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

No, not as in a handsome guy. I mean, that too but, I'm talking about one of the smallest forms of an earring. Studs are often underrated but they can be just as powerful as a pair of chandelier or statement earrings. Here's how:

1. Simply Studding

Wearing studs is a simple way to brighten up your face. Back when I was in high school, the popular guys we found attractive were transformed when they removed their diamond (yeah right... probably cubic zirconia) earrings. I kid you not, these guys went from an "ooh la la" to an "oh...ugh." That's when I recognized the power of "le studs." If it can work wonders for strong masculine features, imagine what it does for us girls! A small pair of shiny earrings embellishes the ear lobes but adds a delicate feminine touch to the face. Studs add a je ne sais quoi to a plain jane, accentuating the glimmer in her eyes. Such a simple, inexpensive find and it works! So, there's no excuse not to have a pair for yourself.

Find the featured Michael Kors studs here.

2. Here, There, Everywhere

Studs are incredibly versatile. They are the only type of earrings you can wear everywhere. Studs are highly recommended for interviews. They are the least distracting and help draw attention to your face, which is the place you want your future employer focused on. Studs can be worn with any outfit. From casual to formal, they fit any occasion as shown in the main photo above. Also, it doesn't matter what your style is, studs come in so many creative variations now that there are a pair of studs out there for every personality. Check out the slide show below to find your match.

3. Background Blinger

When wearing a statement necklace, studs are the way to go without clashing and looking like an ornamented object. Some statement necklaces can be paired with a bigger earring but generally, you don't want your necklace and earrings to be fighting for attention. Your face tends to gets lost in the shadows as though you're the mannequin advertising them. Studs are also great to pair with a loud top or high neckline that has lots of detailing. For evening wear, it can be a challenge to find a pair of earrings that match a dress with sparkle, sequins or gems. This is where your studs take the back seat and compliment your entire look without competing with your dress.

I hope you've found your studs more useful now and if you haven't bought a pair yet, below are a few beauties I picked out to help get you started. Let me know what you think.

Love,

Your Glamour Stylist, Luxe LeBlanc

You're Absolutely Studding in Studs

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