chest tattoo may be magical. I'm guessing he belongs to some kind of order who claim the bear as their mascot (UC Riverside, mayhap?). Furthermore, the detailing on his boots looks pretty magical. And finally, while his ab and chest definition are impressive, I think the last word on his magical powers lies in his half-ponytail. Score: 4 out of 5

Title: Moon Awakening: Book One of the Children of the Moon - Initially, I thought Moon Awakening was meant to sound like "rude awakening." Perhaps a story about a naive young girl from a small Scottish village who meets a man who teaches her a few life lessons, most importantly how to love. They all live on the blustery moors ever after, the end. Maybe the magical element is just the magic of true love?

But then I saw the subtitle and came to the conclusion that werewolves are our magical element. Making this book a part of the apparently rich vein of were-hybrid romance. I suppose our hero is a werehighlander? Score: 3 out of 5 (for making me think it might be a pun, but then pulling the rug out with the subtitle)

Tagline: "Bestselling author Lucy Monroe introduces an enthralling new romantic tale that pushes the boundaries between love and hate, passion and pain - and man and beast."
Ummmmmmm, nope. I can see where they're going ("these things are opposites! but the story shows that they're not so different!"), but I'm not headed there with them. It's just not a very catchy tagline - it gets bogged down at the end with the weird sentence construction + overuse of the word "and." Oxford comma, friends: look it up! Score: 2 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: I think, with this one, it will be best to just get into it:

"When Emily Hamilton's family is ordered to send a woman to the Scottish Highlands for marriage to the laird of the Sinclairs, Emily volunteers in order to save her younger sister from such a fate."

So, our brave heroine sets off for her new life as lairdess of the Sinclairs, only to find that her "stubborn streak" compels the laird of Sinclair to cancel the marriage. Emily's "stubborn streak" compels her to remain at the castle of her rejector, refusing to return home.

So, while Emily's dealing with the various effects of Stockholm Syndrome*, we learn a bit more about our hero. His name is "Lachlan (of course), laird of the Balmoral clan - and leader of his pack." So I guess that makes him a werelaird, rather than a werehighlander. Anyway, apparently he's quite villainous:

"One of the most feared werewolves prowling the Highlands, he is on the march against the hated Sinclairs . . . He kidnaps the sister of the Sinclair laird, planning to marry her off in revenge - but the woman he takes along with her proves to be the greater prize . . . "

Ugh, really? A double kidnapping? And what makes Emily the "greater prize"? She was only at the castle because she was refusing to leave - the Sinclair guy doesn't want her there. I don't see any substantial ransom coming your way, Lachlan buddy.

" . . . For Emily feeds a desire he never knew existed."

Oh. Of course. Right you are, then.

"And though Lachlan would not think of marrying a human - an English-woman at that - he must know how a mere woman could take his heart so easily . . . "

Um, because she offers you table scraps and scratches behind your ears? Score: 3.5 out of 5 (I only read the back of these novels and already I'm bored with the revenge kidnap that turns into passionate love storyline)

Final Score: 12.5 out of 20 - Moon Awakenings really should get the Steele Pendant, but I'm awarding it the Bronze Feather because of its strong showing in the First Glance category. They're lucky I'm a sucker for a magic man in a half-ponytail.

*I made the mistake of thinking I was clever with my Stockholm Syndrome joke, but apparently I've already used it in my critique of Miranda and the Warrior, a similar tale about the loving bond between kidnapper and kidnappee.

Cover Judging - On the Edge

2009-10-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a correlation between the ridiculous and sci-fi romance novels - three of the five novels featured here have come from the marriage of these genres. My pile of Post-Its containing future features are over half sci-fi-mance. Many of the titles are vampire-related, a few are werewolf. I have a couple that are general magic - wizards and such.

But this one seems pretty special. I've saved it for Halloween week:First Glance: Very, very special: pretty girl in denim, leaning against an old pickup, holding a magic shotgun; disembodied floating strong-jawed head, complete with what I'm guessing are "piercing" blue eyes; sunset-y background, giving everything a nice reddish glow. Excellent, excellent work there. And the featured quote in the middle of the cover is a nice touch, too. Score: 4.5 out of 5

Title: On the Edge - I'll go with it. It could refer to a magical world whose precipice stands on the Edge; it could refer to a clandestine romance; it could refer to our heroine's emotional state. I like when I have options. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Tagline: What? No tagline! Sad day.

Back-of-the Book: Fortunately, it seems they've saved their creativity for the back of the book:

"The Broken is a place where people shop at Wal-Mart and magic is nothing more than a fairy tale."

Oooooooh, nice Wal-Mart reference. This book is clearly appealing to those of us in middle America - you know, because we all drive old pickups, own guns, and shop at the Wal-Mart. On the Edge was just published a few months ago, so TOPICAL! Points for being recession-friendly! Anyway, there's more:

"The Weird is a realm where blueblood aristocrats rule and the strength of your magic can change your destiny. "

All right. Obviously we don't like any bluebloods, and maybe in this case, "magic" is a stand-in for money or influence. OR BOTH. It's like a fable for our times or something. And here's our heroine:

" Rose Drayton lives on the Edge, the place between both worlds."

Ah, Rose. Another Rose. A delicate flower, but a flower with a built-in defense system: thorns. Never forget what Poison taught us: every Rose has its thorn. Our Rose, it seems, lives in rather dangerous circumstances:

"A perilous existence indeed, made even more so by a flood of magic-hungry creatures bent on absolute destruction."

Let's focus on this "flood of magic-hungry creatures bent on absolute destruction" as part of our economic fable. Could they be those unfortunate people who bought into the sub-prime mortgage market? Or is it another level up - are they the lenders who offered these mortgages? Or are they the ultimate evil - investment bankers? And how will our Rose defeat them? What magic will she use? Does she hold the key to bailing out the unsuspecting citizens who live in The Broken? Man, this book is taking me places I never expected. Score: 5 out of 5

Final Score: 13 out of 15 - On the Edge qualifies for the Silver Deveraux, but it was very close to the Gold. The disembodied head gets a major thumbs-up from me, as well as the apparent economic fable Ilona Andrews has crafted.

