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.....RIP Monica Spear, actress and Miss Venezuela 2004: A Gown Look Back...

RIP: Monica Spear Mootz, former Miss Venezuela and actress--slain on Monday night in an attempted robbery

Late Monday night, Venezuela beauty queen and telenovela star Monica Spear Mootz and her ex-husband Thomas Henry Berry were gunned down by the side of a country road in Venezuela.

According to CNN, Spear and her ex-husband, were driving in Venezuela's Carabobo state Monday
night when their car broke down, officials said. Armed robbers opened fire, killing both of them.

Their 5-year-old daughter survived Monday's shooting, authorities said, but was shot in the leg.

 Monica Spear

Spear was Miss Venezuela in 2004 and represented her country in the Miss Universe pageant in 2005.

Her popularity opened the
door to acting roles in telenovelas that eventually made her an
international star. She made her home in Miami but was vacationing in Venezuela with her family when she was killed. This is a tragic loss and has brought to light--once again--the awful crime situation in Venezuela--the country in which I grew up in and called home for my adolescence. Venezuela is one of the world’s most violent nations, according to
Reuters. The official annual murder rate is 39 per 100,000 people, but
local activists estimate the actual murder rate is nearly twice as high. I--and Venezuela--will miss her.

As a "SASHES AND TIARAS"  homage to her, I'd like to look back at the gorgeous Monica and the beautiful gowns she wore in the Miss Venezuela 2004 Pageant as well as Miss Universe 2005 Pageant. Heaven has a beautiful angel now. RIP. Que En Paz Descanse...

Resplendent in Pink: Monica Spear Mootz "Miss Guarico 2004" (far left) at the Miss Venezuela 2004 Pageant (Top Five Finalists)--Her gown was designed by Samy Gicherman, Venezuelan fashion designer based in Florida. The gown featured pink sequined applique over a blush base with cascading fuchsia pink feathers highlighting the bottom half. Looking at the Top Five Finalists, she definitely stood out!



At Miss Universe 2005 in Bangkok Thailand:

Monica Spear in her Princess of Caribay Costume worn at Miss Universe 2005 National Costume "Parade of Nations"--The Costume was designed by Venezuelan designer Jose Maria Almeida--the silver costume was inspired by the legend of the "five white eagles" and the legend of Princess of Caribay from Venezuelan writer Tulio Febres Cordero.

The Gown: Miss Venezuela 2004 Monica Spear competed in the Miss Universe 2005 Pageant and wore this gown--for her "Evening Gown Portrait" as well as for the Finals. The sexy gown was designed by Angel Sanchez...

The ivory silk crepe gown was very fitted and showed off Monica's perfect figure--as well as was an ideal "frame" for her skin color and jet-black hair. It featured cut-outs, Princess seaming and silver sequins and bugle beads that accented the bust and side-back panels.The gown was modern, chic and perfect for a top Hollywood red carpet.

Finalist Beautiful: Monica Spear "Miss Venezuela" (far right) on stage during the Miss Universe 2005 Pageant. Monica ended up as 4th Runner-Up to Miss Universe 2005. The winner was "Miss Canada" Natalie Glebova (second from right).

An Angel in Pageant Heaven: RIP Monica Spear

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013: A Photo Gallery!

 Best in Beauty Pageant Gown? Miss Zulia Everliany Ontiveros at Miss Venezuela 2013 (left) and Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez at Miss Universe 2013

(Left Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net)

Finally...It's time for my End-of-the-Year Beauty Pageant Gown Wrap-Up! As it has become tradition here, I am recapping the Best Beauty Pageant Gowns (in my eyes) of this past year. There were lots of gowns that caught my attention in a positive manner--whether it was for their DRAMA appeal, having a bit of that RED CARPET GLAMOUR aspect, or just looking ON TREND, RUNWAY FAB and FITTING CORRECTLY, these gowns--and the women who wore them--ended up here in my Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013. I am dividing the Gallery into "Pageant Sections" (keep reading and you'll see what I mean). And I am sure I might have missed some but I had only so much space here and well, there are 32 dresses/examples here so I think I pretty much covered it--at least for me! So, here we go...



