BusyBee!!

This week is my son and daughter's teacher's appreciation day. Parents have to prepare all sorts of thank-you gifts or show gratitude to the teachers for our children. I have been doing total of 5 pages paper for scrap book which we will give them to the teachers. When I am busy enough w/ my exercise routine, house chores, now I even have to coordinate kids' school activities into our lives. I can't imagine how busy we parents will be when kids all go to school, soccer game, basketball or tennis tournament, ballet performance, or even piano contest.

Before we are leaving for Taipei, I already booked summer activities for my son and daughters. Just so I can make sure they are learning something even when we didn't sign up summer school for them. Typical Parents!!! We don't want our kids feeling left behind, not at home, not at school. I want to participate in every single event at school for my 3 children in the future and I hope my children will feel our strong love toward them. They are our first priority, no matter what!!

My ODJ.

1. TOP:
silk camo.
Max&Co. lavender floral blouse w/ ruffle sleeves
2. BOTTOM: Wilfred ruffle skirt
3. SHOES: Mitchel Cabazat metallic heels
4. ACCESSORY:

• French designer silver necklace
• Tom Ford sunglasses
• Marc Jacob 08 s/s limited MIKA bag in Taupe
• 
• 
  

I have shorts under my super mini skirt!! No worry at all!!






We dined at Ming's Vietnamese restaurant at Mt. View after my son's tennis practice.


Before going to bed, my kids like to read some books or practice piano.


I don't know if the youngest kid is always parents' favorite. But I know I try my best to be fair to every one of them.

Out and About: Nick Verreos at "Fashion @ The Grove"

Fashion..Under "The Grove" Stars!
Boys Under The Stars: Raymundo Baltazar and Nick Verreos pose at The Grove CoOp Barneys New York Fashion Show

Last Thursday was a MAJAH (in Victoria Beckham's words) day for me: I was filming all day and had a 4 AM Wake Up Call time! I shot all these fun segments for MSN.com Style Studio and even got to meet the GORGEOUS Victoria's Secret Angel and SpokesGODDESS, Marissa Miller. My day was done around 4 PM, got home, took a "disco nap" and somehow, got the energy to attend a fun fashion show at one of LA's most famous shopping meccas, The Grove--that same night! Crest White Strips Smiles: Petro Zillia designer Noni Tochterman and Nick Verreos at The Grove

I was invited by my fabulous friends from S.PR to attend "CoOp Barneys New York presents Fashion @ The Grove", also dubbed a "fashion show under the stars". Anything S.PR puts on is DIVINE and always done right, so I knew I had to attend. It was to be a great evening to witness the latest and most stylish for Spring/Summer 2009 from featured LA and NYC designers like Alexander Wang, Trovata, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, APC, Petro Zillia and many more.I Want That Trench: Scene from the runway of "Fashion @ The Grove" fashion show

My "date" that night was my friend, Raymundo Baltazar, who was on my season of Project Runway, who actually held one of the first fashions shows at The Grove back in 2007 when he was working for Christian Audigier. Normally, as an LA resident, I try and avoid The Grove if at all possible. It's a "Disneyland" of shopping malls and I only visit if say, my family are visiting from out of town. Other than that, it's just "too much". That water fountain in the middle with the "Last Dance" by Donna Summer musical accompaniment always gets me! It's very "mini Vegas". But I was eager to enjoy a fashion show "under The Grove stars" for this one night. We sat front row center and took it all in. I was happy to be seated next to none other than the fabulously chic Monica Corcoran, LA Times Fashion Blogger and consultant for the new Project Runway season. I also spotted across from me, Sam Shipley , formally of Trovata, one of my favorite menswear lines of all time! As you may know, he and design partner, Jeff Halmos, broke from Trovata and began their own line, aptly named Shipley and Halmos. Petro Zillia designer, the colorful Nony Tochterman was there as well as LA Fashion "momma", Miss Cynthia Vincent, who lovingly made fun of me by saying "Oh Mr. TV Star!!!" when she saw me.Reunited...and it Feels So Good: Nick Verreos poses with models Anna Maria Mostrom and his Barbie Model, Chantal Jones, The Grove

The show was great! All the models (from LA Models) were perfect and all pros (I spotted my Barbie model, Chantal Jones, as well as others who modeled in the FIDM Debut 2009 Show). The clothing ranged from mini biker chic shrunken leather jackets, to cardigan and bow tied boys to floor sweeping draped jersey dresses. The styling, by Elizabeth Stewart, was exceptional. The models were "done and done" from the cutest hat to the fiercest platform spiked heel. Work those Booties Chantal: Model Chantal Jones on "The Grove" runway

This was an LA fashion show at its best. I think I might have just changed my tune towards visiting "The Grove"...Maybe next time my line NIKOLAKI, will be shown "under The Grove" stars....
Click HERE for a great little blurb about the event and fashion show on LA Mag.com.

Marlee Matlin wears NIKOLAKI again!!!

NIKOLAKI on the red carpet: Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin in NIKOLAKI cocktail dress

Last week, actress Marlee Matlin--and recent best-selling author of "I'll Scream Later"--was honored with her very own "Hollywood Walk of Fame" Star. If anyone is keeping score, it is the 2,383th Star. Amongst all her accomplishments in film and television, the most outstanding is that she was the youngest winner of the Best Actress Academy Award.

