World of Weir Fashion Inspiration: Warrior Wear #TheSorcererHeir

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In Cinda Williams Chima's series The Heir Chronicles, those with magical powers are known as the Weir. To celebrate the magical fantasy world, its magical guilds, and the upcoming release of the final book in the series The Sorcerer Heir, The Lovely Side is participating in the World of Weir blog tour with a Weir-inspired style board and giveaway. 

I'm constantly drawing inspiration for fashion from characters in books. So as one of the first stops on this magical, mystical blog tour, I put together a style board based on The Warriors. These strong, elite fighters with their magical weaponry are associated with the color blue. I incorporated deep shades of blue, weaponry-inspired jewelry, and warrior-worthy leather accents. Here's how to work a little warrior style into your daily wardrobe...

Warrior Wear By Day:

Dark blue skinny jeans tucked into brown leather riding boots immediately gives off a huntress vibe. A loose blue tank, subtle sword earrings, a leather jacket, and scarf with a medieval-looking print pull the adventurous look together.

Alternatively, a comfy cotton dress in steely gray allows for the warrior woman to move freely. A blue corduroy jacket and blue suede booties make it a perfect ensemble for fall. And arrow-inspired accents bring the outfit full circle.

Warrior Wear By Night:

If looks could kill, no warrior lady would need her magical weaponry in this chic get-up. A motorcycle jacket lends a bit of edge to a flowy, feminine, midnight blue dress. Over-the-knee and laced up, these black leather boots are made for walking - or running. And you might just sneak a peek at diamond printed, sheer black tights. Cinch the waist with a thick, steely gray belt and accessorize with a chainmail-inspired necklace.

If gilt suits you better, consider starting with a metallic top reminiscent of a sword's burnished hilt. Tuck sleek black skinny jeans into black combat boots and cover up in the fall air with a deep blue leather jacket. Shield-inspired earrings and a long sword pendant necklace complete the killer look.

Stay Connected:

Visit Cinda Williams Chima’s Official Site

Follow Cinda Williams Chima on Twitter

Follow Disney-Hyperion on Twitter and Instagram

More about The Sorcerer Heir

The delicate peace between Wizards and the underguilds (Warriors, Seers, Enchanters, and Sorcerers) still holds by the thinnest of threads, but powerful forces inside and outside the guilds threaten to sever it completely. Old friends and foes return as new threats arise in this stunning and revelatory conclusion to the beloved and bestselling Heir Chronicles series.

The Sorcerer Heir is a self-contained story, accessible to readers just discovering the Heir series, but loyal fans will be rewarded by visits from characters they love (and love to hate) from the earlier installments. Readers will be glued to their seats through riveting fight scenes, deadly political machinations, burgeoning romance, and the unfolding intrigues of a contemporary magical world.

About "The World of Weir" Blog Tour

Those with magical powers in The Heir Chronicles series by Cinda Williams Chima are known as the Weir. The World of Weir blog tour leads up to the release of the can’t-miss series finale, The Sorcerer Heir (in-stores October 21st) by celebrating the magical fantasy world and the five types of magical guilds. Follow along for playlists, nail art, and more inspired by the series, plus exclusive excerpts from the upcoming finale.

Blog Tour Dates:

WEEK 1:  THE WARRIORS September 14 - September 20

WEEK 2: THE WIZARDS September 21 -  September 27

WEEK 3: THE SEERS September 28 - October 4

WEEK 4:  THE ENCHANTERS October 5 - October 11

WEEK 5:  THE SORCERERS October 12 - October 18

About the Author

Cinda Williams Chima is the New York Times bestselling author of The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, The Dragon Heir, The Enchanter Heir, and the four books of the Seven Realms series: The Demon King, The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne, and The Crimson Crown. Cinda is a graduate of The University of Akron and Case Western Reserve University. She lives in Ohio with her family.

Giveaway: Win the complete series!

One lucky The Lovely Side reader will win the complete Heir Chronicles series (5 books)! Use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter by October 3!

Open to US addresses only. Prizing courtesy of Disney-Hyperion.


