iolair
No longer a newbie, moving up!
With your budget and needs - outside portraits -, I'd get the 85mm 1.8, and either a reflector or (if you have enough money left) some off-camera fill flash.
By kit lens, I presume you mean the 18-50mm? So, you already have the wider range adequately covered (depending on your standards) - the 85 will give you a bit more working distance and quality.
By kit lens, I presume you mean the 18-50mm? So, you already have the wider range adequately covered (depending on your standards) - the 85 will give you a bit more working distance and quality.