Dog Days of Summer

/ H&M dress (old) but this one is cute!  / Cotton On purse / J. Crew sandals / Anthropologie sunglasses / Michael Kors watch /

In the rules I set out for cleaning my closet, this dress should have been a goner. I hadn't worn it in at least 6 years, I had to fix the hem, and I wasn't sure it even fit anymore. However, something aside from the adorable scottie dog print made me hang it back up and I am so glad I did because this weekend I went to the 38th Annual Houston Dog Show! A bit of hem tape (quick fix!) and fast iron and this dress was the perfect piece to wear to an event all about dogs. The red sandals picked up on the bows on the scotties and I definitely felt like the most festive human at the event. The dogs, however, were dressed to the nines. 

Nellie didn't end up attending the show, but she did make a few photo appearances. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for a fresh start to the week. 

Palm Beach Prints

 Em & Lee / Willa dress // Forever 21 purse // Sam Edelman sandals (via Nordstrom's Rack)-- shorter style here // Anthropologie sunglasses // 'L' initial necklace from Francesca's

Don't you just love when you find a piece and instantly picture the outfit(s) that you're going to make with it? I went shopping last weekend with a few of my girlfriends at a favorite Houston boutique, Em & Lee, and before I even tried on this dress I just knew it was going to be one of my latest obsessions. Pink and orange have always been a favorite color combination of mine (ahem, ahem...my header) and there are so many perfect details to this piece that make it fabulous. From the cheerful print, the fringed hem on the sleeves and the pretty lace trim that runs down the center, there wasn't a thing I didn't love.

But besides the dress (which is sheer down the front so I had to wear something like this underneath), I thought that a bright orange bag and neutral sandals would complement perfectly for an afternoon of trying a new favorite coffee shop in downtown Houston. If you haven't already been, Tout Suite is a must! I may or may not have been twice in one week :) 

What is everyone doing for the 4th? This year my family and I are heading to Austin for a few days. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

New Bohemia

/ Forever 21 dress / J.Crew sandals / Cotton On purse / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman + Syracuse University class ring  / 

In thinking of describing my sense of style, bohemian is not a word that I typically use, though one I wish I could pull it off better.  I had been eyeing this Free People dress for a while, but with the higher price tag, and a bit unsure of how to style it, I resisted. Luckily though, on a quick trip to Forever 21 with some girlfriends a few days ago, I spotted this look alike and instantly snatched it up. It is surprisingly wearable, in a fresh length to my wardrobe and I feel like it makes me even walk with the sort of sway that I associate with bohemian pieces and gauzy fabrics. 

Sparkle + Shine

/ Forever 21 button-up / Topshop shorts (old) / Primark sandals / BaubleBar necklace / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / 

I love my denim cut-offs as much as the next girl, but when it comes to shorts I have a special soft for dressier options. I got these minty brocade ones from Topshop a few summers ago and while I typically pair them with a simple t-shirt to dress them down, I decided to dress them up instead with prim pieces in the form of a crisp button-up (all the way!), sparkly new necklace, and favorite heeled sandals.

What are your favorite style of shorts? Dressy or Casual?

Denim Swap

/ GAP denim jacket / Aqua (Bloomingdales) romper / Primark shoes / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman Ring /

After a few days lacking in any plans, I was tired of changing into my new found routine of pajamas to denim boyfriend shorts and grey t-shirt combination. Instead, I reached for the comfort of the denim, but with jungle-like peacock embroideries and a classic black romper and strappy sandals, left me feeling a little bit better than I had the past few days. It's amazing how sometimes all that you need to get out of a style funk is swapping the fit and a few pieces.

What pieces do you reach for to fix your style rut?

Tuesday Shoesday

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 

If you've been following 85 Dresses for a while, you know that I am every bit a color and pattern type of gal. So, when it came to shoes, I noticed that most of my footwear is the same in that I have nearly every color and pattern present, but with great styles in neutrals, there weren't very many go-to options. For me, if it's going to be neutral, the shape has to be interesting and fun to wear--not to mention, look good in my closet, too! These four options above fit those requirements...even if one of them has a bit of a snakeskin pattern on it ;) (#4)

How are the neutrals in your closet? Stacked up or lacking?

*Sorry for the poor photoshop in the white heel!*

White Hot

/ Primark Platforms /

In the past year or so platform sandals have been seen quite often. While I loved the look of them on other girls (often edgier or more grungy types) I was convinced it was just one of those styles that I wouldn't be able to pull off. In looking for a new summer go-to sandal, I stopped into Primark, an inexpensive favorite, while in London, tried these on and was instantly hooked. They are the perfect height where you can easily wear them with many different outfits and are comfortable for long days and errands of running around town. Not to mention, I love the loose straps around the ankle. Even though I am a sucker for a good black shoe, I loved  how bright the white appeared -- even if I don't have a great tan for it to work with ;)

Have you ever worn platform sandals? What's your favorite brand?