Thanks!

2009-10-23T17:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Valérie of Bijoux Lélie for featuring my Jane necklace on her blog - check out her cute jewelry shop here! (I'm a fan of the post card necklace, btw)

Out of Context: Dispatches from the internet

2009-10-21T18:27:00.001-07:00

"Judging from the winky emoticon you've added, I assume you are making a joke."

This has been another dispatch from the wide world of Internet.

Cover Judging - Leigh Greenwood's Seven Brides: Rose

2009-10-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

One day, I am going to create a series of novels. I'm not going to write it, naturally. I'm going to create it. I need only write the first book and after that, I'm free to enjoy a rewarding life as a brand-name author. My name will be in a larger font than the actual title of the book; the series title may be larger, too. It's likely that I may insist on a possessive. I'm just in the brainstorming phase right now, but here's a mock-up of the finished product (click to make larger):
It's good, right?

Oh, and I'd like to thank the person responsible for inspiring my pursuit of this whispered-about portion of the publishing industry: Leigh Greenwood.
First Glance: Pretty standard stuff here, but it's okay to do standard if you do it well. And this cover does it well: passionate couple standing at an impossible angle (seriously, 45 degrees, at most), frilly, slightly-revealing dress for her, sunset-y background. I'm slightly confused by his Ten Commandments get-up, since I'm assuming this is one of seven brothers who won the West. I like the little miniature portrait of Rose - that's a quality detail. Overall, good job. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Title: Leigh Greenwood's Seven Brides: Rose - I pretty much covered my thoughts on this in the intro. I'm just going to add my thoughts on the series concept of Seven Brides: why not go full plagiarism and call it Seven Brides for Seven Brothers? Or even go for a higher number! Nine Brides for Nine Brothers would mean two more moneymakers sitting out on the grocery store shelves! Regardless of Ms. Greenwood's oversight in this matter, I'm giving it high marks for branding, trite concept, and the afterthought of an actual title. Score: 4 out of 5

Tag Line: "Seven brothers who won the west - and the women who tamed their hearts."
Again, pretty standard. The dude is manly, obvs, since he's out winning the West. After he's done raising the homestead, he's going to need a strong-willed woman to fight with and eventually love. Points for cramming two cliches next to each other, though. Score: 2.5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Evidently, our Rose's full name is "penniless, friendless Rose Thornton." Desperate for work, Rose responds to a want ad asking for "a woman to cook, clean, and wash for seven men." Now, not only does she have means of support, but she happened to be hired by an "incredibly handsome man" named George.

"But when she first set eyes on her hero's ramshackle ranch (Alliteration!) in the wilds of the Texas brush country and met his utterly impossible brothers, Rose decided even George's earth-shattering kisses weren't compensation enough for the job ahead of her."

I wonder how that job interview went. "And regarding payment: are you willing to accept earth-shattering kisses as compensation?" I guess our girl was okay with this arrangement when she was staring at George's "incredibly handsome" face, but then she met his brothers . . .

"Never in her life had she seen a place more in need of a woman's touch, or men more in need of a civilizing influence. The Randolph brothers were a wild bunch and they weren't about to let any female change their ways . . . not until George laid down the law and then lost his heart to the beguiling spitfire who'd turned all their lives upside down."

Yep. The back of the book just summarized the entire plot for you. You're welcome! The brothers lives are turned upside down by Rose, the "beguiling spitfire," and George and Rose get together. The End. Points for the thesaurus work, though. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Final Score: 13.5 out of 20 - Leigh Greenwood's Seven Brides: Rose gets the Bronze Feather for sheer competence. Entertainingly cheesy cover, decent tag-line, and a "beguiling spitfire" of a protagonist. Good enough to place, Ms. Greenwood.

On paper . . .

2009-10-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about fashion/home design shows is the sketches. I love it when the designer has a clear idea, sketches it out on paper, and by the end of the show . . . there it is, in real life!

I am in no way an artist - seriously. But, I can draw rudimentary little flowers, a skill I use when making my headbands. Usually, my third-grade style drawings look nothing like the finished product. But this time . . .
. . . it did!

I was so excited about it that I had to share it with somebody. So I am sharing it with you, Internet.

(necklace available here)

TV Style: Gossip Girl

2009-10-07T11:35:00.000-07:00

You know I love Gossip Girl. And you know I love the insanely awesome style they all have. Particularly, I love it when they get preppy.

One of my daydreams about going to prep school involves the uniforms. I always picture student after student personalizing their uniform: fraying the edges, wearing their tie a certain way, going crazy with accessories. It's probably unrealistic, but hey, it's a daydream!

Anyway, this is why I loved Jenny's first-day-of-school outfit: she's playing on the pleated-skirt-and-blazer look with her cute shorts and rad vest; she's got her tie, but she's layered it with a bunch of necklaces and she's wearing aviators, one of the official sunglasses of cool. It's like my prep-school uniform daydream come to life!

Breaking Coverage: Get it, COVERage?

2009-10-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, a book cover crossed my path. It was so amazing that it has since become legend in my mind. I've described it's absolute awesomeness several different times to several different people: "he's, like, scaling a wall shirtless, as his blond ponytail streams down his back and it looks like there might be fire in the background, maybe symbolically, I don't know, I didn't read the back."

Unfortunately, I was less observant then, and didn't catch the title of this feat of book coverness. But then, by a simple twist of fate, this book crossed my path again, unbidden, tonight.

And now I know its name: MICAH.

You're speechless, right? I don't know if I should even break it down - clearly I'll be awarding it the coveted Golden Fabio. I'll go through the motions anyway . . .

