Dress Up

{Pick of the Week}

Prints and Patterns are some of the qualities of a garment that I really appreciate. While I do love designs like this or even this, sometimes they can get too cutesy and come across juvenile on me. The pick for this week is one that I feel is the perfect representation of a print that I love. The playing cards are playful and fun to wear, but it is a dress that can easily be styled various ways either with polka dot tights (as seen in the picture), a leather vest, or a really fun metal collar necklace to wear underneath the collar of the actual dress. And, with the length short but the sleeves long, the print is not too overwhelming on a large garment, and has just the right amount of whimsical appeal. 

What is everyone up to this weekend? Yesterday was my birthday and my friends and family helped me celebrate in so many ways. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

{via}

As a college student, finding a solid place to sit and work can sometimes be difficult. Whether the library is too crowded, the common area is too loud, or your dorm room too cramped, there never seems to be the ideal space. While usually I prefer to work on large tables instead of confined desks, the photograph above is one that could definitely transfer my working habits over to the desk side. The white Parsons desk is a favorite among many for its sleek and modern design, and the combination of the glossy white desk and clear lucite chair always feels fresh and inviting. With the fabric board behind ready for pinnings of inspiration or latest projects, and with little touches like a chevron pencil holder, flowers, and a lilac ampersand, this is definitely an ideal space for the creative student.

Do you have a preferable space for doing work? 

Person of Interest: Miroslava Duma

{all images found on Pinterest}

While there are definitely extensive lists upon lists of inspirational dressers in the fashion industry, Miroslava Duma is one of the ones that repeatedly stands out in a unique, incredible, and constantly inspiring way. As the former editor for Harper's Bazaar (Russia) and now a freelance writer for various publications, Duma is one industry regular that repeatedly takes risks in color choices, pattern combinations, and her love of large and intricate jewelry pieces--especially necklaces. And, at only 25 years of age, she is definitely an accomplished woman in so many areas of the fashion community.

How have you all been enjoying the new lineup? Are there any People of Interest that you feel are really inspiring or would like to share? I would love to hear.

Tuesday Shoesday

{The Shoesday pick of the week}

Though summer is soon coming to an end, sandals are staples throughout the year in various parts of the states. When home in Texas, we can easily be having Thanksgiving outside and no doubt, sandals are definitely seen. While many prefer sandals that are solid neutrals like grey, white, tan, or black, there are infinitely more color options that can be just as neutral and add a little more flair to your feet, as well. This pair combines yellow (which can also act as a neutral) with a more typical neutral of tan, and can be worn just as similar in how you would wear more traditional neutrals. And, while on sale for under ten dollars, if this yellow-as-a-neutral is a trend that you just want to test out, this is a great way to start.

Do you wear any colors as if they were neutrals?

Announcement

Hey, everyone! Okay, so with the 2012-2013 school year kicking off today, In anticipation for the workload I'm about to endure I came up with a way to still actively take part in this blog by switching a few things up. As you see above, I have come up with a weekly lineup of posts for all of you to enjoy. Here is a bit more detail about what you will see involving each one:

Monday- A to Z: In this post, each week I will focus on a different letter of the alphabet to share with all of you. Whether it be an interesting or favorite Artist, an incredible Typeface, or Beauty trend worth noting, this is what Monday's will be for. To kick off the week, we will obviously kick off with the beginning of the alphabet. So, starting next Monday, look out for the first addition to this feature--A

Tuesday- Shoesday: Tuesday will be dedicated for all of you shoe lovers. Tuesday will be filled with either a few or highlighting one pair of truly swoon-worthy shoes. If you're a fan of brogues, ballerina flats, or boots, Tuesday will be your day. 

Wednesday- Person of Interest: "POI" will highlight a specific lad or lady who is specifically inspiring either in their way of dress, career, or anything really. Wednesday's posts are to show the inspirational people who style their clothing in ways that really are of interest to me in many different ways. 

