Beauty Queens

"“I love you for who you are, not who the world thinks you should be.” Libba Bray, Beauty Queens

Topshop Lilac blouse-similar here

H&M black maxi skirt

Zara Leather jacket-similar here

 

 

I didn't realise how tired I looked until I uploaded this photo. Oh dear, eyes are hanging out of my head.  Thank god, I am off tomorrow and get a lie in! It is the only thing keeping me going! This outfit isn't my best. I wanted something easy to throw on this morning when I woke up.  The maxi skirt, I was happy to wear when I put it on as I haven't worn it in years but forgot why I dont wear it very often.  It is tight which means that I walk like a pengiun so on my walk to work this morning, my skirt magically became a pencil skirt. The blouse, sorry mum cause I know I will probably get a text from you later but I didn't have time to iron my blouse. Thankfully in work, we have a streamer so I was able to iron out the creases before anyone actually saw me.

 

 

Last night I attended the final of Miss Northern Ireland 2013 hence my puffy eyes. I am simply getting to old to be out on a school night.  Thank you to one of the guys last night who told me I was over the hill last night.  He was joking but I tend to agree this morning. I wasn't even drinking last night! As usual, Miss Northern Ireland was great to be a part off.  I remember being a part of it and looking at the catwalk models and thinking I want to do that and for the last 3 years I have. Funny the way things work out! As promised I have included some backstages photos of the contestants and of the fab clothes supplied by The Outlet for the fashion show!

Backstage at The Outlet fashion show

 

Girls posing for photos in the dressing room

Well done to all the girls last night! They all looked amazing! Also, well done to Meagan Green, Miss Banbridge who won Miss Northern Ireland last night. She will be off on an all expenses paid trip to Miss World competition in Indonesia in the next few months. 

 

 

Smelling like biscuits

 

“Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.”  Dalai Lama

 

 

H&M black Jumper

Topshop Neon skater skirt-similar here

Topshop black & gold cord necklace

 

 

This time four years ago, I meet the two best friends I have or will ever have, three years ago I got my first proper catwalk job, two years ago I felt that I had made it as a model in Northern Ireland and this time last year, I first laughed and sung along to Justin Timberlake with my now boyfriend.  All because of Miss Northern Ireland.  It is an event that is definitely close to my heart.  Miss Antrim 2009, I didn't even make the top 8 but the ripple effect from Miss Northern Ireland has been amazing.  It gave me confidence, got me noticed and worked wonders for my CV.  The Face of Belfast Fashion week, my now full time job as a PA for a fashion agent and even my love life, the chain of events that taking part in Miss Northern Ireland set off is still being felt four years later.  Alison Campbell, the organiser of the competition for twenty seven years, always says everyone is a winner.  When she said it in 2009, I thought yeah, ok, sure.  But she was right.

 

 

So at the minute I am sitting in my office smelling like biscuits.  I stink of fake tan but tonight I am taking part in the fashion catwalk show at the Miss Northern Ireland Gala Final.  The nationwide search to find the Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2013 will come to an end tonight after 2 months searching across the length and breath of Northern Ireland for a potential winner.  Twenty six gorgeous hand picked finalists will battle it out tonight for the crown at the Europa Hotel. And I will be there backstage having a nosey at all the girls.  I have my winner picked, do you have yours??? Check out tomorrow's blog on backstage photos and who the winner is!! Exciting!

 

Pictured at Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland finalists’ photo shoot are 26 local beauties, who gathered at The OUTLET, Banbridge for the shoot ahead of the gala final on Monday 13 May, when this year’s winner will be crowned.