[chapter 2] ...about whether they was made or only just happened.

In my other blog yesterday, I gave a clue to which work I was picking for this week's post. The clue was that the author of the work kicked it off with a warning, which was just this: "Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot in it will be shot." Oh, yes, Mr Mark Twain. I chose Adventures of Huckleberry Finn for our second post for no better reason than I was reading old essays from American Lit II, trying to decide what to submit for grad school apps, and felt inspired all over again by this colourful masterpiece!

I know I just did a post inspired by a novel about a young boy in the 1800s who goes on a crazy adventure and meets colourful characters. But I was feelin' it. I also know I said I wouldn't do one that has a film version, but I haven't seen it since I was a kid. I know this for a fact because the 90s version starred Elijah Wood and I went through a big Elijah phase in high school - I'd surely remember having glee'd over it back then.

Necklace: Brass Binnacle Compass Long Pendant by Zara Taylor [etsy] $29.99

Bag: Wanderlust Straw Tote by Madewell $50

Socks: Storybook Ending Socks by ModCloth $11.99

Boots: Aura Lace-up Kitten Heel Boots by TopShop £68

Shorts: Renewal Denim Dungaree Shorts by Urban Outfitters £38

Top: All Over Lace Blouse by TopShop £18 [was £32]

This was a fun one because it went in a completely different direction than I had thought it would. I seriously had GINGHAM DRESS forged into my head, and I started to think about Huck and what the story is really about, and that all went away. I thought of the danger, the adventure, the travelling, the rebellion. And then I thought of the theme of wealthy vs poor and how uncomfortable Huck felt when he had to behave with class. [I also thought of the scene where he had to dress like a girl]. So when I found the playful dungaree shorts, I was completely inspired to counter that with a really feminine top.

From there on out, I was on board that raft down the Mississippi: The compass necklace so you don't lose your way on your adventures and that fantastic straw bag so you have all the necessities when you're lost in the South.

Those boots! I am usually so against the idea of a kitten heel on a boot, but these! With the socks? The only time I'd take 'em off is to dangle my feet in the Mississippi River.

I've got two ideas for next time: Which will it be? Keep watching!

post scriptum post one..

So you have an idea of what I was jabbering about in the last post, that there's a photo from the movie-musical Oliver! which I'm afraid totally got in my head, or in my inspiration zone, when I was creating last week's outfit inspired by Oliver Twist. Not necessarily a bad thing - That film's got amazing costumes. I mean, come on, check out Jack Wild's jacket and plaid shirt! But that's not what we're here to do. This week's work will either not have a film version, or I shall not have seen the film version!

Which counts out my idea of doing Fahrenheit 451, which is one of my very favourite films. Anyone who knows me knows I have a passion for the 1960s, particularly the fashion, music, and television, so that, along with the message of Bradbury's novel, is a big bowl fulla puddin' for me. But alas, I shall stick to my words, and save my beloved Montag for another day.

The second post is still a mystery at this point, but I've had some ideas, and I've had my fashion radar to boost, Stay Tuned!

[chapter 1] ...in some remote and distant time.

First one!

Welcome, dear readers, to the very first episode of no need to sparkle..

Fashion inspired by Literature! Is there anything better?

For the first one, I thought there'd be no better choice than one of the first great novels I ever read, which was Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens. I first read it in the fifth grade, which only strengthened my love for England and literature, and developed my love for Dickens. It was definitely a good laugh for the first entry, and I definitely think I'll have to do this one again with a different concept. Instead of vaguely focusing on the time period or tone of the book, I really looked at the orphans' characters, particularly Oliver. The challenge was the fact that I know the film so well [the musical; the Polanski film I've only seen once], so it was difficult not to be affected by their costumes, but I think I totally was!

Necklace: Fancy Bella's Charm Necklace by My Breakfast Shop [etsy] $28

Jacket: Ripple Edge Crop Jacket by TopShop £45

Top: Raw Edge Collar Blouse by TopShop £38

Pants: Silence & Noise Skinny Cargo Pant at Urban Outfitters $58

Cap: Brixton Fiddler Cap by Urban Outfitters $34

Shoes: the Suede Sandstorm Boot by Madewell $188

Socks [not shown, but it completes the outfit]: UO Sheer Ankle Socks by Urban Outfitters $5

It's a lot of brown, sandy, nudes, beigy colours, but I love it. I was really inspired by the meek, tattered traits of Oliver himself. While he is quiet and innocent, he's also very special and always finds a way to win everyone's hearts, which is what these pieces really capture. There is still the tattered orphan edge with the cap [which I was thrilled to stumble upon!], the short trousers, the raw-edged collar on the top and texture of the jacket, but with a very feminine twist, particularly with the necklace, the heels, and the shapes. I love the cameo necklace - I was getting flashes to the musical-movie with the portrait of Oliver's mother, but then there's the mystery of the vague face on the locket. It could tell lovely stories!