Physical Matter Is Not Necessarily The Tangible Proof Of Love!!

I didn't score any heels I really like at BNY warehouse sale. That's too bad, right!? Well, the good news is now I can really focus on f/w collection and seriously start my new wish list now. lol

You know, one thing that makes you really happy in life is don't linger around in the past!!! What do I mean by that?!!! For instance, how many of us trying to find a particular brand/color of bag, a pair of pants, or a pair of shoes which we know they are on sale and couldn't let go just because they are dirt cheap in our own standard?!! We would spend the whole day going on line, making phone calls, talking to the customer services.......etc. to track down the items we want!!!!! What a waste of time, don't you think?!!

After the BNY warehouse sale, I feel much relieved!! As if I had the same attitude about everything, I would have a more forward thinking and be able to not lugging those desire around. :)

Girls, clean up your closet, donate or sell most of the clothes you don't wear anymore. Also, how about your kids' first drawing, school papers....etc, if they are hidden in the storage, why not just get rid of them? They would be in the storage forever anyway!!! You will realize how much life junk you have and how free you can be literally and figuratively after cleaning up!!!!

My friends keep asking me what's in my wish list for fall/winter? Honestly, I don't know. Maybe I am reluctant to wake up the vanity inside of me!!! haha... Couple things for sure is I want a diamond ring, one or couple pair of nice heels and a whole album full of myself!! I have contacted couple great photographers and now is just "when" I'd love to have my 30th something memories done!!!!

My ODJ.

1. TOP:

• Dimension white shirt dress
• Y-3 black sheer ruched cropped jacket
• IROO black w/ sheer trim waist coat

2. BOTTOM: LaRok black skinny pants w/ beads at sides
3. SHOES: Diesel black gladiator

4. ACCESSORY:

• Embroidery necklace w/ beads (from Anthro.)

• Chanel 08 s/s black Rodeo Drive tote in large

I found wearing Y-3 jacket and that vest together makes an interesting coat on me!! :)
Please pardon my ugly hair-do...:P


I notice I am a little sleep deprived this week so I cropped out my head! :P

Now I am eyeing a new Chanel bag but haven't had the chance to see it IRL!! :P


Both cropped jacket and vest has similar textile so they match together.

Tomorrow I am taking kids to Haynes street in SF city w/ DH. DH complains about we dine at nice restaurants and go to places w/o him these days!!! haha...

Happy 5th Birthday, Niel!!!

My oldest son, Niel, turns 5 today on July 31st. Happy Birthday, Niel!!

We had his birthday party last week and it is great opportunity to meet w/ old friends and new friends of his and my own. Every year, kids' birthday party is the biggest even for me as I have 3 children and normally I don't have that much energy to hold a party for each 3 of them. But I always like to take that chance to get all my friends together!!

These are all the little favors and activities/craft I prepared for the party. I always prepare the most unique favors/craft I could find for my little guests!! :)

The day I am making brats on the take-out favor boxes!!

Half way there!! Polka Dot favor wraps are for girls.

Besides favors boxes, every kid has little gift from Niel to take home w/!
Girls take home w/ cute wooden hanger!!

I found this Beeswax sheet in a toy store.

I decided to let every kid has their candles to blow instead of blowing onto the birthday cake we are about to consume!! lol All they have to do is just press the wicks along one side of the sheet and then roll all the way!! Then you will have an all nature Beeswax candle of your own!!

Beeswax candle doesn't contain any synthetic compound and thus is safe for kids to hold!!

TIPS: If you place the sheet in the refrigerate for 24 hr. ahead of time, it won't drip wax when lightened up!

Last step: embossing each favor boxes!




Race cars are for boys, cute key caps/fairies are for girls.


This is what's inside each favor boxes; wooden whistle, kids art clip n' chocolate.


Finally I am done all the goodies/favors!!




Kids all had a blast throwing water balloons! lol


My ensemble: BCBG runway dress (last year)
Y-3 ruched sheer cropped jacket
Michael kors brown oxford boots w/ ribbon lace
Chanel black bow earrings 09 s/s

Nick Verreos' Trend Alert: Limoncello Yellow!!

