Miss Arkansas USA Helen Wisner and Miss California USA Cassandra Kunze During the Miss USA 2014

Slit Happy: Miss Arkansas USA Helen Wisner and Miss California USA Cassandra Kunze during the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition, Baton Rouge River Center Baton Rouge Louisiana

In my last post HERE, I discussed my Top Ten Best Gown Picks from the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition. Now, it's time to talk about the contestants's who I wished "Could Have Been Better" and the "Slit Happy" ones...

Now, to begin with there weren't that many "Oh No She Didn't!" gown moments so this isn't the post for the "Worst"; like I said, these just could have been better...Shall we begin:

Miss Mississippi USA Chelsea Reardon: The lovely Chelsea wore a different gown than what she wore for the "Evening Gown Portraits" (right photo). And it wasn't any better. While she chose a popular white/ivory color, and the gown isn't bad at all, it's just a little dated and unoriginal. And in terms of styling, she was ill-advised with the ageing hair up-do and too-big earrings.

Miss New Mexico USA Kamryn Blackwood: I put the pretty Kamryn in my "Uh Oh!" list for what she wore for the Gown Portraits and unfortunately, she wore the same dress for the Preliminaries on Wednesday night. It's waaay too tacky-licious; the exposed midriff, the too-close-to-a-wardrobe-malfunction bandeau one- shoulder top...It's screams "Oh Dear!" and definitely Could Have Been Better.

Miss Rhode Island USA Christina Palavra: One of the youngest contestants at the Miss USA 2-14 pageant (she's 19!), she makes a very strong impression with her exotic skin coloring, hair and height (she's 5' 11"). But with this royal blue velvet gown with long sleeves and silver sequined applique, she's not gaining any style fans. The gown is very Mother-of-the-Bride circa 1996 and it just doesn't do her any favors. I'm liking the red and gold "Bollywood"-like concoction she wore for the Gown Portraits (right photo) better. Christina DEFINITELY could have been better.

Miss Tennessee USA Kristy Landers Niedenfuer: Nashville-native Kristy was ready for the Grand Ole Opry in the black and emerald green sequin applique halter gown she wore on Wednesday night's Preliminaries. It was a Gown Change from what she wore for the Gown Portraits (right photo) and I kinda wished she would have NOT changed. The Preliminaries gown looked dated and very "Pageant Betty".

Miss Utah USA Angelia Layton: First off, it's not a bad looking gown--this royal blue Mermaid-shaped strapless dress. It's just not right for Angelia. The Crest-White Strips smile and too-perfectly blond hair scream "Pageant Betty". The entire look is a little dated. She wore this same gown for the Gown portraits and I just wished she would have gone for something more modern.



And now, the SLIT HAPPY Ladies:

Miss Arkansas USA Helen Wisner: OK, foirst off, I wasn't much of a fan of what she wore for the Gown Portraits (those boobie pads were not cute!) and for the Prelims, the beautiful Helen decided to continue the "I-Am-Too-sexy" vibe with this teal green gown with WAAAY too plunging neckline and too high of a side front slit. She's got a SLAMMIN' body, however, there are other more subtle ways of showing it.

Miss California USA Cassandra Kunze: Oh Cassandra. Why? I (kind ) lliked the copper/gold sequined strapless gown you wore for the Gown Portraits) but for the Preliminary Competition, you decided to show too much leg and too much boobie cleavage: it's a little too "Real Housewives of Orange County". And I HATE seeing those nude too-platform heels: #HideThem.

Miss Maryland USA Taylor Burton: Taylor wore a blush-colored sequined gown with a crystal neckband and very high front side slit. I wish she would have just worn the strawberry gown she wore for the Gown Portrait. A pet peeve of mine is seeing the rippled wrinkled mess that is the inside lining. Someone should have pressed and/or steamed that thang! ASAP.

Miss Vermont USA Gina Bernasconi: I think Gina is so beautiful. She wore this same gown for the Gown Portraits in the Miss USA website. It's OK. And yeah, that's it. This gorgeous woman deserves better, than this. She tries to make it sexy with that slit but take the slit away and it;'s a dress for an older Mother-of-the-Bride.

Miss West Virginia USA Charisse Haislop: Finally, it's time for Charisse. She's definitely a "Slit Happy" girl in this gown. It's not a bad gown but I am a little over the halter/key-hole combo. The gown style is just rather dated and very early 2000's. I just want to see a bit more up-to-date modern Couture styles from these girls. And then there's those tacky platform heels. Seriously???



