twenty fourteen

Well, 2014, you've certainly had your ups and downs and it's amazing to think how much can happen in a year. I'm so thankful for all of the growing periods that have happened this year from starting off the year heading to London for a semester abroad at one of the most amazing schools (University of the Arts, London: London College of Fashion), and getting to travel to Florence and Paris, graduating from the first of my two schools this year (Syracuse will be in May!), having two amazing internships this summer where I learned so much not only about the fields that I was working in, but about the companies and really understanding the brands, having the honor of being featured in our school paper about my collection and blogging, and beginning to work hard on my senior collection that will be shown in April. I know that this year so far 85 Dresses hasn't seen as many posts as I would like, and don't worry--that is a resolution that I plan on keeping is to get back to a regular posting schedule. 2 0 1 5 is a big year and a year of a lot of firsts and becoming somewhat of a "real adult" which is obviously a combination of pure excitement and fear. But, I have a feeling it will be pretty fabulous. Here's a few of my favorites from this past year:  

London Fashion Week

In a skirt I made (above) + a pantsuit I made (below)

Turning 21

Being featured in our school paper, The Daily Orange

Updated Classic

/ Forever 21 Raincoat (old) / Hunter boots / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michaels puff /

As I am sure everyone is aware of, I have an obsession with coats. (faux) fur, leather, wool, pink, blue or camel, I am not that picky. So, when I thought I needed a raincoat for the few rainy days that were the beginning of my time being home here in Houston, I discovered this old favorite in the back of my closet. During drab and rainy days, sometimes pulling out a raincoat that looks the opposite of drab is all that you need to turn the day around. This one from Forever 21 way back when I was in high school is perfect because unlike so many other raincoats, it's little nipped in waist and trench coat details make it much more stylized and fun to wear than a more traditional style without much of a shape. Also, how could anyone resist the checkered trim and buttons?

Uniform

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I've noticed that when I don't really need to dress a specific way, I have been more and more gravitating to a uniform that consists of black leather, white, and denim. It's funny how a few years ago, these pieces were not what I would reach for on most occasions, and now it is my go-to. I used to think of uniform dressing as boring, and sometimes still do, but it is definitely nice to know that when in doubt, running late, or just want to look put together without much effort, staying in these three colors and fabrications will have you looking classic regardless. I like to think of fashion as a daily puzzle or word problem if that makes sense--you have to keep trying on pieces to see which ones work together and which don't. In keeping in the color palette above, the challenge is more of finding fresh and alternative ways to switch up your look so that your uniform dressing doesn't become limiting.

What is your favorite combination of the pieces above? Lately I've been reaching for my faux leather pleated skirt, white slides, and a dark denim jacket.

Marit

GAP jacket / Anthropologie "Marit" dress / Target booties (old!) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michael Kors watch

As hard as it is to believe, it is actually pretty rare that I try on a dress and am absolutely in love with everything about it. Usually it hangs strange on me, or my proportions are off, or it's "just not for me". However, this Anthropologie dress by brand Vanessa Virginia, was an exception. I saw it this past summer and was drawn to the beautiful embroidery, delicate sleeves, and unique slate blue color. Like most pieces at Anthro, it was a pretty penny, so I left without it. Much to my online browsing habit, a few months ago it was incredibly marked down, and I was thrilled when it arrived just as I had remembered it. 

Winters in Texas are bizarre and these were actually taken over Thanksgiving where it was colder than it is now if you can believe it. I love how this dress looks with a leather jacket and some suede ankle boots. Which, if you live here, you know is perfect for this time of year. 

If you're as obsessed with this dress as I am, it's still on sale! 

Happy Hanukkah!