First Glance: There are hardly words. It's beyond perfect. The ponytail, the shirtlessness, the ridiculous muscular display, the desperate need to reach his beloved. It's everything a romance novel cover should aspire to become. Score: 5 out of 5

Title: I don't even care that it's a boring title. The picture earns the right to a boring title. Score: 5 out of 5

Tag Line: "Raising the dead was easy. Love was hard . . . "
[record-needle scratch] Whaaaaaaat? You're telling me that supernatural forces are involved? And that conquering said forces is far less complicated than love? Full credit, friends. Score: 5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Evidently, this book is part of an 18-book (and more coming) series about intrepid vampire hunter Anita Blake. Could the titular Micah be part of a forbidden vampire/hunter love? No. It's even better:

"But I’m not alone. Micah is with me. Micah, head of the St. Louis wereleopard pard. King to my Queen. The only one of my lovers who can stir my blood with just a glance from his chartreuse cat’s eyes. I was happy to have him at my side."

This book is like the proverbial many-layered onion - you keep peeling back a layer, only to find a new, possibly better layer.

At first glance, it's just a cheesy cover featuring a shirtless man named Micah scaling a wall to reach his beloved. Then it turns out to be a supernatural romance, wherein the supernatural forces are much less complicated than love. And then you learn that it's not just any supernatural romance: it's a vampire hunter/wereleopard romance. And the wereleopard has "chartreuse cat's eyes." It's a process of discovery that's so rewarding, I feel as though I can't do anything but take you along for the ride. Score: 5 out of 5

Final Score: 20/20 GOLDEN FABIO. Are you kidding? I might even have to change the name of the award to the Golden Micah.

Note: So, is wereleopard a thing now? It would make some sense if the leopard-man from Burning Wild belongs to this species. What instigates the wereleopard's transformation? Do they get along with their canine brethren or is there some kind of feline superiority complex happening? There are so many questions.

Cover Judging - Miranda and the Warrior

2009-10-02T18:13:00.000-07:00

This week's winner comes to us from the great HarperCollin's imprint, Avon, a publisher so bold as to declare "We know what women want."

After mastering "what women want," Avon decided to move on to what young women want. And what these kids want is knowledge - kids want to learn about the past, but they want to do it in a fun way! They want to read historical fiction, but they want romance! They want adventure! They want shallow, perfunctory research and broadly-drawn caricatures! And thus, the Avon True Romance series was born.

A quick Wikipedia search reveals that this series contains twelve books, all written by popular authors (this explains why Meg Cabot, whom I usually adore, wrote the dreadful Nicola and the Viscount and Victoria and the Rogue). A few books in the series were returned all at once this week, so I was able to pick my favorite: Miranda and the Warrior.

First Glance: Adorable. ADORABLE! See the way she looks at him with complete twitterpated-ness? And how he returns her gaze austerely, standing beside her with manly confidence? And they are in the mountains, perhaps in uncharted territory! Adventure! Yet her adorable yellow dress remains stain and wrinkle-free! Symbolism! It's like they captured the purity and truth of a girl's first love, set it in frontier times, and put it on a book cover! Score: 4 out of 5

Title: This is hard, because obviously the title needed to conform to the Avon True Romance house style: "Girl and the Man with Historical Occupation." (Beside the aforementioned Meg Cabot titles, we have Amelia and the Outlaw, Catherine and the Pirate, and my personal favorite, Tess and the Highlander. You know I love anything involving highlanders.) It's hard to fault the author for giving the book such a boring, pun-free name.

Yet, Miranda and the Warrior doesn't work for another reason: Miranda isn't a believable frontier name. With the entire tome of Little House on the Prairie available, you'd think the author could skim through and find a better first name. Something like Nellie or Ida or I don't know, Mary? Score: 2 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: Miranda is the only child of a U.S. Cavalry major, making her a prime bargaining tool when the Cheyenne warrior Shadow Walker kidnaps her. Evidently, Shadow Walker believed he'd captured a girl, "but he comes to realize that she is not just a girl, but a headstrong woman" (I believe the correct terminology is 'not a girl, not yet a woman'). Miranda, naturally, "defies him at every turn," yet inexplicably, "captive and captor grow closer and soon uncover feelings they had thought impossible" (Stockholm Syndrome?). We are left with but one question: "Would they risk everything they once held dear - for each other?" I think we all know the answer to that question. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Extra credit: While I can't offer credit for the name Miranda, I can provide a few bonus points for Shadow Walker. Score: +3

Final Score: 10.5 out of 15 - That gets the Silver Dodd, for excellence in adorably chaste cover art and competence in back-of-the-book final question asking. Congratulations to Miranda and her warrior, Shadow Walker.

Cover Judging - Burning Wild

2009-09-23T01:17:00.001-07:00

This week's winner belong to a special category of romance novel book covers: the Second-Page Surprise.

Usually, these covers are abbreviated, letting you know there's something on the next page. The front cover will show the couple standing on a windy moor, the man's arms wrapped protectively around his lady love. BUT THEN you turn the page and bodices start ripping, skirts fly all over the place, and the romance of the moors generally gives way to a stolen moment of passion or other some such nonsense.

That's a long explanation that describes most Second-Page Surprises. The other kind of S-PS usually involves a fantastical element: he seems so chiseled and normal on the front BUT THEN you turn the page and find out he's a vampire or a werewolf or a wood nymph. And that is where this week's winner fits:

First Glance: All right. It hits the right notes: strong jawline, chiseled cheekbones, furrowed brow. The overlay of the leopard suggests an element of danger, perhaps, and I love the "we're on a crazy safari"-style font. I'm never crazy about the author's name being larger/more prominent than the book title, but whatevs. It's a decent cover that made me think there might be something more . . .

And I was so very right. He seemed so well-cut and normal, like any guy you might find while on safari in Africa BUT THEN you find out he's part leopard. Score: 4.5 out of 5

Title: Burning Wild - it could refer to a plot to destroy wildlife OR it could refer to an all-consuming, uncontrollable passion. Clever. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Tag Line: "What they desired was more dangerous than animal instinct . . ." I'm guessing she forgoes the wildlife conservation possibility and goes straight for the all-consuming, uncontrollable passion. Nice use of the animal theme, though. Score: 3.5 out of 5

Back-of-the-Book: "The #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dark Carpathian novels now returns to the exotic, sensual and dangerous world of her bestseller Wild Rain. This time, what goes on between male and female is wilder than animal instinct - and twice as hot."
- - - - > This one is losing points fast, not only because I'm totally unimpressed by the NYT bestseller shill line. Mainly, I'm mad at the back of the book for contradicting the tag line - is what they desire "wilder than animal instinct" or "more dangerous than animal instinct"? You're sending me mixed messages, BotB, and now I don't know if I should expect a tale of passion or a tale of danger. Score: 2 out of 5 - I am very disappointed.

