Luxe Glam Guide: How to Look Fab in Florals

As the flowers wither from the trees this month, you'll find them revived in your wardrobe this fall. I don't know about you but I've noticed lots of floral print already. Within one short block's radius on my way to the city, I saw 5 women ranging in all ages wearing flowers on their garments. Here's another addition to the Luxe Glam Guide: How to Look Fab in Florals.

1. The Right Print

Take into consideration the color, shape and size of the floral prints. Compare the color of the flowers to the background. Now, take a look at your features; skin, hair and eyes.

If your features are highly contrasted, the right floral for you will also have a high contrast. This looks best with more flowers and less ground showing. The farther away your dress goes from this concept, the more washed out or invisible you will look compared to the piece. Anne Hathaway's fair skin is highly contrasted with her dark eyes, hair and also dark, pronounced eyebrows. The dress on the left has a high population of roses, varying in shades of red against a mostly covered up black ground. Anne looks fab in this floral as opposed to the patchy one on the left. Not to mention, the cut of that dress makes her look a bit juvenile. Below is a similar situation with Kim Kardashian. Her skin is darker than Anne's, (which would place her in a medium category), but her dark hair, eyes and also thick brows lean her towards a high. Now, the "yes" dress definitely works. The "no" on the other hand is more of a "meh" for me because I like the blue against her skin but I am drawn to the dress more than I am to her face, so it's a no-go from me.

If your features are lower in contrast, so should your floral number. The print should also be bigger and spaced farther apart. If it's too busy, you'll look like a billboard for the botanical garden. No bueno.

Let's look at the fashionable Lupita Nyong'o. She has medium to dark skin and her hair and eyes are dark as well. This means that she has a medium to low contrast. The dress on the left also has a low contrast and she looks radiant! On the right, the boldly stated yellow flowers on the deep blue are pulling your eyes towards it and the lighting away from her face. Hence, the first dress works a lot better than the second. On the other hand, Cameron Diaz (below) with her light hair, eyes and skin, (also considered a low contrast), looked great in the black dress but washed out in the beige and black. In fact, the flowers look like they're crawling up to eat her head.

2. Shoes and Print

Matching shoes with florals are fun and easy because there are so many options! Here are three. First, go neutral with a nude (find your shade of nude here), black, white or (careful with this one) an earth-tone shoe. In my outfit on the right, I kept the booties subtle but sexy to allow the shirt to shine. Your second option is to go with a metallic. Accent it up with an understated gold or silver shoe. No pungent Austin powers gold members or the likes please. Last but not least, my absolute favorite, choose one color from the mix and match it with your shoe. I used the pink suede shoes to go with the pink petals hiding amongst the red. Choosing a color that is least shown adds an element of surprise to your overall look. I chose suede (in both looks) instead of say, patent leather, to avoid a clashing competition with the "centerpiece" of the outfit. Give it a try and let me know how it works out.

3. Accessories on Print

With a busy floral print in high contrast, you want to keep your jewelry minimal. Compliment the shape of your flowers with your jewels (round with round and so on). In my first outfit, I used stud earrings. I pulled from the light blue and semi oblong shapes on the dress and cut the total match-up with white. The silver clutch is an example of how to pair a floral with metallics. The second look has larger flowers on the side and near the neckline thus a large necklace would be fighting for attention so I added a long, thin one instead with rhinestones for some bling. Longer earrings work with this look because it acts as a continuation of the large designs on the blouse. Pretty way to be casually fab in florals.

Shop

Well! Now that you're an expert in looking fab in floral, here are a few pieces I've pulled to help you shop for your own. Good luck!

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Your Glam Stylist,

Luxe LeBlanc

Throwback Thursday: Luxe LeBlanc Launch Party

Happy Anniversary

Were you there 2 years ago today when we first let the world know about Luxe LeBlanc? On this throwback Thursday celebrate our anniversary (and my birthday) by sharing this post with a friend.

