6 New Books I Can’t Put Down

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by msiwak

It’s no secret that I’m a big reader. I could read all day, all night, and just about any time in between. And this summer, I’ve been reading a lot. So settle back into Miranda’s Book Nook for another week of Book Club where we can chat about my new favorite reads. And soon, you’ll be just as obsessed as I am.

No Judgments by Meg Cabot

What self-respecting tween girl wasn’t obsessed with Meg Cabot’s stories growing up? Then, growing up and finding her adult novels, only to discover her knack for writing and telling captivating reads has remained. With No Judgments, she tells the story of a sweet yet charming romance in the middle of a hurricane while attempting to rescue local pets.

The novel takes readers to Little Bridge Island, Florida as a massive hurricane is about to touch down. New girl in town Bree isn’t quite worried after just escaping the storm of a bad breakup, but the animal lover is concerned about the pets separated from their evacuated owners and makes it her mission to take care of these critters. But she can’t do that alone, and her boss’s heartbreaker of a nephew Drew is enlisted to help her. Of course, feelings start developing as they grow closer.

It’s more than just a romance as we explore the complexities of two souls in Drew and Bree as they come together over their similarities. Fans of Meg Cabot and animal lovers are sure to enjoy this cutesy read. Very enjoyable, but give me a Cabot novel that isn’t??

Available: September 24, 2019

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Very easy to get hooked on this lovable, romantic beach read! There is plenty of sweeping romance expected of the genre, which is why I was initially intrigued. However, as soon as I flipped to page one: I was hooked on the author’s descriptive writing and portrayals of her characters. Hibbert brings Chloe Brown (and a dreamboat in artsy, protective Red) to life as two strong individuals with even stronger (and fiery) chemistry as their relationship develops and blossoms into something beautiful, emotional, and even quite steamy in this realistic, contemporary novel.

What this book gets right is its oh-so-important representation. Many times, readers often see the same types of protagonists and it’s refreshingly honest to see a book focus on a character that is more reminiscent of reality in Chloe Brown. Brown as a body-positive POC, who is living with a disability (without letting any of that faze her) is exactly the type of representation we need in books more to accurately reflect the people we are. I absolutely adored this book and definitely plan to re-read. So darn cute.

Available: November 5, 2019

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Obviously, any self-respecting millennial has heard of (and obsessed over!) Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars series for YA readers. So, as an adult, her new literary works are must-reads. First, I was pulled into The Heiresses, and so, I was instantly intrigued by the premise of this new book.

When Aldrich University is rocked by a hacker leak, it exposes some deep university scandals and rumors amongst faculty, alumni, and students. Only amplified by the murder of Kit Manning’s husband Dr. Greg Strasser. The thriller follows Kit, her reporter sister Willow, as they aim to uncover the truth about Greg’s death. The novel is told from multiple points of view, exposing a collection of women’s secrets in this small college town as they try to best protect their fragile reputations.

The read is compelling, the characters are honest and have depth, and the story is full of twists and turns along the way. You can’t put it down, you’ll be waiting with bated breath until you reach the final page to discovery the truths of the mystery as it unfolds.

Available: December 3, 2019

Husband Material by Emily Belden

I first read Hot Mess a few years back and fell in love with the easy storytelling, can’t-put-down vibe, and obviously plenty of romance. Upon hearing Belden had a new book, I was instantly sold. Fast forward to reading Husband Material and I couldn’t put it down.

The novel follows widow Charlotte moving forward with her life five years after the horrifying day when she lost her husband so young. Everything seems to be on track until her late hubby’s ashes suddenly appears on her doorstep. She balances her new life, old feelings, a demanding mother-in-law, a new romance, and a surprising secret in this enchanting read.

It’s a quick read full of twists, turns, and of course, sweeping romance. (I mean, the story of how Charlotte got her pup Leno just wrecked me!) It’s so sweet and easy to get lost in. I want a Decker or a Brian, or, OK fine, I’ll just read it again. I couldn’t put it down, obsessed.

Available: December 20, 2019

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz

I couldn’t put it down! It’s a heartwarming multigenerational tale of three vastly different, independent women all tied together around one Grace Kelly-inspired wedding gown.

The novel is told from three perspectives of women in relation to one Kelly-inspired wedding dress: modern bride Rocky, her mother Joan, and Parisian seamstress Rose. While each woman has her own idea of love and wedding dress styles, this fast-paced story brings them together with the power of family. It’s sweet, uplifting, and enjoyable.

