SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gowns: My Top 10 Best Gowns!

Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Gown Fab: Some of my top favorite gowns from the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

The 65th Annual Miss USA beauty pageant is under way in Las Vegas Nevada with the finals occurring this Sunday at the just-opened T-Mobile Arena. This Wednesday, the ever-important Preliminary Competition happened. This is where the contestants vying for the 2016 Miss USA crown and sash competed in Swimsuit and Evening Gown in front of a panel of judges (different from the Final night judges) to determine the Top 15 Semi-finalists who will be announced on Sunday night's live finals.

Gown Gals: Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Competition, Las Vegas Nevada

This year there are 52 contestants (as opposed to the usual 51 contestants covering the 50 US states plus the District of Columbia) with the 52nd one being "Miss 52 USA". This was a marketing/pr/promotional campaign organized by the Miss Universe Organization and fashion company Sherri Hill (who is a sponsor of the pageant) to pick a 52nd contestant to compete in the 2016 Miss USA pageant. Now, getting back to the subject at hand (Pageant Gowns!!)...as you know, I'm a big "pageant fan" and love discussing "Pageant Gowns" here on my blog so, naturally, it's time to review my picks for the Best Gowns of the 2016 Miss USA Preliminaries, beginning with my favorite one:

Miss South Dakota USA Madison McKeown: Out of the 52 contestants vying for this year's 2016 Miss USA title, in terms of evening gowns, Miss South Dakota SHUT IT DOWN. When she appeared onstage, I immediately knew that we had gone into non-Sherri Hill Couture Territory! Madison wore an ivory silk crepe gown that had an attached dramatic cape. She OWNED the stage and runway. The gown featured a hand-painted dip-dye of blue and silver. It fit her perfectly and well, she brought the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition to a new Haute level.

Score: 9.9

Not surprisingly, the gown was created by Lebanon-based Couturier Tony Ward...

Tony Ward Couture Fall/Winter 2015/2016: The gown is from his Fall/Winter Haute Couture collection which he showed in Paris. Normally a Couture gown like this (it has to be pre-ordered and normally, hand-made), can cost about $50,000-$75,000. It is usually a one-of-a-kind creation (or maybe 5-of-a-kind!). I would be interested to know if in fact the lovely Miss South Dakota USA paid such an amount for this Haute Couture creation and if not, if the Tony Ward Couture people were kind enough to let her borrow the sample. Comparing the length of the sample worn by the runway model vs. the lovely Madison McKeown, it certainly does not look like the runway sample since the length of the column gown (in the white section) seems much longer (I assume the runway model is 6 feet as opposed to Miss South Dakota's 5' 8" height) so...was it customized for Miss South Dakota? And for free? Inquiring Pageant Gown Bloggers want to know (i.e. Me!).

Miss District of Columbia USA Deshauna Barber: I loved this golden gown worn by Miss District of Columbia USA. The dress was designed by Juan Carlos Pinera and featured a nude organza base with gold metallic criss-cross detail. In addition, it had an iridescent organza attached overskirt which was a BIG TREND of the night and I will cover that in a separate blog post for sure! Nevertheless, this was one of the most outstanding gowns of the night.

Score: 9.78

Miss Georgia USA Emanii Davis: One of my favorite gowns of the Miss USA 2016 preliminaries was this ivory design worn by Miss Georgia USA. Emanii wore this crepe column gown that had a sequined shoulder detail and chiffon cape. I thought she looked regal and goddess-like. I also loved her styling (the slicked-back chignon was VERY "Miss Venezuela" fab!). If there was any criticism, the bust had awkward fit issues (that's for another blog!). The gown was from Sherri Hill Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week (as I am sure lots of others were, since the company is after all, one of the major sponsors).

Score: 9. 60

Miss Alabama USA Peyton Brown: Peyton wore this white with gold sequin trim "Grecian Goddess"-inspired gown. I thought it was an impressive showing and great gown design. The fit was perfect and I think she nailed the "Fashion" and "Pageant" components.

Score: 9.50

Miss Louisiana USA Maaliyah Papillion: Maaliyah made me yell an "Oh Dear!" when I saw her during the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries as I watched online...and for good! I thought that this was a sexy, brave choice for the stunning Miss Louisiana USA beauty. The black gown featured a lace sequined-and-see-though column with an organza overskirt (there's THAT overskirt!) but more importantly, the gown had an attached leotard. This is something that we have seen from some Haute Couture designers such as Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab in the past years and while, sometimes, it may look a bit "Uh Oh!", here it worked.

