Sartorial Book Club: R29ers Divulge Their Favorite Reads

Tara Rasmus, assistant beauty editor
The Book: Goodbye to All That, edited by Sari Botton

"Since I began reading this book, I literally have not been able to stop talking about it. I've told my friends about it, my coworkers, my mom — hell, even my therapist! I had a feeling that this collection of 28 love letters to New York would be up my alley, but I did not anticipate how deeply it would speak to me. The stories are all totally different: One woman describes being a crack addict in Brooklyn in the 1980s; another, originally from Maine, describes how she never was able to fully integrate into the city's relentless pace; yet another tells the story of how she has found herself in major debt at 29, all because of a relentless need to be the writer with the prewar apartment on the Upper West Side, complete with 'chipped paint and loose hexagonal tiles in the bathroom.' This book has inspired and entertained me, but, most importantly, it has helped me let go of the idea that my 20s in New York need to look a certain way. Through the unique voices of these 28 women, I have come to appreciate that every person's New York story will be totally different, like a fingerprint — you just have to live, love, and learn your own city dreams."

Goodbye to All That: Writers on Loving and Leaving New York, $12.38, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Sandro Série Raglan Sleeve Sweater, $160, available at Sandro; Mossimo Sweatpant with Zipper Pocket, $19.99, available at Target; Zara Home Fringed Mohair Throw, $189, available at Zara Home; Kate’s Paperie Brick in the Wall Decomposition Notebook, $8, available at Kate’s Paperie; Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease Mug, $25, available at Shopbop; Izola New York Balsam Pillow, $24, available at Izola.

Lexi Nisita, news editor
The Book: 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami

"I feel like I am constantly bringing up this book. I am probably known to most as 'that annoying weirdo who is always bragging that she has read 1Q84,' but I don't care, because I love it. It's an incredible story that is imaginative, engaging, terrifying, mysterious, and many more adjectives from start to finish. Murakami is known for a lot of things, but I think his descriptions of women's clothing are particularly notable and some of the best around. Two elements of this book inspired me: Aomame's signature Junko Shimada suit that she wears during a pivotal moment and the monotonously beautiful collection of white, neutral clothing provided for her by anonymous helpers when she is living in a safe house and can't go outside."

1Q84, $13.08, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Proenza Schouler Colorblocked Mini Skirt, $785, available at La Garçonne; J.Crew Merino Colorblock Turtleneck, $89.50, available at J.Crew; Acne Studios Melton Coat, $1,849.19, available at FarFetch; Cosabella Never Say Never Prettie Underwire Bra, $82.50, available at Cosabella; Demeter Stringbean Fragrance, 4 oz., $39.50, available at Demeter.

Vanessa Golembewski, East Coast editorial assistant
The Book: To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

"This is my all-time favorite book. I read it at least once a year, used it as part of my grad-school thesis, and may or may not be in love with Atticus Finch. What I've always loved about this story is Scout, who constantly questions the gender and race binaries of the American South, because those are just lame. Though I do enjoy a good dress, she always refused to wear one and instead opted for overalls and keeping the boys of the playground in check. So, in homage to my girl Scout, I'm opting for these bad boys from Current/Elliott."

To Kill A Mockingbird, $4.75, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Current/Elliott Ranch Hand Denim Overall, $368, available at Intermix; Topshop Navy Blue Check Shirt, $60, available at Topshop; Converse All Star Platform Sneaker, $65, available at Nasty Gal; Italy Luca Natalizia Rustic Brown Italian Leather Journal, $29.95, available at Barnes & Noble; Adina Reyter Tiny Arrow Stud Earring, $65, available at Urban Outfitters.

Gina Marinelli, assistant editor
The Book: Just Kids, by Patti Smith

"Just Kids was one of those books that I feverishly read through over the course of a few long(ish) subway rides, tearing up a few times and then having to remind myself I was in public. While I do remember some of Smith's explicit descriptions of her clothing and those of the cast of characters she came across during the time she and Robert Mapplethorpe lived at the Chelsea Hotel, the outfit that comes to mind instantly is one that's quite iconic for the story's narrator. Classic, cool, tailored — I imagine Smith would be all about this modern-day menswear getup."

Just Kids, $12.27, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Laurence Dolige Nap Tee, $120, available at Steven Alan; Whistles Tilda Straight Leg Trouser, $275, available at Whistles; Topshop Kie Kie Loafers, $136, available at Topshop; rag & bone Wool Blend Wide-Brim Fedora, $233, available at My Theresa; Karen Walker Orbit Sunglasses, $349, available at Karen Walker.