Limoncello Anyone?
Sun Goddess: Canary yellow gown, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

Guess what kids: It's all about yellow! All shades of it. Mustard Yellow, Grey Poupon Yellow, Canary, even Neon "Body Glove" Yellow. For Resort 2010, everyone who is anyone--in the NY Fashion Industry (hey, where are my peeps from LA????) showed yellow in varying degrees. And I am all for it. I have even tried to infiltrate it into my teaching. Desperate Housewife Yellow: Isaac Mizrahi Resort 2010 bright yellow A-line one-shoulder cocktail dress

As one of the Instructors at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, I teach a class to the upcoming "Debut 2010" Advanced Fashion Design students---the designers of tomorrow. Just last week, we all went on a "Field Trip" to Mood Fabrics here in Los Angeles and I suggested mustard and varying degrees of yellow as the "pop" color that was needed for their upcoming collections. So you see: I read, I see the trends and I "bring it back" to my students. And also to my faithful Nick Verreos Blog fashionistas of course!Mustard Mini: Marc Jacobs Resort 2010
Grey Poupon Cocktail: Lanvin mustard yellow cocktail dress, Resort 2010

I just got back from Europe and went to France and Italy. I finished my trip in GORGEOUS Positano, in the Amalfi Coast. And there, it was all about YELLOW too. The Limoncello kind. I bought candles, perfumes and of course, several bottles of luscious liqueur! So I dare to call this yellow trend, a Limoncello Trend! Twisted Yellow: Derek Lam Resort 2010 cocktail dress

Just know, that it is no longer about "Mellow Yellow"---it's all about Bright "Notice Me" I-am-competing-with-the-Sun Yellow! I say Bring it! If you want to be "on top" of this trend: I would suggest to girls out there to look for a top, blouse, or even a cool pair of yellow jeans (I'm sure H & M, Forever 21 or Hot Topic has a pair), maybe a little cocktail dress--in this color. Go for it. It's the new LBD. Or the LYD!!!

Nick Verreos attends Gold vs. Petker Fashion Show at Social in Hollywood, and has an impromtu Project Runway Reunion!

Let the Fashion Circus Begin!Amanda Circus: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos

Last Thursday, the ever-so-fabulous Clint Catalyst, whom I've known through the "LA Fashion Circles" for AGES, invited me to an event which he was presenting, the "Gold versus Petker: A Holiday 2009 Runway Fashion Show Event". Designer Jared Gold (remember his now-infamous LIVE BUGS Fashion Show on America's Next Top Model?), and artist Joshua Petker were joining forces to create a "Fashion and Artistic Mash-up" to shake up those flip-flop, board-short and skinny-jean wearing Angelenos. Raise That Eyebrow: Joey Maalouf poses with Jennifer Egan of GenArt

Jared Gold and Clint Catalyst are very well known for pushing the artistic (and fashion) envelope so I knew that any event that had their names attached would be fun. As my date, I brought along Joey "The Rachael Zoe Project" Maalouf. I had so much fun with him at the last event we went to (Style LA Swim and Resort Fashion Show) that he had to come along to this one.Project Runway All Stars: Designers and Project Runway Alumn Nick Verreos, Sweet P, Jerell and Kit Scarbo

As we entered the venue, the Social Nightclub in Hollywood, I almost thought I had arrived at Lifetime Network's Premiere of the New Season of Project Runway. I instantly ran into Jerell Scott from Season 5 and Sweet P and Kit "Pistol" Scarbo from Season 4. As we all gave air kisses to each other, it created a rush of impromptu paparazzi (really, just guests at the party) rushing to get photos of us, like we were recently discovered Dinosaurs from the Argentinian Pampas! All we kept hearing was "OMG! It's Project RUUUUNWAAAAY!!!!" Oh Dear.

