Fancy Footwear

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Lately I've been getting more and more into shoes. Although, like most of the clothes that I buy, most of the shoes that I'm interested in are anything but practical. But, my shopping motto has usually been to buy for the life that I want and dream that I have, not the one that I actually do. With that said, these four fancy footwear styles are all from Asos and all have a bit of fun to them. From fun sayings (ooh la la!) to fringe and faux fur, any of these styles would add a bit more pep to your step.

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

Tuesday Shoesday: Slip-ons

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Did anyone else have a pair of Vans in middle school? Mine were polka dotted (I didn't think I could pull of the checkered ones) and I loved how they could be thrown on with basically anything. So, when slip-ons came back in style the past year or so, I was reminded of those I had from middle school but hesitant to get back into them again. After holding off for a while, I finally found the pair I had been searching for (#1) a pair of suede Vince ones at Nordstrom Rack for under $60 on clearance and instantly was hooked again. They are incredibly comfortable, have a sort of ease about them (no laces!), and just like the sneakers from yesterday's post, make nearly any outfit so much cooler. 

Do you have a pair of slip-ons? I think next I'll try a pair in the ankle style.

Winter Boot Blues

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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.

Tuesday Shoesday

In this seemingly never-ending hunt for the perfect ankle boot to replace my beloved pair from Target, I have realized a few qualities that I had in the back of my mind when determining whether or not a pair would make the cut. The first importance was that I realized that my foot looks best with an elongated and pointed toe instead of a short and round one. I love the look of a long toe and I had noticed that all of my favorite boots (ex: the leopard chelsea ones) have this feature. Aside from the length of the actual shoe, I appreciate a shoe that has a good quality to it when it comes to ankle boots and not one that is delicate. I like one that looks a little rugged and sort of worker-boot like. Enter, Gap's Chelsea booties. I had gone to the store a few weeks ago and there was the black pair. Someone had returned them and as soon as I tried them on I thought that my endless hunt for these perfect ankle boots had ended. While I didn't end up leaving the store with them in hand (or on my feet...), I know now that in addition to Gap being perfect for all of my go-to items, that their boots are on point, as well.

Also, even though I had been looking for black, I am really loving the grey and brown options, too! What are your favorites? 

Tuesday Shoesday : Golden Goose

I know I've mentioned Golden Goose Deluxe Brand before, but only recently have I began justifying the fact that outfits look cool with the reason being that these sneakers are in them. Golden Goose founded by designers Francesca and Alessandro Gallo's love of art and fashion. The Inverno 14/15 collection explains that these are styles for the confident woman who is running around the skatepark. While that explanation isn't so clearly me at first (you probably would never find me on a skatepark, let's be honest), I do however take a lot of inspiration from the styles worn in that type of environment sometimes. I love how these sneakers remind me of your rocker friends perfectly worn-in kicks and I like to say that if these were in my closet, I'd be instantly cooler. Don't you think? I love the star logo and and subtle gold type. Unfortunately, they're a bit pricey...so for now I'll keep dreaming. Gold star, Golden Goose!

Tuesday Shoesday

Photos via Zara

Do you ever get surprised at pieces that you find yourself drawn to sometimes? For me, when I first  viewed the Chanel Autumn/Winter 2014 collection this past February, I was more interested in the supermarket set-up than I was the actual collection. However, as the months have gone by and the trends are beginning to creep in, I have definitely been affected and been drawn to the trainers with multiple fabric and texture combinations in the Chanel show that Zara has clearly been inspired from in these images. Using pink not so saccharinely has been seen for a while on the runways now, but I really love how these trainers are combined with such a dark black and almost tweed-like fabric so reminiscent of Chanel. And, with my new found love of sneakers, it looks like these may be finding themselves in my closet come fall.

Are you all still loving a fun tennis shoe or sticking to classic styles?

Tuesday Shoesday : Kitty & Co.

All kitty flats from Charlotte Olympia

Charlotte Olympia has been a favorite of mine for as long as I can remember. The whimsical designs of her shoes and accessories always have the perfect combination of fantasy and luxurious sophistication. On my rather long lust-worthy shoes, Charlotte's 'kitty' flats are a favorite contestant. In visiting their site recently for a bit of inspiration, I came across their Kitty & Co. collection. Kitty & Co. is limited edition collection of theirs that bring their classic kitties to an animated style. From pouts to parties to love and hippies, there is a kitty for every attitude and girl who wears them. As cute as they are, though, I admit I still have my eye on the classic black velvet version.

Which is your favorite?

Tuesday Shoesday : Currently Coveting

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I know that we are supposed to be living in the present, but with all of the fall fashions starting to creep into stores, it's hard not to think about dressing for fall--especially in the footwear department. The last time that I sported slip-ons was middle school with spotted Vans (black and white, of course). However, these slip-ons featuring luxe fabrics and materials such as leathers and faux fur, and with detailed stitch work, prove to be the much more stylish relative. Now, which to choose?

Color Inspiration : Poppy

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Not too long ago, the thought of 'a pop of red' just never really did it for me. However, leave it to J.Crew's Style Guides to change my mind. Issue after issue I was faced with their models sporting the perfect lip shade that I had been hunting for. Red, but not too old. Bright, but not neon. Youthful, but not pink. I was introduced to Poppy. Since then, poppy red has made its way into my style in many ways other than a lipstick. This year's J. Crew sample sale had me longing over the Double Strap sandals pictured above. When on the last day they were marked down to $30, I figured that my new love of the color shouldn't exclude my footwear. Safe to say, they are my new favorites.

