Queen on Capitol Hill

Last week, I had the HONOR of participating in Zeta Day on the Hill and Sigma Day on the Hill as a panelist. EXCITEMENT! My outfit of choice for the day nearly stole the show, but I wasn't mad at it. I have been waiting since July for the perfect occasion to wear my metallic silver-checkered-three-quarter sleeved-belted jacket-skirt suit I ordered from NINE WEST. Coupled with my patent leather (nine west) 4-inch-platform-peep-toes, I was READY! As I approached the Russell Senate Building I said to myself..."I belong here. #smirk"

International President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, the Honorable Mary B. Wirght

My day kicked off with the Zeta panel. The goal of the panel was to help the women of Blue & White understand how we can be better advocates for major issues in our communities; particularly health, wellness, and education. My purpose was to discuss innovative ways to teach health education. There's nothing like contending with three other subject experts to teach you how to create an effective soundbite. Here's my favorite quote that made it to Twitter: "It's important to be innovative when teaching health. Adults like to have fun too." Simple, yet profound. *pats self on back*

International President of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, the Honorable Jimmy Hammock

After the panel and a few photos, I threw on my ballet flats and booked it down the Hill to the Rayburn House. I arrived just in time to join the nine other panelists. I had to shift gears quickly, as this panel was all about empowering  youth against bullying and violence. The panelists were asked to share stories about obstacles they have faced and how they overcame them. After a while, the audience (primarily composed of high school students) joined in the sharing. I was absolutely moved by the amount of strength that was present in the room. I am overjoyed that I had the opportunity to be a part of the discussion. Never did I think I would find such inspiration on Capitol Hill, but that goes to show you never know where your next blessing will come from!

Congratulations to the Finer Women (my Sorors) of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and my brothers of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. on two successful, well executed events. Please  don't forget to invite me back next year ;).

The esteemed panel at Sigma Day on the Hill

<3 Amina Lillie

TC Wallace Foundation Love is Red Fashion Event

To kick off DC Fashion Week I volunteered back stage at the Love is Red Youth Rocking the Runway event. Of course, I am a lover of all things colorful, sparkly and high-heeled- but what really caught my attention was the reason BEHIND this particular fashion show.



With one of the youth models and also a fellow Pageant girl!

TC Wallace Foundation and sponsors set out on a mission to use fashion as a tool to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in young adults. As a health educator I naturally wanted to lend a hand to this one-of-a-kind event. The overall theme of the show was beautifully underscored by all of the cute little teen models strutting about.



The show was hosted by Sunni and the City of WPGC radio

VIP guests enjoyed a reception beforehand, complete with music by WPGC and free makeovers by the Glam Squad. There was no shortage of press, which made me especially excited to see such an interest in raising awareness of the worldwide epidemic that is HIV/AIDS. The main event itself was creative to say the least, infused with a well known spoken word artist, Messiah, who recited two very moving pieces about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the African-American community. Aspiring R&B singer Seva closed out the show by covering inspirational ballads, a pop groove and then belting out an original tune. As a special treat to the young runway-ers, there was video presentation by singing sensation Mya announcing the Mr. and Miss Love is Red winners. These two young models raised the most money for charity in the weeks leading up to the show. It was a breath of fresh air to see an event that had a mainstream appeal and also a greater, underlying cause. Crowns off to the TC Wallace Foundation on a job well done!

Special guest runway appearance by Mrs. DC America

<3 Amina Lillie

2012 Washingtonian Magazine Style Setters party

Last night I was fortunate enough to attend this fasion lovers haven sponsored by Ann Taylor, Cunard cruises, Honest Tea, amongst others. All of the fifteen honored guests were stunning and it was quite evident why they were chosen as the 2012 Style Setters. Congratulations to all of them!




With Bell Hops from Cunard...they wanted to switch head wear, but I refused ;)

I have never had a greater urge to hit the pavement in search of the fabulous fashions that were present at the event. It'd be a stretch for me to mention an outfit I did not LOVE! All of DC's most stylish trendsetters in one room left my head spinning...but in an oh so wonderful way! I was actually proud of myself for pulling out my lifestyle priced, all purpose, pageant used, iridescent purple, peplum Jessica Simpson dress for the occasion. I think it was a great choice...and it matched my crown :). Plus, one of the Style Setters complimented my outfit...GO ME and my vintage fashion sense! Kudos to Washingtonian Magazine for a successful city-chic-shindig.

