It's My Wardrobe, I Can Wear What I Want To

As a stylist, I know that there are colors for every season as well as different materials, textures and wardrobe options that are more seasonally appropriate than others. Even though I know that these things still exist, I frankly could care less. Why, you ask?  Because I live in Texas!  The seasons themselves are confused, therefore my wardrobe options and day-to-day attire is even more confusing.

Apparently, the first day of Fall was on September 22nd, but the Texas weather Gods missed that memo. So in an effort to just embrace the season that I'm in and to rebel against Fall, I'm going to continue to wear my bright Spring and Summer colors. This is what I wore to my church women's conference, Flourish Lite...it looks like Miami in Dallas! I love it! What do you think? The motto: don't be afraid to mix and match colors, even if you feel like they will not go together. You never know what you'll come up with!

Outfit Details: Off the Shoulder Blouse by Gianni Bini (Dillards), Pants from Nordstrom Rack and Peep Toe Pumps by Fergilicious (DSW)

All Photos to be credited to: Meagan Frazier

Flourish Lite: Bloom Into the Woman You Want to Be

Many of you always write to me and tell me how inspired you are by my journey. I openly wrote a snippet of where God has brought me in my July 2014 post: Dream Big--What God Has for You is Just That--For You. While I would love to think that the accomplishment of my dreams was through my hard work, sleepless nights and determined perseverance, I know for a fact that this was not all my doing. I have openly communicated the desires of my heart to God, whether it was for my career, relationships or family by writing them down or saying them in prayer. While many have likened this to the "Oprah effect" and her popular "dream board" theory, this is a principle solely rooted in scripture.

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." ~Psalms 37:4

When I discussed the quadrupling of my business in the above referenced blog post and also the expansion of my influence, it was ignited through a women's conference put on by my church annually entitled Flourish. At Flourish, I get to dive deep into the desires of my heart, speak those things into being, interact with women who are actively going after their passions and gain the knowledge and tools in how to go about achieving my purpose--but according to God's plan.

Without fail, EVERY YEAR that I attend this conference and apply the principles that are being taught, everything around me begins to change and grow. Financially, I have seen increase.  Business-wise, I have seen increase. My road to entrepreneurship gets brighter and brighter. Relationships improve. I am not one to promote something that I don't believe in, but this is a conference that women (believer or non-believer) need to be at.

Photo From: Flourish Lite Website

We all have that itch...that something that gets out of bed everyday and that keeps us going.  What is your dream?  What is your passion? Do you have the tools you need to get there? Have you openly expressed the desires of your heart? Have you connected with women who have been there and done that? What are YOU doing to get yourself to where you need to be so that you are in line with your purpose?

If you are struggling with these questions and need the extra added push to get the answers, then I am personally inviting you to Flourish Lite at Covenant Church on Saturday, September 27, 2014. While this is not the large annual conference that is held every year, this is a small and FREE snippet of what many of us experience on a year to year basis. Saturday's conference will discuss health and fitness among many other issues that women often need guidance with.

In addition to September 27th, mark your calendars for May 6-8, 2015 for the annual conference. It is truly life altering and you will thank God (and me) later. 

More information on Flourish can be found by visiting the website here.

***AFTER WRITING/PUBLISHING THIS BLOG POST, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEPTEMBER 27TH EVENT IS BOOKED TO CAPACITY. PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE MAY 2015 EVENT EARLY AS THE SAME WILL HAPPEN FOR THIS EVENT***

Blogging in Brooklyn: Essence Street Style Party

Cab view of me crossing over the Manhattan Bridge

While I was in New York for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, I had the opportunity to venture to the other side of the Manhattan Bridge and attend the Essence Street Style Party in Brooklyn.  Anytime I think of Brooklyn, I always think of that line from the Sex and the City movie where Miranda was contemplating the move from Manhattan to Brooklyn and says, "New York Magazine says that Brooklyn is the new Manhattan." Then Carrie looks at Miranda with the side eye and remarks, "Whoever wrote that LIVES in Brooklyn!"

  

Looking up at the Manhattan Bridge

It's so funny to me.  This is what pops into my head everytime I think of Brooklyn--as if it were not the same or better as Manhattan. As my cab crossed over the Manhattan Bridge and circled into Brooklyn I was curious to see exactly what this quote from the movie meant...and honestly, I would have to agree with Miranda. I thoroughly enjoyed Brooklyn 10 times more than I did being in the city. It was family friendly, I could breathe and my whole aura was more calm. Brooklyn had character. 

