SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Earth 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION Group 2: Best & Uh Oh's!

 Gown Medals: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani (Bronze medal), Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas (Gold medal), Miss earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez (Silver medal) and Miss Earth Philippines Karen Ibasco (Silver medal)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

All photos courtesy of Miss Earth Facebook 

Well kids, it is indeed the start of the "International Pageant Season"! Last week, I discussed my TOP 15 FAVORITES for the Miss Grand International 2017 which is happening in Vietnam (Read HERE!)...and at the same time in another Asian country--this time the Philippines--the Miss Earth 2017 beauty pageant is happening. The 17th edition of the Miss Earth contest is occurring with 87 contestants from all over the world competing for the coveted crown with the Final Crowning Night taking place on November 4th at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, Metro Manila Philippines.

Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Winners (L to R) Miss Earth Nigeria (bronze), Miss Earth Peru (Gold), Miss Earth Costa Rita and Miss Earth Philippines (Silver) flanked by the reining Miss Earth 2016 from Ecuador Katherine Espin (second from left)--Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2

In advance of the final night, lots of pre-final pageant event competitions are occurring including the Swimsuit, Resorts  Wear, Talent and the one that I am most interested in (naturally!) here in my "Sashes & Tiaras" BLOG: The EVENING GOWN COMPETITION. The "Long Gown Competition" as it is called (as opposed to "Short Gown"??) is happening in separate sections with 3 different contestant groups competing...

Satins and Sequins: Contestants from Group 2 of Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition--Joy-Nostalg Hotel and Suites Manila Philippines

In each of these contests, the top contestants get medals (Gold, Silver, Bronze) which will give them points helping them gain better spots in the Finals (similar to Miss "World" I am guessing).

The first "Long Gown Competition" occurred on Tuesday night with "Group 2" consisting of 29 ladies. The winner (or Best in Long Gown)--according to the judges--was Miss Earth Peru, with the Silver going to Miss Earth Costa Rica and Miss Earth Philippines and the Bronze going to Miss Earth Nigeria.

Good Gowns or Not-so-Muchee? Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Contestants

There's no way of beating around the bush: I do not know who the judges were but...I did not agree so much with the Top Four (well, only just one!)...so, as it has become a tradition here in my BLOG, below are MY TOP Favorites of the Group (Top 10) and five that were just A MESS. Before I show you my list, I have to say that these were not a group of UBER FAB Couture Gals. I know this isn't Miss Universe or Miss World and therefore these contestants might not have the caliber of design and money backing them so I did give a little "slack" for that but still...as a fashion designer/pageant fan/red carpet commentator, I had to "judge" adequately.



Here's my Top 10 Best from Number One to Ten: 

1. Miss Earth Nigeria Eucharia Akani: OK, first of all,, is it A LOT? Yes. But, is it still really kind of fabulous? DOUBLE YES! I like this for many reasons: It looks AMAZING and impacting. She looks like a PERFECT beauty queen. It fits well. The length is also PERFECTION and to-the-floor! The silver is on-point and just right for her skin color. I love it. I would have given her THE GOLD!

Score: 9.15

2. Miss Earth Angola: Ermelinda Demantos: Loved this look from head to (almost) toe. The blush/golden colored shimmering gown was red carpet perfect, looked refined and well-made and not so "fire friendly" (some of the other gowns were MAJOR polyester-get-near-a-match-and-they'll light up messes!). I really liked her slicked back hair but...those UBER-stacked heels (is that what I see peaking from the center front slit?) are really not making me happy! PLEASE Ermelinda, dump those things and go for non-platform strappy heels (and just have a seamstress hem-up your gown. ASAP.

Score: 9.00

3. Miss Earth Colombia Juliana Franco: I liked the blue color, the one shoulder-like silhouette and nude illusion insets. Was this a but "Figure Skating Costume"? TOTALLY. But, listen, compared to a lot of the other gowns I saw here, this was VERY NICE. TRUST ME! It fit well, wasn't so tacky, wasn't HOOCHIE, had stage presence, the length was correct and her hair was modern and not so "Pageant Betty".

