Potter Month: Harry Potter Spells Book Tag

5 Fandom Friday is a weekly prompt challenge for female geek bloggers hosted by The Nerdy Girlie and Super Space Chick. You can learn more about the Female Geek Bloggers group here. This month, we're doing things a little differently and zooming in on one fandom (which just happens to be the most amazing universe to be a fan of) for Harry Potter Month! Kristin from Super Space Chick posted one of the coolest book tags every in honor of this month - the HP Spells Book Tag! 

AN UPCOMING RELEASE YOU WISH YOU 

COULD GET YOUR HANDS ON RIGHT NOW

I'm obsessed with Sarah J. Maas' Throne of Glass series and can't wait to read book #5 when it comes out in September - the stakes have gotten higher for the characters with every book, and Aerin is one of my all-time favorite heroines.

FAVORITE SERIES STARTER

Diana Gabaldon has had me under her spell from the very beginning. The Outlander series is such an amazing blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, and the first novel sets the tone so well. 

A BOOK THAT GAVE YOU ALL THE WARM & FUZZIES

This category was really hard for me... I just do not read warm and fuzzy books! Meyer's Lunar Chronicles are fairytale retellings with a science fiction twist, and my favorite pairing are Cress and Captain Carswell Thorne - innocence and trust meets swagger and cockiness (please recommend your favorite warm and fuzzy books in the comments!). 

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU UGLY CRY

Oh, goodness. I checked this one out from the library after seeing the trailers for the film, and I'm glad I did because I don't think I would have been able to handle this story in a theater. I read it in one sitting, and it completely wrecked me emotionally.

BOOKISH HERO OR HEROINE YOU WANT 

AROUND TO PROTECT YOU IN REAL LIFE

Stephanie Plum is one lucky bond bailswoman - whenever she's in trouble, she has two hotties who are already there for her - while I love her banter with her on-and-off fiancee, Joe Morelli, I think if I needed protection I'd call on dark, mysterious Ranger and his never-ending supply of Land Rovers and weapons.

A BOOK YOU WISH YOU COULD MAKE EVERYONE

READ BECAUSE YOU LOVED IT SO MUCH

One of my all-time favorite books, from my favorite YA fantasy writer. The Scorpio Races is so unique and beautifully written, with amazing worldbuilding. I think its length is off-putting to some people (it's a doorstop!) but it's definitely worth the time it takes to read.

A BOOK SERIES YOU WISH NEVER ENDED

This was such a creative YA series - sci-fi, romance, and dystopia. I loved the characters, Petty and Aria, and their unlikely romance, and definitely could have read more books about them having adventures together!

A BOOK WITH AN UPLIFTING MESSAGE

I love reading about strong women, but I love books about women becoming strong even more - especially when they're true stories! Even though I had a little bit of trouble getting into Cheryl Strayed's memoir at first, I am so glad that I read about her journey hiking the Pacific Coast Trail solo.

A BOOK YOU WISH YOU COULD FORGET YOU EVER READ

I was such a big fan of the first two Divergent books, along with many of my students, but I thought the final book was such a let-down. I did not like the ending at all, not just because it wasn't a happy one but because it made me feel like I'd wasted my time investment as a reader.

AN AUTHOR WHOSE BOOKS ALWAYS GET YOU OUT OF A READING SLUMP

There's a reason Neil Gaiman is a living legend - is there anything he can't do? Novels for adults, collaborations, story collections, graphic novels, YA, middle-grade, and even children's picture books - there's a Neil Gaiman book for everyone, ranging from whimsical magic to the terrifying paranormal.

A SWOON-WORTHY HERO OR HEROINE

Henry DeTamble, always and forever.

A BOOK THAT CAUSED YOU TO STOP DOING ALL 

OTHER THINGS UNTIL YOU FINISHED IT

I tend to be a marathon reader anyway, but this book was insane and I had to knew how the conflict would be resolved and if my favorite characters would survive. As soon as I finished it, I was on Facebook recommending it to all my friends.

