NEXT STOP: THE INDEPENDENT BOOKSHOP

“I stepped into the bookshop and breathed in that perfume of paper and magic that strangely no one had ever thought of bottling.” - Carlos Ruiz Zafón




As a hardcore bibliophile with a penchant for all things off-the-beaten-path, let me let you in on an independent bookstore trade secret: it’s all about setting the ambiance. Someone bring me my MBA, I’ve just cracked the business code for keeping a hole-in-the-wall bookshop out of the red zone…I sense that you are feeling that this is not exactly a groundbreaking discovery, and I am willing to negotiate the degree. What I am not negotiating is where—or rather how—you will be spending your next couple of afternoons in between the holidays. Trust me, you are going to love this.




The Classic Nook-N-Cranny Experience



My favorite independent bookstores, although each special in their own ways, all share that certain je ne sais quoi factor. I can’t quite make out whether it’s the chipped wooden book racks crammed with slightly frayed paperbacks, or the central display tables with piles of hardcovers arranged like a high-level round of tetris that solidify the feeling. Maybe it’s the overhead lighting straight from your grandmother’s living room (I.e. the vintage stained glass hanging pendant lighting. Oh, the name just rolls off the tongue.), or the patchy velvet sofas whose cushions have lost a bit of their spring over the years. It might be the elderly bookseller who likely also occupies the role of “owner” for the brick-and-mortar, otherwise it has got to be the physically compact nature of it all. In fact, is it really an independent if you don’t have to wiggle your way through constricting aisles, and up creaking narrow steps? 



Kendall Jenner Loves Your Look

If you happened to glance at Kendall Jenner’s instagram feed within the past few days, you would have noticed her most recent collection of candidly shot pics, adorably captioned “city strolls.” At the top of the compilation stars the supermodel herself sporting a classic book stroller outfit that is both effortless and charming. The “book-look” is easily layerable, making it perfect for winter, and doubles as a stylish errand-run ensemble. Let’s get into it. 

   

The Bookstore-Frequenter Starter-Pack


Jeans: 

I feel that I rarely have time to give jeans their flowers, and so I am happy to talk of their necessity now. Your local bookstore is calling, and they want to see your vintage high-rise straight jeans. Mine are from my home-base, Madewell, and I have relied upon them ever since the weather turned. 

It is safe to say that Winter 22.23 will bear the same devotion to the cropped wide-leg form that it did for this Fall, but everyone’s body is different. If the cut of the pants don’t suit your liking, don’t settle. Jeans come in as many shapes and sizes as we do, so find the one that makes you feel your best before hitting the books.      



Layerable Tops:

If it can be layered, it’s a go. Lately, I’ve been starting with a basic tee, and building up from there based on the temperature of the day. 


Yesterday, I found myself with a spare hour in Brooklyn. I grabbed a coffee, and headed straight for my favorite book nook. If you’ve been on the Eastern Coast lately, you know a basic tee is not cutting it anymore. No worries, I found comfort in an added mock-neck sweater, and fluffy scarf



Coat:

It’s officially coat season, and I could not be repping harder for it. Slip on a trench, or long coat to keep your body warm in spite of the biting wind. 


Hair Clip or Hat: 

A giant claw clip to sweep the curtain layers back, or a simple beanie to keep the ears from turning fifty shades of red; either works. 


Tote Bag: 

The way I see it is if you buy three now, you don’t have to later. Tote bags are timeless, and unbelievably versatile. They are a city-gal staple. 


Loafers:

If you have been keeping up-to-date on your Vanity Stories articles, as you should, you would have been prepped for bookshop-approved footwear for this season. Loafers are trendy, and super comfortable. They make for great capsule wardrobe inclusions. Grab a pair of loafers and you are set to turn heads, as well as pages. 




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GOOD AMERICAN

GOOD ICON PATCHWORK JEANS

Made with a 90's vintage inspiration, our Good Icon will be your new everyday jean. It's high-rise, fitted through the hips with an iconic straight leg. We've updated this style by up-cycling different washes of denim and splicing them together. Wear with your favorite pair of heels or boots.

MADEWELL

The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jean in Knoxville Wash

A recent addition to our Perfect Vintage fam, these cropped jeans combine the high-fitted waist you love with slouchy wide legs. The fabric: premium denim that combines the holds-you-in structure of rigid with a touch of stretch for day-one comfort.

ZARA

Rib Tank Top (Round Neck T-Shirt)

Made with a round neck and a straight hem, this ribbed t-shirt is a perfect addition to your closet.

J. CREW

Bouclé mockneck sweater

Relaxed sweater made with 60% recycled polyester/20% wool/15% polyamide/5% alpaca.

ASOS

Bolongaro Trevor fringed scarf in stone

Tan scarf in a soft knitted cotton.

ASOS

Rubberized Trench Coat in Dark Olive

A classic trench with a throw-on appeal. Designed with a fixed hood a double-breasted style and two-button fastening Notch collar Side pockets. This coat is a relaxed fit and includes a belted waist for a more sinched-in style option.

ZARA

Extra Long Wool Blend Coat

Long coat made of wool blend fabric. Lapel collar and long sleeves with dropped shoulders. Front pockets. Front button closure.

LOFT

Claw Hair Clip Set

Sweeten your 'do with this perfectly femme, perfectly practical set of hair clips.

MADEWELL

Alpaca-Blend Cuffed Beanie 

Effortlessly cool and super warm, our signature ribbed beanie has a tall cuff that gives it the laid-back vibe of a fisherman hat. Made of a supersoft and touchable alpaca blend.

TOPSHOP

Tayla Pocket Detail Oversized Tote in Cream

The bag your stuff deserves- Large tote style with twin handles, a magnetic fastening and a external slip pocket

BERNARDO

Jaislyn Leather Loafer

The Jaislyn loafer blends modernity and tradition to create an effortlessly sleek loafer. The pointed toe and sharp silhouette give a professional and feminine edge to a classic menswear inspired shoe.

 
 

EXPLORE VANITY STORIES

Abigail Kussow

Somewhere between driving forty-eight minutes to get to the nearest Sephora, and getting a degree in Anthropology, I found myself–-as many of us do– utterly dissatisfied with where I was headed. I would pick up extra hours at the university library because it gave me access to the latest issues Condé Nast had to offer, and I was guilty of the cardinal sin of wearing my favorite pair of sling-back mules in the laboratory. When the novelty of being in academia wore off, I clung to the joy I found in the novels of Joan Didion, and clips of fashion week that trickled down my social media feeds. Hi, I’m Abigail, and like my fellow VS authors, clean beauty and writing are part of the lifestyle. I refuse to divorce myself from monochrome minimalism and subtle plum lipstick. I’m a fervent believer that mascara should be layered on top and bottom. Shoes are just as important as your manicure, and perfume is best when it doesn’t crowd the room. I am the #caférecluse on her 2009-2012 Rachel McAdams aesthetic binge, and I wear it well.

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