Style Me Fabulous: StandOut Star, Jillian Wunderlich

Working on wardrobing with a client is one of my absolute favorite aspects to our consulting. I just love all things fashion and each client is a new canvas. Everyone's personality, body type, skin tone and preferences are different so it makes shopping, styling and coordinating looks SO much fun!  One of my all-time favorite clients to style was Jillian Wunderlich, Miss Indiana USA 2011 and Top 16 Finalist at Miss USA.

Jilly's so easy going and practically lives at the beach in her off-time so transitioning into the power-packed wardrobe that is a must for 3 weeks at Miss USA, was a little nerve-racking for her - at first. Last year, the Miss Universe Organization initiated their first-ever Media Week Tour centered around NYC's popular Fleet Week. With a meeting with Mr. Trump on the line along with countless news and TV show appearances, all of the girls had to be on their A-Game well before they arrived in Vegas to compete. 

Jilly in true Celeb Style in NYC

So once we got the schedule, Jilly practically lived at my house and we scoured boutiques, high fashion houses and the internet to perfectly piece her wardrobe together.  I'll never forget Skyping with her the day before she left for Miss USA.  We spent 4 1/2 hours on Skype piecing and picturing every outfit, accessory and stiletto down to the very last rhinestone.  She was always stunningly beautiful- if I do say so myself!

It was so refreshing working on Jilly's competition wardrobe because we were able to step out of the box to fit her needs. Big, pageant hair tends to date her look so keeping it sleek with some body was a must! 

Her every day trend is to keep it simple, classic and clean so we wanted to translate that into her looks on stage. Sherri Hill did a fantastic job on creating her dream gown in this asymmetrical, one-shouldered, beaded, white gown. It fit her body like a glove and she worked it out every time she stepped out on stage! 

Again, we kept her hair simple so that everyone could focus on her gorgeous face. Paired with a starburst ring courtesy of famed site, Charm&Chain, and Pelle Moda heels, Jilly was a knock-out! 


This cluster ring is a great addition to any aspect of your wardrobe. Throw it on with jeans and heels on a Friday night or wear it with your gown of choice.  


Click here to check out this fabulous find!


Jilly was able to pull off these looks so effortlessly because they were 100% true to who she is as a young woman. A.T. and I are very focused on always bringing out the best you. Because then - and only then - can you really standout! 

XoXo,
Chelsea


Upcoming Session Dates:
June 29 - July 1
The Foxy Lady Boutique
Myrtle Beach, SC

***For session information, please contact Haley Morgan at 843-450-4960 or via email at foxylady@sc.rr.com. 

 

True Beauty: Caymanian Style

Meet Lindsay: Miss Cayman Islands Universe

Photo Courtesy: Fadil Berisha

Lindsay Japal is the epitome of island beauty. Hailing from Georgetown, this Caymanian has her sights set big for Miss Universe. A.T. and I have known Lindsay for a while now and the ease she presents in her confident demeanor is quite fitting with her beauty queen status.

Lindsay joined us in Vegas this year to enjoy the Miss USA Telecast and we had a blast! From fittings with the one and only Sherri Hill to an insanely gorgeous photo shoot with the incomparable Fadil Berisha, Lindsay's preparation for Miss Universe is in full swing!

This photo above is just a sneak peak at Linday's gorgeous shoot with Fadil.  I can only imagine what the rest will look like!

Fadil has shot celebrities and high-profile people from all around the world - not to mention his amazing work with Donald Trump and the Miss Universe Organization every year. He is high in-demand and travels in and out of the country on a monthly basis. But the good news is that he has made himself available stateside to thousands of pageant contestants in various fields.

The key to having solid pictures with him, is to realize you are bringing the beauty to the shoot.  He is the mastermind that knows how to create your look and bring out the best in you. But you have to first know that your beauty is the entire foundation for the shoot. Once you realize that, any nerves get left in the makeup room.

