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

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.

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

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!

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

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!

"Partition"

"SuperPower"

"Flawless"

"Party"

"Independent Woman"

"Haunted"

"Mine"

"I Miss You"

"Naughty Girl"

"XO"

"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'!!!!

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

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.

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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

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!

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!