Bachelor Update: Get Emily Marnard's Maxi Style!

It's no secret that I am obsessed with maxi dresses! They are comfortable, cute and easy to accessorize, especially for a mom-on-the-go like me! I was lurking on Twitter...trying to catch the latest Bachelor scoop and found one of Emily Maynard's maxis that just went on sale!

Emily has to be my all-time favorite from ABC's Bachelor Franchise and her styling was always impeccable too! Straight from Gypsy05, the Organic Maxi Dress Tye Dye just went on sale for $99.00. It's beautiful burgundy and mustard print is perfect for both blondes and brunettes alike. 

This kind of dress can be worn out to lunch with friends, for a dinner date, on a shopping outing or even to church with a neutral button-up sweater. It puts fun in the functional!

To add this gorgeous maxi to your closet, click here!

Join the ranks of the Miss USA Retreat Grads!

Retreat Grads: Ashley, TN; Ana, TX & Madeline, AL

The July retreat is right around the corner and we would LOVE for you to be a part of it!! The weekend literally changed my life and continues to be our favorite part of StandOut. Girls fly in from all over the country to share a bonding experience and leadership training that catapults them to success. 

We promise it's like nothing you've ever experienced!  On a 500-acre gorgeous ranch, we eat, play and sleep. Each activity is designed to prep you for your pageant and ultimately for life. How do you standout in a competition full of beautiful faces? At our retreat, we teach you how to find the beauty within yourself. You'll leave with a new-found confidence, equipped with the knowledge to showcase it in the best possible way. Impossible becomes a thing of the past. 

Ashley & Ana

"The StandOut Productions Retreat truly changed my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your genuine love and care."

- Ashley Durham, Miss TN USA & 1st Runner-Up at Miss USA

"Thank you for allowing me to have the best experience of my life! You have been an inspiration to us all!"

 - Ana Rodriguez, Miss TX USA & 3rd Runner-Up at Miss USA

Madeline, Miss AL USA & 2nd Runner-UP

When: July 22 - 24

Where: The Master's Inn - Lynchburg, VA

Why: To build your confidence and pageant prep skills

Who: Young women & women ages 14 & up 

  

What: Mock Interviews

         Interview & Mental Prep Class

         Fitness & Nutrition Class

         Skating

         Horseback Riding

         Confidence-Building Exercises

         Rope's Course

         Leadership Skills

         Stage Presentation Workshop

How: For more information, please contact us at: info@standoutproductions.net

For a full viewing of our retreat testimonials, please click here. The deadline to enter is July 13th. We hope to see you there!

 

Our Miss USA Review!

What an incredible Top 2!

A HUGE congrats to all of our Miss USA girls and the gorgeous Alyssa, Miss USA 2011! Welcome to the sorority!!! A.T. and I were blown away by the bevy of beauties at Miss USA this year. Well, we weren't totally surprised....we did get a sneak peak at our retreat. :) After working with 44 of the girls and then seeing the rest of the contestants, what an amazing showing for our 60th Anniversary!

The format for the show definitely enticed my nerves as we watched it all go down at Planet Hollywood. With 11 of the Top 16, 5 in the Top 8 and a fantastic finish with the Top 4, we couldn't be more proud of everyone!

We get so close with the girls throughout the year so it is amazing to see all of their hard work pay off. These young women are some of the most inspiring girls we have ever worked with. We know that ANYTHING they aspire to in life, can be theirs!

If you want to be the next Miss USA, you're only one click away from following in these gorgeous footsteps! It all starts at the state level with a weekend pageant produced by highly professional Executive State Directors. 

I can honestly say that being Miss USA was a huge dream for me. I watched the show every year when I was growing up and not until I entered my state pageant, did I think I could be Miss USA. How do you get to where these girls are? Start today by entering your state pageant!

It is a weekend full of opportunities that I promise will change your life forever...just like our awesome Miss USA girls! This CAN be you!!!

Fore more information on how you can be the next Miss USA, click here!

Miss USA 60th Celebration Review!

