Happy Halloweek

Image Via

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?

Suit Up!

1/ 2/ 3/ 4

With this past Friday being the official start of summer, I figured instead of the traditional A to Z post on Mondays, we would post some 'swimspiration' to get you all into even more of a summer mode--if you weren't there already. Whether you prefer high-waisted and full suits to one pieces, or prints and patterns to plain, there are so many suits now to choose from. I pulled a few of some of my favorites from Lolli, Lulu's, and Forever 21 all ranging in different styles and price points for whatever suits your swimwear needs. Personally, I got my eye on number three. Loving those strappy sides!

Which style swimsuit are you looking to get into this summer?

A to Z: T-Shirts

More and more lately, I am embracing t-shirts. Pairing them with everything from slouchy denim shorts to colorful feminine skirts, t-shirts can be the perfect element to make the rest of your outfit a bit more casual, but still every bit stylish. I have been seeing these designer t-shirts around quite a lot lately, and though I haven't indulged in one yet, they are on my radar. From the classic Céline Paris one, to the humorous 'Homies' for Hermès and my personal favorite, 'Ain't Laurent Without Yves' for Saint Laurent, these t-shirts have not only the comfort and casual factor of traditional tees, but a little added humor and style, as well. Check out some fabulous ladies sporting these styles below.

What do you think of these tees? Which is your favorite?

//Céline Me Alone//

//Homiés//

//Ain't Laurent Without Yves//

A to Z: Sun Yellow

1. Tibi Pea Coat//2. Similar Sunnies //3. No.21 Floral Silk Shorts//4. SKULLS Lemonade 5-Panel Hat

Yellow is one of those colors that people either love or they hate. While members of the yellow family (think: marigolds and pastel yellows) are more popularly worn, bright sun yellow is usually not. With all of the sun that Syracuse has been having towards the end of the school year finally, sun yellow is the perfect "S" for this week's A to Z.

1. Usually during rainy days adding a pop of color with my umbrella is my best bet among a sea of black Hunters and rain jackets. This Tibi Rubberized Pea Coat adds the sun yellow on a day where maybe there is none, and with its classic shape and fit, can be worn on perfect weather days, as well.

2. While I am not one to sport sunglasses, I am actually quite a fan of them. There are so many shapes and styles out right now from super geometric and mod to extremely decorated almost works of art, that I can't help but be intrigued. I love the way that these are slightly geometric with their angular uppers and in a bright yellow to reflect the bright day that is causing you to wear them.

3. One of my favorite outfits right now is the short suit. I think that it is such a fresh take on a suit and when worn and styled correctly can be very glam. These No. 21 Floral Silk Shorts can just as easily be fabulous worn with a white T-shirt and gold necklace as they can with a matching blazer and pair of stilettos for a night out. Their silky fabric makes them more evening appropriate, and can also add that same sense of dress up, but with the ease and comfort of a pair of silky pajama shorts.

4. We all know how popular the fabric and leather baseball caps are in the blogger and fashion world lately. Though I haven't been brave enough to sport one out in public (yet), I am obsessed. With my love for mixing tomboyish style with feminine pieces, I have mentally paired countless outfits together topping them off with a cap as the finishing touch. This SKULLS one covered in lemons would be adorable with a crisp white summer dress and nude sandals.

A to Z: Raincoats + Rainboots

We all know that Spring brings plenty of showers for those May flowers, but with the downpours starting earlier than April, having the proper outerwear for the rainy weather accompanied with a pair of classic wellies will help to keep those spring outfits that you've been dying to finally wear nice and dry. While typically rainproof clothing isn't the most fashion savvy out of the categories, I've gathered some that will make you want to grab 'em and go dance in those rain puddles instead.

{1//2//3}

When it comes to rain jackets, you may or may not still be keen on that yellow one that you had when you were younger with the matching rain boots. I like a rain jacket to be stylish enough that it can be worn as a windbreaker for those windy days, as well and one that has some sort of interesting detail or pattern to it. The one that I have currently is in a classic navy with ivory polka dots and belts at the waist so that it creates a flattering shape, instead of a boxy one. In the collage above, I am absolutely in love with the lavender Acne raincoat (#2). This jacket is a perfect light shade for rainy spring days and acts as a nice neutral to whatever outfit you are pairing it with underneath.

