The Pageant Planet

Pageant Fashion Tips from Bella Petite

Steven — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 02:21:21 +0000

Bella Petite Magazine

Ann Lauren, Editor-in-Chief of Bella Petite Magazine is doing something different in the fashion industry and she is causing a stir. Bella Petite Magazine is causing a shift in the fashion world by show casing the beauty of petite women (5′5″ and under) all over the world. In this interview Ann, will give you insight into your pageant fashion through the fashion world.

Q: What made you decide to start a Fashion Magazine for petite women?

I have a strong history of producing petite model pageants, fashion shows, model searches, and the nationally known and televised USA Petite Model shows.

I actually began my career as a petite model at age 16 by winning a California model pageant. At that point, I began working as a petite model with agency representation. Experiencing height discrimination from the onset of my career, I decided to pitch an idea to the pageant producer of the event I had won. We initiated some market research with an event called the “Top Model Pageants” in order to establish the petite market’s strength by featuring four separate divisions: petite, redhead, full-figured and tall (height: 5’6” and over). That one event we produced proved petite women clearly was the market to capture.

Now is the time for things to change for the petite woman in fashion and beauty. To quote a colleague of mine, Jillian Rabe (5’9” industry standard model), “curvy’s happened, stick-thin’s happened, super tall’s happened, plus size’s happened…and petite, you better believe is just around the corner.”

It’s extremely important that petite women unite with us at BellaPetite.com in order to force the paradigm shift in the fashion industry to recognize our look. There has to be overwhelming market demand by petite women for petite women and that’s what it will take to launch a petite fashion magazine! As a petite woman at 5’5” and under you can do your part by joining BellaPetite.com. We also have recently launched the Bella Petite model cover girl search for our members!

Q: Concerning wardrobe is there one pageant fashion that presents itself better on stage than others? Evening gown? Beads or no beads? Or does it even make a difference?

I would suggest that the evening gowns offer the greatest impact because the gown is the most glamorous showpiece. As far as the beads I’m certainly not an advocate of costume jewelry, it’s too distracting. As a general rule, the gown is not to stand out above the girl in it. With that being said, don’t go over the edge skimpy, as you want to leave a little bit to the imagination. Select clothing that you feel confident wearing and never go too trendy. Many times this is a mistake for women, simply because something is the latest look does not mean it’s going to look good on you.

Q: Lets talk swimsuit fashion in pageantry. Do you have any suggestions concerning the swimsuit competition as it relates to fashion?

Swimsuits have come a long way in the “Beauty Pageant World.” This used to be one of the most boring segments in the pageants until the networks realized the positive ratings impact of the swimsuit competitions. Depending on the pageant you typically have the choice of one-piece or two-piece swimsuits. I say pick the swimsuit style that showcases your best assets NOT expose them. Pick the swimsuit that is best for your frame. Don’t necessarily pick the skimpiest swimsuit for the attention, but pick the swimsuit that flatters your body! If you have full range of swimsuit colors available, go for the one that works best with your skin tone. Also, stay away from distracting patterns.

Q: Is there a difference in pageant fashion compared to the image that your models present on stage and in your magazine?

I believe there is a precise difference in how models and pageant girls present themselves on stage. There is the “pageant walk” (smile and glide) and then there’s the “model walk” (stomp and scowl). Pageant contestants are required to be accessible to the judges and audience. As a result, pageant contestants are always smiling as they walk the runway. As opposed to fashion models, who must appear fierce, unapproachable and intimidating in order to bring attention to the clothing being modeled.

Q: Pageant makeup or stage makeup is a big topic. Is there a way to find a balance between too much makeup and not enough makeup?

Recently on the Bella Petite Hour radio show we discussed 2010 beauty and skin care trends with our expert on beauty Shonda Chase.

Always keep in mind that too much of a good thing is too much! Especially with pageant make-up, the look tends to be glamour and for many this translates to being overdone. A good rule would be to go outside in natural lighting to check yourself and keep from having the “line of demarcation” and eye shadow which is too heavy. The makeup for television is applied to keep you from looking washed out on camera by the lighting. Lastly, stage makeup on models for fashion shows is generally meant for pure shock value!

The key to finding the perfect balance for everyday make-up is to apply it in natural lighting or in a lighted magnifying make-up mirror to see how you really look.

