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Bookish Wardrobe Staples Inspired by Book Covers

Okay, we know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. That’s why we’ve assembled some awesome books worthy of your time—books that also have crazy beautiful covers just begging to inspire an outfit or accessory. We’ve done that for you in the wardrobe staples below. Fashion + books is a killer combo.

Posted by Christina Schillaci

Orwell-Inspired Tips for the Perfect Pen Name

In need of a pen name, but lacking inspiration? Take advice inspired by someone whose pen name is so good, you may not have realized it wasn’t his given name—George Orwell. Before the author of 1984 became George Orwell, he was Eric Blair. Although no one knows for sure how Eric chose his pen name, these reasons may help you pick yours.

Read on, comrades.

Posted by Christina Schillaci

Beach Vaca Essentials Inspired by Samwise Gamgee

Samwise Gamgee is a man of many desirable traits. He’s courageous, resourceful, logical, and not to mention a loyal friend. But when he isn’t out helping Frodo save the world, you may find that Sam is a man of simplicity. And we have a feeling that Sam would know how to vacation in style. If you’re looking to kick back on vacation like Sam, rent a little bungalow. Trust us, Sam would totally stay in a quiet little one-story house by the shore, and he’d make sure to take a few essentials with him. Use these tips inspired by our favorite hobbit for your best vacation yet.

 

Potatoes and homegrown herbs and spices

Po-tay-toes. Boil ‘em, mash ‘em, stick ‘em in a stew. When stocking your beach bungalow, make sure you pick up a decent selection of potatoes. For real, what can’t they do? What can’t they be? The beauty of a quiet beach house is that you can stay in and cook your own meals if you wish to do so, and potatoes provide an endless amount of possibilities! As a gardener, Sam would also have a whole slew of homegrown herbs and spices, and so should you.

 

Frying pan

Keeping in line with food related items, the frying pan is crucial to your vacation needs, especially if your rented space isn’t already stocked with one. We think Sam would bring his own, anyway. It’s a comfort of home. To a foodie, the cooking utensil is every bit as important as the actual food. Plus, if all hell breaks loose, you can use your frying pan as a weapon like Sam did in Balin’s Tomb.

 

Pipe and pipe weed

Picture it. Hairy feet in the sand, book in lap, smoking a pipe, the waves whooshing back at low tide. Nothing else. This is your entire world, if only for a short while. Don’t worry if you aren’t a pipe smoker. Use it as decoration on a shelf in the main room of your bungalow. It adds a touch of elegance, if you will.

 

Bug repellent

Bug bites can wreck an otherwise perfect vacation. Being itchy is the worst. And if you’re anything like Sam, bugs are the ultimate foe, and spiders are the greatest evil of all. They might be even worse than Sauron. Avoid the bites by simply spraying yourself with repellent before heading outside. Douse yourself in it if necessary, and then keep it close by just in case. Be gone, spiders and bugs! You are not welcome here.

 

Access to a nearby buffet

Although Sam would probably stay in a good portion of the time, access to an all-day buffet would make his vacation absolutely perfect. Make sure your vacation spot is located close to a buffet so you can have breakfast, second breakfast, elevenses, luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, and supper. Can’t miss those. Actually, do 24-hour buffets exist? Are those a thing? If so, plan your vacation location around that.

 

Your best friend

If you’re half as kind and loyal as Sam, you have a best friend who would love to come stay with you in your little bungalow by the shore. You can cook and read together, swim in the ocean, and have long talks at night while drinking tea and watching the stars. Friends like these are hard to come by, but once you find that person, your vacation is their vacation. Only they will say, “I can’t carry it for you…but I can carry you.” A friend is the greatest essential of all.

 

 

Posted by Christina Schillaci

Who Wore it Better? -Literary Edition

 

Toss aside your copy of Us Weekly. We’ve gathered up characters from different books in similar ensembles, and then we took the pairings to book lovers for a vote. Check out these outfit twins to see who won, who lost, and whose look you’ll be stealing for your night out this weekend.

 

Posted by Christina Schillaci

Great Apps Inspired by Books

On April 1st, Quirk brought you Binder, aka Tinder for books. Now we’re bringing you brand new apps inspired by books. If only these apps were real, just like our massive disappointment. Seriously, can someone get on these?

Posted by Christina Schillaci

What Does Your Bookshelf Organizational Technique Say About You?

Your bookshelf speaks volumes about you. We’re not talking about the kinds of books your shelves are sporting—we’re talking about the way you stack them. Your organizational technique reveals more than you think about your personality.

Posted by Christina Schillaci