A recent college graduate, Whitney Sharpe has a love for all fabulous things and adventures. With a communication degree and a fashion minor, it comes to no surprise as to why Whitney has a huge passion for blogging! She enjoys connecting with her subscribers from all over the world. In 2016, Whitney won the coveted title of Miss Massachusetts USA, where a light was shined on her dedication to the Boston community, all while looking and staying, "Sharpe". This blog is about Whitney's busy life filled with laughs, travels, trends and beauty.
My favorite holiday hands down is Thanksgiving. Why? It’s not materialistic. The focus is not revolved around gifts, but on our relationships with our friends and our family.
With my favorite little cousin around to keep things fun, she whipped out Twister! Okay, probably the worst game to play after stuffing your face, but I’ve never laughed so hard in my life.
Picture this: My 60-year old father, 21-year old pro baseball player brother and 6-year old Miss Olivia all tangled up and falling all over the place. With the house shaking with laughter, I think this will be a tradition for years to come!
Happy holidays and I hope you enjoyed this day as much as I did!
Skirt: Alice & Olivia (Mega on sale right now too!)
Top: Etsy
Bracelets: Alex & Ani Birthstone Bangle & Joy Bangle Set
There are so many different reasons why this is my go to piece out of all the pretty little things hanging in my closet(s)!
First things first: it’s Vegan. Yes vegan, and no you don’t need to eat broccoli for breaky, lunch and dinner or do yoga on top of a mountain in Colorado for you to rock it.
Secondly, it looks like real leather, yet it’s so freaking soft from the tough outer shell to the silky satin liner. It had me fooled at first sight while shopping last Fall at Nordstrom.
Lastly, it’s super affordable, especially since I have worn this jacket through every season. 98 bucks for something I have probably worn 25 times? I’ll take it!
P.S. I fooled a Valentino rep who thought this was a Saint Laurent (insert evil emoji face here)
The biggest hit when my friends come over is always this yummy rosé! The most refreshing summer drink. Made to share by friends, Little Things Wine created this beauty.
Pro Tip: Pour half of a bottle into ice cube trays and freeze. After a couple of hours, throw those cubes in a blender with the rest of the wine. And there you have the best froze ever! Your friends will thank you.
When I think of charcoal, honestly the first thing that comes to mind is my Dad’s bright yellow Homer Simpson Webber Grille. But that stuff is way different than the charcoal that is showing up in beauty products!
Activated Charcoal actually has little pores that can absorb impurities. Emergency rooms even have this on hand for people who have consumed something toxic. (I verified this with my momma who happens to be a nurse). I guess someone had the brilliant idea of saying, “Hey! Maybe this will suck out the guck in pores!” And the rest was history.
I have sensitive skin so I am cautious when trying new things. After testing a lot of charcoal beauty products, I happen to have had the best success with these three finds. My favorite being the Boscia Charcoal MakeUp Melter Cleansing Oil-Balm. This is now my favorite cleanser for traveling because it is solid (hello no suitcase spills), and also keeps my skin hydrated and clear. It’s the only charcoal cleanser I tried that did not dry out my skin.
One of my favorite masks is the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask from Origins. I received a sample of this, and then went out and bought the largest size after loving it so much. My skin is immediately bright and clear after just 10 minutes.
Lastly...you all are going to think I’m nuts for this one. Blck is a charcoal teeth whitener. Yeah you heard me right ladies and gents! Don’t expect this product to give you teeth as white as snow, but I definitely noticed that my surface stains were removed after a couple of weeks. I like my red wine guys okay! I also got the toothbrush, and for every one bought, another is donated to someone in need. Love when companies have concepts like that!
Anyways...charcoal is here to stay in my opinion. I’ve also heard of fitness bloggers taking activated charcoal capsules to detox, but people...I am not that hardcore (yet).
On the rare occasion that this busy lady gets her toes in the sand, here are a few of my must must-have summer finds for the beach!
Let’s start off with the obvious...this hat! What’s not to love? We have sequins, pom poms and it’s customized! This is from the Etsy boutique Blue Skys and Sunshine. On top of the too perfect floppy hats, this is a local Boston shop! Follow on Instagram to see all of the awesome Boston gear.
If you have been following me for a while, you will know that I am an absolute freak about my skin. I won’t leave my house in the morning without my Redefine Triple Defense Treatment which has SPF 30. I also have been using this Foaming Sunless Tanner for a natural glow.
This triangle swim top is by Despi which I found at Nordstrom Rack. I think the style is sold out, but here is another suit that I love!
The “clutch” from Charming Charlie but is actually meant for your swim suit! It’s waterproof so you can toss your bikini in the clutch without getting the rest of your bag wet.
