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!

Leopard, Stripes and Lace

Forever 21 dress (similar) / Sam Edelman shoes / Anthropologie sunglasses / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse with pom pom from Z Gallerie / Michael Kors watch

Out of all of the dress that I have, this is definitely one of my favorites. The combination of delicate white lace contrasted with the harsh black stripes was unique, and the drop waist style was comfortable and easy to wear during the summer months. Since I've had it, I have found how wearable and versatile it actually is. I unexpectedly decided to try it out with a recent leopard flat purchase, and loved the outcome that came with adding another pattern into the mix. 

It's been quite dreary and rainy here in Houston the past few days, so hopefully it will brighten up before the 4th comes around. Happy July, everyone!

Instagram Update

It's been a while since we did an Instagram update around here. While there isn't much to actually update y'all on post-grad wise, I have been trying to find ways to spend my day that make me happy and creative instead of staying home all day. Make sure to follow me on Instagram @leahshkolnick for more frequent updates! 

New Sam Edelman flats // Q&A a day 5-year journal

Job Application // motivation

Dress to Impress // National Pink Day

Baking // Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Weekend Wear // Pops of Color

Red Toes // Custom Dr. Scholl's

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. 

Winter Boot Blues

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

It comes to a certain time in Syracuse when pulling out the snow boots day after day is unavoidable to be able to get around campus and stay warm while doing so. While they may not be the most stylish shoe, my snow boots (#4) are incredibly warm and since they are black, they basically go with every kind of combination of black pant situation that I live in from around November to March or April (!) However, as much as I am appreciative of them, wearing the same boots nearly every day can get tiring and I need ways to spruce them up. An easy and typically inexpensive way to do so are with socks. The mermaid ones above are only $1.50. Whether you go for simpler color blocking styles or more playful options like polka dots or the mermaids, you know that when you pull off the boots at the end of the day that there is a fun surprise waiting.

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?

Unexpected Match

| GAP t-shirt / Forever 21 skirt (old) / J. Crew sandals / Francesca's necklace / Essie's 'Saturday Disco Fever' nail polish |

Even though the 4th of July was already almost a week ago (!), red, white, and blue feel like the perfect combination for throughout summer. I used to never really be a t-shirt + skirt type of gal, but when it comes to separates, there are so many ways to mix and match. It makes the possibilities of the combinations in your closet seem endless. I would have never thought of adding such a dark t-shirt to a bright and nearly nautical look, but in the end, I loved how the dark of the top added a contrast, allowing for the bright colors to be dulled down a little bit, but still hold their pizazz.

What are some of your favorite outfit pairings? I love a good grey t-shirt with bright skirts, too!

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!)

Three Ways: Lace Overalls Part I

/ Top: Zara (old) / Sweatshirt: Forever 21 / Overalls: Necessary Clothing / Purse: Zara / Heels: Zara / Necklace: Francesca's Collections /

I hope that everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving with family, friends, and loved ones. Being home in Texas was a much needed break. I know If you follow me on Instagram (leshkoln), I had promised this post would be up on Thursday. However, I decided to take time and be with family instead so this series is here this week instead.

I am not a fan of denim overalls at all. Unless you have stats of a supermodel, I find them to be unflattering on mostly all that attempt at them. However, when I saw these black lace ones this past summer at Necessary Clothing in New York City, I decided overalls are acceptable in lace (and obviously leather versions). To show how wearable and versatile they can be, this week I have shot them in three ways. Today, I chose to feature them in the form of pants layered under a denim button-down and new favorite sweatshirt. For some reason when I was getting dressed, denim just seemed like an obvious pairing for the black lace. I love how they are a straight style, but have a wider opening at the leg that I think looks fabulous with heels. With built-in solid shorts at the top, the sheerness is wearable for day-time but still able to be easily dressed up and styled for a night out. 

What do you think of overalls styled this way? Stay tuned for part II of this series on Wednesday.

Dark Florals

Turtleneck: Salvation Army-Syracuse / Skirt: Forever 21 / Boots: Target / Purse: Zara / Necklace: Style Lately c/o / Watch: Michael Kors

Like most people, I have a love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Often too tight around the neck, they can look rather stuffy and conservative. But, done well, they can look very sleek, mod and put together. After deeming all of my ratty old turtlenecks as the former description, I began a rather long hunt for the perfect new version. It had to be not too tight around the neck, comfortable and have a slightly boxy fit. Almost convinced it didn't exist, I finally found it at Syracuse's Salvation Army for a few dollars, and I'm in love. This quilted mini skirt from Forever 21 is interesting not only for the dark floral pattern (which I'm always fond of), but for it's quilted detailing. It's rather short, so what better to balance it out with than a long-sleeved turtleneck? Keeping proportions in check can usually make or break any outfit but by pairing long sleeves with a mini you'll be fine for sure.

How do you feel about turtlenecks? I'd love to hear.

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.

'Til Next Time, New York

/ Forever 21 dress / Michael Kors watch / Topshop (old) heels / Necklace from Austin, TX / Yankees cap /

Well, New York, another summer has come and gone and my busy period of balancing up to three internships at one point and keeping up with this blog has ended. I came home on Saturday and have until Thursday until I head back to New York (upstate, though) to start my Junior year at Syracuse. I wanted to say goodbye to summer and bye to the city with a classic NYC accessory, the New York Yankees baseball cap. Baseball caps are not an accessory that I integrate into my wardrobe regularly, but I have always loved how they add the perfect athletic vibe to any outfit--even a mod black and white shift with sky-high heels.

Have you ended your summer dream careers? Where are you headed now, I'd love to hear!

Ooh La La

/ H&M sweater and clutch / Necessary Clothing crop top / Bebe top / Zara shorts / Sam Edelman heels / Michael Kors watch / Brandy Melville ring / Forever 21 "Ooh La La" necklace / Illamasqua polish

When starting with a classic black and cream color palette, mixing textures, patterns, and fit is key. With the delicate top and faux leather shorts both being on the shorter side length-wise, a light-weight cardigan that acts as a half silky blazer and half nubby knit is the ideal addition to pull the look together. And, while you might feel the need to accessorize, as I did, having a few statement pieces will work, but make sure that only one of them, in this case my snakeskin clutch stands out-even if the necklace is doing the talking-ha. 

How would you accessorize a black and cream look?