Nick Verreos Hosts Kmart Back To School Fashion Show at Kmart Burbank!

Kmart Fashion School Principal Nick

Fashion Grade: Nick Verreos poses with the Kmart Burbank Back To School Runway Show models

Last week, I was fortunate enough to be asked by Kmart to style--and host--Kmart's 2010 Back To School Fashion Show!!! I have worked with Kmart before, as a Spokesperson and even did a Spanish-language mini-commercial for their famed Layaway Program last Christmas! This time, they contacted me, asking me to style a Back To School Fashion Show they were doing in Southern California. Kmart was going to have ONLY TWO Back To School fashion shows of this kind: One in Chicago, and one in the LA area (that's where I came in!)

No Really, Strike A Pose: Host Nick Verreos tries to make an audience member be "America's Next Top Male Model", Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

The day before the show, I brought in the styling expertise of my Nikolaki co-designer David Paul (he's worked for YEARS as a wardrobe stylist and costume designer doing too-many-to-mention infomercials as well as FAB TV shows). We spent hours and hours shopping at the Burbank Kmart--the location of the show. We had to put together two looks for six young models pulling from brands like Selena Gomez' Dream Out Loud line, as well as Route 66, Rebecca Bonbon and many others.

Who Wants To Be A Model and Have A Makeover: Nick Verreos chooses an audience participant, Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

There was also a "styling twist": The day of the show I was going to pick ONE young audience member who would actually get to model in the show. In other words, we had to also style different looks for this unknown audience model. And you'd never guess that all the complete looks we eventually chose were under $75!!!

Work It: Kristen opens the show wearing a hoodie and skirt from Route 66, Rebecca Bonbon t-shirt, Basic Editions leggings and studded sneakers from Wonder Kids

The show was a HUGE success (the store was packed!). Kmart Burbank was set up like a full-on professional fashion show: Runway stage, background, and even "VIP" seats! Each seat had a Kmart "Goodie Bag", which was a HUGE backpack filled with candy and snacks! (the kids loved that!).
I began the show doing my "Nick Runway Walk" (of course!). Afterward, I gave out SEVERAL $100 Kmart Gift Cards to ticket-holding audience members, so they could do some Back-to-School shopping! I needed someone to hold the basket of tickets so my "Vanna White" was: Yes, the Kmart BLUE LIGHT...as in "Blue Light Special"! The Kmart Back To School 2010 Fashion Show went smoothly: The young (professional) models-- as well as the very surprised girl I picked from the audience--did AMAZING!!! There were several Trends for Fall 2010 Back To School: Bohemian Chic, Color, Rocker/Concert Fun, Embellished Details and Skateboard Chic.

Here are some photo examples from the show: Alexis wears a plaid tunic/top, skirt and Hobo bag from Selena Gomez Dream Out Loud line, Bongo leggings and Route 66 boots

Jayden gets a "A" in his Back To School" Runway Look wearing a hoodie, skinny jeans and sneakers from NSS

Jadah wears a pink beret from Trend Zone, jeggings (hot for Back To School!) and a t-shirt and purse from Rebecca Bonbon

Confetti Finale: Nick Verreos and all the models take their bow, Kmart Burbank Back To School Fashion Show

The show ended with a power Confetti Blast (see above), as my young models did their final Runway DIVA poses (which I told them to do of course!): Gotta get that final pose in before you walk off! All in all, it was great fun. What's better than a Back To School fashion show, winning a $100 Kmart Gift Card, fashion with value (hello, it's KMART!!), shopping, AND a big ol' Goodie bag? Nothing! See you in school: Watch out, I might be coming to a school near you and seeing if you make my "Nick Verreos Fashion Grade"!

Below are a few videos from the show:

The hunting of RED Chanels!!!

Patent Classic medium (L) and Patent Reissue Large w/ Ruthenium chain (R). 

$3700 (L) and $3400 (R)!! @@ 

They both are still TOO small for my mom's needs!

They are equally pretty but depends on how you dress up w/ them. 

$3500 Classic Jumbo in Dark RED; the color didn't come up right. 
It is, in fact, darker than the picture shown here. 


Caviar classic jumbo is my MOM's first choice but I have to figure out if she likes this DARK red!!!

Chanel's new collection did little to revive my waning interest in buying those insanely priced RED bags. Even if I do, it is for my MOM. :P 

Where I have been?

Hermes!!!!

 

I don't know what got into me that I was drawn by the pattern of horses' print in camouflage colors so much.  

ON me on Saturday.

1. Top:

(inside layer) Lilith checked apron cover-up w/ pockets

Max Co. reversible two colored tank sweater

No brand taupe long sweater vest

2. Bottom: 

Lilith Graham Tartan slacks w/ pockets

3. Accessory:

Elfi Altendorfer's purple crystal necklace

Chanel Rodeo Drive large tote in Perforated leather 08' 

4. Shoes:

Michael Kors eyelet oxford lace-up boots w/ velvet ribbon tie

In the city, you can always pile on clothes layer by layer and skip the jacket if you forgot!

What's so interesting about the pants is that it has side buttons and you can leave it for big voluminous look or button it up.
Plus, the classic tartan prints and color allow me to wear it all year around in the bay area. ^^


 200 million fragments tweed jacket
Anne Valerie Hash Pink/taupe brogues
Lilith no toe socks
Chanel mini black caviar flap
Reversal wearing Max Co. tank sweater.

In the suburban of North Cal. layering is not required in the current season but jacket is always great to have in hand for keeping-you-warm in the supermarket and looking-stylish when you are out.

Have fun the rest of summer.
xoxo Rachel

Work It Out: Installment Quinze

Just a quickie today as I am feeling very much under the weather. On certain days I have to be a little more smart, but who really wants to wear a stuffy suit and white shirt combo? Instead, I decided to spice up a pretty boring grey suit with a mint blouse to add some texture and feminine colour.

Blouse: Dorothy Perkins. Suit Jacket and pleated skirt: Austin Reed. Black suede ballet pumps: Zara.

What's your favourite way of customising a tired suit? I usually add a coloured, floaty blouse or go for killer heels ;). xxx