Pageantry 101: Headshot Perfection

Tiffany Christina | Mrs. Kane County Royalty International 2016

Hello Queen,
A picture is worth a thousand words! I'm sure you have heard that before, and it's true. We are a visual society so first impressions are extremely important. This notion is also true in pageantry. The images you submit, whether they be for your application, your Ad page or for the program book are the ones by which you will be assessed and ultimately remembered. Therefore, make sure they are quality images.

So...just what are quality images you ask? Well... I'd be willing to bet that most pageant judges like to see headshots that are crisp and clear with a nice, clean background.  They would also like to see ladies put some effort into their hair, makeup and wardrobe. You may want to work with a stylist or at the very least, get a friend with a flair for fashion and style to assist you.

Please understand, your headshots do not necessarily need to be professional, so don't think I am telling you to go out and spend tons of money on photographs. But they should still look professional meaning great lighting, appropriate backdrops/props and nice angles.

Now...this final area can be a little sensitive but it's definitely worth discussing. Editing or retouching can certainly help make your headshots pop! It's likely that your photos will need some editing to adjust the color or exposure, brighten your natural eye color, clean up any stray hairs, etc. However, your photos should not be so retouched that you become unrecognizable. The girl in the headshot should look like the girl that shows up to the pageant!


Until next time,

Smooches!
Cha'Kiva Latrell aka The Spoiled Diva

IG: @chakivalatrell
FB: ChaKiva Latrell
Twitter: The Spoiled Diva
YouTube: The Spoiled Diva

Plus Model, Pageant Queen and Pageant Image Coach Cha'Kiva Latrell

My Valentine's Day Style

Animal Print Pencil Skirt and Bow Halter Crop Top | Spoiled Diva by CL Felder

Hey Diva,

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a little something special planned today...be it for yourself or with someone special! I am celebrating this day of love in an 80's inspired look by Spoiled Diva by CL Felder. Gosh, I feel like Pat Benatar mixed with a little Madonna!

Plus Model ChaKiva Latrell

I've stated numerous times that a girl can never go wrong with a sexy pencil skirt. This faux leather trimmed, brown and black animal print pencil skirt is by Spoiled Diva and can be found here. It is available in plus size!

I paired it with a hot pink, bow halter crop top also by Spoiled Diva. The halter top comes in tons of colors and should definitely be a staple in your wardrobe! Get it here, also available in plus size!

Toss on a distressed denim jacket...pop the collar, roll up the sleeves and BAM! Instant 80's glam. Fashion should be fun, so get out there and have a blast.

So, how did you celebrate this beautiful day of love? What did you wear?

Until next time,

Smooches!
Cha'Kiva Latrell aka The Spoiled Diva

IG: @chakivalatrell
FB: ChaKiva Latrell
Twitter: The Spoiled Diva
YouTube: The Spoiled Diva

What I Wore: Full Figured Fashion Week Atlanta Casting 2016

All Black Everything! Off Shoulder Body Suit and Faux Leather Joggers | Asos 

Hey Diva,
So...this past weekend, I attended the Atlanta casting for Full Figured Fashion Week where I auditioned for a spot on the runway in New York city this summer! Now in it's seventh year, Full Figured Fashion Week is the HAUTEST fashion affair catering to the plus size industry.
Hundreds of plus models from all over the country audition every year for one of the coveted spots on the runway during Full Figured Fashion Week. Only a handful are chosen and this year, I decided to give it a shot! 

Plus Model / Pageant Queen ChaKiva Latrell

For my audition, I wore a super cute but simple off the shoulder body suit and leather joggers by Asos. Both pieces fit me perfectly,  I am very pleased. The leather joggers are from the Asos Curve collection and I must say, they do hug my curves just right!

 

For my audition, I wanted a look that was chic and effortless. But it also had to be SIMPLE which is a hard concept for me to grasp sometimes. I will be the first to admit that I am "extra" and I usually go overboard! I don't mean to...I just can't help it sometimes, LOL!  Luckily for me, I now have real friends that pull me back in when I start to "go there".

Auditions for Full Figured Fashion Week will go on through the end of March and the producers will be traveling to various cities looking for the HAUTEST plus models. Just hope I make the cut.

Until next time,

Smooches!
Cha'Kiva Latrell aka The Spoiled Diva

IG: @chakivalatrell
FB: ChaKiva Latrell
Twitter: The Spoiled Diva
YouTube: The Spoiled Diva