The Most Convenient Bra EVER

PGS Royalty,

I am just going to start off by saying “your welcome!” I want to share a product I was sent with my wonderful readers because I think it is genius. Have you ever needed somewhere to put your phone or credit cards but didn’t have pockets? I can tell you as a New Yorker, who is familiar with subways and even more familiar always having to be aware of my belongings, I have had moments when I wish I could just stick my phone and credit card down my bra and call it a day. So I would like to introduce you to the most convenient bra EVER: PocketBra! 

(All photo’s provided by Pocket Bra)

Though I have to admit, the idea of pockets in my bra reminded me of the days when my grandmother used to stick napkins and money in her bra “just in case”, after having tried it out, I can confidently say its a genius idea! I have also had a few conversations with friends who have diabetes who have said how much easier life would be if they had the pocket bra because it is a perfect way to discreetly place their insulin pumps! The bras are lacy, cute, and come in a few different colors (I have it in black). They have pockets on each side and inside the bra as well. It has a sexy look, a very victoria secret look which, of course, I love. Guess WHAT!?

All of my readers get a little treat! If you use discount code “Alyssa” at checkout, you can get 30% off! Thanks Pocketbra! So hurry now and get your own! Click here!

Enjoy!

Philanthropy Fridays: Simbi

Philanthropy Fridays: Simbi Haiti

Happy Philanthropy Friday! The one day a week we highlight philanthropic people and organizations that are doing great things for the world! This Fridays philanthropy is doing amazing things for the people of Haiti They sell stylish and easy to use hairbands all benefiting efforts to purify Haiti’s drinking water and along side “We Advance,” empower the women of Haiti.

They are Simbi Haiti.

Not only does each Simbi Sold create jobs for the people of Haiti but it also creates one gallon of purified water. “During the earthquake, Haiti’s already weak health, social, and economic situation was hard hit. Then, last year we suffered a cholera outbreak, as many Haitians have no access to clean drinking water. In Haiti, Simbi is a water spirit. She is called upon to facilitate solutions to problems. Therefore, we feel it is only appropriate to call upon Simbi hair-bracelets to help bring clean water to a population in desperate need. Each hair-bracelet sold keeps Haitians employed and helps raise money to install water filtration systems throughout the country, saving lives.” -Simbi

(photos provided by SimbiHaiti.com)

Simbi was nice enough to send me a packet of these beautiful hair bands to test them out and, I have to say, I will never go back to regular hairbands. Ladies, you know what I’m talking about. You have your hair up in the perfect, pulled back pony tail. You go to pull the band off and with a shriek of pain you slowly pull off your hairband it’s basically ripping off every single stand of hair on your delicate head. But you do it every time and you expect it every time. With these bands its smooth sailing every time.

Another plus? They don’t look like hairbands. My pageant coach always yells at me (out of love) for having those black ugly hairbands on my wrist during events. But when you wear a Simbi hairband it looks more like a bracelet than anything else! They come in a bunch of cool colors and patterns too.

You can learn more about Simbi and but their hairbands at Simbihaiti.com. Try them out and let me know what you think? I would love to hear from you guys!

Have a fun weekend,

What’s In My Beach Bag?

Hi my beautiful friends!

It is summer time! Let’s face it, this is the time we are all soaking up as much Vitamin D as possible before school starts. I’m right there with you! Being a born and raised Floridian, no one loves the sand and sun more than I do! No matter where your summer destination is, this season’s latest must-haves in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics need to be in your beach bag!

Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil

Whether you have frizz or not, this product is liquid gold for your hair. Between going to the beach, the pool, and laying out in the sun, your hair takes a beating every summer! I rub a little less than a quarter sized drop in my palms and then apply just to my ends. With organic ingredients that controls fly aways with a blend of Sesame, Grapeseed, Jojoba and Tamanu Oils, your locks will thank you! It’s also a cruelty free and organic company that makes its products with all recyclable materials.

http://www.balancedguru.com/products/no-frizz

Kardashian Glow Tan Extender

I know, what you’re thinking “Kardashians? UGHHHH!”… Hear me out ladies! The Kardashian sisters know a thing or two about putting out a good product! Having moisturized skin is vital to keeping a glowing summer tan and to prevent peeling if you get too much sun. Complete with aloe and flower oil, this is the richest lotion and has a sent so luxurious it will make you feel like you’ve been tanning with the Kardashians them selves. I’m obsessed with it.

