Emma Watson: Life at Brown University

Emma Watson graced the cover of Marie Claire. Despite the blogger scandal that rocked day-time television [a blogger said that watching Mike and Molly disgusted her because they were obese], I was glad that they featured Emma Watson. She is so classy and smart and not to mention a style icon.

"My last day was pretty emotional. It was sad; it's the end of an era. What an amazing learning experience! I gave everything I could to that role, and I got so much from it." Emma Watson in a Vera Wang jacket, Ohne titel tights, Burberry shoes, and assorted jewelry [left]. Emma Watson in Fendi dress, Camilla and Marc bodysuit, Sass and Bide embellished vest, and Christian Louboutin shoes [right].  

"I'm glad I saw [the Harry Potter franchise] through to the end; I played that character from the start, and I wanted to finish what I started. It felt very satisfying that I had completed Hermione's journey." Emma Watson in J. Mendel vest, Ralph Lauren Blue Label pants, Lulu Frost bib necklace, Aandre Neen bracelet, and Fenton pendant necklace [right]. Emma in Burberry Prorsum jacket, top and Minnie Mortimer shorts [left].

"I've wanted to [cut my hair] since I was about 16...It's very short; it was buzzed at the back and on the sides. And it's really liberating that I can walk out without thinking about it." Emma Watson in Helmut Lang top, Marc Jacobs panty, Jimmy Choo shoes, and assorted bangles.

"I threw my 20th birthday party at Brown, and I didn't even have to say to anyone not to put pictures on Facebook. Not a single picture went up. That was when I knew I'd found a solid group of friends, and I felt like I belonged." Emma Watson in a DKNY top, Alexander Wang leggings, J. Mendel Vest, and assorted jewelry [left].

__

 I got an email from a young girl and she asked me if I could periodically update you guys about the books that I'm reading. I used to do that a lot but I've been slacking. Partially because I've been slacking on reading. I normally try to read a book a week but sometimes that doesn't happen.

 

Well, right now I'm reading True Compass by Edward "Ted" Kennedy. He passed away recently and I just find the entire Kennedy family fascinating. JFK and Jackie O. Iconic family and Ted's memoir gives a little insight on this private family.

Drew Barrymore + Grey YSL Pumps

Since she's been promoting her new movie--Going the Distance--Drew Barrymore has been on a whirlwind of promotional appearances and red carpets. That movie looks so good but I've heard that its super raunchy. But I think I'm going to still check it out.

Get Drew's style. It's super easy. :)

I adore Drew's military green dress. It doesn't scream military but its subtle and sweet. Her belt adds definition to her waist, highlighting the smallest part of her body. :) Her nude shoes give the illusion that her legs are longer than they actually are and this reminds me that I actually need a pair.

Her berry lip is perfect for fall. Isn't that the best part of fall/winter? The warm knits, hoodies, and dark colors? Don't get me wrong. I love shorts, bright colors, and tanks but I love fall in a different way. What season is your favorite?

Doesn't Drew just look so cool in this picture? She's so chill with her sunglasses and purple skirt. Adore that purple skirt by the way. I love a neutral outfit with a bright, bold garmet. Don't you?

I can't get out how cute her skirt is. Sigh. :) And her shoes. I've come to learn that I'm a total shoe girl. I see a pair that I love and I can't seem to buy enough. When I went school shopping I bought four pairs. In two days. I have a problem but I'm working on it.

I just noticed that she's wearing military green in each outfit. I didn't do that on purpose, I promise. :) But I do love the military trend. The zippers at the bottom of her jeans are just so chic. The layered button-down shirt over that striped shirt looks so put together.

Layers work that way. If done well, they take an outfit to the next level. And, again, I think she looks so chill. I hope I look that cool but I have this weird feeling that I don't. :)

I'm so excited for fashion week! Eeek! I feel like a kid outside of a candy store. :)

Onto, non-fashion related news. I just started reading Andre Aggassi's memoir, Open. And I'm only a couple chapters into it but its so good. It's so well written and in-depth. The descriptions are so vivid and I can't wait until I get further into it.

If you're looking for a great read I tentaively recommend this. It might get a little stale as I continue reading--and I reserve the right to change my mind--but so far...its great. <3  it!

