Goodbye 2015

2 0 1 5

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

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

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!

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?

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. 

Purple Haze

// Gypsy 05 top (via Marshalls!) // Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) // Cotton On purse // Banana Republic wedges (similar here) // Francesca's initial necklace // Anthopologie sunglasses //

Even though I'm not up to much during the day right now, getting dressed in something other than pajamas always makes me feel a little better. On days when I don't quite feel like wearing a dress, vintage cropped denim and the prettiest purple top feel just as put together but on the more casual side. I've always been a fan of Gypsy 05, but it wasn't until I spotted this top the other week that I knew it needed to come home with me. There are so many details I love from the ruffles on the sleeves, the tied front and the delicate bottom it is the perfect summer top. Also, how amazing is the greyish purple color?!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

// 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 //

Chances are, even if you only follow a few bloggers (I follow about 35 daily!), you are well aware that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is happening now. From yesterday until July 16th, you can shop the sale early if you have a Nordstrom credit or debit card. Houston has been it's typical blazing self so I couldn't pass up the opportunity to browse what to look forward to for fall-- I guess going to school in upstate New York where it is cold most of the year has trained me to love fall dressing. I scoured each and every page of the Anniversary Sale section for all of you and came up with my Top 10. From faux layered pieces, suede, and some great footwear, I've rounded up some great options but if you're itching for more, head over to Nordstrom to see all of the great pieces and start getting excited for fall.

Happy shopping and hope everyone has a great weekend! 

Palm Beach Prints

 Em & Lee / Willa dress // Forever 21 purse // Sam Edelman sandals (via Nordstrom's Rack)-- shorter style here // Anthropologie sunglasses // 'L' initial necklace from Francesca's

Don't you just love when you find a piece and instantly picture the outfit(s) that you're going to make with it? I went shopping last weekend with a few of my girlfriends at a favorite Houston boutique, Em & Lee, and before I even tried on this dress I just knew it was going to be one of my latest obsessions. Pink and orange have always been a favorite color combination of mine (ahem, ahem...my header) and there are so many perfect details to this piece that make it fabulous. From the cheerful print, the fringed hem on the sleeves and the pretty lace trim that runs down the center, there wasn't a thing I didn't love.

But besides the dress (which is sheer down the front so I had to wear something like this underneath), I thought that a bright orange bag and neutral sandals would complement perfectly for an afternoon of trying a new favorite coffee shop in downtown Houston. If you haven't already been, Tout Suite is a must! I may or may not have been twice in one week :) 

What is everyone doing for the 4th? This year my family and I are heading to Austin for a few days. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

Leopard, Stripes and Lace

Forever 21 dress (similar) / Sam Edelman shoes / Anthropologie sunglasses / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse with pom pom from Z Gallerie / Michael Kors watch

Out of all of the dress that I have, this is definitely one of my favorites. The combination of delicate white lace contrasted with the harsh black stripes was unique, and the drop waist style was comfortable and easy to wear during the summer months. Since I've had it, I have found how wearable and versatile it actually is. I unexpectedly decided to try it out with a recent leopard flat purchase, and loved the outcome that came with adding another pattern into the mix. 

It's been quite dreary and rainy here in Houston the past few days, so hopefully it will brighten up before the 4th comes around. Happy July, everyone!

National Donut Day

/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /

Did you guys know that today (the first Friday in June) is National Donut Day? I don't know about all of you, but I can't think of a more fun way to kick off the weekend than with some adorable treats. While you can't exactly eat any of the options above, I pulled some of the cutest donut pieces to help you celebrate whether it's donut day or not. Now your only decision is which bakery you're headed to--dunkin' or krispy kreme? 

Have a great weekend!

Leopard // Snakeskin

/ 1.State top via Lord and Taylor / Forever 21 shorts (old) / H&M clutch / Banana Republic wedges (old) / and Michael Kors watch / 

Pattern mixing used to be one of my favorite things to do--stripes and floral, leopard and camouflage, you name it and I would mix and match them. More recently I've been into toning it down a bit (or at least trying to refine the mashup) and this is what I came up with for a more post-grad look to the younger way I would dress before. Choosing two patterns (a sort of heart shaped leopard and colored snakeskin), I kept the prints a similar size and used a neutral top with interesting textures and wedges in a similar color as my silky shorts to pull everything together. 

PS: Sorry the coloring is a bit off--the lighting was a bit difficult to brighten :)