Lindsay did a fantastic job on set and rose to this occasion, channeling her inner Miss Universe. It really was spectacular to see. She has commercial and high fashion looks that will now expand her portfolio in a very glamorous nature.

Fadil was set up behind Sherri Hill's working showroom at Planet Hollywood. It was a great locale because the traffic of beauty queens and store owners alike kept the energy high.  A must for a photo shoot!

A.T. and I have always loved Fadil. His heart is bigger than his talent and the passion he exudes in his work makes everyone feel wonderful when they leave his presence. Lindsay was definitely on cloud 9 when we left! 


Stay tuned for more updates on Lindsay's preparation for Miss Universe, coverage on the competition and how you can get her looks! 


XoXo,
Chelsea

A Miss USA Review!

Man oh man, I feel like I have been on the road for a year!  Okay, well maybe that is the story of my life. Ha! But whisking away to L.A. for meetings - I mean BIG meetings - hours after the telecast and then coming home sick, was enough to do me in for the weekend! But I am glad to be back and in action. I have SO many pictures and updates from our time at Miss USA, that it's kind of hard to know where to start.

The telecast was genius. The production was the absolute best I've ever seen.  I loved the "fashion show" themed opening with the girls stomping it down the runway.  The various Sherri Hill collections were amazing!! Plus, the girls looked like they were having a blast. And isn't that what it's about anyways?  Everyone at home, in the audience and on the judging panel had a clear shot of each girl.  It was the best way to open the show!

Fadil's Glamour Shoot channeling goddess beauties was my favorite shoot of all time! The girls were so classically and fiercely beautiful and it was great to see Fadil's work highlighted during the show. To have their images displayed behind them during Top 10 Gown was FAH-ABBBB-YOOUU-LOUS! And we are of course oh-so-proud of our above StandOut girls for being in the finals along with all of our amazing girls!

Akon and me after the show.

The Top 5 Final Look will always hold such a special place in my heart. Maybe because it was after that moment, that I knew everything was all in God's hands. I had worked so hard, felt so good about every single thing I had done and that moment will now be forever etched in my memory.  So when Akon performed his new single, "America's Most Wanted," I could've started dancing in the aisle right there on the spot! Perfect performance, with the perfect song, for the perfect moment during the pageant.

Everyone and their brother came to Miss USA this year and we loved it!  I wish there had been more hours in the day to see everyone but that's how it goes sometimes. From the incredible directors to the current teens to all my formers to the awesome state contestants, there was just not enough time to see all of our friends. So I apologize now and am sending the biggest cyber-hug to all of you!!

Me, Alex, Miss WA Teen USA, A.T. & Karsen, Miss VT Teen USA.

MUO had some great events set up for the Teens this year which was very cool. Their schedule was jammed packed the day before the pageant, giving them a little taste of the life of Miss Teen USA. And a pageant is definitely not the same with these two around! From the moment Alex and Karsen met at our retreat in February, they became instant best friends. So we love jumping in the mix of their love fests!!

And the party didn't stop there! Immediately following the show, Giuliana Rancic, hosted the official after party at LAVO.  It was a nice reunion with formers and sponsors alike. But this mama could only handle so much.  A.T. and I had some major meetings the following day in L.A. so staying out all night was not an option. But at least Allie (my Teen USA) and I got some good pics on the red carpet before heading into the party! 

And no we did not coordinate our outfits....we just got style like that! LOL!

All in all, A.T. and I had such a good time at Miss USA this year. A big thank you to Paula, Larry, Tricia, Carlos, Shawn and all of our friends for making it such a great trip! We are SO ridiculously proud of our StandOut girls and will be posting more highlights on them this week. So stay tuned to the fabulosity that is Miss USA!  