Home Improvement

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How perfect is that today I'm headed back home to Texas for Thanksgiving Break and today is Home Improvement Thursday's here on 85 Dresses! Sometimes, all you need for a little home revamping can be something as simple as a black and white print. While trying to decorate your home or room with art pieces can seem intimidating at times,  a black and white print with either a favorite movie quote (say it with me, everyone : "uch, as if"!) or one by your favorite artist, is simple enough to be a good starting point. I love how the Warhol print above isn't even hung and instead is just balanced against the wall. There are so many options and that is one that doesn't require a lot of commitment by not putting any actual holes into your walls and sort of has a studio-like feel to it to me.

Would you decorate with a print like these? Not gonna lie, I'm really into the Clueless one.

Hope everyone gets home safely for Thanksgiving with all of the snow that we've been having over here! Can't wait to head home tonight and get a heavy dose of southernness. It's about time.

Cold Weather Wear

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Well wow, everyone! I think that it is officially Winter here in Syracuse. Goodbye PSL's and hello to Gingerbread and Peppermint Mocha's. Aside from all of my favorite warm winter beverages, Winter is one of my favorite seasons to dress for, despite my continued dislike for the cold weather--it's the Texan in me, I guess. Anyway, we just had our first real snowfall this past weekend and I'm officially in bundle mode. Over the years of attending college in one of the snowiest cities in America, I have found that accessories really are key to keeping warm and are also a great and easy way to add extra patterns and textures to your overall look. I put together a few of my necessities for once the weather cools down:

1. A statement faux fur coat: I have learned that having a few statement coats in your closet in addition to your go-to basics really is ideal when it comes to colder weather. Since there is a good chance that you will be wearing a coat everyday for the next four-five months, having a few that feel fun instead of just warm will make getting ready to brave the cold a little more stylish. I think I'm at the point to where I have a rainbow collection of faux fur (...oops), but this Topshop daisy one sure did catch my attention. 

2. A beanie / hat: This is the area that I need to improve on. Hats make such a difference when it comes to not having the heat escape your body. I for one, don't think that beanies look the best on me, but I saw this chunky H&M style this past weekend (after my ears were freezing) and am determined to start trying to pull them off even if it's just a warmth issue.

3. Fun mittens / gloves: If you're anything like me, keeping the same pair of mittens over the course of the winter season (forget the year) is quite the struggle. Like socks, I always end up with one of them and have misplaced the mate. Because of this, I try to have a few different styles always stocked up and in different places from my book bag, my car, and my room for whenever the cold hits. Inexpensive styles like these cute Old Navy ones keep me smiling even when I'm cold. 

4. Over-the-Knee boots: Boots are one of the best winter investments in my opinion. I have quite the collection of ankle boots in my shoe closet, but have yet to add a pair of over-the-knee ones. The Stuart Weitzman 50/50 is one that is on my 'winter wish list' year after year, but these Zara ones come in pretty close, too. How fabulous is the patent cap toe part?!

What are your must-haves for the Winter season? I'm also a huge fan of infinity scarves. They make all the difference in my opinion.

Nordstrom Sale!

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My family grew up around Nordstrom. Whenever someone needed something (or didn't), Nordstom was always one of the first stops on the list to check out. With so many departments and a style for each person in the family, it was hard to go wrong and leave without finding something that was perfect. So, when the Nordstrom sales roll around, it's even better. My mom and I share the same love for a great sale on quality pieces and when she e-mailed me about Nordstrom's current sale, I immediately headed to their site to do some damage. Don't worry, mom, I didn't actually purchase any of the pieces above yet, but the seven options above are the ones that I specifically was interested in. I've never thought that I could pull off the over-the-knee boot style, but those Same Edelman ones (#5) sure make me think about trying again!

Head over to Nordstrom or online to check out their sale to save up to 40% off! The sale runs until November 11th, so you got plenty of time to organize your dream wish list and maybe find those fall pieces you've been eyeing. Good luck!

