Glam Guide: How to Wear White After Labor Day

So, it's been said that "rules are meant to be broken." Well, if you're not a fan of the no-white-after-labor-day rule, I've created five looks so that you can do just the opposite. Okay, I'll admit, I still won't encourage you to wear a stark white garment like the uniform button downs many parents will send their children to school with on their first day (with false hope that it returns without any food or ink stains). You know what I'm talking about. Like, white-out white shoes, oh no, no, no. The winter is about keeping warm and while we still have the medium of fall, a warmer white such as these below are perfectly okay! So here's how to wear white after Labor Day:

Look 1: Zara

Featured White(s): Zara Faux Leather Pencil Skirt

Mohair Coat Double Layer Top Geometric Necklace Leather Messenger Bag Ankle Boot Sandals

Look 2: Tory Burch, Drome, Michael Kors, Shaun Leane

Featured White(s): Alexander McQueen Double Breasted Pea Coat And Tory Burch Quilted Ballerina Flats

Drome Fitted Dress Shaun Leane Cherry Blossom Topaz Earrings Michael, Michael Kors "Billy" Small Messenger Bag

Look 3: Uniqlo and Modcloth

Featured White(s): Uniqlo Jeans and Modcloth Necklace

Uniqlo Silk Half Sleeved Blouse Uniqlo Cashmere Blend Stole Cardigan Melie Bianco Frame of Pine Bag Vintage Inspired Impromptu & Posh Heel

Look 4 - Boden, Forever 21, Stella & Dot

Featured White(s): Fiona Earrings by Stella & Dot and Forever 21 Faux Leather Satchel

Boden Autumn Trench Coat Boden Straightleg Velvet Pants Boden Paris Blouse Forever 21 Hidden Wedge Booties

Look 5 - Nordstrom, Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdales, French Connection

Featured White(s): Gianvito Rossi Leather Split Peep-Toe Bootie and Kate Spade Watch

French Connection Flared Skirt Topshop Metallic Knit Tank Topshop Bonded Peplum Jacket Vince Camuto Caleb Clutch

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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.

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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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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!"

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Love,

Your Glamour Stylist Luxe LeBlanc