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 · August 20, 2018

A Plaid Piece for Summer and Fall

I’m having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that the first day of Autumn is a month away.

No, not because it’s come too soon, but because it feels like it should already be autumn. I guess the weather disagrees because Richmond is still sweltering, but that doesn’t stop me from dressing like it’s cool out! I’ll always suffer through the sweat for something plaid – and that’s where this outfit comes in. When I saw this plaid duster on the Forever 21 website, I knew I needed to add it to my order. I’m so thrilled that I did (even if my dad does think it looks like a bathrobe 😂).

This kind of kimono can be worn numerous ways, but like the rest of this series (see post one here, post two here, and post three here), I’m choosing to wear it as the website model did to introduce it to you! You can view how she styled it below. Let me tell you, I felt so dang chic in this look. It will definitely be a go-to once the weather cools down just a bit. Keep on the lookout for the next couple of outfits with this plaid piece.


Outfit Details
top | kimono | jeans | belt | heels | earrings

How the Forever 21 model wore this duster:

I took notes from the model and put together my own outfit with this fun duster.

The best part about dusters is that they’re super lightweight. This plaid one is no exception!

That’s why it’s the perfect item to have when transitioning from summer into autumn. It has an autumnal print, with a lightness that allows you to wear it before the temperatures cool down. I especially love the fact that it’s this rich blue tone, because it doesn’t particularly scream “FALL!” like a maroon or olive green would, and the white accents give you so many options for matching. You could even wear it with all white (hmmm – ideas for an upcoming post, perhaps?)

Kimonos like this are a great “third piece”. An element aside from just a top or bottom – taking on the role as both as an accessory and a comfy added layer. A third piece always brings umph to an outfit, and can transform a basic t-shirt and jeans look to something extraordinary. This $23 plaid kimono is definitely a necessity in my summer-to-fall wardrobe. You gotta get your hands on it as well!

In: Fashion · Tagged: affordable fashion, duster, fall fashion, Forever 21, kimono, plaid, plaid cardigan, plaid duster, plaid kimono, summer style, summer to fall, transitional outfit, wear now wear later

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Ann
7 years ago

Love this look!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
7 years ago

I love Dusters. They are perfect for layers. I might own one too many. You look lovely.

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Ann
7 years ago

Love this look!

Reply
Carolyn
7 years ago

Girl, it’s so cute! I love the point about it not being an obvious color for fall. I agree! It makes it more versatile I think. This is a great piece!

Reply
Tanvi Rastogi
7 years ago

I love Dusters. They are perfect for layers. I might own one too many. You look lovely.

❥ tanvii.com

Reply
Shira Rosenbluth
7 years ago

Sadly, I feel like we didn’t even have summer this year because it’s going so fast! Loveee that plaid kimono- such a great layering piece.

Reply
Cathy
7 years ago

I can’t wait for fall! So over the heat!! haha. I love this plaid duster and how you styled it. It’s so cute!

XOXO
Cathy

Reply
Ruthie Ridley
7 years ago

That kimono is so cute and fun! Made for you gf!!!

Reply
Summer
7 years ago

Ohhhh I love this on you! You’ve convinced me that I need to find a plaid kimono for myself LOL I love the navy blue. *heart eyes*

Reply
Carolyn
7 years ago

Girl, it’s so cute! I love the point about it not being an obvious color for fall. I agree! It makes it more versatile I think. This is a great piece!

Reply
Alix Maza
7 years ago

Ohh plaid is such a trend for fall! This duster is so cute.

Reply
Ro
7 years ago

I really love this kimono! I’m so ready for fall, but I also know there’s quite a few weeks left of warm days until fall’s finally upon us. I love that this kimono is long and plaid! Definitely something I can wear in the office and outside of it!

Reply
Candace
7 years ago

The first thing, (besides from being cute) that I look when I go shopping is versatility. I like to buy pieces that I use to create a whole new outfit. It seems like that piece is one of those. Its super cute for a summer, fall, a date or just to go shopping. Love it!

XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com

Reply
Ruthie Ridley
7 years ago

That kimono is so cute and fun! Made for you gf!!!

Reply
Coral
7 years ago

Okay, wait. That is SO cute! I was expecting a normal plaid button up and wasn’t sure I was gonna be into it, but I actually love this way of rocking the plaid. I may need that…

Reply
Alix Maza
7 years ago

Ohh plaid is such a trend for fall! This duster is so cute.

Reply
Ro
7 years ago

I really love this kimono! I’m so ready for fall, but I also know there’s quite a few weeks left of warm days until fall’s finally upon us. I love that this kimono is long and plaid! Definitely something I can wear in the office and outside of it!

