Pellau Magazine

The Miss World T&T Organisation has stripped its reigning representative Sherrece Villafana of her title. In telephone interview, Athaliah Samuel, a former Ms T&T representative herself said Villafana, 19, was dethroned because of a dispute over funds she received from the Office of the Prime Minister.



According to Samuel, on August 14, Villafana collected a $200,000 cheque from the Office of the Prime Minister, which was given in support of her trip to the Miss World pageant in Indonesia from August 28 to October 4.
 “I didn’t expect that type of behaviour from a person who is supposed to represent me and my country,” she added.

When asked about the allegation by Samuel that she (Villafana) did not tell them about collecting the cheque, Villafana said: “Why? I gave it to them. They are on the committee.” Samuel confirmed that the committee members who allegedly received the money did not show up for the post mortem meeting on November 6 but sent a note prior to the meeting saying their work with the organisation “was finished.” When asked if the committee members had officially resigned, Samuel said no, adding the note was all she had received.

Read the full article at: http://www.guardian.co.tt/news/2013-11-26/miss-ttworld-stripped-title
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Answer: The Atom Bomb

In 1946, two distinct events overlapped in such a fashion as to forever link a swimsuit design with an island via a nuclear test. The island in question is Bikini Atoll, a ring-shaped coral reef island located in the Pacific Ocean within Republic of the Marshall Islands. It was there that the Unites States tested over twenty three atomic bombs between 1946 and 1958.

When the tests started on the atoll, it made the news the world over and it was through the news that the designer of the modern two-piece swimsuit, French engineer Louis Réard, heard about the Bikini Atoll. Réard was so confident his design, which revealed more of the midriff and chest than previous two-piece swimsuits had, would be as explosive in popularity as an atomic bomb that he named it the bikini in a nod to the location of the nuclear tests.

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Be bold with color

Here's something to smile about in 2013: the ability to look younger and better put-together without trading in your whole closet — or emptying your bank account. Lois Joy Johnson, celebrity stylist and author of the new book, The Wardrobe Wakeup: Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age, tells you how.
"I think we've all taken a lesson from Michele Obama that color really makes you stand out in a crowd," says Johnson. "Black can be draining, but the right colors can be energizing." Those colors that work with your complexion can make skin glow, soften lines and shadows, up your approachability, and boost your mood. If you want a non-scary alternative to black, pale neutrals like sand, ivory, and camel tend to work with everything. For more of a splash, find inspiration from your makeup colors (corals, cobalt, reds) and incorporate those shades into accessories like jewelry, bags, or scarves. The colors you feel good in are most likely the ones that look best on you.

Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

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Layer like a stylist

When done right, layering casual clothes can make you look more put-together. To keep the look from appearing sloppy rather than stylish, pay attention to the weight of the fabric and length of each item. When it comes to your top half, Johnson suggests wearing the thinnest, longest piece on the inside, and getting thicker and shorter with each subsequent layer. This means starting with a long tank, adding a V-neck tee, and topping with a shorter jacket or cardigan to expose the different lengths. Balance the look with leggings or fitted jeans.

Bring back dresses

"Dresses are a no-brainer because you don't have to worry about putting a look together by having to pair separate pieces," says Johnson. "They work for any situation as they can be dressed up and down, and worn with boots, flats, or heels." Prints and ruching camouflage flaws, and make cheaper fabrics appear fancier. "One of the great secrets of celebrity stylists is that even a tiny bit of tailoring makes a difference and helps an inexpensive piece look expensive," says Johnson. Have old dresses taken in or out a smidge to flatter your current shape, and create a more flattering line.

Create a longer, leaner silhouette

"Pull out the wardrobe pieces that expose your neck and legs," says Johnson. The idea isn't to go for plunging necklines that reveal tons of cleavage, but to choose boat- or V-necks, or to leave a few buttons of your blouse undone. Pair tops with a skirt that falls at your knees and nude pumps that blend with your skin tone to add inches to your legs. "This creates the illusion of a swan-like neck and lanky legs by stretching your body at opposite ends," says Johnson.