XoXo,
Chelsea

Kooey Love: Miss USA Style

I am quickly falling in love with this year's Miss USA Swimwear sponsor, Kooey Swimwear. This entirely Australian owned and operated label develops their lines from inspiration found in the Aussie landscape. Since 2009, Kooey has been the official sponsor of the Miss Australia Universe pageant and was the Official Swimwear Sponsor for the 2011 Miss Teen USA pageant. Hopefully, we'll get to enjoy their fresh taste on the age-old swimsuit competition for years to come! 

5 Things I LOVE about Kooey Swimwear

Katherine Webb, Miss AL USA

 1. The textures and pattern in this printed Kooey bikini worn by Katherine Webb, Miss AL USA, are fabulous!  I love this shade of blue paired with the burnt leaf print. The pattern isn't too fussy or distracting and the placement of the leaves is very tasteful. 

The colors balance each other out perfectly and work on blondes, brunettes, redheads and with any skin tone. The shape of the top is especially gorgeous for the decolletage. The classic scoop bottom is oh-so-flattering to the figure. 

This suit gets an A+ in my book and Katherine couldn't look more amazing in it! 

 2. Anyone that knows me, knows I am a classic black jersey kinda girl! This suit screams, "Chelsea, come wear me!!" I love the high-cut angle on this suit because it immediately leans and lengthens the leg. (Not that Erin needs it!) 

The ruffle detail is really beautiful and trims the suit perfectly. I cannot tell you how many times I've tried on dresses with this detailing at the top only too look like a pregnant disaster in a dress. The fabric, however, in this Kooey masterpiece adds the right amount of flair to an otherwise predictable black bathing suit.

Here, Erin Edmiston, Miss LA USA, works her black Kooey swimsuit on the runway at the exclusive Trump Tower pool in Vegas. All 51 contestants showcased the label in the Official Kooey Australia Fashion Show. 

3. I just love everything about this look. The shape of the top works great for all bust sizes - minimizing some, creating shape for others. And you know how much I love this print by now.

This shade of orange is SO hot right now. Its vibrancy is captivating and the quality of fabric is impeccable. Audrey Bolte, Miss OH USA, looks killer in this mix-n-match Kooey.  The real kicker though.......her stellar over-sized gold cuff!

The swimsuit has a retro feel so pairing this singular statement piece is genius. Such a great look!

4 & 5. These last two come power-packed together. This purple hue is divine!!! The sheen in this fabric is so luxurious, I can't stop staring! 

Kristen, Sydney, Olivia and Brittany are all jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Yet at the same time, all have a different look, which is very cool. This shade works so well on each of them. It's almost as fabulous as they are. :)

The different options in this purple gets me just as excited about the hue! Kristen has such an exotic look so her purple wrap top is not only great for her figure but works with her individual style. 

Sydney and Brittany have two different body types and this Kooey suit looks amazing on both of them! Sydney's toned limbs look fabulous in this suit. Brittany's curves are accentuated perfectly in her take on this suit. Both are home runs! 

Last but certainly not least, Miss Olivia has such a rockin' body and this two-toned purple and lime version is right on. I love the incorporation of purple on the bottoms through the banded fabric. You can tell she not only looks good but this Rhode Islander is feeling good too. She is workin' it out on that runway! 

You know, it's always so nerve-racking for the girls each year not knowing what to expect when they arrive to Miss USA. Especially when it comes to the opening number and swimsuit because you are at the mercy of the sponsors and you are fighting 50 other girls for the cream of the crop. But this year, Kooey made it easy.  ALL of the girls look amazing in their suits and still allow the girls to showcase their individuality.  Now if I could only get them stateside!!!

XoXo,

Chelsea

Get the Look: Miss USA Glam

Audrey Bolte, Miss OH USA

Fadil Berisha has always been an amazing photographer and friend. His take on Miss USA's iconic beauty in this year's glam shots are breathtaking!! Positioned around the Vegas staple, Caesar's Palace, the 51 Miss USA contestants fiercely worked the camera for their "Gardens of Goddess" photo shoot. It was nice to see such an array of settings, gowns, body positions, smiles and confident posing. One of the reasons I love the brand of Miss USA - every last bit of it embodies Miss USA, as do each and every one of the young women vying for this title.

