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. :)

Instagram Updates 2

Alright, everyone. So, if it hadn't felt fully like October recently, it finally kicked in for me this past week that it is really fall. Having been living on the East Coast for the past few years now, I get that feeling when the seasons change, and it's a great feeling to get to be able to experience four times a year. That being said, above are some of my Instagram Updates for the second round of this series. 

1. Knitting class can get a little dull when it comes to a five hour studio with industrial knitting machines. Between each knit and purl we bring some liveliness to the small space with a bit of play. Also, although the class isn't necessarily my favorite--the room full of never-ending colors of yarns is certainly something exciting to walk into each time. Photo via Tevy Nuon's Instagram.

2. I have actually grown to really like the process of draping and find the class interesting, although the work-load can be insane at times. This was a quick snapshot of a dirndl skirt I had draped waiting for critique. 

3. Early-mid October weather recently has been cool in the mornings and then evening out to around low seventies in the afternoon. This is ideal for mixing shorts and jackets, or dresses and boots. I took to the first combination and paired a favorite pair of denim shorts with a classic utility jacket while I still can. With all of the orange and red leaves falling fast everywhere, I can't help but stop to jump in a few piles as I pass them. Can you blame me?

4. Not being very skilled in the beauty department, but certainly being in love with the products, acrylic nails had been something that I had wanted to try for a while. After probably the most stressful week of my academic career thus far, I treated myself last Wednesday afternoon for my first set of acrylic nails with a gel polish that is certainly fall-worthy with its ridiculously dark oxblood shade. And, I have to say, from the clink they make to the dainty length- I'm in love.

5. Pulling out a favorite piece of clothing that you can only wear during certain temperatures is always an exciting part of changes in season. These corduroy leopard pants from LOFT are one of those pieces of clothing. They are one of the few pants that fit perfectly and they are so easy to pair with chunky knits and boots for the cooler weather, while still being put-together. 

6. Finally, this was my 1990's collection for draping. I was mostly inspired by Prada advertisements from the 90's, and lots of plaids! Pulling a couple of all-nighters (and when not all-nighters, 4 am-ers) on this 12 piece illustrated collection may seem a bit crazy, but after getting my first critique that really made me feel supported and more inspired, it was definitely worth it in the end. 

What makes it feel like fall to you? Comment below! I'd love to hear.

Off the Vine

/ H&M Jacket / J.Crew Dress / DIY Necklace / Zara heels / 

As great as my love for colors is, lately when it comes to getting dressed, they have taken a back seat to make more room for neutrals in navy's, blacks, army green, and cream. With the slightly cooler air we've been having in New York the past few days, I realized summer really is coming to a close, and took full advantage of wearing summer brights for a few last times. This orchid colored dress was also a purchase from the J.Crew sample sale, and I love the way that it works surprisingly well with my kelly green suede moto jacket. With colors as bright as these, and a necklace that certainly adds to it, my favorite hologram heels pull the outfit today while still keeping the look interesting to the eye.

Lasered

/ Forever 21 dress / DIY Sunnies / Ellen Tracy heels / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch / Brandy Melville ring / Necklace from Austin, TX 

I certainly have my fair share of black dresses in my closet. From short and sheer to long and formal, black dresses are such a wardrobe staple that really are perfect for nearly any occasion. However, even with my extensive array there was a certain style that still was lacking: laser cut and leather. I love wearing garments that have special detailing to them. Unfortunately, that detailing often comes with a special price, as well. When I saw this dress at Forever 21 last week for under thirty dollars, I knew it was the perfect piece to fill in the gap in my wardrobe in both its style and price.

Do you have a little black dress gap in your wardrobe? What style are you looking for?

Tuesday Shoesday

When I ventured out of my traditional comfort zone when it comes to nails a few months ago and went with bright white, I was pleasantly surprised. It was a color that went with much more than I thought it would, instantly brightened up any outfit, and -dare I say- even made me look tanner! That alone was a miracle. When it comes to white shoes, however, I was slightly more skeptical. Difficult to keep clean, easily crossing over to tacky, and short lived (no white shoes after Labor Day, remember--ha), they seem quite difficult to pull off. However, I spotted these adorable twisted patent leather sandals from Prada and remembered how much I loved that white manicure. These would make a great alternative to a tan or black neutral that can be paired with nearly everything and, with its subtle detailed braiding, makes it simple-not boring. 

Would you try out a pair of white shoes? What about nails? 

Nail It

Since becoming increasingly interested in blogs within the past few years, I have enjoyed watching all of the helpful tutorials, beautiful videos, and getting to see the bloggers and their clothes interact and move in a whole new manner than they would have through only pictures. The videos and clips help to add another layer of connection between the blogger and all of his or her followers in a new way. In Time Arts, we were working on videos to show Simultaneity. I tweaked mine slightly to turn it into just a fun video with nail polish and of painting your nails.


Nail It from Leah Shkolnick on Vimeo.

Thanks to Jess Pupkin for letting me film her
Music: Laisse tomber les filles by France Gall