Goodbye 2015

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In reflecting on this past year, I realized how much actually happened. Usually, I look back and of course I completed projects, attempted to solve problems and succeeded, and made amazing memories. But this year, when I looked back, I realized that 2015 was definitely one of the most pivotal. Since I unfortunately haven't been posting regularly for a while, I thought I would take you through some of my highlights through instagram images over the past year. 

Starting off the year with a "sky's the limit" attitude from a Kate Spade window

Trying to narrow down pieces for my thesis

Can you tell I'm a fan of motivational text?

Finally completing my thesis at around 6 am...

and showing it later that week at the Senior Collection Fashion Show

Graduating cum laude from Syracuse University 

A first summer in Houston in forever called for discovering new favorite coffee shops

I went on a cruise for the first time to Yucatan + Cozumel with two best friends from high school

Getting my diploma in during the struggles of first job applications to remind me of previous accomplishments

Feelin' 22 at my 22nd birthday

From my old home to new home-- packing to move to New York in September

Creating my dream office space in my new apartment in New York City

Ringing in Sweet 20(16) with my family in Texas

I'm usually not the best when it comes to New Years resolutions, but this year I want to do better at making a sort of check list because if there is one thing I am good at, it's lists. Getting back to posting here more often is definitely on that list and I am excited to see what this year has in store. 

I hope everyone rung in the new year with their favorite people and amazing dreams!

Follow me on Instagram for more frequent posts at @leahshkolnick

Dressy / Casual

/ Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) / Target booties (old) / Kate Spade top (via Nordstrom's Rack) / H&M coat (old, $15!) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michael Kors watch / 

In not posting for a while, I found a few photos that I had taken over the past few months that I didn't find the time to actually put up. But hey, how amazing is this coat? I had to share. 

Being the sort of coat hoarder that I am, I will find any reason to add a new coat to my collection. However, when I found this one a few years ago at H&M marked down to $15 I couldn't resist. The metallic sheen and cropped sleeves seemed like a fresh addition to my wardrobe, and the weight of it makes it perfect for transition weather. With the coat being the main statement, keeping the rest to classic neutrals like vintage cuffed denim, black ankle boots, and a grey shell with just the right amount of detail on the sleeves seemed like the perfect additions to pull the rest of the look together.

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 -

Trick-Or-Treat

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Trick-or-Treat, edgy or girly, sweet or a little bit spicy, contrasting elements always make for interesting and fun combinations. Taking the classic Trick-or-Treat idea from Halloween, I gathered pieces that fit a bit more of an edgier feel (Trick) with sweeter pieces (Treat) for a combination worth sinking your teeth into.  With embroidered eyes in the Kenzo jacket and mittens or a bat t-shirt with  pieces like a flirty Rebecca Minkoff mini, Kate Spade heels, or a Checked Topshop skirt make it fun to mix and match and create a look that is made up of different styles to end up with one that the perfect juxtaposition of trick and treat. It doesn't always have to be one or the other. 

Do you lean more towards the 'Trick' or 'Treat' pieces? 

I'd love to hear! 

Tuesday Shoesday

I have long praised my love of a fabulous pair of blue shoes. When I came across the pair for this week's Tuesday Shoesday feature from Shop Sosie, I knew they were a winner. They are every bit summery like a classic checkered picnic blanket or table, and I love how geometric they are and all of the straps near the front. Oddly enough, they immediately reminded me of the Kate Spade Saturday dress on the left. With it's painterly abstract plaid and fun strappy back, this pairing is whimsically similar. I'd love to see what they would look like paired together. Too crazy or pattern perfection?

What do you think?

Tuesday Shoesday

One of my favorite places to visit while on vacation are the botanical gardens. It's always so quite and peaceful and the many varieties of plants and flowers create such a beautiful setting for fragrant smells and bright colors. These Kate Spade heels remind me of a perfect day strolling through the grounds. With florals being so effortlessly feminine, I like how these are slightly more abstract and create a bit more of a blurred image- easily allowing you to pair them with much more than just a dainty dress.

What do you think of these floral heels? 

Tuesday Shoesday

Have you ever seen a shoe that just makes you happy? When I first saw this pair of Kate Spade pumps this summer, they made me feel just that. From their polka dots, trimming, and perfect bow, this pair of shoes is one that would be a great feminine compliment to any outfit. With little details like textured dots and a shape that is bound to look lovely on, these shoes are bound to be on my "lust list" for quite a while. Kate Spade has done it yet again. 

What kind of shoes make you happy? Any favorite shoe designers or style?