Glam Guide: How to Look Glam in a Sweater

When putting together a glamorous look, a sweater may not be your first pick but with the freezing forecast just around the corner, it's going to be a necessity. That doesn't mean your style has to suffer. I put together three looks in a beautiful gray quilted sweater that I found at Forever 21. I thought I'd do something a little different for this blog post. Instead of making outfit collages, I wore the pieces in a photo shoot. Special thanks and shout out to Lucas-Murray photography. So, here are  three ways to look glam in a sweater.

1. Pair it with a Pencil Skirt

Call it office glam or sensational scholar. In this first look, I layered my sweater with a denim collared shirt and an ivory necklace. I paired the top with a gorgeous, burgundy,faux leather pencil skirt. Tucking it all in felt like a lumpy idea but it turned out great because if you've got hips like mine, fluffing the sweater on top help create some balance on top. I added blue pumps with a brown lining to play off of the denim collar. This look is a stunner. I love it!

2. Add a Jeweled Collar

On a night out with my girls there's nothing like a pair of black shiny leggings and suede booties to stay warm a cute at the same time. This combination takes the sweater up a notch. To take it up all the way, I added a dazzling necklace that has the same shape as the neckline of my sweater to create a jeweled collar. If your sweater has a v-neck, wear a v-shaped necklace. You can create a whole new sweater everytime you change your necklace. So much fun!

3. Wear a Fitted Embellished Blazer

This urban glam look is for my city girls, especially if you're from Brooklyn! I kept the leggings from above but switched my heels for J's. The glam is all in the jacket. Match your sweater up with a fitted, embellished blazer to create more of a silhouette than a slouchy effect because we tend to have better posture in heels than in flats. The structured jacket will keep your look together effortlessly and the studs, chains and patches are sure to keep trouble makers away. Tough glam baby!

Now that I've given you some ideas to look glam in a sweater, get your own and get to styling. Shop sweaters below.

Shop Sweaters

[rev_slider GlamInASweater]

Wedding Wednesday: Three Reasons You Need a Reception Dress

Some say one wedding dress is enough and a waste to get a second. However, I say there are great reasons in the name of fashion, comfort and just plain fun to get another. Here are three reasons you need a reception dress.

1. Wedding Gowns are Heavy

Princess-styled wedding gowns weigh 8-10 pounds and sometimes even more. It may not sound like much but between being strapped into bridal undergarments, barely eating from all your nerves shooting simultaneously, and moving around all day, the additional weight will speed up your exhaustion before the night is over. After the ceremony, formal photos and grand entrances, it's only deserving that you take off the poofy bullet proof ball gown. Change into something lightweight and sleek. You'll feel so much better and are sure to hear many oohs and ahs. After all it's your day and you deserve the attention so flaunt your physique in a form fitted reception dress. See some beautiful options I picked out for you below.

2. The Ceremony is Conservative

Many brides treasure the experience of being married in a holy place and must dress accordingly. That often means wearing a subtle conservative gown that covers the body, varying between short or long sleeves, respectful necklines and simple (as opposed to flashy) material. Such a sacred gown may not feel like the best option to boogie down in and a reception dress is the perfect solution. To truly get into celebration mode, a dazzling number will do the trick. You can choose to go with your bridesmaids colors or a blinged-out bridal number. Whichever one you choose, party on girl! It's a once in a lifetime occasion. Yes, even if it isn't your first wedding. So, enjoy these options below.

3. Long Dresses Drag and Get Dirty

Whether you're sweeping the floors in a cathedral length train or a shorter one, it's a pain to watch your white dress change colors right before your eyes. It's even more painful when everyone (especially your spouse) keeps accidentally stepping on your dress. Oh, and about the embarrassing, constant tripping over your own dress, shaking my head. If walking around in that dress causes so much trouble, imagine dancing in it.  Your dress would be finished! I'm talking about guests' heels getting caught in it and possibly ripping your gown. No bueno! Definitely a great reason to get a shorter reception dress. If your legs are one of your favorite assets, there goes even more of a reason to do so. Below are some tasteful options.

Shop Reception Dress

[rev_slider ReceptionDress]

If you were questioning whether or not you need a second dress, I hope I've helped you make up your mind. To all my brides-to-be, congratulations!

Your Glam Stylist,

Luxe LeBlanc

Glam Feature: Last Minute Manicure Solutions

This past weekend I had a photo shoot. Exciting! I had everything packed and ready to go when I realized I hadn't gotten a manicure. I quickly threw my pink polish into my bag and a few minutes before the shoot, slapped some on. Needless to say, it got wrinkled and smudged so I kept my nails out of as many close up shots as possible. Whether you have a photo shoot, pageant interview, special event or job interview, your nails say a lot about you. So what do you do when you realize you won't have time to stop by your local nail salon? Here are three last minute manicure solutions!

