How to pick the perfect evening gown!

How To Find The Perfect Evening Gown

It's so hard to find the perfect evening gown, but here's a few tips on what to look for! First off, make sure that there are no regulations in your pageant system. (Some have different length requirements, no "leg slit" rules, etc.) Find a dress shape that complements your body. (It's usually best to avoid poofy ball gowns and Cinderella dresses for evening wear competition. A-Line and mermaid gowns are great examples on stage!)Your style and shape of gown should also fit your age division. For example; in the Miss division, ladies should exemplify poise and sophistication. Therefore, long sleeves and deep necklines may portray your maturity and age. While teens are eligible to go for strapless looks and more beadwork. Also, always choose a color that compliments your skin tone; teens should look for brighter colors while Miss contestants may look for bold colors. If you are getting tanned for your pageant, make sure it doesn't fade and think about its impact on your gown. White dresses are gorgeous on stage but make sure that you keep it clean! Have your dress tailored to make sure that you can walk in it. (Hint: Practice on stairs and runways, you never know what will be on stage!) Also, remember to bring safety pins to your pageant and use double-sided tape to make sure your dress stays up and compliments your body style.(Always wear nude/skintone underwear under your evening gown!)Finally, make sure your accessories and shoes match perfectly. A great place to purchase earrings is Crown Couture at gasparcruz.com!  Here are a few examples of gown ideas! 

Below left; Chrissy Reynoso, Miss United States Intercontinental 2013. She is wearing a cherry red, long sleeved dress with a deep neckline; a perfect example of a Miss contestant's gown! 

To the right, Bella Normand, Miss TEEN Scotland 2013 is wearing a fully beaded, pink gown with silver sequenced straps. The dress shape, straps, and color all fit the teen category!

Hope this helps you find the perfect evening gown! Remember all of the details and if you don't love it when you try it on, you won't love it on stage! Feel confident and beautiful in your dress and show it on stage! Good luck ladies! <3

XOXO,

TTT (NC)

Appearances Ideas

Appearance #10 for IL!!

I have been working SO hard this summer trying to make as many appearances as possible before leaving for college! I knew that when I won my title I wanted to spread as much cheer and happiness to others as possible with the short amount of time I had left at home, and I made it my mission to do so! 10 appearances in a matter of a month is a pretty big accomplishment, so I wanted to share some of my experiences and hopefully give some ideas to you pageant girls for future appearances! Here are some of my personal favs that I've done in the past month! Enjoy :)

The 4th of July parade in my town was SO much fun! I even got to ride in a vintage convertible which was awesome! It was so humbling hearing all of the kids on the parade route gasping at how a princess had just waved to them. This was definitely an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Another great opportunity that I received was reading to 90 kids at the park district! We talked about 'filling each others buckets' and read some Dr. Seuss books! They were all so sweet and eager to ask me questions! We even got to take silly pictures at the end :) so fun!

One of my favorite appearances thus far was with a local police officer talking to children about DARE and how to prevent bullying! I even got a turn to ride in the squad car and turn the lights and sirens on - I'm so happy that I wasn't hearing or seeing those in my rear view mirror haha :)

The most humbling experience that I have had was meeting this little girl, Julia. It made my day seeing her smile and laugh with us. It truly made me grateful that I am lucky enough to be in good health, and made me realize that doing something as simple as visiting an ill child can make their day go from bad to good. She taught me so many things, and I can't wait to see her again! Get well soon Julia :)

This appearance was one of the best! It was my last appearance before heading of to college, so I aimed to make it the best yet! We had a dance party and talent show with these kiddos - they had me breakin a sweat! It was awesome to see what incredible talents these little kids have!

I can't wait to see what is in store in the winter for my next appearances! I have had so much fun in the last month, and am extremely eager to see what these next 11 months bring!

XOXO TTT 

(IL)

Happy Birthday, Miss T.E.E.N. Illinois!

Happy Birthday, Miss T.E.E.N. Illinois!

Your favorite Tiara Teen Nikki is EIGHTEEN! 

WE LOVE OUR NIKKI and hope she had the best birthday ever!

Wish her happy birthday in the comments below :-)

Love you, roomie. ♡

Pageant Favorites: Miss Illinois Teen USA, Grayson Hodgkiss

Pageant Favorites: Miss Illinois Teen USA, Grayson Hodgkiss

There are very few people I love more in my life than Grayson Hodgkiss. She has been one of my best friends since the day we met! We were actually roommates at the Miss Illinois Teen USA pageant in December, and let me tell you - we were a blast! She is the most sincere and genuine girl that you will ever encounter, and I am so lucky to know her! Get to know more about Grayson by checking out her Pageant Favorites!!

