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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011 Official Evening Gown Portraits--The "Sassy" Bunch!!!



The "WORK IT!" girls...



It's 1979 All Over Again: This contestant--scroll below to find out where she is from--makes my "Sassy" Miss Universe 2011 Evening Gown List



To wrap up my "reviews" of the Miss Universe 2011 "Official Evening Gown Portraits" (You can click HERE, for my "Best", HERE for my "Oh No You Didn't" and HERE for "Strippers or Miss Universe Contestants"), I decided there were FOUR gals who stood out for just being SASSY and FAB-u-LOUS, in terms of their photos and "gown" choices. Now, these contestants could have easily made my "Put That Dress Back On The Rack" list--or even my "Miss Universe Strippers" List for that matter--but the good thing is that THEY DIDN'T! Why, well, see for yourself:



Miss South Africa Universe 2011 Bokang Montjane: Safari Anyone??? Where is Peter Beard when you need him??? Miss South Africa is giving animal print and not just any animal print but BIG OL' zebra!! You Go Girl! The gown fits beautifully and that "Oh, are you really looking at me?" pose is FABULOUS in my "Nick V" book! If I was a LION, I'd run the other way!!! Sassy Points: 8.8



Miss Guyana Universe 2011 Kara Lord: Seriously, when I saw this photo, I almost thought I heard Chic's "Le Freak" and I was back at Studio 54!!! How amazing is this? This lady knows WAAAY too many gays! And I LOVE her for it! I really want to know what song they were playing during this photo-shoot that got her "in the mood" to be all Pat Cleveland/Bianca Jagger. The poly charmeuse dress, bold tacky necklace those not-matching black pumps...she could have easily made my "Not" List. But the pose and that "It's 1979" look, got her in my Sassy List. Sassy Points: 9.5



Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 Anastagia Pierre: I can't even begin to tell you the SHIVAHS I got when I saw this photo of Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 Anastagia. let me remind you, this was supposed to be the "Official EVENING GOWN Portraits" for the Miss Universe 2011 Website. And she chose a strapless sequined JUMPSUIT!!!! How much do I LOVE her!!! I think she's waiting in line with Miss Guyana Universe 2011 to get into Studio 54...in 1979! I also LOVE her because I actually had a FAB "encounter" with her:



Model Anastagia Pierre, Miss Bahamas Universe 2011, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010



Anastagia was one of the top models "working the runway" at last year's AMAZING Islands of The World Fashion Week in Nassau The Bahamas, which I hosted. She modeled for several of the featured designers and in fact, wore a gown of the Winner of the IOTW Fashion Week's "In Search of the Next Oscar" Competition:



The winner was Georgina Estherr (middle) of the Dominican Republic and her "Muse", none other than Anastagia Pierre, Miss Bahamas Universe 2011 (on the left).



Oh, and by the way, she gets 9.8 "Nick V. Sassy Points" for the sequined jumpsuit "Evening Gown" Photo!




Finally...our last "Sassy Girl" is...



Miss Thailand Universe 2011 Chanyasorn Sakornchan: First: The Gown. AMAZEEENG!!! It's a gown..nope, it's also a sequined jumpsuit! Second: The Pose. She is having a BLAST. The perfect pose for this KRAZEE "gown". She's going to the Oscars AND Disco Night at "Oil Can Harry's" in The Valley (The L.A. peeps will understand!). Not to mention: She is STUNNING! Therefore Chanyasorn gets TEN Nick V Sassy Points!!! ขอแสดงความยินดี (Congratulations in Thai) !!



American citizen schools police









After so many bad news this month I found something amazing.

An American citizen whose son was being taken by cops for no reason without any explanation puts them at their place. As my friend David Butler who gave me the link for this video says:


 "A lawless enforcer fears nothing, except an informed citizen. When you know your rights, you know you're right." Justice was done. Justice by the people. This is the lesson of this month: we have to know our rights! "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." 

 See you in September.

The colour purple


"I think it pisses God off when you walk by the colour purple in a field and don't notice it.

from The Colour Purple by Alice Walker. (Thanks to Spirits of Lena for this great quotation.)

