Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Katydid Collection: Prints and Colors and Patterns, Oh My!

August is just a couple of days away and for us Texans, we only know that means that warmer weather is here to stay. Not so much as a breath of cold air will be coming into these parts for months and months down the road. With that being said, I was so happy to discover the Katydid Collection several weeks ago--a collection that combines some of the latest in trends: tribal and aztec prints, pops of beachy colors and monogram logos.  

The discovery of this collection matched perfectly with the current weather situation here in Dallas, so here is how I styled some of my favorite looks from the collection. The first is my day look, the second is a close-up of the Katydid accessories and lastly the last look is how I styled my Katydid romper for a night out on the town with my new "friend." Enjoy!  For more on the Katydid Collection, visit www.katydidcollection.com.

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Katydid Collection Beauty4Ashes
Day Look: Plain White Tee tucked into Katydid Aztec "Beach Getaway" Collection Shorts; paired with an infinity scarf and platform heels
Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Katydid Collection Beauty4Ashes

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Katydid Collection Beauty4Ashes

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Katydid Collection Beauty4Ashes
A close-up of the Katydid Monogram Necklace in Silver representing "L" for the first initial in my name.  I've always wanted one of these...so happy I finally have one!

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Katydid Collection Beauty4Ashes
Loving this Katydid Chevron Romper that I wore to a local fashion show. I paired with coral and cognac colors to provide a colorful contrast.  This romper is also a part of the Katydid "Beach Getaway" collection. As you can tell, the romper is perfect for us tall girls. I'm 5'11 but with these heels I was surely 6'3...oh my!

All Day Look Photos Taken By: Ashleigh Ray



Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Bey-Inspired: Beyonce In Dallas Inspiration for the On The Run Tour

It's Bey-Day!  It's finally here and I can't wait!  I am a huge Beyonce "stan" and in honor of the On the Run tour coming to Dallas today, I decided to do a special blog post dedicated to Bey. I wanted to mix a little bit of my own style into the pieces as well as channeling what I thought Beyonce would do if she were here in Dallas doing a photoshoot in Deep Ellum. I hope you enjoy the pics as much as I had fun shooting them. "Leah-Yonce'" all on ya mouth like liquor!
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Partition"

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"SuperPower"
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Flawless"

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Party"
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Independent Woman"

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Haunted"
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Mine"

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"I Miss You"
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Naughty Girl"

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"XO"
Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour
"Fin"

and of course, I found an excellent lip balm at Piermarini Boutique labeled "XO" that I'll be wearing to the concert and may even start applying once Beyonce sings her "XO" song...just sayin'!!!!

Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Blogger Beyonce On the Run Tour Piermarini Boutique Piermarini Beauty
XO Lip Balm purchased at Piermarini Boutique in Snider Plaza

All Photos Taken By: Ashleigh Ray

Outfit Details:

Hat by H&M, Studded Bracelet by RedibyChelsea Jewelry (Happy Hour Edition), Shirt by: Madison and Berkeley available at Nordstrom Galleria Dallas, Shorts by 7 for All Mankind purchased at Saks Off Fifth, Sexy Thigh Highs by Vienne Milano, Boots by Charles David, Chain Necklace by TopShop and Shades by Karen Walker purchased at Nicole Kwon Concept Boutique


Thursday, July 17, 2014

Fashion Find: Caravelle Watches and Susu Handbags

I always tell my clients that accessories are key to the completion of any outfit--and not to be completely overbearing or overdone either. I have a "rule of three" when it comes to accessories so that I don't over-accessorize and completely ruin a perfectly good outfit. (See my article on Examiner.com here for more info on the rule of three.) It's actually an old styling principle but it still holds true today.

In light of my obsession with accessories, I'm giving you guys a peek into the newest family members for my accessories collection: my rose gold Caravelle New York watch and my turquoise Susu Handbags clutch. My Ellie Kai dress provides the perfect background for these two to easily demonstrate why accessories (but not too much) are the key to truly completing an outfit.

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Beauty4Ashes Susu Handbags Ellie Kai Caravelle New York Watch
Rose Gold Caravelle Watch, Stella and Dot serpent bracelet, Susu Handbags Clutch, Dress by Ellie Kai / Photography By: Thomas Garza Photography
Caravelle New York watches are completely affordable ranging anywhere from $59 to $150. I always get compliments on my Caravelle watch because it exudes luxury and is quality made. Rose gold is completely in right now so I wear this watch pretty often.  Check out their selection of fabulous his and hers watches on their website.