Favorite pageant snack: Special K protein bar - double chocolate ;)

Favorite former Miss USA: Alyssa Campanella

Favorite former Miss Teen USA: Danielle Doty

Favorite former Miss Universe: I love the current Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo, but I also love Ximena Navarrete!

Favorite pageant system: USA :D

Favorite pageant designer: I like a lot of them but Ritzee designed my nationals dress this year and I LOVE IT!

Favorite charity: Best Buddies, Special Olympics, and St. Jude's

Favorite Quotes: "Don't worry, God has a plan way bigger than anything you could ever plan for yourself :)" (my family came up with this quote)

Favorite pageant workout/diet: A workout class called boot camp! The class is devoted to helping sculpt and tone your body! Oh and Brazil Butt Lift video ;) hehe as far as diet goes, a lot of protein, no bread, fruits and veggies, greek yogurt, and a handful of dark chocolate chips for my sweet tooth :)

Favorite Starbucks drink: Non-fat chai tea latte with half pump!

Advice for pageant girls: The best advice I could give you is to be yourself! Always put your best foot forward! Being prepared helps you feel more confident... to a point where you can do things in your sleep and it just becomes second nature! Remember to have fun and trust the plan for your life :)

Wish Grayson luck as she competes for Miss Teen USA in August! Go Illinois :)

xoxo TTT (IL)

Pageant Favorites: Miss Jr. T.E.E.N. United States 2011, Rylie Spicker

Pageant Favorites:

Miss Jr. T.E.E.N. United States 2011, Rylie Spicker

Rylie is a super precious little girl with a massive heart and future to match... not to mention she's Tiara Teen Abby's favorite person on the planet. Get to know Rylie by checking out her Pageant Favorites!

Favorite pageant snack: Cookie dough protein bars!

Favorite former Miss America: Katie Stam 2009

Favorite former Miss Teen USA: Hilary Cruz

Favorite former Miss Intercontinental: Jessica Hartman :)

Favorite system: Gaspar's! :) Jr. T.E.E.N., Miss T.E.E.N. United States & Miss T.E.E.N. 

Favorite pageant designer: Gaspar Cruz 

Favorite charity: Animal Refuge Center (ARC) It's a no kill animal shelter. 

Favorite quote: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, just felt within the heart." -Helen Keller

Favorite pageant diet/workout: I love to run!

Favorite Starbucks drink: I like caramel frappes.

Advice for pageant girls: To believe in yourself and to always be a role model. It's a great experience to make new friends so be nice to everyone! Rylie

xoxo TTT

How To: Get Ready for Rehearsals

How To:

Get Ready for Rehearsals!

Rehearsals make up a large portion of pageant week! Prelims and the final show would not be near as perfect as they are without the hours of rehearsals that are put in. What I have noticed is that there is always the debate of what one should wear to rehearsals. There are some girls that get super dressed up, some girls that wear sweats, and some girls that are in between. Most rehearsals are casual. Although a cocktail dress may look adorable on, it is not necessary for hours of rehearsals. Plus, I am sure it is not the most comfortable thing to wear. On the opposite side of the spectrum, baggy sweats and t-shirts should most likely be avoided. Rehearsals are when you give a first impression to the staff, and possibly even the judges, so make it count! You can make comfortable look cute! Sundresses, jeans and a cute top, the possibilities are endless! But always make sure to bring the shoes that you are planning to wear on stage to rehearsals, you'll be happy that you practiced in them later ;)

IL & NJ having a blast at rehearsals

roomie love <3

xoxo TTT

A Day in the Life!

A Day in the Life!

Look who The Tiara Teens got to meet at their national pageant! The reigning Miss Teen USA, Logan West! Isn't she gorgeous?! She was super sweet & gave great advice to us all before our big day. We love Logan!

xoxo TTT

Pageant Favorites: Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2013, Christina Thompson

Pageant Favorites:

Miss New Jersey Teen USA 2013, Christina Thompson

Christina Thompson is an awesome, genuine girl who was kind enough to share her Pageant Favorites with us! Christina will be competing for the coveted title of Miss Teen USA in two weeks, and we wish her the best of luck! 

Favorite Miss USA/Teen USA/Universe: It's really difficult to pick just one. They are all beautiful women inside and out. I've noticed that all the girls are very intelligent and well-spoken.

Favorite charity: I partner up with CALMS with my church and every summer we go on a different missions trip. I've been to Belize and Guatemala twice. I think CALMS is awesome. 