***THIS SUNDAY the Finals for the Miss USA 2014 Pageant....Stay tuned for my Miss USA 2014 Final Telecast Gown Review!!!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits, The "Uh Oh!" and "Too Mucheey!"

Miss New Mexico USA (left) Kamryn Blackwood and Miss Utah USA (right) Angelia Layton: One is an "Uh Oh!" and the other, "Too Mucheey!"--can you tell the difference? keep reading...

In my last post, I discussed my "Nick Top Picks" of the the Evening Gowns featured in the Miss USA 2014 Evening Gown Portraits. Now, it's time for the "Uh Oh!" gowns. To begin with, surprisingly, there weren't many; after all this isn't the "Miss World" pageant where some of those lovely girls from not-so-pageant savvy nations (Bless Their Hearts!) wear these Tacky-licicous concoctions more appropriate for my "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding" as opposed to winning an international beauty crown. But still, there were several 'Uh Oh's" here. In addition to these, I also want to highlight what I call the "Too Mucheey!" gowns--gowns that were A LOT and probably more right for riding on top of a Carnival--or Gay Pride--Parade Float...With that said, let's get to it:



Let's begin with the "Uh Oh!":

Miss New Mexico USA Kamryn Blackwood: Oh Kamryn, she's a lovely girl for sure. On the plus side, her hair looks un-Pageant Betty and up-to-date, and she didn't pile on the jewelry. However (big however!), she wore THIS gown. This plum-colored gown is HOOCHIE and better for the AVN Awards (sorry) than for running for Miss USA; it's too revealing, too cut-out and about one inch away from a "wardrobe malfunction".

Gown Score: 4.2

Miss Virginia USA Arielle Rosmarino: I think this particular gown could have been 'passable" if it didn't have that jeweled arm "attachment". A) What Is that? And B) What is THAT??? Seriously. She is 2 years away from looking like a tacky "Real Housewife of Atlanta"...in Virginia!

Gown score: 4.4

Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero: I am actually on the fence in regards to this gown choice for the pretty Amanda. on one hand, I appreciate that she chose a non structured drape-y jersey style and I like the bold coral color. Her hair, makeup and jewelry are OK as well. I think it's the too-plunging cowl back that gets me. I LOVE a plunging open back but this is one inch too close to her you-know-what (what's the female version of a "plumber's butt?").

Gown Score: 7.0

Miss Arkansas USA Helen Wisner: While I appreciate the major Sexi-licious factor in this gown and I love the silver crystals strewn throughout the illusion top portion of this gown, it's a bit "Too Mucheey" in it's "I-AM-the-Woman-who-is-having-an-affair-with-your-Huzzband". And I just do not like the "boobie" pads on the dress that are quiet visible; that's unacceptable.

Gown Score: 5.2



The Show-Me-Some-Leg Girls:

Miss West Virginia USA Charrise Haislop: Oh Charisse. Where do I begin? (maybe with that bumped up hair that screams 2003). Irregardless,  I will just discuss the gown: This is a gown from another decade--the keyhole halter look, the too high slit, those huge-platformed heels...She's such a pretty girl who is only 24 years old yet here she looks 47.

Gown Score: 5.6

Miss Georgia USA Tiana Griggs: Tiana is NOT playin' around in this gown--and with that hair, puckered lips and "I Will Cut You" look. This gown would have been FABULOUS in 1979. And on a good note, the sequin work is gorgeous. But in 2014, this gown looks dated and too "Showgirl". And once again, wrong shoes, she should wear no platform strappy heels.

Gown Score: 6.7



And now the "Ooooh GURL!/No You Didn't!":

Miss Idaho USA Ivette Bennett: I do love the bright neon yellow color of this chiffon and crepe satin gown. And the shape and fit are quite nice. But...it's just A LOT of dress and with that chiffon overskirt, seems best utilized for a costume in need of a feathered headdress.

Gown Score: 7.9

Miss Indiana USA Mekayla Diehl: This "OOOOH GURL!" section is about highlighting the gowns that are A LOT. And this one fits the bill. This lipstick red gathered Mermaid-silhouette gown is very Pageant Betty--you've got the Mermaid shape, the sweetheart neckline, the nude illusion inset, the off-the-shoulder...Oh, and then there's a sequined waist trim. If that wasn't enough, somehow she felt it was necessary to wear those earrings and deep red lipstick. GURL!!???

