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 th 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

Bargain Beauties love a sale!!! But just because something is on clearance doesn’t mean we need to buy it. Before filling our shopping cart, we make sure each item meets our criteria. It’s an easy approach that you can try too: Fit, Function & Fashion!

FIT: How many times have we bought those jeans that were just a bit snug, telling ourselves we’d lose a couple pounds to make it work? The only thing we lost…our hard earned money! If it fits, it sticks. If not, throw it out.

FUNCTION: The best items to purchase are those that can be worn many different ways, on mutiple occasions and through several seasons. Be honest with yourself when considering how much use you’ll get from a garment.

FASHION: Splurge on the classic items that will take you far, and throw in a few key trendy items each new season. And remember that fashion is supposed to be fun! So feel free to experiment with looks and find your unique personal style.

There are some great perks to being a pageant coach.  First, we get to help our clients reach success.  Second, we get to play dress up for a living.  And third, we get some really cool media opportunities as pageant & beauty experts.  One such perk was working with the team at Jimmy Kimmel Live.  The writers were struggling as they created a Toddlers & Tiaras spoof with Tom Hanks for their Oscar Special.  When we got the call, we were ecstatic and of course we were up for the challenge!!  We choreographed a dance for Tom’s “daughter”, we helped cast the other characters, and we gave the writers an inside look into the wonderfully crazy world of pageantry.  The skit turned out great!!  And we were there on set go make sure everything went smoothly.  Take a look at the video and let us know what you think!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPLWKBWkn3s

Last night Cristina and I were lucky enough to attend a fundraiser event at Terry Rossio’s home (writer/producer of  Shrek, Pirates of the Caribbean, The Mask of Zorro among many others).  The festivities took place at Terry’s gorgeous home in Topanga Canyon…it was a crisp fall night, and Cristina and I were terribly underdressed for the weather, but we thought warm thoughts, and enjoyed the full moon which beautifully illuminated the celebrity party-goers.

Besides rubbing elbows with tinsletowns elite, we also sat down for an entertaining Real TV Films interview with Spencer Garrett (an actor best known for roles in Transformers-Revenge of the Fallen and Public Enemies.  The star-studded get together was actually an effort to raise money for a short film that Garrett will be appearing in, and which is starring the beautiful Shevaun Kastl, called Conversations with Lucifer.  And though Spencer was pretty hush-hush about his role and other details regarding the film, he certainly piqued our interest and we will anxiously await the premier.  But in the meantime, we can all enjoy the videos that Gordon Vasquez from Real TV Films has produced, documenting the making of the film through interviews (http://www.realtvfilms.com/conversations-with-lucifer-the-concept.html).

Besides being terribly fun, last night was just another reminder that Sashes and Crowns Pageant Coachingis in the right place, doing the right thing.  The entertainment biz is never easy to break into, or maintain presence in, and it’s always encouraging to meet actors and television personalities who have stuck it out and experienced longevity…just as we also hope to attain.  ~Tara Darby

Cristina Nardozzi and Tara Darby with Spencer Garrett