Poppin with Print Blocking

So for the past several years everyone has been obsessed with color-blocking and mastering the art of layering one bright and bold color on top of another one...think having a fuschia blouse on with a mustard pencil skirt. And while I absolutely love color-blocking (when it's done right), it can be down right atrocious if you don't know what you're doing.

So now the fashion Gods have moved on....as they always do...and have placed more emphasis on print-blocking than color-blocking these days.  Don't worry if you've gone out and bought a ton of bold and bright colored tops and bottoms to color block..this trend is still in. If you can master prints on prints, you'll be more ahead of the game.  

This was simple print-blocking for me.  It was more of the printed TopShop romper paired with the crazy printed tights.  Prints on prints = FUN!

In my opinion, print blocking is much harder than color blocking. With print blocking, you can have a plaid print paired with paisley...or floral prints with stripes. While these seem completely opposite (they are), if done right, it can make for a completely fashion forward and unique outfit combination. If done wrong, and I've seen a TON of designers fashion shows where it was tres "wrong", then it will not be a good look.

So my first attempt at print-blocking was while I was headed to a photoshoot to shoot for a local accessories company.  I wanted to be comfy but fashionable...so I paired a striped dress with an animal print scarf and then two-toned wheat colored Tims.  Now if that's not a bold mixture of colors and prints, then I don't know what is.  All in all, I was very pleased with how this turned out and received a ton of compliments.  I can't wait to try it out again! 

All That Glitters Is Gold

Coming up with this year's New Year's party outfit was a bit difficult because the venue for the party I was attending was between casual and "God knows what."  So I figured you can't go wrong with mixing a little sequin bling with some faux leather and an awesome blazer.  One thing I've learned...you can NEVER go wrong when you fall back on your go-to blazer.  Whether casual or dressy, the blazer can absolutely make the outfit.

Express Clutch, Express sequined camisole and Michael Antonio black and gold shoes from DSW

Arm Candy!!!! Featuring Stella and Dot wrap around serpent bracelet and gold-plated accessories by Jetsetter Happy Hour Jewelry

I ended up attending the NY g(EE) celebration...so thoughtfully named after my good friend and local Dallas musician Larry g(EE).  I couldn't wait to rock it out with him and my friends...so much that I went ahead and packed his CD in my clutch so that I could jam all the songs while I was en route to the venue.

Once I arrived, it was all over.  I was in full party mode and ready to bring in the new year with all of my friends.  I was double sure to wear an outfit that I could dance the night away in and also peel layers just in case I started to get hot and sweat. While at the party, I just kept thinking over and over just how blessed I have been.  God NEVER ceases to amaze me.  I have an incredible group of friends and supporters here in Dallas and one thing that 2013 taught me was that when one door closes, don't sweat it.  God has an even BIGGER and BETTER door that he is preparing me for. I have a list literally a mile long of doors that were shut in my face in 2013 and how God delivered me to even better and greener pastures--beyond my imagination.  And when you're surrounded by great family and friends...what's there to be sour or disappointed about?

Chelsea Bond (Red-i by Chelsea Jewelry), Me and the best Publicist in town, Amber LaFrance (Culture-Hype)

Am I really that tall...or is Chelsea just teeny-weeny?  Good Lord woman!

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade...and then dance the night away!

2013 was everything that I could have hoped for.  I've learned so many lessons from God and about myself through failed opportunities and experiences that I am anxious about moving forward into 2014 and never looking back.  I can't wait until this time next year where I can look back once again and see just how far He has brought me.

Life is for the living.  What are you waiting for?  Get out there and make your dreams come true! Happy New Year!

Bloggers of a Feather, Flock Together: Face of Aftershock Event in Dallas

Last night was the reveal of the "Face" of Aftershock London, an international formal wear brand that opened its U.S. flagship store right here in Dallas! The winning model would be the face of the brand for a year and also win a trip to London.  All of the Dallas fashionistas were at Aria and dressed to the nines. After all of the holiday eating, I was dressed "comfortably" to the nines...ensuring that my pants had a stretch waist haha but nonetheless all decked out in Express.  First...let's start with the shoes.  Yes, I built my outfit entirely around my shoes.

