Purple Haze

// Gypsy 05 top (via Marshalls!) // Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) // Cotton On purse // Banana Republic wedges (similar here) // Francesca's initial necklace // Anthopologie sunglasses //

Even though I'm not up to much during the day right now, getting dressed in something other than pajamas always makes me feel a little better. On days when I don't quite feel like wearing a dress, vintage cropped denim and the prettiest purple top feel just as put together but on the more casual side. I've always been a fan of Gypsy 05, but it wasn't until I spotted this top the other week that I knew it needed to come home with me. There are so many details I love from the ruffles on the sleeves, the tied front and the delicate bottom it is the perfect summer top. Also, how amazing is the greyish purple color?!

National Donut Day

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Did you guys know that today (the first Friday in June) is National Donut Day? I don't know about all of you, but I can't think of a more fun way to kick off the weekend than with some adorable treats. While you can't exactly eat any of the options above, I pulled some of the cutest donut pieces to help you celebrate whether it's donut day or not. Now your only decision is which bakery you're headed to--dunkin' or krispy kreme? 

Have a great weekend!

Tres Chic

/ Urban Outfitters blazer + heels / Forever 21 sweater + pants / 3.1 Philip Lim for Target purse / David Yurman ring / Revlon Lipstick /

While I have worked backstage at a few fashion shows in New York, I had never ventured over to Lincoln Center to spot all of the stylish editors, show-goers, bloggers, and photographers before. I admit, I was intimidated and unsure of how the whole thing worked. So, when London Fashion Week began here in London about three weeks ago, I made sure that my confidence got up to the same level as my excitement, grabbed a close friend and my camera, and headed over to Somerset House to see it all happen live. There is nothing like it, and I had the absolute best time that Saturday. Even got my photo taken a couple of times.

Now, about the outfit. Knowing that everyone goes big for the shows, I knew that I had to really put on my best, but I was still a bit unsure of how it went down, so this felt like a good start for branching a bit out of my comfort zone, while still being comfortable enough. With the sun shining for once, it was warm enough to go with this sweater and a light blazer (that I have re-found my love for). Since we got up fairly early to head down to Somerset, these silky floral Forever 21 pants felt like I was in my loungewear, but the chicest ones at that. 

 Stay tuned for a few photos from London Fashion Week and Weekend coming up later this week!

Hope you all had a nice first start to March!

Photo Credit: Indradevi Nuon

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. :)

Gift Guide: For the Family

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I'll admit, I was embarrassingly a little late on my gift-giving this holiday. With Hanukkah happening over Thanksgiving break this year (so odd!), it certainly caught my whole family off guard. So, while home for Winter break, I was finally able to catch up. After all, it's the season of giving, right? I picked up simple gifts that while small, were meaningful and pieces that I truly thought that the people in my family would appreciate.

Mom- I had noticed that she has been really into small and decorative bags recently. For a woman who usually carries her life in her purse, a smaller bag was something that not only felt more practical and easier to carry, but was a fresh update to her accessory wardrobe, as well. I went with a small hexagonal style from Urban. With an attachable chain, you could wear it as a clutch for evening, or a fun geometric style for afternoon to add a simple but quick update to an otherwise possibly basic look. The featured piece in the collage above is from Asos. While slightly clunkier and larger than the one that I actually ended up purchasing for my mom, the boxy nature of the one above was inspiring as a shape in general.

Dad- Still looking for the perfect style, but my dad enjoys decorative office pieces such as letter openers and paper weights. Gold and bronze always amp up an office setting, and this fall themed pinecone letter opener seems like a simple yet professional style to not only keep on his desk as decoration, but serves a useful purpose for all of his office and personal mail, as well.

My Sister, Lauren- My sister has a thing for candles at the moment. I have yet to see her without at least four burning in her room at one time. After a long search with scents at many stores, I stuck with one where most of her candles come from--Urban Outfitters-- and picked up a classic and soothing smell in Lavender and Thyme to keep her relaxed when she is lounging or studying in her room. And, since she's not always in her room, I bought her these zodiac earrings with her sign (Sagittarius). She always has the coolest jewelry pieces that I could never pull off, but look amazing on her. These little earrings seemed to be right up her alley and the combination with the candle couldn't have seemed more like her in my book. 

What did you get (or are planning on getting) your family for the holidays? I'd love to hear!

Winter Scarves

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I never really understood the importance of a good scarf until I went to school in upstate New York. While jackets and heavy sweaters are definitely an important factor to winter dressing, scarves are surely the needed finishing touch. Aside from winter and a heavy chunky grey scarf that I wear almost daily in the winter months at Syracuse, I was never one to have a collection of scarves. I met up with a couple of friends from high school yesterday who were both wearing scarves (one, a lilac-y purple, and the other a darker floral). It got me thinking that when we live in colder climates with so many pieces that are worn daily (heavy boots, down coat, scarves, mittens...) why not have a few different colors of the smaller things like the mittens and scarves to keep the long season a little brighter and not as drab as typical blacks and grays--as much as we love those.  In the image above, I have gathered five varying styles that I would love to tuck underneath my jacket to keep warm while not jeopardizing in the style department, as well. Fun fact, the Zara piece (4) has chain running through it!

Do you use scarves in the winter? What's your go-to style?

Tuesday Shoesday

I've had a slight obsession with the Miu Miu crystal heel pieces ever since I first saw them. However, with their prices nearing the thousand dollar range, they are out of the question for now. While there have been plenty of 'inspired-by' pieces since the Miu Miu version first emerged, I haven't found a pair that have done the original justice--until now. I stopped into Urban Outfitters last week and like a typical magpie, was immediately attracted to the jeweled heel version by one of Urban's brands, Cooperative. Comfortable, dainty--but sturdy enough, sleek, and obviously pretty, this pair had a much more budget-friendly price ($58) and would allow me to have a bit of that Miu Miu style, without the designer price. Bonus reason? This pair has a whole additional row of crystals. Sparkle much? I may need to venture to Urban and actually pick them up-they're definitely a great shoe for the upcoming holiday season!

What do you think about the Cooperative Jeweled Heel? Would you still save up for the original?