This weeks book is Bitter River by Julia Keller. This book is about Bell Elkins and is the second in a series, but it’s thankfully one of those series where each book can stand on it’s own, and honestly I didn’t realize it was in a series until I was over halfway through the book and they mentioned something that seemed like they wouldn’t have said it unless it was in another book.

This book begins with the body of 16 year old Lucinda Trimble being found in her car in Bitter River. What starts out looking like an accident turns out to be murder and it’s up to Bell Elkins and Nick Fogelsong to find out who killed this young girl. But then a friend from Bell’s past shows up and terrible things start happening to her town. Is it her friends fault that these horrible things are happening in the small town of Acker’s Gap, or is it all just one big coincidence?

I absolutely adored this book. Honestly, I picked it up because of the cover. I walked past it twice, but it the cover kept catching my eye and I just had to pick it up and I’m so glad I did. I loved Bell, I loved the story and I adored the way it’s written. I’m definitely going to be picking up the first book A Killing In The Hills because I really ended up attached to the people in the town and I want to know more about them.

Final Verdict: if you like mystery novels and thrillers, then I fully recommend this book. Bitter River was absolutely one of my favorite books I’ve read this season.

I decided to base my outfit off the cover of this book. I don’t have a red coat, but I’ve been wanting one ever since I saw the one on the cover. So instead I wore:

Navy Blue Toggle Coat from Delias, Gap Legging Jeans, Hunter Huntress Boots in Green. My earrings are Kate Spade and my Hair tie is from Emi-Jay

This sunday’s outfit post will be what I was wearing underneath the coat.

I’m wearing Love Rocks sweater, H&M Black Skinny Trousers, Hunter “Huntress” Rainboots and Supedry Bobble Hat.

On My Face: Nars Sheer Glow, Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer, Nars Deep Throat, YSL Babydoll Mascara, Rosebud Salve Lip Balm.

Necklace: unknown

I adore this hat, I got it a couple years ago for Christmas after I told my husband how much I adored FleurDeForce’s exact same one. It’s super cozy and schnuggly and you’ll be seeing it again several times this winter.

Howl is wearing a blue doggy hoodie with a bone on the back. He actually really likes this hoodie, until you put the hood on his head.

See what I mean?

It was really rainy and dreary the day we too these photos, which is exactly the sort of day I love. I’m looking forward to more and more days like this, and more days spent in my coziest clothes.

This look is my absolute dream look for hanging around in an old library, learning strange things that no one ever really needs to know.

The basics of this outfit are the Madewell Penfield Stokes Checked Shirt, H&M Cable Knit Sweater and H&M Skinny Jeans. Of course it had to feature H&M they are my favorite place to shop. I’d wear this Kate Spade Apple Of My Eye Mini Pendent, because Apples have a two fold symbolism come fall. Then I’d add in this red and white striped Vickers Bow from Kiel James Patrick. I, like Becky, adore these bows. The story behind them is they’re based off of men’s bow ties, and turned into bracelets for women. I have had these on my wishlist for ever and can’t wait to own one someday, hopefully very soon. Then for shoes I chose these Kate Spade x Keds in Frame Dot Pink. They’re bright and colorful, and I adore the mix of red and pink together. I know some people think they clash, but I’ve always adored it. I adore the just in from the cold flushed look, and Exhibit A from Nars will give you exactly that. I know red blush looks scary, but it’s all in how you apply it. Then of course I had to chose a red polish, and this one from Illamasqua is just gorgeous.

Another one of my favorite fall activities is apple picking, and with just a few changes this outfit is still pretty perfect for that.

I’d change into some Hunter boots, to prevent the possibility of ruining those adorable Kate Spade x Keds, toss on this adorable Boat Jacket by Superdry, and I’m all set for the outside. This Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Shopper is perfect for carrying all the apples I pick, and this Loose Leaf Tumbler from Teavana is an absolute necessity for keeping warm in the cold

 You might also recall that I said I’d do a DIY post on how to make your self one. So here that post is. There are actually some other tutorials on how to do this if you search the internet, but I tried to make this as uncomplicated as possible.

You will need stretchy Headbands, Faux Flowers in different colors and sizes if you wish, a Lo-temp Hot Glue Gun and Glue Gun Sticks. Pictured here is my furry assistant Howl.

 First thing you’ll need to do is pull all the flower tops off of your flowers. This was Howl’s favorite part.

 Then put a dab of hot glue about a on the headband and stick on your first flower. if you’re using large flowers then I recommend putting each dab of Hot Glue about an inch to half inch apart. For smaller flowers then I would play around until you can’t see headband.

 And here’s the finished result. I’m pretty in love with it, but having made it and worn it for an entire day, I have some bits of extra advice. First make sure your elastic band fits your head well. Mine felt small so I cut two of them apart, measured my head and sewed them together. Secondly, a couple of my flowers fell off because I didn’t use enough hot glue, do not be afraid to really stick them on there with plenty of glue.