Hands on the Hips Ladies: Model Amanda Fields and Make-Up Artist Noseph Trinh

And before I could say "Where's Andrae?", I spotted former Project Runway model and one of my NIKOLAKI muses (she's all over my website by the way), the one and only Amanda Fields. Amanda--fantastically made up with cotton candy-looking hair and paint-ball effect splashed make-up-- was there to model in the show. The incredible Noseph Trinh had done her make-up and huney, she looked DIVINELY crazy! I love Noseph, he helped create the flawless make-up for my W Hotel Spring 2008 NIKOLAKI Fashion Show. Detail Shot: Amanda Fields' Hair and Make Up, Gold vs. Petker Runway Show

Inside the capacity filled Runway "Ballroom" at Social, the crowd was eager to see the show. As we sat down in our front-row seats (Thank you Clint, I felt very Anna Wintour), I spotted transgender girl-about-town, Calpernia Adams, comedienne Selene Luna, LA Fashion "Doll" Audrey Kitching and even Ongina, one of the Drag Divas from "Ru Paul's Drag Race" reality show. Cupcake Princess: Audrey Kitching at the Gold vs. Petker Runway Show

To say that the crowd was eclectic was the understatement of the year! Seated next to us was an instructor and an executive from the prestigious Otis School of Design, editors of the California Apparel News, Jewelry and Accessories Empress Tarina Tarantino and her husband Alfonso, and artist Joshua Petker himself. Striped Leggings: A look from the Gold vs. Pekter Runway Show

The show itself was a fantastic journey and visual ride through the eyes of Jared Gold and Joshua Petker, put forth by the wonderful styling, make up and hair, music and staging of their fabulous crew of fashion "bandits". There were black and white diagonal striped jersey leggings, sweaters, lots of colorful pom poms, and a finale coat that dazzled the crowd. Rouged Cheeks: A wide-legged jumpsuit from the Gold vs. Petker Runway Show

Afterwards, I made a bee-line to the VIP Dance Party where none other than Tarina Tarantino would be the special "Guest DJ". Yep, she designs jewelry, bags, clothing and now, she DJ's! Of course, her hubby, Alfonso was there like a proud Papa. At the bar, I ran into my friend, Director of Make Up Artistry for MAC (and Dita Von Teese's personal Make Up Artist) Gregory Arlt as well as stylist Charlie Altuna. Native American Barbie: Tarina Tarantino gives feathers (while designer Jared Gold looks on)

Gregory and I chatted clothes and which one of his fabulous clients should be wearing my gowns (all of them!). I even gushed with envy over some photos of his recent trip to Singapore (his First Class Sleeper Seat was RIDICULOUS?!). I want to be The Director of Make Up artistry for MAC! After getting a little bit of my "groove on" (sorry, I know no one says that any more), I realized that it was time to bid "Adieu" to this fantastic fashion circus and head Downtown to go to bed--and hopefully have crazy fashion circus dreams!

Resort 2010 Trend Alert: Bright Colors Are Back!!!

Edie Beale 2010: Terracotta Orange Trench Coat by Yves Saint Laurent Resort 2010

It's All About Color Ladies! Yep, Resort 2010 is looking more like a trip to the Bollywood movie set, as opposed to a trip to the Hampton's . Naturally, Spring and Summer are the seasons when designers add color to their collections (as opposed to Fall/Winter black and browns) . But even so, it is unusually BRIGHT.

Duran Duran Back-up Dancer: Cobalt Blue cowl-draped Mini Dress, from Derek Lam Resort 2010

Strong 80's colors, hearken back to the colorful dresses of Stephen Sprouse and the genius of Patrick Kelly. Pastel tones: OUT. Neon brights: VERY IN! Think Cobalt Blue, Bubblegum Pink, Neon Green. Looks like you'll also be needing a FIERCE pair of sunglasses to block out the glare from the women wearing these bright bold colors.

Garden Party: Blues and greens, according to Alber Elbaz for Lanvin Resort 2010

Bubblegum: "Barbie Pink" as shown at Donna Karan Resort 2010

Some say this renewed use of bold colors might be a direct result of the dire economic woes the world is in. Clothing designers are making things look "Happy Happy Happy", showing bright colorful coats, dresses, sportswear and trying to inject a bit of fun into people's depressed lives (Although I doubt someone who can spend $3,000 on a bright Zac Posen Apple Green mini-dress is having an "economic depression").

