NFL Game Day Style: Making Fan Gear Stylish

So what do you do when you have your favorite NFL team's jersey or tee but want to spice it up just a bit for an extra added style factor? Ditch the ordinary jeans and tee recipe and go for a more edgier and feminine approach by adding statement jewelry, heels and of course leather!

Image Credit: NFLShop.com

I was asked by Vogue to come up with an NFL game day style for my home team which would be the Dallas Cowboys! As I drew inspiration from how celebrity Jordin Sparks styled her game day look (pictured below), I came up with a sweet and edgy combo.

Shades: Tom Ford from Hautelook

Jacket: H&M

Liquid Leggings: TopShop

Studded Heels: Shoedazzle

Statement Necklace: Black Beauty Accessories

How would you style your favorite NFL team? Would you go fun and flirty in a skirt like Jordin or edgy and rebellious in leather like me?

Photo Credit: Meagan Frazier

Throwing Shade: My Top Summer Sunglasses Picks from Sunglass Hut

Anyone who knows me well knows that I have this tiny (well, maybe not tiny), HUGE obsession with sunglasses.  They can be plastic and "one-time use only" sunglasses from a sunglasses vendor at the mall to a pair of Tom Ford's that I've trolled Hautelook for for over a year.  I just LOVE shades. Sidebar: I spotted a pair of Bottega Veneta shades (original retail of $600) that I tried on last year at the actual Bottega Veneta store and now they are at Neiman Marcus' Last Call at Grapevine Mills for $169, plus I have a $25.00 off coupon...be on the lookout for them to make an appearance in an upcoming blog post.  Trolling and patience has its perks people!

Me and one of my fave shades from Banana Republic. I've had them for years! / Photo Credit: Thomas Garza Photography

Anyways, Sunglass Hut sent me a preview of their 94 Shades of Summer lookbook in honor of the 94 days of summer which featured several different shade styles from different brands. SWOON! I personally REFUSE to hop on the reflective aviator bandwagon that EVERYONE and their mama is hopping on lately, however for your enjoyment I've included a pair in my slideshow below.  I'm personally digging the cat-eyes by Miu Miu...just sayin'!

Anywho, enjoy and feel free to leave me a comment as to which style you like and what you will be rockin this summer! I'd love to hear from you.

Going GaGa Over Gap's New Lived In Collection

So Vogue graciously sent me one of the new t-shirts from the Gap's new "Lived In" collection along with a gift card to buy a pair of Gap jeans and asked me to style it.  First off--can I just say...that I know it's just a t-shirt but really...it's one of my favorite tees.

I'm wearing a pink "lived in" pocket tee. It is super comfortable, long...and I love that it is super light...which allows your skin to breathe.  This is perfect for the spring and summer and also in the cooler seasons for layering.  I am in love with this tee and headed to the nearest Gap to buy several more colors.

Let's talk jeans.  I picked out the Gap "always skinny skimmer" jeans.  Since I'm tall I rolled the ends for a more casual look. They have the extra stretch...because I have a little something-something in the back AND I feel as though they do slim down my thighs.  They are super comfortable and I don't have to jump or wiggle in them when I'm putting them on in the morning. (Ladies...you know what I'm talking about)

Top this look off with my newest pair of sandals from Shoedazzle and I'm off for a walk in Highland Park Dallas, stylishly and comfortably. By the way, "city sandals", are the newest thing in shoe trends right now.  They're called city sandals because the heel is chunkier and you're supposed to be able to walk around the city all day in them.  Ummm...don't know about all of that, but the sandals are super cute!

ALL PHOTOS BY NONE OTHER THAN THOMAS GARZA FOR 

THOMAS GARZA PHOTOGRAPHY

Viva la Via Spiga: Exclusive Peek at the Resort Collection (Discount Code Included)

I am a certifiable shoe addict...just ask anyone who has taken a look into my closet.  Shoes are stacked high on the shelves, hidden behind my clothes and hanging on the backs of several of my closet and bathroom doors.  So imagine how much I swooned when Vogue sent me the pics from Via Spiga's resort collection??? Which ones are your favorite styles???  Just for being a loyal follower, enjoy 15% off by using the exclusive gift code RESORTREADY when you shop this newest collection. This offer is good through January 16, 2014 and is only valid on full-priced items. HAPPY SHOPPING FASHIONISTAS!

FOXY

NINO

FOLA2

VALENE

BALLARD

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

My favorite fall collection, Nic +Zoe

It's completely rare that I will have favorites when it comes to the world of fashion because there is just so much to choose from but.....(shhhhh don't tell anyone), I have crowned a favorite for this fall.  Vogue Magazine granted me an exclusive look at fashion brand, Nic + Zoe's, fall/winter 2013 collection--before it hits stands in major magazines in September! I am head over heels with the multiple print patterns and styles from this collection.  All I can envision is pairing these looks with over the knee stiletto boots or booties.  But....I live in Texas, so boot season is somewhere far off in the distance right now. :(

I'm so excited to share this with you all. Take a look at some of my favorite styles and selections...don't be surprised if you see me sporting one of these in one of my next posts!

(Photo credit: Mario Sorrenti; Model: Anja Rubik)

For being a loyal follower, enjoy 30% off your first purchase from nicandzoe.com by using promo code VIPF0813. (Promo code only good for a limited time)

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!

Revlon Change Agents - Say It

I was so excited when Vogue sent me Revlon's Colorstay Ultimate Suede lipstick in the color "Socialite."  The mission was to encapsulate how beauty inspires strength.  Revlon wanted me to apply the lipstick and use my lips to make my voice heard.  As a part of Revlon's Change Agents campaign, I was instructed to take a photo that could go with how I wanted to give back to my community by showing a photo that went with the phrase "Say It."  Revlon's Change Agents campaign has four parts in order to facilitate change in the community.  If we "say it"....that thing that we want to change, in the end we will take the steps necessary to bring it to fruition.

Photo Credit: Amber LaFrance

So when I thought about the concept of what Revlon was wanting us bloggers to do...I thought of the picture above.  I purposely chose people of two different races in order to encourage unity.

So in line with the campaign, I would like to continue on my quest to know more about the Muslim community in Dallas...to encourage unity, to inspire and to create one whole thriving community of diverse individuals.  This starts with one person, one voice....and from person to person a transformation in our community will transpire.

My next challenge from Revlon will be "See It."  I'm assuming I'll have to take a photo showcasing a Revlon eyeshadow but I want you guys to be thinking of a photo concept that will go with the theme...I'm supposed to be capturing an experience that I witnessed that has inspired me.  (Hint: read my Fashion for Compassion blog entry as this is what has inspired me for this campaign).

When it's time for me to submit my next photo, if you guys give me the photo concept that I actually use, I'll do an amazing giveaway!!!