Q & A with Miss Teen New York East Coast USA 2012, Audrie Cruz!

• Name: Audrie Cruz
• Age: 19
• Hometown: Bronx, NY
• Grade Level: College

• Have you already attended the Prom?

Yes I have.

• What is your favorite Prom memory?

My favorite memory of Prom would have to be how fun my date made it. He    stood on the dance floor with me all night, and made sure I had nothing less than a great time. Prom will always be a night I will cherish and remember for a lifetime.

• Did you attend an After-Prom Party?

I did attend After-Prom! Myself, and a small group decided to spend it on a boat. We had food and music played the whole night. We all continued the party, but also had the chance to relax and enjoy the view of the city.

• What made you try out for this Pageant?

Well ever since i could remember I’ve always had a passion for modeling. I wanted to challenge myself and try something outside of the usual studio work, so i joined and the experiences I’ve had made it all worth it!

• Do you have a favorite memory from the Pageant?

I do! The first two pageants I joined, I didn’t get the crown, but I was determined to win! By the third pageant I was prepared and i finally won the title. The feeling of finally accomplishing one of your dreams is one of the most amazing feelings in the world. When they called my name as the winner, and I walked the runway for the last time, the first thing that went through my mind was “I did it!.” I can now proudly say I am Miss Teen New York East Coast USA!

• What advice would you give girls your age on “following their dreams”?

My biggest piece of advice I would give to the girls my age is to never give up on them!! If you have a dream, pursue it! No matter how hard or long it may take to get there, believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you, you can’t.

• What are some of your go-to beauty products that would be a good recommendation for Prom Night?

Some go-to beauty products I would recommend would be to carry eyeshadow and lip gloss for touch ups, as well as flat shoes. Between prom and after prom, your feet will get tired from wearing heels all night, so matching flats is a must!

To see a little more about what Audrie is up to check out her Facebook page!

The Right Tux

When it comes to prom,  guys have it easier than the girls. Prom fashion has become a yearly trend that has changed throughout the years. A simple bow tie tux has a traditional, sophisticated look that is trending this year. You can customize personal bow ties on www.etsy.com. Make sure, when picking out your tux that you color coordinate with your date. The right tux won’t look right without some accessories. A simple flashy watch would make your tux look on point. Don’t be shy to throw in your own style.

Q & A with Thatiana Diaz, Miss New York Latina 2011!

Name: Thatiana Diaz
Age: 19
Hometown: Bayside, New York

• Did you attend Prom and an After Prom?

Yes, I did attend prom and an After Prom, which took place at Morocco nightclub in New York City. It was one of the best nights of my life! I wore a white goddess type dress and my date wore a white tux. We took a limo with friends to our prom location, the Grand Hyatt in midtown Manhattan. The venue was awesome and in the heart of New York City so it felt like I was dreaming. I danced the night away with my date and friends, even professors haha. Afterward, we continued our night and we took the limo to Morocco. The music and energy there was great. My friends and I did not want the night to end!

• We know you have been crowned Miss Teen USA 2010, Miss NY Latina 2011, and a Top 10 at Miss Dominican Republic US, but what have you been up to since winning your titles?

Since winning my titles, I have been busy as a student at Pace University. I am currently a sophomore majoring in Communication Studies. I am also an intern for Seventeen Magazine. I’m not done with pageants just yet; I’m preparing myself for a comeback at a future Miss New York USA Pageant!

• What do you like best about interning with Seventeen Magazine?

I love everything about it but what I like best is making girls dreams come true. I am an assistant to the bookings editor and one of my duties is to contact real girls who have been chosen to model for the magazine. I can’t explain the excitement and screams I have heard from the girls I have called. It’s a great feeling to make someone’s day like that.

• What would your advice be for the Class of 2012?

My advice for the Class of 2012 would have to be: don’t grow up to0 fast. When you are 16 you want to be 18, when you are 18 you want to be 21, and when your 21 you want to finish your education. Slow down! Enjoy your age and enjoy every minute you have of your life. You don’t get to relive your prom, graduation, and the days after again so live it to the fullest!

• Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies, pastimes, or charitable organizations you’re involved with.

My favorite hobbies/pastimes include pageantry, reading, creative writing, and networking. With my love to network, I have worked with charitable organizations such as Same Sky, The Wounded Warriors Project, and The Children’s Aid Society.

To learn more about Miss Thatiana Diaz check out her Website, Facebook, and Twitter!

Fairy Godmother Prom Contest

Calling all fashionistas! The Fashion Club is hosting a contest right up your alley!!! CLICK HERE to find out more information!

Fresh up your Tux!

Want to accessorize for prom? A cool, simple watch can make your tux look top notch. You can also walk in to your prom with some stunner shades (do not use the whole night).  I’m the type to wear sneakers with my tux. Some hot, casual sneakers can make your tux look fresh. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Make people turn heads.

Q & A with Operation Prom Founder, Noel D’Allacco!

We recently had a chance to catch up with Noel D’Allacco, the founder of Operation Prom.  This non-profit has been dressing girls for Prom for 7 years!  Local giveaway dates are coming soon so be sure to check out their website:  www.HelpPROM.org

.   When was your organization started and by whom?

I personally started Operation PROM in 2005.  I was an event planner at the time, working with bridal parties who had no idea what to do with their dresses after the wedding.  I thought that my former high school could benefit from some dresses.  When I brought the dresses (just 10!) the young ladies were thrilled!  One of them was a homeless high school senior who never thought she would be able to go to Prom.  I was inspired to continue this project, and started this organization to serve teens in need — and those passing all their classes!

·         What is your mission?

Operation PROM provides resources, opportunity and mentoring to students in need.  Services are available to children in financial need, those who are homeless, sick, or disabled.  School supplies and scholarships are available in addition to our regular donations of Prom dresses and tuxedos.

·         How many girls typically receive dresses at an event?

Hundreds of girls (and boys) attend our events each year.  In 2011, we distributed 3,200 dresses in New York.  We also have chapters in New Jersey, Georgia, and Louisiana.

·         What is the most inspiring story you remember encountering at a give away?

Our chapters all having amazing stories, from providing dresses to girls who were affected by Hurricane Katrina, to our NY Chapter giving terminally ill children their own hospital Prom.    Hearing things like, “I never had a dress before”, and seeing tears of joy, keep us motivated to help make dreams come true.

Prom Shoes

Do you have the perfect dress for Prom 2012? Do you still need to pull your look together with the perfect shoes? The Prom Company has some picks for prom from Nina Shoes!

If you like these come check out more from Nina Shoes at our annual Prom Fashion Show!

If you have a simple dress the Sadi pump will help you glam it up.

Don’t want to kill you’re feet while dancing the night away? Try a low heel like Camala.

If you want to add inches but still be comfortable check out Pangea!

These Electra heels come in fun colors and are super cute!

Need to slip on something cute and comfy for your After Prom Cruise? Check out the adorable Heath Sandal!

Custom made or Store bought ?

Hi girls!

It’s that time of year when we begin to start  dreaming  of our prom dresses. It’s always best when looking for a dress, that you  allow time for any last minute changes. After going through so many places, finding a dress can become a bit overwhelming. Below is a chart that can help you decide if a custom made dress is  more convenient or if a  store purchased dress might be best for you.

-Hope this helps! ❤

Custom Made    

PROS

•  Colors, fabrics, & designs are all up to your wishes 🙂
• Be Creative! Make it your One-Of-A-Kind dress!
• No other girl will have your dress, phew!
• Perfectly fitted
• DREAM DRESS COMES TRUE!

CONS

• Might be $  pricey $
• Takes some time to make

Store Bought

PROS

• Perfect for last minute
• Discounts  are greater
• CONVENIENT!

CONS

• Repetitive themes and styles
• Fabrics might be itchy on skin
• A girl might have your dress

At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what or who might have your dress or similar style, its YOU that makes it unique!  We wish you the best on your search for your perfect dress!

