Miss Missouri USA 2012

Style Sunday: NEON

2012-02-26T16:08:00.000-08:00

Surprise! On select Sundays, I will be blogging about my favorite styles and offering ways to steal the look for less. This Sunday: Neon. I absolutely love all the bright colors for Spring/Summer 2012. Let's take a look at some neons straight off the runway at New York Fashion Week.

Nanette Lepore Spring 2012

(Photo courtesy of Style.com)

Asos Rare Neon Bodycon Cap Sleeve Dress with Belt $59.98

Aldo Detamble Platform $90.00

Elie Saab Spring 2012

(Photo courtesy of Style.com)

Express Hourglass Jacket $138.00
Express Columnist Pant $79.90
Nordstrom Elliott Lucca 'Cordoba' Clutch $98.00
Kelsi Dagger 'Sydney' Platform $34.99

Derek Lam Spring 2012

(Photo courtesy of Style.com)

ASOS Miss Sixty Maxi Dress $214.86

Aldo Karol Belt $25

Kendra Scott Mother-of-Pearl Earrings $60

Steve Madden 'Dynemite' Sandal $65.90

BCBGMAXAZRIA Racerback Maxi Dress $117.90

Happy Sunday,

Katie Kearney

Miss Missouri USA 2012

StandOut Productions Retreat

2012-02-23T17:34:00.007-08:00

Thanks to my director John and StandOut Productions, I was lucky enough to spend last weekend with Miss USA 2005, Chelsea Cooley, and, fitness guru, A.T. Dunn. I was expecting a weekend full of camping and bonding with my class of 2012 sisters, however, I was surprised by the knowledge and motivation I would leave Lynchburg, Virginia with. The first night, all the girls had a blast at a roller derby competition. Aside from leaving with a couple good war wounds, we also left realizing the importance of giving it your all, even if you can not skate (like me). On the journey to Miss USA, there may be times when other girls seem better, faster, or stronger than you, but that does not mean you should sit on the sidelines. You only have one shot at the crown and one chance to give it your all. I firmly believe that this reigns true on all aspects of life. So get up and go for it.. even if you fall on your butt :)

The next morning we were woken up bright and early by Chelsea and A.T. to depart for Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre for snowboarding, skiing, and tubing. This activity was one of my favorites of the weekend because I love being active outdoors, especially snowboarding! Liberty Mountain Snowflex was a really cool establishment. The "snow" was made out of multiple layers of synthetic material, almost like soft carpet, so you can snowboard year-round. Olympic medalists actually practice here!

After hitting the slopes, we returned back to camp for some more outdoor fun! One of the things Chelsea and A.T. could not stress enough was losing focus. Therefore, we were each challenged to climb a 40ft pole and jump off catching a trapeze bar. I will admit, I was petrified. However, I took a deep breath, focused on the challenge at hand, and listened to A.T. as he guided me to the top. Regardless of how nervous I was, I never lost sight of my goal and I will apply this to my preparation for Miss USA.

I cannot give enough thanks to Chelsea Cooley, A.T. Dunn, John Vannatta, and everyone else who made this weekend possible. What I took home from the retreat is more than just new friends, experiences, and memories, but determination to do my very best each and every day until Miss USA, and even after. In the words of Oprah, "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

Forever & Always,

Katie Kearney

Miss Missouri USA 2012

Katie Kearney Miss Missouri USA Official Headshots

2012-01-31T17:28:00.002-08:00

So far 2012 has been the best year yet! Here are some new pics from a couple recent shoots. Enjoy!

Lance Tilford Photography

Hair and Makeup: Tamara Tungate

Lance Tilford Photography

Hair and Makeup: Tamara Tungate

Elizabeth Wiseman Photography

Hair and Makeup: Emily Miller

xoxo,

Katie Kearney

"All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage and I promise you something great will come of it."

2012-01-18T16:40:00.000-08:00

Wow, where to begin. When I decided to compete for Miss Missouri USA, I had no expectations of winning. In fact, I honestly did the pageant for fun. I thought I would make some new girlfriends and, at the very least, get a couple sparkly dresses out of the deal. If only I knew how my life would change on November 6, 2011.

There was a lot of preparation that went into the pageant. Numerous road trips with my mom to visit Ashley and Danielle at Sassy Chic in Kansas City. Long hours at the gym doing yoga, zumba, and spinning classes. Not to mention practicing walking in high heels down the hallway late at night (so sorry to my neighbors downstairs).

My mom who helped accomplish my dream

Arriving at orientation, I knew I had done everything in my power to be prepared and it was now in God's hands. Meeting the girls at orientation was wonderful! I will always cherish those friendships I made. One in particular was my roommate, Holly. Holly was one of the few girls I had met before the pageant and we just so happen to get assigned to each other as roommates. I remember going back into the dressing room at the end of the night after winning and on top of my makeup bag was a note from Holly. Holly is truly a beautiful person inside and out. As are all the incredible women who competed that weekend!

Holly (Left)

After the orientation day activities, it was time to get ready for the banquet with our families and closest friends. I was so happy to spend the evening with my family, the girls, and their parents. It was a fun evening full of family, friends, and dancing!

After the banquet it was straight to work at rehearsals.

Saturday night was time for preliminaries. I cannot express how exciting it was to finally be on stage and show the audience and judges everything I had been working so hard on the past couple months. To my surprise, I won Miss Congeniality that night!

The next morning, it was time for interviews. The judges were all so friendly and approachable, it was as though I was talking to my friends. I remember competing for Miss Missouri Teen USA roughly seven years ago and seeing the amazing Shandi Finnessey crowned Miss Missouri and later Miss USA. I will never forget how much I admired her. To my surprise, I was lucky enough to have Shandi Finnessey as one of the judges. Among the other incredible judges were Chelsea Cooley Altman (Miss USA 2005), Keith Lewis (Miss California USA director), Gretchen Polhemus Jensen (Miss USA 1989), and Beau Davidson (singer, songwriter, and actor).

Sunday night, November 6, 2011, my wildest dreams became a reality. As Jennifer began announcing the results of the pageant, everything became a blur. Looking back and forth between the judges and my family cheering in the mezzanine, I remember taking deep breaths as not to faint on stage. When all the results were announced and I had not heard my name, I felt as though I was dreaming. I remember repeating to Hope as she wrapped the sash around me, "This is not happening. I'm dreaming." Hope, being the sweetheart that she is, kindly said "Yes, this is happening" as she placed the crown on my head. Amidst my disbelief and crying, the crown fell from my head. Luckily, I caught it midway in the air. I was never letting this crown go.

That night, I went back to the hotel room Vanbros had provided for me and my mom. I placed the crown on the nightstand next to my pillow and attempted to get some beauty rest for my first official appearance as Miss Missouri USA the following morning. Of course, neither of us could get a wink of sleep. Still, I woke up as energized as ever and met with Miss Missouri Teen USA and, my swimsuit designer, Allyce King to appear on Fox 2 with Tim Ezell.

It has been a couple months since I have been blessed with this title. I have already met so many wonderful people and had many humbling experiences. We will save these for another blog post. But before I end, I want to say thank you to the entire Vanbros staff for letting me into their family. John, Jason, Jennifer, Janet, & Sherri, everything you do for your girls is inspiring. I feel so blessed to be able to spend this year with you all. Also, I am excited to get to know the other Vanbros titleholders better. I am beyond lucky to call you my sisters. xoxo

Yours Truly,

Katie Kearney

Miss Missouri USA 2012