Tuesday Shoesday

In this seemingly never-ending hunt for the perfect ankle boot to replace my beloved pair from Target, I have realized a few qualities that I had in the back of my mind when determining whether or not a pair would make the cut. The first importance was that I realized that my foot looks best with an elongated and pointed toe instead of a short and round one. I love the look of a long toe and I had noticed that all of my favorite boots (ex: the leopard chelsea ones) have this feature. Aside from the length of the actual shoe, I appreciate a shoe that has a good quality to it when it comes to ankle boots and not one that is delicate. I like one that looks a little rugged and sort of worker-boot like. Enter, Gap's Chelsea booties. I had gone to the store a few weeks ago and there was the black pair. Someone had returned them and as soon as I tried them on I thought that my endless hunt for these perfect ankle boots had ended. While I didn't end up leaving the store with them in hand (or on my feet...), I know now that in addition to Gap being perfect for all of my go-to items, that their boots are on point, as well.

Also, even though I had been looking for black, I am really loving the grey and brown options, too! What are your favorites? 

Fall Prep

/ GAP dress / Target tights / 9 West boots (old) / Baublebar necklace / Old Navy baseball cap (on sale!) / Michael Kors watch / 

So sorry, everyone! I had mentioned I was going to share this look last week and completely forgot! As I pulled out this dress to wear today (in a completely different way!), I thought you'd all like to see. 

I live in plaid once fall comes around and basically stay in it until the school year is over. As I mentioned in this post from a few weeks ago, this Gap shirtdress filled the void in my closet for plaid that wasn't in the form of a mens flannel--but still had the comfort of one. After my first law exam (help!), I thought that the felt baseball cap that I had been eyeing from Old Navy was deserved for at least finishing the exam. I've recently became obsessed with them and while I'm still not completely convinced that I can pull them off, I love the way that they can add a sort of sporty-prep to a look when paired with chunky rhinestones, leopard, classic riding boots--and obviously plaid.

 Hope everyone has a great start to the week. Can you believe it's already November?!

Invaluable

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When it comes to watches, I have been dedicated to my gold Michael Kors since I got it in high school six years ago. Usually I am drawn to chunkier mens style watches, and I love feeling the weight of it on my arm and the finish that it brings to an outfit overall. Invaluable is the world's largest online auction marketplace for so many luxury items from fine jewelry to artwork. I styled three looks around a particular mens watch on their site and while a Rolex isn't typically anywhere in my budget, I appreciated this style for it's silver and black sleek appearance compared to my glaring gold Kors for a change. Far too often I find myself wandering the mens watch section in department stores (and my dad's arm) for these styles that I am particularly attracted to, and this was a fun opportunity to see how a change in a timepiece can change an overall outfit and attitude. Here I have put together three different looks with this beautiful watch that I felt enhanced and worked well together with such an elegant and timeless piece. 

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Which is your favorite look above? How would you style this watch?

Check out all of the other mens watches on Invaluable! 

Favorite Fall Patterns

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Everyone has their favorite prints and patterns that they can't wait to specifically pull out for a certain season. For me, fall and winter are always associated with leopard and plaid. While leopard is a favorite of mine year-round, there is something about pairing it with wooly coats and sweaters that makes it particularly a favorite during cooler weathered months. As for plaid, going to Syracuse I absolutely can't live without my L.L. Bean fleece-lined flannels. They are absolute lifesavers and I've managed to hook about four of my friends onto them. With my oversized mens flannels as such a go-to during fall and winter here, I was in need of an equally comfortable, warm, and still stylish option but with something in a more feminine shape. Enter the GAP plaid shirtdress. As soon as I saw this during the GAP sale I knew that I needed it. While clearly not as warm as my beloved mens flannels, it is heavily lined for the weather and the colors of the plaid in it look great with my favorite leopard Zara chelsea boots--I've already checked. Look out for a post with this dress later in the week!

Have you ever mixed leopard + plaid? What are your favorite patterns to mix?

Home Improvement: Jonathan Adler

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One of my favorite brands for home and office decor is Jonathan Adler. "Mid-century modern, art and global pop culture" are what inspire Jonathan Adler and all of his pieces have a sense of whimsy and fun to them which I definitely admire when it comes to how I think about decorating my future home. I've gathered some of my favorites above including that fabulous pink couch (which is a piece that I know I want to include someday) and a creative vase that looks like an ice cream cone! Can't get much better than that.