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Finding the Quest: My "Quest" to Write a Novel #FindtheQuest in 'The Happiness of Pursuit'

Photo credit to Viktor Hanacek

As we get caught up in our daily lives - homework, jobs, relationships - it's all too easy to fall into a routine. And somtimes when caught up in that routine, we can lose sight of the things that really matter to us as an individual at our very core. Our "quests."  As we work on getting that paper turned in, meeting that work deadline, or making time for the important people in our lives, it can become not only a challenge to reach those quests, but to even remember them.

Chris Guillebeau's new book The Happiness of Pursuit (hitting stores tomorrow!) hits on this in an inspiring, motivating way. In it, he shares his completed quest of traveling to every country in the world by age 35. But because quests are as unique as the individuals who pursue them, he doesn't stop there. Drawing on interviews from hundreds of questers, his book shares the inspirations and movitations behind quests that range from philanthropic to artistic and athletic to culinary.

Today, I'm sharing a quest that I've been pursuing for as long as I can remember: writing a novel. More accurately, my quest is to finish and publish one. But it all starts with writing that first, rough-around-the-edges draft.

Madame Picasso | Book Review & Giveaway (Closed)

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Please visit the Giveaways tab (above) for more contests!

This past week, I've had my nose in a wonderful book. When I was asked to read, review, and giveaway a copy of Anne Girard's new novel Madame Picasso, it sounded right up my literary alley. Art, romance, and turn-of-the-century France woven into a rich historical backdrop, this story tells the tale of Pablo Picasso's greatest inspiration, muse, and love. 

Even though I couldn't stop turning the pages of this book, I didn't want the story to end. Each time I picked it up, Anne Girard masterfully transported me to The City of Lights during La Belle Epoque - a Paris flourishing with Moulin Rouge performers, romantic poets, rising artists, and avant-garde thinkers. While the narration alternates between the perspective of Eva Gouel/Marcelle Humbert and Pablo Picasso, I found myself most riveted by Eva. Innocent yet daring, young but passionate, down-to-earth and still so chic, a young woman who believed in herself and love - I felt a great sense of emptiness when the book came to an end.

Above, I've created a little inspiration board as a peek into Eva's world. Her world evolves from the backstage of the Moulin Rouge mending costumes to sipping Pernod, attending Gertrude Stein's salons, and waking up to a breakfast of croissants in bed with Pablo. It's a gorgeous story, an evocative romance, and a stirring coming-of-age tale. And it's one of those books that I wish with all my heart could be turned into a film.

Just a recommendation: This book is best read in bed with brioche and a rich cup of coffee or a decadent glass of French wine. Open your windows. Wear a gauzy dress. And pretend you're indulging in a book in your Montmartre studio. ;)

I LOVED this book and would recommend it over and over again! Madame Picasso just hit stores on August 26, but I'm giving one lucky The Lovely Side reader a copy of their own along with personalized Elli cards for penning your own love notes. See how lovely the prize pack is here:

To enter this Madame Picasso prize pack, use the Rafflecopter widget below.

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the bestselling tradition of The Paris Wife, Z, and The Aviator’s Wife, Madame Picasso illuminates the untold story of the powerful woman behind one of the most famous men in history. A veteran writer and historian, Anne Girard takes readers from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of history’s most influential artist. Part love story, part history, Madame Picasso is perfect for book clubs and reading groups.

SYNOPSIS

Novelist Anne Girard brings to life the mesmerizing and untold story of Eva Gouel, the unforgettable woman who stole the heart of the greatest artist of our time. 

When Eva Gouel moves to Paris from the countryside, she is full of ambition and dreams of stardom. Though young and inexperienced, she manages to find work as a costumer at the famous Moulin Rouge, and it is here that she first catches the attention of Pablo Picasso, a rising star in the art world.

A brilliant but eccentric artist, Picasso sets his sights on Eva, and Eva can't help but be drawn into his web. But what starts as a torrid affair soon evolves into what will become the first great love of Picasso's life. 

With sparkling insight and passion, Madame Picasso introduces us to a dazzling heroine, taking us from the salon of Gertrude Stein to the glamorous Moulin Rouge and inside the studio and heart of one of the most enigmatic and iconic artists of the twentieth century.

