Toddlers in Tiaras…ALL GROWN UP. Last night marked the 59th annual ‘Miss Universe’ competition. And while many people would categorize the event as a glorified ‘beauty contest/pageant,’ I’ve learned that this night represents SO MUCH MORE for the contestants, as well as for those watching at home. Instead of simply parading girls around in the skimpiest bikinis (yes, swim wear was a major category, but NO these bikinis were tasteful and ADORABLE in my opinion), the competition challenged each contestant to answer a question that could only be fielded with intelligence and grace. This year, over 80 countries were represented by the brightest and, yes, prettiest group of young ladies. Even though the pageant circuit has grown to expect much more from the young cast of females (in terms of its use of talent and conversational excellence), it would be outlandish to think that beauty wasn’t a critical if not entirely VITAL component. Yet, what I like about Miss Universe, is that the beauty portion is not skin deep. More attention is paid to the beautiful display of dresses and body-flattering apparel that each girl chooses to wear. And this competition was swarming with GORGEOUS wardrobing!! Especially when it involved a designer whose reputation in ‘pageant beautifying’ always precedes her. Three of the night’s TOP TEN finalists (Miss Ireland, Miss Albania, and Miss Ukraine) were dolled up and ready to walk the stage in beautiful Sherri Hill evening gowns-one of which scored Anna Poslavska (Miss Ukraine) a highly sought after spot in the TOP FIVE!!!! And while Jimena Navarrete (Miss Mexic0) didn’t take the crown in a Sherri Hill, her chances were without a doubt doubled by her gorgeous and glamorous look in Sherri’s black bandage dress–hell, I’m thinking EVERY girl’s chances were upped by this killer production number ‘uniform.’ It was stellar night for both Miss Universe and Miss Sherri Hill!!!