Go monochromatic

While a white top and black pants may be your go-to outfit, breaking the line of your body at the waist or hips isn't the most slimming option. Instead, try to stay within the same color group for a sleeker vertical line, says Johnson. Shades don't have to be an exact match to work. For instance, a navy sweater paired with dark-washed jeans or a charcoal cotton top with gray cords would be gorgeous.

Smooth lines with shapewear

"Having just one piece of shapewear in your closet, such as nude Spanx bike shorts, makes you feel like you can wear anything because it improves the fit of your clothes and prevents pulling," says Johnson. "It's a simple way to get a firmer, smoother look that'll give you a sense of confidence." Also essential is a seamless bra that hikes up your girls and is smooth enough to wear under sheerer fabrics, says Johnson. Avoid bras with trim that shows through tees or creates bulges. To find the right bra, try options on under a thin, white tee. "It's a winner if it improves your look from the front, the side, and the back," she says.

Add definition with skinny belts

"A belt gives your body just enough definition to enhance curves, which can make the difference between looking frumpy and looking chic," says Johnson. Skinny belts are better than thicker belts for most women (anywhere from 1/4-inch to one inch) because they keep the length of the torso, whereas thicker belts make you lose that sense of space between your bust and hips. Just be sure to wear belts at the narrowest part of your waist rather than at your hips.



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Trend: Blush wedding dresses
Seven major trends surfaced from the Fall wedding dress collections, some of which were anchored in the Spring  collections. From high-neck Victorian wedding dresses to sleek, minimal gowns in white, to blush-colored confections, to classic silhouettes splashed with florals, the Fall  bridal runways were full of innovative and inspired creations. Here, 42 dresses that point to the key trends for Fall.
Shades of blush—whether peach-hued or outright pink—were big on the Fall  bridal runway. Traditional white wedding dresses don't flatter everyone's skin tone, so it's a lovely option to have, as well as soft and feminine. "It's an alternative to white, but still looks like a wedding dress," says Brides Fashion Director Rachel Leonard.

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Fun and feminine, the floral trend is a mainstay on bridal runways—though this season it's more about textured flowers than flower prints. "Floral is just one of those perfect motifs for a wedding—it's especially perfect for an outdoor garden wedding," says Leonard.

Old Hollywood style dresses to Classic long sleeved...

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1. New hair color

With just a few days left before the big day, you already have a mile-long checklist of to-dos—now meet the don’ts! From impromptu skin treatments to all-night movie marathons, here are 11 things to avoid at all costs.
"Even if your colorist is the absolute best, avoid making changes to your hair within a week of your wedding," says Paul Labrecque, hairstylist and owner of Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa in New York City. "You never know how the color could oxidize or how it will look with your skin tone." If you want to refresh your hue without endangering your look, ask your colorist to put a clear gloss on your strands. "This will add a lot of shine and sheen," says Labrecque. But if you do get mixed up with some bad color before the big day, you wont do too much damage to your hair by getting it re-colored right away—as long as there weren't high levels of bleach involved in the process, says Labrecque.

©Brides

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2. Drastic haircuts

"Wedding trials and consultations start about three months prior to the actual day, and you should keep the same hairstyle throughout the process," says Labrecque. "Not only will the texture and style of your hair change if you get it chopped, but keep in mind something drastic may not look right with your dress's neckline, veil, or wedding day jewelry."

Brides own beauty director Dana Wood suggests only going in for a quarter-inch "micro trim" a month before your big day to snip off any fried ends. But other than that, steer clear of the shears! "No matter how well you plan ahead there seems to always be something left to the last minute—hair should not be one of them," says Stephanie Bork, senior stylist at the Josè Eber Salon. "The closer you get to the big day, the more stressed and emotional you'll be. You want to make all of these preparations and decisions while you're still clear headed and calm."

