We Aim To Slay

After a whirlwind week of activities and glamor, I am officially home from the 2024 International and American Woman of Service Pageant, and proud to announce that I am your new 2024 Mrs International Woman of Service!

It’s been a restful few days post-pageant, and I’ve hit the ground running as the new titleholder. On Monday I got back into the pool to continue my #Swim15Miles in July challenge (hosted by the American Red Cross – as of this morning I’ve completed six miles!), and on Saturday I am headed to Massachusetts to volunteer with AmpSurf! 

According to their website, AmpSurf (and the Para Surf League) is a part of The Association of Amputee Surfers, “a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to Promote, Inspire, Educate, and Rehabilitate (PIER) all people with disabilities, Veterans, and First Responders through adaptive surf therapy and other outdoor activities.”

In last week’s post, I shared the outfits I was planning to wear for the themed rehearsals and the group parties! I’m excited to show you how I ended up styling them, as well as my competition wardrobe!

Competition Wardrobe

Evening Gown

This floral gown by Jovani was purchased (eons ago) from Dazzle Boutique!

Opening Number

This velvet-and-sequins Johnathan Kayne cocktail dress features removable Juliette sleeves and a partial cape!

Interview

If you’re ever looking for the perfect pageant interview dress or swimsuit, look no further than Venus! This time I opted for a fitted, ¾ sleeve, ice blue number with a tied belt. My registration dress was also from Venus, a red fitted dress with a mild bell sleeve (I call it a “mild” bell sleeve because in 2021 I competed for the title of Ms American Coed in a Venus interview dress with a dramatic bell sleeve!)

Photogenic as Optional

Over the years, I’ve enjoyed the most fantastic creative relationship with Connecticut-based photographer, Jerome Stallings! And, it’s from this relationship that my Overall Photogenic Award winning photo came! Jerome and I shot this photo about two years ago in the tree line outside his studio, and almost immediately after capturing this shot, I sliced my thumb open trying to remove the corset to change looks! Also included, the image on the right, is my official headshot! Also taken by Jerome!

Night On The Town Wear

This was probably the outfit I felt the most sexy and powerful wearing; so of course it’s the one outfit I don’t have a photo of *sad face*. But, I do have a photo from when I first tried the dress on at Dazzle Boutique! (I am anxiously awaiting the release of our stage shots!) To take this number on stage, I paired it with my ShoeDazzle booties that I wore for our anniversary dinner this year, featured in this post!

Rehearsal and Party Outfits

Registration

Platform Rehearsal

Barbie Karaoke Party

Pajama Rehearsal

Circus-Themed Murder Mystery Party

CROWN Cares Gala

For the CROWN Cares Gala, I wore my vintage Huey Waltzer gown paired with my Louboutins. I was super impressed with how my hair turned out – this was the first time I attempted a look like this, and I loved how this bun-mohawk hybrid looked with the dress!

The Best is Yet to Come!

I’m excited to start my reign, and to take in all that this year has to offer! Make sure to keep up with my reign via my social media – Instagram and Facebook! I’ll be sharing updates as well as my comings and goings all throughout my year of service!

I’ll be back to walk you through one of my favorite self-care rituals – an at home steam facial! And, how you can re-create the set up at home, even without a facial steamer!

Have a great rest of your week, and remember to SLAY!