Score: 9. 55

Miss Minnesota USA Bridget Jacobs: Bridget wore this silver and ivory sequined gown to Wednesday night's Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. The gown looked elegant, expensive and fit well. I also LOVED the capelet detail. It was also nice to see a gown NOT featuring a super-high slit and OVERSKIRT (hello!). Oh, and it was the correct length (no tacky platform heels showing too much!). The design was a version of a Sherri Hill design shown on the Fall/Winter 2016 NY Fashion Week runway. 

Score: 9. 50

Miss Wisconsin USA Kate Redeker: I am normally not so much a fan of a typical "pageant princess"-like gown such as this one worn by Miss Wisconsin USA but...I really liked this dress. The gown was a midnight blue-colored design with a pointed velvet bustier and iridescent organza gathered full ballgown skirt. She looked classic and like a princess. I also thought her styling--makeup, earrings and that super-chic chignon--were EXCELLENT! The gown design was shown during the Sherri Hill Fall 2016 NY Fashion Week show in a different color way--modeled by the current Miss USA Olivia Jordan (lower photo above).

Score: 9. 45

Miss Pennsylvania USA Elena La Quatra: Miss Pennsylvania USA wore this silver sequined gown which I thought was worthy of my Top Ten inclusion. I thought the design was very pretty, elegant and gown-sublime. I loved the delicate shoulder details and the nude-over-sequin design worked well. I also give her props for having the gown be the proper length and not showing the shoes.

Score: 9.30

Miss Kentucky USA Kyle Hornback: First off, I LOVED the bright canary yellow color of this ballgown. To be frank, Miss Kentucky USA did not have much runway grace while showcasing this gown at the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries (she was close to looking like a truck driver attempting walk the runway!) but I did like this gown and design; it was impressive and impacting. I also liked her styling with the sleek center-part hair and minimal jewelry sans the earrings. Now, if someone could just teach her how to walk like a DIVA in this DIVA-worthy gown.

Score: 9. 25

Finally...

  

Miss New Jersey USA Jessielyn Plumbo: I was very impressed with Miss New Jersey USA and her choice of this gold mermaid-style gown for the Miss USA 2016 Preliminaries. While the style isn't anything extraordinary or Haute Couture-worthy, it was impacting on the stage and the gold sequin fabric worked fabulously with her tan coloring and blond hair. Therefore, her gown made my Top ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition.

Score: 9.20

**UP NEXT: My "Uh Oh" List of Breast-a-Licious Pads, Feather Cray-Cray, and Tacky Stripper Heels of the Miss USA 2016 Preliminary Competition!



Here's a hint:

Pageant No-No's

Your Ultimate Guide to The Best DIY #GirlBoss Halloween Costumes

Your Ultimate Guide to The Best DIY #GirlBoss Halloween Costumes

The countdown has officially begun… 

Less than two weeks before Halloween night! So you're now down to the last details of all of those Halloween parties you planned on hosting/attending but you haven't decided on a costume just yet? 

Thankfully there’s an array of options that exist within our favourite movies and television shows. Between DC comics, cartoons networks (Space Jam, we’re lookin’ right at you) and the endless high school archetypes (Well hello there, Cher Horowitz!), there are just so many fictional characters to choose from and today, I rounded up my top 5 characters from cult films and pop culture to inspire you for a stand-out Halloween costume!

1. Karla Colletto Basics Round-Neck One-Piece Swimsuit, $207 | 2. Baywatch Lifeguard Inflatable Buoy, $14,95 | 3. Baywatch Lifeguard Baithing Suit patch, $7,47 | 4. Bumble and bumble Surf Spray, $31 | 5. Vita Liberata Trystal Self Tanning Bronzing And Kabuki Brush Duo, $68 | 6. Vita Liberata pHenomenal 2-3 Week Tan Mousse & Tanning Mitt Duo, $105 | 7. APL Prism Running Shoes, $300

If you've been living under a rock for the past few months and didn't get the 411 on Baywatch coming back to your home screens (starring Zac Efron and The Rock, major YAS!),  it is time to get on with the program ;) The iconic 90's sitcom which has inspired generations might just be your best pick for a solo or squad costume this year. This one is easy enough to put together straight from your (or your mom's) closet and surprisingly, lets you show a lot of skin or no skin at all!

