Classic fairytale inspiration and whimsical tech accessories bring Belle into the modern age.

"Tale as old as time..." Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies and Belle one of my favorite princesses. Her wit, dreamlike nature and true immersion into the stories she reads is something I've always been able to relate to. Over the winter break I got sucked in to the fairytale drama series Once Upon a Time and binge watched all 4 seasons on Netflix and Hulu. The problem with binging? Now I have to wait till March 9 for new episodes...

I was inspired by the show and a whimisical tech accessory I received from my aunt for Christmas to style a look inspired by Belle. Though not blue or yellow like Belle's iconic dresses (hey, red is still a primary color), this look takes elements of the inventor's daughter's style that is perfect for casually strolling through town on errands, browsing the selection at your local book store and maybe even taming a beast or two. Man beast, that is.

I started styling the look with this gorgeous crimson Cecilia dress from Nasty Gal, a Christmas gift from my boyfriend and Stitch & Strut resident photographer. The collar, front-button closure, pleats and high, cinched waist remind me of something Belle would wear in the modern age. It's classic and sweet but with a hint of sexy from the bold color and sheer fabric. A miniskirt underneath lets your show off your legs as the overskirt sways with your strut.

The crimson color of the dress paired perfectly with the 1930s floral print of my Coach Page shoulder bag, a gift to myself this Christmas. This might just be my favorite Coach bag in my collection, which is rapidly expanding since I started working for the company in December. The structured, boxy shape of this crossgrain leather bag is classic and vintage, and the turnlock closure in burnished antique brass is iconic Coach. With this outfit, it reminds me of a basket of flowers Belle might carry walking the streets of her little French town.

Stylize your tech with this whimsical antique book Macbook case by Twelve South.

The next key accessory here is my BookBook Macbook case by Twelve South, as Belle always seems to have a book in her hand. I've been wanting this case for years but only got a Macbook this past summer. I love any accessory that functions as one thing but looks like something else (I have a Kate Spade iPad case that looks like a composition notebook), and this fits the bill. It's whimsical and a head turner. Twelve South makes other Apple accessories just like this. I bought its travel journal iPad case for Fonzi for our anniversary back in September. The red leather on the book's spine further highlights the color of the dress, making this tech accessory a fashion one as well.

To finish off the look, I accessorized with a leopard-print hair calf belt from American Eagle and Missoni for Target zigzag pumps in black suede with a wooden heel. For the final touch, I chose a crimson lip for my makeup and Topshop copper coin ring for my jewelry. Meet the modern Belle. And the new me with my new haircut!

Want to shop this look? Checkout the gallery below for some of the referenced pieces and similar alternatives. Check us out on Instagram @stitchandstrut and on Facebook for exclusive sneak peeks at upcoming shoots.

Till next time!