Faithful Glove Clutch by Alexander McQueen!

I tried this McQueen clutch the day I bought my Chloe orange Sally bag. It actually is not that hilarious by the look when your hand hold it INSIDE the glove. If you don't have that sense of humor, you can take off the leather glove and hold it w/ bare hand!! I love the buttery soft leather and that make-you-happy new leather smell of it! lol

Then I came across this pair of McQueen skull zipper pull engraved peep toe stiletto booties online. I start imaging myself carrying the clutch AND stepping into this provocative booties when.....grrr......girl's night out? a dinner date w/ DH? Oh, well, I hate to admit that even things like these are not practical for me anymore!!! I assume I can't wear them both at the same time w/ my 3 kids around.

Let's just pretend that I could at least rock them in my dream, and no one could lay a hand!!!

Over sharing?

I hope that lingerie posts are not too much over sharing for you all, but to be perfectly honest I think underwear is very important! It can definitely make or break any outfit and influence the way you feel, whether it be sexy, confident, or ready for the challenge of the treadmill.

When I was little I was told that it was important to wear matching underwear just in case I was in an accident. Now I do not remember who said this, or why, or whether they were joking, but from then on I became convinced that if ever I was knocked over by a bus I would definitely not want a washed too many times bra and granny pants exposed (as if this would be my main worry.. hmm). Perhaps it was one of those phrases that has somehow stuck in my subconcious as I always feel somehow incomplete if I do not match, or at least make an effort to do so...

No matter what anyone says, I think lingerie should be designed for women, not for men (though I have nothing against Ann Summers, it deffinitely fits a gap in the market). Any woman will appreciate a beautiful, well designed and structured bra far more than a man who just wants to know what is underneath it. Therefore, lingerie is something I always buy and wear for myself. I really don't care if that includes Bridgette Jones style control pants, because at the end of the day, if they make me feel better about my body, and make a knockout dress look the way I want it to, then tough luck to all those who may snigger. On the other end of the spectrum, even if I am wearing the plainest clothes, or a stuffy business suit, knowing that underneath it all I am still my girlie self in pretty, feminine lingerie certainly gives me more confidence.

So with this in mind I wanted to share my recent purchases.

When I saw this bra sitting all lonely in the Oasis sale rack I had to have it, despite the lack of matching panties :*( and a smaller size, it was too cute to pass up! I really love the pattern and the lace detail in the centre. I wore it the other day with a plain red dress and the straps, with the blue and pop of red flowers, looked fantastic and really added to the outfit, without giving it a tacky "my bra is showing and it does not match" look.

Today I went to check out the Harrods sale and after hours of drooling over shoes I wandered into the lingerie department. Agent Provocateur immediately caught my eye as they have such beautiful, unique pieces, as well as some scary looking PVC that I will not elaborate on.. eeek!! I have never bought anything from them before, although I have been lusting after their £200 corsets for some time (pictured at top)! Unfortunately none of these or their gorgeous silk dressing gowns were on sale, however they did have some huge reductions. I am talking about bras for £25 here ladies, and a swimsuit for £30... that is Topshop prices!!

Straight away I spotted this Monika set because it was wearable, yet had the cutest detailing on the shoulders. I have never seen a bra with little cap sleeves before. Plus they had it in a D-cup.. hurray!!

If you have a chance then do check the sale out and in the meantime here are a few photos from their website (note how the models are not over inflated for once!) that I have added to my wishlist for when I win the lottery...
This is the most indulgent beauty cabinet, at a staggering £2500 *gasp*!!Do you like high-end lingerie? Is it something you would spend money on? What do you ladies think?

The Focus Studio, Venice California: Summer Special!!

The Best Photo Studio in LA!!!