If you plan on spending most of your evening out, try wearing nude stockings under your red suit and a red/white, varsity-like bomber jacket over it so you don't get too cold. A nice blowout set with Bumble and bumble's sea salt spray will get you the perfect beach hair while a few coats of Vita Liberata tanning mousse will give your skin a nice, natural sun-kissed tone.

1. 1 STATE Strappy Slip V-Neck Dress, $160,46 | 2. Eliza J Faux Mink Fur Coat, $314,51 | 3. Long Cigarette Holder, $4,39 | 4. GYBest Long Opera Length Red Satin Gloves, $8,99 | 5. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red, $26 | 6. ALDO Red 'Stessy' Pointed-Toe Pumps, $45 | 7. Temporary Frosty White Hair Dye For Dark And Light Hair - Set of 6, $13,13 | 8. L'Oréal Professionnel Hairchalk And Applicator - Black Tie, $22,66

Although she ruled with terror and wickedness, classic Cruella, from the beloved 1961 cartoon to the early 2000's Glenn Close adaptation, has always been a leading lady and a queen of style. Exuding undeniable self-confidence and sophistication, she was all about extravagant fashion yet, achieving such a look happens to be more of a breeze than you'd think... 

Aside from her infamous oversized, exuberant fur coats, the woman was all about basics: a midi-lenght, black slip dress, red pumps, matching opera gloves and her iconic longer-than-life cigarette holder. Beauty-wise, a very dramatic black and white hair dye does the tricks and deep, bloody red lips complete this Cruella De Vil inspired Halloween costume.

1. 'Lola Bunny' Tune Squad Jersey + Shorts, $44,99 | 2. Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish, $50 | 3. Topshop Spot Mesh Bunny Ears, $9 | 4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Limited Edition in Surreal Light, $95 | 5. Jordan Legacy Men's Basketball, $35 | 6. Air Jordan 1 Mid WB GG (GS) "LOLA BUNNY", $109 | 7. Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Sapphire' Bunny Scrunchie, $21

Another fun way to get a little looney this year is to dress up as one of your favourite childhood cartoons character, Lola Bunny from Space Jam. Lola is a boss lady and is not afraid to speak her mind, or tell you to your face not to call her doll!

Channel Lola's sporty vibe with a replica of her Tune Squad ball uniform, a cute pair of bunny ears and a clear complexion with gorgeous highlights. If you want to go all-the-way, head over to Flight Club to scope a pair of the popular Air Jordan 1 'Lola Bunny' sneakers and be ready to hit the courts with your own Tune Squad teammates.

1. Bobeau White 'Poplin' Boyfriend Shirt, $67,59 | 2. AG Jeans Sulfur Black 'The Kinsley' Bottoms, $225 | 3. H&M Black Ballet Flats, $10 | 4. ThirdLove 24/7 Black Lace T-shirt Bra, $72 | 5. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Underage Red, $26 | 6. ASOS Halloween Black Faux Hair Wig, $25 | 7. Fake Cigarettes, $4,66

Now, if you wanna talk easy-to-put-together and inexpensive Halloween costume, Uma Thurman's Mia Wallace character from Pulp Fiction is your gal! The black hair vixen was anything but conventional and loved to have fun her way.

To make a good Jack Rabbit Slims twist contest Mia Wallace, all you need are three basics: a white button down, boyfriend shirt, a pair of black wide-leg, ankle skinnies and a simple black ballet flat. Add on Uma's infamous black, pageboy-style wig and you'll be Quentin Tarantino's latest muse in no time flat.

1. Yellow Tartan Blazer and Skirt Set, $115 | 2. Hobbs 'Aubrey' Yellow Cardigan, $60 | 3. Kendall + Kylie White Cutout Back Long Sleeve Crop Top, $231 | 4. Forever 21 Over-The-Knee Socks, $6 | 5. Forever 21 White Perforated Faux Leather Bucket Bag, $32 | 6. ALTERNA Haircare 'Caviar' Volume Duo Kit, $67 | 7. Kylie Cosmetics 'Ginger' Lip Kit, $29

If you don't think matching plaid skirt suits are acceptable on the daily, Oct. 31st is the time to put together your best Cher Horowitz Halloween costume. With the 90’s back in full force, creating a totall Clueless costume is now super easy...

