Trick-Or-Treat

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Trick-or-Treat, edgy or girly, sweet or a little bit spicy, contrasting elements always make for interesting and fun combinations. Taking the classic Trick-or-Treat idea from Halloween, I gathered pieces that fit a bit more of an edgier feel (Trick) with sweeter pieces (Treat) for a combination worth sinking your teeth into.  With embroidered eyes in the Kenzo jacket and mittens or a bat t-shirt with  pieces like a flirty Rebecca Minkoff mini, Kate Spade heels, or a Checked Topshop skirt make it fun to mix and match and create a look that is made up of different styles to end up with one that the perfect juxtaposition of trick and treat. It doesn't always have to be one or the other. 

Do you lean more towards the 'Trick' or 'Treat' pieces? 

I'd love to hear! 

Tuesday Shoesday

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This week's Tuesday Shoesday feature is clearly themed for the Halloweek. Instead of plain orange or black footwear, with Halloween being all about whimsy and costume, I immedietly went to the queen of whimsical footwear in my opinion--Charlotte Dellal and her shoes for Charlotte Olympia. Everyone has their list of designers that they would purchase from if money was no option, and for me, Charlotte Olympia's shoes definitely find their way onto that list. Her shoes are works of art, expertly constructed, and have that amazing sense of whimsy that sometimes fashion forgets about. Her Halloween themed pieces above are perfect and are just as blatantly seasonal (#3) or as subdued (#4) as you would like. She even updated the classic 'kitty' flat to fit the holiday by adding fangs and reddish eyes to replace the typically sweet style of the original. Incredible pieces do come at a cost, however, and for wearability factor alone, I may shift more towards the boots (incredible!) or the spiderweb flats. Both are incredible versatile and perfect for fall and winter to add a bit of edge with the subtle web detailing that is the Charlotte Olympia signature. 

Which is your favorite? Would you update your footwear for Halloween?

Happy Halloweek

Image Via

While in college, most halloween festivities start the week before the week of Halloween, here on 85 Dresses this week leading up to the 31st is going to be full of Halloween themed features. Expect lots of orange and black, spooky detailing that works specifically well for the holiday (and all year round), and maybe a few costume ideas thrown in there. As for the image above, getting accepted to study in London and working on a 1960's cocktail dress right now, it fits so perfectly for everything--even orange for Halloween--. How amazing are those coats and hats!

I hope everyone had a fabulous start to the week. What are you all for Halloween?

Instagram Updates III

This past week, while certainly busy and productive, was slightly calmer than usual. I had time to actually enjoy my work (a rarity lately), catch up with friends, and receive some happy news. Continue reading for more detail if you'd like for Monday's Instagram Updates.

1. For our final sketch project in draping we are focusing on resort wear for the 1950's. I decided to do swimwear, something I haven't done before, for a change. This was the starting part of the illustrations on Saturday night. Keep following up with me on Instagram (leshkoln) to see the final product.

2. I'm writing an analysis on Lucky magazine for my magazine class, so this purchase-along with the new pens and caffeine- were a necessary and  certainly enjoyable buy.

3. Studying abroad has been something that I have heard about for forever, and on Friday I finally got the exciting news that I will be spending this January through April in London studying at the London College of Fashion. Everything from getting to travel around Europe, finally visiting Paris (a dream for as long as I can remember), and just getting to learn in a different environment is thrilling. If you have any recommendations for me on places to go / see / shop / stay...let me know!

4. I went to visit my close friends on Friday night and we engaged in a Pinterest-worthy fall themed night in. Picking up fabulous orange skull glasses for a dollar at Target, we filled them with a special Pumpkin milkshake with pumpkin whoopie pies and sat down to catch up and watch a classic Disney movie, Halloweentown. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and now a good start to the week!

Thanks for reading.

