Reading Lists and Sun Slips

Today, I’m sharing my spring reading list! I very much enjoy historical fiction, and my step-sister, best friend, and I are all reading Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel All the Light We Cannot See. His prose is lyrical and precise, and it’s filled with beautiful metaphors and symbolism that are powerfully juxtaposed against the harsh realities of WWII. It primarily follows two protagonists–a blind French girl and a German orphan boy–throughout childhood and adolescence. We’re about halfway through and the pair have yet to meet, but I’m really looking forward to seeing their stories converge. I’ll likely do a full post on this novel in a few weeks.

I’ve also started Paula McLain’s The Paris Wife, a fictitious account of Ernest Hemingway’s love affair with his first wife Hadley, told from her point of view. I’ve always been fascinated by the Roaring 20’s and have long been a fan of Hemingway’s works, and this novel imagines what the famed novelist was like in his youth and how it might have been to be that first woman who captured his heart.

Speaking of Hemingway, I would like to revisit a novel I haven’t read since my first semester of grad school (has that been 5 years already?): A Farewell to Arms. I have the Hemingway Library Edition that showcases early drafts and how he wrote 47 different endings before finally settling on one! It inspires me that even someone as brilliant as Hemingway did numerous rewrites on his journey to the final product.

We had lovely weather earlier this week, and I was able to spend time outside reading–give me a good book and some sun, and I will be happy for hours! What are you all reading this spring?

I personally am not a huge fan of all the 90’s trends that have cropped up the last couple years (though I do like some crop tops–pun intended–you won’t see me in “mom jeans” anytime soon). However, one style I am thrilled that has resurfaced from the depths of the 90’s? The slip dress. The slip dress is super versatile, as it’s available in an array of prints, fabrics, lengths, and price points–from velvet options for winter to classic LBD’s for nights out.

This micro-floral print by Billabong is a Nordstrom Rack find from several months ago (still available in a few sizes on Billabong’s website and currently on sale for less than $25!) and is perfect for spring and summer. I plan on wearing lots of slip dresses in the months to come, and I love the lightweight fabric and super flattering midi-length of this one.

Slip Dress: Billabong  Denim Jacket: Levi’s (similar here)  Sneakers: Jack Purcell   Heels: Nine West (similar here and here)  Sunglasses: Ray-Ban  Watch: Marc by Marc Jacobs (similar here and here) Lip Color: Birthday Suit by Tarte

The great thing about a slip dress–and this floral print in particular–is the ability to dress it up or down. I paired it with a lace-up pair of Nine West heels for a dressier vibe, though I also enjoy the laid back feel when worn with a classic pair of Jack Purcell sneakers.

As it was mostly in the high 60’s on our sunnier days this week, I threw my beloved Levi’s denim jacket on top. My Ray-Ban Clubmaster sunglasses and gold Marc by Marc Jacobs watch finished off this cheerful spring look.

Thank you for stopping by, and I’d love to hear what’s on your spring reading list!