Quarriers staff to strike on Tuesday 6 September over 20% pay cuts

Quarriers is a 140 year old (mainly) Scottish Social Care charity.  Yet is planning to cut the pay of its staff by up to 23%?  Not only that but it is refusing to agree to even go to ACAS and try to resolve this dispute!

No wonder UNISON Quarriers branch have voted overwhelmingly for strike action next Tuesday 6 September.  The Scottish Parliament Labour Health spokesperson Jackie Baillie has asked the Health Secretary to intervene  "...You do not get good quality care for our most vulnerable citizens on the cheap... I'm calling on her to intervene and stop local authorities engaging in a race to the bottom in terms of care and quality of care. I would also hope she will get on the phone to Quarriers' bosses and urge them to sit down with their union representatives at Acas to thrash out a proper negotiated settlement."

Well said Jackie.  Pick up the phone Quarrier bosses - it's good to talk.

Big NHS Weekend

This weekend has been designated as the BIG NHS Weekend.  Up and down the country the Labour movement will be campaigning - street stalls, door knocking and petitioning - to save our NHS.

We have to let the public know that the Tories are planning to destroy our National Health Service.  Next week the Health Bill comes back to Parliament. In Newham, West and East Ham Labour Parties are planning to help TULO (Trade Union Liaison Organisation) run campaigning events.

UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis makes it clear what he thinks the Tories are up to:-
“Our health service is under siege. If anyone thinks that the NHS is safe in the Coalition’s hands - they better think again.  The Health and Social Care Bill is a Trojan horse bringing in private health companies to take over our health service. In Tory-ward, money talks and if patients don’t have the cash they will find themselves waiting at the end of a very long queue.”

Nick Verreos to Host "Project Style" THIS SATURDAY September 3rd South Bay Galleria!!!



Project Style 2011!!!

I am sooooo excited to be hosting PROJECT STYLE this upcoming Saturday at the South Bay Galleria!!!! Last year, I was honored to have hosted the 2010 Project Style Finals at South Bay Galleria as well, so I'm DOUBLE thrilled to be back!!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Project Style 2011, South Bay Galleria Redondo Beach CA Saturday September 3rd

What Is Project Style?

*It is the ultimate fashion competition for guys & girls ages 13 and up.

*Two trendsetters are selected each round to put their sense of style & fashion to the test by creating the ultimate outfits.

*The trendsetters create a video and post photos of their ensemble. Live voting by Shoptopia members will determine the winner for the round.

*Finalists will come back to compete in a Live Style Off... that I will host!!!...for ultimate bragging rights as the Top Trendsetter and a $1,000 Shopping Spree! (not bad huh?)

Contestant Camila and Nick Verreos during the Project Style Trendsetter Finals 2010, South Bay Galleria Redondo Beach

Below is the Schedule of Events for Saturday September 3rd:

1-2pm – Nick Verreos Meet & Greet --Sign autographs and take all the (Facebook) photos you want!!!

2-3pm – Live Style Off –I host the fashion show with five finalists from Project Style who will model their latest fashions from South Bay Galleria, which they purchased with a $250 Galleria Gift Card. Finalists will also describe their style secrets and tell you why they should win the Live Style Off and $1,000 Galleria Gift Card.

3pm – Project Style Winner Announcement -- $1,000 Galleria Gift Card is awarded.



**The Application period has already closed, but make sure to come to the South Bay Galleria to cheer on your favorite and say Hi! to me as I host this fantastic event!!



And if that wasn't enough!!:



The event will also be featuring the Swivel 3D Virtual Dressing Room. You will be able to step inside this wonderful new technology and try on some of my NIKOLAKI gowns!! To learn more about the Swivel Virtual Dressing Room click HERE.



Below is a fun video about the Project Style Contest and how to participate:





Docklands all the way



DLR Canary Wharf



Originally derided as the “Toytown Railway” when it opened in 1987 from Canary Wharf to a slightly off centre City terminus at Tower Gateway, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) has developed to become a serious contributor to the transport infrastructure in East London and a critical component in the transport infrastructure for next years Olympics 2012 in London. The reputation of the DLR was further damaged by unreliability which plagued it for the first 5 years but it has developed in robustness and capacity over the years and is a firm favourite with visitors and natives alike – as they say in East London – “Don’t be a knocker, be a Docker!”