The Essence Street Style Party was thrown in conjunction with all of the events being held for Fashion Week. It was underneath the bridge and near Dumbo Park. While there wasn't as many vendors as I was hoping for, it was definitely a break from all of the Lincoln Center Fashion Week madness and a chance for me to relax and connect with Essence readers and down to Earth folks. I put a lot of thought into my outfit and wanted to really showcase what Dallas was all about (just in case I was asked). So I put on this fabulous skirt from Dallas brand Phantasie, paired it with an olive green top, leather-esque belt and peep-toe booties. And let's not forget, my Tom Ford shades to finish the look!

I felt good and was surprised when I was stopped on the street to take photos...I know for a fact it was my Phantasie skirt that was getting all of the attention. There are drawstrings on the side of the maxi skirt that you pull to create the bubble skirt effect.  If you want a straight maxi skirt then you release the drawstrings...so a 2-in-1 skirt!  I loved it and so did the people of Brooklyn!  Anyways, enjoy these photos! It's just another day in the life of the traveling, Dallas fashion writer.

A view from the block party

The first lady of NYC speaking at the block party

Nicky Hilton Book Signing and Personal Appearance at Belk

Heiress and celebrity socialite, Nicky Hilton, is headed to Dallas on September 23, 2014 and its all to promote her new book, 365 STYLE. The designer and fashion muse will be engaging in Q&A and signing copies of her book at the Dallas Galleria location at Belk from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 

The book was recently released earlier this month and gives readers a 3-6-5 method of finding their own personal style. In short: identify 3 essential qualities of your lifestyle, select 6 staples of clothing and lastly, choose 5 must-have accessories to be "on track" and "on trend" throughout the year. The fashion expert shares tips and tricks of her own as well as how to achieve the million dollar look for less.

The book signing is open to the public and no RSVP is necessary.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SS15: NYC Street Style

Have you ever wondered what was meant by the term "street style"? I must admit, I really have come to appreciate this category of fashion and style but didn't truly give it the attention it deserves until I arrived in New York City for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Street style is derived from elements of street fashion and much different from day to day conservative and contemporary fashions. This type of self-interpretive style most definitely differs from state to state. From the steps of the Lincoln Center to below the bridge in Brooklyn, I've captured some of my favorite street style looks during my stint at Fashion Week--and I'm delivering them right to you.  Enjoy and be inspired!

All images credited to: Leah Frazier

A new twist on booties...and the rolled jeans look is still in!

My all-time favorite look from New York Fashion Week SS15

This guy stopped me to take my picture but I couldn't help doing the same. I'm digging the hair and the high tops...a little throwback to my childhood days!

Dallas Launch of Jouer Cosmetics at Blushington: Giveaway Included

Join me on September 24, 2014 from 6-8 p.m., as I venture off to Blushington MakeUp & Beauty Lounge for the official launch of Jouer Cosmetics in Dallas. This top French makeup brand has some of the best makeup products out on the market currently and they are going to be offered exclusively at Blushington. 

Come join me for this French Fete and enjoy sips of complimentary French Rose' cocktails, petit fours, makeup touch-ups with Jouer Cosmetics professionals and photo booth fun! The best part--guests will also receive a gift bag, which will include a selection of full-sized makeup products! RSVP for this fantastic event today. (See info above)

Giveaway for my faithful readers:

For the first three of my readers to show up at Blushington on September 24th, you will receive a Joeur Leopard IT bag, valued at $28.








For one lucky reader, I'll be giving away a full set of Long Wear Creme Mouse Eyeshadows as part of Jouer's new Fall 2014 collection, valued at $180 (includes 6 eyeshadows at $30 each). All you have to do is comment on this post with your email address for a chance to win!  It's that easy!  The winner will be notified on September 24th!






Mark your calendars and come out to Blushington on September 24th and celebrate with me! This will be an event you don't want to miss!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SS15: Haze Collection

Shades are the new black--and for those of us who may have a slight addiction to accessories (myself included), we are much aware that the perfect pair of shades can upgrade any outfit from drab to fab within a matter of seconds. I now introduce you to the Haze Collection--a collection that I was able to view during New York Fashion Week on September 5, 2014 at the Hudson Hotel.

