SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part Two: The Pageant Betty's, Oh Dear Too Mucheey & "Go-On Girl" Award

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits Part Two: The Pageant Betty's, Oh Dear Too Mucheey & "Go-On Girl" Award

Too Mucheey Hoochie & Chonchee and Too Mucheey Everything: Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits

Photos courtesy of MissUniverse.com

In my last post HERE, I discussed my FAVORITES from the Miss Universe 2015 "Official Website Evening Gown Portraits" (as well as which designs disappointed me), so naturally, now it's time to talk about the Pageant Betty's and "Ayyy Mija!" designs--and one last special "Go-On Girl" Gown recognition...

Let's get to it--Let's begin with "Pageant Betty's"-----------------------------------------------------------

Miss Philippines Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach: I know, I know, I am sure everyone from here to the Philippines will hate me but I just thought that gorgeous Pia looked too old-school Pageant Betty in this design. Pia could look like a fabulous fashion model DIVA and instead, in this gown she looked like it was 1998 and she was a candidate in that year's Miss Philippines pageant. The gown is very "been there/done that". Not to mention those earrings...GIRL! And for some reason, all I could look at is how BIG her "sistahs" look; there too much focus on her big ol' breasts--with this strapless dress. On a good note: her face and hair style are flawless.

Miss Guatemala Jeimmy Aburto: Pink stretch lace--and silver crystals--plus the mermaid "lite" shape...well, they all add up to "Pageant Betty". She is very pretty and that pose is indeed, impacting. But, the gown, oh the gown: it's Too-Mucheey  and Tacky.

Miss Haiti Lisa Drouillard: Oh Lisa, that is A LOT of Gown. I do appreciate the dynamic bubblegum pink color and silver sequin detail but...it's Too Mucheey, and it does give me "Pageant Betty" for it's heavy-handed style. At least she didn't do an up-do bouffant. I give her a couple of points for that.

Miss Panama Gladys Brandao Amaya: According to the Miss Universe website, Gladys is only 24 years old. But here she looks 34. I do like the unusual sequin and striped detail in the gown--as well as the color--but my main problem deals with the too-much peek-a-boo keyhole (Hola! That is my cleavage!) and the semi pouffed-up hair is a bit early 2000's Pageant. It's time for an update mija.

Miss South Africa Refilwe Mthiwunye: First off, I was a bit taken aback that she allowed the Miss Universe.com peeps to put in her bio that she won the "Miss Gangster" award during the Miss South Africa pageant. Not sure if I would of put that as a PLUS in my bio. But oh well. In terms of her choice of gown, it was very Pageant Betty. Now, don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful gown and it fits her nicely, but...this is not what you would see a Miss Universe wear to win, and definitely not what you would see on a top actress on a red carpet at a top awards show like Cannes or the Oscars.

Miss Denmark Cecilie Wellemberg: Cecilie is quite beautiful. I don't have that much of a problem with this gown--I do like the royal blue color and scroll-like sequin applique. But...the combination of all of that + the mermaid shape + her pouffy hair and big ol' earrings scream "Pageant Betty".

Miss Mexico Wendy Esparza: Did someone say 1997? What is with all the polyester charmeuse? And that matching lace? Ayyy mija! Oh, and of course, there's a side-front slit. And SILVER covered pumps? Someone please help her! At least she looks absolutely bella from the neck up--the hair and makeup are perfect!

Oh Dear!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Miss British Virgin Islands Adorya Baly: Let me begin on a good note--I love the canary yellow color. And I do like the flower-like sequin appliques. Where it all goes a bit tacky is the sheer netting, the center front plunging neckline showing her too-mucheey cleavage. I also think she could have added more makeup (what a novel idea for a pageant gal!?); she looks like she got up, just had her first coffee and well, had to do a photoshoot.

Miss Hungary Nikoletta Nagy: Nikoletta is quite pretty but she isn't going to be on anyone's Top Faves List with this dress. I like the emerald color but the side cowl draped detail looks more like curtains than Grecian Goddess. I'll be blunt: the dress looks polyester-cheap. And speaking of cheap: I DON'T WANT TO SEE THOSE STRIPPER PUMPS! And trust me: Neither do the judges. How many times do I have to say this?! If you need to wear them, by all means do. But hide them. Showing them makes you look cheap...and only highlights that you're short and therefore you need to wear these. 

Miss Ghana Hilda Frimpong: Oh Hilda, it looks like you are leaving the pageant world and walking straight on to the set of the next Real Housewife of (fill in the blank). I usually discuss the "Slit Happy" Pageant Gals but seriously, Miss Universe Ghana and this dress took the Slit thang to another level; there are two slits and depending on how she walks, you could probably almost see her CHA-CHA. There's nothing cute about this. It's very "Oh Dear!" Chonchee.