Final Score: 13.5 out of 20 - Christine Feehan's Burning Wild gets the Bronze Feather. While they truly succeeded in the image portion, the lackluster and contradictory back cover really hurt them in the long run. Plus, HOW COULD THEY NOT USE SOME FORM OF "CAN THIS LEOPARD REALLY CHANGE HIS SPOTS?"????? Honestly, people. It was sitting right there.

New skirt, ect

2009-09-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited about my new skirt from lipglossandblack - I love the high waist with the bow and the cute little pleating details. Plus, pockets!Sylvia from LP&G was so sweet to make this a knee-length skirt for me - thanks so much again! It's so hard to find dresses and skirts that are unique and stylish, but still modest (it's a tall order, I know!), so I'm extra excited about this purchase! :)

Skirt: lipglossandblack
Tshirt: blu heaven ($3 at TJMaxx!)
Necklace: Peaches4Me
Shoes: vintage Doc Martens

Cover Judging - Prince of Swords

2009-09-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

It wouldn't be inaccurate to say that this cover inspired me to finally begin this feature. I'm always thrilled to find a great cover, but I can't describe the ebullience I felt when I spotted this gem as I gathered the book drop. It came with two brother books, Prince of Fire and Prince of Magic, each worthy covers in their own right. But, by my own estimation, the Prince of Swords far surpassed its brothers:
Title: Prince of Swords - a bit too straightforward to yield any major points. Half credit. Score: 2.5/5

First Glance: The picture really checks all the boxes - strong jaw and well-cut cheeckbones, piercing stare, finely-structured physique coated in oil, intricately-carved sword at the ready. The swirly background suggests that magic may be involved somehow. Score: 4.5/5

Tag Line: "To fulfill a prophecy, she will have to seduce him . . ." - - For me, the tag line really pushed this cover over the edge and into the sublime. Of course that's what has to happen. Of course. Score: 6/5

Back-of-the-Book: ". . . a shackled virgin must choose between the monster she knows and a sexy stranger who could spell doom-or help her fulfill the Prophecy of the Firstborn." - - I'm awarding points for the following phrases: "shackled virgin" and "a sexy stranger who could spell doom." Excellent descriptive language that really gives the reader a feel for the tone of the story. Score: 4/5

Final score: 17/20 I'm awarding this the Silver Deveraux, for excellence in un-ironic over-the-top drama. Just missed qualifying for the Golden Fabio, but a truly worthy, hilariously cheesy contender. Godspeed, Prince of Swords.

Cover Judging - rules and regulations

2009-09-15T13:45:00.000-07:00

One of the joys associated with working in a library is romance novel covers. Often, six or seven paperbacks are turned in at once, giving my co-workers and I a chance to determine which cover is best.

A good boredom game is looking through the shelving cart for the cover that best embodies the romance novel. Points are awarded for the following:

bare chest
kilts
bare-chested in a kilt
highlander
highlander with bare chest in a kilt
long hair
wind flowing through long hair
standing on a moor with arms wrapped around lady love

These are merely the basics - I will consider sci-fi and Regency tropes as they occur.

Additional points are available for exceptional tag-lines or back-of-the-book synopsis. Terribly punny titles will also be considered. Entries will be based on books checked in during my regularly scheduled library shifts; finalists will be posted on this blog each week.

Finalists will be awarded one of the following:
The Golden Fabio - for true excellence in romance covers; finalists receiving this award exhibit a dedication to craft and a willingness to go above and beyond mere requirements.
The Silver Deveraux - for technical and creative proficiency in the craft of romance covers; finalists exhibit a keen understanding of the elements required of a successful cover.
The Bronze Feather - for a basic understanding of romance covers; finalists receiving this award may excel in one area, but need work in others.
and finally . . .
The Steele Pendant - for those finalists exhibiting a disregard for the art of the romance cover; those receiving this dishonor have abandoned true passion and are merely follow formula for the purpose of book sales.

Things that are great

2009-09-07T13:08:00.000-07:00

A friend and I toured an old church building today and found a room dedicated to magazine storage. There were church magazines from 1935 on, complete with ads! Here is our favorite, from a 1942 issue of the Relief Society magazine:

"It's in you, the women of America, where lies the courage of humanity. It's in your serene confidence, your steadfast love, your spontaneous laughter. It's in your pride of looking lovely every hour of the day.

So to a more beautiful you, guiding star for the man you love, we present fashions for a gallant spring . . . styled with exquisite simplicity and subtle flattery, styled with your busy, busy life in mind.

See these fashion at ZCMI, where emphasis is on high quality, durability, and all-occasion versatility. Assure yourself of these qualifications in everything you buy."

Old ads are so fascinating to me - they're such an inverse of ads today. Now, we get a good picture with a short, catchy phrase; old-timey ads seem to focus less on the picture than the paragraphs of charming text underneath.

I really, really love it - that woman does seem as though she prides herself on looking lovely every hour of the day and clearly, her beauty is a guiding star for the man she loves.

Out of Context: Dispatches from the internet

2009-08-31T15:59:00.000-07:00

"I didn't receive this one, you sent me a dog waking up a rabbit I think it is. anyway, I do like it, but wanted the bears playing the instruments..."

Camping camping

2009-08-25T22:35:00.000-07:00

This year, my family reunion was held at the Heber Valley Camp. For most the summer, HVC is a Girl's Camp, complete with wooden bunks and a lake you can't swim in. But, for the last three weeks in August, it's open for family reunions, retreats, ect.

