Glam Guide: How to Build an All Black Wardrobe for Work

This post is dedicated to those who are mandated to have an all black wardrobe for work. If you didn't know they existed, take a closer look at the associates the next time you walk into Macy's or Mac. If you've just been hired at an establishment with these requirements, (congratulations) here's a guide to begin building your wardrobe with just 7 core pieces, 4 accessories and 1 pair of shoes. Believe it or not, this package will get you through your first month of work without repetition.

7 Core Pieces

1. Dress 2. Pencil skirt 3. Trousers 4. Cami 5. Blouse/ vest 6. Cardigan 7. Blazer

When you're just starting out, I'd advise that you begin with clean lines and simple material. I love my cutouts, lace, studs, and crazy fabrics as much as the next girl but a novelty piece will scream "she wore me two days ago" so, let's start with the basics. I chose this French Connection dress and pencil skirt by Reiss to give you the option of fit or flare. You could do the reverse, a pencil dress and a flare skirt, as long as the choices are there. Next are the Reiss trousers to give you pants as an option. A cami is fitted while a blouse or vest is loose, also giving you an interchangeable look when worn with the skirt or pants. The blazer from Mango and cardigan from Old Navy are two layering pieces that create a totally different ensemble. So, whether you wear the dress by itself today or with the blazer two days later, (much like men with suits, ties and handkerchiefs), no one will notice, unless they're just plain nosey.

4 Accessories

1. Chunky necklace 2. Layered necklace 3. Pendant necklace 4. Metallic belt

Ok so now this is where you can really get creative and fool everyone. Here's an example; on the left I've paired the black dress with the blazer and the layered Tory Burch necklace. On the other side, I matched the same black dress with the cardigan, wrapped the thin gold belt on the outside and added the chunky Vince Camuto necklace. Can you see how different the same dress looks even side by side? Don't think so hard, just do it! Mix and match everything including the Top Shop pendant for a more conservative look. Accessories are a great way to play up an all black wardrobe. Feel free to add any color gem or metallic that your work place permits. I just so happened to use a lot of gold for the sole purpose of showing variety within uniformity.

1 Pair of Shoes

Wearing black flats kind of reminds me of when I went to catholic school as a kid. Mom bought me one pair to last the whole school year, but of course I was growing so fast that I needed a new one mid year. If I could make it halfway through the school year, one pair of these Mod Cloth black shoes will definitely last you a month until you can afford to add some variety.

Shop

I hope I've alleviated your worries and inspired you to start putting your pieces together. Good luck with everything! Shop for your all black wardrobe below:

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Feature: The New Miss Westchester and Miss Hudson Valley 2015 Queens

This past Saturday, August 16, 2014 marked the five year anniversary of the Miss Westchester/ Hudson Valley pageant competition. Congratulations to the team and the new queens! Meet the lovely ladies below.

The new titleholders (from left to right) are Jordan Rose Decker, 18, Pleasantville, Miss Westchester Teen 2015; Nadia Manginelli, 21, Peekskill, Miss Westchester 2015; April Maroshick, 21, Valley Stream, Miss Hudson Valley 2015; Sophia D’Ambrosio, 16, Duanesburg, Miss Hudson Valley Teen 2015.

With an all red theme for the Miss and a silver/white theme for the teens, each beauty queen allowed her personality to shine through her gown choice. I couldn't ask for a better variety. If you like their looks as much as I did, I've pulled some pieces for your own shopping experience. Simply click on your favorite(s) to look like the queen of your choice.

Miss Westchester Teen

Jordan Decker wore a sleek gown with dazzling gems from top to bottom. Here are two glamorous options to look like Miss Westchester Teen.

Miss Westchester 2015

Nadia Manginelli rocked a high-neck, full lace gown. The inner sweetheart neckline and knee length lining took this dress up a notch in a sexy way. Here are two ways to look like Miss Westchester.

Miss Hudson Valley 2015

April Maroshick chose a gorgeous crystal-decorated high neck line, attached sweetheart and low back gown. To achieve Miss Hudson Valley's look, try one of these.

Miss Hudson Valley Teen 2015

Last but not least, Sophia D’Ambrosio was adorned in a sweet white floral-embroider, illusion, a-line gown that flowed like a goddess at the bottom. Here's how to look like Miss Hudson Valley Teen.

Once again congratulations everyone! I can't wait to see their fashion picks this season and most importantly, the positive impact these ladies will make in many lives this year.

