Top Her Couture

  You’ve trained, followed your diet, and you are set to hit the stage!  Focused - poised - and then your connector snaps.  Or your earring breaks!  Or your suit disconnects and unravels! Things can happen unexpectedly and here are few things to pack in your bag to ensure you are prepared for even the craziest UH-OH. 1.   Scissor and thread kit.   For $6 have piece of mind complete with thread, needles, scissors, and more! 2.  Set of similar or same connectors to your suit.  Rhinestone connectors are not necessarily designed for what competitors use them for.  I have seen and had connectors break show day.  Have an extra set on hand just in case 3.  An extra set of earrings .  I personally bring a few sets with the hopes of getting to join the Sunday winners circle photo shoot. 4.  Backstage tanning touch up kit.  While getting sprayed from host is recommended keep in mind there are often thousands of competitors. ...

While it is nice to stay local and cut down on expenses to compete.  Once you get to a point whether to do nationals or even pro shows; it is likely you will be jet set.  Here are a few things to help pack your bags and ensure a stress-free journey. What's food got to do with it? It surprises me how many competitors show up with no meals.  Seems almost crazy yet it happens.  Packing meals is easier than before with Meal Management bags like 6 Pack Bags .  If you insist on not taking meals, have them delivered to your hotel from a Meal Prep Company or locate your nearest grocery store for any odds and ends you may need. Pre-measure your meals a day or two before you leave. Press all the air out of the bags. Pack extra meals for post show or any other bulk items. Three ounce liquid rule applies to any condiments, PB, almond butters, honey, etc. you may want to take.  The individual packets a perfect for your carry on. Your ice pack must be 100% f...

Whether this is your first national show or fifth, here are my top tips to hit the national stage.  After competing for years, these are the things I see most often being forgotten or some competitor throwing a fit over. photo BY JM Manion for NPC News Online Budget Competing is not cheap.  Let me say that again- COMPETING IS NOT CHEAP!  Entry fees, hotel, flight, spray tan, suit, make-up, food, supplements . . . the list goes on. By the time you get your 15 seconds of glory, you will have likely spent thousands to get there.  I would not suggest cutting corners in this sport, but here are some tips to help save some money. ·         Stay at the host hotel: When a promoter releases the host hotel, they usually have a competitor rate.  Saving on average $30 per night.  Most of these rooms have a 24-hour before arrival cancellation policy and a credit card will hold the room (but not be charged until your arrival...

Competition by tophercouture   A few beauty key pieces that help me get stage ready. 1.   Tan Touch-up Kit:  I always suggest bringing touch-up.  Things can happen and sometimes the rushed nature the shows; you won't have time to wait in the host tanners line.  I bring the DIY Pro Tan Kit complete with buffing pads.  I've had issues pop up with no time to stand in the touch-up line.  This is great in those instances and allows for a flawless color come stage time.  I also use the Get Buffed regardless of whether I'm getting ready for a show or not.  Keeps my skin soft and on point year round. 2.   Make-up must haves :  Just because you have a make-up artist for a show, does not mean you should leave your make-up bag at home.  It is unlikely you will have time to go back and forth to the MUA for touch-ups, so be sure to have these key pieces- lip gloss and matching liner - I don't know about you, but come...

With over 675 competitors for the 2014 NPC Junior Nationals in Chicago, Colorado came in with 39 of its best athletes to compete.  Over half of them placed top 15 with 2 overalls in women's physique and men's bodybuilding.  See their photos at www.npcnewsonline.com SharonBraso                          Figure A 12th Melissa Hauser                         Figure B NP CarieBradshaw-Malone             Figure B 4th Victoria Marie Jenks                   Figure C 3rd Olivia Moschetti                    ...