Two Years Ago Today #TBT

The Luxe LeBlanc launch was held at The Gift lounge in the Grace Hotel, Times Square, New York. From the chic furnishing and lighting to the swimming pool and signature Luxe drink, I couldn't ask for a more chic glam atmosphere to represent our company. I watched anxiously from upstairs as the crowd piled in. Red carpet photos were being taken and everyone was celebrating with a drink in hand. The night began with an unforgettable live performance by local R&B heart throb GBrunot. He wooed the pageant models who strutted the perimeter of the pool showing off their jewels from the Luxe LeBlanc Boutique (coming online in 2015). My sister queen Miss Hudson Valley 2012, Megan Hernandez made an appearance and introduced me to the crowd. They cheered wildly, it was amazing. It was time to "cut the ribbon" and though it was figurative, I definitely brought my own ribbon and scissors. The belles of the Haitian women's empowerment organization BelTiFi were at my side. It was done, Luxe LeBlanc officially opened for business. I couldn't feel more proud of myself for this accomplishment. See for yourself. I smiled so much, my cheeks hurt by the end of the night.

So Grateful

I couldn't have held such an incredible event without my event producer and host Fred of Boom Boom Entertainment and project coordinator Farah of L.O.I.S. They sure know how to party! Dnalsi did a great job making a special edition Luxe LeBlanc t-shirt for the night. The event was also sponsored by LeBlon rum, the Haitian American Caucus And Khinky Hair. A great big heart felt THANK YOU to everyone who took part in bringing my dream to life.

Don't Ever Quit, Dreams Do Come True!

All photos courtesy of Amour Creole Magazine who covered the event.

Thank You for your love and support

Today as we establish ourselves as your go-to glam guide and stylist for your special occasions and daily lives we'd love it if you LIKE our Facebook, FOLLOW US on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest (scroll down for links below) AND... sign up for our NEWSLETTER. Help us continue to grow so that we can celebrate many more years together!

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

Wedding Wednesdays: How to Be a Luxe Bride

Luxe LeBlanc: For Your Red Carpet Moments

Here at Luxe LeBlanc, your red carpet moment is our priority. We not only want you to look good but to feel incredible when you walk into the spotlight. We know that your wedding day is one you've dreamt about a thousand times and want everything to be picture perfect. If there's one thing we've got covered, it's you! A luxe bride will have a custom shopping experience of pre-pulled wedding gowns to their taste, ridding themselves of the headache of searching through countless sites, magazines and bridal shops.

Luxe Brides Never Worry

Every bride is a star in my care. My luxe team rolls out the red carpet, transforming you from head to toe for this once in a life time occasion. Imagine this...

Luxe brides don't have to worry about running around to different places in preparation for their wedding. All services listed above are provided by licensed professionals in the comfort of your own home or agreed upon location. Luxe LeBlanc schedules and manages the team to assure the luxe bride's day goes as smoothly as planned. By the time you're ready to walk down the aisle, all you have to think about is marrying the love of your life.

Luxe Brides are Grateful

Luxe LeBlanc also provides pampering prep parties for the bridal party. Want to thank your girls for their support and taking the "L" in your bridezilla moments? Schedule a relaxing session of any combination; massage, facial, hair, nails, make up and/or styling. There's no better way to say thank you.

Inquire

For more information about our Premium Platinum Care package click here or email us at info@luxeleblanc.com. Thank you and best wishes.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

Glamour Girl's Must Haves: Leopard Print

I'd imagine that wearing animal print dates back to Neanderthals. Well, that's just plain wearing animal. Not to mention, it was probably one of very few articles of clothing which they wore to keep warm. And still, so many years later, animal print is in! In fact, Jackie Kennedy wore an authentic leopard coat designed by Oleg Cassini (who we talked about in last week's Wedding Wednesdays post) that allegedly almost wiped out the species (after the trend spread like wild fire) which birthed quality faux fur. Thank goodness!

Leopard print is one of my absolute favorites. Anyone can do it. As the colder weather creeps in for the fall, it's the perfect time to update your wardrobe [see current promotion below] and add some leopard. Last week, I parted with my leopard print booties at Housing Works. Hopefully they'll make someone else happy. Now, I'm on the hunt for a new piece.

*Reminder: Current Promotion*

If you consider yourself glamorous, you better have some leopard in that closet of yours. The thrill of seeing such a feisty piece in your wardrobe is empowering. Leopard print represents the power and strength of a majestic feline marked by subtle femininity in the black rosettes (mini roses) across it's golden fur. Show who's the queen of your jungle. Don't let the print intimidate you. Here's how you can add leopard to your wardrobe this fall.