Styled effortlessly in Sherri Hill, the perfectly placed white, gold and metallic hues are a classic touch you can bring to your wardrobe.  If done in the right way, the concept of "too much" becomes a bold statement of character. I wish there was enough room to showcase every picture because I love them all.

I think when developing your own sense of style, it's very important to pull from relevant sources. Fadil's Miss USA photo shoot is the perfect place to start. Below are some easy ways to bring this standout style to your wardrobe.

Gold is a versatile hue that works great on every skin tone because there are so many variations of this hue.  Some can be super warm while others almost have a muted undertone.

These shots of Johanna, Miss NY USA, and Michelle, Miss NJ USA are great because they show both shades of gold in their gowns and with their jewelry. They look beautiful and pull this off effortlessly! 

BCBG has some really fantastic metallic pieces in their summer collection. This Beret Cocktail Dress is one of my favorites because it reads very strong and confident yet the cut of the dress will work on any body type. 

ASOS.com is one of my go-to sites for great finds. This TFNC Sequin Sleeveless Dress comes in a softer gold which I love. The cut is perfect......showing the legs while covering the "girls." If you're gonna show one, keep the other tucked away. It keeps your look chic. 

Grab these looks:

1. BCBG Beret Cocktail Dress - $388.00 at Zappos.com

2. TFNC Sequin Sleeveless Dress - $83.50 at ASOS.com

I have always tried to stay away from the "Matchy-Matchy" concept. It's out-dated and can make anyone look like they are trying too hard. I love how Kendyl, Jade, Myverick and Katie rocked their accessories in the Fadil shoot. 

Pay close attention to the bead work in their dresses, the coloration in their head pieces and the detail in their jewelry. The mixing of gold, silver and bronze is sheer perfection. 

It's okay to metallically colorblock your accessories. It works so well in these looks because all four girls are wearing a classic color. Mixing metals while wearing a busy print is never a good idea. Keep the color, cut and fabric simple so that you can have fun mixing these metallics. If you go crazy on the outfit, the jewelry should always be simple. 

As Miss USA edges on, study these titleholders and find ways to incorporate their style into your own. But remember, copycats are impossible to pull off. So take what will work only for you and then you will always have a home-run when you step out for the day! Miss USA airs June 3rd, LIVE on NBC so be sure to watch and cheer on your favorite girl!

XoXo,

Chelsea

Opening Day at Miss USA!

The gorgeous Taylor, Miss SD USA.

I cannot believe that Miss USA is already here!  Girls have been arriving in Vegas all week and today it all goes down. Registration is in full swing and as the girls are discovering, is a crrraaazzzzyyyyy fun day.  

With a checklist longer than the strip, girls are shooting with the fabulous Fadil, are getting dolled up with Rain Cosmetics in their best Sherri Hill's, topping it all of with the best Farouk has to offer. There are goodie bags galore and more glamour than you can shake a stick at! 

Beautiful Brittany, TX USA & her Rain Cosmetics Make-Up Artist.

Here's a sneak peek into the hustle and bustle that is opening day at Miss USA.



Our fashion blogs from last year's Miss USA extravaganza were so popular that we are bringing the glam back to you this year. Full fashion updates on your favorite titleholders can be exclusively found here. So stay tuned for some standout style!

The past couple of months have been nothing but exciting for A.T. and I. We love taking on big projects backed by big ideas! As of June, we officially jumped on board the new Athletic Program at Virginia University of Lynchburg (VUL). A.T. is the Assistant Athletic Director and Strength & Conditioning Coach.  26 years of training soldiers in the military has now come into full swing in the form of 100 football players.