Wow!! After a whirlwind trip to Vegas, L.A. and Raleigh, it is definitely good to be home! A.T. and I had such an awesome time celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Miss USA. My schedule was not my own in Vegas and I loved it! MUO and Maureen Atwell (Executive Director, Miss NV USA), really pulled out all of the stops to ensure that all of us formers felt the Miss USA love all weekend long!

Susan Anderson for TIME

From autograph signings, to an interview and photo shoot with Time Magazine to VIP treatment with the La Casa Hermosa Style Team (thank you Cari and Wilmer!!), I felt like a Miss USA again. Meeting the past Miss USA's that I grew up loving and admiring was truly wonderful. 

Bobbi (Johnson) Kauffman, Miss USA 1964 and Sue (Downey) Olsen, Miss USA 1965, were the first formers I met and I was so in awe of them, I could barely talk. I was stumbling all over my words, just so honored to meet women that paved the way for me to be Miss USA. And each former was equally impressive and inspiring. I am so blessed to be a part of this sorority!!

On Saturday, we shot a commemorative poster highlighting the 60 years of Miss USA and it was amazing! I cannot wait to see the final outcome so until it debuts, here is a sneak preview of some of the things we shot!

Catching up with Tara (Miss USA 2006), was one of my favorite things from the weekend. We hadn't seen each other in quite a while and it was great reuniting with her. She looks wonderful, is working on a fantastic new album and has some pretty cool opportunities coming her way. Tara is a great person and I loved spending time with her!!!

Most of the Miss Teen USA State Titleholders were able to attend the festivities and it was awesome getting to see all of them! We hadn't seen most of them since our retreat so there were tons of hugs going around! I think it's great that MUO provides an outlet of events at Miss USA for all of the Teens. It's something they look forward to all year long and adds more bonding time for them.  


All in all, Miss USA gets an A+ from me! A.T. and I had a blast with our girls, our teens and the amazing formers! Thank you again to MUO, Maureen, Robin, Cari, Wilmer, Jason, Travis, Planet Hollywood and all my Miss USA sisters for a weekend I'll never forget! So much happened, so stay tuned for our official Miss USA Review!!!

Sherri Hill Couture dresses Miss USA Contestants

Sherri Hill, famed couture designer, has done it again. Paired with the Miss USA contestants at the Fadil Berisha Official Photoshoot, the outcome was nothing short of pure glamour. Known for her elegant grace and innovative designs, Sherri never disappoints. Oh and working with her is a dream. She just knows a woman's body and is very keen on integrating your personal sense of style into your gown.

In keeping with our Americana feel for the day, check out the sizzling red and cool cobalt gowns the girls wore during their shoot last week.

Britt Wiser, Miss MT USA, LacyJane Folger, Miss NH USA, and Julianna White, Miss NJ USA, beautifully model three different flowy styles in this gorgeous shade of red. Bead-work patterns, A-line cuts and the overall fabric choice can all be tailored to your preference.

For a more avant-garde approach, form-fitting styles are available. Whether on the shoulder or in the use of a train, accent pieces will perfectly highlight your figure and your face in these choices. Angela Byrd, Miss HI USA, Lissette Garcia, Miss FL USA, and Courtney Turner, Miss SC USA step out of the conventional gown box with perfection.

If hues of blue are more your style, then let these beauties lead your way. Brandi Schoenberg, Miss ND USA, Ashley Caldwell, Miss OH USA, and Brittany Thelemann, Miss MN USA, showcase three different Sherri Hill's that all would work extremely well on stage. 

One-Shoulder's are here to stay, creating a classily sexy look. Intricate beading patterns mix so well with flowing chiffon bottoms and if you go for a type of sleeve, you can keep your youth in the gown by focusing on the fit of the gown on your figure. 

There are winning options to go around so don't be afraid to openly showcase your personality in your dress! Click here to find a Sherri Hill location in your area!

Red, Hot & Blue! Miss USA showcases their iconic beauty!

Pops of color are more gorgeous this season than ever! I am so loving the red and blue hues on our Miss USA contestants. It shows your personality and it takes confidence to pull off these eye-catching shades.