Gold strapped ankle heels by Michael Antonio from DSW

I paired these heels with a "Members Only" styled jacket from Express, a regular cotton racer backed tank and silky styled cobalt blue "above-the-ankle" pants from Express.  Cobalt Blue was THE color of the year for me for 2013 (See blog post featuring my cobalt blue Kate Spade handbag). I finished off the look with a gold and black clutch by Express (of course) and accessories by Stella and Dot & by my girl, Chelsea Bond's "Jetsetter Happy Hour Jewelry".

Pictured with fellow Dallas bloggers: Kelley Barnes of The Style Barn and ShantaQuilette Williams of Style Follows Her

I am always encouraged when bloggers can gather in one building and get along so great and encourage and uplift one another. We are all in it for the love of fashion...but sometimes women can get catty and our competitive natures can take over. However, with these women it was all love and I'm excited for any new ventures that involve these beautiful and talented Dallas bloggers.

The whole concept got me thinking about Ecclesiastes 4:12: ~Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.~

Once we realize that as a unit we are more powerful and can make more waves in Dallas and the fashion industry as a whole TOGETHER, I think that we will all go pretty far. My theory is to always uplift and support all bloggers that I encounter and to engage in as many partnerships and collaborations as I can. I think overall in life, this is how God intended for us to be--to work together towards a common purpose instead of trying to do everything on our own.

Me and the beautiful Mary Mirsky, Stylist and Dallas Blogger...this is what I call "High Low Fashion"...me being the high and Mary being the low...height-wise...haha!

All in all, it was a fabulous event..full of mixing and mingling and rounding out 2013 with some of Dallas' finest fashionistas.  I can't wait for what 2014 will bring...what God will reveal and the opportunities that will be realized.  BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL~Leah

Me and the hardest working PR girl in town, Amber LaFrance of Culture-Hype

Up Close and Personal With Courtney Kerr

I was so privileged to have been only one of a handful of hand-selected press to attend the "Courtney Loves Dallas" premiere at LOOK Cinemas on December 5, 2013. Although "Ice-Maggedon" was slowly making its way into Dallas, I drove through sleet to go to the premiere (I'm a Bravo TV-aholic so what can I say?) and to obviously see and interview Courtney Kerr. To read my interview click here.

Now....since I am in the fashion circle and on the scene in Dallas...there are many times where I will sit down at shows a seat or two from Courtney or attend special blogger events with Courtney but never have we actually talked face to face.  Can I just say....that she and Tori are hilarious???  Like seriously...they have both been adopted into the family as my home-girls...they just don't know it yet.

Tori Gonzales, Me and Courtney Kerr at the premiere of Courtney Loves Dallas at Look Cinemas on December 5, 2013.  Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

Tori totally tried to jack me for my Kate Spade handbag but I wasn't having it. I told her she could cop one too for $90 at Nordstrom Rack. But in all seriousness, I was just touched with how down to earth Courtney was and the fact that through all of the fame, she still sticks close to the friends that have been there with her since day 1.

Tori Gonzales, best friend of Courtney Kerr and co-star of "Courtney Loves Dallas" cracking me up...I think at this point she was telling me..."Let's not talk about me...let's talk about you...and that handbag!" (See a better pic of my fabulous handbag in another one of my blog post's by clicking here.) Oh yeah...and all that hair is MINE OH MINE! / Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

She is also a true testament to the fact God can change your life in an instant. Courtney was in corporate America doing like most of us bloggers...blogging on the side.  I can hardly imagine that she knew that she would be in this place right now.  All of that to say...don't get down on your luck or think that God has forgotten about you. In the blink of an eye He can elevate you and give you so much provision that you are just amazed. Just keep believing and pressing forward.

I pray that Courtney remains humble throughout it all.  This is the second interview that I have done with Courtney and she has remained the same.  Last interview I had with Courtney she said that she prefers to do most of her PR so that she can retain control of her own image and how she is portrayed. You have to respect her hustle.  