DLR with the Dome in the background



This innovative, driverless railway serves parts of East and South East London. Commuters and tourists alike enjoy views of lesser-seen London locations from the easily accessible DLR. It connects with the Tube network at Bank and Tower Gateway (Tower Hill) stations and also at Shadwell, Stratford, Bow, Heron Quays, Canning Town and Canary Wharf. The DLR serves Beckton, Stratford and London City Airport to the East and North East and the Docklands, Greenwich and Lewisham to the South.









DLR Network - Diagramatic & geographic maps



Being a light railway many of the routes use existing and often abandoned rail routes in East London which once served the huge Docks complexes which stretched for many miles along the River Thames. This has allowed cheaper, quicker construction with less planning issues and delays as part of the overall regeneration of an area which had experienced years of decline as the docks and associated industries closed.





DLR 3 car configuration



The Toytown Railway has comprehensively proved its detractors wrong as it extended its reach to London City Airport, Woolwich and Lewisham (taking in Greenwich) south of the river and Beckton and now Stratford International north of the river. Other capacity enhancements increasing the trains to 3 cars and connecting underground to the major Tube interchange at Bank Station have greatly increased the usefulness of the DLR network. Passengers for their part appreciate the easy access, automatic ticketing (integrated with TfL’s Oyster system) and the security from having onboard Train Captains. Kids and tourists alike love the fact that these are automatic driverless trains and there is always a rush to occupy the front row which gives a driver’s eye view of the route. This is particularly popular on the tunnel section from Bank where the trains emerge from the darkness and climb steeply on a viaduct which gives excellent views of Limehouse and the towers of Canary Wharf.







With just under a year to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games the fully accessible Docklands Light Railway (DLR) Stratford International extension opened today (31 August), bringing this key link into the heart of the Olympic Park. This will also be the terminus for the “Olympic Javelin” which will ferry up to 25,000 people an hour to and from the Olympic Park. The journey time from St. Pancras in Central London to the Olympics will be only 7 minutes, an Olympic sprint indeed!



See; St. Pancras Reborn



http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2007/11/st-pancras-reborn.html




Spectators will get free use of public transport with their tickets to Olympic events but a separate Javelin pass may be issued to manage crowds. The project is a key part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic transport network and will improve accessibility on London's transport network for people with restricted mobility. It was due to open in July 2010, however the extension is opening well ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.





System Map @ Elverson Road



The 3.7-mile (6km) expansion from Canning Town to Stratford International forms a key part of the London 2012 Olympic Games transport network. There are four new stations along the new route, which connects the Olympic Park to five arenas in east London. The four new stations are Stratford International, Stratford High Street, Abbey Road and Star Lane. This will be the last extension of the DLR system until the branch to Dagenham is completed in 2017.





Docklands integrated with the TfL transport network



The extension completes a £500m upgrade of the Docklands Light Railway, which Transport for London (TfL) says will improve capacity by 50%. Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: "This expansion of the DLR is a further demonstration of the improvements that the London 2012 Games are making to our city.” This work will be of permanent benefit for Londoners and all those travelling in the capital from here on in. It's fantastic news and another example of London's lasting legacy of playing host to such a momentous event."





DLR train interior



Director of transport for the Olympic Delivery Authority, Hugh Sumner, said: "The opening of the new DLR extension is the last piece in the jigsaw for major upgrades and improvements to networks serving the Olympic Park. We have worked closely with TfL to fund and deliver a much-improved service which will leave east London better connected after the Games."



The Olympic venues served by the DLR are;



• Olympic Park: a 2.5 km2 site that will form the centre stage for the Games. It features purpose-built and accessible facilities including the Aquatics Centre, Velodrome and Olympic Stadium.



• ExCeL: is London’s largest exhibition and conference centre. During the Olympic Games it will host the Weightlifting, Judo, Fencing, Taekwondo, Table Tennis, Wrestling and Boxing. During the Paralympics it will host Table Tennis, Judo, Wheelchair Fencing, Boccia, Powerlifiting and Volleyball (Sitting).