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5250139

Elizabeth Mott Tints and Sass Lip and Cheek Stain

My summertime look inspiration is a fresh face. I like to wear as little makeup as I can get away with! This product is perfect for summer as it gives your lips a pop of color as if you were eating berries. It not only doubles as a cheek stain, but it lasts all day! For night time look, I sometimes layer an extra coat and add gloss. For a more natural look, apply to the inner parts of your lips with your middle fingers and move out towards the corners.

http://www.elizabethmott.com/shop/tints-and-sass-lip-tint/

Maybelline The Falsies Waterproof Mascara

I am loyal to this mascara as I’ve been using this since high school. Yes, it’s even better than the $20+ fancy-shmancy mascaras. I’ve tried them all. Nothing makes my lashes more dense and defined than Falsies. Can we just talk about the price for one second? OMG!!!!! Music to a college girl’s ears! For about $7 a pop, there’s no excuse for you not to have this. For a thick, fake lashes look start at the base of your eyelashes and with small motions move the applicator side to side as you reach the tip of your eyelashes and repeat until satisfied.

http://www.maybelline.com/Products/Eye-Makeup/Mascara/volum-express-the-falsies-waterproof-mascara.aspx

Happy Summer Ladies!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Day 2

 

Hello Dolls,

After a long day one, it was so nice to attend previews and parties on day two. My outfit is courtesy of the incredibly trendy Utopia Boutique. Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UtopiaBoutiqueMiami (Top and Shorts: Utopia Boutique, Shoes and Necklace: Forever 21). My look is inspired by everything Miami. Bright shorts with a crisp white top and a natural sun kissed look with the latest trend on the runways: The Orange Lip! I used N.Y.C City Proof Twistable Intense Lip Color in Canal St. Coral. Photo above courtesy of my amazing fellow intern (and close friend) RC Photography check her out she is so talented ->www.rconthego.com.

 

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

TORY BURCH RESORT ’15

Day two of fashion week started off as good as it gets with the preview of the Tory Burch Resort 2015 line. Tory never disappoints! Her delicate beachy line could make anyone feel glamourous sitting poolside sipping a mimosa! Best of all, the handbags where to DIE for from adorable striped nap sacks to handwoven bags that screamed “Take me to the beach”!

ASOS EPIC SUMMER

Next, we stopped by ASOS Epic Summer Event at the Soho Beach House. What a great event filled with quirky summer looks, GREAT food, and even better company! The best was the “Game Over” video game inspired swimsuit, it’s definitely on my list of summer must haves. I was also obsessed with their funky prints! Below you can see a cute little sundress with a sporty tennis racket print. Sporty is so in, we have been seeing all things sporty in EVERY SHOW from racer backs to sneakers on the runway!

 

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

 WILDFOX POOL PARTY AND TRUNK SHOW

Quickly after, we headed to the Boulan Hotel to Wildfox’s pool party and pop up shop. Check out some pictures from the event below including some adorable Wildfox inspired cake pops from Susy Pops www.susypops.com!

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

My amazingly fab boss and editor of Kellys Kloset, Kelly Saks, is the reason why I am at MBFW in the first place! Aside from looking stunning all weekend long she is a go-to blogger for anything and everything fashion. She is a Lucky Magazine Contributor and was named as a Vouge Magazine Influencer. Check her out for all the latest on fashion and MBFW. Here is the link -> www.kellysklosetblog.com. (Photo Above)

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

Susy, owner of Susy Pops, and I after complementing her on her scrumptious cake pops.

Photo courtesy of RC Photography

Last, but certainly not least, I had the opportunity to help out backstage at the Mara Hoffman fashion show. It was such an amazing experience to work with such inspiring and professional people. It’s definitely and experience I will cherish for a very long time! Look out for our post tomorrow on all the MBFW festivities and follow me on IG to get live posts on everything Miami Swim Week @alyssamrivera !