I'd love to know. 

Updates

Since before this week I had been a little lax on posting, I figured it would good to put a little update here on 85 Dresses. These past few weeks have been rather busy and had some exciting things in them, and some of my favorites are the ones in the pictures.

1. Business Lady - After many rounds of trial and error, I finally printed my first set of business cards at the beginning of this month. I had been wanting to for a while, and kept them very true to myself with the 85 Dresses logo and gold glittered social media icons to make sure everyone who gets them will keep in touch. Now, who to hand them out to...

2. Spotted Sunnies - TJ Maxx isn't really a store that I visit very often when I am at home in Texas (or Syracuse), but all of my flatmates are major fans, so we ventured into the TK Maxx (London's version) and I couldn't resist leaving without these Moschino (Teen!) spotted sunglasses. They're severe cat-eye shape and classic black and white were perfect.

3. Styled - This past Saturday I styled my very first photoshoot with the help of my partner, Mariann Asayan, our photographer Samantha Stone, and model Hannah Gessler.  Our concept was heavily art-focused and I can't wait to share more. I got such a rush while doing it, and really think it was successful! 

4. Day in the Park - The weather was beautiful on Sunday, so a couple of friends and I headed to Hyde Park to sit and chat and take in the warmer temps. Perfect time to break out my favorite new Zara sandals that I had been eyeing for a while.

5. Coffee Craze - One of my favorite weekend activities is finding new coffee spots. There is nothing more that I love than chatting with friends over a great cup of coffee, and finding perfect spots to do so is an absolute must. After reading about Monocle online, a few friends and I walked to a new neighborhood nearby for some amazing iced lattes and people watching in the park nearby. Again, how can you resist those black and white stripes?!

Make sure that you follow me on Instagram @leshkoln to keep up with daily happenings!

Fresh for Fall

/ 1. Topshop Tank / 2. Forever 21 Jacket / 3. Topshop Skirt / 4. Forever 21 Sandals

After what felt like excruciating heat for about the past week (I totally forgot about no AC at school), the weather finally cooled a bit yesterday. While it was certainly still every bit sandal weather footwear-wise, getting to throw on a new favorite varsity jacket with the coolest quilting that I found for $18 the day before, made that exciting look towards fall a good one. With a black and white palette and faux leather jacket, metallic sandals in a similar style to the ones above, added the shine needed to take the simple palette to a sophisticated one, all while happily welcoming fall.

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

Tuesday Shoesday

If you for some reason haven't been up-to-date on fashion happenings, I am here to let you know that Club Monaco has finally created a shoe collection. Just like their incredible ability to "mix fashion must-haves with timeless classics" when it comes to their clothes, their shoes have a similar feel and style to them. If you're looking for statement-making shoes, though, these are not them. These pieces are designed to be those perfect staples in your wardrobe that you will go for time and time again. With my new-found love for ankle strapped shoes of any kind, it was these Casey Leopard Calf Hair Sandals  that are my favorite from the new collection. Sometimes, just a peek of leopard from the back or the ankles is enough to make all of the difference in a simple look.

What do you think of Club Monaco's new shoe collection? You can view each style and pair here

Tuesday Shoesday

Loeffler Randall has been a brand that I always keep a watch on. I have always been particularly fond of their ankle boots and flats, but never really took notice of their heel selections until recently. The company defines its style as a "mix of refined sophistication and downtown cool" and if you're familiar with their products, I would say that their definition is pretty spot-on. I used to have a strong love of scalloped detailing. I thought that my love of the feminine curved edges had left but upon seeing these Loeffler Randall Reina Kitten Heel Sandals, I remember why I loved them. Mainly I appreciate how they seem to be a more sophisticated version of scalloped edges that I have worn in the past. With their slightly abstracted scallops (more wavy and spread out), perfect not- too-short kitten heels, and dainty ankle straps, these heel sandals can be great for a day when you want to get a bit more dressed than usual, but without killing your soles.

Piña

/ Topshop dress / H&M sandals / Zara purse / Forever21 necklace / Michael Kors watch / Anthropologie Sunglasses /

I've never been much of a beach person, I don't like getting wet and I'm not particularly fond of sand. So, it surprised even me when I took a spontaneous late afternoon excursion out to Coney Island for the first time. Since being in the city since May, this was my first actual 'summer activity', and I was overly excited to dress the part. I had purchased this pineapple dress at a Topshop sale last month and felt like what better day to pull it out from a sea of black and to actually bring it to the sea. With it's all-over pineapple print, the small details like triangular midriff cutout, cross-over neckline, and criss-cross open back provide just the right amount of interesting elements to keep it from bridging over to too cutesy.