Read an excerpt here.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Girard is a writer and historian with degrees in English literature and clinical psychology. She has spent extensive time in Paris and lives in California with her husband and children. Visit her website here.

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Prizing & samples courtesy of Harlequin. Giveaway open to US addresses only.

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Win all 11 of Ellen Hopkins' Books | #Ellen10 Rumble Giveaway (Closed)

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Please check The Lovely Side's Giveaways page for current giveaways!

Whether you're heading to the office or back to campus, The Lovely Side and SimonTEEN want to make sure that you have enough reading material - not including textbooks. So Simon & Schuster is hosting a BIG BOOK GIVEAWAY right here. One lucky U.S. reader will receive a "Share Your Story" prize pack (pictured above) including a journal, pen, coffee cup, and Ellen Hopkins' complete YA backlist of 11 titles. That's right - 11 books for you to devour. 

There are multiple, easy ways to enter - just be sure to get them by the end of the month! Enter using the Rafflecopter widget at the bottom of this post. :) Happy reading, my lovely bookworms!

#COHF Book Giveaway! | Win the Complete Set of The Mortal Instruments Series + a Matching Hoodie (Closed)

Summer is finally upon us, which means: more time for reading! Summer vacation is the perfect time to dive into a book series. Will you be reading poolside, on vacation, or in the air conditioned comfort of your home? To get you started, The Lovely Side is hosting a giveaway to celebrate Cassandra Clare's #1 bestselling The Mortal Instruments series and the newest and final release City of Heavenly Fire.

Who: The Lovely Side readers with US addresses.

When: Now until next Friday, June 13th at noon (Central time).

What: Win a complete set of The Mortal Instruments series and a Mortal Instruments hoodie

How: Comment, like, follow, and tweet your way to get up to 15 entries! (Details below.)

Follow The Mortal Instruments on Facebook | Follow Cassandra Clare on Facebook and @cassieclare

Check out a little bit about the book and the author - then scroll down to enter. 

About the Book

Shadowhunters and demons square off for the final showdown in the epic conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world. Chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim as Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Nothing in this world can defeat Sebastian—but if they journey to the realm of demons, they just might have a chance…

Lives will be lost, love sacrificed, and the whole world will change. Who will survive the explosive sixth and final installment of the Mortal Instruments series?

About the Author

Cassandra Clare is the author of the #1 New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Mortal Instruments series, the Infernal Devices trilogy, and the Bane Chronicles. Her books have more than 24 million copies in print worldwide and have been translated into more than thirty-five languages. Cassandra lives in western Massachusetts.

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Glam of Thrones Giveaway | Win a Copy of 'The Ring and the Crown' + Glam Makeup (Closed)

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What makes you feel glamorous? For me, it's a good hair day, swipe of mascara, and a great shade of red lipstick. When I feel more like spending a relaxing night in, some delightful smelling candles and a pageturner feel just as glam. Today on The Lovely Side, I'm kicking off a giveaway that pairs together two of my favorite simple but glam pleasures. One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Ring and the Crown and a glam makeup collection.

Book Review | A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones (Guest Post)

Looking for an irresistible series to stick your nose into and keep your new year's resolution to read more? If you haven't considered the A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin, now's the time to dive in. As a lover of the HBO series and being half-way through the 2nd book, I have to be a typically bookworm and tell you that the books are better than the series. Monica Hunasikatti (today's guest contributor) agrees. Check out her notes on the book and one of its strongest female characters:

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Bowing down to the Mother of Dragons and Game of Thrones

A Song of Ice and Fire: A Game of Thrones Review
(written by Monica Hunasikatti)

I think by now the television show Game of Thrones has garnered enough critical acclaim, controversy, and devoted fans that it’s safe to assume that is one of the greatest shows on television. The series, however, owes everything to the book series A Song of Fire and Ice by George R.R. Martin.