Ellen Hoffman, editorial assistant
The Book: The Count of Monte Cristo, by Alexandre Dumas

"I first read The Count of Monte Cristo back in high school — and not because it was assigned. After a few too many viewings of V for Vendetta, my curiosity landed me in Barnes & Noble — the rest is, well, history. A book nerd to the core, I ate up every bit of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness packed into Dumas' 19th-century masterpiece. Edmond Dantès, disguised as the Count of Monte Cristo, is a character of undeniably great literary depth — readers can't help but share in his heartaches and misfortunes and rally in his victories. It may take you the first 50 pages or so to get into it, but once you're a few chapters deep, it's guaranteed you'll be hooked 'til the finish!"

The Count of Monte Cristo, $11.98, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Aquilano.Rimondi Ruffle Front Shirt, $614.94, available at Far Fetch; PIETRO Signature Velvet Loafer, $495, available at Donald J Pliner; Zara Coat with Large Lapel, $79.99, available at Zara; Blu Bijoux Gold Chain And Spike Earrings, $18, available at Max & Chloe; Helmut Lang High-Waisted Trouser, $360, available at Zoë; NARS Nail Polish in Chinatown, $19, available at Sephora.

Hayden Manders, editorial assistant
The Book: Mrs. Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf

"Sure, it's a wee bit of a downer, but it's one of the more important stories in the literary vernacular. Plus, Woolf is a logophile's best friend; her writing in Mrs. Dalloway forces the reader to confront every moment, every hour of her day."

Mrs. Dalloway, $4.95, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. BCBGMAXAZRIA Laser-Cut Floppy Hat, $46.80, available at BCBGMAXAZRIA; Marni Woven Dropped-Waist Dress, $353.35, available at The Outnet; Gucci Sequin-Embellished Stretch-Mesh Gloves, $475, available at Net-A-Porter; Lulu Frost for J.Crew Harvest Moon Bracelet, $128, available at J.Crew; Jonathan Adler Giant Dora Maar Vase, $550, available at Jonathan Adler.

Rebecca Smith, SEO editor
The Book: The Cuckoo's Calling, by Robert Galbraith

"As much as I love the Harry Potter series, I was hesitant to jump into J.K. Rowling's latest book (especially since I didn't love The Casual Vacancy). But, I shouldn't have been worried. Rowling proves that her ability to weave little details, and hold out the most important facts until the end, was not limited to Hogwarts with this murder mystery set in modern day, not-so-magical London. I am used to predicting exactly how books will end, but I was continually surprised all the way to the last page. Rowling does an expert job showing the complicated truths around relationships we have with family, friends, the media, and ourselves through the aftermath of Lulu Landy's death."

The Cuckoo's Calling, $9.62, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. H&M Trenchcoat, $59.95, available at H&M; Cynthia Rowley Slit Neck Dress, $249, available at Cynthia Rowley; IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson West Broadway Satchel, $198, available at Joy Gryson; Miista Sandra Chelsea Boot, $225, available at Anthom; Clinique High Impact Mascara, $16, available at Sephora; Warby Parker Duckworth Glasses, $95, available at Warby Parker.

Marissa Rosenblum, shopping market director
The Book: The Sirens of Titan, by Kurt Vonnegut

"I joined the Kurt Vonnegut party a bit late in life (this year), but now that I've stepped through the door of his weird time-traveling, satire-laced take on religion and science — not to mention dark-yet-poignant musings on life — I haven't wanted to leave.

For this edition of Sartorial Book Club, I chose the last Vonnegut book I read, The Sirens of Titan, a story about the richest man on Earth who's been swindled into trekking to Mars by a charismatic, time-traveling phony prophet to meet his destiny. The fight for free will leads the journey from a tony town in Rhode Island to the far reaches of the fictional universe Vonnegut creates."

The Sirens of Titan, $10.08, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Nixon The 51-30 Chrono, $550, available at Nixon; Marc Jacobs Pointed Toe Lace Up Sneakers, $595, available at Bloomingdale's; Gerlan Jeans We Come In Peace T-Shirt, $115, available at V Files; Topshop Casual Boiler Suit, $110, available at Topshop; Vivienne Westwood Solid Orb Earrings, $90, available at Vivienne Westwood.

Neha Gandhi, executive editor, features
The Book: The Blind Assassin, by Margaret Atwood

"This book is one of Atwood's most accessible novels, since only part of the plot involves a futuristic, sci-fi element. It's a fascinating character study and an interesting look back at the '30s and '40s (albeit in Ontario, where the history is a bit less familiar to me). It's beautifully written, compelling from beginning to end, and keeps you on your toes the entire time. But, at the same time, it breaks from the plot consistently to take you into the story-within-a-story that its protagonist is writing. And, somehow, this manages not to be jarring.

Basically, this book is proof that the Man Booker Prize winners are always the best reads. Every. Single. Time."

The Blind Assassin, $12.15, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Stella McCartney Lace-Paneled Stretch-Crepe Dress, $5,765, available at Net-A-Porter; Club Monaco Abby Striped Gloves, $99, available at Shopbop; Ben-Amun Crystal Headband, $330, available at Shopbop; ModCloth Blue Ridge Bash Hat, $34.99, available at ModCloth; Bobbi Brown Lip Color in Red, $25, available at Sephora.

