Patterns & Texture!!

I am experimenting the mix look of patterns and texture of my ensemble this week. They don't all come out perfectly but I am learning from my mistakes. lol

I am catching up Gossip Girl slowly and currently I am in season 2 still. The good thing is I didn't suffer from the emotional collapse when I want to know immediately what's NEXT in between episodes, lol bad thing is all their looks are past season and I can only get inspired that much. haha...

I bought this Erickson Beamon cluster necklace for target in June and someone wants to buy it off to match her dress to a wedding dinner. Honestly, I'd really love to sell this eye-catching necklace for someone who adores it too but I couldn't seem to think of a right value of it. Besides, i bought the matching earrings for the necklace so I have to either sell them both or none!!!

Yesterday (Tuesday)!

I don't like my bang that day, neither do I like the length of the skirt...too long. :<

Tse ruched black tank, sleeveless gray cardigan w/ cape style collar, D & G leopard pencil skirt, patterned hosiery, Marni platform heels, Lanvin leopard happy sac, Erickson Beamon cluster necklace.



oh, my lip was burned by super hot oil the other day..... :(


Abigail!


Ilona!!

Last Saturday!!

I dressed very safe w/ all black (almost)!!
Givenchy chain wedge booties, Linda Loudermilk organic asymmetrical blazer, pleated skirt, black hosiery, Lanvin Happy Sac.

Today (Wednesday) !

I meet up w/ a fellow from purse forum! We bump into each other once and chat million times and finally had the chance to chat in person today!!


Zara shirt dress, C & C California super long vest, leggings, Minnetonka brown fringe boots, RUGBY white military inspired coat, two toned/texture leather belt, Chanel 08 gray classic jumbo.


I think 20 something girls would love this kinda of fringe boots as today someone compliments on my boots when my friend and I were crossing the road!!

I am doing window shopping not just for clothes but also furniture these days!! A nice designed and classic furniture will be appreciated for the years to come.

This wooden bench can serve as seating and coffee table.

You can't imagine how comfortable when lying on this cow hair mat ... let alone having such stylish chaise to kick up the interior look at home!!


Last thing I want for this year........ Travel!!!

London Bridge!!!

Nick Verreos Takes on Style Week Orange County--and LOVED IT!!!

Behind the Orange (Fashion) Curtain!

Double Breasted in Orange County: Nick Verreos at the Style Week OC Active Ride After Party

If you've been keeping up with my lovely blog here, you may remember that last Monday, I went down to the Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County to shoot a TV segment for "Good Day LA", Southern California's most watched morning news/talk show. The reason: To promote Style Week Orange County and the fashions that would be shown this year. Well, three days later I was BACK!
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS as David and I made our way to Orange County and checked in to our OUT OF CONTROL home for the next few days, the Pelican Hill Resort (more on that in another post!). We got ready and headed to the Irvine Spectrum to check out the fashion shows. I was "blown away" by how fabulous everything was--from the modern and chic stark white runway stage to the stunning models hand-picked from LA's top modeling agency LA Models to the sectioned off area for red carpet and VIP guests. It was like Smashbox/Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week but outdoors under a balmy evening breeze and 75 degree weather. In other words: It was better!
The Greek-Venezuelan Michael Kors: Nick Verreos judges the Needle and Thread Competition, Style Week Orage County

The evening began with the SOLD OUT (!) Designer Showcase Fashion Show and the Needle and Thread Competition, a contest sponsored by Ezekiel and Active Ride Shop. Six fashion school grads--who just happened to be ALL from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, my alma mater (Go FIDM!)--were chosen to design looks inspired by the Ezekiel Spring 2010 Collection. Mentor Nick: Nick Verreos flanked by Needle and Thread Contestants Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Valentina Vardanyan, and Adrian Manuel

By coincidence, it happened to be that 5 out of 6 designers were former students of mine, so it goes without saying that even though I was "officially" there as a judge, I still felt like a "proud poppa". All six did amazingly well! They created designs that were "spot on" in following the Ezekiel brand but at the same time, injected their own design "DNA" into each garment.And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos announces the winner (and Second Place) of Needle and Thread Competition