Score: 8.98

 4. Miss Earth Spain Ainara de Santamaria: I liked this gown and it was one of my favorites of this group for its simplicity, non "cray-cray" detail and pure and elegant fit. I also liked the emerald and light green sequined detail. Oh, and yes, the length was JUST RIGHT! It was simple, beautiful and impacting.

Score: 8.97

5. Miss Earth England Charlotte Brooke: Miss Earth England wore this golden-hued gown with silver crystals featuring a fitted column gown over a full overskirt. The style was elegant, impacting and almost Paris Haute Couture-like (almost). Her styling, however, was the unfortunately aspect which didn't elevate this gown to a position of fabulousness and grandeur; her hair was droopy, her make-up was inelegant...she looked too simple and "basic" yet her gown was "Red Carpet Cannes Film Festival". I gave her points more for the gown than her personal styling. It was still better than most of the others...even the ones who got some of the Long Gown medals.

Score: 8.70 

6. Miss Earth Chile Sofia Manzur: Since I had to pick my Top Ten here in this group, some of these choices were "giving them too much credit". But wait until you see some of my "Uh Oh" choices and you'll understand how this might have been "GREAT!". I liked the red color and the fit was fine. Sofia looked like a Spanish Senorita in a Sevillana Gala. I also loved her slicked back chignon. I wasn't a fan of those CRAZY gold sequined pumps (Ayyy Dios Mio!) and that "Cha-Cha Peek-a-Boo-Danger Zone" super high slit. But, if I just half-closed my eyes and avoided those two things...

Score: 8.20

7. Miss Earth Cameroon Verucha Cossinda: I liked the "mermaid Lite" silhouette of this gown and the color was lovely. I'm also happy about the fit and correct length (no tacky platform pumps showing!). Overall, this was a pretty choice for Miss Earth Cameroon.

Score: 8.10

8. Miss Earth Lebanon Elsa Antoun: Nice gown for Elsa, Miss Earth Lebanon. This black and white "Mermaid" shaped gown featured white appliques and black tulle godets at the bottom. It was nothing extraordinary but at least it fit well, was the right length and there weren't any HOOCHIE too-high slits or breast-a-licious cleavage.

Score: 8.05

9. Miss Earth Pakistan Ramina Ashfaque: Yes darlings, you read right--Miss Earth PAKISTAN! Karachi-born Ramina is competing in the Miss Earth 2017 contest and for the Long Gown Competition, she wore this canary yellow gown. Listen, under any other circumstances (or this was "Miss Universe" or "Miss World" I would have deemed this a "Sherri hill off-the-rack Pageant Betty" you-know-what. However, I think she looked radiant and lovely in this. It fit her well and she made an impact on stage. Was it A LOT of polyester? YES. And would I rather not seen those nude platform pumps? Totally. But, in this group, she was still one of my Top Ten.

Score: 8.00

10: Miss Earth Peru Karen Rojas: Believe it or not (I couldn't!), Karen won the "Gold medal" for this gown in the Miss earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2. I placed her as my TENTH favorite. This was OK but certainly--at least in my eyes--not the BEST. I did like the gold flower appliques over the terracotta-colored illusion netting...and it was A LOOK but...it was verging on tacky-licious. But I had to add a tenth favorite and I decided Miss Earth Peru and her gown would be the one.

Score: 7.99



Now, on to the "Oh-No-She-Didn't: Miss Earth 2017 Long Gown Competition Group 2 Edition": Her are my "Top Five" Uh Oh's...

Miss Earth Belarus Polli Cannabis: Oh Polli. Bless your heart. While I kind of liked the top part, the bottom half was just a true GOWN MESS; it looked like black and pink toilet paper got stuck in a tornado and created a gown-skirt. I just wish designers would NEVER do that to dresses. Please. It isn't pretty. On a nice note: The length is right and she is pretty.

