Librarian at Work

I love being a librarian. After years and years of waiting, volunteering, and working at jobs I was over-qualified to do (and who hasn't been in that situation?), I finally made it! Thank you, God! It was worth the wait, I think. I learned more about myself and learned what truly matters most. My attire for this position is different and yet the same as some previous jobs. So, I realized I need some new clothes for it. I can now be freer with what I choose and more relaxed. My first professional job was as a high school teacher right out of college, so I had to dress to make myself look older. Now, I can wear what I like to work, which is always a nice, neat, and sophisticated look. That is what I naturally gravitate toward, even when I'm not going to work. What does a librarian wear? At least, what does this librarian wear? Well, let me break it down for you.

I'm a reference librarian primarily, so I'm typically sitting a lot. I'm also under an air vent, which causes me to get chilly at work. I'll have a nice shirt and slacks paired with dress shoes; I prefer wedges as they provide a lot of support. Plus, they just look cute, especially for the Fall. I do love dressing up and wearing make-up to work. So many people don't, but I just feel more pulled together when I do.

As a huge Kate Spade fan, it's not uncommon to see me wearing some jewelry from the brand. I gravitate mostly toward watches and earrings, and Kate Spade earrings tend to be affordable. At least for a designer brand. The handbags from the line are amazing. They are sturdy and of great quality. I carry a lot of books and notebooks with me (I never know what mood I'm in), so I need a bag with space.

You may already know of my love for all things from the Flower Beauty line of makeup. It's amazing! High quality (like Bobbi Brown quality) at great prices. I little bit of lipstick, some blush, and I'm set. That's on a day when I have to rush to work. On slower mornings, I do the whole shebang: foundation, corrector, brightening powder, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara in addition to the above.  

Yes, I did include reading glasses. But the computer screen resolution at the reference desk is terrible, and when I change it, it always gets changed back. So, reading glasses are needed.

A Parisian Influence

We just bought our first house, and I started my new position I was promoted to. Needless to say, the past few weeks have been a busy blur. It was a needed break. I feel more focused and ready to tackle things.

Lately, I've been reading a lot of books on Parisian style, women, or novels that take place in Paris. I've just been in that mood. Sometimes, a particular topic will just seize me, and I can't get enough of the topic. The style and life of the Parisian woman has captivated me. I visited Paris when I was 16. I loved it, but I would really love to return now as a grown woman with fresh eyes and new appreciation. From glancing at other blogs, I know I am not the only one who is inspired by all things French, so I have a reading list for you.

 My current read is Lessons in French by Hilary Reyl. It is a novel set in 1989 about a recent college graduate who moves to Paris for her first job as an assistant to a famous photographer. She is introduced to the glamorous life of the photographer and learns more about herself along the way.

Entre Nous by Debra Ollivier is a great read if you want to know the inner workings of the French woman. The author lived in Paris for over a decade and offers great insights on how to be like the French.

 I love Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer L. Scott. The author lives in Paris as an exchange student, and her hostess, Madame Chic, takes her under her wing. In the book, she relates how women in Paris live, from Madame Chic to Madame Bohème. It is a wonderful read full of tips and ideas. 

Paris Street Style by Isabelle Thomas and Frederique Veysset is a primarily photo book on - what else? - the street style of Parisian women. It breaks down each outfit and also gives examples of what to wear for certain occasions. Great as a style inspiration book.

Fashion on Film: Charade

I love Audrey Hepburn. I could watch her movies over and over. One of my favorites is Charade. One of the best parts of the movie is the fashion. Givenchy created the gorgeous outfit's for Audrey's character. Each piece is simple yet elegant, and the outfit is styled perfectly. Timeless elegance. Just about all of Audrey's movies are just lovely to watch for the fashion. She and Givenchy made an amazing team with their sense of style they both had.

I remember vividly being in college and discovering Audrey. She was my first fashion role model. She was my inspiration to create a grown-up look and how to actually do it. I read and watched all that I could about her and her style. That's what's so amazing about her; even decades after her films were made, she still inspires so many with her fashion sense. Amazing.

Summer Reading, Summer Watching

There's something about the summer. Somehow, everything seems more relaxed. More time to stop and smell the roses and expand our horizons. This summer, I've been reading like crazy and taking full advantage of the library where I work. We have an amazing collection, especially movies. I've been reading more books on style. My style changes about every 9 months or so. I've been moving from a laid back, nature-girl look to casual chic. Another quest of mine, if you will, is rediscovering my artsy side. I wanted to share some of my finds in case you're doing the same as I.

Lessons from Madame Chic by Jennifer Scott is a wonderful read. Jennifer recalls twenty lessons she picked up while studying and living in Paris as a college exchange student. One lesson I really enjoyed was watching French films to get a sense of the women's style and makeup.That lead me to watch Priceless with Audrey Tautou. I really enjoyed it. I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for French style.