It was a tough decision but we ended up choosing the talented 21 year old San Jose native (now residing in LA) Adrian Manuel as the winner. When his designs came down the runway, my fellow judges (all female) were emitting "oohs" and "aahs". Of all the 6 "contestants", he really nailed it! Therefore, we awarded him with the $4,000 (I know, shut up!) Top Prize. Second Place went to Liz Sandhoefner (who was a Debut FIDM 2009 Grad, along with Adrian). She received a $2,000 second place prize. As I announced them as the winners I think I saw tears come down their ecstatic faces. Yes, I was clutching my pearls for them!
Can You Spell Your Name? Meeting and Greeting at Irvine Spectrum Active Ride Shop After Party

Following the Needle and Thread Competition and Fashion Show, I was whisked off (by security guards no less--who am I Miley Cyrus?) to the After Party at the Irvine Spectrum's Active Ride Shop, where guests drank Champagne and mingled with all the designers. One...Singular Sensation:Nick Verreos and fans do their best Chorus Line Pose

I was also there to do a meet-and-greet with all the fashion show guests. I was humbled to see a long line of fans and fashion show guests alike (I'm just happy if two people show up!) and proceeded to sign and take lots of photos.
Miss Iraq: Nick Verreos poses with Iraq-born designer Oday Shakar and his models

Afterward, as I made my way back to my awaiting town car (yes, the clients got me limo! Love them!), I spotted a stunning six-foot tall model in a black gown so you just know I had to approach her. As it turned out it was a model, the Nigerian-born Tracy Acholonu, along with one of the Style Week OC featured designers, Oday Shakar (I missed his show because of the autograph signing). Of course, she was wearing one of his designs, along with a couple of other models. I might have missed his show but I got the "VIP Viewing" up close and personal--and it was all COUTURE!!
Next Up: My Macy's Appearance at the Irvine Spectrum....but first, I had to get a good night's rest at the fabulous Pelican Hill Resort...Toodles!

Click Below for a Video of Me Announcing the Needle and Thread Competition Winners at Style Week Orange County (and a "Nick" runway demonstration!):

Chanel Jade and Ciate Apple and Custard

Chanel's jade nail polish is being sought after by every fashionista, but unfortunately they are at present only releasing a few hundred bottles.

If you too are lusting after this season's most talked about nail varnish, but do not want to join the hundreds of people already on its waiting list you do not have to be green with envy! Ciate have brought out a beautiful milky green polish called Apple and Custard, which is the closest dupe for Jade I have been able to find.

This polish is extremely opaque, yet it dries very quickly. One coat gives you beautiful milky pistachio nails, and after two coats the colour is even richer.

I have tried several Ciate polishes in the past and as well as their pretty packaging I know I can trust them to be good quality. I am particularly a fan of their cream formulas as they are not at all streaky and quite dense so the colour you see in the bottle is the same as what you get on your nails. If you are interested in checking this colour out it can be found here.

What do you guys think of the Jade hype and will you be painting your nails green this autumn? I am still not too sure, but I just had to see what the fuss was about with this colour. After wearing it for a day I actually think it is pretty wearable, and much prefer it to MAC's celebrated peppermint patti :).

MUFE & Nars

I couldn't believe it when I saw a post from Sammiebbz saying that MUFE is now available in a shop in London AND online http://makeupx3.blogspot.com/2009/09/mufe-in-uk.html. Yah!