Available: March 3, 2020

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

It starts off like an anti-love story that’s gone far from the early swoonworthy days into a battle of who will outlast the other in the relationship, but with time and book pages, they slowly warm to each other again as accomplices, BFFs, and lovers to become even stronger.

Naomi Westfield has a perfect life, including a Prince Charming-esque fiancé in Nicholas Rose. While prepping for their glam society wedding months away, it is revealed this perfect couple are sick of each other, and in fact, Naomi can’t even remember how they met or even fell in love to begin with! To avoid calling off the wedding and thus paying for the extravagant affair, the duo go head-to-head to see who break first. But without any pressure to be perfect, they start to rediscover themselves and their buried feelings of love.

It’s not a romance where you expect the lead couple to be together without any problems, but Nicholas and Naomi have to work for love and to open up, discovering who they are as individuals in the process. By the time they reclaim their love, it feels earned and justified. It’s well-written and intriguing and had me hanging onto every last word. One of my new favorites, that’s for sure. You guys, I literally started this book waiting in the airport for my flight to board and couldn’t get off the plane until I reached the very last page. Five stars from me for this debut novel. Seriously, it has everything I want in a women’s fiction/contemporary romance story.

Available: April 7, 2020

Advance reader copies of each book were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

27Jan2018

What I’ve Been Reading: 2018 Edition

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by msiwak

Unfortunately with a post-grad move to a new city and a new job, 2017 didn’t leave much time for recreational reading (well, other than “What Happened” by HRC). And so, with the arrival of the 2018, I knew I wanted to started my favorite pastime up again. That, and a good book can instantly relax me. Here’s a quick peek of my recent reads on my nightstand.

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Literally as soon as the credits rolled on the final episode of “Big Little Lies” season one (and I blogged my thoughts thereafter, naturally), I went to Amazon and Prime-ordered the original book by Liane Moriarty.

I knew the series had hooked me. I had to keep watching. And since Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman kept discussing how inspired they were by Moriarty’s work to make the HBO show, I knew I needed to read about the Pirriwee Beach mothers and their kindergarteners.

While you may think, “Hey, I watched the series, why should I read?” It’s a gripping, page-turning story and, as with all film and television adaptations: liberties are taken.

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Hailed as a “modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice,” I was intrigued by the cast of interesting characters and how despite being a modern version of a classic, it still felt new and current.

Readers meet Liz, a magazine writer (Hey, I knew I liked it already! Lol.), who lives in NYC with her big sis Jane. When the New York-living sisters return home to help their parents and sisters following their father’s health scare, it seems Mama Bennett has other plans: trying to figure out how to marry off her unwed daughters before age 40 arrives. And so, here comes handsome (and quasi-famous) doctor Chip Bingley, who happens to take an immediate interest in Jane, while his surgeon-friend Fitzwilliam Darcy “reveals himself to Liz to be much less charming… and yet, first impressions can be deceiving,” the back cover synopsis explains. Hmm, intrigued? I know I was.

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

This novel stuck out to me upon first glance and first read-through of the back cover summary. Dave describes how Georgia Ford returns home to her family vineyard in Sonoma County just one week before her wedding to her seemingly-perfect fiance once she learns an “explosive” secret that could change everything. Upon arriving home, she learns that her fiance is not the only one keeping secrets. Hmm, a twist.

This gripping novel tells the dramatic story of family, love and how secrets can tear or bring people together.

You Had Me at Hello by Mhairi McFarlane

This U.K.-set book seemed like an immediate rom-com type book from first glance. And then I flipped over the back cover. McFarlane tells the story of Rachel and Ben, two university best friends and partners in crime from their first “Hello.” However, a decade later, Rachel’s One Who Got Away comes right back and it seems like “the years melt away.”

The back cover reads, “But life has changed. Ben is married. Rachel is not.yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return. And along with it, the broken heart she’s never been able to mend.” And just like that, I was willing to follow along their journey.

Sort of spoiler, sort of warning: fans of a Happily Ever After, won’t be disappointed in this one.

Single State of Mind by Andi Dorfman

On a lighter note for all my single ladies out there, former Bachelorette Andi Dorfman‘s second memoir-type book chronicles her new life as a Manhattanite and attempting the crazy world of NYC dating. It had me laughing at the sheer reliability (which, should I be laughing? Whoops.) and perhaps wondering if that could be a future blog topic on here? We’ll see on that front…

Dorfman’s book picks up where her last left off (post-TV engagement and heartbreak) as she impulsively books a one-way flight to New York City to start a new chapter. She first must deal with the awful situation that is Manhattan apartment hunting and then beginning her life in the city. And what comes next once you get settled, figuring (or attempting to) out the *shudder* dating and dating app scene. She perfectly captures relatable New Yorker life for the single New York girls. A perfect light read to make fun of this crazy life we’ve chosen from living in the crowded little island of Manhattan.