Gown Score: 7.2

Miss Massachusetts USA Caroline Lunny: One word: Wow. And I'm not sure if it's a good "wow". It's A LOT (that's why she's here). I know that someone like Eva Longoria has worn something like this (at Cannes) and gotten away with it (even with her teeny tiny frame). But it was COUTURE and silk and not rippling polyester. This gown is overwhelming. THE definition of "Too Mucheey". On a good note, I love her modern side-swept hairstyle and "nude" makeup.

Gown Score: 7.0

Miss Michigan USA Elizabeth Ivezaj: I think Elizabeth is so exotic and very pretty. She didn't need this "Too Mucheey" gown. First off, the colors are a little too "moody" and in combination with the heavy sequin applique and multi-tiered tulle, it's very "National Costume" as opposed to Evening Gown. Also, her "sisters" look smooshed.

Gown Score: 6.8

Miss Nevada USA Nia Sanchez: First off, Nia is GORGEOUS and I get why her "Glam Squad" (or Nia) chose this gown, in terms of its color; it works with her skin tone and hair. But...IT'S A LOT. You've got the nude illusion backing, the sequined applique and then (naturally), the over-the-top Mermaid shape and multi-tiered ruffled bottom half. Oh and of course, that wasn't enough so she also accessories with earrings. This is a Cha-Cha Queen dress and more suited for Miss Universe than Miss USA.

Gown Score: 8.0

Miss Utah USA Angelia Layton: And here's another "Too Mucheey" mermaid-shaped gown. It's definitely a trend at this year's Miss USA--or at least in the Prom-and-Pageant World. On a good note: her waist looks TEENY but I just feel that she didn't need this too-Mermaid dress; her "sisters" look smooshed (another Miss USA trend?) and I think it's better suited for a fabulous Drag Queen at the Rio de Janeiro Gay Pride.

Gown Score: 7.2

Miss Pennsylvania USA Valerie Gatto: I love the black lace-over-nude fabrication but...for some reason, the fabric with the silhouette and the too-low strapless sweetheart neckline--it just looks a little too "Real Housewives of (name a city)". The over-pouffed hairstyle does not help. This gown and girl needs some editing and de-pouffing.

Gown Score: 7.5



***Next Up...the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition--Highlights and Low Lights and (hopefully) some Gown Changes

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals, The Winner and Gown Recap!

A new Latina beauty: Aleyda Ortiz is crowned "Nuestra Belleza latina 2014" on Sunday night

This past Sunday night were the Finals of Univision's very popular Reality Competition Show "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014". Last week on my blog HERE, I discussed the Semi-Finals and Top Five Gowns and gave my prediction on who would probably win the 8th title. And yes, I was right...

 Third Puerto Rican...to win "Nuestra Belleza" crown: Aleyda Ortiz

To no one's surprise, the top crown went to Puerto Rican Aleyda Ortiz. The 1.76 M (5' 9 1/2") tall Aleyda was the front-runner from the beginning, the gorgeous beauty is an experienced pageant contestant, having won the First Runner-Up title of this year's Miss Universe Puerto Rico and also was First Runner-Up at Miss Intercontinental 2014. She now is the third woman of Puerto Rican descent to win the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" crown.

Swimsuit Perfect: Aleyda Ortiz "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014"

Along with winning the title, she gets a contract with Univision and becomes one of their TV personalities, a cash prize of $200,000 (no word on how she'll get that money--in terms of whether it's a one time check or she has to 'work" for that doing her Univision TV on-air duties), a cover in Cosmopolitan en Español and also gets to be one of the hosts of the popular Univision TV show, Sabado Gigante. Now, let's Recap the show and more importantly, the GOWNS!!!



The Show:

La Reina: Beauty Pageant "Czar" Osmel Sousa holds the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" crown--Intro Production of the "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014" Finals

Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Outfit Change Hosts: Chiquinquira Delgado (she hosts the Univision Spanish-speaking version of Dancing With The Stars "Mira Quien Baila", and was Miss Venezuela Flowers Queen 1990--she came in third place after Miss Venezuela and Miss World Venezuela at the Miss Venezuela 1990 beauty pageant) and Cuban-born actor/model Pedro Moreno--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Top Four Fantasy "Swimwear": During Sunday's Finals, the remaining four finalists modeled in a segment inspired by Disney's new film, Maleficent--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Josephine Ochoa: Josephine--who is of Guatemalan descent--eventually got the First Runner-Up title--here she is in the "Maleficent" catwalk segment--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Aleyda Ortiz--the winner--during her portion of the "Maleficent" segment--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals

Pageant Mentors:

Universal Mentors: These two former "Miss Universe" winners above--from Venezuela and Puerto Rico respectively, mentored and guided the "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014" contestants through the season of the reality competition beauty pageant show--Miss Universe 1996 from Venezuela, actor, singer, TV personality Alicia Machado (right, above pic), and Miss Universe 2001 from Puerto Rico Denise Quiñones (left, above pic)--Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Finals.



