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.

Marit

GAP jacket / Anthropologie "Marit" dress / Target booties (old!) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michael Kors watch

As hard as it is to believe, it is actually pretty rare that I try on a dress and am absolutely in love with everything about it. Usually it hangs strange on me, or my proportions are off, or it's "just not for me". However, this Anthropologie dress by brand Vanessa Virginia, was an exception. I saw it this past summer and was drawn to the beautiful embroidery, delicate sleeves, and unique slate blue color. Like most pieces at Anthro, it was a pretty penny, so I left without it. Much to my online browsing habit, a few months ago it was incredibly marked down, and I was thrilled when it arrived just as I had remembered it. 

Winters in Texas are bizarre and these were actually taken over Thanksgiving where it was colder than it is now if you can believe it. I love how this dress looks with a leather jacket and some suede ankle boots. Which, if you live here, you know is perfect for this time of year. 

If you're as obsessed with this dress as I am, it's still on sale! 

Happy Hanukkah!

Tuesday Shoesday

In this seemingly never-ending hunt for the perfect ankle boot to replace my beloved pair from Target, I have realized a few qualities that I had in the back of my mind when determining whether or not a pair would make the cut. The first importance was that I realized that my foot looks best with an elongated and pointed toe instead of a short and round one. I love the look of a long toe and I had noticed that all of my favorite boots (ex: the leopard chelsea ones) have this feature. Aside from the length of the actual shoe, I appreciate a shoe that has a good quality to it when it comes to ankle boots and not one that is delicate. I like one that looks a little rugged and sort of worker-boot like. Enter, Gap's Chelsea booties. I had gone to the store a few weeks ago and there was the black pair. Someone had returned them and as soon as I tried them on I thought that my endless hunt for these perfect ankle boots had ended. While I didn't end up leaving the store with them in hand (or on my feet...), I know now that in addition to Gap being perfect for all of my go-to items, that their boots are on point, as well.

Also, even though I had been looking for black, I am really loving the grey and brown options, too! What are your favorites? 

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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Denim Swap

/ GAP denim jacket / Aqua (Bloomingdales) romper / Primark shoes / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman Ring /

After a few days lacking in any plans, I was tired of changing into my new found routine of pajamas to denim boyfriend shorts and grey t-shirt combination. Instead, I reached for the comfort of the denim, but with jungle-like peacock embroideries and a classic black romper and strappy sandals, left me feeling a little bit better than I had the past few days. It's amazing how sometimes all that you need to get out of a style funk is swapping the fit and a few pieces.

What pieces do you reach for to fix your style rut?

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!*

Very Versailles

/ Jacket: GAP / Dress: Zara (old) / Belt + Ankle Boots: Target / Tights: H&M / Sunnies: NYC Street Vendor                           / Lipstick: Revlon / 

Again, I apologize for delayed posts. Since getting back from our early Spring Break, trip to Paris and Italy, and all of the assignments, I've been pretty exhausted. Still, I'm workin' on it to bring back the frequent content to 85 Dresses. 

As a result of the delay, these photos were taken a few weeks ago on our last day in Paris at the incredible Versailles. As this was my first (!) trip to Paris, traveling to Versailles for the day was extremely exciting, as it is a place that like many others, I had learned about in school and couldn't wait to see the luxury of it in person. While I found Paris overall to be fairly fancy and formal, when it came to getting dressed for Versailles, I figured that a gold sequin belt, classic red lipstick in my favorite shade, and rose adorned sunglasses were musts. Couldn't you picture Marie Antoinette having dozens of these sunnies if she lived during our time? To keep all of the extras a little toned down (but still with the pizazz that they add to the look) pairing them with a classic pleated dress and leather jacket created the effect that I was going for to feel a little extra glam for a place that was definitely full of it, too!

Style Photos by Indradevi Nuon

Three Ways: Lace Overalls Part I

/ Top: Zara (old) / Sweatshirt: Forever 21 / Overalls: Necessary Clothing / Purse: Zara / Heels: Zara / Necklace: Francesca's Collections /

I hope that everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with family, friends, and loved ones. Being home in Texas was a much needed break. I know If you follow me on Instagram (leshkoln), I had promised this post would be up on Thursday. However, I decided to take time and be with family instead so this series is here this week instead.

I am not a fan of denim overalls at all. Unless you have stats of a supermodel, I find them to be unflattering on mostly all that attempt at them. However, when I saw these black lace ones this past summer at Necessary Clothing in New York City, I decided overalls are acceptable in lace (and obviously leather versions). To show how wearable and versatile they can be, this week I have shot them in three ways. Today, I chose to feature them in the form of pants layered under a denim button-down and new favorite sweatshirt. For some reason when I was getting dressed, denim just seemed like an obvious pairing for the black lace. I love how they are a straight style, but have a wider opening at the leg that I think looks fabulous with heels. With built-in solid shorts at the top, the sheerness is wearable for day-time but still able to be easily dressed up and styled for a night out. 

What do you think of overalls styled this way? Stay tuned for part II of this series on Wednesday.

Dress Up

/  The 1960's Decade: Mine is the one in the center /

For today's Dress Up post, instead of a dress that I would love to own, we are featuring one that I actually made. The Junior fashion design class puts on a fashion show near the end of their fall semester and this year the theme was Fashion After Five: The Clothes and Culture of the Cocktail Hour. Each Junior was assigned a decade from 1920's-1990's and created a classic LBD inspired by that decade. As you can see in the caption above, my decade was the 1960's. The show was last Wednesday November 15th at the Onondaga Historical Association in Syracuse, NY. Most exciting news of all? Each decade had two winning pieces that will get to be displayed in the museum until June. One of the winners from the 1960's decade? Yours truly. The same people in our class always win, so it was exciting to see some other fellow classmates get the chance, as well.  The other winner from the 60's is the dress second from the right in the image above. 

