Pageant Tips for Nationals #4: How to Win Fun Fashion

When I competed for the first time at Nationals as Miss Teen DC International, I won fun fashion. There was actually a tie and two winners that year, myself and Megan McNab (Miss Teen Alabama International 2009).

So I have been asked by many of you, “What wins fun fashion?” Truly, I believe you must stand out and be different. You should also make sure that the fun fashion you choose highlights your individual style and personality. Make sure that your fun fashion is age appropriate, especially if you are a teen.

You don’t necessarily have to break the bank either on fun fashion. My sister queen, Ashley Smith, designed her own fun fashion and her mother made it for her! She won fun fashion in the Miss category and she did it all for a couple hundred of dollars!! She had the element of surprise with her fun fashion with a detachable skirt!

Remember it is fun fashion, so use accessories to add flare. My mom really wanted to add something to mine to make it stand out more last year at Nationals, so she ran across the street the afternoon before preliminaries and bought a feather and sequined fuchsia headpiece. It helped to set me apart and I noticed finals night, others had taken note and added a headpiece as well to accessorize.

Don’t forget the personality part when you go on stage. Fun fashion is about having fun and being happy- so make sure you show that you are fun on stage!!

Juliana McKee

NCFA Rings Opening Bell for The NASDAQ Stock Exchange

NCFA Rings Opening Bell for The NASDAQ Stock Exchange

A huge thanks to NASDAQ OMX for inviting NCFA to ring the opening bell and for helping us continue our mission to find loving and permanent homes for waiting children around the world who desire to have a loving, permanent family! Raising awareness is the key!

National Council For Adoption Video from opening bell ceremony at The NASDAQ Stock Market! http://mktvideo.nasdaq.com/MarketSiteOpenCloseVideos/201103/mo_032211.wmv

Learn more about adoption by visiting http://www.adoptioncouncil.org/

Shannon Devine

Jen's BHLDN Dream Wedding

If you read our blog regularly you may have noticed we tend to focus on items from a handful of stores that we find stylish and unique.  One of our favorites is Anthropologie, so, you can imagine our excitement to hear that  Urban Outfitters (the overarching company for Anthro, Free People, etc.) has launched a brand new BRIDAL LINE called BHLDN (pronounced "Beholden")!  Although we agree the name is pretty terrible, we can ignore that small detail because the clothes and style is simply wonderful. To share the wonder that is BHLDN, we've decided to put together our "dream weddings" based on what we found while exploring the new site. Here is "Jen's Dream BHLDN Wedding".  Be sure to check back next week for Saira's BHLDN picks:

The Dress:

 Be a carefree, bohemian goddess in this Cascading Goddess Gown. Light, airy, and flowing, this dress suits Jen's relaxed and romantic style and is perfect for an outdoor garden or beach wedding.

The Jewelry:

Sweet and delicate, these tiny gold floral studs, accented with freshwater pearls, are the perfect understated accessory to the whimsical and  enchanting gown above. 

The Shoes:

These bronze shoes, with pretty floral cutouts, go along nicely with the gold and cream tones to create a look that is earthy and ethereal.  

The Accessory:

Sticking to neutrals, this kisslock clutch is just the right combination of bohemian and romantic with its brass, kind of rustic looking, floral and pearl applique and soft, muted taupe/grey color .

The Bridesmaids:

Why should the bride get to have all the fun? This blush pink dress would compliment the bohemian bride nicely and add a subtle pop of color to the ensemble.  This dress is features beautiful sequins, velvet, and fun appliques all in a silhouette that is practical and a material that is light and comfortable.



Offbeat brides, rejoice!



XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Mrs. International - 25 Most Stylish People in the Queen City!

GO RED FOR WOMEN RUNWAY SHOW

Mrs. International, Shannon Devine, has been named among the

 25 Most Stylish People in the Queen City.

On Saturday, April 9th, The American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women campaign, will feature the 25 Most Stylish People at Mercedes-Benz of South Charlotte The event will feature six runway shows, a Mercedes-Benz automobile show and the Grand Finale, the Celebrity Go Red For Women Show. The Red Carpet entrance opens at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. The show will benefit the National Go Red For Women Campaign, a movement that helps women recognize the #1 health killer, heart disease.

You’re invited to attend! Please join us on April 9th. Show your support for our Stylish Mrs. International and join the movement to save lives. Make it your mission to fight the #1 killer!

To learn more about Go Red for Women, visit www.GoRedForWomen.org

Shannon Devine