Amber-Joi Watkins, Miss PA USA, channels her inner Valentino in this fabulous red frock. Valentino has always been known for infamously showcasing red because he knows the confidence it exudes in a woman. Jillian Wunderlich, Miss IN USA, continues the trend in this form-fitting one-shoulder tomato red dress. Both are the perfect use of this color as they look beautiful!

Courtney Turner, Miss SC USA, takes on cobalt in her long-sleeved mini for a night out at Miss USA. Brittany Thelemann, Miss MN USA, is effortlessly elegant in her day dress at the Miss USA registration. Adding some bling to her blue, Sarah Chapman, Miss NV USA, lights up the red carpet in her take on the cobalt color craze. All three girls took the color and adapted it to their own sense of style proving that everyone can don this shade of blue and look fantastic doing it!

One of my go-to cocktail dress sites is Edressme. They have a huge selection where you can find your favorites at a great price. Here are two fabulous finds that I know will be hard deciding on which to add to your wardrobe!

1. Blue One-Shoulder Ruched Mini by Sentimental NY

    $148.00

2. French Connection Red Bandage Dress

    $168.00

  

Princess Perfection: Kate Middleton's Blushing Style

Kate Middleton, the stunning, Duchess of Cambridge, outdid herself yet again at the 10th annual Absolute Return for Kids (ARK) gala in London this week. How can you not love her effortlessly elegant style? On Wednesday we talked about the color blush being the new black and the beautiful Kate shows us how to do it in this gorgeous Jenny Packham gown.

Straight from the designer's, New York SS11 runway show, Packham is know for her luxurious fabrics and soft feminine grace. For more details on the Princess' look, please contact, boutique@jennypackham.com.

Join the StandOut Miss USA Class of 2011!

Click here to read about the girl's experience!

Video: StandOut with Wowing Wedges & Chart-Topping Chandeliers!

 

Product Info:

Mia Paparazzi Wedge

 Arden B. Chandelier Earrings 

Blush On with Miss LA USA & Miss NJ USA!

Blush is the new black! This chic color adds a soft tone to your palette and believe it or not, EVERYONE can wear this color! It's all in how you present it. For blondes to pull off this look, the tanner your skin tone, the better. It gives a nice contrast against your skin while marrying well with your hair color. Ruffles and other fabric detailing are a huge plus with this color!

Page Pennock, Miss LA USA, totally works it out in this blush ruffle top. She looks amazing because her skin tone and makeup are spot on! Her metallic bangles and over-sized watch work so well to give her a complete look that proves this Cajun queen knows her fashion!

Photo By: Fadil Berisha

For brunettes, your skin tone level doesn't really matter because your hair will automatically make it pop. Even if you have more of a creamy tone in your skin like the gorgeous, Julianna White, Miss NJ USA, wearing neutral colors like blush add to your captivating look.She isn't afraid to pull off softer tones like this white dress in her Fadil Berisha shoot. So don't hold back!

Anyone with caramel or darker tones can really standout in this shade of soft pink. It's just a really nice alternative to white that you can pair ANY color of jewelry or heel with. You'll look sophisticated, chic and confidently sexy when you blush up your wardrobe!

One of the best things about wearing neutral colors, is that you can pop in some color with your accessories. Here is a look that totally encompasses this idea! Collective Concepts Ruffle Dress in Blush is the perfect find for this summer. Found at another favorite of mine, Piperlime, this dress comes at a great price.

Pair it with some rocking turquoise jewelry and you instantly become the fashionista. Nude platform sandals like the ones pictured here are a better fit for this breezy look. These Tinley Road heels can easily transition to be worn with your favorite skinny jeans.

Notice the positioning of the two bangles. When you have a larger one, like this Dimpled Thick Bracelet from Forever21, make sure it's the last one you put on. Visually, it makes more sense for the "heavier" one to sit on the bottom. I would also wear the bangles on the opposite side of the dress's ruffle detail on the shoulder. This will balance out your overall look.

Here's where you can find this great outfit!

