Luxe's Wedding Wednesdays: Anniversary Bride

I thought it befitting to start off our new segment "Luxe's Wedding Wednesdays" as my first wedding anniversary approaches this Friday. I cannot believe it's been a year already! What was I doing this time last year? Counting down, with only two days remaining, I was freaking out with excitement and couldn't wait for my big day. Aside from marrying the love of my life, as a stylist, I wanted to see how the entire look would come together. Everyone looked gorgeous but not to toot my own horn, I took the cake. My vision of being a romantic-vintage glamorous bride came to life. Here's how I styled myself.

My Gown

 

My gown was by Oleg Cassini of David's Bridal. I am pear-shaped, smaller on top and bigger on the bottom, (or as I like to say "my hips don't lie") so I chose a trumpet/ mermaid gown to show off my curves. I always thought I would wear a sweetheart neckline but I loved this simple strapless. The lace overlay helped achieve my vintage look and I loved that it was subtle. Flowers were never really my favorite but the delicate crystal floral details on my gown were perfect.

My Shoes

These babies were by Enzo Angiolini. I know gray is not a traditional bridal color for a shoe but it's one of my favorite colors. I'm petite, so the extra inches were just right for my gown plus these shoes were very comfortable! Sold! Oh yeah, and don't forget the glitz from the crystals that looked like broken glass. Simply amazing combo for this glamour girl.

My Jewelry

My jewels were hand picked from the Luxe LeBlanc Boutique, (currently available by appointment only and will be online in 2015). I chose a pearl and Swarovski crystal combination to go with the vintage glam theme. The crystals were clear to match the crystals on the gown as opposed to my favorite iridescent crystals that capture different rays of color.

Shop my look below. I've pulled some romantic trumpet/mermaid wedding gowns for the brides-to-be or lovers of wedding gowns. Various designers are included but Oleg Cassini is featured in case you were looking for a similar design to my dress. I know I never get tired of surfing through bridal gowns. Enjoy.

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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

Glamour Girl's Must Haves - Studs

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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Whose Nude Is It Anyway?

When competing in pageants your wardrobe plays a major role in your presentation. Before you open your mouth, your attire speaks for you. Most pageants don't tell you how to dress but a select few will actually prepare you. I remember when my pageant directors at Miss Westchester Pageants (one of the few) taught us about proper attire for the national level. I made a list and was excited because that meant an opportunity to go SHOPPING! So, I got to the mall and while revising my list I saw "nude shoes" to elongate legs and avoid distraction during interview. I chuckled a little at the thought of naked shoes. What does that even mean? I asked the sales woman in the shoe department and she pointed to several beige looking pumps. They were pretty but I thought to myself, that's not what I look like naked. I'm more of a caramel complexion. I searched some more but the darker the shoes got, the less dressy-formal they were. It was frustrating. I bought a beautiful pair of Steve Madden "nude" pumps but I wasn't satisfied. Whose nude is it anyway? Not mine.   The situation I've described is a common challenge among women of color but fortunately for us, fashion and beauty companies are realizing this and catering to us. Here's what I found:

1. Nudevotion

Nudevotion is a website that gathers nude clothing and shoes from various retailers/brands and displays them on their site making it easier for women to find their own shade of nude. Their fairly new section called "Dark Nude" caters to women of a darker complexion. I love it.

2. Nude Barre

I discovered Nude Barre while admiring Wendy Williams' wardrobe and realized that her stylist dresses her in their stockings almost every day. Nude Barre features nude hosiery in all complexions, from the lightest to the deepest. They are reversible for an opaque option and have a hole at the bottom to make footless tights. A great buy for the fall and winter!

3. Christian Louboutin: The Nudes Collection

You may have already heard about this but I thought it was definitely worth repeating; Louboutin launched a line called "The Nudes Collection" with pumps that suit various skin tones. This means we all can rock our own truly nude red bottoms. Yay! I've pulled some shoes in many shades of "nude" to help you find your match. See the slide show below. Show me your nudes on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Pinterest by tagging #luxeleblanc #MyNudes. Remember to comment, subscribe and share.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc [rev_slider WhosNude]