Every year I search high and low through the Vandella Costumes website to come up with figure bikini ideas. I can't help myself. Then I call Kira and she comes up with an entirely new idea for my bikini. It is completely custom, and unique. Her designs include material, and rhinestone designs, and connectors. Connectors? On my figure bikini? I didn't realize my figure bikini could have connectors, or that she offers an enormous selection of connectors. I had no idea what the possibilities were! I assumed the the connectors were basic, rhinestone strands. Of course, that's what I get for assuming. I could not have been more wrong. There is a plethora of bikini connectors to chose from. What did I get myself into? S-connectors, marquis connectors, moon connectors, square connectors. The list goes on an on. Accentuating my personality, physique and style In the past, I was only concerned with rhinestone work on the front and back of the bikini. However, my views on bikinies have changed. Now I look at every single facet, including types of connectors. Actually, the connectors are as important to me as the rest of the bikini because some aren't a good fit for my build, or even my personality. Some accentuate my build better than others. For example, I love extremely bold connectors on the hips of bikini bottoms, but I have a wide waist. Although the connectors would look beautiful on; it would accentuate my wider waist. Instead, I opt for thinner, smaller connectors. I ran into this issue when I asked Vandella Costumes to make a bikini with HUGE connectors on my triangle top. After looking at the connectors, the suit I wanted, and my photos, Kira suggested another route because the connectors would make me look out of proportion. She chose something smaller, but one that would suit my personality. Guess what? She was right. It was a perfect fit. Contact Kira at www.vandellacostumes.com
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HBO_Special (Female Bodybuilding) Real Sports w/ Bryant Gumbel is a candid and honest interview for competitors, or those interested in the sport. For many viewers in the mainstream this was a surprise; not a surprise about the size of the athletes, but that the sport is not lucrative for female competitors in any way. It's also hard for some to understand the hard work endured with so little glory. The women's bodybuilding prize money at the Arnold Classic is more than $100,000 less than the grand prize for men. The video clip shows the negative aspects of female bodybuilding and the women who love the sport. Mainstream acceptance is not high The muscles may stand-out when a woman has a v-taper twice the size of a mans but the lack of support in general is another aspect that is only understood by a competitor. Blatant negative comments about size and femininity run rampant throughout the mainstream. Unfortunately, there is negativity among competitors also. Drug use is rampant Although Anabolic Steroids are rampant in many sports, bodybuilding, especially female bodybuilding, has an extremely negative reputation. The changes in femininity are the first thing noticed when it comes to female bodybuilding. For women the additional facial hair, loss of breast tissue, voice deepening voice and clitoral enlargement are symptoms that are irreversible. Economic gains are minimal There is no economic gain from being a top female bodybuilder. In this industry competitors come dead last behind promoters, photographers, supplements companies and magazines when it comes to earning potentials. It is not lucrative by any means and female bodybuilders give up so much of themselves for the pursuit of their dreams. Private sessions are common practice Private sessions have been a common practice for women bodybuilders to maintain their lifestyles. The sessions include activities like wrestling, grappling and lift and carries. Although some athleteshave allowed the sessions to turn into prostitution that is not the case for all. *** Click here for HBO_Special (Female Bodybuilding) Real Sports W/ Bryant Gumbel With every bodybuilding, figure or fitness event it's imperative to look your best and have a bikini that fits properly. Although it doesn't have to be heavily adorned it should have a great cut, style and color that accentuates your physique. Finding a suit you love is possible, but being able to afford is a completely different story. As seen on different bikini sites such as Vandella Costumes, Merry Christine Bodywear or Go Figure Suits by Tamee Marie the prices begin just under $200 and quickly increase into high thousands; with the highest I have seen at $4800. Even gently-used pro level suits are found on DivaExchange.com for prices from a couple of hundred dollars to $3500 or more. Although these suits are gorgeous taking a bank loan for a bikini is not feasible so here are tips to save money on a bikini. Previously Owned There are many competitors looking to purchase new bikini but still have last season's suits hanging in the closet. Ask athletes you know if they have any suits