Giveaway: Start the New Year on the Edge of Your Seat! Win The Killing Woods + $50 (Closed)

Do you resolve to read more in the new year? Or add more suspense to your life? The Lovely Side is giving away a brand new novel that will do both! The Killing Woods by Printz Honor author Lucy Christopher is set to hit bookstores on January 7 and one lucky The Lovely Side reader will win a $50 Visa gift card and a copy of the pageturner The Killing Woods.

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About The Killing Woods

“A gripping, heartbreaking, emotionally substantial look at [the] allure of danger.” - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Fatal attraction, primal fear, survival in the forest: From the author of the Printz Honor Book STOLEN, the highly anticipated thriller about deadly games played in the dark.

Ashlee Parker is dead, and Emily Shepherd's dad is accused of the crime. A former soldier suffering from PTSD, he emerges from the woods carrying the girl's broken body. "Gone," he says, then retreats into silence.

What really happened that wild night? Emily knows in her bones that her father is innocent -- isn't he? Before he's convicted, she's got to find out the truth. Does Damon Hilary, Ashlee's charismatic boyfriend, have the answers? Or is he only playing games with her -- the kinds of games that can kill?

Floor Plans of Homes from Classic Lit

I stumbled across this Homes of Classic Literature infographic yesterday and fell in love. To me, seeing a floor plan of the main setting of a novel really makes it come to life. Back in junior high, high school, and even college, I'd make floor plans of the homes in the stories I was reading. I remember making up a floor plan of Miss Havisham's house from Great Expectations, floor plans of Emily's house and George's house when I played Emily in a high school acting class production of Our Town, and I always sketch up floor plans of the houses that the characters of my own novels live in.

Giveaway: Win a Road Trip Prize Pack | The Darkest Minds & Never Fade (Closed)

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* * * Winners will be notified soonly. * * * 

What are your essentials for a great road trip? Besides a great friend or two to enjoy the ride with, there are three big must-haves for your car ride. Music, because the radio can't compete with your carefully curated playlists. Snacks, because an empty stomach is almost as awful as an empty gas tank. And a good book, because a gal should never be caught anywhere without a pageturner in her purse. 

You have reached your destination on The Darkest Minds road trip. The sequel is here.

Today, Alexandra Bracken's new novel Never Fade hits bookshelves. And to celebrate, The Lovely Side is giving one lucky winner a special road trip prize pack. 

Giveaway | Snap Decision: Are you going out or staying in tonight? (Closed)

The winner of this fabulous giveaway is Valerie! (I assigned each comment a number and she was randomly selected using a random number generator.) Congrats, Valerie! I'll be in touch. :) Here's what Valerie said she'd be using her gift card for:

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Eeek! For some reason when I re-published this page to show the winner, it deleted all the other comments. :( I'll keep that in mind for next time.

Nix the Desk Niche - I Want a Book Nook!

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Since my new apartment includes three spacious closets, I have plenty of storage space in the hallway and bathroom closets. The bedroom closet is door-less and has a great window, so I don't have the heart to fill it up with clothes and boxes to create an eyesore. In a recent post, I toyed around with the idea of creating a workspace in the wardrobe. 

Since I got my furniture last Saturday, I squeezed one of my desks into the closet and lived with it for a few days. Tonight, I pulled it out. It just wasn't working. For several reasons:

1. I don't need two desks in this bedroom. My attic was spacious and one desk was used as a vanity. I don't need to do that here. So two desks within a close proximity to each other just felt... well, weird.

Book Giveaway Winners! | Win a Copy of Suzanne Young's The Program (Closed)

Winners were randomly selected. (Drum roll, please.)  And here they are!

Ashley, who commented "I'll be enjoying some great literature on my lunch break during my internship this summer. Hopefully I'll get a crack at this one!"

Katie, who tweeted "@TheLovelySide is having an awesome book giveaway! #TheProgram sounds like it is just up my alley. :)"

*** This giveaway is now closed. Please check back for future giveaways! :)***

Happy Tuesday, lovelies!  I'm pleased to announce that The Lovely Side has teamed up with Simon Teen  for another book giveaway... and just in time for summer! Whether you're looking for a beach read or something to devour while jet-setting, The Program by Suzanne Young should shoot right to the top of your list. We're giving away two copies! 