And a preview of what’s next for me on my bookshelf?

From Notting Hill with Love… Actually by Ali McNamara

One: it’s literally named for some of the biggest (British) rom-coms in existence. So, McNamara has that going for her novel.

Two: it takes place in England. Which is one of my favorite places in the world, so that’s a plus.

Also, while it seems like a quintessential romance-type story, the back cover alludes that romantic story is far from easy, which makes it more realistic and something I can appreciate. Color me intrigued to continue reading!

Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen

The back cover includes quotes such as, “A love letter to New York,” and “Love Actually meets Sex and the City,” and “A story for dreamers, the hopeless in love, or any woman or man in search of a new lease on life.” Sounds like a perfect, easygoing read for this fashion-obsessed Manhattanite.

The Heiresses by Sara Shepara

Hailed as a Pretty Little Liars for adults — I knew this was a must-read for me, especially in a PLL-less TV schedule.

Cut to the Seybrook sisters, a family of heiresses, clocked in mystery in intrigue as they wrestle with their feelings to uncover the truth about the their family before it’s too late. Sounds like the perfect read for all of us that miss the weekly six-season drama of PLL.

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

Because all the rom-com-esque novels can get basic after awhile, this family drama seemed equally enticing, especially considering I can relate (cheers to my crazy family back home in the Midwest– love you all).

The inside cover explains how “only the most extraordinary circumstances can reunite the Birch family for the holidays.” While the large family spends their first full family holiday together in years, they all have their own lives. I want to know all the dramatic details when they are “locked down, cut off from the rest of humanity – and even decent Wi-Fi- and forced into each other’s orbits.” I can only imagine what secrets and drama will unfold. Time to start reading!

May 2018 inspire you all to keep on reading! 💖

8Jan2016

The Best at the People’s Choice Awards

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

This past week was all about the People at the People’s Choice Awards… So, let’s take a look at the fashion.

Camilla Luddington, whose Grey’s character as quite the decision to make when the series returns this spring, looks gorgeous in a white, long sleeved mini complete with bedazzled shoulder accents. But, when does she ever dress poorly? Never.

I really want to like “Faking It” actress Katie Stevens’ dress… But, I just don’t. I like the concept, theoretically. It just doesn’t work in execution. It looks like a bad dance leotard that the designer just sewed a wide panel between her legs and randomly decided to add fringe to surround the panel. From waist up, it looks good, if that helps.

There’s something I really like about Ellen Pompeo here. Yes, it’s casual, but think of the nature of the award show; it’s not the Oscars or the Globes, so a gown isn’t really necessary. I like the floppiness, the studded accents, and I think it works on everyone’s favorite pretend doctor.

Lea Michele always pulls great looks. And this look is no exception… Except for the chest area… Doesn’t look too good.

Priyanka Chopra’s dress is… loud. I sort of like it… the silver part. The gold is unnecessary and makes it bulkier.

It’s Chuck Bass— Oh, wait, he’s fictional. The actor, whose fame skyrocketed as Mr. Bass on Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick looks as dapper as his beloved character did. However, the shoes. Why would you put brown shoes against a black suit? And light brown, which really stands out??? No.

I like this dress: the mint color, the shape, the cutouts. Not bad. But, doesn’t stand out either way in my mind.

Love this dress on PLL star Troian Bellasario! Everything looks perfect. Except I’m not crazy about the slicked back bun. Perhaps a (messy?) side braid would have worked better?

In the press shots of Claire Danes alone, nothing can capture the beauty of her Burberry dress. So, here (in a photo with her husband) is sort of how elegant and pretty the dress is. It looked the best in motion, so watch clips of her during the show to see my point; the still photos don’t do this beautiful dress justice.

Another PLL star, Ashley Benson, rocks a black mini… Also with bedazzled shoulder detail. Hmm… deja vu?

I like Kaley Cuoco’s dress. I don’t like the poor fit and the sneakers. Props to her for breaking the red carpet norm and wanting to be comfortable, but you need heels to tie the look together; the leg room that heels gives you. But, the dress itself is stunning.