The Focus Studio, a photographic studio right on the beach in Venice, California, just announced that they are having a"Summer Special" with discounts for photographers, filmmakers, production companies, who would love to shoot by the beach! Janet Jackson:Shot on "The Focus Studio" Table

The 3000 square foot The Focus Studio is the only daylight photographic studio on a California beach and has been the location for many a celeb shoot, including the cover of Janet Jackson's 2006 album, "20 Y.O." as well as many others, including Brook Shields and Harrison Ford.Model Attention: Model Lisa Blades, in NIKOLAKI gown, gets prepped by designers Nick Verreos and David Paul, The Focus Studio, Venice California

It also, just happened to be the location for my last Spring 2009 Look Book and NIKOLAKI Website Photo Shoot, shot by fabulous LA-based photographer Evans Vestal Ward.Model Touch-Up: Model Lisa Blades, in NIKOLAKI gown, with Make-up and Hair Artist Melvone Farrell, The Focus Studio.

Take it from a fashion designer like myself, it was the ONLY PLACE I wanted to do a shoot and I was beyond-pleased-- and Lord knows I love me a "sale", so this "Focus Studio" Summer Special is FABULOUS!!!! If you need to have a photo shoot--fashion or celebrity-- or anything in between; or even need a location for a TV or film shoot that requires the ideal "Photo Studio", The Focus Studio is it.
Call 310-399-9400 for more information.

FOTD using some new products

Hey girlies, hope you all had a good day!

Just thought I would post on a couple of the products I bought yesterday since I used them this morning (excuse the slight shiny look...the warm weather caused that!). I was looking at my face this morning thinking that my forehead and cheekbones looked very dark...I was forgetting that is what a natural tan looks like!ha ha. I'm way to used to all over bronzing when I used St Tropez, Dove etc.

In this look I used:

Lancome La Base Pro Primer, Revlon Colourstay Foundation in True Beige, Rimmel Clear Complexion Powder, Lancome Tropique Mineral Bronzer (NEW), Prestige Skin Loving Minerals in Pure Shimmer, Bourjois Liquid Eyeshadow in Beige Mettalique (LOVE this so much - great as a base for so many looks), Famous By Sue Moxley Eyeliner in Amber (NEW), MAC Cream Colour Base in Shell, YSL Rouge Volupte No.1 (NEW), Barry M Shimmering Eye and Lip Pencils (NEW) in 5 (in tearduct) and 3 (along waterline).

OK so here are my thought on the new stuff I used:

Lancome Bronzer - Really like this stuff, I used to be addicted to the Star Bronzer Powder Compact but this is even better, it provides buildable colour, is so so finely milled and really airbrushes my skin. The difference with this powder to the Star Bronzer one is that it doesn't contain any shimmer, which makes it perfect for daytime. Love it!

Eyeliner in Amber, Famous By Sue Moxley - Weird name for a dark brown colour but I really like this...I applied it at 6am this morning and with no reapplication, you can see in the pic that it's very much still there! I like the brown liner coz it creates a softer look to the eyes than black for daytime wear.

YSL Rouge Volupte in No.1 (Nude Beige) - I think I have finally found the HG of nude lips, in my opinion. The formulation is so light and creamy and the colour isn't too beigey or concealer like (that's never a good look!). I really adore this lipstick and it totally lives up to all the hype on the blogs. The only downside is the price and the fact that it may not last that long given that it's so soft...I still love it regardless though!

Barry M Shimmering Eye and Lip Pencils in no.3 and no.5 - I hadn't heard much about these when I got them but I thought I would give them a whirl...and I'm glad I did. The pale pink shade (no.3) is a really good dupe of Benefit Bright Eyes pencil and is great on the waterline to brighten up your eyes. I prefer the pale pink colour as white can sometimes look too fake/harsh.

So in conclusion, I am really chuffed with the stuff I got in my haul and I will be trying more of the products tomorrow...so stay tuned to find out what I think of them...

Thanks for reading :)

Tagged - I got nominated!

I got tagged by kittykatvvhore (http://kittykatvvhore.blogspot.com/) and CherryCulture (http://bitchbewarned.blogspot.com/). Thanks guys!

I will now tag the blogs that I love and follow every time they post (scarily obsessive...but I am currently seeking help for this).

