Chimere Nicole

Beauty Fashion Lifestyle Blog

Summer Satin Abstract Dress

beauty

Hello queens. Are we enjoying this summer heat? I’m staying extra cool because outside costs too much. It seems like every time I step outside I spend $100 and the only thing I have to show for it is a coffee and a pack of gum. Nope, I’ll stay inside.

On those days where I need to step out I have just the dress to look amazing in. 

Get into this abstract. 

This dress was not only comfortable but eye-catching. Everywhere I went someone asked me where I got this piece from. So hey, I decided to share it with you all as well.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. It’s less than $20. 

I’m telling you now, grab it here before it’s gone. That’s it sis, that’s the post. 

The Best 6 Pageant Autograph Card Websites To Visit

beauty

So you’ve signed up for a beauty pageant and it’s time for you to start attending public events, appearances, and more. You want to leave a lasting impression with people and network during your reign. Traditionally, during this time queens are asked to distribute and sign pageant headshot photos also known as autograph cards. You may not be sure where to purchase your autograph cards from. Today, you’re in luck. Here is a list of my top five places to purchase pageant autograph cards.

  • Vistaprint -Templates and printing
  • Canva– Design and printing
  • Fiverr– Graphic design services
  • Zazzle– Printing
  • Etsy– Graphic design and printing
  • BONUS: Staples

One major tip I have for you is to design your pageant autograph card yourself using Canva. 

Now I know you may be like me and say, NOPE. I completely understand. I am far from creative when it comes to graphic design however it’s easier than you think. Again, I used Canva to design my own.

Once you design your card you can shop around some of the websites listed above to get the best price for printing. However, many of the sites I shared above are one stop shops for both templates and printing. 

pageant autograph cards

Here’s how I designed my own cards using Canva and Vistaprint. 

  1. Select your favorite pageant headshot and upload it to Canva.
  2. Decide what dimensions you want for your autograph cards. (I typically use the standard postcard size).
  3. Copy those dimensions into Canva in the custom template area on the top right of the page.
  4. Click and drag your image into the design area.
  5. Add your name and title to the bottom of your image. You can play with fonts until it’s to your liking. 
  6. Add your year as well. (Remember, most pageant systems prefer this). 
  7. Save file as a PNG image as its best for printing. 
  8. Then upload the saved file into Vistaprints ready to use templates. Again I use the postcard as I prefer this size.
  9. Save and order. 

What are pageantry autograph cards used for? 

You will get the most usage out of your autograph cards once you become a state and national titleholder. In the past I have been asked to sign and send cards to pageant enthusiasts and collectors. However, typically I keep a few inside of my crown case as a form of business card. They are also great to leave with community organizations and anyone you plan to partner with throughout your reign. 

You can also write custom messages on the back of them so make sure you always have a pen on hand. 

How many autograph cards will you need?

Since I use Canva to design my cards and Vistaprint to print them I typically only order 30 at a time. I like to keep 4-5 in my crown case at all times and a few in my car as backup. Unless you are attending a large event such as a parade or gala you will not need to order in large quantities. 

I am aware many people use them as keepsakes and distribute them amongst family and friends. During my reign as Mrs. New Jersey America 2020 I passed out exactly 27 cards the enter year. And I did a minimum of 4 appearances a month. So I personally would rather keep my quantity to a minimum. 

Who Will Be Mrs All-Star United States 2022

beauty, lifestyle

Mrs All-Star United States 2022
Mrs. New Jersey All-Star United States 2022

Hi Queens.The countdown has officially begun. I’m on a quest for the crown. What crown you may ask? In less than 30 days I will be competing for the prestigious title of Mrs. All-Star United States 2022. 

If this is your first time here on my site, this is not my first pageant. In fact, I’ve previously represented New Jersey at Mrs. America in 2020. After taking some time off to focus on some personal goals and my continued work with my nonprofit #GirlYes I am ready to hit the stage yet again. 

This time with the goal of becoming a national title holder. If you haven’t heard of the All- Star United States pageant system let me tell you a bit about it. 

What is the All-Star United States Pageant System?

The All-Star United States Pageant is a strongly patriotic pageant system that provides a top quality pageant production thereby providing an outlet for the women of America to continue and advance their community service activities. The Miss All-Star United States Pageant believes in the empowerment and advancement of women across the country. The woman who does wear the crown must understand that it does not and will not end with the crown. 

She must use the crown to help promote her platform and charities along with the national platform. As a matter of fact, it is more important for her to stand strong and have a powerful support system to achieve all of the goals of the state and national pageants along with her own goals. 

Why Do I Want To Be Crowned Mrs. All-Star United States?

