Person of Interest: Amanda Brooks

Growing up in Bronxville, NY and Palm Beach, Florida, Amanda Brooks was always surrounded with style and influential people. Beginning with her parents who met through a mutual friend, Lilly Pulitizer, to being a student at Brown University studying photography and having Carolina Herrera's daughter, Patricia as her roommate, to dating DVF's son, Alexander, Amanda was destined to be not only a regular in the social world of fashion, but in being a part of it creatively, as well. Her interest in photography led her to an internship with famed fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier. Following photography, she then became the muse and former creative director of Tuleh, and contributed to Vogue. However, in addition to her involvement in various parts of the industry, it is said to have been her blog, "I Love Your Style" that played a key role in her hire for her position as Fashion Director for Barney's. After a year of this position, she has since moved to Oxfordshire, England with her husband and two children inspired by the blog, "The Pioneer Woman" to show that she is able to write about fashion from a different perspective, as well as citing "I've spent my entire career devoted to the vision of others,""This year away is for introspection. For myself."

Amanda Brooks has one of those styles that I admire for their sense of no-fuss perfection. From some of the photos in the image above, she manages to form her put together style with minimal elements that still come across as complete. From a basic button down and pencil skirt with heels, or simple peach dress with a pop of color for a bag, it is this act of simplicity to which I am drawn. Having been cited as not fussy when it comes to fashion, you can tell from the way that she wears the clothes, as well as the actual clothes that she is wearing. Amanda reminds us that there is something important about knowing how to wear simple pieces well, and that prints and patterns (while keeping the shapes and cut of the garments simple), can keep your outfit interesting and full of style.

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Tuesday Shoesday

Though my love for loafers has since taken over, for a while I was oxford obsessed. I paired the Madewell ones that my sister passed down to me with everything from casual shorts to more formal dresses and always felt that they provided the perfect dose of menswear quality to balance off my typically feminine outfits. Until this pair by Deena & Ozzy, I thought that I was surely done with oxfords. They sort of remind me of glass slippers in the sense that they are iridescent, which I clearly have been drawn to lately. Completely opposite of my Madewell pair, instead of providing a menswear addition to a feminine outfit, this pair appears feminine due to their less clunky shape and size and their shiny exterior.

Do you prefer more feminine or traditional style oxfords?

Cream

{J.Crew trench, Urban top, H&M skirt, Sam Edelman heels, and Michael Kors watch}

Though there is snow on the ground at Syracuse, spring clothes, styles, and colors are already on my mind. While it was slightly warmer than usual at home in Houston last week, I took an all neutral and light approach to dressing in full-on cream and ivories. Though this outfit is monochromatic, I played up the unique textures in the sheer knit top and the scale-like quality on these Sam Edelman heels. 

Do you dress monochromatically? Which color is your favorite to work with?

Dress Up

Originally, one of the qualities of dresses that I loved was their easy wearability in addition to being able to maintain a put-together look. This week's dress by Sister Jane is exactly that. While it is a fairly simple dress (shape wise), the slightly puffed sleeves, gathered pleating, and embellished Peter Pan collar, make it seem more formal to wear than it actually is. With the sort of tan-salmon overall color of this style it also becomes quite a neutral palette when it comes to pairing it with fun jackets or shoes. Accessory speaking, necklaces are not needed--but always welcome-- as the embellishments make plenty of sparkle around the neck.

Have a great weekend!

Bright + Metallic

    Forever 21 sweater and necklace//Topshop vest//Christian Siriano skirt//Michael Kors watch//and Steve Madden shoes

Pencil skirts are one of those basic styles that every girl should have in her closet. This Christian Siriano pencil skirt, however, is anything but basic. With the metallic gold and silver threads that run through it and perfect length, only minimal jewelry is required because is is decorative in itself. In pairing a few key but simple pieces like my bright fuchsia sweater and a faux leather vest for a little warmth with the look, the skirt is still the main focus, while working with the rest of the outfit, as well. 

Paillettes

Zara t-shirt//Forever 21 skirt//Steve Madden shoes// Michael Kors watch

Recently I have been increasingly drawn to standout pieces of clothing. While they can be frustrating to keep up with, there is something about their uniqueness and overall fun quality to wear that makes it all worth wile. When I saw this skirt with it's iridescent paillettes, I was in love with not only the colors that the circles created when the light caught them, but also the way that it sounded and swayed when I moved. With such a statement piece, as this skirt is, I found it best paired with solid tops such as a plain black t-shirt and super high chunky wedges. 

Twenty Twelve

Two thousand and twelve was a great year. From being initiated into an amazing sorority, spending the summer in New York City with two internships, and being back at Syracuse University for my sophomore year.  I am so thankful for everyone that reads 85 Dresses and promise to keep it up in the new year. Here are twelve of my favorite posts from 2012.

Happy 2013, everyone! As amazing as 2012 was, here's to the new year and hope it's just as great!

Love, Leah