1. Collective Concepts Ruffle Dress in Blush - $74.00

2. Forever21 Neptune Bangles - $7.80

3. Forever21 Dimpled Thick Bracelet - $5.80

4. K. Amato Layered Turquoise Necklace - $74.00

5. Blu Bijoux Turquoise Bubbles Drop Earrings - $32.00

6. Tinley Road Guilia Heel - $50.00   (5" with 1 1/2" platform!)

Peacock Perfection: Miss USA Style!

Peacocks are popping up everywhere! From feather earrings to peacock-colored shoes, dresses, bags and bracelets, the peacock is the hottest trend on the market now. The peacock color itself is gorgeous on every skin type. It's vibrant hue will brighten any room!

Lauren Carter, Miss VT USA, dons some gorgeous peacock feather earrings while at Miss USA. She always does a great job accessorizing!

So here's your chance to add some peacock luck to your wardrobe. The first option is from the Official MUO Trade Initiative, SAME SKY, where the net proceeds benefit women in Rwanda. 

Up next is House of Harlow's Peacock Ring from Nicole Richie's amazing line. It's available for sale at Celeb-Fav Boutique, Kitson. There's only a few sizes left so jump on it today!

For a bigger bang, go for Arden B.'s Peacock Feather Hoop Earrings. They will for sure make a statement!

1. SAME SKY Frosted Peacock Bangle - $180.00

2. House of Harlow Ring - ON SALE $36.00   Only 2 sizes left!!

3. Arden B. Feather Hoop Earrings - $24.00   Buy one Get one 50% Off

SameSky Bracelets: Miss USA Official Trade Initiative

I have long been a fan of these bracelets because not only are they gorgeous but the very women that make them in Rwanda are true every day heroes. Founded in 2008, SAME SKY aims to be a part of the global movement lifting women out of poverty by giving them the tools to become entrepreneurs and lead self-sustaining lives.

SAME SKY’s trade-not-aid initiative uses jewelry to effect change in Rwanda – one woman at a time. SAME SKY works with Gahaya Links a company that employs HIV+ women, all of whom are survivors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. These women artisans have been trained to crochet and make bracelets using our unique hand-blown glass beads. 

Lissette Garcia, Miss FL USA, and Angela Byrd, Miss HI USA  are wearing two bracelets from the line. They are gorgeous in person with colors ranging from orange crush to frosted peacock. Each bracelet comes signed by the woman in Rwanda who crocheted that individual piece.

All of the net proceeds from each sale are reinvested into the company to further employ women and this empowering initiative. 

Join the Miss Universe Organization and women everywhere with the same mission under the same sky. 

Browse the SAME SKY Collection

Pool Party Trends from Miss GA USA & Miss TN USA!

When I got this picture yesterday of the gorgeous Ashley Durham, Miss TN USA, and Kaylin Reque, Miss GA USA, I had to share because they were styled fabulously for their Pool Party event at the Palms on Saturday. This was the type of event where you weren't just going to get some sun. The girls had to look the part and play up to their special guest status.

Kaylin and Ashley did just that!  Aviator sunnies have proven their lasting power and look great on Kaylin. They have an oversized frame that blends nicely with the mirrored lens. Ashley is sporting a new trend: the nude frame. It works really well with her tanned skin and blonde hair. The best part about both these sunnies, is that they look great on every face shape!

Floppy Hats definitely bring Southern charm to your wardrobe allowing for anyone to pull this look off. I am a huge fan of stripes and this Juicy Couture hat stripes it up perfectly! It comes in Angel/Gold or Natural and both look so good it will be hard to pick your preference. At $78.00, it's THE summer accessory!

There are so many awesome sunglasses designers but let's be honest, how many times do you drop them, scratch them, lose them or sit on them? If you're like me, too many times to count! So don't spend a lot on your sunnies. It's more fun to change them up with each outfit and if you lose them, you're not out a lot of money. Forever21 has the BEST prices and the exact look Kaylin and Ashley are sporting.

1. Miss GA USA Style Forever21 Aviators - $5.80

2. Miss TN USA Style Forever21 Sunnies - $5.80

3. Juicy Couture Striped Straw Floppy - $78.00

Miss AZ USA Style: Brittany Bangle's It Up!!