Hele Says - http://helesays.blogspot.com/

Lipstick Rules 123 - http://lipstickrules.blogspot.com/

Saskia The Salsa Fairy - http://saskiathesalsafairy.blogspot.com/

Vex in The City - http://vexinthecityx.blogspot.com/

Alpha Blonde - http://alpha-blonde.blogspot.com/2009/06/long-time-no-see.html

The rules are:

- Accept the award, post it on your blog with the name of the person who has granted the award and his/her blog link.

-Pass the award to other blogs that you have recently discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

If you don't already follow the above blogs I have tagged then check them out now, they are a really good read!

Nick Verreos Judges Cutest Dog at Artist Knox Luxury Grooming Pet Salon Party!!

Nick says Woof Woof!!!!Woof: Nick Verreos and his dog, Benny (wearing House Of Dog accessories) at the Artist Knox Luxury Pet Grooming Salon Launch Party

This past Saturday, I was invited to the Grand Opening Charity Party of Artist Knox Luxury Grooming Pet Salon, benefiting SPCA-LA. The weather in LA was a gorgeous (and very hot) 85 degrees, so I donned my dress shirt, vest and tie--and my silver sneakers--and threw Benny, my beautiful King Charles-Dachshund dog, in my car, and I was ready to go! OK, just to clarify, before I get any nasty emails--I didn't really throw Benny in the car--he sat on "Daddy" David's lap.Nick Verreos, Karen "Doc" Halligan and "Groomer Has It" Season 1 Winner, Artist Knox

Artist Knox, is the winner of Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It", and this is his salon, naturally! I was excited to go to a red carpet event where I could bring Benny, as opposed to leaving him alone tearing up my silk jersey gowns. Also, I wasn't just attending, I found out that I was also the Guest Celebrity Judge and Host (OK, so they were using the word "celebrity" very loosely!) for the party's Cutest Dog Contest. Drag Dogs: Wig-wearing (don't ask) dogs at the Artist Knox Luxury Pet Salon Party

As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by Artist Knox and one of the judges from the show, Dr. Karen "Doc" Halligan. Dr. Halligan is currently the Director of Veterinary Services at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Los Angeles (SPCA LA), where she oversees the health and well being of all the shelter animals and routinely performs surgical procedures.
Gremlins Cute: A party guest and her dog (love the tie!)

The pet grooming salon, located on Cahuenga Boulevard, right in the heart of Hollywood, was a buzz with lots of dogs of all shapes and colors, as well as their Haute Hollywood Mommy and Daddies. I immediately put Benny down and he went to town, smelling and getting to know all the other dogs. He loved hanging out with all the other dogs and had a fun time. Tu-tu's and Summer Dresses: Young guests and their colorful tu-tu wearing pets

There were lots of teen and pre-teen actors at the party, who brought their dogs too. I thought I was at the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards but the bring-your-pet version! I ran into actress Kaycee Stroh, from Disney's High School Musical, as she approached me and told me how much she "loves" Project Runway. I told her I loved her too! High School Musical Meets Project Runway: Nick Verreos and actress Kaycee Stroh, of "High School Musical"

The party was catered by one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles, La Velvet Margarita, which just happens to be next door. They also had set up a bar in the back in case guests felt compelled to have some afternoon cocktails. The Velvet Margarita back patio, also served as the "stage" for the Cutest Dog Contest I would be judging.
DJ Nick: Nick Verreos hosts and judges Artist Knox Luxury Grooming Pet Salon Cutest Dog Contest

There were lots of cute dogs for me to chose from. In true Project Runway form, I, of course, made the dogs--and their owners--do a runway strut, in front of all the guests. After much deliberation (Ok, it took less than 60 seconds) , I decided that actor Jorge Pallo's (who starred in "24") puppy was the winner! ...And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos gets licked by winning puppy

He was the cutest dog, besides mine of course (Benny was not eligible since I was the sole judge, thank you very much!). Congratulations to Jorge and his "Cutest" puppy! When I announced the winner , he (the dog) licked me all over! (see photo above). I think Benny was jealous because he was mean to me all day after that!