3. Alcohol

For something you sip, alcohol carries a ton of extra calories, so you may want to cut back even earlier than the week before your wedding. As for immediate effects, alcohol can make you look and feel puffy due its sulfur-bearing gases and other qualities that weaken your digestive system. (And who wants to say "I do" feeling like a marshmallow? We thought not.) What's more, alcohol dilates your blood vessels, which can lead to wedding picture-compromising redness, says Debra Jaliman, MD, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

4. A new workout

"Stick to the routine you've been doing," says Melissa Paris, a certified group exercise instructor and Lululemon ambassador. "Now is not the time for new moves." Pulled muscles can take weeks to heal and you definitely don't want to be too sore to get down on the dance floor. If your goal is to lose weight, make sure to start a new fitness program well before your dress fittings. And if you're just looking for an amazing way to relieve pre-wedding stress grab a friend for a quick walk or run in the park. "There is something about being outside with a friend that is so helpful," says Paris.

5. Spray tan booths

"Spray tanning in a booth may be a budget-friendly option for a safe, sunless glow, but there's a good chance the color you get won't match your skin tone as well as other fake tanning alternatives," says Nina Patino, an aesthetician at Paul Labrecque Salon and Spa. Rather than stepping into a box—which can result in uneven color if you don't hold your body just so—it's best to have a specialist expertly apply the tanning solution so it's evenly distributed and complements your skin color, says Patino. And don't forget to lightly exfoliate beforehand. "The color will last longer and you'll literally glow as you walk down the aisle," says Patino.

6. Changing up your makeup

"Sometimes brides panic at the last minute that they've got too much or too little makeup on," says Jodie Hazlewood, a London-based makeup artist who does more than 70 weddings a year and teaches professional bridal makeup artist courses at the Jemma Kidd Makeup School in Notting Hill. "That's why during the trial—when they're in a much more rational state of mind—I give brides a chance to try out different looks." At the end of the day, trust in your makeup artist, who takes your skin type, age, hairstyle, wedding color palette, and the time, location, and style of your day into consideration when designing your look. "Modern bridal makeup is a little like red carpet makeup," says Hazlewood. "It needs to look good on HD video cameras, professional cameras, personal camera phones, in bright light and candle light, as well as last for hours."

How do you make sure your skin is the perfect canvas for your wedding day makeup? "Water, water, water! Sleep, sleep, sleep!" says Hazlewood. "Stay away from sun beds and major tanning. And don't worry too much about breakouts! They can be easily be covered by a good makeup artist—as long as you don't touch or pick at the blemishes."

7. Juice cleanses

"I like to think of food as fuel," says Keri Gans, RD, author of The Small Change Diet. "You need calories to keep you alert and help you get through your crazy, busy weekend. It's not the time to stop nourishing yourself." Juice cleanses are very low in calories, sapping your energy and making you irritable. And cleanses that include mostly fruit juices are high in sugar. "The week before you should be eating well-balanced meals with a focus on fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water—and don't skip any meals!" says Gans.

8. Peels & microdermabrasion

A peel or microdermabrasion session promises silky-smooth skin in the future, but it's a total no-go the week before you wedding. "After receiving a chemical peel or microdermabrasion some people see their skin peel off repeatedly, which leaves dead skin on the surface that can ball up under makeup," says Patino. "Others see their skin get extremely red and irritated." And wearing makeup, which is the reason you went in for a skin smoothing and cleansing treatment in the first place, can only exasperate that irritation. "Schedule any appointments for a peel, microdermabrasion, or other treatments like Botox, at least 2 weeks before your wedding in case there is any redness or bruising," says Jaliman.

9. New-to-you skincare products

"Don't change your skincare regimen if you have fewer than two weeks to go before your wedding," says Jaliman. "You should change it months in advance." Swapping in a new product could lead to allergic reaction, dryness, oiliness, or a bevy of other side effects that take time to correct. "Be sure to see your dermatologist a few months ahead of time," says Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, a board certified dermatologist in New York City. "Your doctor can give you a personalized pre-wedding skin care routine, which will address your specific concerns to make sure your skin is radiant for the big day. Your dermatologist should be up there on your to-do list with the dress fittings and flowers."

