"...one of the best colors for a redhead to wear is surprisingly green! Although many would associate red and green as Christmas colors, the two actually work well together. Any shade of green tends to work well except for neon green. Green is not a popular evening gown color; however, for redheads it would be a very good choice."
Alyssa Campanella in 2008: "Green is not a popular evening gown color; however, for redheads it would be a very good choice.
I first met Alyssa Campanella back in 2008, several months after her 1st runner-up placement at Miss Teen USA 2007, where she contributed as a feature writer for one my pageant projects, PageantMaterial.com.
Looking back at the first article she wrote -- more specifically the quote listed above -- its no surprise to see how correct she was in recommending "The Perfect Colors for the Redhead". Even more accurate would be the fact she would follow her own advice......in capturing the title of Miss USA 2011.
Over the past few years, I've been lucky to have Alyssa's support on all of my pageant projects, and when I launched my newest project, thePageantGuy.com, it was only fitting that she would be my first interview to launch the site.
Since then, I've been able to interview Alyssa several more times, raising the standard for journalistic silliness -- complete with refrigerator tours and bloopers -- each and every time 🙂
So here we are once again: thePageantGuy.com interview with Miss USA 2011 - Alyssa Campanella (or AC: Episode IV for you Star Wars fans) haha.
Special thanks to the Miss Universe Organization for the exclusive interview. Best viewed in 1080p HD. Video by thePageantGuy.com in association with PixelBroom.
P.S. In case you missed our first three interviews here they are:
Last month, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Miss Nevada USA 2012 pageant at the Palms Casino and Resort in Las Vegas. With 5 former Miss USA's, MUO president - Paula Shugart, and Miss USA 2011 - Alyssa Campanella all in attendance, it certainly was an exciting way to conclude the Miss USA state pageants en route to crowning Miss USA 2012 this summer!
So I wanted to share with everyone what was happening at the pageant. Sure, anyone could've watched the live stream of the pageant OR sat in the audience and post pageant updates on Twitter, but since this was the last state pageant of the season, I wanted to offer everyone something different.
Instead, during the entire pageant weekend, I encouraged everyone to do something that has NEVER been done before in pageantry......
......join us at the Miss Nevada USA 2012 pageant by following us behind-the-scenes --- contestant check-in, arrival photoshoot, rehearsals, preliminaries, finals backstage, and of course the new Miss Nevada USA 2012 and Miss Nevada Teen USA 2012 -- all in REAL TIME with PHOTOS on Twitter.
So if you were following us last month, I hope you enjoyed it. If you missed it, I've included a gallery below with the photos and captions of events happening LIVE during the entire weekend. And keep following me on Twitter at @thePageantGuy so you can join us behind-the-scenes at the next pageant!
Each year, pageant contestants and titleholders reach the point of competition retirement. Whether one ages out or simply moves forward, a common question arises: "How can I sell my old gown?" Take a quick look on Facebook and you'll easily find in a former contestant's Photo Album or Wall Post...gowns and dresses for sale.
On the other hand, contestants each year attempt to balance their budget while purchasing a competitive gown for their pageant. Many will goto established boutiques and others may turn to online sources to find a previously worn gown.
Think Twice Fashions has captured the concept of both, introducing a retail storefront solely dedicated to the resale and consignment of designer gowns and dresses for pageant and prom -- that will also cater to contestants throughout the country!
I visited with the owners of Think Twice Fashions -- Tracy Kirkland and Beth Graves -- and they gave me a tour of their location in Houston, TX. My interview with them is shown below.
If you would also like to visit their location, their Open House is on Sunday, March 4th at 2pm or you can contact them by appointment at 713-253-5818. I have also included Frequently Asked Questions below.
-Will the Pageant Guy
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Think Twice Fashions?
Think Twice Fashions is a resale and consignment business of designer evening gowns and designer cocktail dresses. Our business was started to give young ladies an opportunity to purchase beautiful gowns and dresses at very affordable prices and to sell their dresses. We specialize in dress selection for those competing in pageants of all systems.
- How is your business different from others?
Our business allows buyers to view dresses on our website and Facebook page as well as by appointment in the Houston area. Whereas most online resale sites sell by pictures only, we provide an opportunity to see the dresses in person and try them on for a personal shopping experience.