Yellow tartan coordinates really are the key elements of this outfit. As for the rest, anything goes! I recommend keeping it classic as Cher would; matching cardigan and white accessories (mary-jane's, knee-high socks and backpack). On the beauty front, a casual blowout with a bit of volume is always on trend and pink lips must be lined. Don't forget to chew gum for the valley aesthetic!

1. American Apparel Black Metallic Long Sleeve 'Classic' Bodysuit, $39 | 2. American Apparel Black Shiny High-Waist Legging, $45 | 3. DUNE Sibyl thigh-high leather boots, $195 | 4. Long Black Satin Gloves, $60 | 5. Topshop Lace Cat Ears, $14 | 6. Topshop Lace Crown Mask, $15 | 7. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick in Prayer, $26

Last but not least, Catwoman will forever be one of the best Halloween costumes out there. I’m just fascinated with how she can be a villain one second, then a hero the next. She is the ultimate #GirlBoss!

This classic badass costume can be easily reproduced with elements of your own wardrobe like pleather legging and a matching bodysuit although, for an authentic look, I would advise you to purchase an actual PVC onepiece. This is without a doubt the most characteristic element of this feline heroin and what makes her so sexy and sensual. The rest is simple: over-the-knee leather boots (as anyone should already own since they've been hugely popular this season!), black dramatic leather gloves, black eye mask and cat ears.

The post Your Ultimate Guide to The Best DIY #GirlBoss Halloween Costumes appeared first on PBTH **

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Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns--The Most Improved!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Competition Evening Gowns--The Most Improved!

Different...and Better...Gowns:



First, I talked about my "Nick Top Favoritas" of the Miss Universe 2012 Preliminary Evening Gowns, then I spoke of the "Oh Dear's!" of the bunch, and now...we have arrived at my last Miss Universe 2012 Prelimin Post. This time I decided to highlight the lovely ladies whom I call "Most Improved". Many of the contestants switched their gowns--from what they wore for the Miss Universe "Evening Gown Portraits" to wearing a totally different gown for the Preliminaries. But this particular group of girls here went from being in my "Oh Dear!" group in my Evening Gown Portrait Recap to "Much Better!" during last Thursday night's Preliminaries. So, let's begin:

Miss Ecuador Carolina Aguirre: the very beautiful Carolina went from "Pageant Betty in Purple" in the Evening Gown Portrait (top photo) to modern sexy Lady In Red. Her hair is better, and more importantly, her red shimmery lace over nude and red satin gown is MUCHO better. Definitely one of the Most improved!

Miss Canada Adwoa Yamoah: Another lovely contestant who went from "Pageant Betty circa 1988" (in her Evening Gown Portrait gown at top photo) to "Fearless and Fab" (in the above photo at the Preliminaries) is Canada's representative, Adwoa. The peach mermaid gown was so typical and looked straight out of a Pageant & prom Shop--in Alabama. Thank goodness she changed to this white sexy fitted gown with an asymmetrical neckline. The white against her skin looked AMAZING and this shape and style definitely put her in the 21st century of Pageant Gowns. Welcome my dear! As Heidi Klum would say "You're In!"

Miss Angola Marcelina Vahekeni: What a difference a DIFFERENT gown--and new styling--makes! In the top photo--from the Miss Universe Website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits", she looked like she was competing in MRS. America 1996. But in the new red sequined lace over nude gown with one long sleeve and side slit...she became one SEXY Hot Miss Angola 2012! This was modern, fresh and yes, sexy-licious!

Miss China Ji Dan Xu: In my "Pageant Betty" posting of the Evening Gown portraits, I suggested that the top photo gown she wore may have been too Pageant Betty typical. And it was. I thought she could do better. And yes, she did when it came to last Thursday's Preliminaries. This time, she changed into a coral-colored sequined lace over nude (a popular choice with these girls!) column-style gown featuring asymmetrical applique cut-out's around the neckline. I thought this choice was softer, prettier, dare I say, younger. If she makes it to the Semi-Finalis during next week's LIVE NBC Telecast, I would still love to see her change...into something more Couture Fab...like this:

Zuhair Murad Couture Fall 2012

Miss Curacao Monifa Jansen: Wow, look at what a change of gown does to one lovely contestant. Here we have Miss Universe Curacao. The top photo shows what she wore for her Evening Gown Portrait in the Miss Universe Website. I thought it was verging on being "Dancing With the Stars" meets Bad Figure Skating Costume. Well, she must have read my posting because now in the above photo (what she wore two nights ago for the Preliminaries), she was almost a completely different person! Her hair was down, her makeup was softer, and yes, she wore a non tacky-licious gown. This golden beige iridescent organza gown had nice fullness and featured a gather bustier top section. it wasn't Couture "earth-shaking" but at least, much improved from before.