Caravelle Rose Gold Chronograph Watch - $135
My Susu Handbag was a definite surprise for me. This sturdy and durable clutch is as simple as it comes, however I receive many compliments on the clutch because of the material and quality--which makes it pop. It's the perfect addition to any outfit and exhibits a great statement without overpowering the outfit. For more information on Susu Handbags, check them out here! I love their handbags and definitely plan on purchasing more.
Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Susu Handbags Beauty4Ashes
Susu Clutch as pictured above but in black / Available on website now for $59
These two babies are my fashion finds for the summer...I'm so excited to see what my finds will be for the fall and winter seasons...hmmmm...you'll just have to keep locked in to see!  Happy shopping! 

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Karen Walker Shades: Come to Mama

I have a lot of sick obsessions when it comes to fashion but as I mentioned in an earlier blog post, shades are my thing. (See: Throwing Shade: My Top Summer Sunglasses Picks From Sunglass Hut) I spotted and completely went nuts over some Karen Walker Audrey-Hepburn inspired shades in one of my fave boutiques here in town, Nicole Kwon Concept Store in West Village.

Karen Walker Eyewear Sunglasses Nicole Kwon Concept Boutique

Originally, these shades were introduced at a Karen Walker trunk show event sometime last year at the Nicole Kwon boutique and I had something else that evening so even now...months later I'm still kicking myself in the you-know-what for missing that event. As luck would have it, these babies were still sitting in Nicole's boutique and they were the last ones...so I went ahead and copped them.  I just had to have them.

I first wore them with a black business professional outfit, complete with my set of pearls to give off a very Breakfast at Tiffany's Audrey Hepburn glow.

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Beauty4Ashes Karen Walker Eyewear

Then I wore them with my "I woke up like this" tee, just because I was feeling super rockstar and glam that day.


Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Beauty4Ashes Karen Walker Eyewear

All in all, these shades are super versatile and take on a life of their own. Just one look at the complete Karen Walker sunglasses collection and you will see why these shades are the complete statement piece. Wanna feel Hollywood? Then explore the world of Karen Walker...looks like my mom did. See pic below...she's completely obsessed. Work it diva!


Beauty4Ashes Dallas Fashion Blogger Karen Walker Eyewear

The Nicole Kwon Concept boutique has several styles of the Karen Walker shades still available so visit the boutique today and get your glam on!


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Dream Big: What God Has for You is Just That--For You

I'm writing this today after admittedly taking offense from people, particularly those close to me and of spiritual likeness who "don't understand" or who are "confused" at what I'm doing. After I write this post, I'm going to lay this offense down, be done with it and let it go because I know that this is not a thing that is of God and will deter rather than further my mission.  So here goes nothing...

Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger
Running into my purpose? Ha, maybe!  On set at a photoshoot for one of my music clients.
I feel like sometimes when we have a dream or a vision albeit from God or otherwise, we seek acceptance and approval from others naturally. What is your first instinct when you have a dream or something that you want to accomplish?  You want to go and tell all of your family and friends right? In doing that and not even on purpose, we have the ability to give these individuals so much power and influence over our decision in whether to continue or further whatever dream/vision has been placed on our heart. 

Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger Fashion Stylist
Me on set of a photoshoot for one of my music clients
I always compare this situation to an episode of Say Yes to the Dress. The bride-to-be walks in knowing 100% that the dress she has on is "the one."  She's brought her whole entourage of family and friends to the momentous occasion only to walk in and to be greeted with a bunch of frowns at the dress she so truly adores.  It's a classic situation--bride walks away, discouraged, and this "dream dress" goes back on the rack, never to be purchased all because of dissenting opinions of close family and friends.

Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger Fashion Stylist Myles Crosby Sisu Uptown
Me with SMU football player and Calvin Klein model, Myles Crosby
This is the same sometimes I feel of dreams and visions that we have. We disclose this to close family and friends and if they don't "get it" then we bury the dreams and go back to living our normal lives. I've been blessed (or maybe it's a curse) to be strong-willed and VERY independent.  Four years ago, when I started my company and ventured out into fashion, EVERYONE thought I was crazy.  I got the same question over and over..."Why would you go to law school, rack up over six figures in student loans, study and take a bar exam, excel in private practice and then (randomly) wake up and decide to go into fashion?"


Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger Fashion Stylist Suburbia Fest
This is me in a nutshell...happy to enjoy life.  This was taken at Suburbia Fest...
I really didn't have an answer but to say, "Because that's what God put on my heart." Many didn't understand and I didn't have the time or patience to make people understand. I just knew that I had the same voice waking me up over and over and over again out of my sleep until I said, "Ok God--I'll do it...I'll go into fashion, I'll start a business, I'll empower women, I'm up for the challenge...I SAY YES." And like magic--the voice telling me to go into fashion and to become a personal shopper/stylist/image consultant went away. Coincidence? I think not!

Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger Fashion Stylist Suburbia Fest
VIP Backstage at Suburbia Fest...I found rap star J. Cole's trailer!
For years and really up until recently, I hid what I was doing. I was undercover going to fashion shows, events, networking, building up my business and writing on fashion. I knew that people wouldn't understand, so I didn't want their negativity to affect my mission. Frankly, I knew on the surface and at face value it wouldn't make sense to anyone; but underneath it all, my dreams, my visions in fashion made clear sense to me and to God and that's all that mattered to me at the end of the day.


Dream Big Dallas Blogger Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Shops at Park Lane
Me at a Shops at Park Lane media event with Dallas blogger, Alex of Eat Style Dallas blog
Over the course of 4 years, my business and clientele has quadrupled, I have had the opportunity to meet and interview some of the top players in the fashion industry; I have positively impacted women's lives who come to me so broken and with little to no self-esteem left because of their outer appearance; I have partnered with highly recognized brands on blogging initiatives....and the list goes on. I know without a doubt that this is what I was made to do.

Me covering a Mally Beauty event at Ulta
Just recently, I met with some folks from the church and received the same reaction...and one of the people I met with made the suggestion of me merging my law degree within fashion, which I knew immediately was not what God had for me.  I politely replied, "I understand what you're saying, but that's not my ministry." This person pretty much ignored what I said and kept going on about how I could do this and that and fill the void in the fashion industry of doing fashion law, etc. etc. Again, I politely listened and said, "That's not my ministry. I've already created a committee within the Dallas Bar Association to semi-fill that void because I didn't have a passion in undertaking that avenue." I was really irritated and bothered that I had to repeat myself.  See, to this person, it made sense on its face for me to merge law and fashion because that's what they saw as "making sense." I walked away from the conversation ticked because out of everyone who I believed could understand vision and purpose, I thought for sure it would be my spiritual peers.


Dream Big Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Blogger Eva Chen Lucky Magazine Lucky Fabb
My awesome selfie with Eva Chen, Editor in Chief of Lucky Magazine
After talking about the situation with my mother, I realized this person meant no harm. However, I was strong enough to know that what God has for me is for me and that at times it will make no sense to anyone else but me and Him. Our dreams will not make sense on a secular level but in His will and purpose, it's a PERFECT plan.

Dream Big Leah Frazier Beauty4Ashes Dallas Blogger DIFFA MakeUp Forever
Me headed to cover the DIFFA Masquerade ball..just finished getting my masquerade mask painted on my face at MakeUp Forever
I write all of this to be encouraging. If you have a dream, don't just dream big...GO FOR IT! Don't listen to the naysayers. I have experienced that you can't expect people to be in your corner in the beginning, especially if your ideas are unconventional.  Just keep at it and eventually they will come around...or not. If something nags at your heart, like my vision did--it may be your calling. Seek after God and His will for your life, and everything will fall into place.  Take it from me...I listened and followed His calling, excelled at a rapid pace and have never looked back.
Dream Big Beauty4Ashes Leah Frazier Dallas Blogger
A little selfie in the car (parked at a light) on my way to a wine and duck pairing with my sis and mama
God please forgive me for quoting Kanye West (lol) but I always think of this lyric when people try to bring negativity to my passion:

Now I could let these dream killers kill my self-esteem
Or use my arrogance as the steam to power my dreams
(Kanye West - Ego Remix w/ Beyonce)


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Summer Fashion Find: Hobo Lexa Crossbody Bag

Summers for me are full of all sorts of outdoors activities. From music and art festivals to outdoor barbecues to pool parties with friends, summers are all about being simple and enjoying some fun in the sun. Since last year, I've been on the hunt for the best crossbody bag to carry all of my essentials as I venture from festival to festival....and I'm so happy to announce that I've found it.

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Hobo Bags Lexa Crossbody Thomas Garza Photography

I was walking on the floor of the Dallas Galleria location of Belk, when I saw the Hobo Lexa crossbody bag. I tried it on and immediately fell in love. It was large enough to hold everything from my cell phone, keys, makeup, etc. and light enough where I could literally carry it around all day with no problems. Available in 6 colors and made of 100% leather--I'm going to be sporting this crossbody bag all summer long.

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Hobo Bags Lexa Crossbody Thomas Garza Photography

Visit the Hobo website today and check out their incredible crossbody bags as well as their other clutches and handbags. 

Leah Frazier Dallas Fashion Blogger Hobo Bags Lexa Crossbody Thomas Garza Photography

                         All photos taken by: Thomas Garza for Thomas Garza Photography