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

New Faves at Old Navy

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First of all, Happy Friday everyone! The week definitely went by fast for me over here because in case you didn't know I moved from my hometown of Houston, Texas last week to my new city of New York! We are slowly but surely getting everything together for our new apartment (looking at you, table + chairs!), but it has definitely been exciting and nerve-wracking to say the least. More on all of that to come soon!

Anyway, on one of my many trips to the Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx stores for apartment must-haves, I made a quick stop into the Old Navy next door for a break and was glad that I did. At home I usually stop in Old Navy to browse or for easy pieces, but I was pleasantly surprised by what greeted me. Fall certainly seemed like their specialty when I was there and there was no shortage of buffalo plaids, burgundies and flannels to fulfill my cooler weather dreams. I was a little obsessed with that plaid purse, but left empty handed in need of storage at Bed Bath and Beyond instead (#adult). However, once everything has been purchased for the apartment, I have no doubt I will be back soon!

What are you all up to this weekend? I'm actually starting a class at The New School tomorrow and seeing an exhibit about The Rise of Sneaker Culture at the Brooklyn Museum. Should be fun!

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.

Army

 Charlotte Russe romper (on sale for $20!) // Banana Republic wedges // Francesca's necklace // Michael Kors watch 

The middle of August is an interesting time for getting dressed here in Houston. With fall and September on the horizon, you can't help but start to think of bringing your sweaters and ankle boots out of hiding. But with temperatures still in the hundreds daily, I've found that you can satisfy those excited fall feelings by simply starting to incorporate the fall colors. Enter: this army green romper. 

The sleeveless/high-neck combination is unlike any that I have in my closet, and the skort style with a d-ring belt adds a simple detail. I've found that these little design elements are important in this style of romper on me because it helps to break it up on my shorter torso and bring in the waist. 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week!

Pink Lady

| Dress: GAP | Shoes: Sam Edelman via Nordstrom's Rack | Sunglasses: Moschino kids via TKMax in London | Purse: 3.1 Philip Lim for Target | Black puff: Z Gallerie | Watch: Michael Kors | Rings: David Yurman + Syracuse class ring |

 Well hello again! Most of my days lately have been spent applying to jobs in my pj's until late in the afternoon so I haven't really gotten dressed for pictures but I'm definitely ready to get back into it. These are from a few weeks back but with the typical Houston heat we have, this is something I would definitely throw on any day.

When the heat is as strong and exhausting as it is here, I am a big believer in pieces that are light but still feel crisp and put together. I had been eyeing this dress at Gap for a while and when they had a special and it was an extra 1/2 off, I went for it. With it's pretty pleated back, D ring tie belt, and sheer pink color it has the perfect details for such a classic dress that make it unique and wearable. As for the leopard flats, when I saw the dress in the store somehow all I could think about was that it would look great with leopard and that I had to try it out. Does that happen to anyone else when they go shopping?

Orange

// Lulu's dress (here in white) / Aldo Accessories necklace / Anthropologie sunglasses / Sam Edelman shoes //

I ordered this dress hoping to wear it for my college graduation this past May thinking it would be fun to wear orange to rep Syracuse's color. Funny part of the story, the dress didn't make it in time for graduation but literally as my mom and I were heading to the airport I got a call that my package had been delivered to my house so we booked it back into town to pick it up. 

Story aside, I love this dress for so many reasons. We all know about my obsession love for sleeves and these are different than any of the others in my collection. These lace trimmed bell sleeves are so delicate, but the intense orange color really makes them pop. At first I was a little worried that it was too bright, but after putting it on it felt perfectly fitting and fun for summer. 

What are you all up to this weekend? My little sister comes back from Italy tonight, so we are excited to welcome her back with Tex-Mex and hugs.

Dog Days of Summer

/ H&M dress (old) but this one is cute!  / Cotton On purse / J. Crew sandals / Anthropologie sunglasses / Michael Kors watch /

In the rules I set out for cleaning my closet, this dress should have been a goner. I hadn't worn it in at least 6 years, I had to fix the hem, and I wasn't sure it even fit anymore. However, something aside from the adorable scottie dog print made me hang it back up and I am so glad I did because this weekend I went to the 38th Annual Houston Dog Show! A bit of hem tape (quick fix!) and fast iron and this dress was the perfect piece to wear to an event all about dogs. The red sandals picked up on the bows on the scotties and I definitely felt like the most festive human at the event. The dogs, however, were dressed to the nines. 

Nellie didn't end up attending the show, but she did make a few photo appearances. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for a fresh start to the week.