The Empress of Cooke County: A … curated on LTK

Channel the commanding presence of Posey Jarvis, the self-appointed "empress" of rural Spark in Cooke County, Tennessee, from Elizabeth Bass Parman's The Empress of Cooke County by donning an outfit that exudes 1960s sophistication.

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Channel the commanding presence of Posey Jarvis, the self-appointed "empress" of rural Spark in Cooke County, Tennessee, from Elizabeth Bass Parman's The Empress of Cooke County by donning an outfit that exudes 1960s sophistication. LTKOver40 LTKShoeCrush LTKWorkwear

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The Empress of Cooke County: A Novel | Amazon (US)

Phoebe Top Handle Satchel | Kate Spade Outlet

Double Strand Perfect Pearl Necklace | Frances Valentine

ALIXE | KREWE Eyewear

Vienna Pointed Toe Heel | Sam Edelman

Isaac Mizrahi New York Patch Pocket Ponte Shift Dress | Nordstrom | Nordstrom

“The world belongs to those who read.” — Rick Holland 2/2)

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My week as a romcom: Friday’s outfit was peak “effortlessly cool mom on the go,” perfect for traveling with a toddler and still looking pulled together. She chose wide-legged jeans and layered a classic white long-sleeve t-shirt under a cozy gray waffle henley, her go-to new sneakers ready for everything from airport sprints to backyard leaf piles. Her gold hoops and necklace gave the look a bit of polish because, even on travel days, she stayed true to her style. After arriving at her family’s house, there was just enough time to drop the bags, bundle up, and head to the local high school football game—where small-town nostalgia and a crisp autumn night felt like the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.

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“The world belongs to those who read.” — Rick Holland (1/2)

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Friday’s outfit was peak “effortlessly cool mom on the go,” perfect for traveling with a toddler and still looking pulled together. She chose wide-legged jeans and layered a classic white long-sleeve t-shirt under a cozy gray waffle henley, her go-to new sneakers ready for everything from airport sprints to backyard leaf piles. Her gold hoops and necklace gave the look a bit of polish because, even on travel days, she stayed true to her style. After arriving at her family’s house, there was just enough time to drop the bags, bundle up, and head to the local high school football game—where small-town nostalgia and a crisp autumn night felt like the perfect kickoff to the holiday season.

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Wearing a dress inspired by Janine Kovac, author of The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairytale Memoir, to see The Nutcracker this year just might be the perfect way to embrace your own main character energy. Janine’s journey, from young ballet dancer to wife, mother, and literary curator, mirrors the transformation many of us experience as we grow through different roles in life. A dress that reflects both the grace of a dancer and the strength of a woman who has embraced every stage of her life is an empowering choice. Whether it’s a ballet-inspired tulle gown or something sleek and sophisticated with a touch of sparkle, this look captures the magic of The Nutcracker and the personal evolution Janine writes about. Stepping into that dress, you’ll feel ready to take center stage in your own life, finding joy and balance just as Janine does throughout her unique and inspiring story.

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For mom’s night out last night I made a few changes to my daytime look: I swapped out the t-shirt for a bodysuit and the sneakers for black mules with a gold buckle. I also added my gold necklace for a little more bling. The jeans, cardigan and belt remained the same

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Thursday brought that cozy, autumnal vibe in full force, with dark wash wide-legged jeans and a classic black turtleneck layered under a brown fair isle cardigan—just the right mix of festive and effortlessly cool. Her go-to sneakers were on, of course, ready for anything the day brought, and her everyday gold hoops added a touch of elegance to her cozy look. It was book club day, which meant gathering with her favorite crew of moms, reading sweet Thanksgiving stories, and diving into a table full of acorn crafts. As the toddlers painted and glued (and possibly tried to eat) their acorns, she looked around at the joyful chaos and couldn’t help but feel a warm, pre-holiday glow.

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Wednesday's look was city-mom chic with a touch of “I’ve got this.” She started with her wide-legged jeans, the ones with a subtle front pocket detail that made her feel like she could tackle anything, paired with a navy v-neck long-sleeve under her crisp, white lady jacket cardigan. Her go-to sneakers were ready to hit the ground running, and her everyday gold hoops added that perfect dash of sparkle. They kicked off the morning with a trip to the pediatrician for the two-year check-up (brave little guy!), then headed straight to music class—a sure fix to any morning woes. By the time he was shaking maracas, all was right in the world again.