Thursday- Home Improvement: If you've ever been interested in re-decorating, moving into a new space, or trying to figure out what style you want to go after for your new home, Thursdays will be all about that. Here, I will feature certain rooms or complete houses that are seemingly perfect in their layout or execution. 

Friday- Dress Up: Finally, Friday's Dress Up series will remain the same. To restate this post, Fridays are to showcase a specific dream worthy dress either in itself or a specific dress by a designer that is particularly inspirational that week.

So, I hope that you are fond of the new line-up here on 85 Dresses. Daily outfits posts will be back again. For now, they are taking their own vacation as we fall back into the school year.

Enjoy and look out for Tuesday's first Shoesday post!

Denim on Denim

{Forever 21 shirt, GAP jeans, Banana Republic shoes, Michael Kors watch, Bracelets from random venders, and Revlon's "Orange Flip" lipstick}

If there's anything that I have realized about versatility lately, it's that a denim shirt can be just as versatile as a classic plain t-shirt. I have always thought that by pairing a denim or chambray button down with jeans is a casual look that manages to look effortlessly put together in the most fabulous of ways. While usually suggested that one article of clothing is kept in a lighter wash to form more contrast, I decided to take the lighter route all the way but created contrast with the boxiness of the top, patches on the jeans, and a pop of bright lipstick.

{Current favorite nail style: Revlon's "Minted" tipped with gold}

Dress Up

{Pick of the Week}

This week's pick is one that is perfect for anyone who has a soft spot for whimsy. Upon first view of this dress, my first thought was that the appliqués reminded me of the little jewel toned foils that were used for projects and crafts when I was younger. I love the way that the colorful shapes stand out against the cream dress, and by adding a detachable collar, the look is able to be taken from charming to trendier and a little more bold with the ease of a button. 

P.S. I'm kind of digging this model's haircut. What do you think?

Birthday in Black

{Dress: RACHEL Rachel Roy, Watch: Michael Kors, Bracelets: Random stores in NYC and TX, Shoes: Steve Madden, and Revlon's "Orange Flip" lipstick}

I leave to head back to Syracuse for my Sophomore year today. Though my birthday is a week from today, I celebrated last night with my family while I was still at home. This dress is great for an event or celebration. With it's sparkly skirt and ultra interesting top that sort of reminds me of a combination of a vest and suspenders, and with a skinny strap along the spine, this is a piece that really feels perfect for a special occasion. By adding a bright orange-red lip and a couple random bracelets, this otherwise all black ensemble still has a colorful aspect, as well. 

Necklace DIY

{Original Necklace: Forever 21, T-shirt: Target}

Like most accessory fanatics, I have definitely purchased my fair share of neon and bright colored cocktail jewelry. Remembering this post from last year, I turned my slow day into one of a craft that to much surprise, turned out just as how I had hoped. I wanted to use a combination of pastels and brights to fit in with some of my favorite styles right now. Overall, it was easy, fun to do, and was a great way to add an accessory to my wardrobe.

{Colors used: ette's "Coral", Sinful Colors's "Forget Now", N.Y.C's "#110A", Essie's "Vermillionaire", and Revlon's "Minted"}

{I did two coats for each color so that I wouldn't see the original crystal underneath}

{Finished Product}

Do you ever attempt DIY projects? What are some of your favorites?

Monofoamatic

{Zara t-shirt, Necessary Clothing belt, Nine 3 Two skirt (from Nordstrom Rack), Tory Burch sandals (borrowed from mom), Michael Kors watch,  American Eagle necklace, and Anthropologie sunglasses}

So, remember this post? Well, after seeing how perfectly this sea foam skirt matched this incredibly soft Zara t-shirt, I figured I should give the colored monochrome look a try. With one of the trends from this summer being to mix the popularity of spring pastels with summers love of brights, I added my favorite neon belt to an otherwise pastel look, to create my first attempt at a colored monochrome style. 

