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:

In my last SASHES AND TIARAS post, I discussed my Faves from the Miss USA 2013 Website Evening Gown "Portraits" that were released last week prior to the upcoming Preliminaries (this Wednesday!) and Finals on June 16th. Now, as we know (if you are a Beauty Pageant aficionado--or a Missosologist, the term for a "Pageant Follower"), these evening gowns in the Miss USA 2013 Website Portraits may or may not be the actual gowns the contestants wear during the all-important Preliminary Competition as well as the Finals once they get chosen as a Semi-Finalist.


A lot of times, the girls "bust out" with a new "Super Duper" gown that they have secretly held in the back of their closet just for that moment. But, at the same time, many will just wear the same gowns worn in these portraits, whether they should or not...Anyhow, without further ado, here is my Part Two Miss USA 2013 Evening Gown Website Photos Review--

Slit Queens and Cha-Cha Love:


I've discussed my Favorites of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits HERE, as well as the "Pageant Bettys" and "Too-Short Gown" girls HERE...so now, it's time to get SERIOUS. SLIT-and-Cha Cha serious. This year--as has been the case recently, there are A LOT of SLIT HAPPY Gowns in the Miss Universe Pageant Evening Gown Official Website Portraits, as well as what I call the "Cha-Cha/Dancing With The Stars" Queens. Now, again, these are just the website's "Official Evening Gown Portraits" and therefore they may not be the actual gowns the ladies will wear in the very important Preliminaries--or the Final telecast for that matter. Lots of the girls like to save the BEST for then. Irregardless...
Let's begin with the SLIT QUEENS:

Miss Albania Adrola Dushi: Do I see TWO slits? I think I do. The other one is just being hidden by an overlay of chiffon. It's a good gown and she certainly is giving a "Do you want a piece of this?" look. How do you say that in Albanian?

Miss Guam Alyssa Cruz Aguero: Alyssa wears a purple-blue one shoulder gown with silver sequin detail and a slit--a very high slit, in which she wants to show you as much leg as possible. I would have rather liked it if she wasn't pulling her gown and dropped it so there might have been a hint of a slit. I have a feeling she's pulling and lifting it because the gown maybe too long on her.

Miss Czech Republic Tereza Chlebovska: I just want to say the name "Tereza Chlebovska" a HUNDRED TIMES!! Love that name. She sounds like a Prima Ballerina! But I digress, let's discuss the gown and that slit: it's a pretty gown and I just didn't think she needed so high a slit. She already looks like she's "Sex on Wheels" so why push it?

Miss Sri Lanka Sabrina Herft: Sabrina could be under my "Pageant Betty" AND "Slit Queen" categories with this dress and entire look. It's very "Pageant 101"...from 1996; it's got the one shoulder, it's got the applique, it's got the chiffon overlay, the slit. It's all there. Like "Check, Check, and Triple Check!" I happen to think...or hope...that Pageant Gowns can evolve.

Miss Georgia Tamar Shedania: The Lady in Red gives you Drama and a Slit! It's not a bad gown, I actually have issues with the dangling "ribbons" more than the slit. This gown looked very familiar for some reason and then it hit me:

Miss Estonia Natalie Korneitsik: The pretty Natalie ends up in a "Slit Queen" gown here for the "Miss Universe Evening Gown Official Portraits". I'm bothered by two things. First, the hip draping is distracting and draws my eye to that section. Second, I think she may need a lining under those double layers of chiffon. In the photo, I can see her legs and I'm scared to guess what the judges on stage might also see.

Miss India Shilpa Singh: Shilpa's fuchsia pink gown is very "My Super Sweet Sixteen"...the "I Want To Be Sexy" version. I think there's too much happening here: the embroidered applique in the upper torso bustier, which then is somewhat continued (inexplicably) onto the rest of the gown; then, there's a keyhole near her tummy, a full tulle skirt, and then, the slit. This gown can be helped with editing (take out this and take out that..). Also, why can I see nude-colored bust pads on the bustier? It's distracting to say the least. And a big NO-NO in fashion.

Miss Jamaica Chantal Zaky: This gown isn't so bad. I do love the royal blue color and the back drape/fall, although I think it is attached to her bracelet/cuff!?! The slit isn't so HOOCHIE in that it doesn't seem so high--just right (unless her hand is covering how high that slit really goes!). Chantal is here because yes, kids there was still a SLIT in her gown.