Miss Erin Williams of the Washington Post, she "plus-oned" me!

 

Beauty Queen alert: It was so nice seeing Dr. Allison Hill, Miss Mid-Atlantic International 2012




<3 Amina Lillie

Fashion's Night Out-DC!

Warning: This post is strictly for my Fashionistas and Fashionistos! Last Thursday, 9/6, was Fashion's Night Out in major cities across the country. In the DMV area, this special night was celebrated in Baltimore MD, Alexandria VA, and where I made my FIRST appearance as Miss Exquisite International---Georgetown DC. This was my first time participating in Fashion's Night Out, so I had no clue what was in store. Can you say FABULOUS! Men dapper to the nines, women all dolled up in 4 inch platforms (including yours truly :p). Georgetown was crowded, rowdy and gorgeous...very Bourbon Street-esque. Stores stayed open late for the occasion and many stores cater to shoppers by offering beverages, light snacks and even free facials/massages/photo shoots. Kudos to the Georgetown Fashion District! I landed at the Dean & Deluca patio party hosted by Brightest Young Things. The soiree was LIVE, complete with red carpet, DJ and a ton of photographers. I had an AH-mazing time. I suggest anyone who did not make it to Fashion's Night Out in their city this year definitely make it point to attend in 2013!

Fashion's Night Out 2012!

Ready for my close up!

Pictured with Raj Pavi, of iPalat magazine

<3 Amina Lillie

The Crowning Moment

When I woke at at 6:30AM on Sunday, September 2nd, I could not tame my excitement as my friend and I piled my Pageant wardrobe into the car. The journey from the Nation's Capital to Hunt Valley, MD is not a long one, but that day it seemed to take forever.
 
I had never competed in a one day pageant, so I was prepared for hard work. What I realized was that the group of ladies were so fun and vibrant, it didn't seem like work at all. We shared laughs, stories, safety pins, and most importantly...the experience!
 
Once we were done with our lunch and took a breather, preparation for the show was in full swing! Time was of the essence, but we all took time to help each other as necessary. Also, shout out to all the backstage helpers! Everyone lined up in their fuchsia dresses and it was lights, camera, ACTION!
 
The show ran exceptionally smooth as we all graced the stage with elegance and poise. The emcee, "Flair," was energetic and kept the crowd engaged. I was so elated to take part in the Pageant that it all feels like a dream. Good thing my friends captured great photos so I can be forever reminded of my neon green sports bra during the fitness portion and my bright apple red evening gown! As the competition ended and we waited backstage for the scores to be calculated, there was a sense of calm. I believe we were all taking a moment to be proud of ourselves for what we had accomplished that day. After just a few minutes, we were called back on stage for crowning. They named the special awards winner...Mrs. Evelyn, who swept several categories and Brooklyne (Teen) as the overall fitness winner! Then they crowned the new Teen Queen. By this point I was about ready to hit the floor...but Miss was up next! I stepped to the front of the stage with my SisterQueens. When 2nd runner up was called and it wasn't me...I just started saying to myself "God you have brought me this far, if I don't win I know its for a reason.". But I quickly found out that I did win...and that was for a reason as well.
 

Soon after crowning!

Pictured with Mrs. Jonzetta "Pinky" Carter, Owner/Director of Exquisite Pageants

The New Queens! L to R: Mrs. Exquisite Intl. Classic, Ms. Exquisite Intl., Mrs. Exquisite Intl., ME, Miss Teen Exquisite Intl.

 

It is an absolute honor to be crowned the Miss Exquisite International 2012! Exquisite Pageants is a system where women of all ethnicities, sizes, and ages can feel comfortable. The Director, Mrs. "Pinky" takes pride in her Pageant and goes above and beyond to make sure her contestants are taken care of. I am so excited to begin my reign as one of the new Queens of Exquisite!
 
<3 Amina Lillie