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3 Ways to Support Your Pageant Queen

Steven — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:57:02 +0000

Capturing the pageant crown is not a one gal show. Success in pageantry requires a squad to cheer a contestant onto victory. If your new to pageantry, chances are you have seen one too many catty pageant movies, therefore you perception of pageantry might be scued. Once you let your guard down you will find that competing is a family affair and tons of fun.

How to Support Your Pageant Queen

Setting up your pageant girl up for success is simple. With a little creativity, you can be very helpful and encouraging supporters. Here are some activities that will point you in the right direction when supporting your girl:

Know Her Goals: There’s a huge difference between aiming to win Miss Strawberry Festival and wanting to be Miss USA. No offense to the Miss Strawberry’s everywhere! There is a marked difference in both financial and time commitment.
Sweet Stuff Helps: This is the fun part! Find interesting ways to encourage your PG (pageant girl). For example: a mix tape of upbeat songs for backstage, a monogrammed dress bag, or maybe a trip to the MAC store. These activities will tell your girl you love her win, lose, or draw.
Her Biggest Cheerleader: It’s you! You are her greatest asset. No one wants her to win more. When you are at church, work, or school, keep in mind how the people around you can help. Do you know groups needing community service, potential donors, or pageant contacts? Cheer her on by networking on her behalf!

As her pageant family you need to understand the courage required to compete and then bend over backwards to help make her victory possible. Pageant systems are set up to encourage the young woman that give their all to compete and the people who love them an opportunity to encourage them!

This article was written by Kristen Darden, a pageant coach out of Tennessee. To contact Kristen for a consultation, email Kristen.Darden@gmail.com.

Eat Yourself Into a Great Swimsuit Body

Steven — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 15:05:36 +0000

Many pageant girls concern themselves with calories and do not know the proper amount of protein, carbohydrates, and/or fats they should consume. When training for a great swimsuit body girls are “afraid” of carbs or fats and feel that eating them will make them gain weight and get “fatter”. This is not true.

They are called “macro”nutrients for a reason. You need to eat them! That being said based on your goals and how your body reacts you may need less of one than another. The best way to determine how your body reacts to macronutrients is to log your food, weight, how you are feeling, and body fat % if possible. Some pageant girls do well with a higher carb diet, while others need less carbs and more fat. In my 15 plus years in the fitness industry I have found most do well with a high protein 35-40% of their daily caloric intake, with moderate carbs 35-40% and moderate fat 20-25%. Women in particular I have found feel better and see better results with a higher protein, lower carb diet. I feel it is important for you to understand what each macro nutrient is and the minimum amount to consume daily.

3 Macronutrients

Protein-is what your body prefers to use to build muscle and is 4 calories per gram. Lean sources of protein include: fish, chicken breast, turkey breast, low fat cottage cheese, protein shakes, egg whites, buffalo, lean red meat, etc… I suggest my pageant girls to consume .8 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound they weigh.

Carbohydrates-are the main source of energy for your brain and body and have 4 calories per gram as well. The glycemic index is a great tool when determining what type of carbs one should eat and when. The glycemic index is a tool to measure how quickly foods affect your sugar levels. The higher on the index, the faster your blood sugar will rise. It is best to eat low glycemic and keep your blood sugar levels in check. When blood sugar is raised it primes your body to store fat. Low glycemic choices include: vegetables, whole grain foods, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, etc… I feel you need at least 50 grams a day and for most approx .8 grams to 1 per lb you weight.

Fats-your body will use fats for energy when the carbs are depleted and fats help with skin, hair, nails, brain development, etc and are 9 calories per gram. Fish oils and fish (especially Salmon) are great sources of Omega 3 fats. Olive oil, walnuts, cashews, almonds are quality Omega 6 and 9. Avocado, coconut oil, and mct oil are good sources of fat as well. Most women do well with 30-40 grams of fat per day and men 60-70 grams.

Again, I can not stress enough that you should track your food (contact me at scott@scottstrainingsystems.com) and I will set you up with a temporary account with our diet software program that will allow you to track your calories and macronutrients if you would like or you can use a program such as FitDay, Spark People or you can purchase a calorie counting book.

This is a guest article written by Scott of Scott’s Training Systems. Scott has an online weight training program for girls who are located out of state. Contact Scott for a consultation: scott@scottstrainingsystems.com or via phone (480) 820-0835. Let him know that you read this article and the consultation is FREE!