Uniform

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I've noticed that when I don't really need to dress a specific way, I have been more and more gravitating to a uniform that consists of black leather, white, and denim. It's funny how a few years ago, these pieces were not what I would reach for on most occasions, and now it is my go-to. I used to think of uniform dressing as boring, and sometimes still do, but it is definitely nice to know that when in doubt, running late, or just want to look put together without much effort, staying in these three colors and fabrications will have you looking classic regardless. I like to think of fashion as a daily puzzle or word problem if that makes sense--you have to keep trying on pieces to see which ones work together and which don't. In keeping in the color palette above, the challenge is more of finding fresh and alternative ways to switch up your look so that your uniform dressing doesn't become limiting.

What is your favorite combination of the pieces above? Lately I've been reaching for my faux leather pleated skirt, white slides, and a dark denim jacket.

Tuesday Shoesday

Nike Roshe Run with Python Skin

Although I have recently been loving tennis shoes outside of the gym (where lets face it, I never step foot in), I think that the start of a new school year has me thinking about and searching for unique styles more than I had before. In elementary school, a new pair of tennis shoes was always such the signifier of a new year of classes, and seeing so many sported around campus already reminded me to look for one of my favorite pairs at the moment.

My faux snakeskin H&M tennis shoes opened up my eyes to options aside from the neon, warn-out Nike's that I associated with tennis shoes of all kinds, and seeing these customized Nike Roshe Runs with python had me searching for retailers all over the Internet. With a 4-digit price tag, they are way out of budget, but with a buttery creme body, perfectly solid black swoosh and sleek shape, they are worth taking note of and keeping on file. 

Check out a few of my other favorite options below! Most are pretty average priced, but if you're looking for something a little luxe (but not quite the python Roshe's) Golden Goose (#6) makes some amazing options that have an original take on a classic. 

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Bastille

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Getting up and ready for the work week ahead on Mondays is hard enough as it is, and that's before heading to your closet to figure out what to wear to start off the week. Having a few dresses with just enough detailing to get you going are what I usually reach for when Monday morning comes around. With today being Bastille Day, here are three perfect work appropriate dresses in the colors appropriate for this holiday. You all know how much I love red, white, and blue.

Unexpected Match

| GAP t-shirt / Forever 21 skirt (old) / J. Crew sandals / Francesca's necklace / Essie's 'Saturday Disco Fever' nail polish |

Even though the 4th of July was already almost a week ago (!), red, white, and blue feel like the perfect combination for throughout summer. I used to never really be a t-shirt + skirt type of gal, but when it comes to separates, there are so many ways to mix and match. It makes the possibilities of the combinations in your closet seem endless. I would have never thought of adding such a dark t-shirt to a bright and nearly nautical look, but in the end, I loved how the dark of the top added a contrast, allowing for the bright colors to be dulled down a little bit, but still hold their pizazz.

What are some of your favorite outfit pairings? I love a good grey t-shirt with bright skirts, too!

Fourth of July

| Forever 21 blouse / American Apparel shorts (old) / J.Crew heels (sample sale) / Kate Spade purse / David Yurman ring / Michael Kors watch / Essie's Saturday Disco Fever nail polish |

The idea of dressing in a color scheme almost instantly excites me.  Not that red, white, and blue don't look perfect together on any other day, but when it comes to The 4th of July, the crisp whites, lipstick reds, and classic blues bring full-on Americana during this days celebrations.

As a result of spending this holiday in South Carolina with my family, instead of traditional navy for the festivities, I swapped out the go-to blue of denim and went with a preppier alternative with the southern staple--seersucker. Bringing elements in for the holidays based on your locations always make the holiday that much more memorable. Outfits included.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July! 

Home Improvement

 / Image Via / 

When I think about summer, I think a lot about the outdoors and light and airy spaces. As soon as I came across the image above on Pinterest, I knew that this space is one of those breezy areas to lounge in during the summer. I love areas that work really well to easily switch up for times with friends that also work for solitary time, as well. With the white brick, light colored floors, inviting couch, and bright green plants, this is a place that I can absolutely see catching up with a couple of friends or spending time curled up with a magazine.

What does this space make you think of?

Tuesday Shoesday

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If you've been following 85 Dresses for a while, you know that I am every bit a color and pattern type of gal. So, when it came to shoes, I noticed that most of my footwear is the same in that I have nearly every color and pattern present, but with great styles in neutrals, there weren't very many go-to options. For me, if it's going to be neutral, the shape has to be interesting and fun to wear--not to mention, look good in my closet, too! These four options above fit those requirements...even if one of them has a bit of a snakeskin pattern on it ;) (#4)

How are the neutrals in your closet? Stacked up or lacking?

