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

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.

Contact Marinda to order yours today: mspeelman@ltdkate.com

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

November 15, Santa Monica, CA- Last Minute Miss CA USA and Miss Teen CA USA 2010 Bootcamp $200

December 12, Santa Monica, CA- Little Miss & Mister Pageantry Workshop $100 (12 and under)

February 6-7, Phoenix, AZ- The Hollywood Weekend Workshop- Breaking into the Business $500 (all ages)

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

Several months later, here we are doing the very thing we set out to do. There were many times along the way that I would get impatient or anxious, but it just couldn’t be rushed, not if it was going to be done right. We had both coached girls before, but there’s something to be said for strength in numbers. And although there are just the two of us, I know that together we are doubly committed to our clients, and with twice the experience and know-how to share, we offer a service that is particularly unique. These days Cristina and I have even more in common; we’re across the street neighbors, friends, entrepreneurs and now business partners… moving onward and upward!