The Bargain Beauties:
When Pageantry and Fashion Merge
Most of us expect to find emerging fashion trends to debut on a red carpet, the big screen, or pages of a glossy magazine. But have you ever considered that a pageant could be the perfect stage from which to launch the latest designs? Last week at the Miss California USA 2012 Pageant in Palm Springs it seemed like deja vu of the recent Victoria’s Secret fashion show.
Considering that Southern California is a major fashion mecca and that most of the contestants are professional or aspiring models, this should come at no surprise. As we watched these talented ladies compete for the coveted crown, we couldn’t help but notice the chic styles that donned the runway. As former Miss USA state titleholders (Tara Darby- Miss AL USA ‘04 & Miss USA Top 10, Cristina Nardozzi- Miss MA USA ‘05) pageant coaches and models we are experts on all things pageant. Here are a couple of the highlights and how you can transition the look from runway to everyday.
One major stand-out was the bling & dazzle that accompanied the swimsuit competition. The contestants rocked their fit physiques in fully beaded skirts, jeweled bracelets, necklaces and chandelier earrings. You can make a splash at the pool by wrapping up in a sequined sarong and pairing it with chunky lucite or plastic bangles (which can survive the heat & water). Rather than 6 inch heels (which could lead to an accidental tumbling into the pool) opt for a lower nude wedged heel that can easily be slipped on and off without complicated straps. Try this look, and you’ll definitely impress the pool boy.
Liquid sequins are apparently all the rage this season. Our favorite gowns included Miss Kensington’s aqua blue sparkler by Mac Duggal with a daring slit and Miss Mirimar’s form-fitting Jovani bronzed goddess silhouette. To get the look without breaking the bank, find a store near you that specializes in “rented retail”. One of our favorites is right here in tinsel town,One Night Affair on Sepulveda Blvd. When we are back in our home States we head over to Joyce’s Formals in Birmingham, AL and The Crowning Touch in New Bedford, MA. You can also incorporate this sparkly trend into your everyday wardrobe by pairing a simple cotton top with a sequined short or mini-skirt. But to avoid looking like you are heading to a belated holiday shindig, keep the jewelry to a minimum & pair it with flats or rugged boots.
While there can only be one winner at the pageant (Miss Hoag Hospital, Natalie Pack, was crowned the new Miss California USA 2012), we can all win with these on-point fashion trends. But no matter how en vogue a gown may be, or how svelte a bikini clad body looks, nothing is more fashionable than a confident, intelligent woman who radiates inner beauty.
That’s one trend we know will always be in style.
Stay Stylish,
Tara Darby & Cristina Nardozzi
Sashes & Crowns LLC