A BOOK THAT WAS PAINFUL TO READ (FOR 

WHATEVER REASON) OR BROKE YOU

This was one of the first books I received as a digital ARC through Netgalley, and I felt obligated to read it all the way through so I could give honest feedback. I'd just finished watching the Astronaut Wives Club  television show and was interested in this book because of the Cold War setting, but the plot was so slow and the narrator was, quite simply, a boring man. Even as interesting things were happening around him (his wife's mental illness, his secretly adopted daughter's biological mom returning, his daughter dating a Cuban refugee, a shortage of gas at the gas station he ran), his "I'm a good guy, I have to do the right thing" reactions weren't interesting at all.

A BOOK THAT HAD YOU LAUGHING OUT LOUD

Do I even need to explain why?

A BOOK THAT MADE YOU WANT TO SEND 

IT (OR YOUR E-READER) FLYING

When I was in eleventh grade, I threw The Scarlet Letter out the window of the school bus. Then I got out and got it because it was the school's copy and I didn't want to have to pay a fine. When I was a sophomore in college, my boyfriend told me I looked like how he imagined Hester Prynne when he read the book. That relationship did not last.

A BOOKISH WORLD YOU WISH YOU COULD VISIT

It's not a very creative answer, but Narnia for sure. In reading the Magicians books by Lev Grossman, I've realized just how much I have in common with the main character, Quentin, who feels such a sense of ennui because the real world never matches the fantasy worlds he's read about in books.

A BOOK WITH A SHOCKING TWIST OR ENDING

My mom had told me that this was her favorite book for years, and has always assured me that it's not where she got my middle name. I finally got around to reading it a few summers ago, and it actually made me look at my mom in a whole new light (I started recommending things like Girl in the Dragon Tattoo and Gone Girl to her afterward!)

A CHARACTER DEATH THAT DESTROYED YOU

This novel really made me think about how we need more strong female friendships in YA novels. I felt the loss in this book so keenly.

BEST SERIES CONCLUSION

This series by Sarah Rees Brennan was so fun to read after following her publication process on Livejournal, and I love the way she tied everything up (especially for Nick and Mae).

summer color: inspiration for a driftwood and coral wedding

Today, I wanted to share one of my all time favorite summer wedding inspiration post! This one first appeared on the blog back in 2012. I still love the muted colors and gentle seaside theme.

Most of the time, I try not to be too literal with the themes in my wedding inspiration posts.  But "driftwood" gray was just begging for some beachy details, and some actual driftwood... and my foray into the wedding blogosphere became a lesson in giving in to distraction.  From driftwood I wandered to beach grass, lanterns, and shades of coral, slate, and succulent green.  While this post was inspired by gray, it's hard for me to brainstorm for an event that isn't filled with color!  For what it's worth, I still tried to keep it more evocative of a beach destination rather than in-your-face beach themey.

Wedding Paper Divas

Ruffled

Destination brides are blessed when it comes to bridal 

portraiture.  How about a shoot on a boat in the harbor?

Style Me Pretty 1 | 2

A beach wedding calls for candlelight.

Green Wedding Shoes

Another example of the mismatched bridesmaids' dress

trend done right; I love the muted colors in this photo.

Style Me Pretty

The succulents and eucalyptus make this bouquet so interesting.

A Low Country Wedding

Don't these paper lanterns look like sea anemones from below?

Rehearsal Dinner Guide | Pinterest

For a beach destination wedding, I think it's important 

that centerpieces fit the setting without making it look

 like Captain Jack Sparrow is on the guest list.

This Modern Romance

The Knot

Flavored sea salt would be a nice favor for guests to take home

 from a beach wedding - here's how to make your own.

Have you been lucky enough to attend any beach weddings?  How did the bride and groom incorporate the beach setting into their attire, flowers, and decor?

If you would like to add any of the images from this post to Pinterest, please use the link below the picture to visit the original source and pin from there.  Thank you!

Style: Building a Business Trip Capsule Wardrobe with Stitch Fix (#7)

As most of you know, my "day job" is teaching eighth grade English. Last month, I got an early-morning phone call from my school division's director of secondary curriculum. Once I recovered from the confusion of being woken up by someone who wasn't a member of my immediate family, I processed what she was offering: an opportunity to travel to an educational conference for the network our school is preparing to join - in Orlando, Florida! I would have been crazy to say no, and I soon as I completed my conference registration, I set up a Stitch Fix request. 

