Literary Stylings # 9 - Under The Poppy

In spite of being about a whorehouse, a lot of clothes are worn in Under The Poppy. And although I wasn't very fond of this book, I thought the author was very descriptive and therefore the book is pretty inspirational in terms of outfit ideas.

Albeit strange outfit ideas. My first look inspired by this book was inspired by lovers' eye brooches. My second is inspired by a group of eligible young bachelors who want to appear less eligible so they purposefully dress against fashion. For example, one wears "scarlet breeches and a swallowtail coat striped so violently black-and-white that it dazzles the eye, paired with a bouffant tie of vile green." While another wears an outfit "black and severe as a parson's though with trousers so tight and frock coat so excessive - lapels drooping like lily petals, coattails that nearly graze the ground - his is the most extreme costume of all."

I decided to wear an outfit based on a mix of these two looks:

I kept the muted tone of the second look, with skinny black pants and a black jacket, but added some polka dots and a bouffant tie in honor of the first look. The polka dot dress also serves my attempt to get the feel of an excessive frock coat.

Basically, I was trying for a mix of proportions and patterns I wouldn't usually wear but after I put this on, I realized I would totally wear this outside the confines of this challenge:

I mean, it combines layers and leopard and polka dots and black and navy blue. And a lady tie! Those are all things I like to combine in my outfits anyway. Granted, not usually all at once, but, as far as I'm concerned, this works.

And now it's your turn. If you were inspired by a book you read last month, please link up below.

And have a happy Tuesday, All!

Gracey