Outlander

Summer time is the best time for reading series. Mostly because this is the time we readers can dedicate more time to reading and becoming invested in a specific story and group of characters.

Below is a list of the top 5 book series I have read during this past year:

“A Song of Ice and Fire” series by George R.R. Martin

These books are not new, but have been made popular by HBO’s mega-hit series Game of Thrones. This year, I finally finished reading the published installations of this series, including the prequel stories compiled in “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.” If you are a reader that loves the show, then you will absolutely love these books. Martin is a first-class world-builder and will probably be recognized as the greatest fantasy author of our time. Also highly recommended is “A World of Ice and Fire.”

2. “Memoirs of Lady Trent” series

This series is fantasy meets feminism. An adult read, these books are also fun, providing drawings of the different dragon species throughout the pages. The first three books are shown above, with the most recent, “In the Labrynth of Drakes,” having been published this April. I have yet to read the 4th installation but am looking forward to doing so this summer!

3. Harry Potter Film Production Series

This series includes:

I know that I have mentioned all of these books at least once before, but I’m doing so again because they are just fantastic. My favorite remains “The Creature Vault,” but all three books contain plenty of insider information and concept art sure to please all HP enthusiasts!

4. The “Outlander” series by Diana Gabaldon

I started reading this series many years ago, probably when I was too young to be reading it. Having read through the first three books, but not remembering a lot, Starz’ drama encouraged me to revisit the series. Reading them through again as an adult, I have so much more appreciation for these books. This past year I re-read the first two books (“Outlander” and “Dragonfly in Amber”) and plan on reading the rest of the series this coming year. Whether you are a fan of the show or not, I would highly recommend these books to just about anyone.

5. The Ruby Red trilogy by Kerstin Gier

This YA series was entertaining. Unlike many other books in this category, the main character was devoid of angst,and the fantasy and time travel elements were approached from an entirely unique standpoint. If you are looking for a quick yet entertaining read, give these books a shot.

Be sure to also check out my top 5 picks for novels!

The second season of Starz’ “Outlander” has yet to disappoint. Faithful to Diana Gabaldon’s “Dragonfly in Amber,” the show’s second season has been full of action, drama and absolutely fantastic costuming. (I think most of us are familiar with the red dress.)

Although the series is associated with Scotland, the French setting has provided for some phenomenal visual feats. I find the set to be authentic and captivating, but more than anything else this season, I have been enraptured by the costuming.

When I was younger, I possessed a far-away fantasy of one day becoming a fashion designer. I was never serious about this pursuit, but always enjoyed drawing clothes.

Fashion Sketches, 2011

Although my interest began in high school, I was further inspired in undergrad when I was exposed to fiber art. I instantly fell in love with the medium, having found a way to utilize fabric and other fibrous materials artistically without becoming a designer.

Fashion Sketches, 2011

It was during my surface design course, and later weaving pursuit, that I didn’t spend a lot of time drawing clothing but instead, sewing, weaving and embroidering art. I even painted a series of odd costumes, with the painted clothing constructed of materials other than fabric fabric.

Therefore, it has been quite a while since I have tried my hand at fashion-drawing. Inspired by “Outlander,” I decided to tackle the clothing of an era I had yet to try: Eighteenth Century, France.

While the drawing featured below is not based on a costume from the show, the era and country were obviously direct inspiration.

If I were to compare the drawing to any of the pieces worn thus far, I would say it is most similar to the dress worn by Claire’s new friend, Louise de La Tour. (I do just love the ruffle-esque bows, don’t you?)

As the season proceeds, I can only hope that we continue to witness fabulous historic costuming. Realistically though, I happen to think we will be returning to Scotland sooner rather than later. Dinna fash though, no spoilers here!