/ Original 1960's Inspiration Board /

My initial inspiration started with the board above. I knew I wanted to use wool and a heavier fabric and knew I wanted a high collar, and after my two rounds of 25 rough sketches, I knew what I wanted to make. Oddly enough, it turned out almost exactly as I had planned. 

/ Close-up of the collar that I beaded and earrings I made /

/ L: My dress the night before the show putting finishing touches on / R: My beautiful model, sorority sister, and friend, Brittany looking perfectly mod /

/ Lining up for the show /

/ Post-show with Brittany and my mom who surprised me with her visit /

Thanks again to everyone who came to see the show! It was really great to be able to share our hard work with people other than classmates and professors for once. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm back home in Texas for the week for the holiday soaking up some warm weather and family.

Dark Florals

Turtleneck: Salvation Army-Syracuse / Skirt: Forever 21 / Boots: Target / Purse: Zara / Necklace: Style Lately c/o / Watch: Michael Kors

Like most people, I have a love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Often too tight around the neck, they can look rather stuffy and conservative. But, done well, they can look very sleek, mod and put together. After deeming all of my ratty old turtlenecks as the former description, I began a rather long hunt for the perfect new version. It had to be not too tight around the neck, comfortable and have a slightly boxy fit. Almost convinced it didn't exist, I finally found it at Syracuse's Salvation Army for a few dollars, and I'm in love. This quilted mini skirt from Forever 21 is interesting not only for the dark floral pattern (which I'm always fond of), but for it's quilted detailing. It's rather short, so what better to balance it out with than a long-sleeved turtleneck? Keeping proportions in check can usually make or break any outfit but by pairing long sleeves with a mini you'll be fine for sure.

How do you feel about turtlenecks? I'd love to hear.

Tuesday Shoesday

I've had a slight obsession with the Miu Miu crystal heel pieces ever since I first saw them. However, with their prices nearing the thousand dollar range, they are out of the question for now. While there have been plenty of 'inspired-by' pieces since the Miu Miu version first emerged, I haven't found a pair that have done the original justice--until now. I stopped into Urban Outfitters last week and like a typical magpie, was immediately attracted to the jeweled heel version by one of Urban's brands, Cooperative. Comfortable, dainty--but sturdy enough, sleek, and obviously pretty, this pair had a much more budget-friendly price ($58) and would allow me to have a bit of that Miu Miu style, without the designer price. Bonus reason? This pair has a whole additional row of crystals. Sparkle much? I may need to venture to Urban and actually pick them up-they're definitely a great shoe for the upcoming holiday season!

What do you think about the Cooperative Jeweled Heel? Would you still save up for the original?

Camouflage

/ Dress: Joe Fresh via JC Penney / Vest: H&M / Purse: Zara / Heels: Ellen Tracey / Watch : Michael Kors / Necklace: Style Lately c/o /

Well, hey, 85 Dresses. It's been a while, but I am happy to be back. It's been a crazy few weeks and I have some exciting news! We had our Junior fashion show this past week and two designers from each decade (20's through 90's) were chosen to have their garment displayed in the Onondaga Historical Association as a part of their Fashion After Five exhibit and mine is one of the two that won from the 1960's decade. So, if you find yourself in Syracuse, NY, go check it out soon. It'll be there until May or June.

Anyway, this post is full of firsts. First fashion win, first fur vest, first time in camouflage, and first blogging gift. After having searched forever for the perfect faux fur vest, I finally found it and am slightly embarrassed to say that I wore it 5 days in a row last week. This H&M vest fit all of the checkpoints on my list from length to texture, and I am obsessed. The camouflage dress from Joe Fresh is one of those pieces that I saw and knew I had to have (on sale at JC Penney) and immediately put together this outfit in my head when trying it on. It's perfectly fitted but relaxed and although it's full-on camo, is surprisingly wearable. The fabulous necklace is a gift from Style Lately. Recently I've been really into small and delicate necklaces, and when given the choice to choose from their collection of statement jewelry pieces, I decided to get back into my love of chunky necklaces and chose this triangle crystal piece. I love how it's bold and certainly makes a statement, but at the same time goes so effortlessly with everything from buttoned-up blouses to chunky sweaters and everything in between. Thanks, Style Lately!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday! xo

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! 

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?

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.

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?

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

Dress Up

One of the pieces that I feel doesn't get as much attention as it should is the classic slinky slip dress. This style is the perfect starting point for any look, in that basically anything can be added to it, and will usually work. Slip dresses are easy to wear, versatile, and can easily pull of the effortless look--even if you put a lot of thought into what you paired with it. This week's 'Dress Up' feature is this Floral Satin Slip dress from Topshop. While simple in shape and cut, the floral patterns aren't common when it comes to florals, and are in a much more sophisticated and abstract manner. A piece like this is also ideal for transitional weather, like what we have been having here in Upstate New York. For cooler days, pairing it with a leather jacket and black booties will help to make the floral even less feminine and more edgy, while throwing on a dark wash chambray left open with a pair of neutral flats will keep the look more casual. If you really want to be a fashion risk taker, opt for this upcoming seasons' huge trend of mixing florals and plaids by tying a plaid button-down loosely around your waist, or wear it open, as well. 

What do you think of the Floral Satin Slip Dress? How would you style it? I'd love to hear!

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.