I believe representation matters as a mother, wife, entrepreneur, and social media influencer. It is important that I use my platform in order to inspire the next generation of female leaders. As Mrs. All-Star United States it is my mission to continue to spread the #GirlYes initiative as well as advocate for the community based organizations I am an ambassador for. In addition, my goal is to promote the All-Star pageant system and national charity United States All Star Organization.

What’s Next If I Win? 

First I plan on taking a week to celebrate with my family. They have been very supportive throughout this process and it’s important that before I take the next steps in this journey that we celebrate how far we’ve come. After that, the sky’s the limit. I have a full schedule as Mrs. New Jersey so to be able to represent my platform as the new Mrs. All-Star United States would be an amazing achievement. 

One important goal of mine is to jumpstart my yearly “Girls On The Rise” conference tour hosted in high schools throughout the state. The planning is pretty intensive and includes guest speakers and breakout sessions for teens ages 13-19. We have structured learning segments focused on how to become more bold, ambitious, and beautiful, the #GirlYes way.

In short, pageantry can be very rewarding. This is dependant of what you invest into it. If you know why you’re taking this journey every phase of preparation will be rewarding. The “Why” helps you map out the “how”.

YES! It will be hard work and some days you will question why you’re putting yourself through such intensive self improvement. But trust me, by keeping your “why” in the forefront of your mind it will keep you aligned with the mission at hand. Pageantry is about presenting the best version of yourself. In order to effectively do this you must take the leap of faith for a dream only to can see.

It’s time to dust off the pageant heels and get to work. 

The Best Mommy And Me Outfits 

fashion

mommy and me outfits with Chimere Nicole

As a mother of two daughters, I fell in love with the fashion trend of mommy and me outfits. It may be corny to some but I love letting them dress up like me and taking pictures. Not only for the style but for the memories as well. 

I mean, I need something to embarrass them on their wedding days lol. 

Here are some of my favorite websites for mommy and me fashion attire. I also included links to the outfit shown here in this post. 

Where To Shop Mommy And Me Outfits?

One of my most recent favorites has been a website called Shein. I usually shop on this site for ready to wear and trendy pieces for each season. So when I came across the mom and daughter section I was hooked. The styles are all up to date and age appropriate for kids and they also have a nice selection for boys as well. 

Here is a list of my top online stores and websites I use to purchase mommy and me clothing items. 

Are Mommy And Me Matching Outfits Still In Style?

Some can say it’s corny while others like myself find it to be absolutely adorable. I mean how can you go wrong with dressing your child in a cute outfit and you both match? Sounds pretty sweet to me.

 Now with all things, there is a time and a place however this is one of the many bonding moments you can share with your child and for that alone it’s totally worth it. 

Personally, I believe if your child is of age, start to allow them to develop their own sense of style. I do this by allowing my daughter to pick out what dresses they like. I then match their selections. 

How To Properly Clean A Pageant Crown

fashion

Hi Queens! Let’s get these crowns into tip top shape. Over the past few days I have been searching all over for ways to remove rust, and dirt from my own pageant crown to no avail. I came across a few YouTube tutorials but I needed a safe alternative. I don’t think Windex or pipe cleaners are the best solution. But you’re in luck, I finally found the perfect way to clean a pageant crown.

In addition, my crown was in pretty bad shape. If you’re like me you are putting that crown to good use. In order to keep your hardware in a queen-like state you need to keep it dust free. It’s much easier than you think and everything you need is already in your home. I will be showing you how to safely clean a pageant crown while maintaining its sparkle and shine.  

clean a pageant crown
Crown before cleaning.

What Do You Need To Clean Your Crown

In order to properly remove tarnish, rust, and dirt from your pageant crown you will need the following. 

How To clean a pageant crown
Crown After Cleaning

Step By Step Instructions

Below I have a detailed instructional video showing you exactly how I cleanse and maintain my pageant crown. Please review the time stamps in the video to fast forward to any section of the video that interests you. 

How To Properly Store Your Crown

The number one way to store your pageant crown is in an airtight space. This can be a crown box like shown in the video above or a glass display. One of my pageant sisters has all of her crowns in a glass display and it is not only beautiful but it’s a great way to keep them tarnish free. 

I like to keep my crown in hat boxes and acrylic clear cases. They serve as a cute carrying case when I’m using them during my reign as well as protective storage cases once I’ve passed down my title to the next queen. 

The goal is to keep them from direct sunlight as well as from dust and dirt. 

I hope this post has helped you maintain your beautiful crowns from years to come. You earned them so now it’s time to keep your headpieces in tip top shape. And FYI, this is also the same way I clean my pageant heels.