Well, you’ll never guess what I’ve been up to – and it all happened so fast! My dear friend, Belle Roussel of Chop Zuey contacted me this week to let me know about an upcoming pageant that she thought I’d be well-suited for. I learned that it was the high-end couture designer Luxe Paris who’s looking to crown a brand ambassador in their Look of the Year 2020 pageant.  I was instantly intrigued, but the deadline for the next intake of entries was that day, so there was no time to waste – it was “sink or swim” time!

So I plugged my nose, held my breath and jumped off of my Chop Zuey pose stand and dove head-first into the world of Luxe Paris.

The process of entering this contest is to wear a Luxe Paris outfit, style it and then take a photo and submit it. Honestly, just styling an outfit is a process that can often take me hours – let alone shop for one, style, pose and photograph it! (I’m a bit of a perfectionist, which is a trait that’s often the bain of my existence!)  But I knew I had to act fast if I wanted to get my photo in on time to this round of inscriptions.

Outfit One – Contest First Submission

Choosing an outfit wasn’t easy because there are so many beautiful outfits to choose from at Luxe Paris .  But when I saw this sexy, yet elegant gown I fell in love. Its unique style features these stunning detached sleeves and I adore the embossed detail on the fabric. So I quickly bought it and flew out the door.

And Look how well it fits my Maitreya Lara body – like it was made for me. I love it!

I styled the outfit with some of my favourite Chop Zuey statement pieces. The Lulu Cardoon fascinator which I’d recently blogged, totally love and keep trying to find excuses to wear. The necklace and earrings are the texture-changing, Love Tango set and the belly piercing is Hana-Shobu – all of which are created by Chop Zuey.

Once I was happy with the look, I struck a pose, took a quick selfie and got it sent off in time. I had no idea what they were looking for, I just ran with it! I figured if I didn’t make it into this round, I could at least try for the next round. No biggie.

A Happy Outcome

But, guess what!!! They actually chose me as one of 30 semi-finalists!!! They also told me that I was chosen as one out of 195 entrants. Who knew?

I was informed that although not mandatory, I could submit more photos for the panel of judges which would help them to eventually narrow down the candidates to the final 12. I was thrilled because styling and photographing is my happy place.

Outfit Two – Second Submission

So I happily bounced all the way back to Luxe Paris to get another outfit. I saw the tassels on this cute little “Earth” dress and was inspired so I grabbed it! Check out the cut of this dress and how beautifully it drapes my shape. By the way, it also comes with this lovely gold chain bracelet!

I thought it would be fun to pair with the absolutely stunning Andromeda fascinator by Chop Zuey. Isn’t it gorgeous? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. That Belle Roussel is one creative lady!

Anyway, my second photo (below) has now been submitted and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the judges like it.

I don’t know how this will all turn out. There are some very stylish ladies competing and each one of them deserves to win. But I’m having a blast and look forward to sharing the pageant process with you (if I make it any further), so stay tuned!

(See the next blog of this series here.)

Details

Outfit One:

Top & Skirt by Luxe Paris: Innocence 

Jewellery by Chop Zuey:

           Lulu Cardoon – Artichoke Fascinator (Texture – Changing)

           Love Tango set (Texture – Changing) 

           Belly Ring: Hana Shobu

 

Outfit Two:

Dress & Bracelet by Luxe Paris: Earth

Fascinator by Chop Zuey: Andromeda

Booties by BAX:  Poppy (Gold)     

Black Leather Fingerless Gloves by Meli Imako

     

Both Outfits:

Skin: Avenge– Anya Albino Ivory (for Catwa) and for Maitreya body

Hair: Amacci – Betty – chignon

Eyes: Entity mesh eye system

Mesh Body: Maitreya –Lara

Mesh Head: Catwa – Tumble

Photography HUD: LUMIPro18

Model/Photographer: Avalon Chrome