[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!