Envision Your Reign

The natural pageant world is going through a transition, a shift, if you will, on style. What's  "in" what's not, what's appropriate, what's over the top. For about three years or so, we've seen a shift in interview wear from two-piece suits, to dresses in all age divisions. So, the question is: Should my daughter wear a suit or a dress for her next pageant? At one point, two-piece suits were all the rage from Jennifer Roberts knits to custom made shantung silks to off the rack Kaspers. The problem with that, however, is that they are either super expensive, or impossible to find, which forced people to go custom made (which can also be expensive and risky). Today, you'll find many contestants placing and winning in the less expensive alternative with off-the-rack options from Dillard's to Nordstrom. You have to be cautions though, because there are so many options when purchasing off the rack, you can end up buying somethi...

Taylor at her MAC pageant Pageant hair for a natural pageant should be just that...natural. Leave the big, overly teased, extension filled tresses to the glitz world. For pageants like NAM, MAC, and UNM, you want to go with something simple, yet styled. The general rule of thumb is to keep her hair away from her face. This way the attention is on her, not her hair. Other than that, your possibilities are endless. Well, almost. This beauty placed 2nd runner up at her national pageant with this classic half-up /half-down do. Elizabeth won her state pageant with this look. Notice a touch of added volume at the top. Another variation with volume at the top. This sweetheart placed top 10 at her pageant. Izabella placed top 5 at her Iowa pageant with this business look Proudly introducing herself, notice how this Jr. Pre Teen has a sleek look without her hair interfering her face A more elegant look on a Jr Pre Teen Miss Kansas Princess won her st...

When I had my first pageant mom experience, I was green to everything. Even though I had what I thought to be massive amounts of 'pageant-ing' researching under my belt, it didn't prepare me enough for some of the things I encountered once we got there. Looking back at some of those old photos, I chuckle because I would NEVER choose any of the hair, make-up and wardrobe selections we went with at that first pageant in a million years. I will admit, my daughter looked a hot mess. The irony of this is, that we'd spend so many endless hours toiling over what to wear, hair, make-up, shoes, etc., that we neglected the most important part of the competition all together: interview. It's been said that the competition is won in the interview room. I believe this wholeheartedly! From experience, once interview becomes the main focus of your pageant prep, that's when you begin to see higher scores and higher placements. Here are my tips on things to keep in mind wh...

Once you've received your invitation in the mail, questions will start flying off the top of your head. What's good to wear? What will be expected of her? How do I make sure she gets in? The first thing I can tell you is...relax! It's super simple and fun! Here are 5 tips to be sure you're not stressed and have fun at a National American Miss open call: 1. Arrive Early! It's stated in the confirmation e-mail you received, but I have seen so many times where people arrive what they think is 'on time' or even worse, late.  Give yourself 30 minutes prior to start time.  When you arrive, there will be a check in station and your daughter will get a sign with her name on it. Why does she get this sign?  See Tip #2. 2. Photo Shoot Tips. Depending on which state you reside, she'll do a photo shoot.  It will be really quick! The cameraman will snap about 8 or so photos and he'll help choreograph her. Wear bright colors! I personally prefer solids, b...

NAM State Finalist Bria Jones before her winning interview Write out print out a list of interview questions. Cut them up into strips and place them in a container like a shoe box.  Place it next to your bed.  Each night pick out one question.  Read it and answer it aloud as if you were in front of the judges.  Repeat this process every night until your pageant to gain the confidence you need to win! Photo provided by NAM State Finalist Natalia Davalillo Envision your reign.