It's the only kind of camping I tolerate well: the kind with indoor plumbing, electricity, and beds. Often, I think that my surroundings are wasted on me - mountains everywhere, but I don't hike very often; rivers all over, but I don't fish or kayak; purportedly the greatest snow on Earth, but I don't ski. I need to work on the whole living in Utah and being outdoorsy thing. . .

One of the more fun things we did was a challenge course, which involved climbing a pole, walking across a log, and going down a zip line.

I was fine with it until I got to the zip line part - that was when I looked down and realized I was twenty feet in the air. It took me a minute, but I finally jumped!

It was fun - even my grandma decided to do it in the end! (I have a cool grandma, BTW)

We had a western themed activity night, which was really fun. Everyone dressed up in silly Western clothes.

We had a relay race involving sunflower seed-spitting, roping, and shooting a water gun. Then we had chili for dinner, naturally.

All things considered, it was a pretty good family re-u. It was good to see everyone together and we all had some good laughs by the fire. Hooray for my awesome family!

lots of Fail!

2009-08-12T17:58:00.000-07:00

Mostly, my headband pictures are pretty boring: either I'm in front of some greenery or I'm standing by the house. They work, generally - they illustrate what my headbands look like on a human head (that sounded weirder than I meant it), which is really the whole point.

But sometimes I want to do something different - and that's where the FAIL comes in! Here are a few of my sorry attempts at making my model photos more interesting:

"Hi, just thought I'd wear my best dress to sit on this old trunk in the garage."

Staring disaffectedly while the sprinkler meter does its thing really sells the headband, no?

I put "Claire de lune" in the background in hopes of suckering Twilight-lovers into buying my headband.

Nominated for Most MySpacey.

I just want to hear this unripe blackberry's story and all anyone's interested in is my headband.
*Why did I think this one would work??*

yellow yellow yellow

2009-08-12T17:39:00.000-07:00

I've found this brooch months and months ago and I've been completely baffled as to how I should use it. Clearly, it's a very cool vintage bauble and therefore should be part of something special. I tried it with several different felt flowers and it looked ridiculous. I tried it with silk ribbon and it still didn't work.

Then I found these two great yellow faux-silk fabrics at JoAnne's. I'm really happy with how it turned out - I think the colors work with the orange-y rhinestones and, though I say it myself, the headband looks really elegant and fancy. :)

If you're so inclined, you may have a glance at this headband in my Etsy store here.

Ouch!

2009-07-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

I burned my finger with hot glue this morning. It hurts.

TV Style: So You Think You Can Dance, Top 8

2009-07-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

This week was kind of short on cool costumes, but it was heavy on amazing dancing - which is what the show is about, no matter how much I pretend otherwise.

Everyone's probably talking about Tyce Diorio's choreography for Melissa and Ade, about a woman with cancer; it was a beautiful dance that deserved the praise it received. It was probably the best dance of the night, but there were several really amazing "second places":

Brandon and Jeanine's "Battlefield" pop jazz was awesome, with it's precise, big movement - I'm excited to see more from the choreographer, Laurie Ann Gibson
Evan and Janette did a jazz number by the reliably awesome Sonya Tayeh - it had a few dead-drops in it that were pretty jaw-dropping. The song was pretty great, too ("Move" by CSS).
Jason and Kayla did a fun Shane Sparks hip-hop zombie dance - I'm wondering if Shane choreographed this for the MJ tribute that didn't work out (poor form, Sony, not giving out the music rights). Anyway, it was a really great routine and J&K seemed to have a lot of fun getting into the dance.
I nearly forgot to mention the AWESOME opening group number, choreographed by Travis Wall. It was super-duper awesome, with the shiny, futuristic costumes that lit up like it was a rave in 1997.

As far as costumes . . .

I loved the flappery look of Kayla's gold dress for her Broadway number with Jason. The cut is really interesting and I liked the mix of gold and black fringe on the skirt.

Jeanine and Brandon - waltz:

The costuming department hasn't disappointed me yet with their collection of ballroomy waltz dresses - Jeanine's lovely yellow frock included. It's such a gorgeous color and it suited her perfectly! (Being a pale blonde, I can't really get away with yellow, so I'm jealous!)

And finally, the Strictly Ballroom costume award for this week goes to Melissa and Ade's cha-cha get-ups:
So very much fringe.

And now, What Cat Wore

Cat looked great this week in her rad gold halter dress - the draping (Project Runway word!) on the skirt was fab! Her shoes - also gold - were fabulous. I wish I had a reason to own a pair of embellished spiky heels like that! Our girl was really working the slicked-back ponytail, too. I like that they kept her hair/makeup simple and natural - it played well with the more dramatic metallic of her frock. Another winner!

Short respite

2009-07-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

*hanging out in the blue room at Grandma's

I've been at Grandma's house for the past week and have been too busy reading, napping, and chatting to do any blogging.

But, I'm back now and ready for a new week of SYTYCD, ect!

xx, Maren

I kinda want to keep it . . .

2009-07-11T16:03:00.000-07:00

It took me quite a long time to get this one right:

Earlier this week, I decided to unpick this rosette . . .

. . .so I could use the ribbon differently. I wasn't completely satisfied with the rosette - it was one of the first I'd made - so it wasn't too big a deal to say goodbye to it (I kept the seam binding-leaves, though!).

I'm really happy with the results: I was able to use some of the peachy pleated ribbon I've had forever and some of the beautiful purple "grunge ribbons" I bought from MaryNotMartha (whose Etsy shop is so gorgeous!).

I haven't decided what I'm going to do with it yet - headband or hairclip? I'm leaning toward hair clip, but please let me know your opinion!

TV Style: So You Think You Can Dance, episode 14

2009-07-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

It was double the dances last night, which means double the costumes (yay!)!