How To Look Expensive by Andrea Lustig is a must read for anyone who loves fashion and beauty. It's filled with great suggestions, tips, and how-tos based on your personal needs and style. I loved it so much that I went out and bought it. Yeah, it's that good.

I really love the summer. So full of possibilities. I'd love to hear what you're reading!

Summer Style

My current style inspirations.

Mermaid Inspired

Moving to Washington state this week (holy cow!) has me thinking about how the weather will be up there. It looks to be cooler than San Diego, which is much cooler than Alabama. I might need more winter wear. I hope it doesn't get too cold. One thing about it is for sure: I will be around water. Lots and lots of water. I'm moving to an island, so that will be very exciting for me. It has left me in a mermaid mood. I've always loved mermaids (thank you, Disney), and I just love the water. The shade of ocean water here on the west coast is the same as my eye color. Thinking that it's going to be cooler when I get there, I found myself creating my dream outfit for it. It consists of a long sleeve shirt on bottom with a sweater on top. This shade of blue is perfect. It's one of my favorites.

This is love.

Outfit Inspiration: Love Affair with Reading

As a former English teacher and aspiring librarian, I love to read, and the nerd in me loves wearing outfits inspired by literature. So, I made an outfit of reading! The scarf has love poems on it, the shoes are from The Little Prince, and the glasses necklace is a given, plus, it looks like Harry Potter! I would love this outfit. I really miss my literature classes, and I hope, hope, hope to one day be a librarian. What inspires your outfit creation? Purple and gray is my favorite color combination.

Why do I love to read so much? Well, to be honest I don't read as much as I used to read. I guess I've read so much in college and as a teacher that I'm burned. I used to tear through books. I'm picking it back up. I'm trying to get more into writing. I keep a journal but, once again, not as much as I used to. Reading makes me what a good cup of hot tea and quiet alone time. Sometimes we just need to escape; it's amazing that clothes can do that too.

Love Affair with Reading by litnut featuring linen scarves

Hartford silk top
€139 - maryandpaul.com

Burberry Prorsum long pants
$711 - matchesfashion.com

Kate Spade crystal jewelry
$225 - katespade.com

Forever 21 wood jewelry
$1.50 - forever21.com

Love Quotes Scarves linen scarve
$79 - calypsostbarth.com

Character Inspiration: Katniss Everdeen

I just finished reading The Hunger Games, and I loved it! I read it in a weekend; couldn't put it down! I love the character Katniss, and I got to thinking about her arena outfit. Since the movie comes out next month, I decided to create what I thought she would have worn into the games. I actually love these clothes, and I'm finding myself gravitating more toward this style and away from my usual fare. So, what do you think? Have you read the novel yet?

Katniss Everdeen by litnut featuring brown mid calf boots

Oska short sleeve top
£49 - julesb.co.uk

H m jacket
£15 - hm.com

Quiksilver long length pants
$27 - quiksilver.com

Kurt Geiger brown mid calf boots
£125 - johnlewis.com

Ralph Lauren Collection genuine leather belt
$225 - net-a-porter.com

Inspiration: a Writer's Desk

I love old furniture. I'm not a fan of taking something new and destressing it. I like for it to have an old world feel while still looking nice. A good desk is essential at some point in life; it's one of the reasons I love libraries and universities so much. I found some beautiful desks but are they pricey! I would never buy it. These pieces are so amazing because they tie in my love for travel with a flare of old school libraries. If Indiana Jones were real, I could see him having one of these. They are found at Restoration Hardware. It's a beautiful but expensive store. Right now, they are offering some neat stocking stuffers that actually don't cost a lot.

This first desk is my favorite. The shelves remind me of the old card catalogs in libraries. From the side, it looks like a trunk. How beautiful is this? The desktop is actually sturdier than it looks. My only concern is I like to stretch out my legs while I'm at a desk. For me, this is a "writing only" desk due to the size of the desktop. 

I really love this one. I feel like I should be getting ready for a trip somewhere. It has plenty of space above and below and plenty of space. I love how both pieces have a trunk feel. I never would have thought of it, but for me they're perfect. I would love this if I were a professor, which I a part of me would love to be. A guess I can't fight my teaching roots too much. I have been thinking about returning to teaching back home....

Inspiration: Pippa Middleton

I admit that I'm a fan of the Middleton sisters' style. Most of the time, their style lines up with mine. I like seeing what they wear and how they pair their items to get some new ideas of my own. Pre-wedding Kate's style was a lot like mine. Don't get me wrong; I still like her look now. I'm just at a point in my life where I don't want to wear too dressy of outfits like I use to wear. I love Kate's simple, yet elegant style. Pippa's style is becoming more like mine. Not completely because I don't like plunging necklines, but many of her outfits suit me, especially for work. Here are a few of my favorites.