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

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!

Addicted to A. L. C.

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Lately my style has been very un-like me. While I used to resort to burgundies, blacks, and navy during cooler months, recently it has been more frequently on a day-to-day basis regardless of the weather. In trying to pin-point a style that I have been referencing often, I was reminded of a favorite brand of mine, A. L. C. 

Designer Andrea Lieberman creates the perfect classic pieces that are somehow on trend, but never trendy in the sense that after the season they will be buried in your closet. These are garments that have the idea of accessible casual luxury and the idea of "sartorial convenience, value and versatility." Sounds like my kind of pieces.

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?

On Wednesdays we wear PINK!

/ Pink set by me / Zara Heels /

With today being the 10th anniversary of the day Mean Girls opened in theaters, and it being a Wednesday (!), I decided what better occassion than today to pull out a piece I made last semester. 

" On Wednesdays we wear PINK " !

This is probably one of my favorite pieces that I have ever made. From the perfectly pink fabric, the black and white satiny piping, and another favorite, the bell sleeve, this little pink set that I made to complement a 60's style dress is just as fun to wear as it to look at. I love the idea that you can easily wear the pieces together as a set, or split them up. Options are fun to think about not only when designing, but when getting dressed as well. How cute would the pants look with a white t-shirt and denim jacket? Or, the top with high-waisted skinnies and fabulous heels?

As always, I'd love to hear any feedback.

Hope you all spent your Wednesdays piling on the pink.

xo

Black + White

/ Dress by Me / Necessary Clothing belt / Primark clutch / David Yurman ring / Zara heels /

Lately I've been particularly drawn to bold black and white stripes. There's something about them to me that is so classic and stylish, and I love when there are touches of color to accent them off. I made this knit dress my sophomore year and had never worn it, so when I saw the black and white striped bell sleeves peeking out of my rack in my closet, immediately I went for it. The fabric is two-sided (one with stripes the other with polka dots) and the play on the combination with the fun sleeves and sort of scalloped hem made it a dress that I will definitely be putting on more frequently in the future.

What do you all think? Do you like it? I'd love to hear feedback. 

Hope everyone has a great start to the week! 

Camouflage

/ Dress: Joe Fresh via JC Penney / Vest: H&M / Purse: Zara / Heels: Ellen Tracey / Watch : Michael Kors / Necklace: Style Lately c/o /

Well, hey, 85 Dresses. It's been a while, but I am happy to be back. It's been a crazy few weeks and I have some exciting news! We had our Junior fashion show this past week and two designers from each decade (20's through 90's) were chosen to have their garment displayed in the Onondaga Historical Association as a part of their Fashion After Five exhibit and mine is one of the two that won from the 1960's decade. So, if you find yourself in Syracuse, NY, go check it out soon. It'll be there until May or June.

Anyway, this post is full of firsts. First fashion win, first fur vest, first time in camouflage, and first blogging gift. After having searched forever for the perfect faux fur vest, I finally found it and am slightly embarrassed to say that I wore it 5 days in a row last week. This H&M vest fit all of the checkpoints on my list from length to texture, and I am obsessed. The camouflage dress from Joe Fresh is one of those pieces that I saw and knew I had to have (on sale at JC Penney) and immediately put together this outfit in my head when trying it on. It's perfectly fitted but relaxed and although it's full-on camo, is surprisingly wearable. The fabulous necklace is a gift from Style Lately. Recently I've been really into small and delicate necklaces, and when given the choice to choose from their collection of statement jewelry pieces, I decided to get back into my love of chunky necklaces and chose this triangle crystal piece. I love how it's bold and certainly makes a statement, but at the same time goes so effortlessly with everything from buttoned-up blouses to chunky sweaters and everything in between. Thanks, Style Lately!

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday! xo

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? 

Kendra Scott

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Going to college in the East Coast, I sometimes forget how trends differ depending on location. This summer while I was at home in Texas, I repeatedly came across friends wearing bright and simple jewelry pieces that were worn with everything from cuttoffs to cocktail dresses. Time after time, I was told they were 'Kendra'. I soon learned that the 'Kendra' was in reference to none other than jewelry designer and Texas native, Kendra Scott. As much as statement necklaces are fun to wear, Kendra's pieces make every bit of that statement, while also being classic pieces that you will wear on a daily basis. Below I gathered four of my favorites. I love how they are all delicate pieces, but still manage to have a bit of a raw and organic shape to them, as well. 

Are you a fan of Kendra Scott's jewelry? What is your favorite piece of hers? I'd love to know.

Tuesday Shoesday

As long as it is cold here in Syracuse, "Tuesday Shoesday" will most likely be filled with boots. While I can't wait to bare my legs again in the Spring, these Tory 'Daniella' riding boots, made me remember why I can hold out a little longer. Although she used to be known for her 'Reva' ballet flats and tunics, Tory Burch, in my opinion, makes some of the best boots. Perfectly combining structure, style, and luxury, boots by Tory Burch are always lust-worthy and consistently flattering. And, with their rich brown coloring with gold hardware and a perforated logo, they have just enough details that complement the style without taking away from the success of the shoe itself. 

Who are some of your favorite boot designers?