There were so many great performances, but I thought Jeanette and Brandon really stood out this week. Their first dance was the Argentine tango, which was fantastic - they really had the attitude down and Jeanette's footwork was amazing. Their second dance closed out the night - it was choreographed by my favorite, Wade Robson, and it was about jewel thiefs:

I loved this dance - Wade described the movement as cartoony, and it was cartoony in the best way. There was a lot of exaggerated tip-toeing and herky-jerky movements - it was so stylish! And that brings me to the costume: it was perfect! I loved the mod look - white sunglasses, striped shirt, high-waisted pants. It was completely adorable . . . I wouldn't mind owning that shirt, with it's cute black ruffle around the collar.

Melissa and Ade have been my favorite couple from the beginning - they did really well last night. One of their dances was a waltz, which had one of my favorite dresses of the night:

I liked that this dress was cut a bit looser - it made it more flowy while Melissa danced. Plus, the detail at the shoulder was beautiful: silk rosettes with a long trail of fabric streaming down. It was really the perfect dress for a waltz.

Last one: Kayla and Kupono did a love-at-first sight Broadway dance, inspired by West Side Story. I loved Kayla's dress:

The pink floral is so cute, but the layered crinoline makes it. It was so cute and flippy whenever Kayla did a kick or turn.

And finally . . .

What Cat Wore
Our girl was pretty subdued this week, but pretty nonetheless. Cat was really rocking the 1940s glam look - the bows at her sleeves were sweet but still elegant and the cut of the dress was lovely. I loved her sparkly accessories - this picture doesn't show it, but her hair was pinned up all fancy with a cool filligreed floral hair clip. Her hair was my favorite part of the whole look, with the pin-curl waves in front and the classy 40's updo in the back. Cat looked gorgeous, as usual!

Happy July 4!

2009-07-04T13:01:00.000-07:00

TV Style: So You Think You Can Dance, episode 12

2009-07-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

Both Karla and Vitolio were kicked off So You Think You Can Dance this week, but I think they went out on a high note (kick?). They danced the quickstep; the choreography was very lighthearted and fun and it seemed like each of them got into the spirit of the dance. They both looked fantastic - Vitolio as a dandy and Karla as the lovely lady he twirls around the dance floor.

As much as I enjoyed the dancing, the most memorable part of the number was Karla's MAGICAL DRESS, which changed from a polka-dotty shift to a flowy sunset-colored ballgown.

Here's a link to the video - it's totally amazing. I've watched it in slow motion a few times, trying to figure out the mechanics of it. I think it must be velcroed at the shoulders or something. Anyway, AWESOME!!

Sorry you had to go home, Karla, but at least you got to wear a magic dress!

And now . . . .

What Cat Wore:
I adore this outfit - the color, the belt, the pockets - it's all gorgeous!

And I think I'll take this moment to state my opinion: all dresses should have pockets, from now on. Seriously. It seems like dresses with pockets have only been around the last few years, but they should exist forever. I know the pleaty, structurey thing will go away eventually and pockets won't work quite so well, but I'm enjoying it while it lasts!

TV Style: So You Think You Can Dance, episode 10

2009-06-26T15:26:00.002-07:00

I had a hard time choosing my favorite costume on So You Think You Can Dance this week - between Melissa's amazing drapy ballroom outfit, Jeanine's adorable 40s getup, and Cat's fabulous tribute to Farrah Fawcett, it's a photo-finish within miliseconds. Since I can't pick, I think I'll just list them for your enjoyment, in no particular order:

So far, Melissa and Ade are my favorite couple. They both exude a quiet confidence, which makes it really easy to root for them. This week they did the rhumba; I love it when the contestants get a ballroom category because it really seems to showcase their partnership as a whole - if one person struggles, they both struggle.

Also, it brings out the crazy-awesome ballroom costumes that aim to be over-the-top, sparkly concotions of fabulousness. And that's what Melissa got this week:
It's completely crazy - a copper-colored bikini underneath a sparkly copper toga-thing - yet it's completely amazing, too. It has no real-world style application - it's just amazing for what it is, a fab ballroom costume.

In contrast, I would wear Jeanine's cute 40s dress today if I could:

She and Phillip did a fun dance inspired by the too-great-for-words movie, Singin' in the Rain (no video b/c sound is disabled on all clips I found, copyright reasons or something). Not only did Jeanine get to wear a sweet little lavender dress, but she got to rogue her lips and pin up her hair like a war bride waiting for her man to come home. The whole look was just adorable - it would have been my favorite if Melissa's dress hadn't existed on the same show.

And finally, Miss Cat Deeley, the most adorable show host in all the world. She's just so sweet and seems to have just a bit of the geek in her - I totally want to be her best friend. Along with her hosting duties, Cat gets to wear crazy things that only a tall, blonde dance competetion host can get away with.

This week, she got away with a Hawaiin-print, halter-neck jumpsuit.

Normally, I consider jumpsuits part of the fashion industry's masterplan to dress middle America in unflattering things for their own amusement. However, Cat is an exception - she is the kind of person who can wear something so silly, yet still look amazing. Also, I love that they feathered her hair - intentional or not, her whole look seemed a tribute to Farrah Fawcett's fresh-faced beauty from the 70s.

Book Report: What I Saw and How I Lied

2009-06-26T15:26:00.001-07:00

The cover of What I Saw and How I Lied contains a single, stark image of a young girl, in sepia tone, but for her lipstick. The lighting imitates the dark-and-light contrast that characterized vintage noir. It's a beautifully designed cover that speaks to many of the themes in the book.

Evie Spooner is fifteen in 1947; like all fifteen-year-olds, she dreams of being grown-up. Her story begins with a trip to the candy store with her best friend; they buy candy cigarettes so they can "practice smoking." Her friend considers smoking the ultimate in adult glamor; Evie finds that glamor in lipstick, which she's forbidden to wear until she's 18.

It's nearing the end of summer and Evie's stepfather Joe, recently returned from the war, wants to take his girls on a trip to Palm Beach. They stay in a glamorous, but near-empty resort, where Evie is reduced to playing hopscotch on the hallway carpet for lack of a companion.

But that all changes when Peter Coleridge shows up. Joe seems nervous around his former army buddy, but the Spooner girls take to him quite easily. Evie begins spending time with him, finding herself in the middle of her first love.