I very eagerly jumped in the role of Director of Marketing & Promotions for the Athletic Department. After carefully studying the master brander & PR giant - and my former boss - Donald Trump, it's been awesome putting those skills to use for such a deserving group of athletes.

Coach Bryant, Rev. Coleman, Sophomore Monte Robinson, Senior Mario Woods & Chelsea at the Diamond Hill Center.

The road ahead isn't easy with this being our inaugural season but the coaching staff alone brings about an intense hope for the players and their future with VUL. Coach Willard Bailey, the new Athletic Director, carries a history of football excellence. With over 200 career wins and 7 CIAA Championships, he is just the man to head this program. Coach Luther Palmer and Coach Hubie Bryant, both former NFL greats combine with Coach Bailey to accumulate over 150 of their players now in the NFL.

As we head into the season, with our opener in Greensboro at NC A&T, September 3rd, we are all thrilled with the upcoming possibilities!  Stay up-to-date on the latest VUL Dragons Football news by following us on Facebook!

Click here to LIKE our page!

Beyond the Rhinestones

It's 8:49 am and although I've been up for two hours already, I am still exhausted. It's a good kind of tired. It's the accomplished kind of tired. It's the kind of tired that longs to see your new friends again. It's the kind of tired that enriches you as a person. It's the Monday morning after our Summer Retreat.

I finally made it home last night around 9:30 after a long trip. I had a few emails and workouts to send for this week and while I was sitting at my desk, I came across this note:

Danielle Doty, Miss Teen USA 2011

Dear Chelsea Cooley,

Thank you so much for an incredible life changing weekend! I loved meeting you and am truly touched by what you do for girls just like me! StandOut Productions is the best!

Texas Love Forever,

Danielle Doty, Miss Texas Teen USA 2011

Since attending our Titleholder Retreat in January, Danielle has now become the new Miss Teen USA. She, like hundreds of other girls, like the girls we just spent the weekend with, have shared in our retreat experience. A.T. and I tell every group, our goal is to change at least one life before the weekend comes to a close.

What they don't realize is how much we are changed by each girl. Beyond the rhinestones, each girl stands hoping to reach their goal in an opinion-based competition. In a split second, months, even years of hard work can be over or can lead into a new chapter. No matter what happens, who you are, when you are standing in that moment, remains THE most important thing.

It was and continues to be a blessing for us to share this journey with our girls. Thank you for letting us be a part of your life!

We love you,

Chelsea & A.T.

Congrats to our amazing Miss Teen USA girls!

Miss Teen USA was so much fun to watch on Saturday night! Allie LaForce, the most incredible girl you will ever meet, was the best host! She looked gorgeous and as a former Miss Teen USA, knows her stuff! The contestants this year are easily some of the most beautiful girls to grace that stage. 

A.T. and I were so excited for all of them and if I had been a judge, the Top 15 would have been a Top 34 this year! Our girls killed it and should be SO proud of themselves!! A HUGE congrats to all of our Top 15 and Alexis Swanstrom, Miss CA Teen USA & 2nd Runner-Up, Audra Mari, Miss ND Teen USA & 1st Runner-Up and Danielle Doty, our new Miss Teen USA!!

Kristen, Miss GA Teen USA, Kirsten, Miss MD Teen USA, Keyla, Miss SC Teen USA & Jessica, Miss IN Teen USA all look wonderful during the finals of Miss Teen USA!

The girls donned their gorgeous Sherri Hill sponsored dresses during the opening number. Then, nerves heightened as the Top 15 were called. After a quick outfit change, the semi-finalists emerged to compete in the Swimsuit Competition.

After fabulous entertainment by this year's, Miss Kentucky USA, Kia Hampton, the girls worked the runway for Evening Gown. I always love this part of the show because it's interesting to see each girl's sense of style.

There are a million gowns to choose from which makes finding the perfect gown a fun focus for your prep. As these girl's proved, the cut, color and fit are super important but in the end, the dress has to really be you.