Bobby Schuessler, fashion writer
The Book: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum

"The Wizard of Oz is the ultimate classic for me. It led to one of the greatest films of all time, and the entire novel orbits around glitter pumps — which, by the way, were silver in the book, not ruby like the flick (sorry, Judy Garland). It's essentially a gay man's dream. This stimulating, fantasy-driven tale about naive, little Dorothy finding her way home to Kansas (I'm from Wisconsin, so I can relate!) is my forever must-read."

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, $16.79, available at Barnes & Noble.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Christian Louboutin Iriza Blue Khol Glitter Pumps, $625, available at Barneys New York; Bottega Veneta Large Intrecciato Hobo Bag, $2,370, available at Barneys New York; Deborah Lippmann Laughin' To The Bank Nail Lacquer, $17, available at Sephora; Marc by Marc Jacobs Short Dress, $359, available at Yoox; Giant Dwarf Silver Sparkler Star Bobby Pins, $18, available at Catbird.

Willow Lindley, associate fashion editor
The Book: The Diamond As Big As The Ritz, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"I've been making my way through Melville Publishing House's Art of the Novella series for about a year now and just finished up two by F. Scott Fitzgerald: May Day and The Diamond As Big As The Ritz, both of which I highly recommend.

A common theme within both books is Fitzgerald's grand descriptions of wealth, whether it's in contrast to the poverty in post-World War I New York City or the riches of a family that lives on a giant diamond in Montana."

The Diamond As Big As The Ritz, $2, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Seasalt True Love Coat, 190.85, available at John Lewis; Topshop Petite Satin Mini Slip Dress, $84, available at Topshop; Lulu Frost Spark Earring, $180, available at Lulu Frost; Fornasetti Profumi Flora di Fornasetti Candle, $165, available at Aedes de Venustas; Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Bleu de Paris 254, $60, available at Sephora.

Ali Hoffman, L.A. editor
The Book: Living Well Is The Best Revenge, by Calvin Tomkins

"If you're a fan of Fitzgerald, Hemingway, or any member of the 'Lost Generation,' this book is a must. I read it start to finish in a day, but it's remained on my nightstand ever since — just in case I ever feel like escaping to France for the night to hang out with Picasso and Gertrude Stein."

Living Well Is The Best Revenge, $12.81, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Soludos Canvas Derby Lace Up, $48, available at Soludos; J.Crew Saint James Unisex Meridien II Nautical Tee, $98, available at J.Crew; Go Silk Silk Short, $99, available at Calypso St. Barth; Cretacolor Basic Drawing Set, $16.25, available at Dick Blick; Bose SIE2 Sport Headphones, $119.95, available at QVC.

Alison Ives, editorial intern
The Book: Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov

"In Lolita, Nabokov shares the tale of a disturbing love affair between middle-aged Humbert Humbert and his shockingly young stepdaughter, 'Dolores on the dotted line' Lolita Haze. While it's impossible to pin down the allure of this classic masterpiece, it might have to do with the way the prose evokes simultaneous feelings of empathy and disgust for the troubled protagonist. Nabokov's masterful approach at making something so hideous sound almost romantic leaves me returning to the text time and time again."

Lolita, $12.43, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. ModCloth Looking For Love Sunglasses, $11.99, available at ModCloth; Current/Elliott Sweetheart Romper, $139, available at Barneys New York; Topshop White Lace Trim Trainer Sock, $6, available at Topshop; Helene Handbags Top Handle Lizard Bag, $1,500, available at Marissa Collections; Essie Forever Young, $8.50, available at Essie.

Sarah Wasilak, editorial intern
The Book: An Extraordinary Theory of Objects, by Stephanie LaCava

"I recently read Stephanie LaCava's An Extraordinary Theory of Objects: A Memoir of an Outsider in Paris and fell in love with the way she appreciates and depicts certain clothes, objects, and art. The story is essentially a narration of LaCava's journey from Paris to New York, the loneliness she grapples with, and the comfort she finds and seeks through specific objects, memories, and places. These fascinations become a form of self-expression for her throughout the novel and throughout her life, just like fashion and clothing do for many people. All of the personal anecdotes she shares are wonderful. The silk slip, a cardigan like 'the pilling sage one Kurt Cobain wore," oyster pearls, and bangles, which 'create a sound that warns of its wearer's arrival' are a few of my favorites."

An Extraordinary Theory of Objects, $18.01, available at Amazon.

Illustrated by Caitlin Owens. Zara Lingerie Style Dress, $49.90, available at Zara; John Lewis Freshwater Cultured Pearls, $135, available at John Lewis; Forever 21 Etched Floral Bangle Set, $6.80, available at Forever 21; Marc Jacobs Stephanie LaCava Necklace, $24, available at Marc Jacobs; Isabel Marant Noreen Chunky Knit, $780, available at La Garçonne.