Favorite quote: My favorite quote is a bible verse that I recite before I go on stage or if I'm nervous about something. It's Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares The Lord. "Plans to help you, not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." 

Favorite workout: I don't diet! I am obsessed with healthy eating though. I've learned that I always feel better when I eat healthy. I love love LOVE to run. I run for a half hour every day. 

Favorite Starbucks drink: Iced coffee. I'm obsessed with iced coffee. Especially in the summer. It's so refreshing. 

Advice: Be yourself! I know it sounds cliché, but it's true. If you know you've trained your hardest, practiced as much as you could, and tried your best, then be happy with whatever the outcome is!

xoxo TTT

How To: Make the Most of Your Year as a Titleholder

How To: 

Make the Most of Your Year as a Titleholder

Congratulations!! You're officially a titleholder. Wondering what's next? Start here!

Step 1. Tell everyone. At first, I was nervous people would judge me so I didn't tell many people about my new title. Then I realized, why not?! You obviously can't make everyone like or support you, so not everyone will be happy for you. But I promise, there are people that will make you feel special and remind you that this is a huge accomplishment and you should be proud to tell the world. You won this title and you were the best person for the job. Be proud of it!

Step 2. Get involved! Don't wait for people to ask you to participate in events, do it on your own! Call organizations, speak to schools and stores, reach out to people. Don't sit around and wait for events. I wanted to make the most of my year, so I immediately started reaching out to people. I participated in my first parade eight days after receiving my crown. Don't wait!

Step 3. Do things you're passionate about. You have one year with this crown, make the most of your opportunities! I got to go backstage during Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella on Broadway and take a photo with my idol Laura Osnes wearing our crowns. When else would I get to do that?! Call your favorite sports teams, artists and find out what you can do!

Step 4. Get sponsors! You'll be surprised how many people are as excited about your title as you are. I was getting my hair done at my local salon (Hair Salon in Summit, NJ- they're amazing!) and the receptionist had read about my title in the local paper and they hooked me up with a year of free styling! I never would have expected it, so definitely let people know about your title and see what happens!

Step 5. Get good photos taken. Find a photographer you love and have a photoshoot in your crown and sash! You don't need to spend a ton, just make sure you like the photographer and their work. Not only are these photos great for autograph cards, you'll want to have them for publicity and personal purposes. This title is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and you want good pictures to remember this year. Think about it, your kids will see these someday!

Step 6. Be kind to everyone everywhere! People do things for nice people. I love shopping at alice + olivia when I'm in New York City, and love chatting with the employees at the Bryant Park store. I was blown away when they told me they loved how passionate I was about my favorite charity, Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDs and offered to throw me a shopping party to raise money for the charity of my choice! We raised a ton of money, and I'm so grateful. You never know what will come out of chatting with people and being nice to everyone!

Step 7. Ignore the drama and have fun. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Never take it for granted. Be active! Your year will fly by so make the most of it! Remember to stay humble and never let the crown get to your head. You won this title, now it's your chance to show everyone why.

xoxo TTT (NJ)

Pageant Favorites: Miss United States Intercontinental 2013, Chrissy Reynoso

Pageant Favorites: Miss United States Intercontinental 2013, Chrissy Reynoso

Newly-crowned Chrissy Reynoso is the most beautiful person you will ever meet, inside and out. The only thing sparklier than her crown is her heart. A major favorite of The Tiara Teens, we're all pretty much obsessed with this amazing queen. Find out some of her favorite things with our new segment, Pageant Favorites.

Favorite pageant snack: Cliff Builders bars, preferably chocolate mint.

Favorite former Miss USA: Alyssa Campanella

Favorite former Miss Teen USA: Vanessa Minnillo 

Favorite former Miss Universe: Dayana Mendoza, I loved her on Celebrity Apprentice too! 

Favorite system: Apples to oranges ;)

Favorite pageant designer: Gaspar Cruz of Crown Couture, creator of my winning gown!

Favorite charity: Special Olympics

Favorite quote: "Whether you believe you can or cannot, you are right."

Favorite pageant diet/workout: The See-Food Diet (I see food and I eat it, haha) and any type of cardio, especially running!

Favorite Starbucks drink: Soy latte with two shots of espresso. 