If you fancy getting your hands on some MUFE products, the website address is http://www.makeup-provisions.com/.
I haven't had access to it in the past so I was really excited to see what they had in stock. They have a range of MUFE products but they don't have every shade/colour. Apparently you can email them and ask if there's something in particular you're after so that's handy! The excitement got the better of me and I placed an order with them last night for the Mat Velvet + Foundation and Full Cover concealer (which I've heard is amazing for covering up dark undereye circles).I've heard alot of people rave about the HD foundation but I tried a sample of it and the coverage wasn't great for me and I suspect it was the cause of a breakout I had at that time. It also didn't last very long so I wanted to try one that would help mattify my skin (I don't have oily skin but my T-Zone does get quite shiny during the day). The Full Cover concealer is supposed to be great for covering up blemishes too.

I was in the mood to try out different foundations so I also went onto the Nars site and ordered the new Sheer Glow Foundation that everyone seems to love at the moment. Whenever I see the word 'sheer' I always assume it will have rubbish coverage but it does say it's buildable and I have seen a couple of Lollipop26 vids on YouTube about this product and she loved it. She also likes the Revlon Colourstay foundation which is a fave of mine so I'm really looking forward to finding out if it will suit my needs. I also ordered the infamous Albatross Highlighting powder. I have wanted this product for sooooo long and it's always been on my lust list so I am really chuffed that I finally got around to getting it.

So you can expect reviews on all of these products over the next couple of weeks! So...out of interest, what product has been on your lust list for far too long?

Eye Colour Series- Hazel

A fun arabic inspired eyeshadow tutorial that looks great on all colour eyes, especially hazel. If you have hazel eyes you can also check out the tutorial for green eyes using warm purples :).Products used:

Face: Dior forever foundation spf25
NARS Laguna bronzer
Peachy neutral blush from ebay palette

Eyes:MAC greenstroke painpot
L'ancome silver eyeshadow
Pure Luxe minerals
MAC club and espresso eyeshadow
Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in zero
L'ancome Hypnose mascara

Lips- MAC subculture lipliner
Bodyshop colourglide lipstick in latte swirl.

Hope you guys can try this one out as I think it will be universally flattering! xxx

FOTD- Saturday and Maxie being a little thief :).

This weekend was a relaxing one with the boyfriend- plenty of good food (Sainsbury's are doing a recession friendly offer for a two course taste the difference meal and a bottle of wine for two for only £10!), DVDs, and X-Factor. However, on Saturday night we managed to dislodge ourselves from the couch for some drinks and a few giggles at a comedy club.

 (Luke always boasts that he has longer eyelashes than me, but I think I win with a little help ;). Who do you think wins, nature or Revlon? Hehe).

Never missing a chance to play with my makeup, but only having a few minutes to get ready I decided to keep it simple, but add drama with lashes.
Eyes- MAC naked pigment over my lid, with burnt burgundy in the crease (love this for green eyes).
MAC blacktrack fluidline
Maybelline pulse perfection mascara
REVLON Intensifying lashes 99500- add subtle length

Lips- MAC subculture lipliner
Bodyshop Colourglide lipstick in Dusk Pink (No. 42- smells so yummy)

You may be wondering why I would fuss with lashes if I am trying to be speedy, but I will let you in on a little secret, they took less than 30 seconds to put on! These lashes come with adhesive already on them, so there is no mess, no sticky fingers and no time spent dancing around the room, waving them about to get the glue tacky. I just peeled them off, stuck them on, and surprisingly they stayed put all night! Success!!

The downside of these is the adhesive band. For my liking it is too thick, though this makes it easier to adhere and adjust. It is also shiny, so it can look obvious, and I much prefer a clear band. This to me seems strange as these lashes are made to look very natural (especially compared to some of the monstrosities I have previously worn on photo shoots etc.), yet the band would not blend in to the lashline without fairly thick eyeliner.

However, I would definitely recommend these for beginners, as they are much less fiddly and you won't be getting glue all over your eye makeup. Kindly, they come with a little lash applicator, which you can use to make them more secure, or manouevre them down so that there are no obvious gaps between the band and your lashes. There is also an extra adhesive strip so they can be re-used, and after that you can of course use them with your own glue :).

If you are on old hand at false eyelashes, these may not be for you, but I really like them and will be stocking up on a few pairs for those clumsy days when DUO just doesn't co-operate, or if I am in a rush.

