I read E.’s “Book By Its Cover” post and I immediately knew that I had to do an outfit post inspired by James Thurber’s The 13 Clocks.

I first came across this book during the mini-moon my husband and I took to Catalina Island a couple of days after our wedding in July of 2009.

While we were browsing through a bookstore on the island, we came across this colorful, yet dark and forbidding-looking book.   Although we initially thought it was a children’s book, after we read a few pages, we realized there was more to it than meets the eye.

Thurber has a magical way of putting words and phrases together. The best way to describe his writing is that hearing his words read aloud sounds delicious and delightful.  [I cannot take credit for that description; I believe I read that in the foreword to The 13 Clocks.  Some great reviews of the book can be found here, here, and here.]

My husband and I ended up buying the book while we were in Catalina Island, partially because the Golux reminded us of my sister (her favorite quote is “You are the gift of my heart” – try wrapping your mind around that).

Coincidentally, my last year of law school followed the mini-moon, and I found out that I would be reading Thurber in my Law and Literature class that fall.  Thurber’s The Catbird Seat is one of my all-time favorite short stories.

In going with the colorful, yet edgy theme of The 13 Clocks and its cover, I went for a look I don’t normally do:

I like to think this outfit is a bit edgy, but youthful, with elements of quirkiness, just like The 13 Clocks.

H&M Corduroy Jacket (Size 6, bought in 2006)

Esprit Cami (Size S, bought from Sam’s Club – came in a pack)

Max Rave Red Jersey Dress (Size S, bought from a fashion store; a friend cut off 12 inches)

Grey Leggings (Size S, bought from Target in 2009)

Mossimo Over the Knee Boots (Size 6.5, bought from Target in 2010) [you can find them here]

Silver Feather Earrings (gift from a friend)

Blue Flower Ring (gift from a friend)

If you’d also like to create an outfit inspired by a book cover, ACAEDMIchic is accepting submissions via email at chic at academichic dot com.