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 Preliminary Evening Gown Competition Recap Part 1, My Top Ten Best Gowns!

 Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition Evening Gown Show--Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

Last night were the all-important Preliminaries for the Miss USA 2014 beauty pageant. This is when a separate panel of judges (different from the NBC-Universal "talent" that judges the Final Live Telecast) chooses the Semi-Finalists who will be named on Sunday night's Final Show who will go on to compete for the Miss USA 2014 crown. The Preliminary Competition involves an Introduction of all the contestants in "cocktail wear", the Swimsuit Competition and finally, the Evening Gowns... 

 Gown Applause: The Miss USA 2014 contestants in their evening gowns--Miss USA 2014 preliminary Competition Baton Rouge River Center, Baton Rouge Louisiana

The 51 contestants modeled their evening gowns to be judged on their poise, presence and overall impact when dressed up. And yes, they were been judged on their style choices. One can tell with an evening gown choice whether this young woman is "Stately", "Queen-like" or Too Sexi-Licious (read: Hoochie!). Some of the contestants did "Gown Changes" from what they previously wore for the Evening Gown Portraits which I talked about HERE and HERE.

So, without further ado, let's get to my Top Ten Picks for Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition. 



We begin with Miss LOUISIANA:

Miss Louisiana USA Brittany Guidry: Wow! Two words: simply stunning! Brittany wore a beautiful metallic sequined gown for the Evening Gown Portraits which I LOVED and this one is a change from the portrait gown. And I LOVE this one even more! The gown is a violet empire-cut dress with heavy sequined applique at the bust, neckline and drop shoulders. It's majestic, impacting and looks outstanding on her. I also think she did her hair and makeup just right.

Gown score: 9.8

Miss Florida USA Brittany Oldehoff: Fort Lauderdale native Brittany shimmered in this showstopping beaded fringe column gown with nude base. This was also a Gown Change from what she wore for the Evening Gown Portraits (above, bottom)--and definitely a change for the better! I also love the side-swept hairstyle. One of the best gowns of the night; it has movement, impacts well on stage and works for her hourglass figure.

Gown score: 9.7

Miss Nebraska USA Amanda Soltero: Amanda definitely gets an award for "Most Improved Gown Choice" to what she had worn for the Gown Portraits (above, bottom). I wasn't a total fan of this but I am a MAJOR fan of the silver and nude gown choice for the Preliminaries. This gown hints at a Couture creation from Zuhair Murad and has just the right amount of Red Carpet Wattage. Good job Amanda!

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Colorado USA Eleanna Livaditis: I placed Eleanna as one of my favorites for the gowns in the Evening gown Portraits and now, it's "two for two". She wore the same gown and this was wise; it's a gorgeous Grecian Goddess gown that works well for her. She looks like a Miss Greece at the Miss Universe pageant (It's safe to assume she's probably of Greek descent from that name so, it's PERFECT!).

Gown Score: 9.7

Miss Oklahoma USA Brooklynne Young: Beautiful Brooklynne wore this black simple gown (above, bottom) for the Gown Portraits but changed into this STUNNER of a gown at the top pic. This gown change was VERY GOOD. The golden Mermaid-shaped gown with oversized jeweled crystals is much more impacting and looks much more expensive. I think she looks very regal and still very approachable. This is one of my favorites of the night.

Gown Score: 9.6

Miss Ohio USA Madison Gesiotto: Madison did not do a Gown Change for the Preliminary Competition and frankly, she didn't need to. I placed her at the TOP of my favorite gowns from the Gown Portraits in this dress and now she's here in the top again. This is a beautiful gown and from head to toe, she is perfection. I might lose those big ol' earrings because it does take her into "Miss Puerto Rico" territory. Nothing wrong with that but for "Miss USA" I'd say less is more.

Gown Score: 9.5

Miss South Carolina USA Christina Zapolski: This is probably the best mermaid-type gown of the Preliminaries. It's a lot of gown but it is quite impressive, well-made and looks gorgeous on the six foot tall Christina. I absolutely love the silver and creme colored sequined torso. This is the type of gown you see at Cannes on a fabulous actress no one has ever heard of but suddenly becomes a Red Carpet Fashionista. The only thing I would do here is remove those big ol' earrings. The gown is enough! Sometimes the Glam Squad takes it too far and they should use that old adage to "remove one thing before leaving the house".

Gown Score: 9.5

Miss District of Columbia USA Ciera Nicole Butts: Ciera changed her gown (like so many others did) for last night's Preliminaries. As you can see, the previous one (above, bottom) was on the same vein of "Grecian Goddess' and ivory and with a full gathered skirt. I liked both of them. Ciera looks great in an ivory Goddess gown with some "sparkle"; she knows what works and sticks with it. If there was any critique, it would be her hair, I like it down but understand that because of all the crystal beading in the neckline and shoulders, she wanted to showcase it (therefore, the hair goes up).

Gown Score: 9.4

Miss Hawaii USA Moani Hara: Moani (as you can see in above, bottom pic) wore a nude-colored gown for the Gown Portraits. it wasn't impressive and rather bland. thank Goodness she changed. I love this midnight blue sequined sheer gown on Moani; it's sexy but not vulgar and has enough of a Red Carpet Awards Show vibe that can make the judges stand up and take notice. I also love that she put her hair up (which works for such a halter neckline style).

Gown Score: 9.3



And finally...

Miss Wisconsin USA Bishara Dorre: I loved this gown in the Gown Portraits (Bishara didn't change gowns) and I'm happy to see it again on her. The canary yellow color is beautiful on her and the silhouette of fitted strapless bustier and full multi-layered chiffon skirt is perfect for her to "work" the stage. her hair and makeup are Pageant Right. Congrats Bishara for making my Top Ten Best Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition :)

Gown Score: 9.3



***Next Up: The "Could Have Been Better" Gowns of the Miss USA 2014 Preliminary Competition!!

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