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week: Day 1

 

Hi Dolls,

As you all may know, this year I have been given the opportunity to cover fashion week and contribute some stories on the latest MBFW trends for my boss and fellow blogger Kelly Saks. She is an amazing fashion blogger and definitely worth checking out www.kellysklosetblog.com. You’ll find all the latest on Fashion Week and other hot trends to look out for.

But first, it wouldn’t be Fashion Week without my OOTD post featuring my amazing swim week sponsor: Utopia Boutique!  These colorful and fun shorts and many more of my outfits this weekend will be coming from this exclusive boutique! Check out their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/UtopiaBoutiqueMiami (Bodysuit: American Apparel, Shorts: Utopia Boutique, Shoes: Forever 21)

 

WILDFOX

My favorite line had to be Wildfox’s sporty & chic collection featuring Barbie-like sweats and swimwear. Overall, it was a fun show with great music and a collection that made an impression on every member of its audience. My favorite look of the show was the pink high waited shorts with its matching pink Wildfox cutoff tee. I felt bad for the models in their slippery shoes especially when I caught word before the show that a model had fallen before the show. SCARY! The girls pulled off the look  without skipping a step, BRAVO! Check out some of the snapshot my fellow intern Rachel Gibbons (www.rconthego.com) and I took of our favorite looks!

Photos Above Courtesy of Pageant Girl Secrets

DOLORES CORTES

Fashion week kicked off with Poko Pano yesterday and opened way to some amazing previews. Dolores Cortes made a splash with their tribal theme of bright patterns and dramatic wired up hair. The collection really took its inspiration from urban tribes to give an ancient yet contemporary look. We saw a lot of interesting braids, bright & bold prints, and laminated fabrics!

Photos Above Courtesy Of RC Photography

 

CLOVER CANYON

Clover Canyon wowed us all with their fun swimwear line and adorable sandals, which I am sure we will be seeing more of! Their Resort ’15 collection took its inspiration from the rich and visual South American atmosphere, native culture, and tropics. I love the sporty shapes and bold bright prints that accent them. My favorite would definitely have to be the matching sandals that accompanied each swimsuit and cover up. Clover Canyon produced some of my favorite looks during MBFW Miami.

Photos Above Courtesy Of Pageant Girl Secrets

Through rain(& a lot of it) and shine and humidity we survived day one of MBFW Miami. Stay posted for more MBFW fun this weekend, we are covering all of the best shows and can’t wait to share them with all of our PGS Royalty!

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami: Open To Public Events

Hello Dolls,

The most anticipated day for all 305 fashionistas is sneaking up on us: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami! You can count Pageant Girl Secrets to give you all the latest coverage on the MBFW festivities.

Here at PGS we believe you don’t need a crown to be considered a queen, well apparently you also don’t need to be in the IT crowd to score a VIP experience at Miami Fashion week this year. I dishing all the events that are open to the public! 

1. MIAMI Magazine SPLASHION

MIAMI magazine will host its 6th annual SPLASHION with a special performance by top charting artists, Nico & Vinz at the Fillmore Miami Beach. As an unofficial kick-off to the upcoming swim week festivities, the event will include a six-line fashion show. For Ticket Info visit splashion2014.eventbrite.com

2. Peroni Italy’s 2014 Emerging Designer Series 

Peroni’s 3rd Annual Emerging Designer Series champ will be awarded a trip to New York Fashion Week as well as a complete runway production showcasing their full line at Swim Week 2015 in Miami! Watch live as fashion design hopefuls compete for the prize at SLS South Beach. To RSVP email peronistyle@thisismission.com

3. Allure Lounge

Allure Magazine is offering express manicures, dry styling, eyebrow shaping and more — plus exclusive gift bags at Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20 from 12 to 5 p.m. No need to RSVP to this one!

