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

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

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!