Feature: Glamorous Gowns for Miss Westchester & Miss Hudson Valley 2014

Farewell Kisses for these Queens

As the 2014 Miss and Teen Westchester/ Hudson Valley ladies countdown their final reigning days, a new line of potentials prepare to take the crown. With just 17 days left, everyone, including myself, can't wait to see what the new girls will wear for the evening gown portion of the competition. However, I'm wondering what the current queens will wear for their final walk. Here is how I would dress them for this red carpet moment. #AdornedByLuxe

Left to right: Stephanie Bavolar, Scarsdale, Miss Westchester Teen 2014. Mayra Avila, Yonkers, Miss Westchester 2014. Brittany Drahos, Queensbury, Miss Hudson Valley 2014. Kayla Lonergan, Yorktown Heights, Miss Hudson Valley Teen 2014

Stephanie Bavolar, Miss Westchester Teen 2014

 

This beautiful brunette, Stephanie Bavolar, was crowned in a royal blue, sweetheart, A-line gown with a belt of jewels around her waist. Throughout her reign, I've noticed that she prefers darker hues such a black, gray, brown and dark blue. There were some instances where she wore pink, red or coral but my absolute favorite photo of her is the one in ivory, standing with the horse (below). It gave her a natural glow. While I would almost always encourage my clients to wear more color, Stephanie was absolutely stunning during prom in a gunmetal gray sequin dress. If she were Adorned by Luxe LeBlanc for her final walk, I would dress her in this navy blue Faviana gown to stay true to her character. I chose this particular dress because its nude undertone brightens up the navy in addition to the sequins. This dress would compliment Stephanie's brown eyes and hair, accentuating the highlights. I would also pair this dress with earrings that match the belt's crystals. Stephanie would fit right in with Kate and Pippa Middleton. What do you think?

Mayra Avila, Miss Westchester 2014

 

It's a pleasure to write about Mayra Avila, a pageant sister of mine in 2012. I was very proud when I saw the photos of her crowning moment. Her hard work, resilience and faith paid off. Mayra wore a royal blue, one-shoulder, pleated A-line gown with a criss-cross waist that led to an open back. During her reign, she wore vibrant colors, florals and dazzling sequin dresses. Of all her outfits, the pink dress (below) stuck out the most. If Mayra were Adorned by Luxe LeBlanc for her final walk, I would dress her in this candy pink Mac Duggal gown. One-shoulder again? Yes, but with a lower neckline to elongate her neck and brighten up her face. Plus, the sweetheart cut will enhance her bust and the see through strap will act as an embellishment rather than a plain strap. I would also pair this dress with a strappy silver metallic sandal to show off her great legs. I think Mayra looks like a glamorous super hero in an A-line dress. What do you think?

Brittany Drahos, Miss Hudson Valley 2014

 

Brittany's style is sassy and versatile. She was crowned in a gold gown (you thought I was going to say crown didn't you?) with chunky crystals all over the corset portion and a sleek mermaid skirt with a high slit. During her year as Miss Hudson Valley, Brittany kept me guessing but Out of the four, she is the trendy-edgy queen. I liked seeing her in midi skirt combos and different materials like the blue lace below. I absolutely love that she is willing to explore different styles. If Brittany were Adorned by Luxe LeBlanc for her final walk, I would dress her in this sea foam green and silver ombré Faviana gown. The green would complement her golden undertones and the fit would accentuate her curves. I would also pair this dress with light sea foam green earrings. Brittany has a fabulous figure for this number. What do you think?

Kayla Lonergan, Miss Hudson Valley Teen 2014

 

Kayla is a blue-eyed blonde-haired cutie. She was crowned in a strapless, pink, A-line dress with a wide silver sequin design around the waist. During her year as queen, she wore lots of pink! I enjoyed seeing her in whites and dark blues to switch it up but I'd like to push her into a transformed unexpected look. If Kayla were Adorned by Luxe LeBlanc for her final walk, I would dress her in this beautiful soft blue gown by Jovani. This dreamy A-line would take Kayla from the bubbly Barbie image to the breathtaking Cinderella glamour. How incredible would Kayla's eyes, hair and complexion look in this piece of work? Tell me about it.

I guess we'll find out what happens on August 16, 2014 at the Miss Westchester/ Miss Hudson Valley 2015 pageant competition. I'd like to be there but only if you come too. Click here for more info and let me know in the comment section if you'll be there. Disclaimer: this is not a paid advertisement. I genuinely think Westchester Pageants Inc. is one of the best pageant organizations out there. This blog and my work wouldn't exist if Laura, Dee and the staff had not helped me recognize my full potential. So yes, I'm asking you from my heart to show your love and support.

For more information on being styled by me for your red carpet moment, send an info request here.

See you soon!

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

Bonus Bridesmaids Dresses

How to Choose Bonus Bridesmaids' Dresses

How many bridesmaids dresses have we collected over the years with no means of reusing? I'm not as bad as Katherine Heigel in 27 Dresses but my collection might as well have been. I wouldn't even dare donate them to a prom organization and ruin a once in a life time moment for a high school senior. To my beautiful brides-to-be, here are some tips on how to have a happy bridal party without forfeiting fashionable photos.

1. Convertible Dress

When I got married last summer, my girls came in all ages, shapes, heights, and sizes. The challenges I encountered while choosing my bridesmaids' dresses were; some had large breasts so I couldn't pick a strapless or low neckline. Others preferred covering up to be age appropriate or hide imperfections but I was not putting anyone in long sleeves or skirts during the hottest days of summer. I was stressing out until I discovered convertible dresses by Henkaa. This is even better than a convertible car, I mean it. A convertible dress is one that can be customized and worn to your liking on top while the bottom remains the same. They usually come in a simple singular tone and can be embellished in any way you'd like to create uniformity among your bridesmaids. Henkaa has a variety of colors and provides an online tutorial for all 21 ways that the dress can be styled. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I was hesitant because the material looked jersey-ish but it was smooth, pretty and photographed very well. Though Henkaa is based in Canada, shipment comes quickly. Order some free swatches for yourself here.