Um, don't forget to check out my $75 Target giftcard giveaway and Softlips review! I'll post on Saturday, I promise!And don't forget to become a fan of Viva La Fashion on Facebook. :)

Interview with Melissa de la Cruz: Author of the Blue Blood Series

I don't think I have ever been this excited for a blog post. I got the wonderful opportunity to interview the lovely, Ms. Melissa de la Cruz, most commonly known as the author of the wildly popular Blue Bloods Series. Her newest book, Bloody Valentine, was just released and I love it! Be sure to keep an eye open for a review in the next couple days. Isn't the cover stunning?

Which of the four girls [Deming, Bliss, Schuyler, or Mimi] is most like you?

They all have parts of me. Schuyler has a lot of my high school misery, a lot of my experiences I gave her, and her voice is very close to mine. Mimi is a lot like me when I "grew up." She says a lot of things that I think but never say. :) I also very much identify with the villain, so I love writing Mimi, she comes naturally to me. Bliss and Deming probably have less of my personality. I wanted to write about someone who was popular but felt like a misfit, from a good friend of mine who said she was popular in high school but she never felt like it. She always felt like a loser, which was so interesting to me. Deming is a badass, she's tough and no-nonsense, but her pride and arrogance and confidence are from me too - I definitely get into the "I'm always right" mode but then you find out you are so, so wrong... so that was cool writing her story. I love my girls, they're all part of me, and I care very much for their growth.
__

When did you decided that Bliss was going to have her own spin off series, Wolf Pact?

When I wrote Bliss's arc from the beginning, I knew her background, and I thought it would be nice for her to redeem herself in this manner - and I have a lot of affection for Bliss, her story "ends" in Blue Bloods a bit, but a new chapter is open to her in Wolf Pact.
__

This might be a bit of a spoiler alert for some readers--but you seem to have no qualms about killing off a character or two. [I won't name names] What makes you realize that it is the right time for a character?

Death is part of life, and grief, and dealing with death, especially in the story I'm writing, is part of it. You can't write about vampires and angels and demons and not have a body count. :) Some deaths I've known from the beginning and some were surprises. Sometimes a character knows too much and so he or she has to go. :)
__

Also on that same note: Is there any chance that there will be a return of characters we thought were dead?

Wolf Pact brings back some of the characters since Bliss and the hellhounds travel back in time, so yes. They're back but only in the past. None of my characters will come back in the future. Dead is dead in my world. Otherwise, nothing has resonance.
__

I heard in an interview that you like to read cookbooks. Is this true?

I like to read cooking memoirs! :) Anything by Ruth Reichl, Anthony Bourdain, Julie Powell, I'm there. I like memoirs period. I just read the Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother. So now I'm interested in mom memoirs. momoirs!
__

Mimi is such a fascinating character. One minute you despise her and then the next, you're on her side. Is it harder to write a character that is so complex?

No, Mimi is the easiest character to write! :) Schuyler is much harder for me - I'm very protective of Schuyler. Mimi is a lot of fun and she was easy to write from the very beginning.
__

When will we be seeing Blue Bloods on the big or small screen?

Not anytime soon. I've turned down a lot of offers. I kind of like just writing the books for now. We'll see what happens, if the right opportunity arises, I'm open to it.
__

What are the differences between writing for Harper's Bazaar and writing the Blue Bloods Series?

Well, I mean that's just completely two different types of writing. When you write for a magazine, you write for the magazine's voice and readership. Your editor has a huge part in shaping the story, you're almost just a writer-for-hire, and you need to make sure your story fits the magazine's overall tone. It's more of a "job" let's say. Whereas Blue Bloods is a narrative, and it's pure play. I get to write about whatever I want, and I have the final decision on everything. It's my story, my book and my editor and publisher help me tell the story I want to write. It's awesome. I liked writing for magazines, but I love writing books.
__

And as this is a fashion blog here a few girly questions. If you could steal any celebrity's closet who would it be?

When I was younger Kate Moss was my biggest inspiration, but now I'm a mom, I really like Gwyneth Paltrow's wardrobe. Very minimal and mom friendly. I'm a fan of Goop!
__

How would you describe each of the main girl's fashion sense?

Schuyler: boho chic, Mimi: spoiled socialite style, Bliss: All-American sweetheart, Deming: venator black.
++

In a fantasy world where money is not a factor. Jimmy Choo or Christian Louboutin?

Louboutin, all the way. You can't go wrong with the red sole!

Keep an eye out for Melissa's next book, Witches of East End, which you can pre-order on Amazon.com. If you want more Melissa de la Cruz check out her website and her oh, so fashionable shopping diary.