• It seems to me that royal blue is taking the stage by storm, in everything from satin to sequins. And the good news is that everyone looks good in it, from redheads to brunettes to blondes. A popular accessory frequently is big cuffs with white fringe.

• Besides royal blue, there's red-hot American. In the USA, at least, the patriotic look is in, and the colors of the flag are sure to win over even the toughest of judges. The "USA" logo is a good start.

• What's out? Don't lose the child in the outfit, especially if the child is a baby. The outfit should enhance the best qualities in your child, not cover them up, no matter what the age. For example, if your child has blue eyes, a blue western outfit may bring out the color of her eyes. But if the outfit is too flashy, it may "outshine" your darling's eyes.

• It's important to bring out the best in your child when she's onstage. To ensure a good stage presence, make sure that the outfit is comfortable and easy to move in. Otherwise, the child will become restless and do poorly on stage. We all like to be comfortable, and that goes double for kids.

Tips for parents:

1. Be organized, even if you have to make a list. The little things are important to remember, such as safety pins and earrings.
2. Hairspray sprayed on the bottom of shoes will keep them from slipping on the stage floor.
3. Velcro! Velcro! Velcro! Interchange bows on socks with it.
4. Run through the x's. This will give the child confidence and also prepare him/her for the extra foot of stage that wasn't there at the modeling class.
5. Be careful how you act and react. You may feel hurt about the outcome of a pageant, and you may vow to never participate in that circuit again. But it doesn't mean you'll never see that pageant's director again. She may judge your child in another circuit. If she is a good judge, she will lay aside differences and personal opinions about you and judge your child solely on merit. But why take that chance? Swallow your feelings and behave graciously.