Miss Venezuela 2013: Naturally, I have to begin with the Miss Venezuela Pageant. This pageant is always THE LEADER when it comes to giving EVENING GOWN COUTURE in its national beauty pageant. And this past year (in October) the pageant did not disappoint when it came to the evening gowns featured. Here were my favorites:

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Merida Leslie Barrera: Leslie wore an ivory silk crepe column gown with silver laser-cut acrylic "mirrored" accents designed by Gionni Straccia. This was one of my top favorite gowns. It was modern, effortless and still dramatic. Very chic. The gown--and designer--also won one of the pageant's "Best Evening Gown Awards".

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Costa Oriental (and "Miss Venezuela 2013") Migbelis Castellanos: Migbelis
wore one of the best gowns of the night. The minute she walked out in
this strapless light pink column silk crepe gown with back organza
"cascade" train, I was like "done and done"! The gown also featured
beautiful silver crystal diagonal and vertical detail just to add enough
"Stage Punch" but keeping it sweet and elegant. Osmel Sousa--the
Miss Venezuela Pageant Czar and National Director--chooses which
contestants get which gowns. It isn't just "by luck" that Migbelis--one
of the favorites to win the crown from the beginning--got a REALLY GOOD
GOWN. Her gown was designed by Nidal Nouaihed.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Guarico Michelle Bertolini: Michelle was crowned "Miss
Venezuela International 2013". This 5' 11" (1.80 M) brunette beauty of
Italian descent wore an ivory silk ziberline column gown that lightly
flared out at the bottom. It featured intricate blue flower crystal
applique on the sides, giving "hints" of a Ming Dynasty vase. The gown
was designed by Gionni Straccia.

 Photos Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Sucre Roxanna Maruffo: Roxanna wore one of the most
impacting--and unusual gowns of the night: an ivory mock-neck, long
sleeved silk crepe fitted gown with a nude illusion back. The "star" of
the gown was the hundreds--if not thousands--of teardrop crystals
forming chains that went from the arms across the back. The gown was
designed by Hugo Espina. At
first glance when Roxanna came onto the stage, I thought "Oh No She
Didin't!!"...this is a gown that I could have seen Diana Ross wear twenty
years ago--as well as a Diana Ross impersonator/Drag Queen in Las Vegas.
It's pretty fabulous and I give her--and the designer--points, for not
holding anything back.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Amazonas Deborah Menicucci: This was the first gown
that came out in the "Miss Venezuela 2013" Pageant and it ended up being
one of my favorites among all the 26 dresses. The strapless silk ziberline gown
was completely covered in oversized paillettes in a circular motif. The
entire design, from the silhouette to the fab crystals, made for an
incredible effect on stage.

 Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Nueva Esparta Gabriela Graf: Grabriela Graf
wore a very beautiful mint-colored fully sequined fitted gown with mini
cap shoulders, and silver crystals accenting the upper torso, waist and
hips. The gown was designed by Julio Mora.

Photo Courtesy of BellezaVenezolana.net

Miss Zulia Everliany Ontiveros: Nidal Nouaihed
created this FABULOUS gown. It was in my TOP TWO of BEST GOWNS hands
down of the pageant and therefore my End of The Year Best Beauty Pageant Gown post. This one-shoulder ivory silk ziberline gown with gold and silver
sequin detail featured an organza back full cascading gown definitely brought the Drama with a Capital "D". Bellisimo. This gown definitely reminded me of the incredible gowns of the past from Venezuelan Couturier Guy Melliet or early Angel Sanchez. Simply Fabulous.



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Miss Universe 2013: I loved both of the gowns the eventual winner--Miss Venezuela Maria Gabriela Isler--wore for the Preliminaries and Finals--and there were several others worthy enough to make this "Best of 2013" List:

Miss Venezuela Maria Gabriela Isler: "Molly" Maria Gabriela Isler--the eventual winner of "Miss Universe 2013"--wore a silver and nude sequined gown with sleeves (left photo) by Alejandro Fajardo for the Final telecast (as well the Miss Universe Website Evening Gown Photos). She looked perfect. It was impacting, classic and yes, had stage appeal. Enough to help her get the top crown. But this was not the gown she was supposed to wear.

During the very important Preliminaries (above photo), she wore a stunning silk ziberline and Swarovski-crystal Gionni Straccia
off-the-shoulder gown. During her walk in front of the judges, she could
barely make it down the stairs in (it weighed 15 kilos and somehow, she
didn't practice moving in it) and when it came time for her to have "her
moment", she failed--in that gown. I suggested she
have the Miss Universe Wardrobe Department create a center back slit in
it but I guess she figured that there was no time for that and that she
should just wear the gown she wore for the website photo.