Home Improvement: Furry Decor

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Recently I've found myself obsessing over furry decor - specifically sheepskin. I think that texture is one of the strongest elements in decor and design and these sheepskin elements provide such an amazing texture both visually and tactilely. When it comes to searching for interior design inspiration, I have found that I have been drawn to interiors that include these textural elements. Below are some of my current favorites. Also, how amazing is the pink floor throw?

Tuesday Shoesday : Golden Goose

I know I've mentioned Golden Goose Deluxe Brand before, but only recently have I began justifying the fact that outfits look cool with the reason being that these sneakers are in them. Golden Goose founded by designers Francesca and Alessandro Gallo's love of art and fashion. The Inverno 14/15 collection explains that these are styles for the confident woman who is running around the skatepark. While that explanation isn't so clearly me at first (you probably would never find me on a skatepark, let's be honest), I do however take a lot of inspiration from the styles worn in that type of environment sometimes. I love how these sneakers remind me of your rocker friends perfectly worn-in kicks and I like to say that if these were in my closet, I'd be instantly cooler. Don't you think? I love the star logo and and subtle gold type. Unfortunately, they're a bit pricey...so for now I'll keep dreaming. Gold star, Golden Goose!

Addicted to A. L. C.

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Lately my style has been very un-like me. While I used to resort to burgundies, blacks, and navy during cooler months, recently it has been more frequently on a day-to-day basis regardless of the weather. In trying to pin-point a style that I have been referencing often, I was reminded of a favorite brand of mine, A. L. C. 

Designer Andrea Lieberman creates the perfect classic pieces that are somehow on trend, but never trendy in the sense that after the season they will be buried in your closet. These are garments that have the idea of accessible casual luxury and the idea of "sartorial convenience, value and versatility." Sounds like my kind of pieces.

Finally Fall

Madewell shirt (similar here) / Target leggings / Nine West boots (old!) / Baublebar Necklace / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I don't have anyone to take photographs at school, and had been pretty busy finishing up a project last week. This past weekend, my mom came up for my sorority's mother/daughter weekend and took advantage of the photo opportunities!

Anyway, when we took these photos, it was feeling like fall here in Syracuse. Hot coffees instead of in addiction to iced, sweaters, and tall boots. Since, however, the weather is back in the 80's and already has me wishing for looks like this again. I got this necklace at the Baublebar sample sale this summer after being obsessed with it online. I loved the way the tortoiseshell works with the crystals and pairing it with my favorite denim shirt felt like the perfect preppy fall style (shirt buttoned all the way up and everything!)

Who says you can't mix black + brown?

Also, I've been wearing my hair in these braided crowns a lot more recently. What do you think?

Hope everyone has a great start to the week and most importantly, Happy National Coffee Day! How will you all be celebrating? 

What I love : Gap Jeans

Let's play favorites today. I am absolutely in love with GAP jeans. GAP was one of the brands that I was raised around. It was somewhere that every member of my family could find something that they liked and feel good about bringing home with them. One of my favorite options that they sell are their jeans. In my search for the perfect pair of jeans this summer that didn't end until last week (photos soon!), somehow I had forgotten to check in GAP assuming that I had already had most of their main styles covered. I was wrong. For me, GAP always has those jeans that look like they've been in your closet for a while and are always perfectly worn it, amazing washes, and random--but they always have the perfect ready-made cuffs! These perfect jeans? The 1969 Sexy Boyfriend style. They hit all of my requirements in that they are clearly boyfriend jeans, but as if I shrunk them to better fit, they are heavier weighted so they feel durable when I put them on, and like most of GAP's denim, the wash is exactly what I was looking for but was unable to explain during my search. Above are some of my favorites from GAP at the moment. Those Rip & Repairs are pretty great.

