1
COM
I want to try something fun here. I mentioned Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs and that they are my dress sponsor for Miss Ohio this year as I have the pleasure of emceeing a few nights. Awesomeness.

Some of our inspiration is organza and red, which is displayed in the photo below. I'd like to get your opinion on what you think I should wear. Although I am limited in which designs to choose from, I think it would be interesting to get your thoughts!

 Red vintage cocktail?
 (The neckline on the one I may wear is different.)

Red jumpsuit?

 Red evening dress?
(One shoulder vs. mock cap sleeve.)


Thanks for your input! There's still more to come. I'll wait 'til we get closer to the big week to share which ones I've chosen.
2
COM
Yes, please!

I think Emerald is writing about a few of her friends in this post, I'm one of them! Sunday Crossbow recently uploaded a "wear to work" post and I'm SO excited! She will be a working girl like me really soon and just like me, and millions of other women, she'll need to dress to impress nearly every day. This is not a feat easily won. 


First off, Emerald looks fantastic in these photos taken by her hubby, Jared! It's much more fun dressing for work in the summertime as compared to when there are frigged temps outside. I'm excited for dresses and peep toes! Her stories, photos and blog are such good motivation, especially on mornings like this one when I rolled out of bed (unwillingly), put on a black shirt, slacks, black flats and braided my hair...then headed out the door.

This will be a great segue into my future posts and in relation to "interview" wardrobe posts. I'd like to start documenting some of my wardrobe faux pas and victories. Stay tuned...
0
COM
I'm all ready exhausted thinking about all that I have to write in order to fill you in on the last 4 or 5 days!

On Friday, I attended the 2nd annual Alleviating Poverty summit at Ohio State, presented by my employer - Fisher College of Business. Not only was I able to bring some enlightenment back to my office but I was able to gain knowledge for Camp Sharp for Girls. CS will hold its 2nd annual summer camp this July!

I represented our camp and was able to meet up with one of the APTE Summit guest speakers, Lou Siepel. CS met Lou a little over a year ago through Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, where CS will obtain a few of our camp attendees. It was nice to be reassured of Camp Sharps goals and that we are not alone in our efforts to reach out to these young girls.

Next on the agenda...

Miss Ohio 2009, Erica Gelhaus, held her senior recital at Otterbein last week and Steve and I were able to attend. We tried out a new restaurant (Basil) in the Short North that evening, thanks to our Faveroo coupon! After dinner we scooted on up to Westerville to partake in Erica's festivities. She was adorned by that beautiful green gown she wore at Miss America. The dress alone was a hit! ;) I overheard two guests walking into the auditorium and one said "Wait 'til you see this dress!" Good stuff.

Erica did a phenomenal job. Steve and I have only ever heard her sing during pageant competitions for 2 minutes or less, with one exception when I heard her sing a Broadway tune. The recital was nothing but opera and we were genuinely impressed. You can hear the strength in Erica's voice and she seemed more comfortable on stage. It was truly a pleasure to get to go and witness her performance.

It was also wonderful to see familiar faces like Erica's parents, Ron and Judy, Martha Campbell, Craig Raymaley, and quiet a few other "Miss Ohio folk."

Here are a few pictures:



I have the honor of co-hosting the 2011 Miss Ohio competition with Becky Minger, Miss Ohio 1998 - Kelly Creager, and Heather McDonald this June. I'm beyond thrilled to be just a small part of the show again this summer! I'm also ECSTATIC to be able to wear Elizabeth Ashleigh Designs by Betsy Stevenson (ShopSubstance). 

As I mentioned in previous posts, wardrobe plays a key role in confidence, competing or not. As a former Miss Ohio and being on stage again this year, I want to "look my best"...I'll try to keep the plaid at home. ;)

I've teamed up with Betsy, designer/owner of EAD, and we've all ready begun to collaborate on ideas and designs. Last year I brought back the denim evening gown, and I'd like to try to be a little daring again this year. I'm throwing a little vintage into the mix and can't wait to go in for my first fitting! Our inspiration is organza and red! Ooo fun!

Please let me know if you'd like more information on how to get in touch with Betsy! She does fantastic work!

Steve and I celebrate our 2nd anniversary in a week! Wow...how time flies when you're having fun! More to come after the big "2 point 0!" Blessings 'til next time...
0
COM
Blog readers that are pageant friends!

If you haven't all ready done so, you MUST join HauteLook.com TODAY! Calvin Klein dresses are on sale for less than $70! This is the closest picture I could find to this CK pleated dress that holds potential as an interview dress:


I have an idea for an upcoming blog post, actually a few blog posts, so be sure to check back because I'll need your help.
0
COM
I may be addicted to pictures...taking them and...being in them!

I reconnected with a friend last week, Bryce Millikin of BryceMPhotography and M Magazine

I met this talented photographer years ago when Janelle Couts, Miss Ohio 2003, introduced us. We've kept in touch and for the first time in a couple of YEARS we finally met and held a photo shoot, for old times sake! I invited Miss Ohio 2010, Becky Minger, along for the ride and we got amazing shots!






Thank you Bryce for taking time out of your busy schedule to snap some photos, and thank you Becky, too! We all gathered in Sunny Mansfield at the Renaissance Theater where a lot of these great images were taken. We wanted to portray something very cutting edge and non-traditional. I'd say the pic with the masks is very non-traditional. I'm in love with these photos and can't wait to see more and share more with you! Until then...