Later that day, following her induction ceremony on Hollywood Blvd, she hosted the fundraiser "Dancing Under the Stars" along with good friend, actor Henry Winkler. The event was also to congratulate Marlee for her new Hollywood Walk of Fame Star. Many celebs were on hand, including several former "Dancing With the Stars" contestants like Shannon Elizabeth and Kristi Yamaguchi. The 3/4 Shot: Close Up Detail of the neckline and sleeves of Marlee Matlin's NIKOLAKI dress

The beautiful Marlee walked the red carpet in a NIKOLAKI black stretch cotton sateen ruffled-neck cocktail dress with mini-puffy sleeves. Both David and myself were humbled and honored that she chose one of our designs to wear to a red carpet event. She told me that since "I had SO MUCH LUCK wearing your gown at last year's Oscars and got so much press for it...I wanted to wear NIKOLAKI again!"
We love you Marlee! You looked elegant and gorgeous.

Nick Verreos at FIDM DECA Event

Dateline: May 1st
Location: Anaheim, California
Reason: Nick Goes to DECA!Nick Verreos: Your Chair and Photos Await! DECA Conference, Anaheim California

On May 1st, I drove down to Anaheim California, otherwise known as the home of Disneyland, to make a special appearance for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM, at the DECA 63rd International Career Development Conference. DECA stands for Delta Epsilon Chi. As I wrote in a previous posting, DECA is an international association of high school and college students who are studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship in business, finance, hospitality and marketing sales and service. DECA offers the students the skills, knowledge and experience to compete effectively in the national and international workforce. Pageant Wave: Nick waves to a photo-snapping DECA attendee

FIDM had a booth at the conference and invited me to come and do a "meet and greet" and sign autographs. As I arrived, I expected A) not so many kids to know who I was--since this really wasn't a "fashion school conference" and B) a quiet afternoon where I sat at the booth and waved to passers-by.
I was in for a major shock on both statements. Once I walked into the massive hall of the Anaheim Conference Center, I barely had time to put down my "man-bag" and get some water, as I was quickly directed to my position--front and center in the booth--and the growing line of over 100 attendees who had already been waiting for me! (I know, shut up!). FIDM Booth at DECA: You can see Project Runway Season 5 Winner (and FIDM San Francisco graduate) Leanne Marshall's gown from her Bryant Park Finale Collection on the mannequin

Incidentally, the "centerpiece" of the FIDM booth had one of Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall's dresses on display on a form--the final dress from her Bryant Park Show. Here's a secret: The dress was SO SMALL, they had to use a PRE-TEEN MANNEQUIN FORM---in order for it to fit! Yeah, Leanne's model was THAT SMALL!!!Get In Line: DECA attendees await a hug and a photo with Nick Verreos

For the next three and half hours, I met with students from all over the US. I took pictures with each and every one of them , as well as some parents and teachers who sneaked into line. I also signed photos that the FIDM staff had on hand and even did a special fashion illustration (or two) for some lucky visitors. All in all, I heard there were approximately 350 people who came by (I know that because we actually ran out of photos to hand out). I had such a fun time, the three hours felt like 20 minutes. It was NONSTOP meetin' and greetin'!

Future Project Runway Challenge: You must Re-Design the DECA blazer...

One of the highlights for me was finally getting to see those famous DECA navy blue polyester blazers with the patch emblem which all DECA students have to wear and dare I say, some are not too keen on wearing them. In fact, most of the students asked me (OK, they PLEADED!!) if there was ANY WAY I could "re-design" those blazers. Unfortunately, I told them, I couldn't help them with that.Are those necklaces for me? Nick Verreos poses with the FIDM DECA Booth Staff

But I did see that as soon as the students were done with their "competitions", they tucked those blazers away, threw on some shorts and flip flops and were well on their way to enjoying Disneyland. Trust me, when the signing was over, I was "that close" to doing the same and follow them! However, I had to return to my studio in LA-LA land and design some dresses...
Reporting from the 63rd DECA Conference in Anaheim California, Nick Verreos. Signing Out. Go DECA! And of course, go FIDM!

Avedon Fashion Exhibit Opens in New York!

Avedon Madness!

Veruschka, dress by Kimberly, New York, January 1967

Currently on display at the International Center of Photography Museum is a stunning retrospective of Richard Avedon 1944-2000. It is considered to be the most comprehensive exploration to date of Avedon's fashion photography during his long career at Harper's Bazaar, Vogue, The New Yorker, and beyond. All those iconic photographs that every student--as well as every true admirer of fashion-- knows and has ingrained in their minds are in the exhibit. Dovima, Twiggy, Verushka, Suzy Parker, they are all there, in their divine glory. Dovima, The Elephants..and me! Nick Verreos poses with "Dovima and The Elephants" by Richard Avedon, Washington DC

Incidentally, you can click HERE for a wonderful article on the "History of Models" on MODELINIA, which talks about Avedon and one of his most important muses, Suzy Parker.
The exhibition just began today and will go on until September 6TH of this year. I can't wait to go back to New York so I can check it out!
NY Times Fashion Editor Cathy Horyn always has something wonderful to say about everything fashion and you can click HERE and HERE to read what she thought about the Avedon Exhibit.