Those are just a few of my faves, but follow me on Instagram for daily updates @whitneysharpe
Half of my wardrobe is bright colors and the other half is black. Combining my two moods here! The House of Perna is obviously one of my favorite designers, and you know this if you’ve been with me for awhile.
Amanda Perna, the woman behind the label, is the ultimate girl boss. From Project Runway, to her pieces becoming a South Florida staple, she has remained humble and hungry for more, all at the same time.
You can find my super comfy and adorable pants, as well as my top and bag, at The House of Perna. The jacket is Forever 21, although it came straight from Amanda’s closet! Heels are just plain old Aldo.
Sooo two things I'm wearing cost five dollars. That is CORRECT! Five freaking dollars! These are my favorite glasses that I found from Windsor and this crossbody I stumbled upon at Primemark. And these Converse? They have a hidden wedge in them for added height! For fifty dollars I was sold. With inexpensive pieces like those, I could splurge on this easy breezy off the shoulder dress from Cinq a Sept. I'm okay with a splurge if it's versatile! Dress this baby up or down and you can't go wrong.
I haven’t done a skin update in maybe a year…yikes! Well I didn’t want to tell you all what I was using, because nothing was working to be quite honest.
I competed at Miss USA with flawless skin and then BAM. Acne freaking attack all over my face and body. I saw three different dermatologists over the course of three months, and my face only became more inflamed and dry.
I remember one morning in August I was getting ready to go back to college in Florida and I just stopped and looked in the mirror for a second, but could not believe what I was seeing. My mom walked in and I just burst into tears. (I promise this story gets happier!)
Here I was, Miss Massachusetts USA, a successful blogger and someone who loves socializing, but was sad to leave the house. I believe that God gives you tests and challenges to see how you can conquer them and become stronger. I know I could get through this, but it was just a matter of how.
The next day (and again everything happens for a reason), I was approached by a Rodan & Fields consultant who sold the line. Honestly I did not believe the pictures that Rosemary sent me and I thought it was a scam! But here I was feeling so low and desperate, I gave the products a shot.
Within one week my redness was down.
Within two weeks my acne was reduced by half.
Within four weeks I was not developing any more acne.
Week five was when I went to school without makeup on. This was the day that I realized how these products can change lives, because it changed mine.
This isn’t a “sales” post, I don’t care if you buy these products or not. But I would not feel right if I did not share my story. I do not feel vulnerable or afraid anymore to show my true skin, and I hope that by using these products, the same will happen to you.
If you are interested in purchasing any Rodan & Fields products, click “skincare” up top. Please message me with any questions about skincare and the products, I will be beyond happy to help! There is a line for every skin issue no matter your gender or age. If you thought there was no solution to your problematic skin, well think again!
I've worn every type of gown except for this one! #girlgotadegree #andajob #lynning #favoritechildoftheday 💁 (at Burlington High School (Massachusetts))
This is my opinion, unfiltered and real. It’s so freaking hard to believe that a little under a year ago, I had the opportunity to compete in literally the Super Bowl of pageants; Miss USA. Like how freaking lucky did this girl get? 51 (or 52 in my case…shoutout to Alex), are blessed with the opportunity to compete on the national stage every year, on a major network, live on camera, for the coveted title of Miss USA...
In the four years of my pageant journey, and yes that’s only as long as I’ve been doing this, (I’m not a Toddlers & Tiaras kid), I learned more about myself and life, and would not trade this experience for the world. Although it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for a girl trying to wear a crown on her head.
As an Allstar Cheerleader for almost ten years, I was used to criticism and this chick thrived on it. But it was almost always constructive…something I could learn from and then get my ish together. Unfortunately, it can be quite the opposite when it comes to the pageant world. My flaws were acknowledged and often became the topic of conversation with people I barely even knew, and in most cases, I didn’t know.
“She’s too short. Massachusetts is too young. Did you see that outfit she wore? Her first runner up should have won. I don’t get Mass. Hey I know we don’t know each other but I think you have big potential…please don’t take offense but maybe you should get some botox and lip filler” Idiots. All idiots!
Because hearing and seeing that makes me motivated! Right? What people do not realize is the dedication and commitment us titleholders have to serving our community and making a difference. Who freaking cares if I have lipstick on my teeth if I’m serving lunch to homeless women in Boston? I’m too short? Well great! It makes me that much closer to a child’s height when I’m reading stories to them in the Children’s Wing at a hospital. My lips too small? Awesome! Little lips won’t affect my speech when I’m talking about internet safety awareness in elementary schools. Call those flaws if you want, but they will never define me.
DC (our Miss USA 2016) Deshauna Barber is a Commander in the Army Reserves.
