Boudoir blog for women in Maryland, Virginia & DC who are interested in booking a boudoir photoshoot near them. Products, clients, tips and tricks are a few of the things you’ll find on the Lavish Boudoir Blog.
How to wear a man's button-down shirt for boudoir
How to Wear a Man's Button-Down Shirt for Boudoir
Well, you don't. We've all seen the movies where the adorable girl wakes up, pulls on her man's button-down shirt and looks even more adorable as she sips her coffee on the sofa while flirting adorably with him. So you're thinking why not wear my man's button-down shirt for boudoir.
Chances are, you aren't the same exact size as your husband and I'm 99% sure you've got more curves. Maybe you're curvy and he's that guy who can eat an entire pizza in one sitting and never gain an ounce. Maybe he's taller and broader than you. Either way, his shirt is unlikely to be flattering.
lavish,boudoir,
Keep reading for how to get the look
How to wear his shirt without looking like him:
Buy a man's shirt in your size. It will look like you raided his closet, but it won't dwarf you. If you're petite, look at the juniors section. Miss K is wearing a junior's large white shirt that I picked up on sale at Macy's.
Bring your own button down shirt. It will nip in at the waist to highlight your hourglass figure, but still give the same look.
Pose so that you're barely wearing the shirt. Do NOT button it up all the way.
Styling Tips:
Add a wrap belt to show off your waist
Make sure that it as been ironed or steamed but not starched
Pick a color that suits your skin tone. Pale and more sheer materials look great for back-lighting and dark colors have an edge.
Pair it with super-feminine skivvies for contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Don't bring a shirt he is extremely attached to. You don't want stray makeup on his favorite Hugo Boss shirt.
If you want to keep this a secret, bring your own shirt. The man who never pays attention will probably suddenly be offering to take clothes to the cleaner's.
Creases from the wrapping. Get it steamed or toss it in the dryer with a damp rag before you come to your shoot.
We'd love to show you just how to rock this look during your own sexy photoshoot. CLICK HERE TO BOOK A FREE CONSULT
34 and It is Fantastic!
Everyone says that the 30s are wonderful and I must admit as I take stock of my life, my goals and my self-awareness, I have to agree. I actually loved most of my teen years (minus a handful of mean girl incidents), had an incredibly exciting and romantic twenties as a newlywed, and the first half of my 30s has been pretty eventful (3 cross country moves, 2 children, 2 businesses).
Last week I turned 34 and it is fantastic.
Photo credit goes to my sweetheart, CJ.
Me at 34:
My body isn't its slimmest or even strongest (I still miss those killer cheer workouts), but I can play like a kid at recess for an hour straight when we visit the trampoline park.
My mind isn't its sharpest (I have 2 kids under 5 and I'm tiiired), but I have an almost fanatical desire to learn.
My business isn't quite where I want it to be, but it's fulfilling to work with my amazing clients (yes, you!), and I'm damn proud of what I've built so far.
My skin isn't flawless, but my eye crinkles tell many tales of a million smiles.
In 34 years, I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm great at (working hard and unwavering optimism), good at (taking care of my family) and absolutely crap at (cleaning and to-do lists). But I don't have a problem with any of it. I've learned to love myself unconditionally. I love my highs and my lows. I'm learning to forgive my mistakes. I've got room to grow as a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur and a woman. I'm not perfect, but I'm perfectly fine with where I am right now.
If you're reading this, thank you. Thank you for being a part of my journey.
What decade has been your best?
Tell me your stories... Have you fallen in love with yourself yet? E-mail me for a complimentary consultation... a photoshoot is a huge step towards this.
The Scientific Reason You Should Book a Couple's Boudoir Photoshoot
Scientific? Yup…well sort of. I'm not a scientist, but I do know a thing or two about the subject.
Have you thought about the couples boudoir photoshoot idea? Yes... then ready on for why. In short, it’s amazing and can really spark something in a relationship.
Have you ever watched the Bachelor/Bachelorette franchise? About midway through the season, they push the participants waaaay out of their comfort zones together. They do this to fast-track the bond that has to be created within the course of a few weeks for filming. Whether it’s repelling from a tall building, crossing a rickety suspension bridge or stripping down in front of a virtual stranger, you’ll have this adrenaline rush. When it subsides, you’re flooded with endorphins and oxytocin. You look into your partner’s eyes and you associate all those good vibes with him. Tada... true love... or something that feels like it.
I have a funny little rule for my couple’s shoots: NO KISSING!
You’re probably thinking that sounds really strange for a sexy photoshoot. The reason is two-fold.
- It keeps everything in check. I’m not an nc-17 kind of photographer. There are no sexual acts in my photoshoots. Just lots of seduction. This leads me to my second reason
- Seduction is the most gorgeous kind of intimacy between a couple. It’s the longing to touch, taste and quite frankly… get busy, that brings out those gorgeous photos.