“Dance Moms” start Maddie Ziegler attends– no idea why the 13-year-old dance student was there. But, it’s a beautiful dress and beauty look. It just might not be the right look for a middle schooler.

Alright girls, swooning yet? Clearly, Tyler Posey has mastered the “heartthrob” red carpet pose. But, he is wayyyy underdressed for a red carpet.

I LOVE MEGHAN TRAINOR’S BALMAIN DRESS! Gorgeous. Wow. Love it. Best dressed. Nothing else to say. Done.

Blah blah blah Kate Hudson always looks good… But, can we talk about how hard she’s clenching her clutch? What doesn’t she want to let go of?? Also, it doesn’t look like she’s holding a clutch, looks more like she is holding a piece of a pipe.

Black is clearly the word for these Pink Ladies. The stars of Fox’s “Grease Live” decided to coordinate in terms of black/gray gowns. And all gowns look perfectly tailored. But, what is up with Carly Rae Jepsen’s dyed black mullet?? Not cute.

That’s all for my red carpet review. Any thoughts?

Well, this weekend marks the start of award season, so look forward to reading all of my red carpet roundups after watching the shows!

16Aug2015

Back in the fashion review business….

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Hey everyone, I’m officially back from NYC… sad face. 😦 But, with that, time to get back to business on here. And as the Teen Choice Awards happened tonight, here’s my review… (Also, follow along with my travel blog here when I head to London in a few weeks!)

Nina Dobrev looks gorge and haute couture. Love this fun, brightly colored/ sparkly dress!

The show’s hostess and “Jane the Virgin” Gina Rodriguez looks super pretty, however, I’m not super in love with her extra-long extensions.

My camp alum, which makes her extra awesome obvi! Anyway. Emma Roberts always knows how to look super high fashion on a red (well, blue) carpet.

PLL darling Lucy Hale… Love her dress! And shoes! Accessories! Everything! Except her tight bun, maybe a ponytail would have worked better? I just don’t think buns are best when you have to take a “straight-on” photo for events such as a red carpet. (Makes your hair look wayyy different than it is in real life!)

One of the best dressed males of the night goes to Pitch Perfect star Skylar Astin! Perfectly tailored outfit and fits the fun, summer vibe of the award show.

Youtuber Grace Helbig: love the high fashion dress on her, and the shoes and hair all work! However, it’s not the most “teen” outfit… definitely more mature than her teen counterparts of fellow nominees and attendees. But, it still looks good.

IT’S BRITNEY. Love the super haute couture skirt on the woman who was my very first concert (in kindergarten!– yes, it was the Oops! tour.). Not a fan of her ombre-dipped locks.

I love Lea Michele’s summer-y dress, however, this pose isn’t doing it justice! Love the dress/pattern/shape and the shoes! Gorge and perfect for the event!

That’s it for tonight! What are your thoughts on the fashions from the show?

26Apr2015

The best looks from the White House Correspondents Dinner

Posted in Fashion by msiwak

Tonight the White House rolled out its red carpet for the annual Correspondents Dinner and here were some of the best looks on hand.

Jenna Dewan-Tatum looks exquisite in her Reem Acra black gown with a blinged-out top. She looks very stoic and poised, and glam to say the least! Ah-mazing.

Gina Rodriguez stuns in a blush gown. She has a knack for picking out gorgeous, tailored gowns for red carpets.

Pregnant “Glee” star Naya Rivera looks ahmazing in her Tadashi Shoji long-sleeve white, pristine gown.

Adriana Lima. Who could say anything bad about this supermodel’s look? Absolutely stunning.

Maria Menounos dress is fab, love the coral color, gold belt, side cutouts. Love!

OH MY GOSH, Chrissy Teigen looks FLAWLESS and FABULOUS in her gorgeous Zuhair Murad. OMG, love it!

PLL star Troian Bellasario looks like a grecian goddess! Love the simplistic white dress with the necklace and accessorized with a gold statement belt!

OH MY GOODNESS, IDINA MENZEL LOOKS AHMAZING. Love her two-tone pink dress with the beaded belt! She looks gorge. And I still can’t believe I saw her live on Broadway!!! 🙂

Chanel Iman? Flawless, gorge from head-to-toe.

Love purple and the dress’ shape and accents on Michelle Trachtenberg. But, purple is my favorite color…

Gillian Jacobs: love love love this dress! The print is ahmazing, coupled with the belt, shoes, clutch and hair: it’s perfection.

So many gorgeous dresses for the White House affair.. Thoughts?