Unfortunately, I can't re-use mine, as the second I took them off Maxie mistook them for a spider and decided to chew them to death! I really wish I had a camera to capture the moment he proudly sauntered up to me with an eyelash casually hanging out of the corner of his mouth. With all the stollen brushes, Q-tips and lipsticks I think Maxie is becoming a modern man and has started to build his own make-up collection ;).

Natalya
xxx

Nubar- Going Green Collection.

Since my first experience with Nubar nail varnish was somewhat dubious (remember the matte purple that chipped within hours to end up in my green curry?) I was hesitant to wear it again. To be perfectly honest I am pretty lazy with my nails and just don't have the energy to re-apply nail varnish every day. However, in the interests of all you ladies who are enjoying the green polish trend this season I decided to try a different NUBAR nail polish formula from their new Going Green collection.

 The polish I am wearing here is called Wildlife. It is a very unique colour, and it really has to be seen in real life as it is quite difficult to describe. In the bottle it looks like a golden olive green with a pink duochrome effect. On application the first coat was a little streaky, but with the second it seemed to even out and give a dense colour, which dried fairly quickly to a shiny finish.

I don't own many hollographic nail varnishes and I was surprised by the way it came to life on my nails. Depending on which way you look at it the colours transition from a dark muddy green, through gold, to a bright, pearlescent pink.

Unfortunately, this was difficult to capture on camera, but you can see here how the pink really stands out at the right angles.

Fortunately, I can report that this Nubar formulation is much longer lasting than their matte range and although I did experience a few chips (my nail varnish always chips on the first day be it OPI, essie, china glaze etc.) there was no flaking and peeling of the polish as before.

Overall, if you are interested in green nails for this season I would recommend checking out Nubar's new Going Green collection here as they have a great range of colours and are "3 FREE" as well as cruelty free :).

Khloe Kardashian's Wedding - First Photos!

Hi Beauties!

Click here to check out the first photos from Khloe Kardashian's Wedding!

I love her dress!

XOXO,

Awilda

Good Times/Bad Times

1) I had quite a big shopping spree yesterday and got some lovely clothes which include a matte sequin blazer from Warehouse and a gorgeous butterfly print dress from Dorothy Perkins (I am impressed at the new brands they now have) but I will post some pics of these sometime this week. I've still got to get that Dune bag I posted about too...

2) Whilst shopping I had a really good look through the new Fusion range at Monsoon and I could have bought the whole lot!There's some really amazing military inspired tops with a sequin twist on the shoulder pad trend, bright winter coats and amazing statement dresses...check it out!

3) My skin has been in amazing condition this past week, I'm putting it down to my most recent skin regime which is Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in 1 Face Wash/Mask, Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish, Korres Olive & Rye eye cream and Forever Living Aloe Propolis Cream. I love that moisturiser! I have also used the Nude Miracle Mask twice this past week to pep up my skin.

4) I actually managed to hold myself back when it came to makeup purchases this week...which is virtually unheard of!

5) ELF Mineral eyeshadow in Natural has been my best friend this past week (I have worn it three days in a row!). It's just the perfect daytime all over lid colour with a gorgeous sheen to it.

1) I have heard that there was a bit of a controversial debate on twitter last night about bloggers getting alot of products for free to review. I was apparently mentioned and I am quite upset about that since I put alot of time and effort into my blog and at the end of the day, you can't buy back time. Some people may not like the fact that I get free stuff but I'd like to know if they're giving the same abuse to magazine beauty editors since they don't buy anything they test and get everything for free? All I'm saying is, if you don't like it, don't read my blog. I'm not out to con anyone and I'm always honest in my reviews. And to everyone else who has shown support for me, thanks for keeping this little beauty blogger's world a positive place.

2) I woke up today with 4 bite marks from some little creature (I'm assuming it was a mosquito type fly or midgie)...but I now have huge lumps on my back, leg and one on my neck! Yuck!

Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week Fashion Angel Emerging Designers Video!!!

Angel Judges: Jeffrey Sebelia, Nony Tochterman and Nick Verreos last month judging the "Fashion Angel Awards", Downtown LA Fashion Week

On October 13Th, 5 PM at the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week will have it's Fashion Angel Emerging Designers Showcase Fashion Show. I was invited--along with fellow Los Angeles designers Randolph Duke, Project Runway Season 3 Winner Jeffrey Sebelia, Petro Zillia DIVA, Nony Tochterman, to form the Emerging Designers 2009 Judging Panel. Last month, I posted about our judging day/luncheon, and here's a "sneak peak" video of what's to come--with an introduction by Randolph Duke.


Click HERE for tickets and more info.

Nick Verreos enjoys "A Night of Emotion" at LA Dogworks!

Vampires Like Dogs...Orange Carpet: Nick Verreos at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

Yes, it's orange. But it's still a "red carpet". Last week, before my trip to Orange County to attend and judge Style Week OC, I was invited to "A Night of Emotion", an event benefiting Good Dog Animal Rescue as well as to raise awareness for the National Service Dogs Foundation and Fidelco Guide Dogs Foundation. Not Benny: Rita and Nick Verreos hold a Chihuahua puppy at the LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

As some of you may know, I own a beautiful Dachshund/King Charles mixed dog whom David and I rescued over a year ago, so ever since, I have become a "Dog Poppa" as well as a big supporter of all things canine. LA Dogworks is a fabulous "Doggy Hotel"/Kennel where we leave Benny when we have to go out of town (insert "sad face" here) and the location of this "orange carpet" event.Sisterly Love: Rita Verreos in ivory and printed silk charmeuse NIKOLAKI dress, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I didn't bring Benny so instead I brought my sister, Rita Verreos, who had been visiting in Los Angeles while filming a pageant runway coaching video (she coaches pageant girls by the way).
She came over to my studio and of course I let her borrow a little NIKOLAKI cocktail dress for the occasion. I showed my sister where Benny stays while we are away and we enjoyed some delicious Joe's Pizza slices as we surveyed items up for auction. Dog-Loving Couple: Actors Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin from HBO's "True Blood"

I spotted Stephen Moyer and his fellow "True Blood" actress Anna Paquin. Aren't they engaged? I wanted to say "Hello" to Anna and commend her on how pretty she looked but it was a "No-Can-Do" situation: She was either holding on to Stephen for dear life and looking frazzled, or she was surrounded by too many people. I didn't want to be an added bother, as they say.Nick Verreos and stylists George Blodwell, LA Dogworks "A Night of Emotion" event

I did get to hang out with stylist George Blodwell (clients include Bill Maher, Helen Mirren), who was looking very dapper as always. The event was great and I'm glad to have attended for such a good cause. I think my Benny would have enjoyed it though. Maybe next time!

Mini (very controlled) binge

I took a wee trip into town today to have a mosey around the shops. I ended up getting quite a few bits and pieces but most of it was clothes, which I will post about later in the week...there's so much nice stuff around at the moment, I'm loving ll the autumn/winter collections!

For once in my life I managed not to go ga ga with makeup purchases (although I replaced that with a clothes binge). It's very unlike me but I stuck to what I intended on buying which was three things...my much talked about soft skin must have, L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil which is just dreamy, a lipstick I have wanted for aggggeesss but kept forgrtting to buy...YSL Rouge Pure Shine in no.32 (Frozen Mango) and the much blogged about Loreal Double Extension Mascara/Cils Booster. This is a mascara that Kandee The Makeup Artist swears by too so I'm excited to try it out.I haven't been disappointed by the YSL lipstick...it's light, moisturising and the colour is so wearable and gorgeous (check out the swatch below). I love it! I originally wanted the peach coloured Rouge Volupte but when I swatched it in Boots, it looked too dark for me. I will be testing out the mascara tomorrow and will let you all know my thoughts on it.
Have you guys managed to stick to your guns with regards to a makeup shopping list?