1. Start Small - Leopard Print Accessories

If you're new to this, let's take baby steps. You won't know how it works until you try. Start out with accessories. You can find leopard print sunglasses, scarves, jewelry, purses and more. My middle model is sporting a silk leopard scarf with a simple off-white button down and cranberry slacks. As small as it may be, the scarf adds instant visual interest to the outfit. Small to medium sized leopard print jewelry will have the same effect. It doesn't take much to spice up your look with this print.

2. Get Bold - Leopard Print Focus Piece

If you're feeling a little more confident, let's take it a step further. Find your focus piece. This means that your leopard will be easily spotted but everything else around it will be subtle. For example, leopard print shoes are perfect for the fall. It's warm brown tones invite autumn into your wardrobe. They pair lovely with deep reds, darker greens, mustard yellow, brown, black and many more. If your shoe is your focus point, you can wear them with a simple solid colored dress like my first model in green. Most people feel more comfortable in a black dress to match the rosettes but I dare you to step outside the box and try another color.

3. Get Wild - Leopard Print All Over

Now, that you've graduated to the wild side, you're ready to try leopard all over. Leopard can be worn on top as a blouse, blazer, jacket or coat and on the bottom as pants or a skirt but I wouldn't suggest doing it from head to toe unless your goal is to be a leopard for Halloween or you've found the perfect full length leopard dress. Because the print can be so attention grabbing, don't let the piece wear you. Keep in mind that all leopard does not look alike. The prints vary in size, shapes and colors. Tip: if you tried on a leopard garment and all the attention is being drawn to it instead of your face, go for one with a lower contrast. Learned that from my extraordinary mentor in styling, Bridgette Raes. If you look closely, you'll notice that model 3 has on a loud leopard print blouse and her black shoes are also leopard print. So, I'm encouraging you to have fun when searching for your leopard pieces this fall.

Shop

Now that you know how to wear leopard print, here are some items I thought you might like. Shop leopard print below.

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Love,

Your Glamour Stylist - Luxe LeBlanc

How to Be Glamorous in a T-Shirt

It's laundry day and you've got places to go and people to see. You're a glamorous girl with nothing to wear but that white tee (above) in the back of your closet. How are you supposed to be glamorous in a t-shirt? There is simply nothing glitzy about a t-shirt and most of us only wear them to the gym. Can it be worn elsewhere? Of course! Here are two instances you wouldn't think to do so and I'll show you how.

Casual Glamour - Brunch with the Ladies

Brunch in the city with the ladies in a tee? Oh no! Calm down, it's okay. Luxe to the rescue! This Majestic Filatures t-shirt is a v-neck which automatically adds a feminine appeal. I've paired it with a high-waisted mint green mini skirt to smooth out the gym shirt effect at the bottom. Leave a little breathing room at the top for a flirty effect like a blouse instead of tucking it in stick straight. This beautiful kimono tops the look off. You won't even remember you're wearing a t-shirt. The base of this piece is also a mint green and is balanced out with a bright and dark extreme, orange and black. The gold necklace, cuff and earrings add a metallic accent to the overall look. I finished it off with a gorgeous pair of burnt orange Jeffrey Campbell sandals and Michael Kors medium travel tote. Voila! That's how you can be glamorous in a t-shirt on a lovely weekend out on the town.

Social Glamour - Bridal Shower Dinner

There is no possible way anyone would dare wear a t-shirt to a bridal shower right? Not if it's all you've got. Let's work it out. I started with the same t-shirt from the prior look. I added a rich red and pale yellow print pencil skirt, also high waisted. This beautiful blazer from Mango falls just right, leaving room for a little bit of the tee to show and closes at the top of the skirt. I added a pretty YSL gold chain belt to draw attention to the smallest part of your waist and away from your t-shirt. I finished the look with a lovely pair of suede Gianvito Rossi olive green shoes, simple earrings and clutch. Incredible look don't you think?

Let Not Your Wardrobe Limit You

Now do you believe you can glamorous in a t-shirt? You can achieve these very same looks with your own pieces at home. Just think outside the box within the guidelines I've given you. 1. Tuck the t-shirt in loosely to give a blouse effect. 2. Layer with feminine pieces like the kimono in the casual look. 3. Accessorize to draw (good) attention away from the t-shirt.

Give it a try and have fun!

Shop

Shop versatile t-shirts below. Who said you couldn't be comfortable AND glamorous? No one needs to know you're in a tee. It's our secret.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

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