10Aug2014

My Summer TV Obsessions

Posted in Pop Culture by msiwak

Here’s what I’m watching this summer, and obsessing over.

Big Brother

I recently have become so obsessed with CBS’ Big Brother. I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s fascinating to watch. Here’s my rundown of the contestants that I’ve seen:

-Amber: Curly hair. Caleb and Cody love triangle.

-Caleb: Country boy aka “Beast Mode Cowboy” who loves Amber, almost to the point it distracts his game.

-Christine: Quiet. Only girl in the large alliance, ‘Detonators.’

-Cody: He’s so pretty. That’s about it.

-Derrick: Clearly, the leader of the group. My pick as to who will win the whole thing.

-Donny: The one with the beard. Team America member. Quiet, I guess.

-Frankie: Ariana Grande’s older brother. Loves show tunes and pink hair. AND as of today, won a Battle of the Block two-person challenge by himself!

-Hayden: He’s what? A pedicab driver?? Does he surf? Wait, he was on the Deans List? Possibly in love with Nicole.

-Jocasta: Bowties. Always on the Block.

-Nicole: What’s with her voice? Does she always have to win HOH? And what’s going on with Hayden?

-Victoria: Why is she still here? She has no athletic prowess and always loses competitions. Seems prissy.

-Zach: WHY IS HE ALWAYS SHIRTLESS OR IN THE SAME FLORIDA GATORS SHIRT AND PINK HAT? Also, Zankie bromance.

So You Think You Can Dance

As a dancer myself, I’ve become obsessed with So You Think You Can Dance recently. I mean, I watch Dance Moms for their choreography, why not SYTYCD? All their choreographers need Emmys!! Ohmygosh, Travis Wall’s (and Mandy Moore’s) routines though. Incredible. I have no idea who will win: maybe Rudy, Tanisha, or Ricky??

Chasing Life

After I watch Pretty Little Liars, I’ve come to enjoy Chasing Life. (And yes, that’s Cappie from Greek, who will play Kristoff on Once Upon A Time.) It takes a TFIOS twist when April (Italia Ricci) gets diagnosed with leukemia. But, she plays a journalist (well, an intern) and as a Journalism major myself, I like it when TV characters resemble things about myself or ordinary people in general–someone I can relate to.

Switched at Birth and The Fosters

I’ve been watching these ABC Family Monday night shows, and it’s getting so addicting. First, there’s Switched at Birth where I get to hone my ASL skills (mostly the only reason I watch) and then The Fosters, which is J.Lo produced is so dramatic and not what I expected from former Disney stars.

Pretty Little Liars

Of course, PLL makes another appearance. It’s getting so predictable. But, as soon as that happens, the writers throw us another curveball and I’m reminded why I watch the show. That, and the fashion. Plus, they’ve done a good job at employing love interests (I mean, let’s discuss Ian Harding, Keegan Allen, and Tyler Blackburn. No complaints from any girl.)

Dance Moms

I watch it purely for the dancing, because these little girls are insanely talented. As a dancer myself, I’m envious at what they can do at ages 8-12. I actually tune out the mama drama that occurs— I don’t care. I watch simply as a dancer to applaud these supremely talented little girls and their studio’s choreography.

The Bachelorette

I know it’s over, but one of my June/July guilty pleasures had to have been The Bachelorette. And I squealed when it was revealed Andi and Josh were engaged. Not to mention, I like following all the happy couples that result from the show on Instagram. And side note: I’m still hopeful that [farmer] Chris, Andi’s castoff, will be the next Bachelor.

Hope you all enjoyed reading this, and hopefully some of y’all will consider watching these shows in the future.

10Aug2014

Teen Choice Awards were quite fashionable

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

Tonight on FOX was the annual Teen Choice Awards. I thought I’d break down some of the best red carpet style of the night.

Ariana Grande is fast becoming one of the top artists of the summer. (Have you heard Bang Bang? You should.) Her style is very uniquely her, and she looks just like her brand. The only thing: I never realized how much hair she has??? (It’s so thick… Twins!)

The Vampire Diaries’ Nina Dobrev looks fun and edgy in her crop top and shorts. So perfect for summer! And love that side braid she’s working! However, I’m not loving her facial expression—hello? You won a surfboard at the TCA’s… Act like the star you are (As Tyra Banks of ANTM would say, ‘Smize.’)!

IT’S LIZZIE MCGUIRE. SHE’S BACK. Not only is her newest song “Chasing the Sun” the perfect catchy summertime hit, she looks modern. Once again, Hilary Duff is the perfect fashion role model. I love her top and skirt, and even her stilettos, however, I’m not loving her pose– it just looks awkward.