2. Keep a Color Scheme

It sucks big time when you've found the one bridesmaids' dress that you love but the company doesn't have everyone's size and it can't be ordered because the manufacturer doesn't produce them anymore. Who does that?! Ugh. Solution: choose a color scheme and have everyone pick their own dress within your guidelines and restrictions. Everyone will be happy, including you and it won't be your fault if they never wear it again because they picked it out themselves. The featured photo is an example of how I would put it together. If you'd like to more information click here.

3. Rent a Dress

Hey! The guys do it (rent a tux that is) so, why can't we? If you know your bridesmaids won't be wearing these dresses again, consider renting. How cute is this company, "LBD?" Not "little black dress" but "Little Borrowed Dress." Their dresses are simple and elegant. The bride chooses a style and color for the bridesmaids, and the bridesmaids order their size. The dress arrives at their door two weeks prior to the wedding. Note, orders must go in 3 months in advance. They also send a sample of free swatches so you can feel the material before deciding. LBD even includes a paid return label to make the final process a breeze after the wedding. Check them out here.

If you're looking for something more upscale, Rent the Runway has incredible dresses. Some brands retail at $800 but are rented for under $100. These are actual looks from the runway minus the runway price. Don't worry, the spotlight will still be all yours. Take a look here.

I hope I was able to broaden your options to find the right dress for you and your bridesmaids. For more information on our Red Carpet Styling and Platinum Pampering for your wedding day please fill out an information request. Remember to share this article with every bride-to-be that you know so that they too might benefit from these few tips. Thank you and best wishes on your big day.

Love,

Your Glamour Stylist

Luxe LeBlanc

Best Dressed Wedding Guest

Best Dressed Wedding Guest

It's summer time and that means one of many exciting things, wedding season! Finally you can wear that pretty dress in the back of your closet you've been saving for a special occasion. However, the summer heat and weddings aren't always the best combination when it comes to wardrobe. I recently attended a wedding where I was tempted to photograph some fashion oh-no's but instead I'll tell you about them.

Number 1. Two guests, not one but two were dressed for the night club. I'm talking legs for days followed by stares, glares and watering mouths distracted from the ceremony. To make matters worse, this was a conservative couple and crowd. Whatever you choose to wear to a wedding should be considerate of the bride because it's HER big day. All eyes should be on the bride... Oh yeah and her spouse too but you get the point. Nix the short, tight, revealing number and opt for one that respects the occasion and celebrates the couple. Go cocktail instead of mini.

Number 2. One guest was in a lace champagne dress. What's wrong with that? Nothing, until the bride came out in her second dress and looked just like the guest. Unless the bride requests a specific dress code permitting you to wear white or the likes, don't wear anything close to bridal wear. Lace is a very common romantic material worn by brides as well as guests so if you're going to wear it, go bold in color to be safe (examples in slide show below). The odds of the bride coming out in something similar are slim to none.

Number 3. This last one was more of a bad wardrobe choice due to a lack of information. I was looking really cute in my turquoise wrap dress and bedazzled silver pumps until I arrived at the wedding reception. I had no idea that it was being held in a backyard under a tent in the grass. Oh no!!! My pretty 4 inch heels dug right into the dirt like a gardening tool. Reminder, when partying on soft ground wear wedges, block heels or flats.

Finding the right dress to wear for a wedding can be difficult. It requires being tactfully stylish and planning ahead. In the slide show below are some simple cocktail pieces that I’ve pulled to make your shopping experience a little easier for both plus and regular sizes. You can accessorize them like I did the blue dress above and below. Here are the details of the two looks that I created.

Featured photo: Alice + Olivia dress Bandage dress with silky cover up makes it sexy yet appropriate.

Multicolored Outfit Suzanna Dai earrings DVF clutch Steve Madden shoes

Golden Outfit: Chandelier earrings Zoe Adams clutch DVF shoes

Challenge: Take your picture as the "Best Dressed Wedding Guest" this summer and tag me on Instagram @luxelb with #luxeleblanc & #BestDressedWeddingGuest. Can't wait to see you!

Remember to comment, subscribe and share. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

[rev_slider Best_Dressed_Wedding_Guest]

Glamour Girl's Must Haves: Little Black Dress

Glamour Girl's Must Haves: Black to Basics - LBD

Let's get "black to basics." You know what I'm talking about; your "Little Black Dress!" Sure you've heard it time and time again but what's the big fuss about?

1. Black is slimming!

Whether you're bloated because it's that time of month or working towards your goal weight, no other color provides the illusion of a sexy silhouette.

2. Black is a staple base color!

It goes with just about everything. Basic pieces are the best for versatility. A simple black dress can be dressed up or down with metallic or colorful accessories, silk or denim, heels or flats.

3. Black works year round!

No need to worry about the fashion rules and regulations. Your little black dress can be worn from winter through summer and back.

When choosing a Little Black Dress consider your shape. Aim to create a visual balance between your top and bottom proportions, for example if you're heavier on top but feel you have no hips, an A-line or peplum dress will fill in that area giving you an hour glass figure. Below are some great pieces that I've pulled to make your shopping experience a little easier.

Remember to comment, subscribe and share.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

[rev_slider Little_Black_Dress]