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Tuesday called for her favorite button-fly skinny jeans, the reliable kind that fits just right (because yes, Millennials still love them!), paired with a sleek black turtleneck layered under a cozy gray sweater. Her go-to sneakers were laced up, and her trusty gold hoops made their daily appearance, adding that touch of “I’ve got this.” Today was all about maximizing time at the daycare/co-working space—him with his mini friends, her powering through projects with a coffee refill or two. It felt like a good balance, like the jeans that hug just right and the hoops that never let her down.

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On Monday, she buttoned up in her wide-legged jeans with a playful front pocket, slipping a navy and camel striped turtleneck under her camel sweater blazer—just the right combo of cozy and chic. Her go-to sneakers were a given, ready for toddler-chasing, and her trusty gold hoops added that everyday polish. The toddler dance party was a hit, with her son pulling out his best wobbly moves, spinning and giggling with abandon. Watching him bop around, his face lit with pure joy, she couldn’t help but feel the beat herself—today’s only dance floor rule: total, uninhibited fun.

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Wearing a beautiful, cozy green sweater that wraps her in warmth, she feels an instant connection to the season’s comfort. Paired with wide-legged jeans, her look is both relaxed and stylish, with just the right balance of casual and chic. The gold hoop earrings add a touch of understated elegance, catching the light as she moves. As she sips on a crisp glass of white wine, the cool, refreshing taste perfectly complements the serene vibe of the moment. In this simple yet perfect scene, she feels like the main character in her own life, embracing the beauty of the everyday with grace and confidence.

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My week as a romcom: Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, had a week as full as her coffee cup—and twice as strong. She kicked things off with nearly a full day of daycare on Monday, savoring the extra time to catch up on her to-do list (and maybe even a little self-care). Tuesday was Election Day, and between errands and voting, she was feeling all the civic pride. Wednesday brought their favorite music class, where her son clapped along like he was headlining a tiny concert, much to her delight. Thursday’s Little Book Club was the perfect setup for lunch with her mom friends and their kiddos—matching chaos with laughs over lunch, and her heart was full. And that evening? A night out with her oldest friends in the city, which made her feel young and free, just for a bit. By Friday, she was balancing a playdate in the morning with a well-planned daycare afternoon, a little breather to round out the whirlwind week. Ashley’s week had been a perfect mix of mom life and her life, and she was already making plans to do it all over again.

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On Friday, she slipped into her black moto leggings and a blush-pink cashmere sweater, her go-to sneakers keeping things equal parts comfy and cool. With her everyday gold hoops and necklace catching the morning light, she headed to a playdate with Miles and his best buddies, where toddler laughter and snack crumbs abounded. After their playtime escapades, they parted ways as she swapped playdate energy for a productive afternoon at daycare/cowork. In her effortlessly chic and cozy attire, she felt ready for anything this Friday mom schedule could throw her way.

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Wearing a formal blue dress inspired by Jayne and Meredith from The Memory Dress by Jade Beer just might be the key to feeling like the main character in your own life. A deep blue gown, elegant and timeless, embodies Jayne’s quiet resilience and Meredith’s poise under pressure. The color blue symbolizes trust, loyalty, and calm—qualities both women exude as they navigate mystery, memory, and unexpected connections. Just as Jayne steps into a new world of discovery and Meredith sews her way through a life of elegance and hidden desires, wearing a stunning blue dress allows you to embrace your own strength and grace. This formal look mirrors the courage required to face life’s uncertainties, while channeling the sophistication and history tied to Meredith’s couture masterpiece from Princess Diana. With every step, you’ll feel empowered, ready to tackle the unknown with style and confidence.

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A few simple changes for dinner with the girls: swapped the sneakers for d’orsay flats and added a purse

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On Book Club Thursday, she was wrapped in her camel-colored turtleneck sweater, dark wash wide-leg jeans, and her trusty new sneakers—a look that whispered casual chic with a touch of cozy elegance. Her everyday gold hoops added a glint of warmth as she settled into a morning of good books and even better company. Afterward, she and her mom friends headed out for lunch, laughter filling the table as they shared updates, advice, and encouragement. Sitting there, she couldn’t help but feel a swell of gratitude for this fierce, supportive group of women who offered friendship, grace, and plenty of hugs—today and always.

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On this gentle Wednesday, she reached for her wide-leg jeans and her favorite camel-colored sweater—the one with that hidden pop of hot pink along the collar and a stripe down the back, a little joyful detail only she knew was there. It was a soft embrace of an outfit, paired perfectly with her go-to sneakers and, of course, her daily gold hoops that felt like mini gold hugs themselves. Today, she promised herself, was about kindness and grace: a day for quiet walks, extra deep breaths, and maybe a hug just for her, because sometimes, that's exactly what we all need.