• Greenwich Park: covers 74 hectares and is part of the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site. During the Olympic Games it will host the Equestrian events and Modern Pentathlon. During the Paralympic Games it will host the Equestrian Dressage.



• Royal Artillery Barracks: is owned and operated by the Ministry of Defence and will have a temporary venue beside Woolwich Common to host the Olympic Shooting event and the Paralympic Archery and Shooting events.






Stratford station in December 2009, showing the new DLR line and platforms under construction, this was formerly the North London Line platforms. The Olympic Park and Westfield Shopping Centre site is in the background.



The Docklands Light Railway is an automated light metro or light rail system opened on 31 August 1987 to serve the redeveloped Docklands area of London. It covers several areas of London, reaching north to Stratford, south to Lewisham, and west to Tower Gateway and Bank in the City of London financial district, and east to Beckton, London City Airport and Woolwich Arsenal.









Stratford International DLR Station



The DLR is now 23 miles (37 km) long, with 44 stations along the route. There are five branches: to Lewisham in the south, to Stratford in the north, to Beckton and to Woolwich Arsenal in the east, and to Central London in the west, splitting to serve Bank and Tower Gateway. Although the layout allows many different combinations of routes, at present the following four are operated in normal service:



• Stratford to Lewisham

• Bank to Lewisham

• Bank to Woolwich Arsenal

• Tower Gateway to Beckton




There is an additional shuttle service from Canning Town to Prince Regent, operated when exhibitions are in progress at the ExCeL exhibition centre, to double the normal service. These trains reverse direction in the eastbound platform at Canning Town and on a crossover at the high point where the line crosses the Connaught Crossing road bridge between Prince Regent and Royal Albert stations.







Making transport accessible to all is important in London and has an added impetus for the Paralympic Games in 2012. All DLR stations have lift or ramp access to the platforms, with level access onto the trains. All lifts have alarms enabled, which allow you to talk directly with a member of DLR staff should you experience any problems. Platforms are as level with trains as possible for easy access. The gap between the platform edge and the train is approximately 7.5cm wide and the step up/down from the platform to the train approximately 5cm high. Most wheelchair users find boarding/alighting smoothest with the largest wheel first – this may mean reversing as appropriate.







Elsewhere on the TfL transport network all of London's 8,500 buses are fully accessible, all 22,000 taxis have wheelchair ramps and all stations and trains on the DLR network are fully accessible. 62 Tube stations are now step-free from street to platform, and this will rise further with the imminent completion of works at Green Park, which will be a key step-free station during the Games. By the time of the 2012 Games 65 Tube stations will be step-free.



The DLR runs from 5.30am to 12.30am Monday to Saturday and from 7am to 11.30pm on Sunday. Fares are the same as those on the Tube and Oyster and Travelcard holders can use the DLR.



The Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Games will take place on 27 July 2012 and the Closing Ceremony on the 12 Aug 2012. 18 days later, the Paralympic Games (the second largest event of its kind in the world) will stage its Opening Ceremony. Odds are that many attending the ceremonies and events of London 2012 will be travelling on the Docklands Railway.







Docklands Light Railway website;



www.dlr.co.uk



See also;



London Olympics 2012 – Stratford Station



http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2009/01/london-olympics-2012-stratford-station.html



Paralympic Games



http://daithaic.blogspot.com/2008/09/paralympic-games.html






Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Leaf skeletons


This leaf was skeletonised by my grandmother = probably around a hundred years ago!


These dyed leaf skeleton book marks were given me by Thein Swee Lay - a Malaysian penpal I had when I was a child.

There is an article on how to skeletonise leaves here.

Another method is as follows:-
"To produce good specimens, put the leaves into a deep jar and cover over with soft water, which must not be changed; the jar to be put into a cool place. When, upon examination, the leaves are found to be quite soft, they must be carefully brushed in a plate of water with a camel's hair brush. Then they should be placed in a weak solution of chloride of lime for a short time, to whiten the fibres, and afterwards washed well in two or three waters, and dried carefully between sheets of blotting-paper or linen; after which they are ready for mounting.