{1//2//3}

When you get ready for the rainy weather, make sure that you don't forget about your footwear. Don't get me wrong, I love my forest green traditional Hunters. However, just like the rain jackets, when I look at this specific category of footwear, I tend to make sure that I would like to wear them multiple times in different weather, not just rainy. My favorite pair above is the Tory Burch pair with the patent leather uppers and her classic logo. I love how they resemble a favorite pair of riding boots, and you can definitely get away with wearing these when it's not raining. I got these in navy with a chocolate brown upper section on sale, and I always get asked if they are rain boots or not.
Point proven.

Do you have a favorite rainy-day outfit or do you incorporate your wellies into everyday-wear?

A to Z: Quad

Now that we have gotten to the letter 'Q' for our "A to Z" posts, instead of focusing on a seemingly random piece for this week, I chose a group of four that I am have found myself to be particularly drawn to as of late.

1: Socks with Sandals--

What used to be a major fashion faux pas, like so many trends, pairing socks with our footwear other than those meant strictly for the gym, is something that still I have yet to get right--but keep trying. Here, I love how the bright pink socks peek out the distressed denim, and the fact that the rugged quality of the jeans and the chunky heel on the shoes helps to balance out the too sweet factor of the socks.

2: That hair--

If you are an avid reader, you know that I am a huge fan of hair that seems perfectly messy. This hair, while a little extreme for day-to-day wear, is right up my alley. There is no part that appears accidental, and every stray is planned to form this tousled bed head style. Maybe it's my southern roots, but big hair  always seems so glamorous and effortlessly statement-making, and this big hair is spot-on.

3: Dusty Rose--

Recently, I have been noticing this color come up more and more. Pink is such a difficult color to work with in that it can easily become too girly and juvenile, which is a shame because it is such a lovely color but Dusty Rose, in a way, solves this problem. With it's dusty sort of grayed over nature, it is the more mature form of pink, but with all of the same femininity. 

4: Intricate Type--

Although typography is not a concept that I am particularly involved with daily, it is amazing the impact that a certain typeface can put on a product or brand. How many times have you purchased something based solely off the fact that it's lettering was eye-catching? Guilty. The font featured here is perfectly floral without being over-the-top, it is still readable, and the color that has been chosen provides a nice natural resemblance while staying away from a bright green or pink.

A to Z: Pants

If you know me, or have been following for a while, you know that pants are not in my regular outfit rotations. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't appreciate a perfect fitting pair of jeans, we all know how hard those are to find, or a polka dotted pair every once in a while, but at the moment, they are a work--or style-- in progress. While I've never really been a fan of the colored denim craze that's been present for a while now, I do have a soft spot for pants in intricate patterns, fabric applications, and textiles.

Obviously I am a sucker for a good pattern mix. Though pairing florals with an almost angular thought-bubble pattern might seem like a long shot for a great pair of prints, these MSGM pants would go just as great with a simple white t-shirt and statement necklace, as they would making a statement themselves. 

Following the theme of working in a similar color palette as I had been trying out the past few months, this style works amazingly by combining these teal taffeta Asos cropped pants with a navy velvet button-down. I've noticed that when it comes to pants, I still like to maintain that put-together and polished factor instead of the idea that throwing on a pair of pants is simple and a go-to. Dressier pants, like the ones above, definitely are a pair that could work just as well with a chambray oxford as they would with a tuxedo jacket and stilettos. 

Our last pant pairing for today is a textile that I actually am fondest of when it is applied to pants and shorts--brocade. Aside from the obvious eye-catching appeal that brocade brings, there is also something about the hand of the fabric and feeling the different threads that makes me appreciate the beauty of the design. Again, with the intricateness of the pattern, design, and often colors, brocade pants work the best with toned down tops and accessories as seen above.

When it comes to pants, which do you prefer?

A to Z: Oxfords

If you have been following 85Dresses for a while now, you've realized that we're kind of obsessed over here about the oxford loafer. Everything from traditional brown menswear style to glitter and candy colored, we've covered just about every style--don't think we're done, though--. However, this Monday's A to Z post on oxfords isn't about these greatly adored shoes, but their under appreciated same-named relative, the classic oxford button-down. 