I absolutely adored making this and I plan to make another one with some smaller flowers very soon. I’m thinking of maybe using velvet ribbon and some daisies for a very 90′s vibe.

Bonus Note: In some of the above pictures you can see bits of plaid, those are my pajama’s which are from Victoria’s Secret. You guys should know by now I adore VS pj’s, they’re my all time favorite.

  I wore a my sheer Oatmeal Colored Tee from H&M, Turquoise American Rag Shorts that I cut off and distressed myself, my Olsenboye Satchel, A Floral Headband I made myself (a picture tutorial here), and my Green Hunteress Hunter Rainboots.

Here’s a close up of the Headband:

And my necklace which is from the now defunct Colorme.com.  On my nails are Lancôme’s Noir Caviar and Deborah Lippmann’s Across The Universe.

 

I went to pride with my friend Ryan, who I’ve known for 10 years and he actually used to be my Boss. Since he’s kinda spent the last several years moving all over the country, and has at least visited everywhere from Alaska to Amsterdam and a lot of places in between.

Here we are in the car on the way there looking awesome:

We actually didn’t get to spend much time at Pride because I had a Panic Attack that turned into an Asthma Attack, and we ended up having to head home to get my emergency inhaler. Once that was taken care of we decided not to let that get us down and went to go see The Heat, which was awesome. Seriously go see it. On our way home one of the small towns we passed through was having a fireworks display so we pulled over and watched the fireworks. It was awesome, because what could have turned out to be a horrible day actually ended up being amazing.

Google Friend Connect is Closing soon, so don’t forget to  Follow Me On Bloglovin

First on my face the only thing I’ve changed in my usual routine is I’m wearing Lancôme Rouge in Love Ever So Sweet on my lips. I love it. The rest is my bog standard YSL Mascara, Dr. Jart+ BB Cream, and Nars Deep Throat Blush. I let my hair air dry naturally and then brushed it out so it wouldn’t be as curly. On my nails is the Nails Inc Cheyne Walk, I adore this polish still and have been wearing it for nearly a month straight.

For my outfit I’m wearing a Lace Tank from a local store and a H&M Jacket

H&M Jeans that I polka dotted myself,

my Red Hunters

and my Kate Spade Gumdrop studs but you can’t see them.

I loved this outfit, but it was actually much to cold to be wearing it. I bought that jacket in the Summer and it’s just super thin cotton so it actually doesn’t provide anymore warmth than a long sleeve tee would have and it was 40 degrees out that day. The lace tank was super thin, and as you can see in a few of the shots, the lining doesn’t go all the way down to the bottom of the lace.

Other than those two issues though I was pretty in love with this outfit. The pants make me feel like a kid but in a good way. Carefree and happy, not immature. This outfit was really fun to way and as you can see by the top picture I had a blast taking the photos for it.

I’m also really in love with this wall behind me. It’s near the river in my home town and I felt that it was the perfect setting for this outfit.

So readers, what is it that gives you that Carefree, Happy feeling? and if you can’t name something, I recommend you go find it.

The Original Short Gloss Hunter Rain Boots in Pillar Box Red:

And the artistic shot:

Sigh, aren’t the gorgeous?

I immediately put them on with my fancy dress and said “Now I’m just like Ramona.”

I can’t tell you how excited I am about them. I have a whole post about how I’ve wanted red rainboots since I was little.

I’m so happy I’m kinda speechless. You’ll be seeing these and my Hunter Huntress boots in lots of upcoming Stylish Sunday posts this spring.

I’m definitely an indoor kind of person, but a storm of any type gets me excited. Mostly i like to stay inside and watch out my window, but I’m game for a romantic walk through the snow or a busy fun day sledging and snowman building. So even though we’re sort of snowed in today, I don’t mind it at all. I didn’t have anywhere important to be so I think it’s a perfect way to spend the day. As I’m sure you know because I’ve mentioned it before I love bundling up and being cozy and snug in a sweater and boots. And since its the perfect sort of blustery day, I was thinking if the Internet were my closet what would I wear today?

I would definitely start with this sweater and these jeans from Topshop, then I’m still completely obsessed with the frequency flecked cowl from Anthropologie. Of course I’d need this coat from Superdry and I’m really in love with these gloves from Kate Spade. For boots it’s obviously these red hunter boots with cream wellie socks, did you expect anything else? To top it all of I’d have to go with a hat from Superdry (you see what I did there don’t ya), really Superdry do the best hats.

Actually I’m so in love with that coat that I plan on buying it this spring. I always do  my big winter purchases in spring and summer. It gives me time to get it fitted if it needs it, and keeps me from shopping out of desperation. Desperation shopping is the worst because you usually end up spending way to much on something you don’t love.

If the Internet were your closet what would you wear today? I know this post is super short but I’m still technically on my mini break. I told you I couldn’t stay away. Next post will be my what I got for Christmas post, I plan on taking the pictures tomorrow.