If you look through my photos, you won’t see an actual kiss. Lots of almost-kisses. Do you know how sexy it is to be millimeters from her lips and not be able to follow through? Your heart is pounding, your hormones are flooding and you ares so ready to take your lover home and have your way.
Remember I mentioned those happy hormones? Those are unleashed through your body every single time you look at that photo. You brain sees those photos and you are transported back to that moment and those feelings.
Put a beautiful print on your wall and experience that fire every single day.
Some of the highlights from my favorite couple’s boudoir photoshoots:
Miss M - Glamour Photoshoot
Glamour Photoshoot
Sometimes a woman simply cannot recognize her own stunning beauty. M and I have been friends for a couple years now. We have 5 small children between us (me: 2, her: 3), so sometimes we'll go months without seeing each other. But she's one of the most vibrant women I've ever met. She's energetic, she's positive and always up for just one more glass of chardonnay.
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™ Maryland
I have been dying to photograph this stunningly beautiful woman since the day we met. And it's taken me months to convince her to step into my studio. I finally begged her to model glamour for me since most of my clients elect to have their photos in their undies. She's a conservative kind of girl, so I knew this was the only way. I explained that I needed a woman with such an awesome wardrobe to come do a completely g-rated photoshoot and let me film some behind the scenes.
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™ Maryland
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™ Maryland
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™ Maryland
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™ Maryland
She started in makeup with Edgar Camposand he took a naturally gorgeous woman and emphasized her long lashes and toothpaste commercial smile. Her wardrobe was spectacular. The dresses... swoon. Such vibrance and classic style... kind of like her.
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™
I love photographing blondes against my black velvet drop. The fabric contrasts with her highlights and gentle curls beautifully. Add a hair fan, and hello magazine cover.
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™
Photo by Leslie Cersovski at Lavish Boudoir™
I love a casual "girlfriend" style photo. You know how in movies, the lead is always pining after this gorgeous supposed-snapshot of his great lost love. The kind of photo that just captures the look that is unique to a woman.
Thank you, M, for letting me photograph you. I know it wasn't exactly your idea of a great day, but when you told me... "That wasn't as bad as I thought," it meant the world to me. So here are some of your photos... come back and see the rest!
Cheers!
Leslie
Photoshoot Wardrobe Advice from Lavish Boudoir™
Here are our best tips for boudoir outfit ideas!
TIP #1: Take care of your girls.
Get a bra that fits well. Strap it on, then bed forward so your breasts rest fully in the cups. The cups should not gape. Now stand up, your boobs should not be spilling over. Last step, take off the straps and dance around a bit. The band should be fitted enough to fully support your breasts like a strapless bra.
Our favorite store for bras for all sizes: www.playfulpromises.com/
TIP #2: Throw that free g-string in the trash.
It is doing you no favors. Find a complementary (not complimentary) pair of undies. For super fit or slightly flat bums... go for a thong to enhance the shape. Rounder bums look bootylicious in a pair of cheekies. Bums that need a bit more coverage and the illusion of lift, look best in traditional bikini style with wide sides.
Our favorite place for undies in a variety of styles: www.hankypanky.com
TIP #3: Embrace shapewear that embraces you.
We all want an hourglass, whether we're 110 or 210 lbs, 25 or 65 years old. Shapewear used to mean nude colored granny panties, girdle and bra. Not anymore... they come with lace panels, sexy materials and even cute prints like leopard. Slips and corselettes (not corsets) are best for those who want a bit more control over hips and waist. You can even get some that go under your regular bra for a truly custom fit. Teddies show off toned legs, but trim the waistline. If you have a tiny waist but feel like your bottom half is a bit generous, try a skirt.
Our favorite place for flattering pieces that make any woman feel like a sex kitten: www.GossardUSA.com
BONUS TIP:
Don't buy your stockings at the mall. They're overpriced if you aren't looking for something to wear multiple times.
My favorite place to buy affordable stockings and tights in sooo many cute designs: www.Yandy.com
I hope that your boudoir session planning is going well. Whether you decide to book with us or not, we want you to have the BEST experience possible, because we truly believe in the transformative power of boudoir.
Recently a client wrote to me, "This was a serious milestone for me, and I want everyone to have the same confidence/ego boost that I experienced. I initially booked as just a fun gift for my husband, and it evolved into so much more. Even at my best fitness level, I've suffered a poor body image for various reasons, and even though it's a drag to have waited until 46 years of age to start gaining real confidence, it's better late than never!"
Happy shopping!
If you'd like to schedule a complimentary consultation, I'd be happy to give you more specific advice.
What to ask your boudoir photographer...