Score: 6.25

Miss Earth Costa Rica Fernanda Rodriguez: Fernanda somehow nabbed the SILVER medal for this gown. I am at a loss. This is a teal polyester lace/nude/applique mess. The whole too-see-through inner gown is just stripper tacky and the style is so Downtown Los Angeles Santee Alley. I know I sound like a Gown Snob but seriously. On a good note, she looked fresh and young and pretty--from the neck up.

Score: 6.20

Miss Earth France Melissa Strugen: Melissa wore this violet colored gown featuring golden scroll applique and chiffon overskirt. The gown (inexplicably) featured a mini dress lining underneath showing through. The entire look was not cute. And her hair styling and makeup did not help. I kind of get what she was going for--perhaps a "Near Eastern Goddess" but she ended up looking like a "Prom Scheherazade".

Score: 6.20 

Miss Earth Hungary Victoria Viczian: It's the "Miss Earth 2017" Beauty Pageant...and while I can understand that sponsorship may be light and you have to buy your own dress possibly from the sale rack in Budapest, this off white Duchesse Satin style was just...TOO BASIC! I am happy that it was the correct length but seriously, Victoria wasn't even trying. This is a Bridesmaid Dress for a wedding. NOT, the gown you wear for THE MISS EARTH 2017 LONG GOWN COMPETITION!

Score: 6.00



Last but not least...

Miss Earth Slovenia Sara Gavranic: Oh Slovenia. Oh Sara. Just look at this: Gold Stretch. Lycra. Draped and hi-lo. Oh wait..is that lace in the back??? How do you say "tacky-licious" in Slovenian? On a nice note, I liked her hair and red lipstick.

Score: 5.50 



**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more HERE!



Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:

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RUNWAY REPORT.....New York Fashion Week: Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

RUNWAY REPORT.....New York Fashion Week: Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

WHAT: Brandon Maxwell Spring/Summer 2018. Maxwell, known as Lady Gaga's long-time stylist, showed a stripped-back sleek elegant collection blending a Ladies-Who-Lunch Sheath Dress-and-Gown aesthetic with West Coast Chic in terms of sleek denim jeans with even sleeker jackets. The proud Texan did his bow wearing a "Texas" logo'ed black hoodie.

Designer Brandon Maxwell

TRENDS: Strong shoulders; Denim; Jackets; Ballgowns; Soft draping.



COLORS: Bubblegum pink; Neon yellow; Off-white; Emerald green; Blue; Powder Pink



Collection Highlights:

 Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

  Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

 Brandon Maxwell Spring 2018

Click below to watch Brandon Maxwell Spring/Summer 2018 Fashion Show (Edited):

Techniques: Diy T Shirt Cutting Ideas - Tips For Girls

Techniques: Diy T Shirt Cutting Ideas - Tips For Girls

With fashion becoming all chic and comfy, t-shirts are totally ruling the current space.
T shirts are like classics, and the best part being, one is never too old to sport t-shirts.
But what if you could give your older pals who are almost dying in your closet a sweet makeover and dress them up to get your fashion game on point.
For all those days when a t-shirt is too boring, and a dress too dressy, give your plain tee’s an upgrade trying some cute ways to cut a t shirt .
A bit of creativity, a pair of scissors and some t shirt cutting tutorials is all what you need to de-construct and re-construct your favourites.

So ladies say no to discarding those lovelies, because we have done the homework for you, having compiled a host of tshirt cutting patterns, to get you rolling.
Just scroll down and take a pick from these cool ways to cut a t shirt and flaunt that designer in you.

Here are some quick DIY’s on how to cut t shirts and wear them the fashionable way.

I’m sure you have tried the different t shirt cutting ideas and cut old t shirts and experimented with different styles, hence here I have for you different ways you could rip the t shirt and make it new:

1. Simply Sleeveless
A simple hack, pick up am old t shirt, maybe the one which has become a little tight for you. Cut the sides of the t shirt till all the way down and leave some 4-5 inches from below. You can decide the width of the shoulder strap you want and cut accordingly. Stretch your cuts so that the fabric doesn’t look like its cut unevenly.

Crop Tops

This one is my ultimate favourite. Crop tops are definitely the biggest trend out there and making one with the existing tees is even easier.