Love,

Luxe LeBlanc

Glam Guide: How to Avoid a Nip Slip

Considering the effect it's had on live broadcasting, it's hard to believe that the nip slip is still an issue today. Then again, anything to make a statement, right? Wrong. If you have an honest battle with keeping your nipples in from time to time, here are some solutions to avoid a nip slip.

First, Take the Nip Slip Test

Stand in front of a mirror, preferably full length. Can you see your nipple(s) when you:

A. Pose sideways for a pic (add selfie arm) B. Bend forward to pick something up C. Let your posture sink as your would while laughing (add clapping or clasp hands) D. Raise your hands sky high E. Stand straight

If your nipple(s) caught some extra air or stole your shine in the mirror during any of these moves, you're prone to a nip slip. You may need to...

Use Double Stick Tape

When I competed in pageants with swimsuit fitness categories, you better believe I used double stick tape. While I consider myself a member of the IBTC (Itty Bitty Titty Committee), I'm not exempt from a nipple slip. I use fashion double stick tape from Victoria's Secret to hold my bikini bra AND panties (no wedgies allowed) in place. I had no worries when strutting the stage and you shouldn't either when stepping out of your home. It's recommended that you don't wear any lotion or oils because the tape won't stick. From experience I'd say to apply very little lotion (absolutely no oil) to prevent the tape from fusing to your skin and ripping it off. My skin didn't peel but it was red when it lacked any moisture at all under the tape. Overall, it does the trick!

Wear a Backless Bra

One reason we might choose not to wear a bra is because the straps would ruin the look of our beautiful backless garment. That's no excuse anymore because everybody and their mother are making backless bras. Seems like we're all on the "avoid a nip slip" bandwagon. This bra is constructed like a bustier up front and sticks to the skin on the side of your ribs. Please be sure to get fitted for your proper size as this is the main culprit for boob spillage and underflow. The exact opposite happens when a woman with smaller breasts gets a cup size that's too big, exposing her when she relaxes her posture or bends over.

Wear Nipple Covers

Everyone knows about pasties or nipple covers. They don't keep your breasts from falling out but they do prevent them from being exposed if they happen to. There are flat skin-toned patches that cover the areola and nipple or silicone versions. One option I've explored is the silicone bra. It's backless and strapless. My only reserves are that the adhesive part attracts dirt (no dirty boobs please) and that it doesn't provide support because gravity pulls it down along with your bust. I found myself squeezing them in place, looking like I was groping myself in public. The cleaning process requires mild soap and water but can you really scrub an adhesive? I prefer to wear them under an empire waist dress or blouse for the lift. Nonetheless, cover up!

Get Another Size

When shopping, I know how hard it is to leave that one thing at the store that we love so much but we have to draw a line in the sand. Unwanted exposure should be that line. If it's too big, try a smaller size or get it tailored. If it's too small and you're busting out, don't do it to yourself. Go up a size and have the areas that may be too big, taken in. Besides, you'll never be able to receive something better if you're holding on to whats in front of you. I'm a firm believer that there's always another option, so in the words of Elsa from Frozen "let it go!"

Shop Nip Slip Solutions

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Love,

Your Glamour Stylist Luxe LeBlanc

Wedding Wednesdays: Lauren Conrad's Wedding Dress

This year there is a fun list of beautiful celebrities who have gotten engaged. One bride-to-be that I can't wait to see is Lauren Conrad. I know she's going to be gorgeous. According to her Instagram, we know that she's had her bachelorette party already so it's only a matter of time before the wedding photos surface. Until then let's suppose she is being Adorned By Luxe. This is how I'd dress her for her big day.

Client Profile

Client: Lauren Conrad Service: Red Carpet Styling Red Carpet Moment: Wedding-Bride Style: Soft, Chic, Glam

Amazing A-Line

Lauren's soft and sweet with a flare wardrobe leads me to believe she wants an A-line dress with lace, v-neck or sweetheart neckline and a little pizazz. Here are my top picks:

1. Alvina Valenta

2. Augusta Jones

3. David Fielden

Sexy Sleek

Next on the list would be a sleek dress made with silk, lace and/or sparkle. The neckline remains the same but I think she'd compromise a dropping neckline for a low back. Here are my picks:

4. Jim Hjelm

5. Maggie Sotero

6. Julie Vino

Fit then Flare

The third category of wedding gowns I'd choose for Lauren would be the mermaid/trumpet. She'd look fabulous in a mixture of fit and flare. Here are my picks:

7. Danielle Caprese

8. Tony Ward

Princess Please

Last but not least, I can't forget to give her options of feeling like a princess. Here are my picks:

9. Hayley Paige

10. Le Spose Di Gio

Get the Luxe Look

Let me now what your favorites are and which one you think will be Lauren Conrad's wedding dress below in the comments section. All gowns can be found at Kleinfeld except for the Julie Vino.