Miss Malaysia Vanessa Kumares: Oh Vanessa, I give her points for looking all "Heyyyy Girl!" fab in this photo! She looks like a fun girl I want to have Dirty Martinis with. But then, there's that gown. It's a Pageant Oh Dear Too Mucheey Mess. She looks like the wife of a Millionaire Malaysian businessman at a New Year's Eve Party, as opposed to the next Miss Universe. It's also very 2004 dated in it's style; been there/done that huney.

Miss Australia Monika Radulovic: Monika is very popular with the Missosologists (i.e., Pageant Fans), she's one of the top faves for the Miss Universe 2015 crown. But then she wears this lace and chiffon gown. It's very off-the-rack and dated. We've seen this style and it was several years ago at past "Miss Universe" and "Miss USA" pageants. I expect something like this on an Eastern European pageant contestant in the Miss World Contest...But not at Miss Universe?? On a good note: her nude strappy heels are PERFECT, and so is her hair and makeup. Now, go change into a better gown darling.

Finally, I have to give a Special "Go-On Girl!" Evening Gown Portraits Award to Miss Universe Tanzania...

Miss Tanzania Lorraine Marriot: I was a bit on the fence on where to include this fabulous woman--Miss Universe Tanzania. I loved this photo. But...should be it be "Oh Dear!" or "Fab!". In terms of the "Miss Universe 2015 Evening Gown Portraits" on the website, there was no other like it--for good or not-so-good. For me, it was more good: She gave you DIVA! I liked this gown and the draped gold and emerald sequin beading on the torso which reminded me of Swahili-like East African jewelry. The entire look said "Fierce". Now, I am wondering how she could even walk in this gown--which looks like it's way too long for her. But for this photo, it deserved my "Go ON Girl!" Evening Gown Portrait "Nick Award". 

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2015 Finals: Winner Miss Paraguay Stephania Vazquez Stegman and Evening Gown Recap!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Supranational 2015 Finals: Winner Miss Paraguay Stephania Vazquez Stegman and Evening Gown Recap!

Supranational Bella: Miss Supranational 2015 "Miss Paraguay" Stephania Stegman (center)--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

Photos courtesy of GlobalBeauties.com and Miss Supranational Facebook

This past Friday night was the Miss Supranational 2015 Finals Beauty Pageant. The pageant--considered one of the top "Grand Slam" international beauty pageants, along with Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth--was held in Poland.

Crowned: Miss Supranational 2015 Stephania Stegman "Miss Paraguay"--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

This was the 7th edition of the international beauty pageant and over 80 contestants from all over the world competed for the title. The winner was the representative from the South American nation of Paraguay, Stephania Vazquez Stegman.

Stephania is a model and former Miss Paraguay International 2011. She is of Spanish-German descent and stands 1.77 m (5' 9 1/2"). At the Miss International 2011 Beauty Pageant, she did not place but this past Friday, she won the Miss Supranational 2015 pageant. This is the first win for Paraguay in a "Grand Slam" International Beauty Pageant. Muy bien!

 The Set: Miss Supranational 2015 Finals Warsaw Poland

 Best National Costume went to...

Miss Indonesia Gresya Amanda Maaliwuga--Pretty fabulous and well-deserved!

The Evening Gowns: Finalists-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Gown Gals:--Miss Supranational 2015 Finals, Warsaw Poland

As always, in my blog here, I love to discuss the EVENING GOWNS...let's begin with the eventual Winner...

Miss Paraguay Stephania Stegman: Gorgeous gown on a gorgeous woman. Love this nude tulle with Art Deco-like gold sequin detail. It was a clean column gown that wasn't too fussy. I also loved her modern (not too "Pageant Betty") hairstyle; it definitely complimented the clean simple lines of the gown. And KUDOS for covering the heels.

Canada Siera Bearchell: Siera was gorgeous and this gown was OK. Nothing spectacular. She sure did "work it" during the finals. But in terms of design or having an extra "couture" appeal...nothing. Very "Pageant Safe"; she looked like the winner of a Miss (fill in the blank) USA state pageant. I expect a little bit more on the international stage.

Colombia Monica Castano Agudelo: I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of this gown. I loved the bubblegum pink color but the gown itself looked cheap. I think the fact that it looked polyester-y and that it was too short (I don't want to see those heels!), made me feel this way. This was a little too "Ballroom Dancing Competition" and not Haute enough for an international beauty pageant stage.

Iceland Tanja Yr Astporsdottir: Tanja is beautiful. But this gown wasn't so much. It was very prom-a-licious. At least it was tasteful prom. If you are going to do a ball gown, I'd refer to what fashion designers Elie Saab or Zuhair Muard are doing; at least copy them...or even copy one of my ball gowns! But this one is a little on the store-bought side.