Basically, if you're in need of jeans, hit up GAP as your first stop. What are your favorite jeans or denim wash?

Coach Spring 2015

Photo via Style.com Instagram

Happy first official day of New York Fashion Week. Every season I sort the looks that I like most from each show into files and analyze them from the looks overall, colors and fabrics used, accessories and so on. Look out over the next month basically for some of my favorites from all of the fashion capitals and their designers. The Coach show this morning was already one of my favorites for its eye candy appeal. With shaggy pastel coats and a 70's vibe with that specific orange leather and platform sandals, and an artist collaboration that was printed throughout, this is one collection that I can't wait to see how stylists will pull the pieces and use them for editorials. I'm looking at you, shearling and shaggy fur coats. 

Tuesday Shoesday : J. Crew Flats

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I am not a big investor in shoes. While I love, appreciate, and 'dream pin' them, when it comes to actually purchasing shoes, I find them to be such an investment and a big deal. As a result of being on my feet a lot, I go through them quickly and as a result, purchasing good quality shoes always leaves me worrying how quickly they will be in need of repair. As a frequent shopper of Target and Old Navy when in need of a simple shoe for the season, my feet are often left in terrible shape and by the end of the summer, the shoes usually end up being thrown away instead of just a quick repair to keep them looking good for the next season. 

As the weather has already started shifting here in Syracuse with the start of September, I found myself thinking that it may be time to retire my summer gladiator sandals and look for a new fall staple that will actually work all year round--the classic ballerina flat. J. Crew's shoes are always extremely well-made and they are quality shoes that I can feel when I wear them--not to mention come in every pattern and color under the sun. With a gift card that has been in my wallet for a record amount of time, I can't think of a better investment to put them towards than this chic and classic style. I'm leaning toward the perfect milky nude. 

What are your favorite pair of ballerina flats?

Dress Up Friday: Birthday Dresses

All dresses from Pixie Market

When celebrations are in order, new dresses usually follow. With my 21'st birthday tomorrow (!) today's 'Dress Up' edition is filled with plenty of options that would be ideal for all of the festivities. While nothing from this trendy shop has landed in my closet yet, it's a constant source of inspiration and always has incredible options for every occasion...birthdays included. Even though summer is ending this weekend, that little white number (1) is still on my wish list.

Hope everyone has a fabulous Labor Day weekend! 

Winter Fever

When I left the house this morning with the incorrect weather information for the day ahead, I was confused when greeted with that brisk air that is the sure sign that fall (and quickly winter) are approaching. As I spend the rest of the day in my summer brights, dreaming of the new arrivals of coats in both the stores and closets, here is some coat inspiration to get you through Syracuse's chilly day. Having picked up about five coats last winter season, I have to reign it back this year- although I doubt anything will top that vintage lime green faux I found in Piccadilly during my time abroad this past semester. So, grab a coffee (a hot one not iced!) and soak up some cold-weathered inspiration.

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Tuesday Shoesday

Nike Roshe Run with Python Skin

Although I have recently been loving tennis shoes outside of the gym (where lets face it, I never step foot in), I think that the start of a new school year has me thinking about and searching for unique styles more than I had before. In elementary school, a new pair of tennis shoes was always such the signifier of a new year of classes, and seeing so many sported around campus already reminded me to look for one of my favorite pairs at the moment.

My faux snakeskin H&M tennis shoes opened up my eyes to options aside from the neon, warn-out Nike's that I associated with tennis shoes of all kinds, and seeing these customized Nike Roshe Runs with python had me searching for retailers all over the Internet. With a 4-digit price tag, they are way out of budget, but with a buttery creme body, perfectly solid black swoosh and sleek shape, they are worth taking note of and keeping on file. 

Check out a few of my other favorite options below! Most are pretty average priced, but if you're looking for something a little luxe (but not quite the python Roshe's) Golden Goose (#6) makes some amazing options that have an original take on a classic. 

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