All leaves will not answer for dissecting, but those that have been most successfully operated upon are the leaves of the Magnolia, Ivy, Pear, Rose, Holly, Orange, Poplar, Willow, Elm, Lime, Service-tree, Spanish and Horse Chestnut, and Oak. The last, however, should not be put into the same vessel as the others, as it affects them in an undesirable manner. Certain seed-vessels will also dissect admirably, such as the Stramonium, Winter Cherry, Poppy, etc."


(From Chest of Books.)

Nottinghamshire Police civilian staff strike

Good luck to UNISON members of Nottingham Police Civilian staff out on strike today and on Friday over unfair
job cuts.

"(30/08/11) UNISON police staff members in Nottinghamshire are on a 24-hour strike against job losses, with a work to rule to follow.

The members include 999 control staff, PCSOs and detention staff.

Regional organiser Roger Young told the BBC: "It's not about the redundancies in themselves, it's about the way they're doing it.

"We feel that they're wasting resources and potentially identifying people to be made redundant who otherwise would not be so and they may have claims against the force."

General secretary Dave Prentis added: "“The union is full square behind members in Nottinghamshire Police Force taking action over job cuts and restructuring today.

"It is not only their livelihoods on the line – it is community safety."

So far, 170 staff jobs have been lost, while UNISON says a further 746 are at risk.

You can send a message of support to the branch by email: unison@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk or via Twitter: @unisonnottspol"

Check out BBC report here, UNISON press release here and Notts Police UNISON branch web site here. (picture from website)

Britain's Broken Housing Policy

Floundering Tory Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, was given a good going over this morning on the Radio 4 "Today" programme.  The National Housing Federation (FED) had first drawn blood with a report published today that under present policies home ownership will decline by nearly 10% while prices will increase by over 20%.

The interview started with a recording of a speech by Thatcher to her Party conference in 1986 saying that the great Tory political reform of the 20th century was encouraging more people to own property.  Yet ironically this government's housing policy will reverse home ownership back to 1986 levels.

Actually I think it is a "good thing" that home ownership density is lower but there needs to be far more good quality, affordable and secure rented properties to take its place (and address existing shortages and overcrowding). 

Shapps argument was that he will increase supply by changes in planning and anyway these problems will disappear due to Britain's low interest rates which means mortgages are cheap.  He ignores the NHF prediction that prices will increase by 20% and of course very few people expect 0.5% interest base rates to continue for much longer.  House prices are already too high and even if supply was increased substantially, they will still remain unaffordable.  

What we really need is a housing policy something more like this.

Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011--The "Strippers Of The Universe"!!!!



Stripper...OR...Miss Universe 2011 Contestant???




That's a VERY HIGH Slit: Find out why Miss Dominican Republic Universe 2011 made my "Nick V" Stripper Club...



I LOVE discussing Beauty Pageants and especially, Beauty Pageant Gowns. I would LOVE to think that somehow, someone is LISTENING--or reading--my comments and advice. I would love to see pageant girls--especially in International Pageants such as Miss Universe, Miss World, etc., be more like what we see at BIG Red Carpet events such as the Oscars and Cannes. But alas, some gals (and their pageant advisers) somehow feel that looking like a Stripper is more Klassy--yes, Classy with a "K".



And now, the Miss Universe 2011 contestants who went to the Stripper Club for
their "Official" Evening Gown Portraits:



Miss Cyprus Universe 2011 Andriani Karantoni: At first glance, I thought this was just-turned-17-years-old Courtney Stodden, the trashy lip-puckering "Child Bride" of that "Lost" actor. Here's a positive: She is SEX on a Stick. But you know, the Miss Universe Pageant may not be the right venue to be so sexy. The bright gold sequined, side cut-out, high center-front slit just adds to it unfortunately.Time of her Stripper Show: She goes on at noon during the Buffet Lunch.



Miss Serbia Universe 2011 Anja Saranovic: Such a beautiful doll-like perfect face! She's blessed with flawless genes that's for sure. So why would she choose this too-short and too-tight Mermaid Dress straight out of Playmates of Hollywood? The come-hither pose is not helping matters. Time of her Show: Begins at 2PM, right after the Buffet Lunch.



