What I Wore: Sweater (Modcloth), Necklace (Popbasic; Similar Here), Skirt (Popbasic; Similar Here), Shoes (Old Navy)
Like any book-loving woman, I adore Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice
is a favorite book the world over, and even beyond the book has many reincarnations as plays and films. And yes, my friends and I do regularly discuss the merits and flaws of all those movies; we are book girls. So how could I pass up this sweatshirt?
For it's first outing on the blog, I paired the sweatshirt with my Popbasic leather skirt. This combo of the super-laid back sweatshirt with a skirt is something that's been cropping up on Pinterest, so I thought I'd give this edgy look a go, especially with the unseasonable wet weather we've been having. I was hoping it might make me feel a bit like a modern-day Lizzie Bennett (speaking of, if you haven't seen the Lizzie Bennett Diaries, go and watch. You'll thank me). I'm not sure it is quite edgy and I'm not quite Miss Bennett either, though the play of textures is fun.
Really, it is just as well; I am no Elizabeth Bennett in life after all- perhaps more of an Anne from
Persuasion
or even a Fanny, the heroine of
Mansfield Park
. Persuasion might tie with P&P for a personal favorite Austen novel, and Mansfield Park is definitely my most read of her works, My sister took a course on Austen books one year and said then that her favorite book was actually
Emma
because the title character's flaws reminded her of herself. Seems true of myself as well. Both Anne and Fanny tend to be quiet, even a bit prudish, and introspective, prone to not sharing their feelings, though lovely once you get to know them. Their flaws drive me nuts, but are probably my own.
What about you? Are you an Austen fan, and if so, let's talk books! And, Austen fan or not, do you tend to empathize with characters that are similar to you or ones who have traits you admire but don't have?
Pride and Prejudice is such a romantic story! Gives one hope for eternal lasting love.
Reply DeleteReally loving the sweater graphic.
bisous
Suzanne
I'm diggin the mix of prints and textures! <3
Reply Delete- Anna
www.melodicthriftychic.com
I am a deep lover of all things Austen - I can't even count all the movies I've seen, and there are still more! Also, The Lizzie Bennett Diaries are ridiculously amazing. And have you seen Austenland? It's a really stupid and hilarious movie, and everyone who sees it either loves it or hates it - but I adore it.
Reply DeleteI can never decide which is my favorite book - it might be a tie between Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, Persuasion, and Emma. Yes, a four-way tie. My all time favorite character of anything ever might be Elinor, and I like to consider myself at least slightly like her - but Anne Elliot is lovely too.
Okay, I'll stop now.
I love Elinor! Though- and unpopular opinion here- I always really wish she and the Colnel ended up together. Most of the time it is Elinor that talks to him and is his friend after all! I think, part of it is that, he can be quite the romantic and dreamer himself, so I think they'd balance each other too. Of course, part of this might be that I dislike Edward Ferrars and think Marianne being so like Brandon's first love sets up a lifetime of comparisons, but-!
DeleteA four-way tie! Ha! I often feel that way myself about her books.
Definitely an Austen fan here (I was in Bath earlier this year - so fantastic)! :D I will have to check out Lizzie Bennet Diaries!
Reply DeleteIF you love Jane Austen, you must read and then watch North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell, if you haven't already. The BBC production is honestly - AMAZING. I like it even better than Pride & Prejudice...
-Rebecca
Idealism never goes out of fashion
http://mn2nz.wordpress.com
Oh! Thank you for the recommendation! I will :)
Deletenice sweater!! :D great print! :D
Reply DeleteAnimated Confessions
Man, that's a tough choice to make. I always feel like I REALLY enjoy a book when the character is a lot like myself, but I feel like I leave motivated and inspired when I read about someone completely different from me. It's like for those 300 pages or so they become my role model and I want to learn from them.
Reply DeleteAlso, very fun pairing! I love how that luxe leather looks with the sweatshirt :)
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
Hmmm, that is true. I think we can learn perhaps more by seeing it through the eyes of someone with a different outlook. Great point, indeed!
DeleteLove that sweatshirt! Persuasion is my favorite book, too, but you can't go wrong with P&P :)
Reply DeleteNo, you can't with either! :)
DeleteI do wonder though, if Persuasion is something you grow to like more when you are older, since it is, in essence, about second chances.
Ha, yes, yay for book girls! I've been recently exchanging books to read with friends and then getting to talking about them and other things over coffee and tea. Probably one of my favorite things to do this summer. Hmmm, I'd say I have to relate more to characters who have traits I admire but don't have--just because I admire the stronger, well-spoken ones. Plus, you always find out what happens to the characters who are more similar to you, and you don't always want to know or accept that truth! ;)
Reply DeleteHa! Well, as Marlen mentions in a comment above too- there is value in reading about characters very unlike yourself and your circumstances. We learn more that way. :)
DeleteExchanging books and talking about them with friends sounds delightful.
I love the combo of a skirt with a casual T or sweatshirt! That's such a good question- my immediate thought was characters that have traits I admire & maybe wish I was more like. But a sometimes it's with the similar character. I guess it depends :)
Reply DeleteWhat an elegant outfit! And it looks comfortable as well as dressy. :-)
Reply DeleteNot really a fan of Austen books, but I have lots of respect for Jane Austen and her work.
I LOVE that sweater! And that book. I've been eyeing out-of-print clothes for a while now, and for some reason, I never seem to order any. This post definitely makes me want to hit the "checkout" button though!! Love it!
Reply DeleteJana- I really enjoyed Out of Print's quality, if that helps. They have so many cute items.
Deletefavorite outfit of yours ever! I have pinned quite a few sweatshirt + skirt looks, I just love the opposite combo. I have a beautiful set of Austen books that one of my favorite high school teachers/friends gave to me, with a long note inside each one. I have to say, though I've started them many times, I haven't made it through them all. I need to challenge myself to do it again!
Reply Delete♥ perfectly Priya
Yay! Glad you like it. The juxtaposition intrigues me too. Can't wait for cooler weather to see more of your take on the sweatshirt/skirt combo too.
DeleteOh, that is such a sweet gift, especially with the notes. Hope you try Austen out again too.