If you can master this, then you will knock it out of the park like the Top 15 did in the gown portion of the competition!

Danielle Doty, Miss TX Teen USA & now the new Miss Teen USA struts her stuff in her custom designed gown. Audra Mari, Miss ND Teen USA & 1st Runner-Up answered her Top 5 question about bullying. I was especially touched when Audra shared her personal experience in being bullied. It's something most of us have unfortunately experienced so we are very proud of Audra for having the guts to talk about it on stage! 

Alexis, Miss CA Teen USA & 2nd Runner-Up, handled her Top 5 question beautifully. I do think it was a bad shot at Caite Upton, in referencing her answer on maps in the 2007 Miss Teen USA pageant. Knowing Caite personally, I wouldn't want people to keep focusing on something that doesn't define who I am. But Alexis took the question and ran with it and the audience definitely backed her! 

Madison Longstreth, Miss PA Teen USA, was so fresh and poised during her announcement of Top 15, that I had to share this personal fav pic of her! 

After spending time with these girls at our Pageant Prep Retreat and their State Power Weeks, we really had a good insight into the heart of these girls. 

Caley, Miss CO Teen USA, Hannah, Miss MN Teen USA, Susan, Miss WV Teen USA and Alexis, Miss ME Teen USA all have proven they are wonderful role models for young women all around the country. 

From overcoming adversities, to building charities at their schools, these girls are forces to be reckoned with! Miss Teen USA is just a stepping stone to anything they want to achieve. A.T. and I are so proud of all of our Miss Teen USA girls!! We love you so very much!!

This is their starting point, so now it's your turn to follow in their footsteps next year.

For more information on how you can be the next Miss Teen USA, please click here!!

Miss Teen USA Fashion Review!

Claira, Danielle and Jessica light up the Welcome Dinner!

I cannot believe Miss Teen USA is here! Time has flown since the girls were at our retreat and we saw them in Vegas for Miss USA. This group of titleholders has to be one of the most beautiful, well-dressed group of teens we've ever had the pleasure of working with!

So I'm so excited to bring you an update on the girls! Claira, Miss ID Teen USA, Danielle, Miss TX Teen USA and Jessica, Miss IN Teen USA, wowed at the Welcome Dinner at the Atlantis! Embellished dresses are all the rage this season. Fitting perfectly as a teen, these girls show us how it's done in these gorgeous pink and blue mini's.

 

During the Official Swimsuit Photo Shoot, Victoria, Miss WI Teen USA, accessorized her swimsuit beautifully with some classic hoops that are right on trend. They pop really nicely against her hair to frame her face. Bebe just got in these gorgeous Gold Box Chain Hoops that add a little funk to your fashion and they are only $19.00! 


Click here to add these awesome earrings to your wardrobe! 


At rehearsals, two gorgeous girls, Caley, Miss CO Teen USA, and Molly, Miss AZ Teen USA, bring a fresh look to the stage. Caley opts for a blue halter top that instantly makes her pop on the runway. It fits well and pairs perfectly with her golden hair. Molly brightens things up with this season's hottest trend: the statement dress! I love this pattern on her because it works so well with her hair color and skin tone. Here are two fav new finds for you to channel your inner Caley & Molly!

 1. RD Style Basic Silk Tank in Nautical Blue - NOW $58.99 - All from Piperlime.com




2. ASOS One Shoulder Dress in Digital Rainbow Print - On SALE! NOW $43.10!




Both of these are gorgeous finds to add to your summer wardrobe! Now please keep all 34 of our AMAZING girls in your prayers this weekend! Tonight is the preliminary competition, where the girls will compete in swimsuit and evening gown where a private interview will be judged as well. 


Then, tomorrow night, LIVE on www.MissTeenUSA.com, you can help us cheer on these fabulous girls as the new Miss Teen USA will be crowned! It all happens at 8:00 pm ET!

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!!!

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

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!!!