Dress for Success

While I continue to fantasize about getting through the winter wearing dresses with the addition of tights and a coat, I am slowly realizing that it is not reality. In searching through enormous piles of magazines, blogs, and questioning friends, I am infatuated with the ways that pants and leggings can make an outfit still look as complete and put-together as my famed dresses would.

So, instead of wearing dresses, I decided to take inspiration from them and create sample outfits that were based on a current selection of dresses that I adore.

Rory Becca Inspired: Crazy for Cobalt

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1. The perfect, crisp coat in a fabulous color

2. Perfect fitting skinnies

3. A sweater as comfortable as it is chic

4. A similar style that's just as cute

Topshop inspired: Peach Perfection

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1. Pretty jeweled cardigan

2. Great grey pants

3. Such a delicate blouse in a feminine color

4. Just the right pop of glitter to any outfit

Asos Inspired: Green Machine

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1. Beautiful faux fur coat

2. Skinny jeans in an eye-popping shade

3. I love the cut of this blouse

4. Look at the subtle scalloped edges at the top

Asos Inspired: Black and White Affair

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1. A great lady-like coat

2. Little bit of leather

3. Delicate blouse with cute contrast

4. Loving the wine color on these booties

I hope that provides a bit of inspiration for the cooler months scheduled ahead. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Who's excited for Halloween?

S/S Fashion Week 2012

I'll leave you with my first completed skirt project as a fashion design major. Though nowhere near fabulous, I am learning a lot and am enjoying every minute of it!

{I apologize for the poor quality...phone camera}

Just some words of wisdom

{Something to think about from a truly inspirational person}
[http://pinterest.com/pin/312806964/]

Things to look forward to

{From left to right, a few of the besties from home: Julie, Cori, Tori, Ronit, and me at our senior dinner this past June}
[Dress: Forever 21, Necklace: Francesca's, Shoes (not shown): Jessica Simpson, Watch (not shown): Michael Kors]

Last night I was catching up with my friend Julie over everything on Pinterest, Project Runway, and online shopping, when  we realized how excited we were to all see each other in basically a little over a month for Thanksgiving. While obviously each of us have made an abundance of friends in our past few months of being freshmen in college, nothing beats the hugs from the people that have known you for as long as you can remember. We got on the topic of having a "Friend Thanksgiving" party. As a lover of all things celebration worthy, what could be better than celebrating the thanks that we have for each other as friends as a chance to all see each other again over good food, stories, and great company.

Here are some ideas I have been inspired by lately:

{Thanksgiving Oreos}
[ourbestbites.com]

{Simple touches that make even the most home-made treats extra special}

[marthastewart.com]

{All things orange...'Cuse anyone?}

[amairi.tumblr.com]

{Cute and easy place settings that set the theme and season}

[bhg.com]

I am counting down the days until I hop on that plane and head home to see my family, friends, and hometown. For now though, party planning until then will just have to do.

Quick

With the first week of October in upstate New York finally under my belt, I am holding on to the last bit of time that I can wear dresses, like it is the most important thing. Ever. With the day being beautiful--just how October should be, my outfit consisted of a light long-sleeved dress (in white and black stripes) and classic oxfords. This day near the autumn leaves and slightly crisper air, just right.
{Dress: Zara, Oxfords: Madewell, Watch: Michael Kors}

New Year, New Traditions

Today and yesterday was the holiday of Yom Kippur. This holiday is a time to reflect on the wrongdoings that we as people have done in the past year and to think of ways in which we can improve in the future. Usually during this holiday and this time of year, I'm at home surrounded by my family and friends. We get dressed in our best and spend hours at services with those that we care about, those we have wronged, and those that love us regardless. However, being a freshman at Syracuse this year, I am without that. I am without my sister and I making origami figures out of the brochures in the synagogue, without the break fast after a long day of empty bellies at my cousins house, and without my family to share it all with. Here, I found a new family. I went to services at Hillel (a place I never imagined I would spend as much time as I have), joined friends for breakfast with black and white cookies, and spent the day in between working on homework in the studio. For a holiday as important during the year as this, I feel that this new year (not only literally, but a new year of school at a new place) it is a great step to find new ways to continue traditions usually held during special holidays, and to start new ones as well. Mine so far, have been spent looking up Awkward Family Photos, and indulging in the Lekach (traditional honey cake) that my mom made and sent to me as she does for each member of the family (near or far).
So, in the spirit of the holiday, I apologize to anyone for anything that I have said out of jealousy, anger, ignorance, or anything that might have been offensive or uncomfortable. I will try and improve in the future.
Now about that honey cake!...

What's In a Name?

Think of everything with a name or title. A person, your favorite restaurant, clothing line, or beloved pet. A lot of time and detail goes into making sure that the name of that specific thing is perfect. For me, this is the case with this blog.
For literally the past three years, I have lusted after the idea of having a blog; a space of my own where I can post inspiration, share with others, and combine my love for all things fashion and style related. However, though I dreamt up dozens of ideas about the blog itself (posts, layout, what I wanted to say...) I couldn't actually see it come together and make it real without a title.
Upon doing some summer cleaning this past August and sorting things to keep and rid of, I counted how many dresses were in my closet, after I had been questioned on the amount many times before. I ended up with 75. Dresses are my all time favorite article of clothing. They are an outfit in themselves and always make me feel put-together and girly. Since that summer cleaning, I have attained at least (if not more) ten more dresses...coming to about 85. Hence. 85 Dresses.
I hope you all enjoy.