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On Election Tuesday, she dressed in spirited red, white, and blue, feeling both patriotic and—dare she say—stylish. Her navy blue shorts balanced the cheerful plaid turtleneck that, in her opinion, was the perfect blend of festive and cozy. Her go-to sneakers kept her grounded and ready for the long day ahead, from morning drop-offs to polling place lines. Gold hoops and her favorite necklace? Check. But the real MVP was the "I Voted" sticker proudly adorning her top, a small but mighty accessory that spoke volumes about making her voice heard—one chic vote at a time.

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On a drizzly Monday that begged for cozy layers, she reached for her classic camel crew neck sweater—the kind of warm staple that feels like a gentle hug—tucking it just right into her wide-leg jeans. Her go-to sneakers were ready to take on the rain, proving yet again that they were as reliable as any best friend. Her gold hoops and necklace added the familiar touch of sparkle to keep things pulled together as she headed off to daycare drop-off, where Miles trotted inside happily. With a quiet, coffee-fueled day ahead to catch up on blog work, she actually felt almost…dare she say it…relaxed.

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Wearing her favorite old sweater with a timeless black-and-white pattern, she feels an instant sense of comfort and nostalgia. Paired with wide-legged jeans, the look blends cozy with a touch of effortless chic, while her gold hoop earrings add a subtle hint of elegance. As she takes a sip of crisp white wine, the refreshing taste matches the simple pleasure of her outfit. It’s a quiet, reflective moment, yet it makes her feel like the main character in her own life—unrushed, authentic, and perfectly at ease with the beauty of the present.

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“When you lose yourself in a book the hours grow wings and fly.”— Chloe Thurlow (2/2)

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“When you lose yourself in a book the hours grow wings and fly.”— Chloe Thurlow (1/2)

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“No. I can survive well enough on my own – if given the proper reading material.” — Sarah J. Maas

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My week as a romcom: Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, had planned Halloween week down to the last candy corn. Monday kicked off with a half-day daycare drop-off to ease into the week, followed by a warm-up round of trick-or-treating in the bustling business district, where her little one charmed shop owners with his tiny costume and enthusiastic “trick-or-treat!” Tuesday’s toddler fitness class had him hopping through obstacles like a Halloween pro, while she mentally ran through the candy stockpile already growing at home. By Wednesday, they were off to a Halloween-themed music class, shaking maracas to spooky tunes and adding to the festive chaos. Thursday was all about pumpkins at Little Book Club, followed by an evening round of trick-or-treating that felt like a mini Halloween marathon. And on Friday? A nearly full daycare day—Ashley’s brilliant idea to reclaim a few hours of sanity after a week of costumes, candy, and nonstop festivities. It was chaotic, it was sugary, and Ashley was already wondering if it was too early to start planning next year’s costumes.

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The Friday after Halloween called for comfort, and she delivered in dark wash wide-leg jeans and a chunky blue sweater that practically hugged her back. Her go-to new sneakers were on duty, perfect for balancing the laid-back look with a hint of mom-on-the-go style. With her gold hoops—because even in post-Halloween recovery mode, the details matter—she navigated the day mostly at daycare, where everyone was still a little sugared-up and sleepy. It was a cozy, low-key day, just what she needed after a week of costumes, candy, and toddler antics.

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A holiday look inspired by Josephine Reynolds or her great-grandmother Alma from The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds by Jennifer Moorman might be just the ticket to feel like the main character in your own life. Channel Josephine's quiet resilience and newfound sense of purpose with a look that’s both elegant and timeless, perhaps a vintage-inspired dress in soft, wintry tones paired with modern accessories for a nod to both the past and present. Alternatively, embrace the bold, Jazz Age glamour of Alma with a daring flapper-style dress, adorned with sequins or fringe, paired with a faux fur stole or sparkling accessories. Each look carries a sense of transformation, evoking the spirit of stepping through time, just as Josephine did, and celebrating your own ability to rewrite the story with courage, style, and grace.

For Halloween at Little Book Club, she leaned into cozy-chic vibes with a pair of wide-leg jeans and the coziest ivory and camel sweater she snagged from her friend’s boutique—one of those perfect finds that manages to look casual yet thoughtfully put together. Her new favorite sneakers made chasing tiny costume-clad readers around a breeze, and, of course, her everyday gold hoops and necklace added that signature touch. With storytime shivers and giggles aplenty, it was a Halloween she’d never forget, filled with tiny superheroes, dinosaurs, and witches discovering the magic of books.

