Dress Up

Even though this Prada dress is like so three seasons ago (really, though...it's Spring 2012), I'm still in love with it. The impersonators have just started coming out with their pieces modeled after this collection, and I can't help but appreciate the originals. Nodding to the 50's and combining the two main loves in the life of a man: women and cars, this dress--and collection-- have just the right amount of whimsy but still being classic in the cuts of the garments and their styling. Although I am not quite a connoisseur or lover of automobiles, this dress is one that I would definitely still love to take for a test drive. And, with spring coming up in a few months, I can't wait to re-incorporate pastels and fun prints back into my wardrobe. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Twenty Twelve

Two thousand and twelve was a great year. From being initiated into an amazing sorority, spending the summer in New York City with two internships, and being back at Syracuse University for my sophomore year.  I am so thankful for everyone that reads 85 Dresses and promise to keep it up in the new year. Here are twelve of my favorite posts from 2012.

Happy 2013, everyone! As amazing as 2012 was, here's to the new year and hope it's just as great!

Love, Leah

Oxblood

{H&M sweater, Vintage bag, KATE heels, Rodarte + Opening Ceremony skirt, Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

A pencil skirt and sweater seems like a classic go-to style for almost any occassion. When I saw this piece from the Tibi fall 2012 collection, something about the ordinary skirt and sweater combination that seemed so simple before, suddenly made me want to go on a hunt for an amazing leather version and to attempt at more monochromatic looks, as well. This Rodarte + Opening ceremony paneled slit skirt is really special. The fact that it's a pencil skirt, but that it has slits that go up a little higher than usual, make it not only a unique piece, but one that is also fun to wear. In an almost monochromatic sweater and skirt pairing--though the skirt is more oxblood and the sweater more burgundy-- I added simple gold jewelry, a patterned bag, and leopard heels to add a bit more interest. 

Tuesday Shoesday

As feminine and classic as I usually am, quite often I find myself interested in and wishing to try out pieces and styles that are a little unlike me. Anything in a brocade fabric is always beautiful to me--the way that the metallic threads shine and the way that it adds a bit of luxury to whatever it is sewn to. These Kenzo zip-front boots are a pair that while typically not my go-to style, are definitely a pair that I would love to try out. This pair is from Kenzo's pre-fall 2012 collection that was filled with an abundance of rich and deep colors (burgundy, mustard, navy blues) scattered with bits and pieces of pattern mixing and a few prints. While at first, this pair of boots may seem unpractical for their abilities to easily pair with a daily wardrobe, I am already dreaming up ways in which they can be the showstopper of the outfit throughout the fall and winter seasons. 

Would you attempt brocade boots?

Give Thanks

As every year passes, I grow more and more aware of how thankful I really am. I am incredibly blessed to have a family that loves me and supports me in all of my attempts and failures, the opportunity to attend an incredible university to study and make what I love, wonderful friends who make me laugh until my stomach aches and embarrass me in the best ways, and so much more. 

I hope that all of you enjoy your Thanksgiving with your favorite people and loved ones and make sure to thank all of those who have made such incredible daily impacts without even realizing. 

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Dress Up

Last week, I was in the fashion section of the library picking up research for a project. I noticed that for every book I would pick up for the assignment, I would be just as infatuated with the hundred others that surrounded it. So, when I finally narrowed it down to a few books for my assignment, I couldn't help but resist checking out piece on one of my favorites from this post-- on Christian Dior. This week, the dress is one that is most likely never going to find itself in my closet. This Fall 2012 RTW from Christian Dior, though in a bold choice of pink, is not at all intrusive. The way that the pleats fall softly and create a whispy effect, and the high necked intricate top with long sleeves are all qualities about it that are what make this dress amazing aside from the color. Often to me, a Dior piece is the epitome of femininity and poise, and this dress is nothing short of.

Happy Hundred

When I checked and saw that I was at 99 posts, I remembered how when I would view other blogs, I could never imagine how each blogger would continuously come up with post after post of inspiring images and information. So, even though this is only my hundredth and most of you are reading are close friends and family members, I appreciate your tuning in from time to time to check in.

Keep staying in tune for more to come!