{Went kind of nail happy at Sephora the other day}

Texas Ballerina

{Zara top, Forever 21 belt, GAP skirt, Steve Madden oxfords, and Michael Kors watch}

This past week I spent a solid few days cleaning out my mess of a closet. Tucked behind old uniform skirts and pieces that haven't fit since middle school, I found this skirt. When I bought this years ago, it was about mid-calf length. However, now that I have grown, I love how it is sort of like the length and style of a tutu, but with a more prairie feel. And, when paired with a denim button down and pink oxfords, has the perfect mix of feminine frills and a little bit of Texas.

Dress Up

{Pick of the Week}

Red is a color that makes an impact regardless of what it is attached to. Being such a powerful color that creates such a statement, it is sometimes the best in small doses such as red lipstick, a pair of fabulous stilletoes, or nail polish. However, in this case, a dress covered in red makes even bigger of a statement in the same ever classic way. And, with it's jeweled neckline, this Zara dress is already prepped with a necklace and ready to wear. 

I kicked off my last weekend home with a friends birthday on the beach.

What are you all up to this weekend?

Summer Stripes

{Forever 21 dress, purse, and necklace, Sam Edelman heels, and Michael Kors watch}

Although the summer is soon over, the favorite summer stripes can easily transition into fall by trading navy nautical stripes for more autumn colors. I love the way that by adding a bright orange bag, shoes and a necklace in pearl hues, and gold and coral accents can really elevate this dress to something other than just another striped dress. And, with the low-cut back that ends with a bow, helps to finish off the look overall.

Denim Dots Dazzle

{Forever 21 shirt, Topshop pants and heels, and Michael Kors watch}

One of the infinite reasons that I love fashion is that there are literally endless opportunities to meld together new looks from different pieces. While I usually reserve this baggy denim button down for an easy throw on top, when worn with fuzzy dotted powder blue pants (!) and glittery Mary-Jane's, this is one combination that has the perfect mix of trendy and classic. 

BlackWhiteBright

{BDG top and shorts, Michael Kors watch, Christian Siriano purse, and Steve Madden shoes}

The neon trend has been around long enough for there to be different ways that people prefer to pull it off. While going full out neon is definitely a statement style, I prefer my neon measured out in smaller doses. A full neon look may appear more summery, but wearing accent pieces in piercing hues can work year round and still have the same statement effect. So whether you choose a belt, a pair of amazing heels, or a great chartreuse purse like this one, neon accessories are a way to work this bright trend for longer than just the summer.

Where to Wear What

{Forever 21 leotard, Zara skirt, Topshop necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Sam Edelman heels}

The concept of dress codes is quite an interesting one. There are the ones that we feel we must obey by such as "Black Tie" and ones that are more obscure and open-ended like "Dressy Casual" or "Festive." Of course, there are also always those who show up in whatever they please because they feel like it. For my dad's birthday this weekend, we had a late afternoon lunch. While dinner plans seem to be of the dressier nature, I took this late afternoon party to mean "Dressy Casual", or at least my version of it. By dressing up a simple black leotard with a turquoise lace skirt, neon enameled necklace, and throwing on a pair of heels, this was a great combination to feel put together, without feeling out of place.

{The heel on these is so perfectly unexpected. Lovely, right?}

Happy Birthday, dad

Dress Up

{Pick of the Week}

I have been absolutely in love with pairing grey tops and white bottoms since I saw this picture. Grey and white create an ideal combination in that they appear so basic and natural, but are more interesting and uncommon than the usual black and white or navy and white match. The dress for this week is just all of those things. With a laid back and loose fitting racerback top paired with a sheer tulip style skirt, this is a dress that is easy to wear and can be easily styled up or down depending on the occasion because of it's perfect median between casual and elegance. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Different Dots

{Forever 21 dress, Via Spiga heels, and Michael Kors watch}

It's funny how the way of dress is different depending on where you are. While southern women are known for their love of "getting dressed", since I've been home, I've noticed mostly a parade of casual attire. I love how this dress is sort of a median between casual and that little bit extra. And, although it looks like just another polka dotted dress, with dots that are slightly buzzed in appearance, bell sleeves, and a triangular cutout in the back, it really is anything but that.