If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
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Fashion · April 23, 2018

5 Tips to Brighten Your Casual Spring Closet

Bright and cheery clothing makes the world go round.

At least, they make my world go round, that’s for sure! I’m such a huge fan of vibrant colors and patterns in my wardrobe that I actually wrote a post a while back on how to add those pieces to your closet. However, this time I want to chat specifically about how to brighten your casual spring style, because I feel like going into spring and summer, it’s super important to incorporate those happy tones as much as humanly possible – without looking like a walking rainbow (although if that’s your thing, then you do you, boo)!

I can’t wear boring clothes. It’s just not in me! I know a lot of people prefer to wear casual over dressy apparel, but that doesn’t mean those pieces have to be totally blasé. Keep reading to find out my 5 tips to brightening up your casual spring closet!


Outfit Details
top | skirt | earrings | necklace | bag | similar sneakers | similar cardigan

One. Make sure your “basic” pieces have a little extra something to them. For instance, my denim mini skirt can pair with just about anything. A band tee, a blouse, or even a comfy bodysuit. But it’s not your average denim skirt. The lace-up style adds something that makes it stand out!

Two. Vibrancy is everything if you’re pairing with basics. My crop top is the happiest shade of yellow (a color I’m totally into lately) and immediately makes this entire outfit POP! Instead of sticking to neutrals, find a way to incorporate a stand-out color.

Three. Take your makeup to a whole new level. For years I stuck to light pinks and shades of red for my lipstick. Now I’m branching out and finding that purples and golds and even dark grunge-y colors are way more fun. Make sure you’re comfortable in the color, of course – and that it suits your skin tone. And don’t be afraid to use contrasting colors from what you’re wearing. Sometimes that makes it even better!

Four. Layering is a key component. I think when the warmer weather hits that people begin to think they can’t layer anymore since it’s too hot. I think that’s silly! You can still bring along a light cardigan, wear a tee under a strappy piece, or add on extra accessories. Until the weather starts to creep towards 100°, you always have the option to layer somehow, and it helps to brighten your whole look if those layers are fun colors!

Five. Grab a great pair of sneakers. I’m a Superstars gal, but I also love wearing a good, stark-white sneaker with just about any casual outfit.

In: Fashion · Tagged: bright, casual outfit, denim skirt, Forever 21, greenhouse, lace up skirt, layered, mini skirt, spring fashion, spring style, yellow and gold, yellow top

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39 Comments
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Donna
7 years ago

I love your bright and cheery style!

Reply
Helena Marz
7 years ago

I love the yellow on you, it totally suits you and so in love with that denim skirt wkth the lace up details❤️

Reply
Carolyn
7 years ago

I love these tips! I used to be someone that only wore neutrals, but lately I’ve been branching out into some brighter colors and prints and I’ve been loving it! This top is super cute too. You look great!

Reply
Rebecca Piersol
7 years ago

These pix are SO fun, girl! Loving the greenhouse – might be stealing that one 😉

xx Reb

Reply
Michelle Zavodny
7 years ago

I love that bag!

Reply
Helena Marz
7 years ago

I love the yellow on you, it totally suits you and so in love with that denim skirt wkth the lace up details❤️

Reply
Cathy
7 years ago

Great tips! Love the lace up details on your skirt, so cute!!

XOXO
Cathy

Reply
Anna English
7 years ago

I love adding fun pops of color during spring/ summer!

Reply
Carolyn
7 years ago

I love these tips! I used to be someone that only wore neutrals, but lately I’ve been branching out into some brighter colors and prints and I’ve been loving it! This top is super cute too. You look great!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
7 years ago

These pictures are sooo fun. Love the mustard top. Great tips!

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Deborah
7 years ago

I seriously love everything about this outfit! That top is seriously cute!
Also, great tips!

Reply
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels
7 years ago

I love this denim skirt, the lace up detail is so fun! I love that bright top too! Great outfit and tips!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
7 years ago

These pictures are sooo fun. Love the mustard top. Great tips!

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Kenzi || Life of a Sister
7 years ago

That mustard top is so cute! I love that denim skirt, the lace up detail really gives it something extra!

Reply
Megan
7 years ago

You pull off this yellow so well! I also agree that a good pair of sneakers is EVERYTHING.

Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com

Reply
Gita
7 years ago

You are definitely NEVER boring with your outfits 😉

Reply
Whit
7 years ago

i love a great pair of white sneakers!

Whitney of Whit Wanders

Reply
Kileen
7 years ago

I am loving this top girl and this skirt is so cute! love the details.