Advice for pageant girls: Always have an attitude of gratitude and try to gain a life lesson from every experience, pageant related or not!

xoxo TTT

25 Things You Should Know About Miss T.E.E.N. North Carolina 2013, Alli Howell

25 Things You Should Know About

Miss T.E.E.N. North Carolina 2013, Alli Howell

1. I can do a hilarious goat noise impersonation!

2. I say "y'all" wayyyy to much.

3. A huge sports and NC State fan.

4. I am a CNA, pursuing Pre-Medicine. 

5. I live on a farm and my home town has one stoplight.

6. I named my GPS "Sasha" (Safe American System Helping Alli) :)

7. I'm a HUGE bargain shopper.

8. I'm a little obsessed with my Chinese Pug, Pugsy.

9. I've been on mission trips to Calgary, Canada and North Pole, Alaska.

10. Olivia Culpo is my role model. 

11. I have a very thick southern accent... apparently, haha.

12. Favorite quote: "Be your own kind of beautiful."

13. I've called the police before because I lost my mom in the mall.

14. My favorite excuse is "I'm expecting a headache later!" :)

15. I am in love chocolate chip cookies from Chick fil A. 

16. I reuse all of my pageant dresses.

17. Even though zebra print is out of style, my entire room is decked out with it.

18. I got third runner-up at Miss T.E.E.N. United States 2013.

19. I played Left in varsity softball for four years. (Left of the Water Cooler) :)

20. Watching movies is my favorite hobby! If it's considered a hobby... :)

21. I met my future husband a few months ago at a basketball game; Scotty McCreery .

22. God is my number one in life.

23. I love grape juice but not grapes.

24. I'm only 5'2" so high heels are my BFF.

25. I've been to every MLB Stadium on the East Coast!

How To: Prepare for a Pageant

How To:

Prepare for a Pageant

Getting ready for a pageant is an extremely fun and exciting thing, but can also be nerve-wracking and stressful if you are not sure where to start. Luckily, The Tiara Teens are going to help you!

Step 1. Research the pageant system you are interested in entering. For example, if you aren't positive that you have a talent, there are many systems that do not require a talent competition. Same goes with swimsuit, some systems favor a fitness wear competition over a swimsuit portion. See what suits you and enter :)

Step 2. Now that you are entered in the pageant, you need to start preparing! Hiring a pageant coach is a very wise thing to do, especially if you are really wanting that crown! They give you amazing advice and insight on walking, interview questions, and so much more! Also, exercising and eating healthy is a necessity; a toned body always looks amazing on stage!

Step 3. If your system is platform based, make sure you are involved in your chosen platform. Also, choose your talent and practice practice practice! You should also be quizzing yourself on interview questions, and practicing your different walks whenever you have the opportunity!

Step 4. The best part, find your dress! Don't listen to the myth that white dresses always win, because it isn't true! Find the dress that makes YOU feel amazing. If you feel confident in it, you will do 10 times better! Also find your interview outfit, whether it be a suit, or fun outfit. Lastly, make sure you have your swimsuit, based on your system it may be one piece or two piece, so make sure you ask!

Step 5. Days before the competition, make sure you are waxed and tanned! If tanning in a bed is not for you, a spray tan is the way to go! Many believe that a tan is not necessary, but the bright lights on stage will drown you out without one!

Step 6. When packing for the big day, make sure you have everything that you will need, you wouldn't want to forget your butt glue and have your behind slip out in the middle of your swimsuit walk! As a seasoned pageant queen, here are some things that you will need that aren't always told to you!

-a steamer, your dress always finds a way to wrinkle

-extra jewelry (gold and silver)

-BUTT GLUE (hint - works for competition sashes to stay on as well!)

-fake eyelashes (multiple sets!!)

-baby wipes (trying to put on your gown with butt glue still on = not fun)

-vaseline (no ashy legs aloud!)

-safety pins (your dresses always somehow are too big on the day of competition)

-double sided tape

-cute and stylish outfits for every day that you are there!

-when offered to you, get the hair and makeup services, it makes the day much less stressful

Step 7. When pageant day/weekend/week comes, just relax and go into it with confidence and looking to make new friends! It is so much better going into it calm and with a positive attitude than going into it only looking to win. The girls you meet at the pageant are going to be lifelong friends, thats how this all started for The Tiara Teens!