Rhode Island, Theresa Agonia, spent her year tirelessly advocating for Pancreatic Cancer Research and Awareness in honor of her late father.
Deleware, Alex Vorontsova, is about to graduate with an engineering degree.
Connecticut, Tiffany Teixeira, grew up in an inner city. Facing adversity, she now visits those schools with the hopes of empowering the students.
Arizona, Chelsea Myers, overcame her everyday struggles she faced with anxiety. She used her title to give others struggling with mental health a voice so that they never feel alone. Chelsea was able to help break the stigma associated with mental illness.
And that is just a small percentage of all of the incredible things my class has done. So keep lumping us into the, “She’s only a pretty face,” category.
That is the bad and the ugly. I’ve waited a long time to get that off my chest. Don’t be discouraged about my rant and please keep reading for the good, awesome and incredible part of this journey.
I discovered who Whitney was throughout this process. I built tough skin, and learned that I am always capable of bigger and better things. Once a challenge is conquered, move on to the next one and never stop reaching for something greater. My director and mentor was always, and still is, nothing but encouraging and supportive to me. The year of holding the title of Miss Massachusetts USA molded me into the woman I am today through the help of an amazing support system through people like her.
People will say it’s cliche, but I can’t rave enough about the friendships I have made. I mean who wakes up to 100 texts every morning from 51 of the most kind hearted, hilarious and intelligent women in the country? I mean not that I have a boyfriend of anything, but damn I need to have a huge wedding venue. New Hampshire already called dibs on being a bridesmaid in my imaginary wedding!
One of the ladies I met through competing I do not even consider a best friend. She is a sister to me, and I thank God everyday for what a blessing Ashley and my other pageant sisters are in my life.
It almost brings tears to my eyes when I think about what my life would be like if I never ventured into the Miss Universe Organization. All of the unbelievable people I love so much who came into my life, I never would have met. My FaceTime dates with my Miss New Hamp Jessie, meaningful conversations with my makeup artist Miss Rita, pageant coaches becoming an extended family to me and I could go on about what I would have missed out on.
I just a few days ago accepted an incredible job in one of the most competitive markets, out of 80 candidates too, and I truly believe I would not have been chosen if I did not gain the confidence, poise and eloquence that are associated with carrying a title.
Moral of the story; Nothing worth having comes easy. Take the good with the bad, because when you have the good…man is it the sweetest feeling.
“Miss Massachusetts USA 2016 is…Whitney Sharpe,”
You can not replicate the immense emotion that followed that life changing sentence.
Any woman who has the courage and determination to walk on stage in a bikini and heels, elegantly grace the stage in a gown and answer questions in front of thousands of people…you go girlfriend. And never stop going.
I want to send the best wishes to all 51 of the fearless women competing in the 2017 Miss USA Pageant, (or competition as they’re calling it now). You are breaking stereotypes, and remember that the only person’s opinion who matters, is yours. Be you. Be Beautiful. Be Bold. And remember that a panel of judges will not define how bad ass of a person you are.
So beyond excited to announce that I just accepted a "big girl" job in CHICAGO! Feeling so blessed and grateful for this opportunity 💗 #byebyeboca (at Chicago, Illinois)
Welcome to the B Hotel Fort Lauderdale! I am completely obsessed. The B invited me to attend their grand opening event, and man do they know how to throw a party! From the fire dancers to a mermaid show, this event was a blast. The hotel features beautiful spacious guest rooms, an infinity pool and direct beach access. Not to mention the food and drinks are incredible. If planning to visit South Florida, this hotel gets Looking Sharpe’s seal of approval!
Dress: Tahari
Heels: Louboutin Lady Peeps
Bag: Kate Spade New York
Tan: TanMeBox (Got you all covered with a 20% off discount! Code: WHITNEYSHARPE20)
Join me and WPTV’s Stephanie Susskind for an afternoon fashion show benefitting the Golden Bell Education Foundation! Tickets are $20 and I promise it will be worth it!
Hey @fifthandninth thanks for keeping this chick from not being the girl with the dead phone and lipstick on her teeth #newwoman #fifthandninth 😘 (at Chicago, Illinois)
Okay guys…I think I found a workout I actually won’t dread going to. Hello FlyBarre! I was a ballet dancer for 15 years and I loved the amazing benefits it had for my body. This class gets you all the benefits of ballet, but in a high energy total body workout. Ashley and I had so much fun, we were crying slash laughing through the pain. Our instructor Cassie was bad ass. Totally motivational but she made us laugh through the hard work! FlyBarre gets Looking Sharpe’s Seal of Approval. Cheers to many more classes in Chicago! (And cocktails to numb how sore I am)
