DIY: Embellished Tuxedo Jacket and Bustier

Cha'Kiva Latrell in a custom embellished tuxedo jacket and corset by Spoiled Diva by CL Felder

Hey Diva,

I’m sure you’ve seen plenty of tutorials on how to embellish your old frocks and turn them into something HAUTE, right? Well here’s another!

I needed a competition pantsuit for a pageant and the one I had initially ordered was a no show one week before the competition! Yeah I know, utter disaster. But a diva knows how to improvise and that’s just what I did. 

Cutaway Tuxedo Jacket by Men's Wearhouse

I knew the overall look that I wanted to capture but my concern was not having enough time to execute it before the pageant. I visited my friends at a Men's Wearhouse store in my neighborhood and right away I spotted a tuxedo jacket with the perfect silhouette. 

I asked to try on the store fit sample and all the associates were looking at me as if I were crazy! After all, it is a man’s jacket cut to fit a man’s body which as we all know has no boobies or hips.

But honey…let me tell you, when I put that jacket on, my body gave it a whole new life! It was at this moment I knew I had it! All that was left to do was embellish and bling it to the GODS! Don’t forget this was for a pageant where the more bling and shine, the better!

Model Cha'Kiva Latrell | Customized tuxedo jacket and corset by Spoiled Diva by CL Felder

Now remember,  I rented this jacket so all of the embellishments were first applied to a separate pieces of reinforced fabric then hand sewn to the jacket to enable easy removal when it was time to return the jacket. This included multi-sized silver spikes and studs for the shoulder area and sequins and rhinestone applied in a zebra stripe pattern for the collar and lapel.

Next, I purchased a solid black, overbust corset. This corset fit me perfectly, I'm totally in love! I added the same zebra stripe rhinestone and sequin applique to alternating panels of the corset. 

My shoes, which unfortunately are not pictured, are a pair of...wait for it...sequin zebra stripe pumps by Steve Madden. I've had these pumps for several years and I honestly think the whole look was inspired by these shoes. Finally, I purchased fabric similar to the tuxedo jacket and made a pair of high-waist trousers to complete the look!

Model Cha'Kiva Latrell | Customized tuxedo jacket and corset by Spoiled Diva by CL Felder

I am completely in love with the finished look, it came together just as I envisioned! I was actually glad that the original pantsuit I ordered was a no-show because this look was a perfect fit for my personality...and I created it myself!

What do you think, haute or not? If you are a pageant girl in need of an image coach and some wardrobe assistance, please contact me! I would love to be your secret weapon!

Until next time.



Smooches,
The Spoiled Diva

Macy's Woman's Event hosted by Emme!

With plus super-model Emme

Hi Diva,
So... a few weeks ago, I was tapped to model in the Macy's Woman's event hosted by plus super-model Emme in Atlanta, GA! I've decided to get a bit more serious about modeling and have even signed on with an agent here in Atlanta!

 

Since becoming involved in pageantry, a host of opportunities have surfaced and I thank God for each and every single blessing!

I was hesitant about about modeling because I was told many years ago that I was "too puffy" to be a model. Those words stuck to me like glue, and for a long time stifled me and had me second guessing my abilities. But honey, it's a new day! Plus models are everywhere and that's because they are representative of a great majority of today's consumers. 

 
My last client even told me that I had "the perfect body"! Really...me the perfect body? Those are words I never thought I'd hear from an industry professional!

Rocking an Ashley Stewart Color Block Jumpsuit from a few seasons ago. I hope to do print work with them someday!

 I've come to embrace all of me, just as I am! I've also learned to stop limiting myself...and allowing others to limit me as well.  

Until next time.



Smooches,
The Spoiled Diva

Prestige Pageantry Awards

Hi Diva
So...I was recently nominated for a Prestige Pageantry Award and I am just tickled pink! I never knew such an award showcase even existed. I entered into the world of pageantry for a little bit of self discovery and to make a positive difference in the lives of everyone I encountered during the course of my journey.

The Prestige Pageantry Awards is a one of a kind affair that recognizes, celebrates and honors individuals and businesses who have made a significant impact in pageantry. I never expected to be awarded for simply serving my community and being a good steward of the blessings that God has given me. It is an honor to serve and I do it as humble as I know how.

But nonetheless, I have been nominated and I would appreciate your votes. Voting is simple, just click HERE and "LIKE" my photo. That's it! The awards show will take place November 2, 2014 in Miami, FL and I can say in all honesty win, lose or draw, it has simply been an honor to have been recognized...and appreciated!

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

Until next time.



Smooches,
The Spoiled Diva

Pretty in Lace!

Spoiled Diva by CL Felder - Crochet Lace Separates

Hey Diva,
I’m feeling very pretty in this two piece lace crop top and peplum skirt by Spoiled Diva by CL Felder! I wore it to the delegate meet and greet for a pageant earlier this summer. This was my second time competing in the pageant and this year, I represented my Midwestern roots as Ms. Kansas. Kansas is known as the sunflower state so what better way to represent than in sunny, sunflower yellow!

Besides, it’s one of my favorite colors and I love the way it complements my skin tone.This two piece skirt set features a long sleeve crop top and peplum pencil skirt. The skirt has a center back zipper and both the top and bottom are lined with a matching jersey knit!

I received tons of compliments and inquiries on this look so we decided to add it to the Spoiled Diva by CL Felder resort collection as sleeveless version in several different colors, just take your pick! Sizes to XXL. See the entire collection here.

Spoiled Diva by CL Felder - Crochet Lace Separates

Until next time,

Smooches,
The Spoiled Diva