Curious about Stitch Fix? 

When you sign up for Stitch Fix's personal styling service, you pay a $20 styling fee and fill out a profile with your detailed size, style, and price preferences. Whether your closet leans toward classic, glam, preppy, or bohemian pieces, or you're looking to add more of a particular style to your wardrobe, the Style Profile is the place to give your personal stylist insights on what you're looking for. When your Fix arrives, the $20 styling fee is applied toward the cost of any items you decide to keep from your shipment. If you decide to keep everything, you'll receive a 25% discount! If not, simply send anything you don't keep back to Stitch Fix in a prepaid Priority Mail envelope. I definitely recommend giving this service a chance if you're trying to find your personal style, simplify your life, or get on board with new trends. One of my favorite things about Stitch Fix is that unlike many subscription services, you can schedule as many or as few Fixes as often as you want - there's no obligation to keep paying the styling fee every single month! 

Business Trip Capsule Wardrobe

In my note to my stylist, Heather, I explained that I needed to step up my business wardrobe game for this national conference. I wanted to stick to a palette of mostly neutrals, navy, and green, and also wanted to try a blazer. I set to work filling my style Pinterest board with inspiration. Two resources that ended up being incredibly helpful to me as I decided what to pin (and later, what to pack) were the 5 Levels of Business Attire infographic from Business Insider (I decided to follow the "+1 rule" and wear "executive casual" pieces on my trip) and this spring business trip packing guide from Anne of In Residence.

When my Fix arrived, I was so excited that I forgot to snap a picture of the unboxing! This Fix ended up reminding me a lot of my fifth fix from this spring - the styles, colors, and patterns were absolutely perfect and just my style, but there were some fit issues that kept it from being a 5/5 (That's Stitch Fix speak for "I kept it all"). Stylist Heather had really put together a capsule wardrobe of pieces that could mixed and matched to create several different outfits throughout my business trip.

Stylist Heather's sweet note reflected that, as usual, she had read my note and paid attention to my Pinterest board. She is so kind and good at her job!

#1: 41Hawthorn Lucida Colorblock Knit Dress

This was the first piece I tried on and I knew it would be true love - I'd pinned several sheath dresses and usually wear my favorites to work at least once a week when the weather is warm. I loved the modest cut and easy knit fabric of this dress - like a thick, high-quality t-shirt. It zips up the back, but I didn't have any problem slipping it over my head. I like wearing navy as a neutral and the pop of teal matches the accent on my glasses. This dress was definitely a keeper, and I think it's one of my all-time favorite Stitch Fix pieces!

#2: 41Hawthorn Teegan Draped Blazer

I haven't worn blazers much since college - it's hard to find one for a petite body that doesn't make me feel like a box! I pinned several blazers that were made of softer fabrics. I wasn't sure how a draped blazer would look on me, so I paired it with the Lucida dress for a business look. I loved that the draped style kept the blazer from looking too formal or stuffy, and the fun polka dot detail on the three-quarter sleeves. Consider me a blazer convert!

This was Mr. Q's favorite piece in this Fix - he predicts that I will wear this blazer more with casual outfits this fall than I will to work, and he's probably right. The Stitch Fix style card shows it styled with a sheath dress and with jeans to show what a versatile piece it is. Though the price was a little higher than I'd typically pay for a jacket, Mr. Q pointed out that I'm unlikely to find something so cool looking in our small town. It's nice to be married to a guy who believes in #treatyoself, so I decided to keep the blazer, too.

#3: Papermoon Bastille Tulip Sleeve Blouse

I was really glad that stylist Heather sent this blouse my way. I'd pinned several floral short-sleeve blouses and not only is this print totally adorable, it fit right into the color scheme I'd given Heather in my note. I was a little worried that the blouse gave me linebacker shoulders, but after seeing the photos I decided it was a keeper as well. Like the Teegan blazer, it's a piece that can be dressed up or down. I typically don't keep Stitch Fix pieces unless they can go from the classroom to the weekend, and the Bastille blouse fits the bill.