Me interviewing both Tori Gonzales and Courtney Kerr / Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

All in all, being there with Courtney was first of all an honor...that Plan B PR thought that I was "special" enough to be one of the select press individuals there to interview the new reality star.  But overall, I gained so much motivation for myself...to keep pushing...to know that what God has for me is coming...and that I need to be prepared...because in an instant, your life can change in the blink of an eye.  Will you be ready when He elevates your life to the next level? How are you preparing yourself? Have you prayed for humility and that His will be done?  If not, these are the questions that need to be asked and ultimately answered. 

Blessings, 

Leah J.

J. Brand Jeans, Tootsies Blogger's Brunch and New Friends

Tootsies Blogger's Brunch 12.4.2013 - featuring a special presentation by J. Brand Jeans (Model wearing: Blouse by Alexis and J. Brand Jeans)  PHOTO CREDIT: LEAH FRAZIER

Tootsies invited roughly 20 Dallas fashion bloggers on December 4, 2013 inside its store for a special bloggers brunch and I was so excited to be one of them.  We received first hand tips from J. Brand's guru, Oscar--who has fitted J. Brand jeans for Madonna, Serena Williams, Kelly Ripa and Beyonce.

My name tag from the event...they spelled my name wrong but who cares...it's still a pretty big deal!

After the event I am officially in LOVE with J. Brand's jeans and I can not wait to get my first pair.  There is a pair called "Photo Ready"...it has 4 times the amount of stretch (Thank god!) and makes you look 1 to 2 sizes skinnier.  I can't wait to get these jeans and to take pics for this blog!  Especially since I have been going SUPER HARD on the holiday eating. (oops!)

Tootsies treated us like royalty...an awesome swag bag with a $50 gift card to Tootsies, Nicole Miller iPhone 5 case cover, sunglasses, etc. Also, I really enjoyed meeting all of the other Dallas fashion bloggers. They were all friendly and so super excited to network and to connect with other bloggers.  There was no competitive air and I was so encouraged that these women looked at me as a friend rather than rolling their eyes in envy or jealousy as women can get when we are all after the same thing.  There was nothing but DALLAS BLOGGER LOVE in the air!

Me and Dallas writer, Teia Collier (My Outfit details: Necklace, Express; Polka-Dotted Blouse, H&M; Jeggings, Express; Boots, Nine West)

Me and Dallas fashion blogger, Meredith Govea of Create That Outfit (she was super sweet and will always get my support here in town!)

Welp...just another day and another fashion event in Dallas..until next time!  Ciao fashionistas!!!

A Day In The Life of a Charity/Fashion/Lifestyle Writer

I get asked a lot of questions or better yet told of how cool my job is and honestly, I couldn't feel more blessed to be able to do what I do everyday and to meet such an amazing and diverse group of people in the city of Dallas. So since inquiring minds want to know...I figured I would do a post about a typical Saturday OR a day where I'm slotted to cover several events at one time.  And since Dallas is SO huge...it ends up being 3-4 events in one day.

Saturday, November 23, 2013

• 6:30AM - wake up...fix my early morning cup of joe which normally rounds out to about 5 cups of coffee (I know...horrible habit)  Start to think about the events I have to cover, the people I'm going to meet and the questions I will ask.  At this point in time, I actually consider writing 1-2 articles/posts before heading out the door for the day.
• 9:00AM - hit the shower but not before skimming through social media to get a good laugh or to see what I can do to increase readership for the events that I will be covering for the day (What hashtags will I use, who I will tag and what are they already posting about their events)
• In between all of this, I have to carefully select a comfortable yet trendy outfit. Nothing is worse than being photographed as a "fashion writer" and you look everything less than fashionable.
• 10:00AM - bolt out the door to head to the grocery store to get canned goods for the first charity event.  Yes...most people will get things like this the day before...but with my life...I don't have time for that!
• 11:25AM - DETOUR!  Remembers that today is Nordstrom Rack's holiday sale and Kate Spade handbag/tote is on sale for $90!  Heads over to Nordstrom Rack...already knows where the purse is...scoops it up, gives troubling husband advice on what handbag to buy for his wife for Christmas, and is out in less than 10 minutes.