Miss Paraguay Egni Eckert: Hello Egni and bienvenida to the ""Most improved" Category! Again: what a (good) change! Before, what she wore--and how her hair was styled--made her look like Adrianne Maloof's (from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills") doppelganger. She looked like she was 45 years old and getting ready to attend her own wedding in Mullholland Estates Beverly Hills. But thank goodness (once again) someone whispered in her ear and suggested to not do that "Evening Gown Portrait" look and she listened! I love how she looked on Thursday night at the all-important Preliminary Competition in this sea-foam Habotai silk gown with silver sequin over nude illusion top section. Her hair looked A MILLION times better. One of the Most Improved for sure.



Finally...

Miss St. Lucia Tara Edward: For her "Evening Gown Portrait" (top photo), she made the mistake a lot of these girls make (for whatever reasons) in that they wear a gown that is too short on them. And unfortunately, there is no wardrobe stylist or fashion person like moi around them...to tell them that! In that coral-colored dress, she looked like the 10th Runner-Up in a local beauty pageant. We want her to look like THE WINNER! And I have to say, her choice of the purple-colored satin gown with gathered ruffle detail was MUCH IMPROVED (above photo, from the Preliminaries). The color looks much sleeker on her, the cut is more becoming and yes kids, it's the right length! Thank you Miss St. Lucia and Congrats for being one of the "Most Improved"!



***Next Up: The Best of the Miss Universe 2012 National Costume Presentation Show: The Parade of Nations....Here We Come!!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Cup of China 2012--Ice Dance Costume Recap!

Figure Skating Costume Minute--Cup of China 2012--Ice Dance Costume Recap!

Cirque du Soleil, Can Can, Two-Steppin' Dancing Queens and Princes...Say Hello to Ice Dance:

Can Can Love: Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat of France skating their Short Dance, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2012/2013 Cup of China, Shanghai China

If you've been keeping up with my little ol' blog here, I've been recapping the Figure Skating Costumes at this past weekend's ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2012 Cup of China, which happened at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center in (you guessed it!) Shanghai China. I've discussed the Men HERE, the Pairs HERE, the Women HERE and now, it's time to give my "Nick Two Cents" on the Ice Dancers, always one of the most fun disciplines when it comes to fashion and costumes.

Ekaterina Bobrova and Dmitri Soloviev of Russia: When I first saw these costumes, I thought, "Are they skating to a Disney film?". Then after a little research, I found out that for their "polka/waltz" Short Dance, they actually skated to "Say a Word About the Poor Hussar" by Andrei Petrov and music from the Air Crew soundtrack by Alfred Schnittke. Now,  I was still a bit perplexed because I had no idea what these songs were from. More research and I found out that the second "Air Crew" one is from a Russian film about an airplane crash (Ummm, OK...) but then I found out that the first song (Hussar) is from a Russian comedy/drama historical/period TV movie:

BINGO! That's why they are dressed liken that!! Yeayyy...

He was the officer and looked dapper, polished and strong. I especially loved the bold red stripes set against the white pants which made for nice lines to look at as they skated and especially, when extending his legs.  She was the ultra soft, feminine counterpart and looked romantic and pretty.

For the Free Dance to "Man with a Harmonica" from the Once Upon a Time in the West soundtrack by Ennio Morricone, they went the polar opposite of what they wore for their Short Dance--modern, contemporary looks that seem to be quite the trend with a lot of Ice Dancers as of late; they do the "costumes" in their Short and go a little more contemporary for their Free.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates of USA:  For their "Polka/Waltz" Short Dance, these two cuties from the US skated to Selections from Quidam by Cirque du Soleil:

On the IceNetwork.com site, it says that Madison designed the costumes for both the Short and Free Dance for this season. I liked these "Cirque" costumes. The colors were impacting, vibrant and perfect for the dance. Like Joshi Helgesson of Sweden, it is a bit over the top, but she looked sexy and still "Soleil" fun. I also liked Evan's slim. fitted velvet midnight blue-colored costume, although I'm not a huge fan of the "all-in-one" costume. While I think it works with Madison's costume, it is a little "Costume Store" looking for my taste.