I included a few other 'poppy picks' above to show how versatile this color can be in your wardrobe. From swimwear to handbags, this is definitely a color that works in every department.

Which is your favorite?

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!*

White Hot

/ Primark Platforms /

In the past year or so platform sandals have been seen quite often. While I loved the look of them on other girls (often edgier or more grungy types) I was convinced it was just one of those styles that I wouldn't be able to pull off. In looking for a new summer go-to sandal, I stopped into Primark, an inexpensive favorite, while in London, tried these on and was instantly hooked. They are the perfect height where you can easily wear them with many different outfits and are comfortable for long days and errands of running around town. Not to mention, I love the loose straps around the ankle. Even though I am a sucker for a good black shoe, I loved  how bright the white appeared -- even if I don't have a great tan for it to work with ;)

Have you ever worn platform sandals? What's your favorite brand?

I'd love to know. 

London Fashion Week II

Nike Athletic Socks + Chunky Embossed Flatforms

As promised, as embarrassingly delayed as have most posts been lately, here are some photos from the first day that I stood outside of Somerset House at London Fashion Week. The fashion was exciting and fulfilled my fashion senses for sure, and as out-there as some of these styles may look in photos, some were surprisingly wearable when seen in person and are combinations that I am definitely keeping track of as inspiration for the future. 

Classic Chanel + Edgy Zippered Ankle Boots

A trendy duo with serious short hair inspiration

Two-Toned Coat + Snakeskin Bag

Black, White, and Pops of Color + Gold

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?

Tuesday Shoesday

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This week's Tuesday Shoesday feature is clearly themed for the Halloweek. Instead of plain orange or black footwear, with Halloween being all about whimsy and costume, I immedietly went to the queen of whimsical footwear in my opinion--Charlotte Dellal and her shoes for Charlotte Olympia. Everyone has their list of designers that they would purchase from if money was no option, and for me, Charlotte Olympia's shoes definitely find their way onto that list. Her shoes are works of art, expertly constructed, and have that amazing sense of whimsy that sometimes fashion forgets about. Her Halloween themed pieces above are perfect and are just as blatantly seasonal (#3) or as subdued (#4) as you would like. She even updated the classic 'kitty' flat to fit the holiday by adding fangs and reddish eyes to replace the typically sweet style of the original. Incredible pieces do come at a cost, however, and for wearability factor alone, I may shift more towards the boots (incredible!) or the spiderweb flats. Both are incredible versatile and perfect for fall and winter to add a bit of edge with the subtle web detailing that is the Charlotte Olympia signature. 

Which is your favorite? Would you update your footwear for Halloween?

Tuesday Shoesday

photo via Payless 

Let me tell you, kitten heels are so not my thing. I find them awkward, meant for older women, and while the name is cute, the style never really is. However, putting my feelings towards kitten heels aside, I absolutely fell in love with these Christian Siriano Galina Smoking Loafers. Leopard anything is one of my obsessions, and while I have a pair of leopard boots, I needed a style of footwear that was able to go with more dresses. These smoking loafers are perfect in so many ways. The leopard material is fabric, not printed, so the faux leopard hair creates a luxe appearance, the overall shape is delicate, and the velvet kitten heel gives you the feeling of heels, without all of the aching that comes with wearing them during the duration of a day. I've already paired these with everything from a head to toe denim look to pattern mixing with a bit of plaid. They have the ideal qualities to work with anything. While I may still be a little skeptical about completely devoting myself to kitten heels, these are certainly my new love for fall.

What are your thoughts on kitten heels? How would you style the Galina Smoking Loafers? 

Tuesday Shoesday

Do you ever see advertisements that always make you happy, but never really think of the company or brand? For me, that brand is Clarks Originals. While I always thought of Clarks as 'sensible footwear',  the Clarks girl that I saw in the images was a girl that seemed fun, stylish, friendly, and smart. Out of all of their pieces, the Clarks Original desert boots are my favorite. "Inspired by the crepe-soled boots worn by British Officers in World War II", this style was first introduced to me by my mom who has been a fan since her high school days, and when I was scrolling through Asos I came across the two featured above. Clearly, this is a style that has stuck around, and intends to. In two perfect colors (oxblood and wine) and fabrics (patent leather and velvet) for fall and winter, these can serve as a different and equally stylish variation from your everyday ankle boots, and just as stylish as durable, will last forever. 

Which is your favorite from the two featured above? I think I'm leaning towards the velvet wine pair. These are also pretty fun.

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.

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

Tuesday Shoesday

So, remember how I have been ranting about how my beloved Steve Madden shoes don't fit anymore? What used to be my go-to pair of fancy casual shoes seems to have lately been replaced by my Zara metallic t-straps. Well, today I found a perfect alternative to ensure that I'll get back on that kind of footwear in no time. These 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Vincent Ankle Strap Mules' fit that description of 'fancy casual' in so many ways. With a heel height that is ideal for boyfriend jeans and flirty minis, open toe to show off your polished pedicure, and shiny golden straps and heels for an interesting add-on, my closet would surely be honored by the addition of these lust-worthy shoes.

Do you have a pair of shoes in your closet that need replacing? I'm also still on the hunt for an amazing pair of loafers. Any suggestions?