Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014

Congratulations to Nina Davuluri, Miss America 2014.  The 24 year-old Miss New York beat out 52 other contestants to win the coveted crown and at least $50,000 in scholarship cash.  She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and hopes to become a physician like her father.

Nina looking stunning in the "Shoe parade."  That dress...love love love!

Her canary-yellow evening gown was perfection.

Nina rocked her zebra-print bikini in the bathing suit completion.  She said that she has battled bulimia in the past and lost approximately 60 pounds before winning the title of Miss New York.

I absolutely loved her talent--a classical Bollywood fusion dance.  Nina traveled to LA to train with Nakul Der Mahajan, a choreographer for the "So You Think You Can Dance" television show.

Unfortunately, as soon as the tiara was placed onto her beautifully coiffed hair, social media was abuzz with racist attacks in the fact that she was the first woman of Indian descent to ever win Miss America...calling her names such as  "Miss 7-11."  This is so ridiculous.  

Responding to the remarks, she said, "I have to rise above that.  I have always viewed myself as first and foremost American."

I'll admit that going into the competition, I was hoping Miss Georgia would take home the crown.  Although Miss Georgia is incredibly beautiful, her talent was lacking.  In my opinion, Nina scored 10's at every stage of the competition.  She deserves the win and I look forward to following her reign!

My Trip To The Miss USA Pageant

I was beyond excited to attend the Miss USA 2013 pageant while in Las Vegas last week!  I have already seen Celine Dion and Elton John and the other shows were not my style.  We stayed at Caesar's, which a just a short stroll from the pageant venue at Planet Hollywood.

My ticket to the best event in town!

I wore my St. John Knits suit and was totally not-dressed-flashy-enough!

My accessories for the evening...Ralph Lauren pageant pumps and Jack Rogers walkers, Tory Burch purse, St. John Knits necklace and earrings, Rolex dressy watch, and my Cartier wedding band.

I had fun the day before the pageant...stalking all the girls.  I cannot tell y'all how tall and skinny all the girls are.  I don't think they ever eat!

The night of the final event, I enjoyed champagne at the Halo Bar, just outside of the showroom.  I was surrounded by beautiful girls.  They were all wearing their best pageant clothes, super high heels, sashes and perfect hair.  Pageant royalty was everywhere!

I got to chat briefly with Miss Mississippi Teen USA.  She was perfect.  We both have lived in Southaven, Mississippi and we both love pageants.  Win Win!  BFF's.

Pretty girls wearing sashes...everywhere.  During the event, I sat next to a beautiful girl...I believe she was Miss Teen Arizona United States.  She was a little bitty pretty thing!

So here is the way I wanted it to go...

Miss Alabama, Mary Margaret McCord was my favorite going in.  She is just gorgeous!  Of course, she was first runner-up.

Miss South Carolina.  Va-Voom.  This girl is a knockout.  I wanted her to come in as first-runner up, but she was the 4th runner-up.

Of course, the winner of Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady is gorgeous, but I had her as being the 2nd runner-up.    

Marissa Powell, Miss Utah.  Oh dear...After her answer in the Q & A, I thought she would come in as 4th runner-up, but she came in as 3rd.  I could hear very loud gasps from the audience during her botched response.  Social media exploded with criticism and people making fun of her and her response has gone viral.  I cannot imagine how this girl feels after being heartbroken over losing the crown and then to hear people making fun of her.  It appears that she just "zoned out" during her response.  These things happen when someone is given an "off the cuff" question.

Miss Illinois, Stacie Juris was not even in my top 15.  She came in as 2nd runner-up!

It was an amazing night and definitely the highlight of my trip to Vegas!  I'll be back later with more from my Palm Springs and Vegas trip.