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.

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