A Corner of White Giveaway Winners! (Closed)

Happy Monday, lovelies!  

It's time to announce the two winners of A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty.  One winner was randomly selected from comments left on the blog post, while another winner was randomly selected from the tweeted entries.

And the winners are...

Ren, who said:

"Oh my goodness, I think if I could go absolutely anywhere I would go to Amsterdam. (Real world.)  Fictional? Hogwarts. Definitely. Also, I finally broke down and read The Girl Who Chased the Moon after passing it in the bookstores for months, and I ended up loving it! It wasn't quite what I expected."

And @cleartrampoline, who tweeted:

"Win a copy of Jaclyn Moriarty's A Corner of White from @TheLovelySide, check it out! http://www.thelovelyside.com/2013/04/book-giveaway-win-copy-of-jaclyn.html … #ACornerofWhite"

Congrats, ladies! I'll be in touch regarding your prize copies of the book.  Thank you to everyone who entered and stay tuned for another giveaway soonly!

Book Giveaway! | Win a Copy of Jaclyn Moriarty's A Corner of White... There will be 2 winners!

*** This giveaway is now closed.  To see who won,

click here.  Stay tuned for future giveaways! ***

Hello lovelies!  As promised, it is time for another book giveaway.  I'm currently reading (and giving away two copies of) A Corner of White by Jaclyn Moriarty.  I haven't quite finished it myself, so I have no full review to offer.  I can say that I'm enjoying this original, creative, and lovely story so far.  Each time I pick up A Corner of White, I'm transported over the pond to Cambridge, England as well as the fantastical kingdom of Cello.  Since I read so much historical fiction, this modern-meets-fantasy novel is a refreshing switch of genres.  

Currently Reading: A Corner of White

Just a quick update on this cold first night of Spring. (It's a whole 20 degrees Fahrenheit out there!)  I spent the workday at our new property putting together an Ikea cabinet with my boss (more like high stake LEGOs, as Nick Miller would say---amIright, New Girl fans?) and chowing down at a nearby BBQ joint for lunch.  After work, one of my good friends came over.  We made breakfast for dinner: bacon, scrambled eggs, biscuits smothered in bacon gravy, and orange juice.  We watched Think Like a Man (...funny movie!)  And ended the night snacking on strawberries dipped in chocolates.  I say it was successful girls' night in. :)

Order of Darkness Book Giveaway Winners! (Closed)

Thank all you so much for entering this book giveaway!  One lucky comment'er and one lucky tweet'er will each receive a copy of Philippa Gregory's Changeling, the first in her new young adult series Order of Darkness.  I used a random number generator to choose both a random comment and a random tweet.

And the winners are...

Book Giveaway! | Win a Copy of Philippa Gregory's Order of Darkness: Changeling... There will be 2 winners! (Closed)

* * * This giveaway is now closed.  Check out the winner announcement post here.  Stay tuned for future giveaways and contests.  Thanks to all who entered! * * * 

Caroline Mathilde: Read & Watch Her Story

I'm a sucker for a good period drama.  The architecture, the interiors, the wardrobe, the coiffures, the customs!  The other night, I settled in to watch A Royal Affair.  I really didn't know what the movie was about... I picked it based on its promising cover featuring a young woman in gorgeous 18th Century attire with two handsome men on either side.  Within the first two minutes, I was struck with memories of a book I read back in 2007: The Royal Physician's Visit by Per Olov Enquist.  I hit pause, went to GoodReads and IMDB.  Sure enough, the book and the film were centered around the same story but not based on each other.  I couldn't have been more delighted.

Required Reading: Dorm Decor 101 Book List

I know, I know.  You probably just dropped several hundred dollars on this semester's bundle of overpriced textbooks.  But before you start fretting about spending another dime on a book you'll never actually use and will end up re-selling for a fraction of the cost... take a gander at my required reading list for the semester.  This blog aims to school you on dorm decor and rental revamp, so you can bet that my required reading list serves up glossy pages of pretty spaces.  You'll never part with these inspiring books.  I have several of them and the others are on my hurry-up-and-buy list.  So let's get started, shall we?!