Off the Shoulder

/ Forever 21 dress / Primark clutch / Christian Siriano heels / David Yurman ring / Necklace from Austin, TX / 

One of my favorite trends that's been popping up everywhere is the off-the-shoulder trend. I've already picked up a few other styles featuring this look, but this Forever 21 dress is definitely my favorite. The combination of blue and indigo flowers remind me of Texas bluebonnets, and the ruffled off-the-shoulder sections feel so fluttery and romantic when paired with seafoam pointed-toe pumps and swept back hair.

Have you tried out this off-the-shoulder trend at all? I'd love to hear.

Hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable weekend. Happy Monday! (and Cinco de Mayo!)

Black + White

/ Dress by Me / Necessary Clothing belt / Primark clutch / David Yurman ring / Zara heels /

Lately I've been particularly drawn to bold black and white stripes. There's something about them to me that is so classic and stylish, and I love when there are touches of color to accent them off. I made this knit dress my sophomore year and had never worn it, so when I saw the black and white striped bell sleeves peeking out of my rack in my closet, immediately I went for it. The fabric is two-sided (one with stripes the other with polka dots) and the play on the combination with the fun sleeves and sort of scalloped hem made it a dress that I will definitely be putting on more frequently in the future.

What do you all think? Do you like it? I'd love to hear feedback. 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week! 

Earthy

/ H&M T-shirt / Francesca's Collection Necklace / Skirt + Clutch by me / Zara Heels / Michael Kors Watch / David Yurman Ring /

 Happy Earth Day, everyone! I love the opportunity to dress for a specific theme or holiday, and Earth Day is no exception! When it comes to Earth Day and the environment in general, the first thing that comes to mind are trees and the color green. I made this pencil skirt last year and figured that the palm tree print was both on trend (so many tropic prints lately!) and suitable for the occasion. The combination of a t-shirt, pencil skirt, and heels is one that is hard to go wrong with, and by quickly tying the top into a simple knot keeps the prim pencil skirt and kitten heels a little less fussy.

How are you all celebrating Earth Day?

Preppy Pairings

/ Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Skirt: J.Crew (old from sister) / Belt: Target / Necklace: Francesca's Collections / Watch: Michael Kors / Boots: 9 West / Ring: David Yurman / 

Well hello, 85 Dresses! It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I have missed this little blog so much, and looking through photos I realized that I hadn't posted this look that I said that I would. If you didn't know, I am currently in London studying abroad at The London College of Fashion. It's going amazingly so far, and I am doing daily updates on my travel blog if you would like to read a bit more about it. For now, 85 Dresses will be running a little slower (as you have noticed), but I promise, not forgotten!

Now to the important things---the outfit! I have many different styles, but I think that one of the first styles that I ever noticed to really start to form once I became obsessed with fashion was classic prep. When I think of classic prep, I think of J.Crew catalogues and lots of plaid and riding boots. This look is one that I had wanted to try out for a while, but was one of those that I just never did. I always knew that with staples like a perfect plaid button down and riding boots with fun additions like a gold glittered belt, gold accessories, and a velvet skirt would take that classic prep that I fell in love with at the beginning, and give it a fresh update to make it more prep with a pinch, as I might call it. :)