Mexico Karina Stephania Martin Jimenez: Another case of a very pretty woman wearing a not so cute gown. The dress is very prom and once again, too short. It also seemed very "Dancing with the Stars". If I can see this dress in Downtown L.A. at a Pageant-and-Prom shop (and I can with this one!), then I don't want to see it in one of the International "Grand Slam" Beauty Pageants. Just saying.

Australia Christiana Fischer: Christiana wore this nude and lilac colored applique gown at the Miss Supranational 2015 Finals. I liked this gown. It was a tad "Figure Skating" costume but it fit nicely and it was the correct length.

India Aafreen Rachael Vaz: I also liked this golden sequined and leaf-like applique gown with side front slit. The only thing I I dd not like were those CLUNKY gold 70's Disco pumps; soooo tacky!

Malaysia Tanisha Demour Kaur: Tanisha made a big Evening Gown impact in this royal blue/violet gown. The design featured a nude tulle and sequined applique column gown and satin over-skirt. It was impacting and she knew how to work it. This was definitely one of the most "wow" gowns of the entire pageant.

Panama Angie Keith: Simple column pearl sequined gown. This was nice. I liked the fit and the fact that it was length-right. It didn't excite me in terms of design but it was OK.



Top Gowns--Miss Supranational 2015:

Myanmar L Bawk Nu: Miss Myanmar won for Best Gown and I can see why. This gold and silver sequin gown recalls a gorgeous Haute Couture Fish Diva. Absolutely stunning. It reminds me of something I would see from a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture runway show.

Luxembourg Elie Ondoa: Stunning mint sequined strapless gown. One of my favorites!

Dominican Republic Ingrid Franco: Gold sequined flapper fun.

Philippines Rogelie Catacutan: Directional, sexy and very forward-pageant! It's also very "Tribal Couture". Love.

Spain Raquel Bonilla: Love the asymmetry of the top section and contrast of the golden crepe fabrication and sequin top/sleeve.

Egypt Perihan Fateen: I thought this red one shoulder gown with sequined top section and asymmetrical peplum detail was quite nice. Elegant and very Red Carpet-meets-Runway

The Uh Oh/Oh Dear! Miss Supranational 2015 Evening Gowns-----------------------------------------

Bolivia Sharon Valverde: Oh No. 1993 Broadway Chorus Line/Pageant Gal. And what is with that side sheer panel???? And that 1987 hair style?? Ayyyy Dios Mio!!

Scotland Nasrene Harrison: Oh No Wedding/Prom Queen. There's way too much polyester lace and applique in this. She needs a veil and a "Big Fat Gypsy" fiance.

Italy Deborah Agnone: This black one shoulder dress would be nice...for a cocktail party. But not for "Miss Supranational"!

Ireland Karen Montague: Oh Dear! Someone got confused with the "Carnival Cruises" Captain's Night Gala! This is a Choncheee Tackylicious Mess.

Venezuela Hyser Betancourt: I just can't with this gown. This looks like a dress a Quinceañera girl would reject. It's way too tacky. This is certainly not up to the "Miss Venezuela" gown standards. Who approved this???

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Felicitaciones and Congratulations to "Miss Paraguay Supranational" Steaphania Stegman for winning the "Miss Supranational 2015 Beauty Pageant...and for wearing a very nice gown! 

Another Evening, Another Show. All the Eats.

Another Evening, Another Show. All the Eats.

Monday 19th June

There's a french cafe I've always wanted to stop by, though never have. And now I recall why: I don't feel comfortable shopping at places where you'll find out how much it is at the checkout.

The macaron was bad. Crunchy top, hard and hollow. I've had better ones from the supermarket. Fortunately the Eclair was perfect! So are the potato cakes near the crossing when it's peak hour.




To the lake we went, for lunch. Bad idea. For we were attacked! By a swooping magpie!

Tuesday

Brunching at Poacher & Hound. Dunkka eggs on toast. It was good though a bit much and repetitive for one, perhaps get it to share if you must. Slightly above average though I felt that it was missing something. 

Dinner on the go from Sauced but on Chapel St, beside the new meatballs restaurant.

There's that familiar but strange blue lighting which doesn't seem very inviting.
We had the spicy lentil with penne, for a pasta bar it seems very odd to me that they only have three types of pasta.

It was indeed spicy! As in the apple juice wasn't enough and I ordered a shot of milk at the bar. Too hot for me! And to me that also seems like a good way to have a basic flavour dominate rather than multiple layers and lots of herbs.

Hello Dolly! Another week another arts festival. This week it's the cabaret festival! A preview of some of the headliners we can't wait to see them in full! Tbh I haven't really heard about most of these characters or know to much. But that duck show does look hilarious. Opening Night at the Cabaret Festival.  