Robert Palmer Girl: Apple green satin mini dress with black peek-a-boo bust, Zac Posen Resort 2010

VH1 The 80s Are Back: Electric Blue and shocking printed leggings, Alexander McQueen Resort 2010

In all fairness, when looking at the collections as a whole, there is plenty of Black and the Neutrals are well represented. But BRIGHT COLORS are the real story for Resort--and the coming Spring 2010.

Will you be wearing a pair of neon kaleidoscope leggings from Alexander McQueen next January?

BNY Legendary Sale!!

This is a super long post....you can have a cup of tea or coffee when read along!! :)

We arrived too LATE (11 AM) in the warehouse. It is hard to find a parking spot but we are lucky enough to find one within 10 min. :)

The weather is cold and my son is asking for his jacket! :P


This is the first pair of Christian Louboutin black patent sling back I tried on. It actually is not really my size.....about 1 size bigger. I can walk in it but since I am afraid of it will loose up a little in the future. I gave it up!! :(


I fall in love w/ this Maison Martin Margiela boots w/ its pretty embroidery and degrading color from blue to white when I first saw them on Seaofshoes blog.


Bottega Venetta metal carved heels!!



Then my little daughter got bored so I had to take her out for fresh air!!


I found my very first pair of Chloe boots!! Hooray!!
This is the only pair of shoes I take home w/. :P


Miu Miu, although it is my size but it looks so small w/ my feet! :(


Ok, this area is for trying shoes. My kids are bored again so I had to give them some sweet treats!!

There are lots of shoes I'd love to try but w/ kids, it is almost impossible for me to stay there even longer!! I picked up almost 30 shoes but only tried half of them. What was I doing by then? Mostly taking kids to the bathroom, walking back and forth takes time and busy at disciplining my kids in the warehouse. :(

We only stayed at the warehouse for 2 hours as we are not really there to spend/shop. I roughly went through clothes section and I found lots of things are really nice and interesting to just try it on. However, I promised my kids that we are going to eat Japanese food and then visit Academy of Science Museum, we didn't stay longer. It was already 2:PM by then.

We decided to eat at Benihana where both kids and adults will enjoy not just the food but the atmosphere.

My friend, Renee(right) scores a pair of Lanvin heels w/ bows and her friend, Karen found a pair of Chanel flat w/ white lace camellia for $200 something!!! lol

Finally kids are quite and fascinated looking at the show!!!! hehe...

We also meet up w/ Judy as she is in SF city looking for day care for her son.

After enjoying the food, we almost had to rush ourselves to the Academy of Science Museum. It was 4 PM by then and is the last admission to the museum!!

Yay,...we still made it!! I kept my promises!!!!

Poor Ilona, she slept the whole time when we were in the museum.

Finally, my ensemble of yesterday!!
1. TOP:

• kein label tank
• Neil Barrett black sheered blouse
  
• Linda Loudermilk bamboo asymmetrical/big shouldered blazer

2. BOTTOM: ZARA skirt (wore as mini)
3. SHOES: Max Mara platform clog w/ studs
4. ACCESSORY:

• Chanel metallic silver 08 clutch
• black bow belt (from AEOS)
  
• Sonia Rykiel swarovski owl brooch (wore as necklace)

Those curious faces are the precious moments for we moms!!! :)


This guy is gathering reference under the tank just to check the quality of water......everything!!


That scales on this fish almost look like those on Dragons!!! haha..


The lizards is shedding off his skin!!


This is my fish of the day!! Isn't it cute!! :)


The fish is party of scenery in the water!


The embroidery on Stella McCartney black tank dress is very pretty IRL and it's double layered inside. It is only $149!!!! lol


By the time we got home, it is 7 PM. DH came home for dinner and took photos for my trophy. :)
Chloe brown wedge short boots and Stella McCartney embroidery black tank dress!!

I am very very exhausted by 12 PM but we all had a great time. I am glad the pearl milk tea we had in 19th/Irvin st. didn't disturb my sleep at all. I slept like a pig!!!!!! hah ha .......