Nick Verreos and Heather Chantal Jones of "America's Next Top Model" on Video!!

FIDM Three Days of Fashion: Los AngelesGreen Microphone, Green Pants: Nick Verreos chats with host Blaine Vedros, and over 200 students at FIDM LA "3 Days Of Fashion"

Well, I just can't get enough of model Heather Chantal Jones! As you may have read in a previous posting, last week I was invited to San Diego to make a special appearance at the FIDM San Diego Campus and Cycle 9 "America's Next Top Model", Heather--I call her Chantal--Jones, drove down from Los Angeles, and joined me in the fun. This last Friday, neither her nor I had much to travel (since we are both Angelenos) when we reprised our 'Three Days of Fashion" appearance in the sunny Los Angeles Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Campus.Next Up For Bid, A Turquoise Silk Jersey (20 yrds of it!) gown with Grecian draping, copper sequins and built-in bustier: Nick Verreos and model Heather Chantal Jones at FIDM LA "3 Days of Fashion"

Being that this event was in LA, everything is done on a "grander scale", and when I showed up to the stage, there were over 200 kids, plus parents and school administrators, crowding the expansive 5Th Floor "Conference Room". When I made my entrance , it seemed like EVERY student had their cell phones perched atop their heads taking photos. I was nearly blinded by the flashbulbs and trust me, this doesn't happen very often. Not for a little ol' designer like myself, and certainly not for a "Project Runway" reality show alumn.

I did a fun interview with cutie host Blaine Vedros (love him!) and then, of course, I brought out Chantal for some runway modeling of my NIKOLAKI collection. She wore the "Carrie Ann Inaba" silk jersey gown (which Carrie Ann wore on last season's "Dancing With The Stars") as well as other gowns. We even captured video of the event.
Below are the videos. Enjoy!

Model Heather Chantal Jones, of Cycle 9 America's Next Top Model, modeling NIKOLAKI dress worn by Carrie Ann Inaba:

Model Heather Chantal Jones, modeling NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 and Nick Verreos discusses his inspiration:

Take Care, Garnier

Last Thursday I attended the Garnier event in Hammersmith along with many of my fellow lovely bloggers. We were told all about their new product launches, such as the Pure Active skin care range with 2% salicylic acid, and learned about their existing lines. I will not bore you all with too many details as many people have blogged about this already, but be prepared for honest reviews of many of the products we were given in our generous goodie bags, as well as others I have been using in the past months :).
Pandadoesmakeup and I :).

As we arrived we were treated to a lovely buffet and some much needed cold drinks as it was boiling outside!Sorry these photos are so rubbish, but I was quite busy chatting and scoffing.. teehee.

We then sat down to a presentation about Garnier's aims, ethos, and of course products. Their main philosophy, as we often hear in their adverts, is to take care of yourself, others and the world around you. To do this they say they harness the power of science to extract the most effective ingredients in nature. I actually really liked this statement, perhaps because I did predominantly biological sciences at university and nature vs. science is close to my heart, and it is great that they can be combined effectively. For example, instead of extracting ingredients from rare orchids they have isolated the key ingredient and have developed a way to synthesise the same ingredient in the lab, thereby still providing us with natural ingredients, but not impacting the environment by chopping down fields of flowers.After the presentation we were let loose on all the goodies and had the opportunity to try out many of Garnier's range as well as ask questions and mingle.

Here is a photo of all the girlies together :).
Afterwards, many filtered off to catch trains and such, but a few of us made our way to Pizza Express for a lovely supper.

I had such a brilliant day and just want to say a massive thank you to the Garnier team for hosting this event and being so generous as well as all the girls for being so friendly, and the gorgeous Nathalie for all her help and advice!

xxx

20 questions..

Swatches...

A couple of people had asked for me to swatch the items I bought. Above I have swatched the Barry M Dazzledusts in Mushroom (a lovely taupey shade, Pink Gold and Lavender). They are all finely milled as always with DD's and the colours are gorgeous. I can't wait to try them out and show you.