4. WILDFOX VIP Pool Party and Trunkshow

On Saturday, July 19 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m enjoy complimentary cocktails, bites and surprises while shopping the trunk show at the Boulan Hotel’s rooftop pool. You may event catch their surprise guest make an appearance! Email wildfox@ooandco.com to RSVP 

 

Hope to see all my PGS Royalty there! 

 

 

From Miss Congeniality To Reality

Hello dolls!

Well, I guess this is the part where I introduce myself. I am Chrissy Reynoso your contributing writer for Pageant Girl Secrets! It’s actually a pretty funny story as to how I got involved with this blog and yes, it all began with pageants!

It was October 2009 and it was my first year competing at Miss Florida Teen USA 2010. If you watch the behind the scenes videos (which are so embarrassing, I might add) you’ll notice I was a goofy, excited, and weird little sixteen year old that was just over the moon to even be there. I wore this huge, pink ball gown that was perfect for a quincenera. My hair was in these crunchy spirals. But dang, did I work it! I was voted Miss Congeniality and was 4^th runner up to Alyssa Rivera! Ever since then, Alyssa and I have remained close friends. When she approached me about becoming a writer for this blog, I literally jumped at the chance. 

At the moment, I’m in the process of closing a chapter in my life and this opportunity came at the most perfect time. Just this past weekend, my year as Miss United States Continental 2013 came to an end and while it was bittersweet, it was comforting to know that I now would have an outlet to resort to when I start missing pageantry again. 

In the days where my reign was coming to a close, I got to talk to the girls competing and at the last rehearsal I got quite emotional when giving my words of advice. I told them that whether they take home the crown or not, they would go on to accomplish great things and this is all part of their story. The funny thing was that I wasn’t just talking to them, I was talking to myself. My crown doesn’t define me and while yes, I was sad to see my time as the reigning queen end, I knew there going to be many more blessings in my future. I guess the hardest part to come to grips with is not knowing what is in your future. 

Luckily for me, Alyssa has impeccable timing and turning the page was a whole lot easier when I had an idea of what my future looked like. I totally get that there are times where it is so hard to trust that life will go on. Believe me, I’ve been there! However, there is one thing I’m positive of: life ALWAYS goes on. I pinky swear!

With that said, I couldn’t be more ready and excited to submerge myself into Pageant Girl Secrets! For the longest time I was looking for a way to connect with people (of the pageant and non-pageant assortment) and be able to dispel any and all myths about pageant girls and the pageant industry in general. After all, that is the mission statement that Alyssa and I both believe in. 

So, hopefully, as we spill the secrets of pageantry one by one, we can also give you a little insight to ourselves.

The secret is out!

Photo Credits: 1st photo with USA sash courtesy of Missology

Stay Organized Like A Queen

Hello Dolls, With Miss Florida USA 2015 around the corner, I find it only fair to dedicate this post to the lovely women who will be competing this week. What many people might not know is that you have to be extremely organized going into a pageant! No seriously! Think about it…. 5 days of non-stop cameras, press interviews, rehearsals, bonding events, judged interviews, and two days of on stage competition. For all of this you have to stay cool, calm, and collected. This really translates to everyday life whether you have a wedding weekend, road trips, family vacations, or a much needed girls weekend, here are some pageant girl secrets to help you stay organized and fabulous… I, personally, am the type of girl who likes packing 5 million options and picking out my outfit last minute. The problem with that is you find your self stressed out while trying to do your hair, make up, find your jewelry, accessories, and finally your clothes all as your running out the door with the curling iron still in your hair. Sounds familiar to anyone?

Tips On Staying Organized Like A Queen

Pack clothes that are easy to combine with one another. Stick within the same color palette and bring fun colored accessories to switch it up! Know your game plan.

• Plan your outfits out in advance. I like taking pictures of the outfits and saving them in a separate album on my Iphone.
• Have jewelry for each outfit in a ziplock bag so that once you unpack you can hang it on the hanger with your outfit. Another great tip is to put any double sided tape, chicken cutlets ( breast enhancing pads), or safety pins that you might need for the outfit in the same ziplock bag as your jewelry.
• Below is what my suitcase would look like for a weekend with the girls. All the outfits are inter changeable and you can go from brunch to an elegant restaurant with these pieces.(Photos from polyvore.com)

Weekend with the girls by pageantgirlsecrets featuring crop shirts

Pack light. Bring the essentials.