10. All-nighters

Up all night hand-embossing your ceremony programs? Find a dutiful friend to fill in and get some sleep! When we're sleep-deprived our bodies produce more ghrelin, the hormone that tells us when to eat, and less leptin, the hormone that tells us when to put down the fork. It's a diet-destroying combo, especially if you're reaching for junk food. Salty snacks make you bloat, not to mention the fact that eating foods with no nutritional value can leave you feeling sluggish, says Gans.

11. Excess caffeine

Relying on caffeinated beverages to get you through those long nights (as well as the long, last minute detail-filled days) just adds fuel to the bad-for-you fire. "Caffeine is a stimulant and an irritant, especially to the nervous system," says Lipman. "You're going to have a lot of anxiety and nerves to begin with. You don't need to add to your stress." And caffeine may even wreak havoc on your bridal beauty. "Caffeine is very dehydrating and can contribute to dark circles under your eyes," says Jaliman. What's more, caffeinated beverages—whether they're energy drinks or frothy Starbucks mainstays—pack a ton of extra sugar. Experts agree you're OK to stick with your normal caffeine consumption, but don't overdo it!


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5. Grace Kelly's Iconic $65,000 Helen Rose Gown
We give you permission to forget about your wedding budget (for a bit) and join us in drooling over the most amazing, luxurious and gorgeous wedding dresses money can buy.
The dress that may have inspired Kate Middleton's now infamous gown was worn by Grace Kelly when she married Prince Rainier in 1956 and is said to have been worth around $8,000. And while that figure may not impress you much, especially after reading about the Duchess's modern-day version, it reportedly doesn't include the labor fee for MGM costume designer Helen Rose, who designed the gown. And of course, that was 56 years ago, when $8,000 was more like $65,000.

-- Kristin Koch

©The Knot

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4. Kim Kardashian's Three $25,000 (each) Vera Wang Gowns
For a $10 million wedding, the princess ball gown that the reality star wore down the aisle may have clocked in at a surprisingly modest (for a girl with a $2 million ring!) $25,000, but the mini mogul didn't wear just one dress. Assuming Kim's three different but equally dream-worthy custom Vera Wang gowns were in the same price range, her total dress bill rang in at around $75,000.














3. Kate Middleton's $400,000 Alexander McQueen Gown
Not-so-common commoner Kate Middleton lived out every girl's fantasy when her princess-perfect ivory satin and lace Alexander McQueen wedding dress, complete with a nearly nine-foot train, transformed her into a real-life princess right in front of the world's eyes -- and reportedly for the mere price of £250,000 (about $400,000)! Made with the most luxurious and delicate fabrics -- French Chantilly and English Cluny lace, ivory and white satin gazar -- and decorated with hand-stitched lace applique by the Royal School of Needlework, the dress took designer Sarah Burton and her crew months to make -- and stole Britain's most eligible bachelor's (and the world's) heart.








2. Yumi Katsura's $8.5 Million White Gold Diamond Dress
Japanese bridal designer Yumi Katsura created a gown so extravagant, it has yet to find a bride (or maybe we should say, budget) equally as extravagant to wear it down the aisle. Decked with a five-carat white gold diamond and 1,000 pearls, the ornate gown can be yours for a mere $8.5 million.
















1. Princess Diana's Priceless David Emanuel Gown
Ever since Lady Di stepped out of her carriage to wed Prince Charles in 1981, her grandiose Victorian-style gown has remained the tulle that bridal legends are made of. The 250-yard lace, tulle and ivory silk taffeta gown, with over 10,000 pearls and sequins covering its layers upon layers of fabric and an equally grand 25-foot-long train to boot, garnered plenty of attention during its world tour last year. Even though poufy sleeves went out with shoulder pads decades ago, the dramatic gown is as enchanting today as it was back in the '80s -- and you can't put a price tag on that sort of timeless appeal. So here are our calculations: Runway-worthy fabric: $43,000. A modern-day remake of an iconic princess gown: $400,000. A diamond-doused showstopper: $12 million. A gown that will forever remain at the pinnacle of brides' imaginations: priceless.




**Prices quoted in USD (Also take into consideration the years the dresses were purchased)


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