on hand for sale. One of the quickest ways to find someone in your area who's willing to sell their suit is on social networking sites. Bodybuilding is a tight knit community so one of your connections can point you in the right direction. Rentals Some of the reputable posing suit makers have rental suits. There will be a rental contract that needs to be signed, as well as, the delivery of a full payment. Rentals will have stipulations and should be paid close attention to. For example; Go Figure Suits by Tamee Marie must have the full payment beforehand and a confirmation the bikini fits within the first 48 hours. If you realize after this time period there will be a $100 fee and remainder of the money will be sent back to you but means you're still out $100. Update If you fit into your previous posing suit give it a face-lift if a new one is not within your budget. Either add the embellishments yourself, or contact your suit maker, and ask for a quote on what an update may cost. Your bikini maker will not only be able to effectively add to the design, but will have supplies on hand. Borrow Ask another figure or fitness athlete if you can borrow their suit. Long before the competition date be certain the suit fits your measurements and to return it in the condition you borrowed it. Overstocks Contact your bikini maker and inquire about overstock suits on hand. In some cases posing suit makers will have extras because a competitor backed out of a show or couldn't afford the price after ordering it. The suit maker may want to get the extra stock off of her hands so she may sell you the suit for a marginal cost. Before the end of a bodybuilding event any athlete will learn the costs of doing a competition. The registration, organization and cross-over fee, as well as, drug screenings(if applicable) are only a fraction of the cost which doesn't include food,shoes, posing suits, supplements and other supplemental enhancement items to lead to an enormous bill. For athletes one way to alleviate some of the costs is to earn a sponsorship but in many cases the athlete is not sure where to turn. For that matter, many are not really sure how to approach the subject or the best way to present themselves. One of the best ways to make a lasting impression is to have well written letter to present to your future sponsor. If you're not sure how to write the letter or what to include take a look at these tips to create a solid sponsorship request letter.
Start with the basics Just like any other well written business letter begin with the very basics such as your first and last name, most updated e-mail address, address and telephone number. Even if this "sponsor" knows you it's important he has the correct contacts for you. Something as simple as a missing number from your phone number or e-mail could mean you miss out on a sponsorship because he can't get in touch with you. Specific Needs Expecting a sponsor to absorb the entire cost of your competition is most like not going to happen but it's important to list all of your needs. Your specific needs should include things like tanning, hair and nails for the week of the competition, food, supplements, travel expenses, registration fees and any thing that may cause you to incur a bill. These items may seem far fetched but you'll never know what a sponsor will provide you with until you ask. Goals What are your long term goals? Is it to compete in one bodybuilding competition for the year or do you plan to do several shows in a season? Do you have the potential to turn pro? Are you trying to become a fitness model? All of these should be included under your goals, as well as, a plan of action to reach your goals since your sponsor will be interested in what you're capable of doing on your own. Track Record Have a section that has your past competitions listed. But, you're worried because you didn't place in your first show or because you placed last? That's okay. When it comes to a sponsorship it comes down to improvement. If you're track record shows that you've been steadily improving the future sponsor has a way to see you've been working hard to attain your goals. Attach Photos Attach photos of your best competition pictures to your letter. If you have only done one show and did not place give a copy of your before and after photo. These photos usually show a tremendous amount of change in your physique and the would-be sponsor will have a testament of how hard you've worked to get into shape for your competition. Show Your Gratitude Show your gratitude with a nice closing statement. You don't have to drool or be a brown-noser but this person has taken time out of his day to accomodate your letter, contact you or agreed to meet you. Saying "thank you" is the least you can do. |
Lisa M. WhiteAboutI'm not a chef; just a homecook enthusiast who loves to feed my family and friends. I'm a red meat eating, cheeseburger lover. And, there's nothing better than a cold, crisp, Coca-Cola® served with lime to accompany that.
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