Too many things will overwhelm you,  bring the absolute must haves. No, you don’t need a 10th top for you 2 day weekend to the lake house and there is no reason to pack 4 different concealers in your make up case.

Keep it sweet and simple so that you don’t go crazy looking for the things you’ll actually need. One straightening or curling iron, a hair blower,mini hairspray, a comb, and a big round brush is the most you’ll see me pack as far as hair products are concerned.

De-Clutter your purse before you leave.

Why? I cannot tell you how many times I have attempted to whip out my boarding pass and handed  it to TSA and instead embarrassingly pulled out a long Sephora receipt for the make up haul from the week prior.

Buy little bags to put in your purse and separate your necessities so that they are easier to find. This also goes for your beach bag, clutch purse, or tote bag. Make sure it’s de-cluttered for a stress free experience. Here are some I love from my one of favorite brands: Kate Spade! (Photos from Katespade.com)

Food Tip:

For someone who loves food but is gluten and lactose intolerant, it is so important that I have food to eat where ever I go. So I pre-pack my meals.

My good friend and pageant contestant gave me a wonderful tip. She brought her Nutribullet to the pageant and put the ingredients to her smoothies each day in little ziplock bags. Need milk or yogurt? No problem! They sell them in packs of 10 in Costco or BJ’s making it easier for you to make your smoothies on the go.

Pack a small cooler bag with tupperware containing for favorite snacks. Your tummy and wallets can thank me later.

Lists for your lists.

No really, make a list of every thing you need and make sure you’ve got it packed. My mom taught me this one after she had to drive me back to the house because I forgot my sash and crown on my bed … she wasn’t a happier camper.

There is a great new app that I am so obsessed with called Trello that can help keep you organized for anything! You can add attachments, set reminders, and categories. It’s a must have for anyone who wants to stay organized with little to no effort.(Photo from Trello.com)

Plan ahead of time.

Don’t leave it all for last minute. That just causes more stress and is the number one reason why you leave things behind.

Hope my tips can help you stay organized and fabulous for you next big event! Share some of your favorite organization tips with me!

RECAP: BET Awards Red Carpet

From left to right: Kerri Washington, Regina Hall, Zendaya Coleman, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Good Day PGS Royalty,

I hope your week is coming off to a fabulous start. So lets take a second to talk about the BET awards that just passed and most importantly the best dressed on the red carpet!

BEST DRESSED

ONE| First up on my list of best dressed is “Scandal” star Kerri Washington! She looked radiant in her floral Dolce & Gabbana dress flaunting her post baby body!

TWO| We have “Think Like A Man” star, Regina Hall who was rocking her all white menswear inspired pant suit and gold accent jewelry. We are loving the menswear inspired trend here at PGS. YOU GO GIRL!

THREE | I am obsessed with Zendaya Coleman! Her Emanuel Ungaro letterman inspired skirt and jacket is unique and sporty and her hair and make up is on point (as always). I really appreciate her unique sense of style that is chic but isn’t reveling or sexy. I think she is such a great role model and style icon for teens to look up to these day.

FOUR | English actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw was perfect head to toe in her Jason Wu dress and white strappy heals. What I love most about this look is how well her up do and make-up compliment her outfit.

TRENDS

Lets talk about a major trend we saw on the red carpet. ALL WHITE! These celebs (and many more) arrived with a fresh and clean attitude making the all white number a stand out trend on the B.E.T Red Carpet.

From left to right: Paris Hilton, Nelly, Mia Pia, Regina Hall, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Hope you enjoyed our latest installment at Pageant Girl Secrets! Who where some of your favorite looks at the BET Red Carpet? Did you agree with my choices? Comment and let me know what you think!

Side note: PGS is a site that empowers, motivates, and inspires women so, that being said, there will be no “Worst Dressed” part of this article…. sorry dolls.