Although the first love plotline is the stuff of a typical coming-of-age story, What I Saw and How I Lied uses it as a jumping-off point for Evie's true growing experience: Evie loses Peter tragically, then becomes swept up in a murder investigation focused on her parents. The second half of the book centers around Evie's decisions about what she's capable of doing and her own decisions about moral right and wrong.

I've been reading a lot of books from the Young Adult section lately, but this is the first that really tries something different. Judy Blundell writes with a noirish spareness that adds a stylish melancholy to Evie's transition into adulthood. There's a cinematic quality to the story in general - Evie's narration has that cynical noir voice-over quality and the locations are very stylish, grand, and smoke-filled.

It's a story that stays with you. I've been thinking about what I want to say about it all week - that it's stylish, affecting, a believable coming-of-age story. But mostly, it's just a good book that I really, really loved reading!

TV Style: So You Think You Can Dance, episode 8

2009-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

It's no surprise that I love So You Think You Can Dance: it's colorful, frothy summer fun. So far this season, the dancing has been great - already, there are a few routines that stick out as being great.

Last week, in particular, Kayla and Max danced a pop jazz routine that was SO cool and SO stylish (go here to see video). The movement was so angular and sharp - combined with a 1920s-ish Russian glamor - that it almost seemed like they were old-timey marionettes. Basically, it was a dance that was made for me to obsess over.

A lot of times, the costuming on SYTYCD is a little silly or obvious, but I was in love with the crazy ballerina look they gave Kayla:

It's got every possible embellishment - feathers, tulle, beading, ruffles, flowers - done in total in-your-face bright colors and it should be totally tacky. Instead, it's completely perfect - she looks like a ballerina who maybe spends a little time in the speakeasy downtown.

Book Report: The Luxe, ect.

2009-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

If you've read Edith Wharton (and truly, you should), you know that turn-of-the-century, high-class Manhattan was as full of scandal as turn-of-the-other-century Gossip Girl Manhattan. There's the same wealth, the same manipulation, and the same struggle to find true love within a society so concerned with appearances.

It's with that idea that Anna Godberson created The Luxe, a series of young adult novels that read just like Gossip Girl: 1899. The novels focus on a group of wealthy Manhattan teenagers, each of whom has a secret or two. . .

There's It Girl Elizabeth Holland, our old-timey Serena van der Woodsen, who radiates goodness and propriety but has a secret love. Her sister, Diana, an impulsive, romantic, Jenny Humphrey-type, who dreams of life beyond the confines of Manhattan society, but finds herself in love with society's bad boy, Henry Schoonmaker (aka not-as-cool Chuck Bass). The Holland sister's maid, Lina, who resents her place in life and learns that the way up may involve betraying her former employers. And finally, our Queen B, Penelope Hayes, a girl from a new-money family who stops at nothing to get a prominent place in society and the man (Henry) who goes with it.

The connections to Gossip Girl provide a familiar framework for the teenagers who don't normally read historical fiction. Each chapter begins with an excerpt from a society column or etiquette book that ties in with the following pages; like Gossip Girl, the gossip columns sometimes create expectations or realities that wouldn't exist otherwise.

Unfortunately, The Luxe shares another characteristic of the Gossip Girl books: the writing often gets in the way of character development and plot. The dialogue suffers occasionally when it drops from 1899 formality to more modern speech. In places, the historical details feel tacked-on, rather than organic to the setting. And while it's sparkly and scandalous, don't expect much more than a superficial glance into the lives of 1899 Manhattan's elite.

Having said that, don't think that I didn't enjoy this series - I will be reading the final book, Splendor, when in comes out in October, for certain (I have to know if Diana and Henry will finally be together and if Lina finally discovers that wealth doesn't always equal happiness!).

All in all, it's a fun way to wile away a few summer hours, daydreaming about wearing the book-jacket dresses to a fancy Fifth Avenue ball.

Book Report: Neil Gaiman Love Edition

2009-06-03T10:22:00.000-07:00

"People respond to the stories. They tell them themselves. The stories spread, and as people tell them, the stories change the tellers. Because now the folk who never had any thought in their head but how to run from lions and keep far enough away from rivers that the crocodiles don't get an easy meal, now they're starting to dream about a whole new place to live. The world may be the same, but the wallpaper's changed. Yes? People still have the same story, the one where they get born and they do stuff and they die, but now the story means something different to what it meant before."

The trickster god Anansi's explanation of stories and the way they instill dreams in people is the perfect distillation of Anansi Boys, a kind-of fantasy, a little bit ghost story, quite a bit funny, magical realist novel by Neil Gaiman. In it, Fat Charlie Nancy learns some unbelievable things after the death of his embarrassing, over-the-top father: Mr. Nancy was actually a god and he had two sons.

Soon after he learns this, Fat Charlie's life spins into chaos: his brother, Spider, shows up and impersonates Fat Charlie, causing trouble with his white-collar criminal boss and stealing Rosie, Fat Charlie's fiance. In trying to sort out his life, Fat Charlie begins an adventure that ends ultimately with a new realization of his family, himself and his abilities.

-----------------------
I'm pretty late to the game so far as Neil Gaiman love is concerned - a good college buddy of mine sent me a copy of Coraline for my birthday last year. I adored the book and it's dark, creepy world and couldn't wait to read more from the author who created that world.

And he doesn't disappoint. Mr. Gaiman's writings are imaginative and funny and, most importantly, numerous. He created and wrote the Sandman graphic novel series and has written quite a few young adult and children's books; Anansi Boys is a spin-off of sorts from his first adult novel, American Gods. And, he keeps a very charming blog - maybe my favorite famous-person blog, next to Stephen Fry.

I'm reading The Graveyard Book next and can't wait to dive into another of Neil Gaiman's fantastic worlds!

Trying something new . . .

2009-05-12T21:47:00.000-07:00

Last week, I found this book at the library. Since then, I've been obsessed with it!

