Years ago, before I had an inkling of my desire to open an independent bookstore, I worked at a business school in New York. The office dress code was professional. It was all suit jackets for the men or - at its most casual - fleece vests over button downs. For the women there wasn’t quite the same work uniform. It wasn’t difficult to decide on what to wear each day, per se, it just took more effort than I had left in me. I was in grad school at night at the time, commuting and working and studying and generally feeling exhausted. The last thing I wanted to worry about was feeling confident in my office wear. 

It was then I first discovered women’s workwear brand M.M. LaFleur. I bought their Moreland jacket, their Colby pant. I loved how comfortable and polished the clothes were, how wrinkle free and washable. They were comfy while still being put together. The best way to describe their style, I think, is the term the company coined - “power casual”. 

When M.M. LaFleur reached out to Old Town Books all these years later with a special partnership proposal, my heart leapt at the opportunity. Fast forward a few months and there is now a mini Old Town Books inside the M.M. LaFleur showroom in Georgetown, and we’re partnering together on events throughout the year. 

Our first event is a special pop-up book club on Friday, August 2nd at 6:30 PM in Georgetown. We’re reading and discussing Miranda July’s buzzed-about novel, All Fours. We’ll mingle, nibble snacks, and chat - and maybe even try on some clothes? (Well, for my part it’s not a “maybe”…)

In anticipation of this event and to help mark the kick-off of our brand partnership, our team of lucky booksellers got to take on a fun challenge: Match the cover of a book you’re recommending this summer to an M.M. LaFleur outfit! 

Here’s what we came up with. How did we do? Let us know in the comments!

Ally

Book Recommendation: Bride by Ali Hazelwood 

Bride is a super fun book, plain and simple. It’s a page-turning paranormal romance novel about an arranged marriage between a vampire and werewolf. If you need an escape and want the perfect poolside paperback with a happy ending, then this book is for you. 

Outfit: Jennifer Dress, Axam Turtleneck 

Cate 

Book Recommendation: All Fours by Miranda July 

Miranda July captures the messiness of mid-life perfectly in this often surprising, sometimes strange, always beautifully written novel. This is one book folks have been buzzing about all summer, you won’t want to miss our discussion of it on Friday, August 2nd in Georgetown! 

Outfit: Janette Jacket and Pearl Pant, Leslie T-Shirt 

Kim 

Book Recommendation: Godkiller by Hannah Kaner 

Godkiller builds a rich fantasy world packed with action and adventure. Page one hits the ground running and the story never lets up! Here you’ll find character growth, gods and kings, betrayal, new and old friendships, a small animal sidekick (who is way more than he seems), found family, a road trip, and so much more. It’s the perfect summer read!

Outfit: Melina Vest, Mejia Pant

Lane 

Book Recommendation: The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo 

No one crafts characters or magical worlds quite like Leigh Bardugo. Her latest novel blends fantasy, history, and romance as it follows a scullion and an immortal familiar forced to team up during the Spanish Golden Age. The Familiar is a great choice whether you’re already a fantasy lover or looking to try a new genre.

Outfit: Gwynne Dress  

Melissa

Book Recommendation: Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo 

This ambitious novel tackles the nuances of family life - including heavy secrets, dysfunction, and friendship - with real heart. This compulsively readable and immersive book is a great summer pick for fans of literary domestic dramas. It’s among our bestselling summer reading guide picks!

Outfit: Martina Dress

Come visit us at Old Town Books and join us at an upcoming event.