Step 8. If you don't win, be happy for the girl who did! Nothing looks worse than being the girl who has a pout on her face. If you do win, be grateful, not snotty. Pageants are an amazing learning experience, and are what you make of them!

 xoxo TTT

The Becoming of The Tiara Teens

The Becoming of The Tiara Teens

During the week of the Miss T.E.E.N. United States national pageant, us three (Nikki, Alli, & Abby) became inseparable. I think I can speak for all of us when I say that I have never met such humorous, girly, ambitious, and real girls. Our bond was instantaneous. From the  day of orientation, we clicked. Who would have ever imagined that girls from all over the country would have formed a friendship so strong. I am so happy and honored to call these girls my best friends. Now lets get to the fun part, stuff about pageants :)

xoxo TTT

25 Things You Should Know About Miss T.E.E.N. New Jersey 2013, Abby DePhillips

25 Things You Should Know About 
Miss T.E.E.N. New Jersey 2013, Abby DePhillips

1. Pink is my favorite color and I wear it every single day.

2. I was once captain of a cheerleading squad, but stopped when I realized how much I hate football. 

3. I'm obsessed with Broadway and have seen over 100 shows.

4. I'm the oldest of five children.

5. I have a perfect chihuahua named Jean Valjean after Les Miserables.

6. I performed at the Festival Fringe in Edinburgh, Scotland.

7. My favorite foods are French fries and cupcakes.

8. My high school musical Beauty and the Beast won the 2013 Paper Mill Playhouse Rising Star Award for Outstanding Overall Production in the state of NJ.

9. In addition to Jean Valjean, my family has two other dogs, Bauer and Brody.

10. I spend every summer in Manhattan Beach, California.

11. When I was a little girl, I wanted to be Disney's Belle when I grow up... this hasn't changed.

12. My role models are Laura Osnes, Olivia Culpo, Kate Middleton, Gaspar Cruz, Audrey Hepburn and Miss United States Intercontinental 2013, Chrissy Reynoso.

13. I'm a terrible singer, but refuse to stop trying. 

14. I love baking, and even have a company called Abby Cakes. I also do princess character parties!

15. I spent two weeks in China.

16. Glitter's my favorite, so I bedazzled my toilet. 

17. My favorite designer is alice + olivia and the amazing Bryant Park store even gave me a shopping party to raise money for my favorite charity, Broadway Cares.

18. I love anything chocolate peanut butter.

19. I get easily addicted to The Sims 3. 

20. Although I don't see it at all, I often get told I look like Ariana Grande, Lucy Hale and Selena Gomez.

21. My favorite place to be is New York City.

22. I really don't like swimming, so I just tell people it's because I'm a mermaid.

23. I absolutely love ice hockey, and even assistant managed a AAA team at age 14. 

24. My favorite TV show of all time is 24. (I did that on purpose.)

25. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. 

25 Things You Should Know About Miss T.E.E.N. Illinois 2013, Nikki Carlevato

25 Things You Should Know About 

Miss T.E.E.N. Illinois 2013, Nikki Carlevato 

1. I drive a Volkswagen Beetle that has eyelashes on it. 

2. I love to bake.

3. Cheetah print is my favorite color.

4. I rhinestone just about anything.

5. I've been cheerleading for 12 years and was captain of my state finalist squad my senior year!

6. My family calls me "Noods" which is short for "Nikki Noodle".

7. I won the second pageant that I ever competed in.

8. I am obsessed with froyo (cake batter's my fave!!) 

9. I've been to 12 different countries. 

10. I've grown 9 inches in a matter of 4 years!

11. I've been on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.

12. I am such a bad singer, but I love to do it.

13. I always carry lipgloss and breath mints with me.

14. My nails are always a shade of pink.

15. I've ridden in a gondola in Venice, Italy.

16. I got lost in Disney World when I was 4 and they had to shut down the park.

17. I am a huge Chicago Blackhawks hockey fan!

18. I have saved over 15 lives with the amount of blood I have donated.

19. I apply four different types of mascara every time I do my makeup.

20. If I could only drink one thing for the rest of my life, it would be chocolate milk.

21. I work as a shampoo girl and receptionist at a salon and spa.

22. I have been told that I look like Amanda Bynes (back in the Nickelodeon days) as well as Ashley Benson from Pretty Little Liars!

23. Cinderella is my all time favorite movie.

24. I am glued to Laguna Beach and Desperate Housewives.

25. My favorite quote is: "Smile, because life is such a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about."

Welcome to the Blog!

Welcome to The Tiara Teens! This blog will follow the reigns of three Miss T.E.E.N. United States 2013 contestants: Miss T.E.E.N. North Carolina, Alli Howell; Miss T.E.E.N. New Jersey, Abby DePhillips; and Miss T.E.E.N. Illinois, Nikki Carvelato. We'll post things like our favorite appearance outfits, ways to style your hair around your crown and pictures of the fun things we get to do with our years as Miss T.E.E.N. United States state titleholders. Stay tuned! 

xoxo, The Tiara Teens