What To Capture On Your Prom Night?

Your Prom night is a once in a lifetime experience that you want to remember for the rest of your life, taking pictures is definitely the best way to capture all the excitement of your prom night. Here’s a list of some of the things you may want to photograph on your 2012 Prom night.

1. You getting ready for your big night
2. Just you all dressed up and ready to go
3. Pinning on the boutonniere & placing the corsage on your wrist, etc.
4. You & your date, you & your family, and of course you & your friends before leaving for the prom
5. The limo (inside & out)
6. Arriving at the prom (getting out the limo, outside the venue, etc)
7. At your prom table
8. Dancing! (with your date, with your friends, etc.)
9. The 2012 Prom King & Queen
10. Your teachers and fellow classmates
11. The decorations, the DJ, the food, etc.
12. Leaving the 2012 prom
13. On  your way to the AfterProm
14. At your AfterProm party or AfterProm cruise
15. At the end of the night when you’re heading home

Q & A with MTV Host, Lenay Dunn!

We recently had a chance to speak with the MTV’s 10 on Top Host, Lenay Dunn! This African native enjoys jogging, laser tag and can speak Spanish! She currently lives in Nashville, Tennessee and come to New York 3 days a week for MTV! Read more to learn about the fabulous life of Lenay Dunn!

Name:  Lenay Dunn
Occupation:  MTV host (I host the show ’10 on Top’, Saturdays 11:30am EST)
Hometown:  I was born in the Congo, Africa.  But I grew up most of my life in Fridley, Minnesota.  
Website:  www.LenayDunn.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/LenayDunn

 

·         Did you attend the Prom?  I did!  I think I went to a total of 5 proms in high school, 2 at my own school (Fridley High School), and 3 at my friends’ schools.  I liked prom so much I’d call my friends from other schools and ask them to find me dates at their schools so I could go to prom again lol.  My favorite dress I ever wore to a prom was pink and sparkly.  I attached some pics.  I think the dress is actually still at my parents house in a closet somewhere.  That was my first prom ever in 11th grade, with my first boyfriend Jake.  

·         What did you learn in High School that prepared you for your career today?   I went to public school in Fridley, MN.  & it was awesome!!  (I went to a few private schools’ proms though.. the boys were cute.)  I took a lot of theatre classes and art classes at my high school though.  I was in a lot of the school plays in middle school and then in high-school I read the morning announcements broadcasted over the classroom TV’s in the morning.  So I think I learned how to run around on camera a bit.  I also played ice hockey & was on the swim/track team.  Which has nothing to do with this interview, or with my job today, but it was still fun! xo

·         What are you working on these days?  Besides hosting the countdown show ’10 on Top’ on MTV (Saturdays 11:30am EST), I was just picked up by Macy’s to be their brand American Rag’s official ‘it girl’, which is very exciting & fun!  I get to blog about fashion & music, be the face of their brand, and go to all the summer music festivals to interview bands.  

·         What is your favorite part about being a host on MTV? lots of things… getting to live half in New York  (I live in Nashville and fly to NYC 3 days a week to host the show), the team of people who work on the show are super awesome, and I get an office in Times Square (which is more like a giant closet since I keep lots of clothes and shoes in it ha)

·         What would your advice be for the Class of 2012?   Have fun!  You are about to graduate and you have SO much adventure ahead of you, just have fun with it – you only live once.  That and tweet me.  That’s the best advice of 2012.  Be my twitter friend.  @lenaydunn.   

·         Tell us about some of your favorite hobbies, pastimes.  I like jogging, watching cat videos on the internet, making funny videos with my friends & putting them on youtube.. I also like speaking Spanish (I originally went to college to be a Spanish teacher), playing road hockey with neighborhood kids, & baking sugar cookies.  

 

To learn more about Lenay visit some of her sites:
Click HERE for her Facebook
Click HERE for her Twitter
Click HERE for her official website