To execute this DIY project idea, first cut t shirt sleeves by the hemline to restore that crop top grunge. Next, widen that neckline, by simply cutting it from being a round neck to more of a boat neck. Now, cut short the length. When cutting the hem, let the sides be shorter and the front longer. Always remember to stretch the cuts you’ve made for it to look crafty and original.

 Do It Yourself – A Winged Back
Now this is not for the beginners. DIY projects like this one, needs some practice and patience too.

Get an old t shirt, a marker and a pair of scissors to make this dragon fly back tee shirt on your own. With your market draw the stencil like these on the back of your tee shirt. If you’re not too confident about your drawing skills, then print out a picture from the internet and trace it out. With a comfortably held pair of scissors, cut the design one by one. Be careful with the edges because we don’t want them looking messy. This t shirt cutting pattern is surely for the more artistic one’s who want to fly high wearing a pair of wings on their t shirt.

 DIY Ideas For A Cut-Out Neck Pattern

If you like to play some peek-a-boo, then here’s an interesting way to cut a t shirt, by cutting out the neck yoke to create a high street look. Start with drawing an outline of the cut you want to make around the neckline and the arms, and then get cutting. Take your time to meet that designer finesse

Shoulder Cut

This is one creative t shirt pattern that requires precision. If gone wrong, it will ruin your efforts and the t shirt too. Start, with cutting along the sleeves and then the shoulder, the neck and then the other sleeve. Make equal cuts, as too much gap will not look aesthetic.

Back Cut Velcro
This DIY t shirt cutting craft is sure to get your toned lower back, all the attention it deserves. Though it looks a little twisted, but is one of the simplest. You just have to cut a straight slit at the back, making the entire top look like a simple long piece. Then put a Velcro on either side like the way it is in the picture. Cut down the fabric to get that angle behind.

 Fringe DIY
Again, a no fuss DIY t shirt cutting, this one, needs you to cut the bottom of the t shirt in fringes. The thickness of the fringe does not matter but, thinner the fringe, the better they look.

Tie-Ups

If you ask us how to cut t shirts for a beach vacation, then this one will be our answer. Even if you don’t have that beach body, you can work this one with a bright inner.

How To Wear Sneakers Fashionably - Tips For Men & Women

How To Wear Sneakers Fashionably - Tips For Men & Women

Every morning when you wake up and get ready for the day, that looming decision of what to wear hits you. What you decide on can make the difference in how you feel when you finally step out for the day. However, there are some sneakers that can work with anything from sweats, to denim, to leather -

 Your sneakers are meant for more than just the gym. Though they got their start as flimsy “plimsolls” meant for working-class holidaymakers and purpose-built footwear designed for athletes, sneakers have become a staple in a every man’s (and woman’s, for that matter) wardrobe. Now your sneakers can be a fashion statement as well as workout gear – maybe even both at the same time.

Basics Sneaker Rules

No matter what kind of sneakers you settle on, there are a few basic principles for how to wear sneakers you should abide by. Always:

    Buy sneakers that suit your current wardrobe: What good does it do to buy the latest style if it doesn’t suit your style? Don’t hop on the trend train just because it’s passing through. Choose shoes that complement what you already have, not shoes that require you to repurchase your entire wardrobe.
    Wear them to the right occasions (don’t go too casual): Sneakers are incredibly versatile, but they’re no substitute for dress shoes. You can get away with sneakers with any off-duty outfit – and perhaps even some casual, unstructured suits – but they’re not meant for every occasion. Err on the side of overdressed rather than underdressed.
    Keep them clean: It doesn’t matter how cool your sneakers are, the effect will be lost if they’re not spick-and-span. Proper sneaker maintenance includes washing the laces, eliminating odours, brushing the outsoles, and using shoe trees and sneaker shields.

Knowing Your Sneakers / Trainer Types

Sneakers come in many shapes and sizes these days. From the very basic to the brightest leather, from the minimal to the metal fastenings, there are few rules when it comes to your trainers. With so many options available, it can be hard knowing exactly what’s what and even harder to know what’s most likely to suit your wardrobe and taste.

