“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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