And finally, Click HERE to view an amazing slide show of the photographs on exhibit.

My attempt to avoid a holiday hair disaster...

I also forgot to say that I am on a mission to find the best sun care hair range before I go on holiday to Sicily at the end of June. I went away to Croatia last year and frazzled my hair because I didn't put anything on it to protect it! Doh! I had never had a problem with my hair before so I assumed it would be ok (I didn't think about the fact that I got my hair coloured 3 days before my holiday and was over-using my GHD's!!!).

So I basically ended up with alot of breakage at the root and loads of little sticky up bits that would not stay down no matter how much product I put on...very annoying. It also earned me the nickname "Mo" (as in Mo-Hawk!) at work for months! It took a long time to grow out and replenish so I'm determined to look after my hair this time round. I stopped using my GHD's about 3 weeks ago (hate the first few cold turkey days coz my hair feels all puffy :( ). I have also been using Paul Mitchell Strength range (shampoo and conditioner) to try and build up my hair. I know the conditioner has SPF but I think I might try something different on holiday (i.e. more concentrated).

My hair dresser recommended the Keratase Soleil range. I have never tried it before, only the Bright Pink range for coloured hair which I found brilliant (if not a bit expensive). I have bought that twice before and always kinda forget how good it is until I buy it again. I guess I never wanted to get too dependent on it in case I started wanting to re-purchase it all the time - not wallet friendly! I'm always on the look out for haircare that's more affordable but still gives good results.

So, I have found the range on a website that offers quite big discounts and I'm planning on ordering the shampoo, conditioner and styling spray (just to make extra sure I don't end up with scarecrow straw hair again!). I will do a review when I get back from my holiday and then I can assess if it has made a difference. My holiday is 5 weeks tomorrow...not that I'm counting!ha ha

Today, I am mostly lusting over...

Ok, so there's always cosmetics and clothes and accessories that I lust over but I think we all need that "I need it now" list to keep us going at work and remind ourselves what we are toiling for. I must admit that a well deserved shopping trip after payday is a sure fire way to put me in a good mood! I'm going on holiday to Sicily in June so I have had my eye on a few things to take with me...here is a rundown of what I am planning on getting at the end of this month...

So, if I'm being totally honest with myself (which I don't like doing coz that makes me feel guilty about buying stuff), I don't really need jewellery as I have more than enough already but when I buy an outfit, I always feel the need to buy accessories to go with it! I was in Accessorize the other week (one of my favourite shops for gorgeous jewellery and bags) and saw this necklace. It would be perfect for alot of the dresses and tops I have.


Then, while I was looking around Accessorize, I stumbled across the Monsoon Fushion range and spotted this cute little skirt that would be great for my holiday and for when I get back (yes I do get side tracked and end up buying stuff that really isn't for my holiday). I love the colour of this skirt and I have loads of stuff that would go with it (namely a lovely pair of nude caged high heeled sandals!)
And whilst the thought went through my head about the nude sandals, I then spotted a gorgeous bag in Dorothy Perkins (Suzy Smith range) that would go very nicely with the outfit! I have now connected the dots in my head of the necklace with the skirt, my caged sandals and this bag! My brain seems to be programmed to put together whole outifts rather than just single items.

Of course when I found the above bag, I also spied another one that I thought could work really well with a few outfits I have to. It's a really sweet little straw clutch with black patent trim and I reckon it could really work well with nice wedges on holiday for nightime.

I have wanted these sandals for quite a while now and kept seeing them in magazines so I ventured in John Lewis and checked out the Dune section (a favourite haunt of mine!) and drooled over various styles for a while. I don't normally wear flats as I prefer to live in my heels (despite the threat of bunions or mangled feet in years to come). I just feel like I walk with better posture and hold myself better in heels. However these flat sandals are bling enough to attract my attention and keep it! I think they would also go well with the straw clutch above.
Now, I saw this dress last month on www.oli.co.uk and really wanted to get it but they didn't have my size (I hate it when that happens!) but I checked again recently and they have more stock in so i will definitely be getting this dress. I think it's lovely and girly for summer and could be dressed up or down. it would look great with a cropped black blazer, black ruffled platform high heels (which I bought last month from Steve Madden) and a black clutch. I could also pair it with the flat Dune sandals above and the necklace from Accerssorize! Yah! I'm on a role.

Now, for my last and final item that I want to get, it's this 100% silk dress from Dorothy Perkins. I'm loving the whole colour blocking trend at the moment coz it appeals to my love of bright colours. I think the orange/coral colour on this dress is really striking and would look fantastic with nude accessories. Gladiator sandals would really finish the dress off nicely. I wouldn't normally shop in Dorothy Perkins but if you get a chance, check it out. They have totally stepped up their game when it comes to shoes and bags especially. It used to be a frumpy kind of shop but they have had a well needed make-over and I have to say that I love what they are doing.