Dress Up

This week I have noticed that each post has been featured around either a black garment (or accessory) or home decor that includes black. I don' t know about you all, but I go through phases where I'm really into color and prints or I'll wear nothing but black for a couple of weeks. This week was one of those darker colored ones which was probably seen through the darker colored pieces featured. I realized this while pulling this week's Dress Up feature, Lulu*s 'Play it by Panier' black dress. When they say that little black dresses are a classic and a must-have in any woman's wardrobe, I love how I can always find a new style of them. This week's dress sold it for me with the side paniers. I had been familiar with paniers from seeing them featured in skirts and dresses in more recent collections and learning about them in fashion history, but seeing them at a reasonable price point and right now, got me excited for yet another little black dress, yet again. The wide-set paniers against the form-fitted bodice, lower neckline, and flirty length all work harmoniously to create a prefect LBD that is certainly unique and looks excuisitely crafted. For some reason all I want to do is put one on with matte red lipstick and stroll the streets of Paris. A girl can dream.

Also, I can't stop thinking how amazing it would look in a luxurious cream, as well.

What do you think about this week's LBD? Would you try paniers? I'd love to know.

Home Improvement

 / Photo from The Life Styled /

As much as I love color, I have a special place for neutrals, as well. However, even with neutrals I can shift between both ones with texture and prints and ones that are super monochromatic and solid. This week's Home Improvement post features a living room setting that has a glamorous feel using neutrals of gold, blacks, creams, and whites, but playing up the lack of color with glitter, polka dots, chevron, and fur throws. The light colored couch, walls, and table keep the room light and airy and allow the accent pillows to provide the perfect amount of pop and interest to the space. Can't you totally picture sitting here reading stacks of magazines and chatting with girlfriends?

What do you think of printed and textured neutrals in this week's room?

PS-How amazing is that gold pillow?

This or That: Faux Fur Vest

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It's funny how fashions are different in different parts of the country. Being from Texas, winter wardrobes in the South are what fall wardrobes are on the East coast and in the North. My winter-y outerwear when I am at home consists of sweaters probably until February. Here on the East coast now, one of the cooler-weather staples (that comes much earlier than February over here) is the classic faux (or sometimes real) fur vests. While real fur is not really me, I'm all about the faux fur pieces, and have been vying for one ever since my Freshman year fall when they started to be seen around campus. When it came to these faux fur vests, like most of my fashion choices, I am really particular in their appearance. Some of my qualifications include length ( to about the bottom of where my fingers fall), roominess (big enough to layer sweaters), and authenticity (has to look like the real thing). H&M had some great choices this fall and I was narrowing it down between the two in the image above. When I put on the black one, however, the material was so fluffy and cozy and the length was long enough for my liking. I'm already picturing it with a crystal belt and playing with different textures.

Do you have a fur vest (real or faux)? Which is your favorite from the above choices?

Tuesday Shoesday

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Sadly, my beloved ankle boots from Target are soon going to need to be replaced. With a few holes, flattened heel, and faded suede, as much as I love them, it's time to step it up a notch with a pair that will last longer than a year. I am very particular when it comes to my black heeled ankle boots. They have to be tall enough to give a boost to any regular look, but comfortable enough to wear daily--as I often do with my current pair. Right now, I am really loving a chunky heel, as you can tell from the pieces I pulled above. 

Which are your favorite?

Instagram Updates 2

Alright, everyone. So, if it hadn't felt fully like October recently, it finally kicked in for me this past week that it is really fall. Having been living on the East Coast for the past few years now, I get that feeling when the seasons change, and it's a great feeling to get to be able to experience four times a year. That being said, above are some of my Instagram Updates for the second round of this series. 

1. Knitting class can get a little dull when it comes to a five hour studio with industrial knitting machines. Between each knit and purl we bring some liveliness to the small space with a bit of play. Also, although the class isn't necessarily my favorite--the room full of never-ending colors of yarns is certainly something exciting to walk into each time. Photo via Tevy Nuon's Instagram.

2. I have actually grown to really like the process of draping and find the class interesting, although the work-load can be insane at times. This was a quick snapshot of a dirndl skirt I had draped waiting for critique. 