Miss Curacao Universe 2011 Eva Van Putten: Again, such a beautiful girl! Halle Berry Who? The gown is actually quite nice and interesting, but...there's something missing? A LINING!!!!! It's more like a negligee as opposed to an evening gown. If an actress wore this on the Red Carpet, she would have been TORN to shreds the following day. Time of her Show: She begins around 5PM--for Happy Hour.



Miss Panama Universe 2011 Sheldry Saez: At first glance, I kinda liked this. But then, my contacts cleared up a little bit, and the whole "I'm a Klassy Stripper" vibe came into full focus: The pouty lips, the would-you-like-a-Bloody Mary stance, that hair! The gold stretch Lycra fabrication of the dress is arguably, a bit cursi (as my Latinos would say). I like the turquoise blue sequined appliques but if only they would have stopped at the top and not continued toward the entire length of her dress. Time of her Show: Sheldry goes on at 7PM, a more "respectable" hour.



Miss Dominican Republic 2011 Dalia Fernandez: I just want to focus on her face--it's absolutely STUNNING! If she doesn't win Miss Universe, she'll be a HIT as Santo Domingo's newest TV Presenter/Hostess and/or Telemundo News Anchor!! But this dress: She is 1/2" away from a "Britney" moment. That, in combination with that "Beyoncé Armpit" pose, it's not elegante. Take that chiffon back overlay/train off, close the slit by five inches and drop the arms huney. There! now, it's much better (in my mind). Time of her Show: Dalia goes on at 9PM, kids--with a three-drink minimum!



Miss Argentina Universe 2011 Natalie Rodriguez: Up Next, Miss Belly Dancing Stripper Natalie!! Is her entire torso exposed save for some crystal straps? And, it looks as if she's getting ready to begin her "show" as she lifts that chiffon back shoulder "fall" piece. I guarantee that entire "fall" plus the bottom of the gown comes off and volia: It's a Midnight Show in Buenos Aires!!! Time of Her Show: Midnight!!! Hello!!! There's Chimichurri sauce with some late-night empanadas included with the Cover Price...



*Up Next: The "Sassy" Miss Universe 2011 Evening Gown Portrait Ladies!!! Stay Tuned!



Pageant Minute: Miss Universe 2011--The HOT MESSES of the "Evening Gown Portraits" !!



Mija
...Tacky Black Pumps, Mother-of-the-Bride Hairdo's, Slits up to the Cha-Cha, Dominatrix Stiletto Platforms...The Miss Universe 2011 Official Evening Gown Portrait No-No's:




A Wrist/Cuff Train Holder??? Uh...NO!!! See where this lovely "HOT MESS" ended up on my "Put That Dress Back on The Rack" List...



As you may know--from keeping up with my nickverreos.com blog here--I am in "Pageant Mode", since the Miss Universe 2011 competition is coming up in a few weeks, and the much-anticipated "Evening Gown Portraits" were released over the weekend on the Miss Universe website. In my last two posts, I began with my "Best" from those photos and the gowns the international ladies chose. But of course, now I must discuss THE HOT MESSES as much as I don't like to do it. As a Fashion Designer who's expertise is in designing evening gowns and red carpet dresses, I do it more to help, and "style-advise" my lovely beauty pageant gals as to what they shouldn't be sportin' in the evening category. Now, remember these may or may not be the gowns these lovely women wear in the Final Telecast (for their sake, I HOPE NOT!!!) but still, I must discuss...



Here's my "Put That Gown Back On The Rack" List:




Miss Mexico Universe 2011 Karin Ontiveros: There's A LOT riding on Karin. Last year's Miss Universe, Ximena Navarette is from Mexico and did EVERYTHING right in 2010--including choosing the right gown. I'm not sure if Karin chose correctly here. It's just a bit "off". A two-piece purple strapless peplum'ed bustier with over-sized flower detail--and a gold lame skirt. If she were hosting a minor award show in Mexico City that her abuelita would be attending: Maybe. But not for the Miss Universe Pageant. Her hair and make-up look great though--very Selena Gomez.