Reply
Helen
7 years ago

I love plaid! This is the perfect transition piece from summer to fall!

Reply
Candace
7 years ago

The first thing, (besides from being cute) that I look when I go shopping is versatility. I like to buy pieces that I use to create a whole new outfit. It seems like that piece is one of those. Its super cute for a summer, fall, a date or just to go shopping. Love it!

XO
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com

Reply
Tara Fuller
7 years ago

love the plaid! i’m SO ready for fall and this hot Dallas summer to cease!

Reply
sarah lindner
7 years ago

Such cute cardigan, love the look!
Xoxo
Sarah Lindner
http://www.TheHouseOfSequins.com

Reply
Kileen
7 years ago

This plaid number is so beautiful!! I love the color, this is so perfect for Fall!

Kileen
cute & little

Reply
Helen
7 years ago

I love plaid! This is the perfect transition piece from summer to fall!

Reply
Deborah
7 years ago

I love plaid and I love kimonos so you can imagine how much I adore this look!! I’m excited for fall but sad that it means pool season will be over!

Reply
Taylor Mobley
7 years ago

I am obsessed with this duster. It is SO cute on you!

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

I always get upset when August finally comes because it means September and fall are right around the corner. But this duster is really cute, I love the blue!

Reply
Laura Leigh
7 years ago

Really loving this piece!! Such a pretty addition to your look. Also, that acai bowl looks absolutely amazing. I’ll take that and the duster please haha.

xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese

Reply
Deborah
7 years ago

I love plaid and I love kimonos so you can imagine how much I adore this look!! I’m excited for fall but sad that it means pool season will be over!

Reply
Taylor Mobley
7 years ago

I am obsessed with this duster. It is SO cute on you!

Reply
Lee
7 years ago

such a pretty plaid duster; and i love that you can definitely wear it now and into fall.

Reply
miriam
7 years ago

i need to get me a plaid duster! this is so cute on you!

Reply
miriam
7 years ago

i need to get me a plaid duster! this is so cute on you!

Reply
Kelsey
7 years ago

Ugh it’s not going to actually feel like fall here in Charleston until November (if I’m lucky)! I am counting down the days!!!

Reply
adriana
7 years ago

SO cute and SO perfect for year round wear! Absolutely love it!

Reply
Kelsey
7 years ago

Ugh it’s not going to actually feel like fall here in Charleston until November (if I’m lucky)! I am counting down the days!!!

Reply
Alexis
7 years ago

First of all, your photos are gorgeous! Second thing, I need this kimono. It’s definitely the perfect plaid transitional piece. Today it’s supposed to cool off in Ohio and only get to like 74 degrees which has me itching for fall weather.

Reply
Sharon Wu
7 years ago

i am a big sucker for plaid tops especially as we transition into fall! you look stunning in that kimono – i may just have to get one for myself 🙂 doesn’t look like it’ll be too heavy to wear in the desert which is great! have a great week darling xx

Reply
Sharon Wu
7 years ago

i am a big sucker for plaid tops especially as we transition into fall! you look stunning in that kimono – i may just have to get one for myself 🙂 doesn’t look like it’ll be too heavy to wear in the desert which is great! have a great week darling xx

Reply
Whitney
7 years ago

yes! i love plaid for fall! you look way better than the model in that duster! LOVE IT!

xo, Whitney

Reply
Whitney
7 years ago

yes! i love plaid for fall! you look way better than the model in that duster! LOVE IT!

xo, Whitney

Reply
Nina
7 years ago

You look so cute! Fall can’t get here fast enough!

Xo, Nina
Law of Fashion Blog

Reply
Rachel
7 years ago

This piece looks so amazing on you! I wish I could pull off this style but I’m so short I’m afraid it would just look like a bathrobe on me! #shortpeopleprobs

Reply
Rachel
7 years ago

This piece looks so amazing on you! I wish I could pull off this style but I’m so short I’m afraid it would just look like a bathrobe on me! #shortpeopleprobs

Reply
Denise Kokinis
7 years ago

I really thought fall was making an appearance here, as it was in the 70s last week! Then it got super hot and does not look like it will be turning around for a while! Loving this duster, looks like the perfect transition piece!

Denise | Fashion Love Letters

Reply
adriana
6 years ago

SO cute and SO perfect for year round wear! Absolutely love it!

Reply
Coral
6 years ago

Okay, wait. That is SO cute! I was expecting a normal plaid button up and wasn’t sure I was gonna be into it, but I actually love this way of rocking the plaid. I may need that…

Reply
Cathy
6 years ago

I can’t wait for fall! So over the heat!! haha. I love this plaid duster and how you styled it. It’s so cute!

XOXO
Cathy

Reply
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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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