Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Yendi wore this beautiful Poshe piece at the Miss World competition in Sanya, China. - Alana Igbe

As a beauty queen, the reigning Miss Jamaica World, Yendi Phillipps, is expected to dress royally but she says she manages to blend this expected elegance with her own personal style.

The 22-year-old queen says it's important to be able to strike a balance between being a queen and being herself when she dresses.

"I never venture too far up from my personal style. I have not lost my personal style, I have just glammed it up when it comes to the role of being Miss Jamaica. I still wear flip-flops but they are dressy flip-flops. I wear merino but they might have studs. I just love dresses," Yendi told THE STAR.

She says she likes wearing clothes that are "fresh, edgy, funky, different, but still chic and classy." As for accessories, she likes them 'chunky', but says she also has to balance the look by wearing small earrings with big chains or no chain when she wears big earrings.

Yendi invited THE STAR team to take a look in her closet while admitting that she is not an 'organised closet person'. There, she had many gowns, long dresses, jeans, heels and flip-flops, many of which were worn while she was at the Miss World competition in China. She says she has clothes at almost every corner of her room, and even admits that some pieces, including the gown worn at the Miss World pagaent in China, were at her father's house.

International designer Roberto Cavalli is her favourite but locally, Uzuri and Neahlis are her 'peeps' as they are always able to outfit her in the best pieces. She says they understand her style, with Uzuri being perfect for evening wear and Neahlis providing a party vibe.

Chat with Yendi

Miss Jamaica World 2007 Yendi Phillipps, was one of three contestants selected at last year's Miss World pageant in Sanya, China, to vie for the Beauty with a Purpose award. - Winston Sill

Yendi fans, this is your opportunity to interact with the STAR of the month via the Internet and telephone.

STAR of the month, Yendi will be giving her special fans a chance to chat with her on Tuesday, July 29, 2008. Log on to www.go-jamaica.com to chat online with Yendi from 5-6 p.m. or call THE STAR toll free line at 1-888-The Star to speak with her via telephone from 6-7p.m. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance!!!