Above I have swatched the Miss Sporty Liquid Eyeshadow in Intrigue...it is a lovely mettalic green colour and has a kind of gold sheen to it which can be seen when the light shines on it. I will be doing a review on this very soon.

Next I have swatched the Famous By Sue Moxley eye pencils in Amber (dark brown) and Citrine (a bronzey colour), then the Barry M Shimmering Eye and Lip Pencils in 3 (Pale Pink) which is a good dupe for Benefit Eyebright Pencil and 5 (Gold Pink).

Hope this was helpful!

Massive haul!

So as promised, here is my post on my shopping trip this morning (turned out to be a massive shopping trip and I got very carried away!). I got the following goodies:

• Barry M Natural Dazzle Bronzer


• Lancome Tropiques Mineral Smoothing Bronzer (Ocre Bronze)


• Barry M Nail Paint in 119 Baby Pink, 303 Bright Purple and 279 Bright Pink


• Barry M Dazzledust in 51 (Mushroom), 31 (Lavender), and 3 (Gold Pink)


• Barry M Shimmering Eye and Lip Pencil in 5 (Pink Gold) and 3 (Pale Pink)


• L'Occitane Lip Gloss in Rose Petal


• Famous By Sue Moxley Eyeliner in Amber and Citrine


• YSL Rouge Volupte in No.1 and No.3


• Miss Sporty Lipstick in 009 Innocence


• Miss Sporty Liquid Eyeshadow in 800 Intrigue
  

I will be doing reviews on all these products over the next week or so so if there's something you're really interested in, let me know and I will review that first. I also picked up a gorgeous electric blue silk dress from Coast. I love it coz I can dress it up or down.

I also got a lovely summer dress from Monsoon (their Fusion range). It's a dark coral pink colour and can be worn with or without straps. It has heavy beading all over and is very flattering on. I love it!

Lastly, I got a bracelet and necklace from Accessorize (I spent ages in there and almost bought 3 other things!It's a fantastic shop).

Very Prive Christian Louboutin Heels.....How To Get a Grip!

I assume Christian Louboutin Very Prive Heels is the most wanted shoes for every woman. They are so sexy just by looking at them let alone wearing them walking on the street. I receive blandishments every time I wore them out, literally, w/o failing one time so far.

My friend, Michelle, is asking me about how to get a better grip when wearing them. Here is what I do.

1. I don't think brand name of padding matters....but I use both fabric and gel paddings for different parts of underneath my feet.


2. Here is the tricky part, I use 2 big paddings instead of 1 big and 1 small for the particular heel which slips off like hell. In my case, my right heel slides off my ankle a lot. I put one underneath my toes/feet and the other one was placed underneath/align w/ my Achilles tendon. The big padding has more grip and the small one originally designed for the ankle is useless!!! However, I found out that I don't have problem w/ my left heel so I simply use the ankle stripe instead.

I didn't glue it on since I'd like to adjust it every time I put on my shoes.


I don't like gel padding in the front since it makes my feet sweat, however, it is great to be placed along w/ the ankle since a little moist there keeps the heels from sliding off!!


3. Walk w/ your back straightened....this is not just to let your feet grab the heels better but also make sure you walk "sexier" in gesture.

So I have different solutions for my each foot! :)




My ODJ!

1. TOP: Agnes' b satin top w/ beads and ruffle sleeves
2. BOTTOM: Vanessabruno purple satin capri w/ 3D pockets
3. ACCESSORIES:

• 3 strings of black beads in varies sizes
• Designer friend, Elfi, 1 strings of white/pink pearls w/ swarovski crystals necklace
• Chloe orange Sally
• CL Very Prive sequins heels in plum/dark purple
  
• Chanel 09 pink camellia earrings w/ pearl drop

I was tasting the coffee.............I don't know which brand name of coffee machine is better!! lol


My satin pants is the same color as my CL heels.