While apparel is said to have its seasons and trends, the same can be said for shades or "sunnies" as the fashionistas would like to call them. Over the past year, there has been an upsurge in the aviator shades trend with the reflective and color-stained lenses. Hopefully this too will pass (aviators are everywhere!) but another overarching trend in shades have definitely been "the bigger, the better".

Although the Jackie-O oversized shades trend is one that I don't see dying down anytime soon, it does appear that lens sizes for shades in the future are slimming back down but the overall styles of shades are becoming even more grandiose.  Pops of colors in neons are in with even more selections of lens colors from bright gold hues to bright bronzes.

Whatever your preference may be, Haze has an assorted collection of sunnies that are perfectly matched with what you already may have in your wardrobe. From t-shirts and jeans to leather with an edgy flair, my current fashion obsession is definitely with Haze. Enjoy a sneak peek as to what you can expect from Haze for this upcoming spring and summer and dive even further by searching their current collection here online.

All images taken and to be credited by: Leah Frazier

New York Fashion Week: What I Wore, Day 1

This was my first year to go to New York Fashion Week as a fashion editor and since it is always a mystery to those who see everything on television and want to really know the insider deets on what goes on, I'm here to give it to you straight.  Over the next couple of days, I'm going to give you all of the details from what I wore to designer shows to the notorious NYC street style.  So stay plugged in and get a first hand view on how it all went down for me at New York Fashion Week.

Cab Ride to the Lincoln Center..Karen Walker shades are poppin!

Press Credentials to Fashion Week

Day 1 for me entailed 2 runway shows, 1 designer brand launch and 1 fashion presentation.  All in all, this included 2 outfits for me: one for the day events and another for the night events.  Here's how I decided to get into a New York state of mind.

Day 1 "day" outfit: NeoBantu Skirt, Freedom of Animals Veronika Tote, Karen Walker shades and Dolce Vita animal print booties

Day 1, "night" outfit: Diane von Furstenberg dress purchased at Clothes Circuit / worn to the launch of the luxury travel line, Andiamo

Partying on the rooftop of the Hudson Hotel for the Haze Collection sunglasses SS15 presentation / Shoes by: Jessica Simpson

Rooftop night view of NYC in the background on top of the roof at the Hudson Hotel...purely amazing! I feel so blessed to have seen the things that I have seen and to have traveled to where I have traveled over the course of my life!  To God be ALL of the glory!

Five Reasons Why Lysse' is a Must for Your Fall Wardrobe

Lysse' has been a brand that has been on my radar ever since I received a pair of their vegan leather ponte "riding" style leggings last year. The materials are high quality, the top band is designed to minimize the mid section "pooch" and most importantly the leggings truly flatter my figure.

Lysse', although recognizable for their leggings, is a brand that also has designer apparel from blouses to wraps to dresses that are also synonymous with comfort and flattering the feminine shape. I decided to try out one of Lysse's control tops and let's just say, I have never felt so comfortable and free. The built-in shaper/control top definitely flattened my stomach, slimmed my waist and allowed the top layer of the top to flow without any bumps or rolls in my appearance.

Lysse Vegan Leather Ponte Leggings and Damaris Short Sleeve Top in Thistle

For those reasons, here are my top 5 reasons why you should invest in Lysse' for your Fall Wardrobe:

1. Eco-Friendly: It seems like a wide range of brands these days are going for more eco-friendly and cruelty-free clothing options. With Lysse' they use vegan leather (which feels exactly like soft and smooth leather) which tends to be similar to the real thing, and affordable!

2.  Comfortable with Stretch: Need I say more?  Every woman needs this!

3.  Lined with Body Shaping / Control Top Materials: The Damaris short-sleeved top that I'm wearing in the pictures above is lined with a control top which I love. There are several blouses and tops with the Fall collection that have the control top feature and for most women who come to me for personal shopping and styling, this is the top requested item: especially for women who are battling post-pregnancy weight.

Lysse Ponte Vegan Leather Leggings

4.  Perfect for Layering: The Lysse' collection tops are perfect by themselves or with a moto jacket layer on top or even a creative cardigan sweater. Whatever your preference, these blouses can mix and match with anything.

5.  Built-In Tummy Flattener: Need I say more? The blouses have control top shapers and the leggings have built-in control tops to flatten the tummy as well.  This is a brand after my own heart!

Lysse' is available at Nordstrom's and can also be explored by visiting their site at www.lysse.com.

All images taken and credited to Thomas Garza for Thomas Garza Photography.