"Isn't she a beaut???" In my Cher from Clueless voice. haha Kate Spade tote for $90 from Nordstrom Rack..what a steal and worth making a detour for.

• 11:35AM - Starts to think....there was a clutch I left at Express and didn't buy last week that will look REALLY cute with my outfit for tonight's charity event...makes another DETOUR across the street to North Park Mall and picks up clutch. SCORE!

Express clutch for FREE 99!  After applying my Express coupon and remaining funds on my Express giftcard. SCORE!  I love the gold detailing on this clutch and its versatility.  It can be dressed up or down. If I didn't have the gift card it would have only cost me $22.

• Noon - arrives at Chili-anthropy charity event in Deep Ellum.  Scopes the scene, finds the organizer to make introductions, finds photographer for arrangements on post-event photos and then makes the room (with a cocktail of course) to get short interviews and gather info for a write-up. After I feel like I have enough content then I par-tay! Chili, Tequila and Fritos...FUNNERS!

Great friends...freezing our butts off for charity...thank God Jarrod's chili could warm us up! From left to right: Larry, Amber, Me and Jarrod at Chili-Anthropy charity event benefiting North Texas Food Bank

• 1:10PM - hauls butt from Deep Ellum to Frisco through traffic to make the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Holiday fashion show for Miss Me Jeans. Looks at gas light...nope, can't make it to Frisco...will have to pull over and get gas!  Darn...especially when my GPS shows that I'm gonna get to the event at 2:03PM -  Anyone who knows me knows that I HATE being late...plus the event organizer made it VERY clear that the show was going to start on time promptly at 2:00PM. So....I'm not going to say what I did or how fast I went but....I made it to the event on time. LOL Was also excited to get a V.I.P. swag bag that included a pair of my very own Miss Me blinged out Jeans!

Me and the lovely ladies of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders

• 3:30PM - head home for a quick nap before getting ready for the Trend Next charity fashion show benefiting Baylor Health Care Systems. Watched crap reality TV to unwind and tried to get in a quick hour and 15 minute nap before getting glammed up for Trend Next.
• 5:00PM - started getting ready for Trend Next...mulled over whether to go "natural girl", "vampy vixen" or "smokey-eye Kim K-ish". Decided to go with a smokey eye with vampire red lips...it was a hit! Finished up getting ready but couldn't head out the door without taking my journal with me to take notes on the event.  Have to mix business with pleasure!!!

My new ECO-FRIENDLY journal courtesy of one of my newest partners, Grapevine Mills Mall.  Small enough to throw into my clutch and go!  PERFECT FOR THE JOURNALIST ON THE GO!

• 6:45PM - arrive at the event...ready to see some awesome fashion, eat some gourmet food and support founder, Shamequia Cason, as she educates about organ donations and Baylor Health Care Systems. This event was fantastic!  Elegantly done and I am SO proud of all of the hard work that Shamequia did to have Trend Next (in my opinion) as one of the top fashion events in Dallas for the year.

Me posing at Trend Next.  Outfit Details from Head to Toe.  Earrings by Purple Aura Jewels, Necklace by Lia Sophia, Dress by Express, Clutch by Express, Textured tights and Booties by Steve Madden Girl from DSW
Photo Credit: Eden Russom (Love her!)

• 10:35PM - post updates to social media...eat my cookie from my swag bag from the event, fix a glass of Dr. Pepper 10 and CRASH!!!!!

JUST ANOTHER DAY IN THE LIFE OF A DALLAS FASHIONISTA JOURNALIST!  WAKE UP, REPEAT AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN.

Can I Act "Hollywood" Now? I'm on Vogue.com!

Proverbs 29:23 - A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.