The Gowns:

Top Four Gowns: The remaining four finalists showed off their gowns during this Evening Gown Presentation which would then whittle the Top Four to the last two standing...

Aly Villegas representing Mexico: Aly wore a teal satin gown from designer Alejandra Valera.

The Positive: Overall, the dress, hair, styling, is much better than the dated look she gave last week HERE. In case you missed it, this was her look:

Pageant Betty/Quinceañera No: Aly Villegas at last week's "Nuestra Belleza Latina 2014 Semi-Finals

I like her hair down and sleek. The gown--which featured a nude illusion top piece with gold and teal applique, gold belt and full overskirt, was pretty.

The Not-so-Positive: It was still a bit "Pageant Lite" and I wasn't a fan of the too-high center front slit (look how close to her you-know-what that slit is up to!!??) and I AM NOT A FAN of those Stripper/Drag Queen super-high platform pumps; the minute I see those on any woman, I think "Oh, she must be 4' 9" and is trying to overcompensate). I would have rather seen her in modern chic strappy heels with a (much) thinner platform.

Nabila Tapia representing the Dominican Republic: Nabila wore a pink sequined gown from designer Giovanni Scutaro

The Positive: Nabila looked super sexy--even though she was very "covered up" in "Pageant Gown Standards". She is very much like a Latina starlet walking the Premios Juventud red carpet. Pageant "Czar" Osmel Sousa commented during the Finals that Nabila had the most beautiful face of all the finalists, and she really does. Her makeup was great and the hair looked like something that should be in a hair commercial!

The Not-much-Negative: If there was a mini-wish, I would have liked this gown without the long sleeves; it was Too Mucheey pink sequined fabric ALL OVER.

Josephine Ochoa representing Guatemala: Blond-haired Josephine wore a bright orange-colored gown from Venezuelan designer Giovanni Scutaro. The dress featured a nude illusion top section covered in coral-colored sequined applique and a gathered skirt with side-slit.

The Positive: This color was great for Josephine; it was impacting and she looked every bit a "Miss". I loved her hairstyle and not-so-intense makeup.

The Not-much-Negative: If there was any critique, I would say that under the "Nuestra Belleza Latina" spotlight, this was just right. However, if an actress wore this on a big red carpet event, she probably would be slammed for looking a bit too "Figure Skating Costume-y".

Aleyda Ortiz representing Puerto Rico: Aleyda (the Winner) wore a silver sequined and nude-colored organza gown from Eduardo de las Casas.

The Positive: Now this is how you look like a Beauty Queen. This gown was perfect for the stage and had movement and really gave Aleyda a nice silhouette. Notice that there was NOTHING plunging and no too-high slit. And yet, it still looked right.

The Not-much-Negative: Nada. Just right.



Top Two Gowns:

Las Dos: It was finally down to the Final Two-- Aleyda Ortiz (Puerto Rico) (left), and Josephine Ochoa (Guatemala) (right). They both wore ivory and silver-based gowns...

The First Runner Up Is...

Josephine Ochoa: Josephine wore a beautiful ivory, nude and teal sequined gown. The dress looked EXPENSIVE and well-made. I liked the different sections, however, I'm not sure if placing the sheer/nude section at that position helped. But on a good note: her hair and makeup were perfect!



And the Winner...

Aleyda Ortiz: Aleyda wore an ivory shimmy-shaking, all-over sequined gown for her final catwalk. This gown was not "Earth-shaking" in terms of Beauty Pageant gowns but it was right for Aleyda; it really framed her face and created a perfect three-quarter shot (waist-up). I still liked what she wore for the "Miss Universe Puerto Rico 2014" pageant better:

Congratulations and Felicitaciones Aleyda! Finally you got the Top Title and ended your "Forever a First Runner-Up" streak!