And the winner is... Olivia Culpo from the USA - or is she?

Just hours ago, Olivia Culpo, Miss USA was crowned the ultimate title - Miss Universe! Beauty and brains, this brunette bombshell had total support from the audience, and the judges as well. Putting all of that aside however, who really stole the show in the much anticipated evening gown portion? Let's take a closer look.

Starting from the left, Gabriela Markus of Brazil is wearing a stunning floor length beaded gown, that shows off her curves and features a daring slit. It kind of feels like a mix Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie’s red carpet style. Sexy yet elegant.

Then we have our winner, Miss Universe 2012 Olivia Culpo representing the USA. She is showing skin in all the right places by adding one main focal point- a plunging neckline to this full sleeve velvet ball gown. Looking at this chic and stunning dress, I was shocked when I found out that this young lady is only 20 years old! This dress might be a little too sophisticated for her, but none the less gorgeous, and the classiest gown of the night in my opinion.

Moving onto Ranae Ayris of Australia in a crisp white strapless gown, that featured a structured corset-like bodice, which flowed into fitted and embroidered skirt that flared into a chiffon bottom. This dress hugged her in all the right places, but I don’t think it made much of a statement.

I must say, personality wise I thought the runner up Janine Tugonon of the Philippines should have won, but her dress? Underwhelming. I really don’t mean to be harsh but it reminds me of a bad 90’s prom dress, from the outdated colour to the unflattering style- she could’ve done so much better!

Lastly, and in my opinion the worst dressed of the top 5 ladies, is Irene Esser of Venezuela. Hmm... where to begin.. I feel like I'm playing that game, “what doesn’t belong?” I’ll leave it at that.

So after taking a closer look at these lovely ladies and their fabulous gowns, who do you think is the best dressed? Ill tell you what I think, USA takes the crown again! 

Olivia went a different route, leaving more to the imagination and it paid off. I have a feeling we will be seeing knock-off versions of this dress hitting stores all over the world very soon. 

Let's hear it for world peace!

Written by: Karolina Swietoniowska

Be a stylist and play this fun game that lets you Dress Up Olivia Culpo!

Missed it on TV? Check out the announcing of the Miss Universe Top 5

Politics and Petticoats...Why we Love the Whitehouse

By, Lauralee Talbot



First ladies, leaders in their own right. They speak. They are aware. They influence the world they influence fashion. People remember them, Eleanor Roosevelt for being classy and smart. Jackie Kennedy for being beautiful and intelligent. Now there is Michelle Obama, poised, tall, well dressed toned and black.



Jackie Kennedy




Eleanor Roosevelt

Michelle Obama

First Ladies are sometimes thought of as a mere hostess at the White house and arm candy for the President, but behind every handsome charismatic president is a First lady carrying him forward into the eyes of the world with flair and fashion. First Ladies thru the ages have shown they are much more. Their preferred fashions has had influences on the fashion world and the general population. However these fashion statements were not mindless coincidental fancies. The dressing of a first lady has always been well thought out and purposeful. The elegance and allure of the First Lady (Edith Wilson) who was the pioneer visitor of OVERSEAS countries resulted in first real attention paid to the President and his entourage. She was invaluable in exciting the newspapers and reporters at the time. Other First Ladies have used their glamour and style to win them publicity when campaigning for their various charities. Long before charities caught on to acquiring rock star endorsements First Ladies knew that the people who give profusely likes to associate their donations to a charity endorsed by an influential well-dressed public figure. First Ladies were among the first to realize this. First Ladies entertain very influential world figures. They see what they wear as not only a reflection of their fashion taste but most importantly the dress the jewelry the accessories are symbolic of a country, its strength and its position. Politically savvy people may think of fashion as merely frilly useless pomp ...but used smartly as the first ladies have done it’s much more.                                                 



Edith Wilson



One must be very intelligent to figure out how fashion will make a favourable statement without offending.

                  

The President and his First Lady

                        



Pavlyn Boutique

By: Y-Yen (Bambi) Nguyen

Twitter: @bambi_nguyen

http://www.pavlyn.com

Online shopping today seems to be very popular and now a days everything we see on celebrities is available online, but most of them are based in the USA and we as Canadians have to deal with the shipping fee, paying additional costs when we receive our package etc.

I recently found this website via Twitter called Pavlyn Boutique. I was not sure what it was but hey I like shopping and I like online shopping so why not check it out. To my surprise it was a Canadian online shopping site that was started in 2011 by two best friends, Anna and Maria.

Founders of Pavlyn Boutique

Their website is easy to use and very easy to shop, you can shop by category, designer, celebrity, or the editors pick. They also have a style service that they provide which I find not a lot of online website have. What you is email them  what you are looking for providing as much detail as possible so they can help narrow down an outfit and picks for you.

I am absolutely in love with this website and love the brand that they carry.  For all you fashion and online shopping addicts should definitely check it out.

Website: http://www.pavlyn.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pavlynboutique

Blog: http://pavlyn.wordpress.com/