- What is your experience with pageants?
Beth Graves and Tracy Kirkland both have daughters that have successfully competed in pageants. Beth and Tracy have listened in on many coaching, training, interview, and informational meetings with their daughters and learned a great deal about the pageant industry. Both ladies have also served as judges for pageants. Beth has served behind the scenes on staff for a large local pageant system.
- What types of products do you carry?
Currently we carry evening gowns for those competing in teen and miss pageants, gowns for prom and special events, and cocktail dresses. We carry designer dresses by Stephen Yearick, Jovani, Sherri Hill, Carlos Alberto, Claire’s Collection, Tony Bowls, and many more! We do not carry regular department store brands.
- Can you accept gowns from out of Houston, TX?
YES! We accept gowns from anywhere. If someone wants to consign from outside the Houston area, we encourage shipping the gowns to us. Please contact us for tips on proper shipping.
- Explain the consignment process.
Please email or call us if you would like to consign a dress and we will email you our contract and a seller form. The seller form is to be filled out for each dress being consigned. This form gives us important information about your dress. The price must be agreed upon by the seller and Think Twice Fashions. All dresses must be professionally cleaned or spot cleaned and all fasteners secure and beading in place.
- How can I purchase a gown or dress?
Gowns and dresses may be purchased by making an appointment to come to our shop in the Houston area near the Galleria. We do not have regular store hours, but will be available most any time to meet with prospective buyers. Dresses may also be purchased by viewing them online and calling in and placing an order. We accept Mastercard, VISA, and Discover. We do not accept checks for purchases.
- What if I am unsure about the size of a dress?
Please call us to discuss the size and measurements of a dress you are interested in purchasing. Many of the gowns have been altered, but we can give you measurements of the dress and answer any questions you may have about a dress. Keep in mind sometimes exact sizing is different from one designer to the next.
In October, I had the unique opportunity to attend and capture some rare moments of the Miss Louisiana USA and Miss Louisiana Teen USA 2012 pageant.
Thank you to Paula Miles and the entire RPM Productions team for the exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the pageant!
Special thanks to Zac Grimaldo for also capturing great footage throughout the entire pageant weekend.
Best viewed in 1080p HD. Video by thePageantGuy.com in association with PixelBroom.
P.S. I have posted two versions of the same video.
The top (YouTube) version can not be viewed on mobile devices (iPhone, iPad, Android, etc.) 🙁 however the bottom (Vimeo) version can be viewed on mobile devices 🙂
"...my life is over. But I didn't know that my life was just beginning. And it was one of the hardest things I've ever gone through, but it's also one of the best things I've ever gone through. I learned so much about life, myself, and my future. And everything since then has blossomed into this beautiful fairy tale."
Just over a week ago, I had the opportunity to meet one of the most controversial Miss USA's in recent pageant history. Here's how it began:
Me: "Nice to meet you Tara, I'm Will and I'd like to interview you for my blog thePageantGuy.com."
Tara: "Are you nice?"
I immediately laughed and explained that I'd love for her to tell her life changing story...her rise to the top of pageant world, her public battles with addiction, and how she is positively impacting lives today.
If you don't know the Tara Conner story, I can tell you that it is NOT the "small town girl makes it big time, goes to New York City, and gets busted partying" story. It's the story of a woman who, at early age, secretly struggled with addiction, abuse, and the loss of a family member. Long before she was crowned Miss USA 2006, Tara was already spiraling down the path of self-destruction...powerless over her addiction, living an unmanageable life. It wasn't until Tara won the coveted Miss USA title that her struggles became publicly known. Eight months into her reign, after testing positive for cocaine, Tara was in danger of being stripped of her title until Donald Trump (who lost his brother Fred to alcoholism) gave her a second chance. More importantly, it was a second chance at life. Tara checked into the Caron Treatment Center -- whom she is currently a spokesperson -- and has now been sober for 5 years.
I don't think that I ever answered Tara's question, "Are you nice?" but I understand why she asked. Sometimes people THINK they know the whole story about who you are and what you've experienced, and in the case of Tara, will villainize you based on what you've read or seen on television. To answer your question Tara, "I'm nice sometimes 🙂 and thank you for sharing YOUR story."