Miss India Universe 2011 Vasuki Sunkavalli: I expect a lot from those stunning--and very stylist Miss India's. However, at least for the choice of this gown and styling: Not so much-ey. It looks like a gown I would have designed and made TEN years ago (I think I actually did!) But what bothers me most are the BIG BLACK PUMPS! Whyyyyyyy? It makes no sense. Didn't she bring some metallic strappy heels (EVERY pageant girls needs to have at least THREE pairs!) or nude ones. The whole look wouldn't be so bad if it wasn't for those BLACK PUMPS!



Miss Finland Universe 2011 Pia Pakarinen: OK, she's just GORGEOUS. Doll-like. She'll be in the Top 15 just for that beautiful face! Leave it to those Scandinavians to produce beauties like her! Something about the fish, the vodka and the cold weather I guess. But I am not a fan of her gown choice here. It's very "Bridesmaid", especially the light pastel color. And, what is up with THAT 4 inches too short length?



Miss Hungary Universe 2011 Betta Lipcsei: Well, basically all I have to say is that's just a whole lot of tiered ruffles! Is she a background player at a Budapest performance of "Bizet's Carmen"? It's very "Cha-Cha" and I do LOVE Cha-Cha, but not for this. I say try again and maybe with not so many tiers of ruffles--a "Mermaid"-style gown skirt would have been better.



Miss Georgia Universe 2011 Eka Gurtskaia: Look at what we've got here--It's a MINI...No, wait, it's long. No, it's a Mini. No wait, It's BOTH: A Mini dress with a fitted chiffon long skirt overlay...with a silver metallic bodice midriff. Here's the thing: It's WRONG and a little trashy. If it would have been lined all the way to the floor (as opposed to a mini way too close to her nether-regions) it actually could have been nice.



Miss Brazil Universe 2011 Priscilla Machado: A lot is also riding on Priscilla. She's the "home-country" girl. The Miss Universe Pageant is--after all--taking place in Brazil! I am disappointed in this gown choice. It's the kind of pageant dress that ends up on the Sale Rack at a local Prom/Bridal Boutique! And, why did she allow herself to get a big poufy 54-year-old Housewife Hair-DON'T? Here's a suggestion Priscilla: Go to Miss Venezuela or Miss Puerto Rico's Hotel Room and closets, take one of their gowns...and you'll be "good as new"! They'll never know the gowns are missing.



Miss Montenegro Universe 2011 Nikolina Loncar: OK, I LOVE her first name--NIKOLINA!! But this dress!!! Please tell me her ruched poly chiffon one-shoulder dress does NOT have a Cuff Train Holder? Those three words: Cuff, Train, Holder...I NEVER wanna see together again. And on her feet: The black pumps that DON'T MATCH at all! Chinese Laundry (Miss Universe Shoe Sponsor): We need some silver/metallic strappy heels ASAP!



Miss Belgium Universe 2011 Justine De Jonckheere: Oh huney, there are TOO many things going on with this dress: It's a one-shoulder..but then it's not; then there's a Blouson sleeve for no apparent reason; then straps connecting the midriff-waist; a high side slit. It's a little "Belly-Dancer"-ish. To finish it all off, she adds (because she feels it's sooooo necessary!) a tacky necklace, a cuff, PLUS the bouffant hair. She's such a cute girl. Why? Strip her of EVERYTHING and put her in a simple strapless sequined column gown. Done and done!



Miss Guatemala Universe 2011 Alejandra Barillas: But, I will save the Best "Hot Mess" for last. This is A LOT of Gown: The Football Quarterback-sized sequined shoulder caplet (I know that Strong Shoulders are "In" but this is taking it to a WHOLE other level!), the high slit (of course), PLUS the too-long train (for no reason) and then (Drum Roll!!), THOSE Stiletto Platform Dominatrix pumps!? Here's a positive: This ensemble would be FABULOSO on a Drag Queen for "Joan Crawford Meets Joan Collins Night" at a bar in West Hollywood. Remove the Over-sized Shoulder-Padded Caplet, cut 20 inches off that train and get her some peep-toe nude pumps (with NO PLATFORM!) and she'll be "back in the game"!



*Next Up: The Strippers Of The Universe!!!!! Yes, kids, What Miss Universe 2011 Contestants decided they would be Strippers for their Evening Gown Portraits? Find out in the next post!



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