Have you ever been to Coney Island? Did you sport any festive summer apparel, as well?

Tuesday Shoesday

Remember when everything was inspired by Greece and Rome and the goddess style of dressing ruled all? While that trend has pretty much come and gone in the past few years, the gladiator style for shoes still seems to be a summer favorite. I don't think I have the legs to pull off the thigh-high version, but these strappy ankle boot versions seem like a style I might attempt. In the summer months, sometimes when reaching for heels, classic pumps may seem too stuffy and cork wedges may seem expected. A pair of strappy gladiator style heels like these amazing Jimmy Choo's will add that extra quality of fun into your footwear that may have been lacking previously. While these are nowhere near my budget, I will surely be searching favorites like H&M and Zara for similar styles.

Are you a fan of the gladiator style? If so, do you prefer flats or heels?

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? 

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Steve Madden / 2. LuLu's / 3. Steve Madden / 4. Sam Edelman / 5. Zara /

Though the past few weeks may make it seem otherwise, I don't really buy shoes very often. I definitely love them, but for me, I would prefer to have many different outfits to wear with a similar pair of shoes. When I threw on my beloved Steve Madden wedges the other day, it appears that my foot has grown and they no longer fit as well as they used to. As such a go-to staple in my wardrobe, I figured what better to post for Tuesday Shoesday than a search for a replacement pair. Some qualifications: neutral (interpret that as you may), comfortable (but with a high wedge), and able to easily be dressed up or down.

Do you have a favorite from the five listed above? 

Building Blocks

/ Topshop tank / Zara shorts / Steve Madden shoes / Michael Kors watch / H&M Ring / Forever 21 Necklace / Anthropologie sunglasses /

Lately I've been kind of obsessed with swingy shorts. Being a skirt lover, they have the breeziness of a summer skirt but with the easy feeling of a pair of shorts. Having been in a bit of a pattern funk for a bit, when I saw these shorts about a month ago, the bright orange and navy square pattern managed to pull me right out of that rut. With the all-over pattern already being a focal point for the look, I made sure to pair it with basic pieces like my favorite black tank and chunky wedges. And, with a geometric-style necklace to complement the graphic characteristic of the shorts, these swingy shorts, definitely don't fall short when it comes to style. 

Tuesday Shoesday

When I was first introduced to Tory Burch in my middle school days, the "Reva" ballerina flat definitely grew to be the most popular shoe choice among the girls. While perusing the Tory Burch website I found that aside from being a master at preppy ballerina flats and classic, sophisticated riding boots (last seen here), Tory is also a genius when it comes to perfectly embellished sandals. Not too elaborate and screaming to be worn in the summer months, the Etta flat sandal is one that has a unique color pairing when it comes to footwear, but one that should definitely be used more often. With it's geometric pattern design balanced by its overall fairly simple shape, this sandal hits the perfect juxtaposition of dressy casual. Whether worn with denim cutoffs or adding a blazer to a flirty little white dress, these sandals are surely a reason to keep your "Reva's" away and trade these in, instead. 

What do you think about these eye-catching sandals?

Tuesday Shoesday

As much as I have been talking about iridescent/metallic shoes and accessories (and basically any fashion style), I finally purchased a pair of shoes like the ones I had been eyeing. When I got caught in a crazy rainstorm the other day, I found myself stopping into H&M to browse  stay dry. Lucky for me, these blue and silver metallic sandals were on sale for $10. For a trend that may or may not stick around for long--even though I must admit, I am obsessed-- this great price, and the gloomy weather, made this purchase an easy one to make. In the summer, sandals are an obvious staple. Since I have gotten rather tired of wearing my basic black flats as my go-to, I am excited to see how I can incorporate these into my outfits and making them work as a creative nod to neutrals. Stay tuned!

If you're loving these as much as I do, head over to H&M and pick up a pair. There is also a great style of metallic blue heels for $15 that are waiting for you, as well. 

Tuesday Shoesday

When I first took notice in iridescent footwear, they came in the form of this post. More recently, though, iridescent shoes have been popular in the form of heels, and I must say have absolutely stolen my heart. When it comes to shoes, though I love to appreciate intricately detailed pairs and those consumed with colors, I gravitate more towards practical pieces-- in colors, not styles-- iridescent options however, seem to create a happy medium- they are both whimsical enough that they feel a bit like playing dress-up, but practical enough that I could wear them on many different occasions from casual to cocktail. And, at about fifty dollars, they are a more understandable purchase than an expensive of-the-moment trendy version.

Heels from Zara