For their Free Dance, Chock and Bates danced to Selections from Doctor Zhivago composed by Maurice Jarre. I like the striking black and white colors but I am always afraid of white dresses with figure skating especially when the makeup rubs up against it. I think they look clean and safe with their costumes here, I only wished they might have "punched" them up a bit more; these costumes need a little more "pizzazz". His especially--it looks like a weird hybrid of a Roman toga/Russian soldier. Again, I think they wanted to go a bit softer, especially after what they showed for their Short Dance. And, as I stated above, they certainly are on trend with the more minimal, modern aesthetic of the Free Dance. I just wish they were a little less minimal and a bit more modern.

Charlene Guignard and Marco Fabbri of Italy: OK, let me get this out of the way: LOOOVE! When I saw them step into the ice to do their Short Dance, I think I quietly exclaimed "Now, these are Costumes!". For their Short Program, they skated to a Waltz sung by Luciano Pavarotti and a Polka by Strauss. These two looked like they came out of a Vienna Austria dinner theatre and straight onto the Shanghai ice! These costumes blend camp, color, and actual historical period costumes and do it superbly.

I especially love the back "lace up" detail of her intricate corset and how the gold was brought back to his ensemble in the trim. Well done Italia!

For their Free Dance to "Summer" and "Winter" from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi, Guignard and Fabbri they went the semi-contemporary route (Che Sorpresa!). It was a nice counterbalance from their previous Short Dance costumes. I like the sequined multicolored butterfly motif in her dress. It looks like a pretty DVF cocktail dress but still seems costume-y enough for a dance like this.

Victoria Sinitsina and Ruslan Zhiganshin of Russia: Let's see, I wonder what type of music these two kids skated to?? I hope it wasn't Tchaikovsky "Swan Lake"....And I was right (not a difficult guess!), Sinitsina and Zhiganshin skated their "Polka/Waltz" Short Dance to "Tennessee Waltz" by Eva Cassidy and
"Country Polka".  I always love when another country does "US Country and Western" and takes it to a whole other level! These outfits were fun, "Line Dancing"-festive and impacting with the colors and details; such as her ribbon lacing on the sides, puffy sleeves and her ombre dyeing effect. I also love his faded denim vest and jean look. He looks pretty HOT and I would warn him to be careful if he ever mistakenly ends up at a Gay Rodeo. He will be MOBBED!

Nathalie Pechalat and Fabian Bourzat of France: Pechalat and Bourzat won the Gold Medal at this past weekend's Cup of China 2012 and Congrats to them. For their "Polka/Waltz" Short Dance to "Gaite Parisienne" by Jacques Offenbach and "Sous le ciel de Paris" performed by Yves Montand. They went Can-Can Fab with their costumes, giving a cheeky homage to their home nation, but at the same time looking like a pair of extras in a Clint Eastwood Western Movie. I liked the fuchsia and black color contrast. Notice how they used a little bit of her fuchsia on his vest's welt pockets. I also like his turned-down French Cuff.  Good clean "Can-Can" Costume fun.

For their Free Dance--once again like may of the other Ice Dance competitors--they went "Anti-Costume" and donned more contemporary looks. Pechalat and Bourzat skated to "Miss You," "Angie," "Symphony for the Devil" and "Start Me Up" by The Rolling Stones. Their "costumes", if you could call them that were what I would call "Boho Hippie Chick Meets 'Survivor' Reality Show Contestants". It was a bit of a mish-mash.

She wore a cami-like tunic top (or was it a dress) that was a teeny bit short and her black panties kept showing whenever a turn or a lift occurred. The panties were cute but..it was still  distracting to say the least. She had accessories on her forehead and a long dangling necklace that I guess were there to reiterate the "Hippie" part but they looked a bit contrived. He looked like he belonged in a "Jesus Christ Superstar" revival. To sum it up: I wasn't a fan. But who cares, they got the Gold! Although, let's just say, I really, really miss this:

Pechalat and Bourzat's costumes from last season's "Mummy and Pharaoh" themed Free Dance. I so wish there was a way to bring these back! S'il vous plaît