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

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

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!

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!)

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! 

NYC in Review!

Boncecrusher, Me, Coach and Mr. Reavis, President of VU.

Last week, A.T., his wife Cindy and I had a blast in NYC! The trip started off on Wednesday night in Lynchburg, VA, where we joined James "Bonecrusher" Smith, a former heavyweight champion of the world. Not only is Bonecrusher the first heavyweight champion to have a college degree, but he started his professional career at age 28. That is unheard of! He was the only fighter to go 12 rounds with Mike Tyson at the time. 

Bonecrusher spoke at Virginia University, the first African American University in America. A.T. has been dubbed the new strength coach for their budding athletic program. After working with the best, Bonecrusher, insisted on the importance of getting M.A.D. = Making A Decision. He was always prepared and his records prove just that. 

AT, Whitney, Lauren, Jillian, Amber-Joi, Me and our friend, Richard Rubenstein.

The next day kicked off an awesome photo shoot at Fadil's with Team Sanders. Randy Sanders is the Executive Director for PA, CT, WV, IN and VT in the Miss Universe Organization. Fadil is the absolute best photographer so it just made sense to set up this photo shoot for the girls. And trust me, the girls were fabulous!!

Jerry Lee, Carl, Elvis & Johnny.

Friday started off very rainy so thank goodness, A.T. and I were shooting all morning with Fadil for our new pictures! So stay tuned for those in the coming week. That night, we headed to the highly acclaimed Broadway musical, Million Dollar Quartet. Sam Perkins, owner of Sun Records, landed an impromptu jam session with his clients, Johnny Cash, Elvis, Carl Perkins and newly signed, Jerry Lee Lewis. Not only did the actors sing wonderfully, but they played all the instruments themselves. This Tony Award Winning show far exceeded my already excited expectations! 

On Saturday, we headed over to the Hilton in Newark for the Queen's Corner Seminar. Amaris Acosta, the Executive Producer, always does such a great job of bringing pageant contestants, titleholders and supporters of all ages and systems together under one roof. Each year, she continues to up the ante. We love being a part of it! 

The trip was WELL worth it and with so many exciting opportunities, we find ourselves with more meetings in NYC this week. I can tell you that the Miss USA pageant will be as glamorous as ever, as American as you can get and with branding-genius, Donald Trump at the helm, the show will be it's best yet! Oh and did I mention this is the best collective group of state titleholders in the history of the pageant?