If you're a bride-to-be or know one, remember the Luxe 2 for 1, special occasion styling is still available. See details below and contact us before it's over!

Love,

Your Glamour Stylist Luxe LeBlanc

Glamour Girl's Must-Haves: Booties

I think I'm addicted to booties. I can't remember a fall or winter without a pair of my own. That just sounds like love right? I realized it was more than love after I fell down a flight of stairs in my favorite pair and still wore them when I got better.

Ridiculous but true story. I was at a friend's house when I attempted to go down their narrow, carpeted stairs to the basement. My booties had no grip at the bottom so when I got to the third step my foot slid off the edge and my body followed. Embarrassing! All I remembered was that I screamed and landed about 5 steps farther with my legs in the air. You better believe it was time to chuck those bad boys and get a new pair. This fall I'm getting rubber soles or adding grips.

Can you see why I couldn't let them go? Suede, black, peep toe, wedge booties with fringes on the side plus a gold accent lining at the bottom. And! They were comfortable. Surprisingly, they're from Forever 21. Seems like they've been stepping their game up. (No pun intended).

Nevertheless, don't let my klutz moment deter you because booties are a must have. Here's why...

1. Booties For All Babes

One problem I always hear women complain about is finding a tall boot that fits their calves. I have some beautiful friends who have inherited calves that would benefit them greatly as a football player but unfortunately they're not interested in starting a women's league. Wearing booties with dark tights this fall will create an illusion of a sleeker leg. And a heeled bootie, a longer leg line. Be careful not to choose one that gives you a narrowing effect at the foot since it will only accentuate your calves. These tips are also great for women with thick ankles. In addition, remember not to get the trendy booties with ankle straps as they will draw attention in that direction. While the winter might be the prime time to cover up our flaws, I think it's important to embrace and find comfortable ways of exposing them (i.e. creating illusions). Here are some quality pantyhose by Spanx to last you throughout the colder season.

If your concern is the very opposite, thin legs that manage to have many boots drooping at their feet like wrinkled skin, shop for a sleeker bootie. Stay away from the chunky, wide toe boots that give you clown feet and make your legs look like a chicken's. Also, consider wearing your skinny jeans inside the bootie and patterned or colored tights with a skirt or dress. If you've found a pair that you absolutely cannot leave the store but your feet are swimming in them, wear boot cuff socks that you can scrunch down at the ankle to fill in the space and create a cute style. Once the winter gear gets into stores, you can even get faux fur detachable cuffs like these and you'll have a whole new bootie! In fact here's a site I found called PSC Outdoors selling just that. Let me know what you think.

2. Booties Go With Everything

From skirts to pants, school to dinner dates, work and weekend fun, booties fit almost any outfit and occasion. Here are two outfits with one bootie.

In my mind, look one is a glam girl who's the new teacher in school. She's wearing a fun black and white polka dot blouse (From Modcloth) with a black circle skirt (from Bebe.com)to keep the corporate effect but adds a pop of color with her yellow blazer (outfitmade.com)and deep coral necklace. The necklace matches her leather cognac booties (by Isola) and a pair of dark pantyhose connects the entire look to finish. Dark tights can be the difference between wearing a skirt or not because they act as a continuation to a shorter skirt.

Look two is the glam girl who's hanging out on the weekend with friends. While her peers might be in relaxation mode, she's always ready to shine. This casual green dress goes perfectly with the cognac boots and leather jacket (found on Amazon). The gold necklace adds finesse to the overall edgy look but the bootie takes the cake.

Below, I also have some a mixture of casual and dressy booties for an evening out or special occasion. Check out the slide show.

3. Booties Bring Balance

Ironically enough, booties bring balance. Just as basketball players are encouraged to wear hightop sneakers to protect their ankles, booties provide ankle support. A regular pump will not have the same effect. How many times have we walked into a tiny crevice with our heels and our shoe comes off or gets stuck. With a bootie, the chances of that happening are rare so you can strut with confidence wherever you are.

Shop!

Shop booties below. I pulled them just for you.

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Love,

Your Glam Stylist Luxe LeBlanc