So everyday when I wake up or even when I'm in my car I always pray to God that I continue to stay humble, to stay grounded.  It's hard when I'm getting boxes and boxes of fashion and beauty products sent to me everyday or this comped and that comped to not get full of myself.  When I think about the blood, sweat and tears I have put into fashion for the last 4 years, it's hard not to want to take all of the credit and think that I've gotten here on my own.  But as I continue to reflect on the verse above and at the end of the day I circle back to the thought that everything I do, everything I am is all for His glory.

Today was a big feat for us (me and God).  I was featured on Vogue.com.  I had a great shoot with an amazing photographer, Thomas Garza displaying Fall looks.  To see my blog name "Beauty 4 Ashes" on Vogue.com literally just made me pause.  I want people to question what it means...I want people to come to my blog out of curiosity...whatever it takes to redirect people to Him.

With all of my personal goals with fashion and with all of the distractions of getting invites to this show or that show, so and so put you on their VIP list or here's a bag full of luxury items just cause...I want to let all my friends and family members know not to have any worries.  Leah's not going to go and get "Hollywood" anytime soon. My purpose through HIM is much bigger than all of this.

But.....if someone wants to put me at the Chef's table feeding me and my "plus one" a five-course meal while I sit in my Jimmy Choos and sip Veuve Clicquot, I won't complain! haha (Just kidding...kind of)

Vogue.com Clarks Fall Shoes Promo 9.17.2013 (Best. Day. Ever) / Photography by Thomas Garza, Make-up By Melanie Ann

Fall's A'Comin'...so "Fall" in love with Clarks

So I was one of 25 bloggers chosen by Vogue to show how I would style the new Lida Sayer boots from Clark's Fall collection.  I received my boots as a gift from Vogue last week and chose my look below to show how I would style the boot.  Since I live in Texas, I mixed shorts with a short-sleeved sweater to make the outfit "Fall-inspired" but appropriate for Texas.  Since the boot had gold detailing on the buckle and towards the top of the boot, I really wanted to draw attention to these features which is another reason why I chose to wear shorts.  The neutral colors are a great balance for Fall along with my teal pop of color shown with my bangles.  For  more style inspiration with Clarks, check out the photos below! (All photos were taken by Thomas Garza and my make-up was done by Melanie Ann.  Sunnies by Kate Spade....Sweater, Belt and Shorts by Express)

My ad creation for the Clark's Fall shoe collection created through the Vogue Influencer's Network style statement tool, pretty cool huh?

Another ad I created with the Vogue Influencer Style Statement Tool!

Pretty in Peplum

Peplum is still an ongoing trend and one of my favorites.  I linked up with one of Dallas' top fashion photographers, Thomas Garza, (at a secret location) to showcase one of my favorite Vince Camuto peplum tops.  What do you guys think?

(Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography, Make-up by Melanie Latauska
Vince Camuto lace peplum top from Nordstrom Rack, Express jeggings & Enzo Angiolini peep toe pumps)

Black and Brown: Opposites Attract

I remember being told a long time ago never to mix black and brown.  I don't know why this is, but it was just one of those things you were forbidden to do.  Kind of like "no white after Labor Day."  Well, me being the "insubordinate" one...decided to start mixing and matching more black and brown outfits.  What do you guys think???

Brown sunnies by Kate Spade.  Natural Hairstyle: Wash n Go using Mizani Detangler and Olive Oil Eco-Styler Gel

Natural Hairstyle: Curlformers

Black Dress: Throwback from Macy's, Belt: Express, Gold Tassel Necklace: Lia Sophia

Black Maxi: White House Black Market, Denim Jacket: Gap, Belt: Banana Republic, DreamCatcher Necklace: Express

Mix me, Match me

Spring is almost here and I'm loving the time of year where I can mix and match prints, textures, fabrics, everything!  I'm still going to go for more gold accessories for spring this year along with my signature pop of color.  While jade green is the color of the year for 2013, I'm still mesmerized by shades of coral.  Add in a funky fro-hawk and statement shades, and I'm ready for the warmer weather!

(Shades: Tom Ford, Hi Lo striped tee: Express)

(Black Jeggings: Express, Gold-Plated Bow Sandals: Vince Camuto)