What to ask your boudoir photographer
besides how much and are you available?
I don't know if I'm the 1st or the 10th photographer in your quest for an awesome boudoir experience, but I'm glad you found me because I'm going to help you find a boudoir photographer that you love.
You're probably feeling a bit overwhelmed and confused. Most of my inquiries have no idea what to ask me. So where do you start?
Start with these questions:
1) How long have you been photographing boudoir? A photographer can be awesome whether the answer is a year or 10, but listen to her confidence. If she* says it proudly, she probably has the skills to back it up.
2) Do you photograph other genres? Maybe this is her specialty, maybe it's not. Maybe this is her "quick cash" weekend marathon idea, or maybe this is what she spends her time perfecting. I know photographers who solely photograph boudoir and spend extraordinary amounts of time and money learning their craft. I also know some talented photographers who really prefer photographing families, but occasionally dip their toes into boudoir. The more time someone puts into their craft, the more you'll get as a client.
3) Will I need to rent a hotel room or do you have a studio? I have done both, and each has its perks. Just keep in mind that a hotel will be an added cost that could be spent on your gorgeous photos.
4) How will you help me get ready for the shoot? The more you put into a photoshoot, the more you take away. That means there's a t0-do list of beauty preparation. It goes way beyond shaving your legs. And some things are counter-intuitive. Everyone wants to tan... don't. Dry orange skin is NOT sexy and is incredibly costly to fix in Photoshop.
5) How much retouching do you do on the photos and is it before or after I buy them? There are lots of different answers to this. Some artists prefer to show you rough edits and then will retouch the ones you purchase. Some offer no retouching at all, as they prefer a more artistic than glamorous look. Personally, I retouch all of your proofs before you see them. I am very light-handed with the Photoshop because I've been doing this long enough to get it right in camera. But I would never show a client a photo that wasn't absolutely gorgeous and tell her how I'll make it better.
6) What's your privacy policy? Some clients want EVERYONE to see their awesome photos; some clients, like lawyers and teachers, require that NO ONE sees their photos. If you are comfortable sharing, make sure there is a written contract/model release. If you want them to remain private, you need to say this. I would never ever ever share someone's private photos without her permission. If you are particularly sensitive for cultural or professional reasons, ask about in-house printing so that the photos never go online.
7) How and when do I choose my photos? Some photographers offer inclusive packages and some have the photoshoot and products separate. Both have pros and cons. We offer it separately because we want you to only buy the photos you LOVE, not ones to fill a pre-purchased quota. Also ask if your proofing will be online or in person. We don't offer online ordering galleries. Those get hacked very easily and pervos love the idea of seeing photos they're not supposed to.
8) What should I wear? This will obviously depend on what you want. But the response is very telling. If she says she'll guide you to choose based on your body type and desired look, you know she's invested in making YOU look good. If she offers you a generic list of ideas or no ideas at all, you could end up with an outfit you thought would be adorable, but photographs terribly. Click here for our top three tips to get the best boudoir wardrobe fit.
9) Do you offer files or products or both? Everyone has different needs, but you should know if the photographer suits your desires. Do you want to hold a beautiful boudoir album in your hands and rediscover your beauty page-by-page? Do you want to be able to surprise your husband at work with a naughty sexy text? I love both ideas, so I offer both. I believe that photos have 1000x more impact in print, but I also love quick and easy sharing. Anything you buy in print gets a matching file. This is my current favorite product.
10) Do you offer files with a print release, copyright release or just for digital sharing? Most consumers have no idea what this means, so here you go:
PRINT RELEASE: The photographer is giving you and anyone described in the release the rights to print your photos for personal use. That means yes you can wallpaper your bedroom with 8x10s, but no you can't submit them to Playboy. The photographer still owns the artistic property.
DIGITAL RELEASE: This is similar to the print release, but only applies to digital sharing. You may not print these. You may not add Instagram filters. You can just upload and share. This may be enough for you, because you just want to email your best friend to show her your sexy new photos.
COPYRIGHT RELEASE: This means the photographer can no longer do anything with the photos without your permission. This usually comes with a very heft commercial price tag because it means that you could sell that photo to whomever you want. This is unusual and unnecessary. Don't worry, if you didn't sign a model release, she can't use your photos in her portfolio.
QUESTIONS TO ASK IF IT'S A BOUDOIR MARATHON OR GROUPON OFFER: How much time will be allotted just for me? Will my shoot be customized to my body type and specific needs? Will hair and makeup be included? What happens if you're running late?
Whew, you made it. It's a lot to ask, but it's important. You're putting a lot on the line with these photos and we want you to have an incredible experience.
If you're interested in booking a complimentary consultation with Leslie in Albuquerque to ask all of your questions, just use the link below. See you soon!