One of my absolute favorite trends are bangles!! They keep getting bigger and unapologetically break the fashion rules each season. Mixing metals, layering all different colors and throwing in some stones are the best way to wear your bangles. 

Brittany Dawn Brannon, Miss AZ USA, shows off her latest bangles while at Miss USA this week in Vegas and I am loving every bit of it! The mere fact that she showcases 4 at a time is genius. It works beautifully with her frame and the colors pop for a perfect layout against her golden skin tone.  So don't be afraid to mix 'n' match your layers of bangles!

Right now, hot designer line, Blu Bijoux has some of the best bangles for your buck. Famed Jewelry site MaxandChloe houses this awesome line. Here are my top favs that you definitely want to accessorize  your wardrobe! 

1. Black Resin Bangle - $36.00

2. Wide Enamel Cuff Bracelet in White - $38.00

3. Silver Crystal Petal Cuff - $39.00

4. Snap Bangle in Either Orange or Turquoise - ON SALE was: $85.00 NOW $42.50!


 
Have a Happy Shopping Friday and check back form some fierce shoe and dress updates this weekend!

Miss Indiana USA's Best Boutique Dress Can be Yours!

There are so many fabulous outlets for shopping these days. I love a good online find and every once in a while hitting up a department store turns out successful. But over the past five years, boutique shopping has provided the most unique fashion finds that guarantee you won't see it anywhere else. 

Jillian Wunderlich, Miss Indiana USA, loves shopping as much a I do so when she came into town, we headed downtown to a new boutique called Aqua Fedora. One of my good friends works there and I really love their selection of dresses.

The dress she wore to her Chi & Fadil Berisha shoot yesterday in Vegas was the perfect outfit. It's really pretty, definitely comfortable and it makes a statement without trying too hard. When you have wardrobe changes during a shoot, you want to make sure you have something easy to slip in and out of. And if I do say so myself, her hair (thank you Chi!) and her makeup (thank you Danielle Doyle!) look AMAZING!!! 

To get more information on Jillian's dress and other great boutique finds, click on this link to the wonderful Aqua Fedora! 

Your Miss USA Travel Style!!

The 2011 Miss USA contestants are flocking to Vegas all this week as the official competition is here!!! One of the biggest things we focus on with girls is how to be prepared before you ever leave with a huge part of that being focused on the daily grind for the girls. The most fun part of it all is working on those day-to-day fabulous wardrobes where "cute/casual" takes on a whole new Miss USA style! 

We will be blogging on the fabulous wardrobes over the next 3 weeks so up first are two awesome looks you can snag from Ana Rodriguez, Miss TX USA and Courtney Turner, Miss SC USA. Their style is effortless, chic and comfortable for the trip to Sin City. 

For Courtney's travel, we wanted her to feel comfortable managing her luggage while looking camera-ready at all times. Her maxi dress was the perfect choice to achieve just that!

Maxi dresses are cut to every body type and the fun prints add more to your overall look without you overloading on too many accessories. The gorgeous maxi to the left is one you can take home from our fav - Victoria's Secret. I have long loved this dress for the colors and the A-line cut that makes everyone's figure look great. It's only $89.00 and is perfect for traveling, dinner with friends or as a cover-up for a day on the boat!

Get your Victoria's Secret Maxi Here!

Ana is beautifully trending with her fabulous Jackie O. Sunnies. Sunnies are what I call sunglasses.  Jen Hawkins was the first Miss Universe I lived with in Trump Place. The Australian beauty always had nicknames for things - sunglasses = sunnies; chewing gum = chewy and so forth. So it stuck with me and I am in love with Ana's sunnies!! 

You can get the same look from Juicy Couture's Women's The Beau Sunglasses. Endless.com has the best deal at $98.00. You can get them as soon as Saturday with NO shipping charge. So it's just in time for the weekend!!

Get Your New Sunnies Here!

Remember to always be comfortable with your styling, especially when you're traveling. And in doing so, you don't have to skimp on the fashion so throw on your favorite sunnies to top it all off! Stay tuned for our exclusive coverage of the Miss USA Contestant Fashion and how you can get the looks!!!