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Celeste Godoy
7 years ago

You look so cute and these photos are the best! Love the idea of layering when it’s not so cool anymore. I’ll definitely try to do that more often!

Reply
Liz
7 years ago

That top is super cute! The color looks amazing on you!

Reply
the eye traveler
7 years ago

you look so beautiful in this outfit! I’ve been obsessed with yellow for spring too!

Reply
Liz
7 years ago

That top is super cute! The color looks amazing on you!

Reply
the eye traveler
7 years ago

you look so beautiful in this outfit! I’ve been obsessed with yellow for spring too!

Reply
Nicole
7 years ago

I like FUN and BOLD pieces too! It’s just so much more exciting and makes me happier!

Reply
Greta
7 years ago

I love brightening up my spring wardrobe with skirts and pops of yellow! Great tips girl!

Reply
Ciera Chang
7 years ago

You are so cute!! I love the mix of denim and the pop of yellow. Such a great way to brighten up your spring wardrobe!

Reply
Sharon Wu
7 years ago

you are the cutest girl! i am loving that mustard yellow crop top. it certainly adds a nice pop of color! i have a similar one and have been wearing it on repeat these days 🙂 xo, sharon

Reply
Thuy
7 years ago

I agree with your tip on branching out different colors with makeup. I do that with lipstick colors, especially now that summer is here.

Reply
Delia
7 years ago

Ok I love yellow and I love wearing sneakers with skirts! I’ll definItely be following your tips ASAP!

Reply
Azanique
7 years ago

I love this top girl! So cute on you 🙂

-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com

Reply
Kristin
7 years ago

Love the idea of pairing a bright piece with an elevated basic, like a lace-up denim skirt. And always sneakers, because comfort and cuteness!

Reply
Varuna Jithesh
7 years ago

Nice and Perfect looking outfit..

Reply
Varuna Jithesh
7 years ago

Nice and Perfect looking outfit..

Reply
Rebecca Piersol
6 years ago

These pix are SO fun, girl! Loving the greenhouse – might be stealing that one 😉

xx Reb

Reply
Laura || Walking in Memphis in
6 years ago

I love this denim skirt, the lace up detail is so fun! I love that bright top too! Great outfit and tips!

Reply
Anna English
6 years ago

I love adding fun pops of color during spring/ summer!

Reply
Deborah
6 years ago

I seriously love everything about this outfit! That top is seriously cute!
Also, great tips!

Reply
Whit
6 years ago

i love a great pair of white sneakers!

Whitney of Whit Wanders

Reply
Megan
6 years ago

You pull off this yellow so well! I also agree that a good pair of sneakers is EVERYTHING.

Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com

Reply
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The Perfect Spring Sundress

Welcome to The Espresso Edition, a cozy bookish blog (with just a pinch of lifestyle goodness). I'm Stephanie, and I'm overjoyed to welcome you to this safe space designed for book lovers old and new who are seeking everything from book recommendations to reading tips to reviews and so much more.

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If you could only recommend one book for the rest If you could only recommend one book for the rest of your life, what would it be? 📖

This one has been an easy answer for me since 2020, when I read THE MIDNIGHT LIBRARY. It completely changed my life.

Since then, I have recommended it to countless people, and have felt intense amounts of joy as I’ve seen those people recommend it to others, buy copies for friends, suggest it for their book clubs, and come back to me to tell me how it changed their life just like it changed mine 🥰

Which book would you say changed your life for the better? 🤎

—

#themidnightlibrary #magicalrealism #mentalhealthbooks #bookcommunity #bookishvibes Matt Haig, books with mental health rep, magical realism books, book recs, favorite books, escapism, book hangover, reread worthy, comfort book
Would you want to have the same occupation as the Would you want to have the same occupation as the main character(s) in your last read? 💼

I recently finished Thunderhead, and I absolutely would *NOT* want to be a Scythe! 🙅🏻‍♀️ I also definitely wouldn’t want to be in the shoes of the royalty in my other previous read, A Psalm of Storms and Silence 😬

Is there a book character’s “career” that you know you would love to have? 💭

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyaesthetic #readersofinstagram current read, currently reading, cozy aesthetic, escapism, late-night chapters, what I’m reading
Is there an author who consistently writes books t Is there an author who consistently writes books that bring you to tears? 😭

I have cried while reading every single one of Amber’s books... and that’s only a small part of what keeps me coming back for more 🤎

I’m struggling with even knowing how to put in words what her books mean to me, because even thinking about it is making me tear up 🥹 So instead of trying to craft the perfect thing to say, I’m just going to urge you to read everything she’s written. You can thank me later 🙏🏼