Miss Ukraine Olga Storozhenko: Olga looked radiant and
absolutely a floating goddess in this gown. The
silver sequin beaded neckline is stunning and the shirring/pleated
torso draping is fab and all that chiffon "drama" is exquisite.

Miss India Manasi Moghe: I liked this salmon pink sequins-and-feathered gown when she wore it during the Preliminaries and I also liked it when she reached the Top Ten. And now, this gown is here in my "Best Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013" List.

Miss Spain Patricia Gonzalez: I placed Patricia as one of my
"Top Three" for her Evening Gown for the Miss Universe 2013 Pageant because she looked beautiful, her gown
was very pretty and just perfect. The silver and ivory sequined gown
with white tulle "mermaid" godets sculpted her figure, made her look
like a princess and yes, worthy of (almost) getting the top crown.

Miss Philippines Ariella Arida:  I loved Ariella's bright neon
yellow/chartreuse gown from Colombian couturier Alfredo Barraza. The gown was strapless and featured seaming that went from very fitted to flared. There were also crystals that accented the torso area. It was elegant and looked fabulous against her skin tone.

Miss Israel Yityish Aynaw: Simply perfect. A caviar-beaded ivory
gown. Simple, great fit and perfect for her. It's not
Couture-directional but THANK GOODNESS, it's not "Pageant Barbie" tacky
either. Sublime.

Miss Chile Maria Jesus Matthei: One of my favorite gowns of all
the Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits. This salmon pink colored
chiffon gown with copper sequined neck-piece, waistband and shirred
bodice is a stunner; very red carpet, very chic.

Miss Indonesia Whulandary Herman: Love this red crepe gown with
applique and nude illusion top section and fitted waist. It fits her
beautifully and looks perfect for Whulandary. One of the best of the
Miss Universe 2013 Evening Gown Portraits.

Miss Jamaica Kerrie Baylis: Now this is a GOWN! Mermaid-shaped black sequined applique with feathered bottom. It's a lot but...it works. Diva Fab for sure.

 

Miss Bahamas Lexi Wilson: Lexi wore a gorgeous bubblegum pink
chiffon gown with a dramatic back cape and front keyhole and slit
detail for the Preliminaries (she did not make it to the Semi-Finalist round). She looked SPECTACULAR, and PS: her body is OUT OF CONTROL! Loved this gown.

Miss Colombia Lucia Aldana: Lucia went the "Grecian Goddess"
route with this very floaty white chiffon gown with sequined trim
midriff/waist detail. She looked muy bella in this and I especially liked the shoulder "falls" of chiffon (very dramatic) and the "covered-up" center front slit. This was one of my favorite "beauty pageant" gowns of 2013.

Miss Haiti Mondiana Pierre: One word--WOW! Mondiana
looked so Couture Fashion Week in this black and silver creation, I was LIVING for it!
The dress was created beautifully and she worked it onstage! If there is
any criticism, I just wished that it was strapless. But this is a very
minor critique. C'est Superb.

Miss Puerto Rico Monic Perez: My Best Evening Gown of the Miss Universe 2013 Pageant Prize goes to Monic Perez Miss Puerto Rico for this strapless chartreuse-colored gown from fashion designer Harry Robles...The gown was EXQUISITE featuring horizontal pleated body and side volants/cascade ruffles with hand-sewn sequins. It was a big surprise that both "Miss Philippines" and "Miss Puerto Rico" wore the same colored gown for the "2013 Miss Universe Preliminaries" but Monic's gown definitely WON! So much so, that it was my TOP Favorite.



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Miss World 2013: This year's Miss World did not offer many options for very good evening gowns but there were two standouts:

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Aissata Ezzedine: One word--WOW! This
multicolored sequined strapless gown is one of my FAVORITES of the Miss World 2013 pageant; it was spectacular! How this gorgeous
woman did not end up in the Top 20...or Top 10, if not the Final 5, is
beyond me.