Nick Verreos Camps It Up for more FIDM Videos!!!!

Continuing the FIDM Tour with your Guide, Nick Verreos...Computer Couture: The Computer/Study Lab Room at FIDM, Downtown LA Campus

"We're walking...we're walking..." Isn't that what we hear from those cheesy tour guides through The Louvre? Well, my Tour of the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is more of a fun video tour with no big paddle or brightly colored umbrella being held up (maybe I should try and hold up some pink taffeta?). FIDM's updated website has all these new videos up--starring who else? Me, of course! Here are two new ones, in case you might have missed them. Coffee Tie Dye: FIDM Grad and Season 5 Project Runway Contestant Kelli Martin and her design

One features FIDM grad Kelli Martin's (who was on Season 5 of Project Runway) winning "Gristedes Challenge" dress and the other is of me hanging out at the actual Sewing Room where Project Runway Season 6 contestants sewed ALL their garments!!!

Nick and Kelli Martin's Vacuum Cleaner Bag and Coffee Filter Project Runway Dress:

Nick Verreos at the Project Runway Sewing Workroom--with 2 current FIDM students:

There are lots more--so be sure to check them out HERE --And see you next time I continue the FIDM Tour. Until then...as Tim Gunn says "Carry On!"

Nick Verreos Project Runway Recap--Episode 6: Costume Designing!!

Can Fashion Designers Be Costume Designers?This last week's episode of Season 6 Project Runway was the "Design a Look for a Movie Genre" challenge. I was intrigued since I know several costume designers and my NIKOLAKI partner-in-fashion-crime, David Paul actually received his Master's from UCLA in Costume Design and his resume boasts either designing or assisting in designing the costumes/wardrobe for many different well known TV shows. We both watched very intently. Hollywood Costume Designer God: A look designed by Costume Designer Adrian

Hollywood has always had a strong tradition of having AMAZING costume designers, such as the incredible Adrian (he designed the costumes for The Wizard of Oz and many, many other films) and of course, Edith Head, who contributed to the UBER elegant look of Grace Kelly.
So with that, I thought this was the perfect challenge for the "LA Season" of Project Runway.
If you read my Recap on MyLifetime.com, I wrote a little bit about the fact that after seeing the designs come down the runway and who the judges picked--and didn't pick--I was a tad bit confused. I was also confused at the challenge itself and whether the designers were asked to be Costume Designers or just be Fashion Designers injecting "a bit" of costume design elements into their look. I loved how Tanisha worked Althea's "Film Noir" look with the handkerchief and black-and-white outfit; it was a strong "overall" showing for both Althea and her model. I also have to say that when model Lisa Blades came down the runway in Carol Hannah's "Action Adventure" design, I DID NOT even recognize her! I also thought they made a fabulous "tag-team" designer-and-model duo. My favorite, however was the same as the judges, Nicolas' Ice Queen. Designing costumes is definitely his forte!Incredible Arianne: Arianne Phillips (with Madonna) and an Arianne Phillips-styled W Magazine cover and photo spread

I also loved seeing Arianne Phillips as one of the judges. I personally know Arianne and admire her work. I am often in awe of her talent and what her incredible creative mind can cojure up. Besides being an Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer, she is also Madonna's Stylist and has styled all her W Magazine photo spreads as well as many FIERCE Vogue Italia ones. Love Miss Arianne!Michael Kors is coming BAAAACK!!!!!!

Speaking of judges: Don't forget, Michael Kors WILL BE BACK NEXT WEEK!!!!! I know fans of Project Runway have been wondering where the heck he has been. Well, kiddies, someone's got to run his multi-million dollar empire! So, I am sure that it might have been a bit difficult to get out to LA for several days to judge, but by the looks of things, he finally got to sneak off and come back to LA!!!!
Click HERE for my Recap of Episode 6 and be sure to tell me what you thought. Maybe you can help me with my "confusion".