3. Early-mid October weather recently has been cool in the mornings and then evening out to around low seventies in the afternoon. This is ideal for mixing shorts and jackets, or dresses and boots. I took to the first combination and paired a favorite pair of denim shorts with a classic utility jacket while I still can. With all of the orange and red leaves falling fast everywhere, I can't help but stop to jump in a few piles as I pass them. Can you blame me?

4. Not being very skilled in the beauty department, but certainly being in love with the products, acrylic nails had been something that I had wanted to try for a while. After probably the most stressful week of my academic career thus far, I treated myself last Wednesday afternoon for my first set of acrylic nails with a gel polish that is certainly fall-worthy with its ridiculously dark oxblood shade. And, I have to say, from the clink they make to the dainty length- I'm in love.

5. Pulling out a favorite piece of clothing that you can only wear during certain temperatures is always an exciting part of changes in season. These corduroy leopard pants from LOFT are one of those pieces of clothing. They are one of the few pants that fit perfectly and they are so easy to pair with chunky knits and boots for the cooler weather, while still being put-together. 

6. Finally, this was my 1990's collection for draping. I was mostly inspired by Prada advertisements from the 90's, and lots of plaids! Pulling a couple of all-nighters (and when not all-nighters, 4 am-ers) on this 12 piece illustrated collection may seem a bit crazy, but after getting my first critique that really made me feel supported and more inspired, it was definitely worth it in the end. 

What makes it feel like fall to you? Comment below! I'd love to hear.

Falling for Phillip

/ Jen Kao top / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target skirt and bag / Target boots / Forever 21 necklace / and   Michael Kors watch /

Aside from when Rodarte did their Target collaboration, the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection is one of the first that I have actually really wanted pieces from. For starters, the Pashli Satchel has been one of my 'must have' bags for a while, and since my unemployed status won't be able to provide one, when I saw that there was going to be the mini satchel in their Target collaboration, I was thrilled. At a much more affordable price, it looks every bit as luxe, and it's miniature size keeps me from lugging too much with me--only necessities like a phone, wallet, and lipstick. In addition to the mini satchel, the leopard pieces were another favorite. We all know that I have a soft spot for leopard print, and this almost cartoonish style with it's mustard-orange background and navy and white spots and flirty shape were a must. Not to mention, as I walked around campus today it matched the falling leaves perfectly.  These two pieces embarrassingly weren't the only ones that I bought from the line, but keep a lookout for the others that will be showing soon!

What were your thoughts on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collaboration? I'd love to hear!

Side Note: I apologize for iPhone photos, my camera is in Texas right now

Photos: Richelle Gewertz

Orange Spice

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With the first of October yesterday, the feeling of fall for me really starts to set in. Pumpkins are being sold at the grocery store, the leaves (while having been changing colors for a few weeks now) are finally falling, and Thanksgiving plans are being arranged. While I used to feel that orange was a color more associated with the month of November, I found time after time while browsing online I was being drawn to these orange spice colors-- a color I'm not typically a fan of. However, when the color was applied to a design that wasn't solely plain orange, like an embossed bag (3) or patent skirt (1) seen above, I fell in love.

What are your feelings about orange?

Tuesday Shoesday

photo via Payless 

Let me tell you, kitten heels are so not my thing. I find them awkward, meant for older women, and while the name is cute, the style never really is. However, putting my feelings towards kitten heels aside, I absolutely fell in love with these Christian Siriano Galina Smoking Loafers. Leopard anything is one of my obsessions, and while I have a pair of leopard boots, I needed a style of footwear that was able to go with more dresses. These smoking loafers are perfect in so many ways. The leopard material is fabric, not printed, so the faux leopard hair creates a luxe appearance, the overall shape is delicate, and the velvet kitten heel gives you the feeling of heels, without all of the aching that comes with wearing them during the duration of a day. I've already paired these with everything from a head to toe denim look to pattern mixing with a bit of plaid. They have the ideal qualities to work with anything. While I may still be a little skeptical about completely devoting myself to kitten heels, these are certainly my new love for fall.

What are your thoughts on kitten heels? How would you style the Galina Smoking Loafers?