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On this unexpected, balmy Wednesday in late October, she went for a balance of festive-meets-practical: green pleated shorts paired with a crisp long-sleeve white tee, a nod to Halloween without sweltering in a full autumn ensemble. Her go-to new sneakers kept up with her toddler’s endless enthusiasm, and her everyday gold hoops and necklace added just the right bit of polish. She couldn’t help but laugh at her weather-defying “fall” outfit—perfectly suited for chasing down mini ghost-and-goblin dance partners at music class while the sun shone like summer.

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For this unseasonably warm, 78-degree Tuesday in late October, she ditched the layers and pulled on her trusty biker shorts and a coordinating tank, tossed on an oversized sweatshirt for good measure, and laced up her go-to new sneakers. The finishing touches—her everyday gold hoops—added just the right amount of sparkle for a morning at their final toddler fitness class of the season. She couldn’t help but smile at the irony of her little pumpkin bouncing around while she sported an outfit that felt more summer than Halloween week.

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On this brisk Monday, she pulled on her brown waxed jeans and an ivory tank layered under a perfectly slouchy cardigan—a combo that gave major "grandpa smoking a pipe in the library" vibes but with a chic, feminine twist (the gold hoops and delicate necklace helped!). Her Mexican mules completed the look, adding a hint of artisanal flair that balanced cozy with cool. After a productive morning split between daycare and coworking, she was ready to trade "grandpa chic" for Halloween treats, heading back for an afternoon of festive fun, costumes, and tiny ghosts and goblins with her little sidekick.

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Wearing a green cropped t-shirt that shows just enough of a carefree vibe, paired with wide-legged jeans that add a touch of retro flair, she feels effortlessly cool and confident. The gold hoop earrings catch the light with every movement, adding just the right amount of shine to her laid-back look. As she sips on a delicious glass of red wine, the bold flavors mirror her own boldness, making her feel present and powerful. In that moment, she’s the main character in her own life, savoring every bit of freedom and individuality that her style and mood bring to the day.

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"There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away." — Emily Dickinson

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"There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away." — Emily Dickinson

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It was a staycation weekend away—36 glorious, toddler-free hours with her husband—and she packed just the right mix of cozy and chic. For date night, she went all out with her faux leather leggings and a plaid sparkle blouse that shimmered just enough under the dim lights of the cocktail bar, her everyday gold hoops catching the glow as they sipped martinis and laughed like they hadn't in ages. By day, it was wide-legged jeans paired with a striped tee under her trusty tan sweater blazer, effortlessly cool and perfect for exploring the city hand-in-hand. Those gold hoops never left her ears, the one accessory she didn't change, no matter if it was cocktails or coffee. A well-deserved break from the chaos—and one she wasn’t rushing to end.

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Ashley, the effortlessly cool stay-at-home mom, was back in her SAHM groove, kicking off the week with a smooth half-day daycare drop-off on Monday—a little warm-up lap for them both. By Tuesday, she and her son were tackling the toddler fitness class, where he showed off his climbing skills while she mentally prepped for the full-throttle week ahead. Wednesday’s kid’s music class had them singing along to Halloween tunes, all while she kept slipping in little "trick-or-treat" practice at home, coaching her son on his “please” and “thank you” with every imaginary candy handout. Thursday’s Little Book Club gave her a taste of adult conversation, while Friday brought the grand finale: the Halloween Costume Party. Ashley had spent all week working her costume magic, getting her son used to his little outfit, which he’d actually kept on for the entire party! (Reality check: it lasted ten minutes.) They laughed, danced, and munched on spooky treats, and as the day wound down, Ashley knew they were both ready for the big day—costume, candy, and all.

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For this festive Friday, she pulled on her trusty black skinny jeans and an old favorite black-and-white sweater—a cozy staple that had seen many seasons, but somehow felt just right for a Halloween Costume Party. Black leather slip-ons kept things sleek (and prepared her for any costume-related chases), while her everyday gold jewelry added the perfect touch of understated sparkle. At Little Book Club, Miles and his besties transformed into a parade of mini heroes and creatures, joining the whole club in a whirlwind of storybook fun. Her outfit may not have screamed “costume,” but it was perfect for cheering on the tiny animals, superheroes, and her little airplane at the party.

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