Winter Scarves

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I never really understood the importance of a good scarf until I went to school in upstate New York. While jackets and heavy sweaters are definitely an important factor to winter dressing, scarves are surely the needed finishing touch. Aside from winter and a heavy chunky grey scarf that I wear almost daily in the winter months at Syracuse, I was never one to have a collection of scarves. I met up with a couple of friends from high school yesterday who were both wearing scarves (one, a lilac-y purple, and the other a darker floral). It got me thinking that when we live in colder climates with so many pieces that are worn daily (heavy boots, down coat, scarves, mittens...) why not have a few different colors of the smaller things like the mittens and scarves to keep the long season a little brighter and not as drab as typical blacks and grays--as much as we love those.  In the image above, I have gathered five varying styles that I would love to tuck underneath my jacket to keep warm while not jeopardizing in the style department, as well. Fun fact, the Zara piece (4) has chain running through it!

Do you use scarves in the winter? What's your go-to style?

The Pink Coat

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If you've been paying any attention to fashion trends since the Fall/Winter fashion shows this past February, you are well aware that pastel coats and warm weathered wear in non-traditional colors are everywhere! Carven Fall/Winter '13 I'm looking at you. Ever since I noticed how suprisingly wearable the pink coat can be, I have been on the hunt for the perfect style. To counteract the super feminine quality of the pink, a style in a more relaxed and masculine shape will keep it from looking too sweet, as well as a color that is either a dusty pink or more coral version--though the pale baby pink versions do have me picking them up off the shelves. Above I have compiled six varying shades of pink coats. From H&M and Topshop versions (1 and 2) to luxe styles like the vintage Courreges (3) or Elizabeth and James (6), each have elements that make them special and unique. I tried on the Topshop one (2) a few weeks ago and the cut and material had me styling look after look in my head.

So, what do you think? Would you wear a pink coat? Which of the above styles is your favorite?

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