*Sorry for the poor photoshop in the white heel!*

White Hot II

/ H&M sweater + skirt / Sunnies from NYC street vendor / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / Topshop purse / Fur Pouf from London trimming store / Primark platforms /

As much as I love an all white look, I love using white as a starting point for colors, too. Here, I mixed a favorite bright white sweater (love the sleeves!) with a cream colored old lace skirt from H&M. Working within a similar color palette is something that I like to play around with often, but not so much when it comes to neutrals. I love how this look started out simple and focused on the light colors and more on the shapes of the skirt and the sweaters' sleeves, and soon turned into a sort of Lula-esque floral and pink moment. That's probably one of the main ideas that I love about getting dressed-- you can have an idea in mind of who you want to be that day or of how you want to dress, and quickly, the pieces sort of combine themselves into your end point where you may have never even thought you'd end up. Does that ever happen to any of you?

White Hot

/ Primark Platforms /

In the past year or so platform sandals have been seen quite often. While I loved the look of them on other girls (often edgier or more grungy types) I was convinced it was just one of those styles that I wouldn't be able to pull off. In looking for a new summer go-to sandal, I stopped into Primark, an inexpensive favorite, while in London, tried these on and was instantly hooked. They are the perfect height where you can easily wear them with many different outfits and are comfortable for long days and errands of running around town. Not to mention, I love the loose straps around the ankle. Even though I am a sucker for a good black shoe, I loved  how bright the white appeared -- even if I don't have a great tan for it to work with ;)

Have you ever worn platform sandals? What's your favorite brand?

I'd love to know. 

Fresh for Fall

/ 1. Topshop Tank / 2. Forever 21 Jacket / 3. Topshop Skirt / 4. Forever 21 Sandals

After what felt like excruciating heat for about the past week (I totally forgot about no AC at school), the weather finally cooled a bit yesterday. While it was certainly still every bit sandal weather footwear-wise, getting to throw on a new favorite varsity jacket with the coolest quilting that I found for $18 the day before, made that exciting look towards fall a good one. With a black and white palette and faux leather jacket, metallic sandals in a similar style to the ones above, added the shine needed to take the simple palette to a sophisticated one, all while happily welcoming fall.

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

Tuesday Shoesday

Remember how in the past I had told you that I don't usually just go and buy shoes? Well, I promise, I really don't. However, with all of the amazing holiday sales that I have been seeing this summer, sometimes a good deal really is hard to resist. Zara seems to have been my most frequented location for a good sale lately, and these black and white combination heels were no exception. While I almost made it out of the store without them, their interesting slightly angular toes and backs, graphic little heel, and the fact that they made me feel a bit like Carrie Bradshaw after a Manolo trip--minus the crazy costs--finally got to me. As soon as I got home I began dreaming up what to pair them with, and it's safe to say that they are going to be a perfect go with anything pair of heels that manages to complete the rest of a look when you didn't even realize all of the potential. 

What do you think of these black and white Zara heels? Are you as big of a fan of them as I am?

Dress Up

Photo via Lee Oliveira

This week's dress up feature is one of my favorite warm weathered dress options lately. While quite daring and not for the shy stylista, it manages to come across as ladylike and polished, even though it is essentially completely see through. With all of the heat lately, sometimes clothes are the last thing that I want to throw on. This dress, though I'm not quite bold enough to attempt it yet, seems like the perfect piece for those days when the heat is unbearable. Also, the fact that it is see through opens up various opportunities to style the pieces underneath the dress. While in the image above she opted to match the white dress with white high waisted briefs and bra, it would be fun to attempt different colors, patterns, and textures, as well, such as neons, leathers, or stripes.

What do you think? Are you brave enough to attempt this look?

4th of July

Bebe top / Topshop pinafore (on sale!)  / Vintage heels / Michael Kors watch / Francesca's necklace / Brandy Melville Ring / Sunglasses from SoHo street vender / Target purse

You can't help but love the fourth of July. From the theme-dressing, fireworks and all out American birthday festivities, this is the perfect mid-summer holiday. While donning the American flag isn't so much my style, the classic colors of red, white, and blue certainly are. By layering a pretty white top over a cobalt pinafore and my favorite vintage heels borrowed from my mom for a little red, I came up with a look that is not only celebratory of the day, but fun to wear, as well.

Hope you all had an amazing fourth of July!