    Basic Sneakers – These are your Converse, Vans, etc., types. Sometimes they come in leather, but they’re typically found in canvas and in basic colours. On the whole they’re generally affordable and easy to wear / clean.
    Refined Luxury Sneakers – They might bear a resemblance to the basic sneakers, but they’re more expensive and often made from suede or leather by brands like Tom Ford, Lanvin & Saint Laurent. These are not something you take to a music festival.
    Classic Sports Sneakers – Think Nike Air Max 90, Reebok Pump, Asics, Tiger and other forms of old school sport greatness. What was once ready for the track and field is now kept safely in a shoe collection at home.
    Current Sport Sneakers – Again, these are your Nike, Adidas and Puma brands, but with modern styling and shapes.
    High-fashion Sneakers – These are the work of brands like Givenchy, Christian Louboutin, Maison Martin Margiela, Diemme and even Giuseppe Zanotti. They’re loud and designed to be noticed.
    High Tech – This special group may not be universally recognised yet, but I hear by dub it “High Tech.”  This is the category for the likes of Rick Owens and other designers who are really pushing the limits of sneaker design.

What You Need To Know To Get The Best Look

The Basic ClassicsCons, Chucks, canvas kicks… whatever you call them, the basic sneaker is the most versatile casual sneaker you can buy. They work well with denim, chinos and shorts of pretty much any colour and shade. Where I find guys sometimes get a little unstuck with these types of sneakers is when they wear them to smart casual events or to work when a dress shoe is required. The basic sneaker DOES NOT work for every occasion and should be kept solely for casual situations. Your best bet on top is to run with print t-shirts, gingham shirts or even a blazer for the college professor look.

    Mix with relaxed, slim & skinny denim and chinos
    Keep for casual/street occasions only
    Maintain to ensure they stay clean and respectable
    Best suited to younger men

Refined Luxury Sneakers
My personal favourite is the luxury take on the basic sneaker. These beautiful specimens have allowed sneakers to jump from street casual to smart casual without looking like they belong on a teenage boy. They can be worn with tailored trousers, slim denim, chinos and in some cases even casual unstructured suiting. I tend to avoid wearing them with shorts, as these sneakers are quite often bulky in comparison to the basic canvas sneakers. Keep it refined on top to match the shoe. Basic t-shirts, smart shirts and polos are all great options. For a more distinct look, opt for a shirt with a slim or knit tie, a blazer and some slim denim.

    Dress up, not down
    Start with black, then purchase other colours
    Take extra care with suede and don’t wear it too often
    Try brighter pairs for summer / European holidays

Classic Sports Sneakers

Sneakerheads, unite! These babies started the sneaker revolution that we have today. Jordans, Pumps, 90s – these are your street-going, hip-hop kicks that are just popping with colour. The idea with classic sports sneakers is to find a couple that complement your style and purchase a few pairs in different colours. Slim- and tapered-fit denim, loose t-shirts (with or without prints) and casual outerwear are your essential staples when it comes to dressing these sneakers. Pair them with chino shorts for an easy win in summer. The key is to find the balance between hip-hop artist and everyday citizen. Some guys like to rock a snap back – that’s up to you. Personally, I like to colour match my sneakers with what I’m wearing on top, to give the look a sense of purpose and cohesiveness.

    Find a few styles you like and stick to them
    Colour match if you can
    Pin roll, or rock with khaki chinos when it’s warm
    Sell them on eBay if you don’t like them

 
High-Fashion Designer Sneakers

Expensive and not for the faint of heart, these top end sneakers are getting louder and more in-your-face every season. For an example of someone who wears them well consistently, look to Kanye West. A common approach to wearing these sneakers matches them with slim denim that’s often gathered at the bottom and t-shirts with open plaid shirts. There’s also the parisian style, which includes long and drapey blazers and singlets that add even more edge to the look. Black denim is a must-own item as well as longer, looser fit t-shirts.

    Stick with blacks, whites and mute colours
    Let the sneakers to the talking
    Denim is your best friend