All is S'well: An Insider's Sneak Peek Inside the V.I.P. Fashion Week Gift Bag

Have you ever wondered what's inside those swanky V.I.P. gift bags at all of the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week ("MBFW") shows? Admit it, we're all a little curious. Well, I've received some insider info on what will be in store for the V.I.P. guests at Fashion Week from September 4-11, 2014 and I must admit, I'm pretty stoked.

I'll be in attendance this year at New York Fashion Week and I can't wait to cover all of the designer shows and to attend some brunches and after parties. Hopefully I'll spot a celebrity or two...but since I will most likely NOT be V.I.P. (insert sad smiley face here), at least I'll know what's in those hard to get bags, huh?

Inside each of the V.I.P. gift bags at some of the designer shows will be these fashionable, limited edition S'well resuable bottles.  Of course, it wouldn't be V.I.P. unless it was a limited edition AND had an exclusive MBFW design by Richard Haines. The 9oz. bottles are available in Yellow Zinc, Silver Lining and Angel Food.

Ok, so you're asking yourself...what's so special about these bottles?  S'well bottles are made from non-leaching, non-toxic 18/8 stainless steel.  That means that beverages can stay cold for 24 hours and hot drinks can be hot for 12. If you're a huge coffee drinker like me, these are really impressive numbers.

These lucky V.I.P.-sters will be taking these limited edition bottles home, but you can get one off of the website for the affordable price of anywhere between $25-$45.

This is only one of the many items that will be in the V.I.P. gift bags and as I find out more, you'll be the first to know. Make sure you stay tuned in as I travel to NYC and give you all of the insider deets on Fashion Week as if YOU are sitting front row.

Is there something you would like to see covered at New York Fashion Week that you would like for me to explore? Contact me through the blog, and I'll see what I can do.  XO ~ Leah

Hermes Birkin Look-a-like: The Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote

The Hermes Birkin handbag is one of the top coveted handbags for women. It's a handbag that all of the Hollywood celebs carry but of course, one that the layman could only dream of affording. Birkin bags can be in the upwards of $25,000 to $30,000 depending on the materials, size and construction of the bag. You also have to be on a "list" to get the bag...you can't just walk into the store and order one.

                                       

                                           

(Kim K and Eva Longoria with their Birkin bags)

So now, let's just keep it real. If any one of us spent $30,000 on a handbag we would (1) have buyer's remorse and (2) would probably have to take out a second mortgage on our home. Just sayin.... So if you've been reading my blog posts long enough, you know that I stay on the hunt for the best look-a-like luxury designer bags at the layman's affordable price.

Welp, I found my "Poor Man's Birkin."  I walked into local boutique, Piermarini, about a month ago for something totally unrelated than finding a handbag...but when I saw the Freedom of Animals "Veronika" tote, I immediately fell in love.  It looked like a Birkin, had the class of a Birkin and just exuded everything indicative of luxury and class. Best part...it was approximately $480 and not $30,000.  I would say that that is quite the steal!

The Veronika Tote by Freedom of Animals

After I got over my infatuation with this handbag, I dug a little deeper into this new-found luxury brand. The label is completely eco-friendly, and all about constructing cruelty-free products.  So while my handbag looks like leather, it is vegan leather but totally created for sustainability.There were only 2 of these available at Piermarini and I bought one, so you better get down there today if you're in Dallas as this bag won't be there for long. If you're not in Dallas, take a look at the collection here and order online today!  I receive a ton of looks and compliments when I'm carrying this bag.  Pair them with some fabulous shades and you will be envied by most.

Again, I've done all of the work for you finding the most affordable look-a-like..its up to you to purchase. You can thank me later!

I'm in love with this bag!!!!

Famed Fashion Designer Michael Costello Heads to Dallas to host The Crowned Brunch

Michael Costello, famed fashion designer and Project Runway alum will be headed to Dallas on September 28, 2014 to host an exclusive afternoon tea and champagne event for The Crowned Brunch entitled "Deeper than the Dress: An Intimate Conversation with Michael Costello" at the historical Dallas Adolphus Hotel. 

Couture fashion designer, Michael Costello

Costello, a highly sought after name in the fashion industry is most notorious for his recent work with Beyonce' and the designs he especially curated for the top-ranking musician for her On the Run Tour. Costello has also worked with the likes of A-list Hollywood celebs Paris Hilton, Selma Hayek, The Kardashians, Mary J. Blige, Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Lindsay Lohan and Celine Dion just to name a few.

Khloe Kardashian in Michael Costello

Beyonce in Michael Costello

This event will be interactive between its guests and Costello as well as an invitation for both media professionals and guests to discuss everything from fashion to style with the designer in addition to gaining insight into Costello's journey as one of the top designers to the stars to date.

The Adolphus Hotel

The Crowned Brunch series, originally introduced and cultivated in Houston, is making its way to Dallas to inspire and empower attendees. Past hosts have included Massy "Mankofit" Arias and digital marketing manager for Beats by Dre, Karen Civil.

The brunch will be from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and tickets are available to purchase at www.thecrownedbrunch.com.  For more information, visit the site. This is an event you will not want to miss!

My Vegas Style - A Night Out at Aria

My Vegas Style - A Night Out at Aria by beautyforeashes featuring gold jewelry

STELLA McCARTNEY polka dot dress
stellamccartney.com

Giuseppe Zanotti leather sandals
barneys.com

Yves Saint Laurent black purse
ysl.com

Versace gold jewelry
ssense.com

Chanel bracelet
1stdibs.com

Tiffany Co gold jewelry
tiffany.com

Cateye glasses
shadesdaddy.com

Make up bag
$83 - charlottetilbury.com