What was the last book that made you cry? 📖

—

#theleavingroom #booklover #bookcommunity #cozyreads #bookishvibes poetry, Amber McBride, The Leaving Room, sapphic books, books that will make you cry, book hangover, book recs, reread worthy, late-night chapters
Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛ I absolutely Who are your favorite book pets? 🐈‍⬛

I absolutely love when a book has animals in it—whether that’s someone’s pet, familiar, or when the animal is the main character 😻

I’m always absurdly happy when there’s a cat, and if they have a creative name it’s even better. I think the stand-out for me was a cat named The Darkling in Accidentally Amy. I’ll never forget it! 😂

Do you have a furbaby companion? Tell me all about them! 🐾

—

#cozyreads #readingescape #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic #booknerd book animals, cats of Instagram, book cats, fantasy books, romance books, cozy aesthetic
Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔 Do you tend to enjoy book-to-screen adaptations? 🤔

I’m always torn between excitement over seeing my favorite stories come to life and anxiety about what they might change and how it could disappoint me 😅

I fell head over heels in love with the adaptation of People We Meet on Vacation 🤎 For those who don’t know, this is not only my favorite EmHen, but it’s my all-time favorite romance book. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of it in 2021 and have inhaled every format of it multiple times since 🥰

I was nervous about the movie, but loved how they stayed true to the *vibe* of PWMOV 🏖️ Even with the changes they did make, Alex and Poppy were precisely as I had always imagined them, and I adored watching every second of their friends to lovers romance 🎥

This is a negativity-free zone! If you loved the PWMOV movie as much as I did, tell me your favorite part of the film! 🍿

—

#romancebooks #peoplewemeetonvacation #romancebooklover #bookishvibes #bookaesthetic romance books, romance reads, Emily Henry, popular romances, book adaptations, romance movie, Netflix
Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭 Do you w Tell me about your book-related dreams 💭

Do you want to open a bookstore? Write a novel? Become an editor? Get a bookish tattoo? Host an author panel? 

This is a place to put your hopes and dreams out there in the universe. You never know what might happen! 😉

As for me? I want to own a book bus that eventually becomes a brick and mortar bookshop with a café and apothecary. I want it to be the kind of comforting and safe atmosphere that allows people to feel like they can just *breathe* for a little while whenever they visit. That’s my dream ☕️

So, if this dream becomes reality, where should I take my book bus first? 📍

—

#bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookaesthetic #cozyreads #readersofinstagram book dreams, cozy aesthetic, bookshop bookstore, book influencer, book blogger
Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025 Which books made it to your favorites list in 2025? 📖

The whole time I was away from this space, I kept having these moments of, “gosh, I wish I was active on booksta right now, if only to rave about the book that I’m currently reading!” 🙈

WHILE THE DARK REMAINS was definitely one of those books 🙌🏼 This story left me utterly speechless in the best way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming sequel. 

Do you have any sequels that you’re anticipating in 2026? 📚

—

#fantasyreads #fantasybooklover #bookcommunity #bookphotography #bookishvibes escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, reread worthy
How many times have you read your favorite book or How many times have you read your favorite book or series? 🤎

I’m a big fan of rereading, so my favorite books are picked up over and over again. I’ve read some of my favorites every single year for the last six years and some I’ve read countless times since childhood (here’s lookin at you, Narnia) 🙈

I love when I find a new book to add to my reread list. What was the last one you added? 🔁

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Are there any book small towns you’d like to live Are there any book small towns you’d like to live in? 📍

I think I’d sell a kidney to live in Inglewild 😂 Small towns give me such happiness and this one seems especially cozy and filled with so many entertaining people 🙈

I kinda wish this series would last forever, but simultaneously, I just live for ANYTHING BK Borison writes 😍 I adored First Time Caller as well and can’t wait for more of that story to unfold! 📖

Have you read any of this author’s books? 🤎 

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover #booksmalltowns #smalltownbooks cozy read, romance books, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read, comfort book
Have you already read any of your most anticipated Have you already read any of your most anticipated books this year? 😍

I felt like I was counting down the days to Oathbound and Sunrise on the Reaping—and both of them definitely lived up to my expectations (best feeling ever)! 🙌🏼

Now to fully immerse myself in some of my fantasy ARCs and continue listening to EmHen’s latest! 🤎

Were any of these on your 2025 TBR? 📚

—

#readersofinstagram #bookphotography #igreads #bookrecommendations #bookobsessed #cozyreads #bookaesthetic #flatlaylove #readingescape #readingvibes #bookishvibes #booknerd #bookcommunity #booklover cozy read, escapism, book hangover, fantasy world-building, book recs, TBR, reread worthy, late-night chapters, weekend read

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