Miss Ukraine Anastasia Chernova: How sweet does this lovely young lady look! I want to take her home to meet the parents! She does continue the sweet demeanor with this strapless modified ball gown. It's a sweet color, it's got sweet details. But wouldn't you know, these pageant girls cannot live without their slits! They are SLIT ADDICTED! (Note to self: Trademark that!)

Miss Colombia Daniella Alvarez Vasquez: First off, I do love a bright color! Highlighter Yellow is FAB! This gown is interesting for it's no-hold's-barred color but also for the neckline detail and the way the shirring/gathering cascades into the bottom skirted section. But, at the same time, it might be considered in some circles a Hot Mess. Not sure about the nude illusion center front bustline panel (you can barely see it in this photo but it looks like it's there). And yes, there is that slit. Say "Hola" to that slit.

Miss Vietnam Luu Thi Diem Huong: Another "Highlighter Yellow" gown. It is strapless and yes, has a big ol' slit. What's most interesante is what is happening around the bustline. What. Is. That? Is there a black edge trim to this gown? If so, it doesn't make sense. Or--worse still--is that the poor girl's black strapless bra sticking out from the dress? If so, the photographer should've Photoshopped that, or the beautiful Miss Vietnam shouldn't have worn it. Either way, it doesn't make sense.

Now, the Cha-Cha Love and Dancing With The Stars Ladies of "Miss Universe 2012":

Miss Spain Andrea Huisgen: Andrea is another one of my favorite contestants and hopefully she will go far; she's got the height, the "spunky" Miss Universe personality, the "I Will Be Famous" and be in "Hola Magazine"-dating-a-Spanish-Footballer look. With this gown, she gets right into my "Cha-Cha" category easily. It's a strapless mermaid-style gown in a gold lame-like fabrication with shredded organza. I actually LOVE this gown but I know some fellow pageant-watchers I've spoken to, well, were not as complimentary. But we agreed, it's FULL-ON Cha Cha!

Miss Malaysia Kimberley Leggett: The lovely Kimberley--another favorite to be in the Semi-Finals (and I can see why), wore this salmon pink colored sequin/feather and illusion gown. It's VERY "Dancing With The Stars"-meets-Figure Skating Costume. And you know I love me some Figure Skating! It's also very "Cha-Cha". Therefore, she lands here.

Miss Greece Vasiliki Tsirogianni: For her gown choice in the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits, Vasiliki wore this nude illusion tulle fitted gown with ivory flower applique. It also has Figure Skating Costume elements as well as a "Dancing With The Stars" costume vibe.The lace over illusion is a big trend in Pageants right now and it can often work well (as seen on Olivia Culpo), but on Vasiliki...not so much. This is why my koukla ("doll" in Greek) ended up in this category.

Miss Peru Nicole Faveron: Nicole wore a column nude tulle/illusion gown with gold jeweled and flecked details. It's a good  gown--in my eyes but yes, some others may think she's a little too "Dancing With The Stars"/Cha-Cha. I can see why. The way this can be taken to a more Red Carpet Couture level is make it more fit-and-flare, add a slight dramatic train and make it not be so see-through. Then, it might look slightly "McQueen"-like.

Miss Costa Rica Nazareth Cascante: Oh Chica, the temperature just got a bit more Caliente. This aqua/turquoise blue and silver beaded gown  has "Carnival Cruise to San Juan Puerto Rico" written all over it! She is a major Cha-Cha Queen in this. Nothing else to say.

Miss Dominican Republic Dulcita Lynn Lieggi: I'm a little "on the fence" with this gown. I like the seafoam green color and the detail of it looks expensive. I also appreciate the lack of a HOOCHIE slit (or at least from how she's posing). I just think it's a little too "Cha-Cha" and with that too-stiff hairstyle, earrings, overall look, she seems "dated"--like very 1998 Pageant. She is GORGEOUS though. I just think she would have looked more up-to-date in a different dress, different hairstyle, etc.
Miss Mauritius Ameeksha Devi Dilshand: Silver gown with silver illusion sides. How could she NOT end up in this "Cha-Cha/Dancing With The Stars" Category. And add "Figure Skating Queen" to that as well.

Finally, The "Monica Belucci Sex Goddess Cha-Cha Miss Universe 2012 Award" Goes To...

Miss Kosovo Diana Avdiu: One word: WOW. This gown has all the elements of A) Cha-Cha Queen and B) "Dancing With The Stars"-like Couture, plus she she GIVING YOU Cleavage darlings. Serving it. And that look. She's almost saying "It's OK if if you don't place me in the Semi-Finals but...if you do, I could make you very, very happy..." Amen Sister!