#4: Margaret M Deandra Textured A-line Skirt

I tried on the Bastille blouse with the Margaret M Deandra skirt, which is made with the same fabric as Margaret M's insanely popular Emers pants. The skirt I received was a very pretty black and navy jacquard pattern. The fabric is stretchy and very comfortable. What kept this skirt from being a keeper for me is my personal modesty factor - since I work with thirteen year old boys, I try not wear above-the-knee skirts to work, and I couldn't see myself wearing such a formal-feeling fabric on the weekends. For reference, I am 5'1".

Then I got photobombed by my neighbors' cat.

#5: Crescent Croatia Lace Bib Blouse

Papermoon/Crescent is my favorite brand that Stitch Fix carries (they're also really sweet to me on Instagram!), and I'd pinned a LOT of emerald-green blouses, so I had high hopes for the Croatia. The color was beautiful, as was the lace detailing on the chest. However, this was a case of a piece looking better on the hanger than on my body - the bib detail ended too high on my chest and the flowy style kind of gave me maternity vibes. I tried pairing it with skinny jeans and it wasn't much of an improvement.

Here's a side profile shot so you can see how the hem is lower in the back. See how much the front of the shirt drapes away from my actual body? Along with the Deandra skirt, the Croatia blouse ended up being sent back to Stitch Fix. 

Overall Impression of this Fix:

I loved the pieces I kept and the inspiration I got from the capsule wardrobe stylist Heather put together for me. I felt prepared to take on the world - at least the world of project-based learning - at my conference, and I'm looking forward to signing up for a back-to-school Fix soon.

Please excuse the kitty booty. Do you ever have to travel for work? What are your go-to business trip essentials?

Linking Up With:
     Share Your Fix at Crazy Together                      Let It Shine at Still Being Molly    
    Beauty by Miss L                      Style Sessions at Style Elixir                   The Mix  
Mix it Mondays with Fizz and Frosting   Hello Monday at Sincerely Jenna Marie
Confident Twosday at I Do DeClaire   Fresh Fashion Forum    Good HUES-Day
Style Me Wednesday at Shopping My Closet                 Thursday Fashion Files

Weekend Wear with Posh Classy Mom                            Elegantly Fashionable 

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. I signed up for Stitch Fix and purchase each of my Fixes myself. My opinions on this blog are always honest. This post does contain referral links - for each new sign-up I will receive a credit towards my next Stitch Fix.

this week's clicks.

get your week off to a colorful start...
LISTEN.

• This is my last real week of unstructured summer freedom - although I do plan to spend some time at my new school setting up my new classroom, I don't have any actual work meetings or appointments, and I've even got a Charlottesville day planned with my college fellowship sisters. I had this song on my head all weekend and couldn't figure out the title, but knew it had to be Jess Glynne - her powerhouse voice and slightly retro pop style are just unmistakable. Have a great week, y'all!

SWOON.

• An elegant, colorful Napa Valley wedding from KT Merry.
• The Nichols shared a very romantic Barr Mansion wedding.
• A gorgeous Thailand destination wedding from Ryan Ray.
• At Style Me Pretty, a classically nautical wedding in Maine.

SMILE.

• Desktops: Geninne, Paper Squid, Every Tuesday.
• Book Riot's reading plans for dealing with a tough world.
• Korean trend I kinda love: bracelet-inspired nail art.
• Some tips on ethical Stitch Fix shopping from Molly.

FLASHBACK.

• 2015: boho tassels on everything, preppy navy wedding inspiration, IG accounts to follow, and my fave fictional vehicles for #5FandomFriday.
• 2014: my personal highs and lows, gear that motivates me to stay active, how I handle traveling with family, and my summer in entertainment.
• 2013: wardrobe and entertaining ideas for casual bridal showers, a peek at our ideas for my BFF's rustic wedding, our Mason jar shower invitations and DIY decor, the food and drinks, and the games we played.
• 2012: Micah shared a DIY dresser makeover, and I researched the origins of "Christmas in July" and geeked out about the London Olympics.
• 2011: Mr. Q's coworkers threw us a sweet bridal shower.  

sunday simplicity.

Elizabeth Marie Photos via Wedding Chicks

“Tell the truth. Sing with passion. 

Work with laughter. Love with heart.

 'Cause that's all that matters in the end.”

― Kris Kristofferson