When word associating with an oxford button down, a first word may near towards either uniform or conservative. While oxfords are a main make-up of private school uniforms, we wore them at my high school, as well, in wearing them sleeves rolled up, disheveled with a fur vest, pattern pants, and the right accessories, this classic oxford instantly goes from a conservative piece, to the perfect base of a pairing to the rest of the outfit. 

To add to the school-girl look if you please, by layering a sweater over your oxford with simply the collar and cuffs peeking out from underneath, your already instant polish is polished even more. Here, in pairing her more traditional sweater and oxford pairing with a leather mini skirt, burgundy blazer, and menswear oxfords--the shoe kind--, she compliments the appropriateness of the oxford with a little bit of edge. 

And, for those who need a basic to work with their most extravagant piece in the hopes of making it "day-time appropriate", The oxford in this image above brings an almost boyish approach to a skirt that is about as feminine and sequined as you can get. In choosing a light blue instead of a crisp white, the contrast between the brightness of the skirt and the solid of the oxford work together better than a stark white might have. 

Although oxfords and button-downs are probably the most common article of clothing for working women (and men) to have in their wardrobes, they can also easily be styled stylishly for work, or quickly and easily changed and altered around for another occasion.

What is your favorite way to wear the classic oxford?

A to Z: Navy

1/2/3/4

Just as we all have colors that are favorites of ours to wear, we also lean towards certain favorites when it comes to how they look on us. For me, navy blue is one of those colors. With dark blue eyes and quite pale skin, when I wear navy, the paleness of my skin with the dark of the navy brings out my eyes in a more complementary and less severe way than black does. Navy has a sort of understated sophistication, in that though a dark color, it can sometimes come across as more classic and luxe...not heavy and somber.

Is navy your color, too? If not, what is that color that always works on you?

A to Z: Menswear Inspired

As much as I have a soft spot for extremely feminine and delicate designs, menswear inspired pieces, or incorporating components of menswear into otherwise lady-like looks, is a style that I have been gaining interest in over time. Starting with my love of a pair of Madewell oxfords, menswear inspired pieces focus mostly around fit and quality. Currently, I am really loving a more modern take on menswear with a well tailored short suit that is both polished and whimsical at the same time. 

Below are some of my favorite menswear-inspired pieces. 

Have you ever styled your outfit around menswear? What's your favorite part of it?

1 2 3 4 

A to Z: Lace

To me, lace is one of those fabrics that regardless of what color it is in, or what it is applied to, always exudes a sort of femininity. In a way, with all of the varieties, each lace has a personality that is different and makes each garment feel special. While lace used to be more associated with bridal gowns and creams and whites, more recently, it can be found in every color from neutral to neon (see above).

Do you have a favorite color or style of lace? I absolutely love the cream colored dress in the image. While it is definitely a more subtle version in comparison to the chartreuse all-over lace on the right, I love the way that it appears so soft and ethereal and then is paired with a bright poppy colored bag.

1, 2, 3, 4

A to Z: Knits

{A few great knits from Cacharel, Paco Robanne, and Rodarte}

Throughout my middle and high school years, knitting as an activity drifted in and out of entertaining. This week in my textiles class we discussed the practice of knitting and crocheting, and I realized how much of an art a great knit really is. While we all appreciate our oversized knits for their warmth and comfort-chic appeal, it is all of the different styles and applications of knits that can be found that is so amazing. From the polished sort of stone-blue look from Cacharel to the incredible open-knit Rodarte dress, knits are a great way to be able to alter an outfit and an interesting play on varieties of textures.

1, 2, 3, 4

A to Z: Jewelry

{This great necklace completes this simple and beautiful bodice}

When I was little, I was constantly infatuated with costume jewelry. Whether the pieces were real or fabricated didn't matter to me at all, but their intense sparkle and appearance sure did. When it comes to jewelry, my style regarding what pieces I actually wear has varied over the years. Though what I wear may change from chunky crystal pieces to more delicate and symbolic ones, jewelry is an easy way to transform a simple outfit to a spectacular one or to add on to a great outfit even more. Here are some pieces that I am particularly interested in at the moment.