Miss World 2013 Megan Young Miss Philippines: Megan looked
resplendent in her light rose-pink mermaid style gown in tulle with
sequin applique. The gown was designed by Filipino designer Francis Libiran, who had a stint on America's Next Top Model and in fact Tyra
has worn one of his designs. The gown was one of the best of the night;
it fit perfectly, looked expensive and well made and yes, all that she
was missing was the crown. Oh, and yes, she got it!



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Miss USA 2013: Below are my favorite "Gown Moments" from this year's Miss USA 2013 Pageant--from the website's Evening Gown Portraits and Final Telecast:

 Miss Michigan USA 2013 Jaclyn Schultz--LOVE this gown on Miss
Michigan USA Jaclyn Schultz. She looks sexy...in fact UBER SEXY. And
notice: not ONE SLIT or too-deep plunging neckline. I think she is right
on trend with the nude under-gown with applique. Everything about this
is right--from the hair to the nude pumps.

 Miss Minnesota USA 2013 Danielle Hooper--I think this is quite a
stunning gown; a two-piece strapless bustier with attached peplum and
fitted-to-flare floor length skirt, all in lipstick red. The star is the
attached oversized jeweled neckline.

Miss Louisiana USA 2013 Kristen Girault--This gown was designed by Venezuelan fashion designer Gionni Straccia. Kristen looks beautiful in this gown. LOVE the fit, silhouette and the gold and silver sequined details; a VERY GOOD GOWN. Felicitaciones Gionni!

Miss Texas USA Ali Nugent: Ali wore on my favorite gowns of the Miss USA 2013 pageant. It was a red fitted crepe gown with a plunging neckline, sheer
front panel, and featuring oversized silver and mirrored paillettes. It
was designed by Venezuelan fashion designer Gionni Straccia.

Miss Alabama USA Mary-Margaret McCord: I LOVED this gown that 1st
Runner-Up and almost Miss USA 2013, Miss Alabama USA wore. It was a
strapless mermaid shaped dress, UBER fitted to an 1/8 of an inch of her
teeny-tiny figure, with layers upon layers of gathered and fan-pleated
organza at the bottom. It was dramatic and Pageant Fab. An almost "10" in
my book. She also accessorized it perfectly with Emerald Green crystal
drop earrings.



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Miss Colombia Universe 2013: This past month was the Señorita Colombia 2013 Pageant--also known as Miss Universe Colombia--the winner wore the best gown hands down:

Miss Atlantico--and eventual Señorita Colombia 2013 Paulina Vega Dieppa--the eventual winner got the highest gown competition score of 9.9 wearing this Alfredo Barraza-designed
gown. The gown was a nude-backed column dress featuring jeweled sequins
in a diagonal pattern, a plunging neckline and shoulder "hanging" arm
accent. It was THE PERFECT GOWN! It fit Paulina beautifully, showed off
her figure and the styling--including side-swept hair and only earrings
as accessories were on-point. I would have also give her a 9.9.

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Miss Kosovo Universe 2013: This year's Miss Kosovo Universe 2013 winner was absolutely stunning and wore a beautiful gown. Unfortunately, she didn't get to attend the Miss Universe 2013 pageant since Russia (site of the pageant) does not recognize Kosovo as an independent nation. But I still loved her gown:

Mirjeta Shala Miss Universe Kosovo 2013: the six foot tall model-like Mirjeta wore a mermaid-shaped ivory tulle and lace-and-sequined applique gown with a high neck and drop shoulders. She looked gorgeous and Audrey Hepburn-like.



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Miss Philippines World 2013: Finally, I want to highlight two gowns from this year's Miss Philippines World Pageant here in my End-of-the-Year Best Of list:

Photo Courtesy of OPMBWorldwide.com

Karla Patricia Alas: I LOVED this gown worn by Karla Patricia Alas for the Miss Philippines World 2013 Pageant. The gown was very "Miss
Venezuela"/Gionni Straccia (especially the neck jeweled detail). The fit
and silhouette were very COUTURE. I'm sure if one looked up close, this
gown is probably a Masterpiece in Gown-Making. Very dramatic and very
good.

 Photo Courtesy of OPMBWorldwide.com

Megan Young: The actual winner of the pageant--Megan (who then became Miss World 2013)--wore  this royal blue silver sequined
gown with a satin waistband. The gown fit beautifully; she looked
beautiful; it was all flawless.



***Up Next: The "Uh Oh!/Ayy Mija" Worst Beauty Pageant Gowns of 2013 List!