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. ...

By now, the gyms have let up with the influx of  'new year, new you' patrons.  Which gives way to the regulars and the determined gym goer.  So why the two week to a month rise in traffic?  Well the simple answer is New Year's Resolutions.  And why does is typically taper off at the 2-4 week mark?  That answer is assumably more complex. I have observed this trend for over a decade.  A slew of pumped people with resolutions to get fit.  Many of which resolutions are ill planned and unobtainable within a 2-4 week stent.  Looking for quick results even if they have never been to a gym a day in their life.  Setting unreal goals with unreal timelines! Fitness journeys take time and preparation!  To win your journey here are some tips: Prepare to prepare! Find ways to cut down the tedious fitness tasks to give you more time in the gym to work. I love these compartment shaker bottles .  I have 3-4 of the compartments and prefill them ...

  With Santa coming in a month - it might have you wondering what to get your favorite gym goer.  Here are some of my top gym gifts for 2022. 1.  Iron Bull Strength Weightlifting Belt You can end up spending hundreds on a weight belt.  Here is a very economical option that comes in four fun colors for women.  You can also get matching wrist straps .  I opted for mint on both.  In my experience - both are of great quality and an affordable price.  I will say if you are planning on really leaning up in the mid-section and are at the low end of a particular size on the size chart - go one size down.  My small is already at its smallest and likely will purchase a second in XS.   2.  Hydrarank Half Gallon Water Bottle These are my go to water bottles!  Because they are a half gallon, I never have to wonder how much water I have drank in a day.  I usually finish two of these a day!  The sleeve is easy to wash, comes in...

  It’s been over four years since I have taken the stage.  We welcomed our daughter 2019 and while I didn’t stop going to the gym; training was different.  Less intense, less organized!  I went when I could which was not as often as I like.  We have some basic equipment at home.  If you are like me, trying to train at home is distracting - I'd get sucked into laundry or noticing dirty baseboards and the list goes on! Fast forward to 2022. Our toddler is a little human and doing more independent tasks.  Leaving me more time to get in the gym how I like to.  With that comes more intentional training, more precise supplements, and some much deserved ‘me time’.  It feels good to be training more regularly and with intentions!  I think about joining the stage again.  Not sure when as I would have to start all over from a local show to get my bid into a national show.  The ever growing sport likely has changed in these last four year...

Did you know Top Her Couture has been making suits since 2011? Not only is the designer, Alyssian Vissat, a Bikini Competitor herself; she also dabbles in poolside suits and couture swimwear for any budget or event.  No matter what federation you compete in or if you are not a competitor; Alyssian has a creative edge surpassed by none! She places all of her latest creative ideas HERE .  In-stock and ready to ship! Looking for a custom piece?  Contact her today HERE ! Top Her Couture looks forward to helping you get stage or poolside ready!

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 you have been chomping at the competition barbell or patiently waiting, NPC just released next year's Nationals competition dates .  It does not too much of a shock as many are within the same time frame as 2016. One thing to note is the order for Master's Nationals has dramatically changed.  You can find the new line up HERE .  This may also happen to North Americans as well; but that is speculation at this point. Junior USAs May 19, 2017 – May 20, 2017 Junior Nationals June 16, 2017 – June 17, 2017 Universe Championships June 30, 2017 – July 1, 2017 Teen Collegiate & Masters National Championships July 19, 2017 – July 22, 2017 USA Championships July 28, 2017 – July 29, 2017 North American Championships August 30, 2017 – September 2, 2017 National Championships November 17, 2017 – November 18, 2017 While dates are in place, many of the promoters will not roll out more information or update websi...

Top Her Couture has simplified your viewing experience by: Cleaning up the clutter :  We have gone minimalist.  The easier navigation allows a straight forward experience.  No bells or whistles this go around just who we are, what we do, and how to contact us.   [A little late on the Spring Cleaning or maybe just super early?] Follow, buy, and/or connect :  We have added all the typical social media handles and included our store fronts, bidding opportunities, and creative insights.   Enjoy the new site , and we look forward to connecting with you today!

The works suits average $1000-$1200 Basic suits start at about $135-$175 Want to compete?  You have heard that it can be pricey but might be a little blindsided by exactly what details will cost to get you looking your best on stage. C heaper is NOT better :  Many people look for a bargain when it comes to getting ready for the stage.  Cutting costs on any part of getting stage ready can leave you wasting money.  I have seen my fair share of make-up gone wrong, suits not fitting correctly, awkward posing, and tans too light. Do your research :  Look through their portfolio.  Do not hesitate to contact them and ask a ton of questions.  Find someone who fits your style.  Not all designers, MUAs, trainers, etc will see your vision nor are all of them well versed in what belongs on stage. Registration Fees :   $75-$300 - depending on what show you are doing, local or national, the fee for each class is required. NPC C...

Getting enough fiber is something not many of us think about.  If you are a small percentage of the population that does think about it, chances are you are not getting enough. Adults typically require anywhere from 20-35 grams of fiber a day.  Sadly, the average intake is between 14-15 grams.  About half of what people should be taking to maintain a healthy diet. [ WebMD ]  So why is fiber so important? Fiber is a full body benefit provider.  It helps large & small intestine digestion, protect the heart, regulate blood sugar, maintain weight, and has a powerful immune booster.  It also has been linked to being a natural fatigue and cancer fighter.  Wow!  Fiber helps Diverticulosis, Cancer[multiple forms], Diabetes, Constipation, Syndrome X, and more!  So we know we need fiber.  We know how much, but what gets us our daily serving? It would take almost 10 large apples to reach the daily intake; or 6 sweet potatoes; or 6 cup...

Recovery Is Important by tophercouture on Polyvore We spend hours in the gym training, sweating, and pushing ourselves to the limits.  What many athletes forget is that we also need just as much [if not more] recovery.   One of my favorite mixes that helps with my recovery is Allmax Aminocore Cherry Lime stacked with their Glutamine powder.  Refreshing taste.  Can be taken pre-intra-post.   When I am trying to kick my sweet tooth I add fresh lime juice and a few drops of MIO to an ice cube tray with the recovery mix.  Mini popsicles!!! For more information about my supplement fact GO HERE

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                    ...

Tilapia [and/or other white fish] is a staple in a competitor's diet.  It can also be the least appealing part of the diet, but not with Cook's Catering.   Today, we take away everything you think you know about tilapia and completely change your mind.  The flavor & texture will amaze you into actually enjoying your meal.  This is not just another piece of fish. Call today for your smoked treat! Can work with any and all dietary restrictions as well as portion them for you.  Grab & go meals! www.cookscatering.co

This is a quick & easy recipe for a healthy lifestyle.  Have wings without the fat!! Ingredients: 1 tbsp  Walden Farm's Chipotle Ranch Dressing 2 tsp    Frank's Red Hot Sauce 3 oz     Cooked chicken chunks/shredded  [can substitute for canned white chicken in water if you are in a bind or tuna: Higher sodium content] 2 rice cakes   Lundgren's Eco-Brown Rice Salt Free 1 cup fresh spinach Mix first 3 ingredients together thoroughly. Place small bed of spinach on rice cake. Top with buffalo chicken mix Enjoy! Tip:  You can also omit the rice cakes & spinach and use celery for dipping! Nutrition Facts:   1 Serving Amount Per Serving Calories 229.9 Total Fat 3.4 g Saturated Fat 0.6 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5 g Monounsaturated Fat 0.7 g Cholesterol 52.7 mg Sodium 579.2 mg Potassium 326.6 mg Total Carbohydrate 29.1 g Dietary Fiber 2.7 g Sugars 0.1 g Protein 22.1 g Vi...