1. ImPress by Broadway

Impress nails saved my life earlier this year. I was called for a last minute promotional modeling gig where I was going to be the host who welcomed and signed everyone in for a celebrity comedy show. With no time to spare for a manicure, I ran to the pharmacy and bought imPress nails by Broadway. There was no way, I was going to welcome people with crusty looking hands (not that my hands were but you get the point). During my hour long commute on the train, I discreetly matched my nail sizes, peeled the adhesive part of the nail open and pressed them onto hands. No one could tell the difference and I was absolutely impressed (no pun intended).

They cost less than $10 and are easy to use. If you wear them longer in length than your own nails, you may notice that the material is more pliable than your average press on nails, which did freak me out at first but worked out just fine. They were easy to use and lasted until I forcefully peeled them off a week later. Here's their website for more info.

2. Jamberry Nails

Jamberry's are pre-desiged nail wraps that stick and stay on using heat for 3-5 seconds. So if we do the math, it'll take roughly an hour to get these babies on. I could ramble on about how to use them but I'd rather show you.

http://youtu.be/KaykpuMe53w

I'd recommend using these if your nail salon is already closed and you won't be able to get to them in the morning before your interview or event. I love the fact that Jamberry nails come in so many styles and a good range of sizes. They resemble and have been reviewed to last as long as a gel/shellac manicure but cost way less. Unfortunately, these can't be bought in stores but luckily I found out that my friend Nancy sells them online! Plus, there's a month-end promotion going on to bring in new designs. Click here to see them all and for more info. Mine are in the mail and I can't wait to try them. According to the reviews I've seen, (good and bad), this is definitely for the DIY/ artsy girl like myself. Those who gave it a bad review had wrinkles in theirs which I can't understand how when all the necessary instructions, tools and tutorials are provided. Not for the "faint of arts."

3. Priv

Okay now Priv! Can I tell you how ridiculously genius this company and app is? So, this is for my ladies (and gents) who can't get to the salon because for one reason or another you're stuck at home but want the authentic manicure experience and can't do it yourself. What do you do when you're hungry and can't leave? You order in! Same concept with Priv. Priv has a list of licensed professional nail technicians that you can find on their app who come to you. All you do is enter your location and the nearest registered techs are readily available by appointment. There are ratings from other customers, a photo of the person, and little bio. I've met a Priv nail tech at a beauty event so it seems that they show up for more than just house calls. Priv also has a variety of on-call beauticians ranging from hair stylists to fitness coaches. Check it out here or download the app and take it for a spin.

This is what their app looks like. You just select your desired service, book your professional and bada-bing-bada-boom! Finito. I'd recommend Priv also for meeting you on the set of your photo shoots if you're uncomfortable with having a stranger in your home.

Well, these are my three last minute manicure solutions. I hope they've been helpful and if you know of any others, feel free to comment below.

Xo,

Luxe LeBlanc

Glam Feature: Operation PROM Gala

Imagine it's your senior year and one of the most memorable nights of your life is fast approaching. Unfortunately, hard times have hit home and your choices are between affording prom dues and looking bad or looking good for prom but hoping the staff will make an exception for your dues. The odds of the latter are less likely but no one wants hideous photos as memories. That's where Operation Prom steps in!

Operation Prom

Today's Tuesday Glam Feature is Operation PROM. If you haven't heard of this organization, you need to know about them! Founder Noel D'Allaco saw the need to provide prom dresses for young girls who couldn't afford one and began this dress drive organization "creating prom memories that will last a lifetime."  Noel aka the "Fairy Prom Mother" has restored hope in the lives of many high school seniors who would have easily forfeited this well earned experience. She even went to the extent of raising enough money and support to host a prom for Channel View High School when their funds were drained from much needed repairs caused by the destructive hurricane Sandy. See here.

The Gala

You're probably wondering, "why the heck are you talking about prom in September? Can we get through homecoming first?" Well, smarty pants, I wanted to make sure you get first dibs on tickets to Operation Prom's 11th Year Prom Celebration that raises funds to make stories like these above possible and keep the organization going. It will be held in January, so I figured I'd give you a heads up on getting your tickets, gowns and tuxedos before the holiday season hits. Here's a direct message from Operation PROM Founder, Noel D'Allacco:

Dear Friends of Operation PROM,

With the 2015 Prom season approaching, I am excited to announce that the Operation PROM 11 Year Anniversary Gala will be held on Friday, January 23, 2015. I encourage you to save the date, and join us at our Prom-themed gala at the Royal Regency Hotel in Yonkers, NY. Ticket and sponsorship information will be available soon on our website: www.OperationPROM.org. I can assure you, you don't want to miss this amazing event!

Thank you for continuing to support Operation PROM, and our 12 Chapters across the U.S. For more information on how to donate, or to volunteer, please contact: Info@HelpPROM.org

Sincerely,

Noel D'Allacco

Let's Go

I've had the honor and pleasure of working with Operation PROM as a volunteer stylist and loved every minute of it. Noel is one of the most hard working, big-hearted people you'll ever meet and I'd love it if you'd join us at the gala or support online. Be sure to bring your family, friends and a date. And of course if you're in need of an After 6/ Glam Sylist for this or any other special occasion, Luxe LeBlanc is at your service. Just email me at info@luxeleblanc.com and we'll get you looking like the dream that you are.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc