Fourth of July

| Forever 21 blouse / American Apparel shorts (old) / J.Crew heels (sample sale) / Kate Spade purse / David Yurman ring / Michael Kors watch / Essie's Saturday Disco Fever nail polish |

The idea of dressing in a color scheme almost instantly excites me.  Not that red, white, and blue don't look perfect together on any other day, but when it comes to The 4th of July, the crisp whites, lipstick reds, and classic blues bring full-on Americana during this days celebrations.

As a result of spending this holiday in South Carolina with my family, instead of traditional navy for the festivities, I swapped out the go-to blue of denim and went with a preppier alternative with the southern staple--seersucker. Bringing elements in for the holidays based on your locations always make the holiday that much more memorable. Outfits included.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July! 

Summer Styles

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Well, hey, everyone! It's been a while (again), but this time it was due to computer trouble (farewell old macbook), taking a quick jewelry class, and starting a new internship back in New York for another summer. As quick as that month went, it's about to become a new one with the welcoming of July in a few days. With that, comes one of my favorite holidays: July 4th, of course!

Now, the fourth of July is the epitome of summer celebrations. While the past two summers I've spent it watching fireworks off of The Hudson river in the city, this summer I'll be spending it in a different city, Hilton Head, South Carolina. When it comes to trips, I always get excited to pack and dress for that specific location. The four pieces above are ones I have been particularly drawn to as of late.

1. Pineapples, and fruit patterns alike, have been popping up everywhere this summer, and what better of a print to lounge on while at the beach. Not to mention, the bright green is festive, too!

2. I usually am terrible at packing, often somehow turning weekend getaways into weeklong ones with the amount I include in my suitcase. However, I recently purchased the duffle above at the incredible C. Wonder sale this past weekend. With it's black and white hawaiian print and my monogram in neon yellow that I added, it screams South Carolina and will hold up for all of those perfect little summer excursions and ones afterwards, as well.

3. I've been following the Marysia swimwear company for a while after seeing their sweetly scalloped suits on bloggers and Instagram feeds. There is something about their shape and style that seems so classic and stylish at the same time.

4. Finally, Kate Spade's month in Rio brought these toucan sandals. While I've never been to Rio, I have ventured into the Kate Spade store, I can vouch that these would look just as cute on the beaches of South Carolina as they would in Rio.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and here's looking forward to a short work week ahead!

- Good to be back -

Home Improvement

 / Image Via / 

When I think about summer, I think a lot about the outdoors and light and airy spaces. As soon as I came across the image above on Pinterest, I knew that this space is one of those breezy areas to lounge in during the summer. I love areas that work really well to easily switch up for times with friends that also work for solitary time, as well. With the white brick, light colored floors, inviting couch, and bright green plants, this is a place that I can absolutely see catching up with a couple of friends or spending time curled up with a magazine.

What does this space make you think of?

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

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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!*

Off the Shoulder

/ Forever 21 dress / Primark clutch / Christian Siriano heels / David Yurman ring / Necklace from Austin, TX / 

One of my favorite trends that's been popping up everywhere is the off-the-shoulder trend. I've already picked up a few other styles featuring this look, but this Forever 21 dress is definitely my favorite. The combination of blue and indigo flowers remind me of Texas bluebonnets, and the ruffled off-the-shoulder sections feel so fluttery and romantic when paired with seafoam pointed-toe pumps and swept back hair.

Have you tried out this off-the-shoulder trend at all? I'd love to hear.

Hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable weekend. Happy Monday! (and Cinco de Mayo!)

Home Improvement

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Wow, you guys! We haven't had our regular Thursday 'Home Improvement sessions in quite a while. Inspiring and comfortable home decors are something that I have grown quite interested in over the years, and finding them for these weekly posts is something that I very much enjoy. So, we'll be getting back to those for all of you reading. Aside from my clear recent obsession with all things black and white, yellow is a color that is finding its way into my obsession category, as well.

While yellow is a color that so many people, including me,  shy away from (similar to orange), I began to shift my thoughts towards it with a recent trip for a pedicure. It sounds silly, but yellow is a color that is known to make people happier, and with bright yellow toes, it certainly has done a little bit of joy every time I go to change my footwear for the day. I began thinking that if yellow toes can instantly add that bit of happiness, what would happen if there was yellow accents in our home decor? While too much of it may be a bit bright, depending on your feelings towards the color, a little accent here and there definitely adds that punchy brightness that easily finishes a room and fills it in with the way that a lot of colors just aren't able to. In the room above, I love how the room is mostly black and white with pastel accents and sort of faded pieces and then the small yellow pillow and blanket on the couch make it warmer than if they had not been there at all.

What do you guys think? Adding any yellow into your lives in the future?

If not in your decor or your wardrobe, I suggest at least starting with your toes :)