Wednesday

Lunch at Rococo towards the end if Glenferrie, the furthest we've been on this road.

Over to the red house good will. Prices have gone up on clothing, we found a cheap looking wear twice evening dress for $100! Normally only wedding dresses are at that price.

$2 books were what we were here for and we found a snail mail book on my list. I love books about the old world, how things used to be. From making preserves to the almost lost art of letter writing.

Funny thing someone asked me to write him a letter about our adventures/journey together as he's moving to b..ham . I think he might have seen the book. I have no idea what to write... for I have very little recollection of him, since we had a big fight a while ago.

Some people are relentless. No. 4 spotted me at the station and latched on. She has asked me over and over again if she can come with me. Uhh where to? Just out of the house she says. But don't you have your own life? Apparently not.
How to get rid of someone fast? Get freaky! 

Meetings over matcha latte $4.50, it wasn't very strong but fine. It's matcha flavoured milk. But good matcha is $$. I like them but reckon they're overrated unlike cronuts! $7.50. Coffee, quite strong, with cocopops on top. This serves at least two. I ate it layer by layer and was slipping away into a food coma towards the end.

We barely had time for a nap before heading to the theatre for a show or two.

Thursday

Pizza at Double Zero on the main street at 2.15pm they were about to close, lunch starts at 11.30am. We had some huge slices of pizza $5 each served very hot, steaming. Thin base as almost all pizzas are, they were very good, not too dry or hard. Saucy toppings the mushroom one was the one I preferred. 

When the lighting and mood of a restaurant reminds you of juvie XD

This place is huge! And empty at 6pm, the location seems to be a secret...

P.S. I was a prefect. I have never been to juvie.

A quick dinner on the way to the theatre.

Friday

We rarely go to Chadstone as we're based in the city, till we were told we're converting to the iPhone which is harder to use and prefers a lighter palette rather than being customized easily. It's a typical girl who likes to wear white and have white airy minimalist flatlays. I'm not that girl. 

The upside was that Scroll lives at Chadstone! At $9 a cup this is a once in a while thing, the cost of living is high... as desserts these days are closer to $10 rather than  $5. I think everything was cheaper back home...

Mother had the matcha which wasn't as sweet as my cookies and cream. No complaints from her which is rare.

Taco Bill - Quesadilla Delgada $12

Beef with [minimal] mushroom, melted cheese and [watery] salsa

What a joke! Taco Bill has really bad reviews, how are they still open? Lured by Liven we had a beef, cheese and mushroom qusadilla a $12 snack. It was average and lacked spices, tastes like something I made and that ain't a compliment when it comes to savory food. The salsa was more like soup, so watered down.

Service was fine, he was disappointed I bought an entree rather than $22+ overpriced main.

Saturday

An hour wait between buses and more time spent lost either due to my lack of an ability to read a map, I couldn't find where I was, or the gps failed. We spent all the time traveling 10.30 till 12.15 wow it took me 2hrs almost to get here.

Ashy's Afghanistan Food. The chicken was delicious! The lamb chewy...

The chicken was amazing and we can't wait to return! We haven't had chicken this awesome since bio guy made that chicken pasta that's still in the freezer.

Service was very friendly and quick.

I wanted to go to a brooch party but no I had to go to a life skills workshop. It took me almost 2hrs to get here, because weekends and buses suck! I spent more time getting to lunch then having lunch (could be me, could be the gps) and then the workshop gets canceled!! .
.
An email was sent out this morning but I'd already left by then. This is not my day. What am I meant to do for the rest of the afternoon?! Spend another 2hrs going home?

I guess since we're here we'll explore the three goodwills, 

not go to the park (magpies), stop by a bakery then continue on with our day.

NRQ stale cookies. Drinks were fine. I'm going to say don't shop here. A real reject shop.

Chicago, all the sequins, black lingerie, razzle dazzle was fabulous!

We saw this show not once but twice! Loved it.

Sunday

Lindt with Freud, we overdosed and even at two hours later I do not feel good. A mouse slice with a sponge layer and a caramel one with a crunchy nut wafer. The macaron was perfect! $3 these days. The hot chocolates were just as I remember, though we had the large size!

A trip to the recital center for solos, surprisingly only one piano act. When it comes to choosing a classic it may seem like an easy note though it's a trap in that everyone knows every note.

Down to the chapel for Motown, which I really liked, including some songs I actually know. I definitely know why people, young people like pop more, it's exciting and flashy. But will it stand the test of time?

Dinner at Laksa King, wonton'ish dumpling noodle soup. A basic classic, could be interpreted as bland without the sambal. But I like it and it's exactly what I needed after a week or rather almost month of dining out daily.

Damn 1.5% card fee, $14.21