RedWhiteBlue

{Necessary Clothing top, Forever 21 skirt, Guess? heels, Michael Kors watch}

When I was younger, it was family tradition that my mom, sister, and I wore matching Old Navy 4th of July shirts when Independence Day rolled around. The past few years, I have been more into still purchasing these shirts for the sentimental value from when I was younger, and instead have been combining the patriotic red, white, and blue to create an Americana look that can be worn year-round.

{I hope everyone had an amazing fourth of July!}

Cheetah Love

{Forever 21 leotard and shorts, Michael Kors watch, Topshop necklace, Steve Madden shoes, and Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet # 37 Lipstick}

I am a huge fan of prints. I love how by adding a print to basically any style of garment, the piece is instantly (and rather easily) transformed. When I saw this print, I loved all of the different elements about it that I didn't see in my wardrobe. With these shorts' burnt orange color, slightly deformed cheetah pattern that resembles hearts, and their blousy look, they are a perfect pairing to a simple black leotard and gold accessories for a summer day.

{Loving this tooth necklace. So cool, right?}

Denim + Dots

{Zara top, Forever 21 skirt, Necessary Clothing belt, Michael Kors watch, GUESS? heels, Revlon "Orange Flip" and Chanel's "Rouge Velvet Allure No. 37" lipstick, and Kate Spade iPhone case}

While I am a huge fan of a polka dot of any kind, sometimes they can be seen as juvenile. By pairing this longer length pleated polka dot number in a neutral navy with a chambray button down, neon belt, and a combination of lipsticks, it creates a more grown up version of a more younger classic but still with all of the whimsy that I love so much.

Dress Up

{Madewell's Stucco Stripe Dress}

Sorry for the lack of a "Dress Up" post last Friday. My dad was in town for Father's Day and we spent the evening at MoMA and drinking way too much coffee. For this week, I chose a dress based on what I saw today while running errands. A woman I passed was wearing this dress and though it is a seemingly simple silhouette and pattern (hers was in blue) there was something about those reasons that also made it seem perfect. She paired hers with kelly green flats, a classic leather bag, tortoise shell sunnies, and gold accessories. I love how the photo above from Madewell mixes patterns (with a leopard belt) and adds a bright pop of color with the seemingly color of the summer--coral. I'm definitely going to try and find this dress this weekend and see how I can add a fun twist to it, as well.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Because, Because, Because

{Forever 21 Necklace, J. Crew sweater, Zara skirt, Madewell oxfords, Michael Kors watch, Essie's "Tart Deco" polish}

Though these pictures were taken in the midst of creating this blog last summer, I still am quite a fan of the outfit. With the wide stripes and boxy fit of the summer-weight sweater paired with the fitted straight skirt, the look is very classic and put- together prep but with an updated twist by adding the worn in oxfords, and a fun and detailed necklace. In a way, with all of the different styles in the necklace from the dangling crystals to the pastel pink and blue threads woven throughout the gold chains, it reminds me of almost mixing patterns for that perfect juxtaposed look.

Sockerbit

{Photo}

I had been hearing amazing praises about Sockerbit, the fairly new Swedish candy store in the West Village, for some time now. Up until this past weekend, I had assumed that aside from being Swedish and trendy there was nothing different about it. However, with my dad visiting for father's day, we stepped into the white walled store with pops of neon from the candies and bright lettering and were pleasantly surprised.

{Photo}

For $12.99 a pound, you can scoop your colorful goodies into little candy bags and try and resist from filling the bag completely to the top. We tried everything from turquoise sour candy octopi to chocolate covered banana flavored marshmallows. With all of the excitement of an old fashioned candy store in a new and modern way--and definitely with a more upscale and fun twist--I am happy to say that we loved this store and will surely be visiting again soon. 

Dad

Happy Father's Day, Daddy! Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face, joy to my day, and an infinite amount of love to my life. I love you.

Blues + Bells

{GAP kids denim jacket, Forever 21 dress, Michael Kors watch, Aldo sandals, and Target purse}

As an absolute lover of all colors, red is one that doesn't take up much room in my closet. With red being such a bold, powerful, and attention grabbing hue, little details like these delicate floral prints, a nipped in waist, and flowing bell sleeves, help to make this dress still make a fun statement while being less loud about it as well.