Trick-Or-Treat

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Trick-or-Treat, edgy or girly, sweet or a little bit spicy, contrasting elements always make for interesting and fun combinations. Taking the classic Trick-or-Treat idea from Halloween, I gathered pieces that fit a bit more of an edgier feel (Trick) with sweeter pieces (Treat) for a combination worth sinking your teeth into.  With embroidered eyes in the Kenzo jacket and mittens or a bat t-shirt with  pieces like a flirty Rebecca Minkoff mini, Kate Spade heels, or a Checked Topshop skirt make it fun to mix and match and create a look that is made up of different styles to end up with one that the perfect juxtaposition of trick and treat. It doesn't always have to be one or the other. 

Do you lean more towards the 'Trick' or 'Treat' pieces? 

I'd love to hear! 

Tuesday Shoesday

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This week's Tuesday Shoesday feature is clearly themed for the Halloweek. Instead of plain orange or black footwear, with Halloween being all about whimsy and costume, I immedietly went to the queen of whimsical footwear in my opinion--Charlotte Dellal and her shoes for Charlotte Olympia. Everyone has their list of designers that they would purchase from if money was no option, and for me, Charlotte Olympia's shoes definitely find their way onto that list. Her shoes are works of art, expertly constructed, and have that amazing sense of whimsy that sometimes fashion forgets about. Her Halloween themed pieces above are perfect and are just as blatantly seasonal (#3) or as subdued (#4) as you would like. She even updated the classic 'kitty' flat to fit the holiday by adding fangs and reddish eyes to replace the typically sweet style of the original. Incredible pieces do come at a cost, however, and for wearability factor alone, I may shift more towards the boots (incredible!) or the spiderweb flats. Both are incredible versatile and perfect for fall and winter to add a bit of edge with the subtle web detailing that is the Charlotte Olympia signature. 

Which is your favorite? Would you update your footwear for Halloween?

Happy Halloweek

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While in college, most halloween festivities start the week before the week of Halloween, here on 85 Dresses this week leading up to the 31st is going to be full of Halloween themed features. Expect lots of orange and black, spooky detailing that works specifically well for the holiday (and all year round), and maybe a few costume ideas thrown in there. As for the image above, getting accepted to study in London and working on a 1960's cocktail dress right now, it fits so perfectly for everything--even orange for Halloween--. How amazing are those coats and hats!

I hope everyone had a fabulous start to the week. What are you all for Halloween?

Instagram Updates III

This past week, while certainly busy and productive, was slightly calmer than usual. I had time to actually enjoy my work (a rarity lately), catch up with friends, and receive some happy news. Continue reading for more detail if you'd like for Monday's Instagram Updates.

1. For our final sketch project in draping we are focusing on resort wear for the 1950's. I decided to do swimwear, something I haven't done before, for a change. This was the starting part of the illustrations on Saturday night. Keep following up with me on Instagram (leshkoln) to see the final product.

2. I'm writing an analysis on Lucky magazine for my magazine class, so this purchase-along with the new pens and caffeine- were a necessary and  certainly enjoyable buy.

3. Studying abroad has been something that I have heard about for forever, and on Friday I finally got the exciting news that I will be spending this January through April in London studying at the London College of Fashion. Everything from getting to travel around Europe, finally visiting Paris (a dream for as long as I can remember), and just getting to learn in a different environment is thrilling. If you have any recommendations for me on places to go / see / shop / stay...let me know!

4. I went to visit my close friends on Friday night and we engaged in a Pinterest-worthy fall themed night in. Picking up fabulous orange skull glasses for a dollar at Target, we filled them with a special Pumpkin milkshake with pumpkin whoopie pies and sat down to catch up and watch a classic Disney movie, Halloweentown. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and now a good start to the week!

Thanks for reading.

Person of Interest: Sarah Jessica Parker

In the spirit of an iconic Disney favorite, Hocus Pocus, and since it is Halloween tonight, Mrs. Sarah Jessica Parker is our Person of Interest for the day. While her real-life style is much different than that of Carrie Bradshaw--or Sarah Sanderson for that matter--it is still one that I envy and admire. Seemingly a fan of easy shapes and not big on prints, she wears pieces that always seem in-style and timeless at the same time. With a megawatt smile and a perfect middle-part, Sarah Jessica Parker proves that her real-life style is just as stellar as her famed and fashionable character.

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