Osmel Sousa, Nuestra Belleza Latina’s fabulous villain, gives you tips to win the crown.

 
Nuestra Belleza Latina, a reality show by Univision that gives young girls the opportunity to become a television network star, has been the topic of interest since its debut in 2007. In addition to turning young women into beauty queens, just like its first winner, Alejandra Espinoza from Tijuana, Mexico, who is now among the elite television hosts in Univision, the reality show also features a celebrity jury that on a weekly basis evaluates every participant in different areas.

The current jury is made up of former Miss Universe winner Lupita Jones, Mexican actor Julian Gil, and president of the Miss Venezuela Organization Osmel Sousa, who shares with us his prediction of the season finale as well as some tips on how you can begin to prepare so that in a couple of years you too can compete in Nuestra Belleza Latina.

This interview was done prior to the 2013 Nuestra Belleza Latina season finale that aired on Sunday, May 19 and in which Marisela Demontecristo was crowned winner.

¿What were your predictions for this season?
At the beginning of the pageant I said that three of my contestants were going to be in the finals and that one of them will be the winner. And so it was. Three of my girls were made it to the finals: Marisela Demontecristo from El Salvador, Marina Ruiz from Mexico, and Barbara Turbay from Colombia.

¿Which of the three do you think is ahead?
It’s between Barbara and Marisela, but Barbara is more whole; she is very beautiful and the camera loves her. She also speaks wonderfully and has a charming voice. I think she is going to win because she has many of the characteristics that makes a Nuestra Belleza Latina winner.

¿What are the qualities you look for in the new queen?
We look for a girl who has everything needed to become a beauty queen: a great personality and nature, gracefulness and spontaneity are also taken into account as well as her beauty, of course.

¿How can young girls begin to prepare in order to participate in the contest?
Every year there are many beautiful girls who enter the pageant but in reality only those who are more prepared make it to the finals. Young girls can begin to prepare by taking dance lessons, since dancing can improve your bearing. This is very important. They can also eat healthy and stay in shape.

For those who can’t afford to take professional lessons, ¿what do you suggest?
High school aerobics and dance classes are enough to prepare. Girls don’t have to be rich to become a princess for a day. The trick is to find a way. For example, Barbara is the classic Cinderella story. She is a very honest person who has a great will to succeed. She has made a great effort in this competition despite not having any prior television or pageant experience. She is a great example to follow and if she becomes the winner, I will commit to complete her transformation because she is truly a beauty queen.

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Behind the scenes: 2013 Los Angeles Quinceanera Cover Girl

LOCATION: Mitzy Beverly Hills
MODEL: Shamaria Martinez, 2013 Los Angeles Cover Girl
DIRECTOR: Hugo Hernandez
DRESS: Mitzy
TIARA: Mitzy Beverly Hills
HAIR AND MAKEUP: Ana Bertha Ruiz
PHOTOGRAPHY: Max Pro Elegance Photography

THE COVER

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How can I choose the ideal shoes for the party? (Twitter fan)
The style depends on what you’ll wear; just keep in mind that whatever you wear should be comfortable. As far as color, silver or gold sandals with embellishments are two of the current trends.

Do I have to send an invitation to the parents of my damas and chambelanes to the party? What is the appropriate way of telling them about the wardrobe expenses they must cover? (Instagram fan)
Since there are several topics to discuss when choosing your Quince court, an invitation is not the most convenient way to do it. The best way to do this is by speaking with everyone’s parent in person. Your parents should explain to them the cost and the commitment this implies.

I will begin planning my XV soon and I need decoration ideas for a butterfly theme party, any advice? (Facebook fan)
Butterfly theme parties are definitely on trend; you can add these to your cake, bouquet, and even surprise your guests releasing real butterflies at your party.

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The city is full of parks, lakes, botanical gardens as well as country clubs. You can also take advantage of the historical buildings in this region to make your Quinceanera stand out while displaying some of the area’s cultural heritage. “The perfect place for this type of photo shoot is the San Fernando Mission, a historical place with a great family tradition,” says Maritza Clemente from Maritza Photography and Video. This Spanish mission dates back to 1797 and currently functions as a museum. The mission is located at 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, CA. “Quinceaneras can reserve the interior building for their photo shoot,” assures Maritza.

The great thing about San Fernando Valley is that is has many places that are authentic jewels of the colonial era of the region, most of which are kept in great condition. If you have time and are considering that area, check out our suggestions below and feel free to recommend some of these sites to your photographer.