Pretty Little Liars teen queen Lucy Hale looked pretty in red this evening! Gorgeous, but a little overdressed perhaps?

16-year-old starlet Bella Thorne is trying too hard to dress older. While I LOVE this super couture dress, it’s too mature for her. (Maybe someone like Lucy Hale or Ariana Grande would wear this better??) And, from one girl to another, PULL. IT. UP. And another thing: throughout the TCAs, we saw her commercials for Candies brand– she had no enthusiasm for the set or anything. As a communications major, she didn’t sell the brand, the clothes, anything to me. What’s the hurry to grow up, Bella? Stay young as long as you can. You’ll have time to dress like a twenty-something when you get older; don’t rush it.

I don’t know much about The Band Perry, but I love the main girl’s dress. Gorgeous, high fashion, and kind of works at the TCAs. LOVE. No complaints from this blogger.

Taylor Swift, who may or may not have a new studio album coming out soon, wore this outfit, and to be honest: I’m not feeling it. While I think it’s an adorable ensemble for an ordinary summer day– it doesn’t flow for a red carpet, unless someone like Bella Thorne or Chloe Grace Moretz were to wear it. Love it for a summer day or on a younger star, but Taylor didn’t wow me. AND, when she was presenting, she didn’t show her personality… What’s wrong, Taylor?

Demi Lovato. While I wasn’t a fan of her on-stage apparel, this dress is classy and simple. However, it’s the TCAs–the place to be edgy and fun, not like you’re going to the Emmys or something. This doesn’t scream, “Demi Lovato,” and for her brand, it should have. Gorgeous dress, but not for her. Maybe Taylor Swift or her pal Selena Gomez should have chosen this dress instead?

Who are your Best Dressed picks?

1Aug2014

Getting Fashion Inspiration from TV

Posted in Fashion, Pop Culture by msiwak

It’s no secret that “Pretty Little Liars” is one of my all-time television guilty pleasures. But as much as I live for the drama of the plot, I’m obsessed with the wardrobe put together by costume designer, Mandi Line. (You may recall her work from MTV’s “Faking It”, Abc Family’s “Greek”, “The Clique” movie, Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” among others.)

My personal style as inspired by PLL: I’m mostly a Hanna or a Spencer, though Aria has some pretty cute pieces.

Here’s what Mandi Line said about our favorite Liars’ signature looks:

Aria’s (Lucy Hale) eclectic, trendy style

“Aria wears trends but she doesn’t do it because they’re cool, she does it because likes them.”

Spencer’s (Troian Bellisario) old-school, preppy style

“I want to make sure her story looks like she stole something from her mom’s closet, yet she went shopping and topped it off with something classic. I always say Spencer is classic with a twist.”

Emily’s (Shay Mitchell) athletic, simplistic style

“Emily (Shay Mitchell) to me has had the biggest arc of all the characters because when she came out with her sexuality, she also came out with her strength to speak what she was feeling through her fashion.”

Hanna’s (Ashley Benson) trendy, girly style

“Hannah, or Ms. Ashley Benson, is probably the funniest and most wild one I have. She always wants shorter, sexier and higher heels. Over the seasons she has gotten more risky.”

Check out Mandi Line’s full interview with Huffington Post here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/pretty-little-liars-best-dressed_n_4549404.html

The four girls have very distinct plot lines, something that is shown through their wardrobe. Hanna is very glamorous, trendy, and girly. Spencer is classic preppy. Aria is the eclectic risk taker when it comes to fashion (i.e. wearing multiple prints and making it work). Emily is the athletic tomboy, which is the polar opposite of Shay’s real-life glam style.

Which Liar are you most like? An Aria, Hanna, Spencer, Emily, or a mixture?

quite simply miranda

Tag Archives: pretty little liars

6 New Books I Can’t Put Down

No Judgments by Meg Cabot

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Husband Material by Emily Belden

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

What I’ve Been Reading: 2018 Edition

Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld

Eight Hundred Grapes by Laura Dave

You Had Me at Hello by Mhairi McFarlane

Single State of Mind by Andi Dorfman

From Notting Hill with Love… Actually by Ali McNamara

Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen

The Heiresses by Sara Shepara

Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

The Best at the People’s Choice Awards

Back in the fashion review business….

The best looks from the White House Correspondents Dinner

My Summer TV Obsessions

Teen Choice Awards were quite fashionable

Getting Fashion Inspiration from TV