Unexpected Match

| GAP t-shirt / Forever 21 skirt (old) / J. Crew sandals / Francesca's necklace / Essie's 'Saturday Disco Fever' nail polish |

Even though the 4th of July was already almost a week ago (!), red, white, and blue feel like the perfect combination for throughout summer. I used to never really be a t-shirt + skirt type of gal, but when it comes to separates, there are so many ways to mix and match. It makes the possibilities of the combinations in your closet seem endless. I would have never thought of adding such a dark t-shirt to a bright and nearly nautical look, but in the end, I loved how the dark of the top added a contrast, allowing for the bright colors to be dulled down a little bit, but still hold their pizazz.

What are some of your favorite outfit pairings? I love a good grey t-shirt with bright skirts, too!

Preppy Pairings

/ Top: Urban Outfitters (old) / Skirt: J.Crew (old from sister) / Belt: Target / Necklace: Francesca's Collections / Watch: Michael Kors / Boots: 9 West / Ring: David Yurman / 

Well hello, 85 Dresses! It's been quite a while, hasn't it? I have missed this little blog so much, and looking through photos I realized that I hadn't posted this look that I said that I would. If you didn't know, I am currently in London studying abroad at The London College of Fashion. It's going amazingly so far, and I am doing daily updates on my travel blog if you would like to read a bit more about it. For now, 85 Dresses will be running a little slower (as you have noticed), but I promise, not forgotten!

Now to the important things---the outfit! I have many different styles, but I think that one of the first styles that I ever noticed to really start to form once I became obsessed with fashion was classic prep. When I think of classic prep, I think of J.Crew catalogues and lots of plaid and riding boots. This look is one that I had wanted to try out for a while, but was one of those that I just never did. I always knew that with staples like a perfect plaid button down and riding boots with fun additions like a gold glittered belt, gold accessories, and a velvet skirt would take that classic prep that I fell in love with at the beginning, and give it a fresh update to make it more prep with a pinch, as I might call it. :)

Three Ways: Lace Overalls Part I

/ Top: Zara (old) / Sweatshirt: Forever 21 / Overalls: Necessary Clothing / Purse: Zara / Heels: Zara / Necklace: Francesca's Collections /

I hope that everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with family, friends, and loved ones. Being home in Texas was a much needed break. I know If you follow me on Instagram (leshkoln), I had promised this post would be up on Thursday. However, I decided to take time and be with family instead so this series is here this week instead.

I am not a fan of denim overalls at all. Unless you have stats of a supermodel, I find them to be unflattering on mostly all that attempt at them. However, when I saw these black lace ones this past summer at Necessary Clothing in New York City, I decided overalls are acceptable in lace (and obviously leather versions). To show how wearable and versatile they can be, this week I have shot them in three ways. Today, I chose to feature them in the form of pants layered under a denim button-down and new favorite sweatshirt. For some reason when I was getting dressed, denim just seemed like an obvious pairing for the black lace. I love how they are a straight style, but have a wider opening at the leg that I think looks fabulous with heels. With built-in solid shorts at the top, the sheerness is wearable for day-time but still able to be easily dressed up and styled for a night out. 

What do you think of overalls styled this way? Stay tuned for part II of this series on Wednesday.

4th of July

Bebe top / Topshop pinafore (on sale!)  / Vintage heels / Michael Kors watch / Francesca's necklace / Brandy Melville Ring / Sunglasses from SoHo street vender / Target purse

You can't help but love the fourth of July. From the theme-dressing, fireworks and all out American birthday festivities, this is the perfect mid-summer holiday. While donning the American flag isn't so much my style, the classic colors of red, white, and blue certainly are. By layering a pretty white top over a cobalt pinafore and my favorite vintage heels borrowed from my mom for a little red, I came up with a look that is not only celebratory of the day, but fun to wear, as well.

Hope you all had an amazing fourth of July!

Sea-glass

/ Striped Skirt Set: Topshop / Necklace: Francesca's / Watch: Michael Kors / Ring: H&M / Heels: Christian Siriano /

While I have always preferred the city to the ocean,  the varying colors of blues from the water have served as a constant source of inspiration and favorite of mine in terms of dress. When it comes to stripes, it is easy to accidentally drift into the traditional nautical style (as I had worn this skirt set with gold accessories and red lips once before). However, with colors of the ocean, a necklace resembling sea-glass, and my current favorite heels, the contrast of dark and light blues creates a sort of "neo-nautical" that seems much more fresh and updated.