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

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

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!!

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!