{Stunning opal Art Deco earrings from the 30's.}

{A great lesson in layering longer pieces with shorter ones}

{For me, a great gold statement necklace is a necessity--This is YSL}

{Fun pieces like this Delfina Delettrez ring always make jewelry great to work with}

What are your favorite styles of jewelry? Do you prefer to mix and match or go with more classic pieces?

A to Z: Ivory

With the first sight of snow flurries today, and being on "I" for our A to Z features, what perfect timing to discuss a favorite of mine--winter whites. While there are still traditionalists that remain true to the "no white after Labor Day" rule, I find that winter whites can often be just as comforting and cozy as their warmer colored counterparts. In the cold and often dreary months here, in seas of black puff coats and snow boots, these creamy shades also provide an ideal base to add to wintery colors. Personally, I love chunky cream colored sweaters. And, when paired with navy, forest or army green, or burgundy's, I often find that these colors work best. Below are some ladies that have left me feeling inspired about incorporating winter whites into my winter wardrobe this new season.

{mixing a chunky fisherman-syle pullover with a delicate pleated maxi in a brighter white}

{A classic cream-colored toggle coat with warmer toned khaki pants}

{An example from Michael Kors in combining colors (orange pants) and textures (furry scarf) with the cream sweater}

{For more formal occasions, winter white works as well even if you are not attending a wedding. This Lyn Devon all-out cream color-scheme works well by providing a contrast in textures and the fit of the garments.}

A to Z: Haute Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

While many boutiques and brands refer to themselves and their products as 'couture', actual classification of couture garments and fashion houses is much more in-depth than fashion lovers may assume. Typically, haute couture is made-to-measure and of the finest materials by the most skilled seamstresses and tailors. In order for fashion houses to be honored with the title of haute couture, it must first be inspected by the Chambre de commerce et d'industrie de Paris in Paris, France. Some fashion houses that currently hold the title of haute couture are Christian Dior, Givenchy, Chanel, Eli Saab, Valentino etc. Here are some of my personal favorites.

Valentino Fall 2012 Couture 

Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture

Christian Dior Fall 2008 Couture

All photos from Style.com

A to Z: Glitter

While glittered garments used to be brought out for strictly holiday celebratory events, more recently they have been being incorporated into ensembles that are worn for everyday average events as a way to add pizazz. With glitters, sequins, and sparkles, aside from all-out party dresses, I love when they are applied in an unconventional manner-- a glittered skirt with a t-shirt, glittered heels with jeans, or a sweatshirt with glittered sections. Putting on something glittered, whether for a formal occasion or just for a class, is an easy way to make what you have on just a little more special than it was before.

Would you mix glittered pieces with more casual ones? Here are some of my favorite ways to add glitter to everyday outfits. Which are your favorites?

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

A to Z: Entertaining

Happy October, everyone! Though it may seem early to think about it, October technically kicks off the holiday season starting with Halloween at the end of the month. So, what better "E" topic for our A to Z series than the topic of entertaining? 

Here are some of the key essentials that I feel are a must for entertaining family or friends:

1. Fun Decorations- To me, any event can be amazing with the help of a little decoration. From streamers and garlands, fun place settings, or themed adornment, a setting can instantly be transformed into anything.

2. Food + Drink- When I have friends over, I like to find simple ways that can make even the most ordinary of things something to enjoy. Little bottles of water with candy striped red and white paper straws are so simple, but feel fun just by taking them out of their usual containers. And, everything miniature is always popular at get-togethers. By filling glasses with a little milk and topping them off with some chocolate chip cookies, dessert is not only something that tastes great, but is displayed in a unique and different way, too

3. Music- Whether you're a playlist master or Pandora person, great music can help to establish the event or can even work in with a theme (if there is one). I like when there is some background music going on, but definitely make sure that your guests can still hear each other when they're talking. Their voices shouldn't be competing with the music. 

4. Dress- While obviously not every party has a dress code, I always like to make sure to dress in a party style when attending. For me, any excuse to get a little dressed up is worth it. So, whether you wear a party dress and heels or a more casual approach, make sure that you show appreciation to your host(ess) by putting in a little effort, as they did to host you.

Happy first day of October, everyone and I hope that whatever events are in your near future you have a blast!

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5