Tuesday Shoesday

When I ventured out of my traditional comfort zone when it comes to nails a few months ago and went with bright white, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a color that went with much more than I thought it would, instantly brightened up any outfit, and -dare I say- even made me look tanner! That alone was a miracle. When it comes to white shoes, however, I was slightly more skeptical. Difficult to keep clean, easily crossing over to tacky, and short lived (no white shoes after Labor Day, remember--ha), they seem quite difficult to pull off. However, I spotted these adorable twisted patent leather sandals from Prada and remembered how much I loved that white manicure. These would make a great alternative to a tan or black neutral that can be paired with nearly everything and, with its subtle detailed braiding, makes it simple-not boring. 

Would you try out a pair of white shoes? What about nails? 

Fluted Florals

/ H&M Jacket and Ring / Forever 21 Top and Necklace / Zara Skirt / Sam Edelman heels / Brandy Melville Arrow Ring / J.Crew Bracelet /

I always find it interesting how trends come in and out of style. Since the rise and fall of hi-low dresses and everything accented with a peplum, it is safe to say that one of the main current trends is none other than the fluted hem. I had my eye on this fluted floral skirt from Zara for a while, and when they had their sale last week, I caved. I haven't added something floral to my wardrobe in a while (mostly stripes and neutrals lately) and the colors in this skirt are so dreamy- while floral, they are not as overtly feminine as usual. When paired with my favorite frayed-edge button down, kelly green suede moto jacket, and lots of fun jewelry, this is an outfit that was perfect for my sunday best--even when I had nothing planned.

What do you think? Are you a fluted fan?

Dress Up

Have you all heard about Sabo Skirt? This fabulous online boutique from Australia sells all of those fun  pieces that scream Bondi Beach every season, even in the cooler months. For this week's Dress Up post, I knew that I wanted to feature one of my favorite dresses on their site, the Spanish Dress. I first saw this dress about a year ago from a picture and instantly fell in love. With off-the-shoulder styles being so popular right now, this dress is certainly on-trend. And, in a bright summer white, it is perfect for  all of those casual outdoor events that are happening now.

What do you think of this amazing little white dress?

School Boy

//Necklace, Blouse, and Jacket: Forever 21// Shorts: Zara//Heels: Vintage (gift from mom)//Ring: H&M//

I used to not really give much thought to white button-downs. I found them to be stuffy, difficult to keep clean, and boring. However, when I went to re-create a stylized version of a school uniform with my favorite varsity jacket, leather shorts, and short heels, this button down from Forever 21 proves to be that crisp white button-down that I'll be reaching for more often. With it's unfinished seams and slightly deconstructed and frayed edges, it has every bit of that uniform and polished look that I was looking for, but with the stylized qualities to keep it updated and current, as well.

//How amazing are these vintage heart heels? I'm absolutely head over heels in love--ha//

The Great Graphite

//Skirt: Forever 21//Tank: Topshop//Boots+Purse: Target//Watch: Michael Kors//Ring: H&M//Necklace: Street Vendor in Austin, TX//

Do you guys have certain things that you seemingly always buy on impulse? After a long dedication to pleated skirts, I thought that my love of them had dwindled and been brought to a close until I ventured into the clearance section at Forever 21 last week. Though this is the section usually filled with missing sequin clubbing skirts, drab faux furs, and assorted miscellaneous trinkets, this pleated graphite metallic skirt caught my eye. While the fabric is somewhat reminiscent of a trash-bag, in both the sound it makes and the texture, the $10 price tag and way it sparkled when it caught the light definitely caught my attention, as well. When I wore this skirt this past weekend, I kept the rest of the components of my outfit in the neutral range with my purse, boots, and minimal but still statement-worthy jewelry. Needless to say, my love of pleats is anything but shaken, and the clearance section at Forever 21 will definitely be more frequently visited.

Art Mod

//Dress: Forever 21// Necklace: From Austin, TX// Ring: H&M//Watch: Michael Kors//Shoes: Target//

When dressing in a hurry, I usually gravitate towards a flared skirt with a blouse or a classic fit-and-flare dress. However, this weekend in a hurry for mother's day brunch, I went straight for a simple mod-like black and white shift. While there isn't much shape to this particular style, it is comfortable enough for a day of festivities, but still put-together and timeless at the same time. We ended up venturing to a new part of Discovery Green in downtown Houston, and found the amazing sculpture, Monument Au Fantome by Jean Dubuffet. With the black, white, red, and cobalt blue of the sculpture, the black and white simple palette of my dress ended up being perfectly complementary.