Andres Pico Adobe Park is a ranch that was built in 1834 and restored in 1930. It’s now a museum that’s open to the public and can be rented for special occasions.
 
10940 Sepulveda Blvd.
Mission Hills, CA 91345
818-365-7810

Chatsworth Community Church was built in 1903 and is now a  historical monument. It’s not a building from the colonial era but was built in a distinguishable English style like some of the churches in California. The green, outdoor areas and façade provide a magnificent backdrop for a unique and original photo shoot.

22601 Lassen Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Rancho El Encino is part of the Los Encinos State Historic Park. The place is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday.

16756 Moorpark St.
Encino, CA 91436
818-784-4849

Casa Adobe San Rafael was built by Tomas Sanchez, Los Angeles County’s first Sheriff. After being restored in 1932, it was converted into a museum managed by the city of Glendale. The main building and gardens are the perfect backdrop for anhistorical photo shoot.

1330 Dorothy Drive
Glendale, CA 91202
818-956-2000

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Organizing a Quinceanera can be as memorable as the party itself, and shopping for the Quinceanera dress is by far the most exciting part of the party planning. But that joy can quickly turn sour if your family becomes overwhelmed by the various market choices. Therefore, before you set foot in search of the perfect Quince dress, you need to know the 3 most popular gown options available and the pros and cons for each one. Knowing this will give you and your family the tools needed to narrow down your choices and shop for the type of Quinceanera gown that best suits your personal taste and budget.

PLUS, if you want to see designs for each of the 3 types of Quinceanera dresses covered in this article, attend our XV fashion show taking place this Sunday from noon to 5p.m. at the Shrine Expo Hall in Los Angeles. There, boutique retailer Moda 2000, emerging designer Raul Corona, and elite designer Mitzy will showcase their latest gown creations.

> RSVP to our Los Angeles 2013 Quinceanera.com Expo and Fashion Show here.

The 3 types of XV dresses you need to know

Catalog Quinceanera dresses from Moda 2000 boutique.

Type #1: Catalog XV dresses
Catalog dresses are mass-produced and are often sold to individual retailers in large volumes. These are standard in design and sold to various retailers.

Cons: Since this type is produced in large quantities, chances are many Quinceaneras have worn the style or one very similar to it. So if a family is looking for a unique, one-of-a kind dress, this option will not work for them.

Pros: Since mass production keeps the cost of this type of dress low, it’s the less expensive option. Also, most catalog dresses are available in a large selection of colors and sizes, making it easy for a Quinceanera to find this model in the color and size she’s looking for. Plus, most Quinceanera boutique shops that carry catalog dresses tend to sell them in packages that include accessories, bouquet, kneeling pillow, and other ceremony basics.

XV dress by emerging designer Raul Corona.

Type #2: XV dresses from emerging designers
These are gowns created by designers that are starting to make a name for themselves in the Quinceanera market. These designs are the midway point between Type #1 and Type #3.

Cons: Since most emerging designers work independently, they may be limited to resources, which may cause them to only take a few orders at a time. So getting your order in and on time will be key if ordering a dress from an emerging designer.

Pros:  These type of designers have a young hunger for creating, which is quite exciting for a Quince girl who is also at that point in her life of seeking freshness and innovation. This option allows families to purchase a unique Quince dress without having to pay the high cost that is typically associated with a high-profile brand. Plus, you never know if the emerging designer of today will be tomorrow’s leading brand. So being part of that history in the making is quite exciting.

Designs by Mexican fashion guru Mitzy.

Type #3: XV dresses from established fashion houses
These are the brand dresses that are widely known within the Quinceanera market, they’ve been in the public eye for years and may have even dressed celebrities, too.

Cons: the biggest setback to selecting this type of gown is the price tag associated with the fashion house. Although most major labels work with payment plans, the final cost may still be too much for some families to afford. Also, since most established houses juggle various projects at one time (fashion shows, media events, photo shoots, etc.), families will need to schedule an appointment as early as possible. In some cases, even one year in advance.

Pros: Quality. Major fashion houses have their reputation to uphold, so creating top of the line dresses is their top priority. These gowns are flipped inside out, over and out with every seam and detail inspected before given the seal of approval. Another benefit of going with this type of dress is the privilege of wearing an exclusive gown of that particular brand. Many Quinceaneras choose this design because it goes hand-in-hand with the idea of being “Queen for a day”.

> RSVP to our Los Angeles 2013 Quinceanera.com Expo and Fashion Show here.

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