Home Improvement

The Gallery Restaurant at Sketch London

There's no question that pink is a favorite of mine and I'm not picky for where it is. Whether it's fashion or interior design above, this dusty pink is a version that I am particularly fond of. While I never got the chance to visit, in perusing Pinterest for this week's Home Improvement post, and I'll admit, a little London withdrawal, I came across The Gallery Restaurant inside of Sketch--London. The pink is used perfectly by being paired with sort of rose gold chair bases and table top accents and a floor that is an unexpected herringbone pattern in a series of browns, and the fact that the chairs and booth style seating is plush velvet as opposed to a different fabric creates an incredibly luxe and pleasing look to the eye. Not to mention, the almost cartoon-like drawings perfectly aligned on the wall match the playful setting and definitely make me long for the time I get to jump back to London and visit Sketch.

Updates

Since before this week I had been a little lax on posting, I figured it would good to put a little update here on 85 Dresses. These past few weeks have been rather busy and had some exciting things in them, and some of my favorites are the ones in the pictures.

1. Business Lady - After many rounds of trial and error, I finally printed my first set of business cards at the beginning of this month. I had been wanting to for a while, and kept them very true to myself with the 85 Dresses logo and gold glittered social media icons to make sure everyone who gets them will keep in touch. Now, who to hand them out to...

2. Spotted Sunnies - TJ Maxx isn't really a store that I visit very often when I am at home in Texas (or Syracuse), but all of my flatmates are major fans, so we ventured into the TK Maxx (London's version) and I couldn't resist leaving without these Moschino (Teen!) spotted sunglasses. They're severe cat-eye shape and classic black and white were perfect.

3. Styled - This past Saturday I styled my very first photoshoot with the help of my partner, Mariann Asayan, our photographer Samantha Stone, and model Hannah Gessler.  Our concept was heavily art-focused and I can't wait to share more. I got such a rush while doing it, and really think it was successful! 

4. Day in the Park - The weather was beautiful on Sunday, so a couple of friends and I headed to Hyde Park to sit and chat and take in the warmer temps. Perfect time to break out my favorite new Zara sandals that I had been eyeing for a while.

5. Coffee Craze - One of my favorite weekend activities is finding new coffee spots. There is nothing more that I love than chatting with friends over a great cup of coffee, and finding perfect spots to do so is an absolute must. After reading about Monocle online, a few friends and I walked to a new neighborhood nearby for some amazing iced lattes and people watching in the park nearby. Again, how can you resist those black and white stripes?!

Make sure that you follow me on Instagram @leshkoln to keep up with daily happenings!

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

Tres Chic

/ Urban Outfitters blazer + heels / Forever 21 sweater + pants / 3.1 Philip Lim for Target purse / David Yurman ring / Revlon Lipstick /

While I have worked backstage at a few fashion shows in New York, I had never ventured over to Lincoln Center to spot all of the stylish editors, show-goers, bloggers, and photographers before. I admit, I was intimidated and unsure of how the whole thing worked. So, when London Fashion Week began here in London about three weeks ago, I made sure that my confidence got up to the same level as my excitement, grabbed a close friend and my camera, and headed over to Somerset House to see it all happen live. There is nothing like it, and I had the absolute best time that Saturday. Even got my photo taken a couple of times.

Now, about the outfit. Knowing that everyone goes big for the shows, I knew that I had to really put on my best, but I was still a bit unsure of how it went down, so this felt like a good start for branching a bit out of my comfort zone, while still being comfortable enough. With the sun shining for once, it was warm enough to go with this sweater and a light blazer (that I have re-found my love for). Since we got up fairly early to head down to Somerset, these silky floral Forever 21 pants felt like I was in my loungewear, but the chicest ones at that. 

 Stay tuned for a few photos from London Fashion Week and Weekend coming up later this week!

Hope you all had a nice first start to March!

Photo Credit: Indradevi Nuon