Preparation is a key to most projects in life. For Westfield resident Mallory Miller, preparation is what her life has revolved around for the past few months, getting ready to compete for the title of Miss New Jersey USA, which ultimately leads to the Miss Universe Pageant. The state pageant will be held at the Parsippany Hilton, the weekend of October 18, 19 and 20. Mallory is excited and confident. “I feel prepared; I hope the judges agree!”
She explained, “I’ve been working out, staying fit as well as pulling together my outfits for the pageant.” The wardrobe that this Westfield resident will wear includes a Tiffany blue two-piece swim suit and a striking red cocktail dress for her interview outfit. For the formal wear portion of the pageant, she has chosen an elegant evening gown. “I love my gown and am excited to wear it,” the stunning brunette said.
“I’m pretty proud of myself in finding this dress,” she continued. Normally, I buy what I like and unfortunately it sometimes turns out to be the most expensive one! But for this one, I got a bargain because we were able to get a Sherry Hill gown that was on the sale rack in Dream Dresses in Old Bridge.”
Find out what's happening in Westfieldwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
She added, “It’s not the cost of the gown that will impress the judges, but the way the contestant feels in it that will register. I feel great in mine.”
One of the areas of competition that will be held on Friday, October 18 is the interview portion where seven judges will try to connect with the personality of each of the hundred or so girls in approximately 3 minutes. That may seem an incredibly short amount of time for a personal interview, but national polls show that the first and most meaningful impression is formed within 20 seconds of meeting a person.
Because Ms. Miller is a singer/dancer/actress, she feels comfortable on a stage. "Walking across the ballroom floor in front of the judges doesn't scare me since I've been on stage so much," she explained.
Tickets may only be purchased at the door with Saturday’s tickets $35 and Sunday tickets $50 for general seating. The competition that is open to the public on Saturday begins at 2:00 p.m. while the Sunday show at 5:30 p.m. will feature the top 15 semifinalists only.