***Next: The "Oh Dear's!" of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits...Just You Wait!

 A (BLOG) Tale of a Model, Her Legs and Love of the Slit...


5' 9 1/2" US-born supermodel Jessica White (Maybelline contract, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, and much more), actress and every-now-and-then-DJ...


LOVES a red carpet event, and more importantly LOVES to show her legs---as in making sure almost every other gown she wears has to have a big ol' "Beauty Pageant Slit". Now, you know that A) I LOVE models; B) I also adore Beauty pageants; and finally...


I do like a slit in a gown--as long as it's not showing the wearer's  you-know-what! Well, kids, Jessica has come very close to "COOCHIE Heaven" in some of her most recent carpet appearances. Last week, at Gotham Magazine's The Jacob's Cure Gala Honoring Donny Deutsch party, she wore a strapless sequined ombre gown with a VERY HIGH side slit/opening that got dangerously close to exposing her "Not-so-Supermodel" area (see photo at top of posting). This unfortunately, has not been the only time Jessica has come close to a "Gown Malfunction":

On April 17th, Jessica White attended the Tribeca Film Festival Vanity Fair Party at the New York Court House, she wore this:

A creme beaded crew-neck tank gown with chiffon gathered and draped attached skirt. While it looks fine in these poses and yes, I love the "Figure Skating Costume on the Red Carpet" element--take a look at when the wind hit it:

Ooooh Girl: Here's one piece of stand-and-pose advice--DO NOT HOLD the layers of your gown in a way that might expose your CHA-CHA. Just sayin'. Even the guy in the unsightly plaid, jean and high-top sneaker ensemble behind you is calling the Fashion "Stand-and-Pose" Police as we speak! And HE needs a lesson in dressing.

This is what she wore to the "9th Annual Spring Dinner Dance" at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel NYC:

Check out my Thigh, People: Last month, Jessica White attended the "9th Annual Spring Dinner Dance New Year's in April: A Fool's Fete" at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in NYC, wearing yet another dress with a high side slit. This time, the gown had a cross over wrap-dress style. But still, Miss Jessica showed the photographers A LOT of leg.

This is what she wore to the "amfAR NY Gala Benefit to Kick Off NY Fall 2012 Fashion Week":

Mini or Long Gown: Back in February, to kick off NYC Fall 2012 Fashion Week, at the "amfAR NY Gala Benefit" , Miss Jessica decided to show leg--once again--but NO SLIT!! Has Fashion H*** frozen over? Nope, she's still managed to almost show her lady part wearing a strapless red gown that was part Las Vegas Hooker mini dress/part chiffon gown. It was one of those 1990's-type gowns that was "Am I a mini dress or am I a long gown?" Here's my advice to Miss White: stick to the "I am just a GOWN!" I'm actually a fan of the controversial High/Low gown, but this dress has a bit too much high and not enough low!

And this is what she wore to the NYC Premiere of  Madonna's directorial debut "W.E" in January:

The stunning model wore a violet-blue silk dolman-sleeved wrap gown to the premiere of Madonna's "W.E.",at the Ziegfeld Theatre in NYC back in January of this year. The gown wrapped dangerously high as she did an "Angelina Jolie" and put her leg out there for the pose. As you can see, Miss Jessica LOVES her legs--and a gown that exposes at least one of her lovely legs---and sometimes comes close to exposing waaaay tooo much.
Which one of model Jessica White's high-slit almost-cha-cha exposing gowns is HIGH Style or just HOT Mess???
 

"What Recession?" Clothing, Furs , Slits, 70's Disco, and Oscar Gowns: The Big M's : Michael Kors and Marchesa!!!
Michael Kors Fall 2011:
Michael Kors Turned 30!! Well, his design company did! And so this show was a HUGE one--68 looks, menswear, womenswear, Brazilian Supermodels, A-List Front Row Celebs, you name it, they were there. In terms of the Collection: Very Michael Kors. Lots of double-face cashmere, LOTS of luxe furs, simple uncomplicated shapes, delicate draping, "Disco" plunging cowl neck draping, jumpsuits and VERY HIGH slits.
Think 1979 Bianca Jagger/Lauren Hutton off to Aspen. Or...better yet, the mistress--or wife--of a Multi-Millionaire Goldman Sachs banking executive, getting on her private jet off to their Swiss Chalet near St. Gallen. Yep, these are clothes for the woman who has NEVER EVER seen what "Coach Class" looks like, and what a Recession feels like. Understated Luxe 2.0.
Click Below for the Full Runway Video of Michael Kors Fall 2011:
Marchesa Fall 2011:
While Elie Saab's Haute Couture Spring 2011 Collection--shown last month in Paris--had fashion commentators saying that it looked all very "Miss Havisham"---Marchesa's Fall 2011 Collection actually WAS!!! Marchesa Co-Designer Georgina Chapman said she was inspired by watching "Great Expectations" on TV one night and of course, the movie's "Diva", Miss Havisham.
Decadent dresses, gowns and overcoats and opulent silks, yards and yards of tulle, silk organza and applique lace embroideries. The show--sponsored by Range Rover--was once again done "Gallery Style" as models stood there, showing each and every piece in all their Almost-Couture Glory. Pay attention Red Carpet Watchers: I have a feeling SEVERAL of these will end up at the upcoming Academy Awards...Like these FOUR below:
Click Below for "Range Rover Sponsors Marchesa Fall 2011 Fashion Presentation" Video:

Lots of Slits, Prints and a Caftan????Look, I shaved: Miss Nicaragua, Indiana Sanchez, shows her (very, very) high slit Here's a brief background into the Miss Universe Pageant and especially the "Gown Presentation". The contestants from all over the world arrive at their contest location--this year, the serene Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. They take their first "official photos", which include, of course, the Swimsuit and Evening Gown photos. Historically, (the contest has been occurring for 50 years much to the dismay of Feminist groups), these gowns are not necessarily the actual gowns the beauties will wear on the very official "Preliminary Competition", which chooses the Top Fifteen Finalists.There's A Sale At Jo Ann Fabrics: Miss Slovak Republic, Denisa Mendrejova uses all the leftover fabrics she could find Sometimes, in fact, the girls even change into another gown, for the live telecast, if they make "The Cut" (I know, it's a bit confusing but just follow along, it's not "rocket science" after all). But until both the Preliminary Night and the final live telecast, these gown photos are all we have to look at--as a hint and style direction of the girls' taste (or at least what their sometimes ill-advised pageant directors told them to wear). There are a couple trends that seem evident after seeing some of the evening gown photos. Flower Power:That's a Lot of Sweep: Miss Dominican Republic, Ada de la Cruz, in her Empire Maxi Printed Gown There were lots of flow-y flower and paisley printed maxi-gowns, which is right-on-trend and understandable when the Miss Universe Pageant is taking place in a Caribbean resort such as the Atlantis in the Bahamas. Some were done well (Dominican Republic's Ada de la Cruz) and some, well, take a look at Miss Slovak Republic, Denisa Mendrejova. I give those Eastern European girls points for being always a bit "two steps away from crazy" in their gowns, but this one, was just a tragic mess. Slit Happy: I Feel A Breeze: Miss Philippines, Bianca Manalo proudly shows that slit Although slits were a plenty in these evening gown portraits, at least it wasn't as out of control as it is usually seen at the Miss USA pageant. But, darlings, there was still plenty to see! Somehow, none of these countries' directors ever read my "Memo on Slits" back in April.Can Can Canada: Miss Canada, Mariana Valente's French Flag-inspired flower print and high slit gownThe Pharaohs Are Happy: Miss Egypt, Elhan Wagdi coily shows her slit--and her Stripper Lucite High Heels! I get the "point" of a slit: Drama, ease of movement. That still doesn't make it right. Personally, a slit-up-to-there says "Cheesy" more than "Classy". But it seems to be a trend and a staple of pageant dresses which unfortunately will not go away, and especially more so now since last year's Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza won the contest wearing...you guessed it, a gown with a very high slit! And even though I'm not such a fan of the ubiquitous slits, I admit that she looked AMAZING in it! Finally (for this posting), I have a couple "Nick Miss Universe Preliminary Gown Awards":First, the Carole Cook Caftan Award Goes To...Miss Colombia, Michelle Rouillard! Michelle showed up to the official "Welcome Dinner" in this neon apple green satin caftan of a concoction. And to be honest, I was LOVING IT!!! For Resort 2010, it is all about the Djeballah and caftans. I just never expected one would show up at the Miss Universe pageant. She gets ten "Nick Verreos" At-A-Girl" points for this. And Secondly, my so-far "Most Improved Award" goes to the lovely Miss Cayman Islands, Nicosia (love her name) Lawson. The last we saw of her--she was wearing THIS gown! But at the Official Welcome Dinner, she showed up in this yellow, navy and metallic print gown, which for me, was a nice modern (and no clear stripper heels were showing!) improvement. Whoever let her borrow this, should make her KEEP IT!!!!