The Artful Ribbon is a how-to on making those gorgeous ribbon roses that fancy ladies used to wear on their hats. It's written very clearly and is extremely useful. . . but the best part is the pictures. Amazing vintage florals adorn the pages, making me wish I was an old-timey fancy lady even more than I already do! Seriously, look at these:

Gorgeous, right?

I'm having a grand old time learning how to make these flowers - trying something new is really exciting and just what I needed to get my creativity going again! Here's my first attempt:

Things That are Awesome, edition 1

2009-03-24T20:35:00.000-07:00

When I was but a young girl, I grew to love reading, thanks in no small part to The Baby-Sitter's Club. Not only did it chronicle life as a teenager (something I couldn't wait to become), but it described in minute detail the outfits of one Stacy McGill (the chic, New York babysitter) and her BFF Claudia Kishi (the junk-food loving, artsy babysitter). Here's a sample of the descriptions that caught my imagination as a seven-year-old:

Of Stacy McGill (she of the heart-dotted i):

She had pulled her blonde permed hair back into a complicated braid threaded with green ribbon. The ribbon matched her shoes. She was wearing silver capri pants, an oversized shirt with a green belt, a green checked short skirt, and gold leaf-shaped earrings."

And not to forget the fabulous, creative, inspiring Claud:
[Claudia's] eye for color and style shows in the way she dresses. It's always distinctive and funky. Today she was wearing purple-and-white-striped tights, Doc Martins [sic] (except she'd taken them off to sit on the bed), a short black ruffly skirt that looked like it was part of a women's Olympics figure-skater's costume, a purple cropped sweater with silver button covers on the back buttons, and a scrunchy black velvet hat decorated with purple and red velvet flowers."

How can you not love that? (I'm not the only one who's in love with Claud's style - check out what claudia wore, a pretty rad blog inspired by Claudia Kishi)

Anyway, this wave of nostalgia came about when a book was turned in at the library today: Kristy's Great Idea, the graphic novel. Seriously? There is nothing more awesome.

TV Style: Privileged

2009-03-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

There's a cute little show on the CW called Privileged. It's about a Yale-graduate who has been hired to tutor a set of obscenely wealthy twins and finds herself swept away in a world of privilege and money, blah blah blah. It probably won't be renewed, so I thought I'd memorialize its fun style.

The show's tone is really sweet and light and so is the fashion. The main character, Megan, wears cute cardigan-and-jeans outfits, while the twins get to wear some seriously stylish clothes. The season finale features a wedding, so the girls get to dress their best.

Here's my favorite outfit, worn by Lucy Hale, who plays Rose:

I love the girly floral print with the pleated structure - so adorable! The 2009 Resort collections had several dresses using this super-cute combination:

I am so in love with this trend - it's girly great!

RUBY RED SLIPPERS!

2009-03-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

I finally found a pair of ruby red slippers!

I'd considered buying the children's version from Target, since I fit in a size 3, but then I found these on clearance! I'm so excited - I've wanted a pair of ruby red slippers for the longest time.

Birthday money from Grandma is the best.

Iona's Closet

Things I Love: I Enjoy Being a Girl (or Summer Beauty Favorites)

Shopping Local, pt. 1: Of Dust, Steele, and Nurses in Foreign Lands

June Photo Challenge: Bad habits, trucks, and sunsets

London calling

June Photo Challenge: A Study in Sandals, Sprite, and Dead Birds

My continuing conflict with footwear (alternately: A love letter to my Chacos)

A semi-comprehensive catalogue of clothing similar to Bridgit Mendler's in Lemonade Mouth

TV Style/Review: Dresscue Me

Pattern re-write: Simplicity 2250 lining

New Dress Tuesday: Simplicity 2250

Happy Easter!

TV Style: Lemonade Mouth

Book Report: The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets

That's what you get for making whoopie (pie)!

Not gone for good

We were sewing along . . .

Dear Nerdy Swimmer

Merry Happy!

Cover Judging: Lord Nightingale's Love Song

A bit of mid-century for your mid-week blues

How tu-tu

Aw, thanks.

An unexpectedly lengthy personal history of winter boots

Christmas apron!

Book Report: Bright Young Things

The New Encyclopedia of Modern Sewing

Cover Judging: The Blue Rose

It's Utah Halloween!

Iona's closet doors are open again!

New Dress Sunday

Harry Potter e la pietra filosofale

Cover Judging: Jamaican Sunset

Still in Circulation: Art Nouveau Typographic Ornaments

Found in my mom's sewing cabinet

To-do list

New Skirt Sunday

Late-summer pastels

Cover Judging: Stardust of Yesterday

Picture from last week.

Another DI find post

DI find of the week!

Picture from last week.

Late September dreaming.

Spreading the gospel of Margaret

Sewing Machine Attack!

Pictures from this summer

Old Spice Guy @ Your Library

Flashback: Dada-ish Poetry, Revisited

Cover Judging: American Heroes, Against All Odds

Cover Loving

The Maren & Amy Comedy Minute

Blog I Like: A Collection a Day 2010

Does Not Signify: Fun with the Public Domain

Cover Judging - Black Jack

Still in Circulation: Dressing Right

Cover Judging - To Tame a Highland Warrior

Does Not Signify: Born a Coal Miner's Daughter

Old pals and their talents

Cover Judging - A Highlander Christmas

Last post of the year

Maren's 2009 book montage

Out of Context: Dispatches from the Internet

Cover Judging - The CEO's Christmas Proposition

Picture from Last Week

Out of Context: Dispatches from the Internet

Old-Timey Cover Judging: The Quicksilver Pool

Book Report: The Luxe Style Edition

Cover Judging - Moon Awakening

Cover Judging - On the Edge

Thanks!

Out of Context: Dispatches from the internet

Cover Judging - Leigh Greenwood's Seven Brides: Rose

On paper . . .

TV Style: Gossip Girl

Breaking Coverage: Get it, COVERage?

Cover Judging - Miranda and the Warrior

Cover Judging - Burning Wild

New skirt, ect

Cover Judging - Prince of Swords