Nick Verreos to speak in Florence Italy!

Parle Italiano?The Duomo, Florence Italy

Well, kids, I am off to Europe!! Last month, I got a fabulous email--and lovely letter--from the Director of the Italy Summer Study Program for the prestigious Miami University of Ohio, inviting me to come to Florence Italy, to do a Speaking Engagement next week. For the last several years, they have had this amazing program, specifically geared for writing students of the University, which focuses on Feature Writing, interviewing, non-fiction travel pieces for student newspapers, etc. This year, they decided to "Bring on the Fashion", and by Fashion, that means ME! Since the kids are in Florence and the city has such a rich heritage of style, fashion, and particularly leather accessories. In case you did not know, Florence is not just the land of the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio and Michelangelo's David. It is also the "birthplace" of iconic Italian brands such as Gucci and Ferragamo.Michelangelo's David, Florence Italy

Besides the requisite meet-and-greet lunches and dinners with the Summer Program students and the corresponding faculty, I am honored to be taking a tour with the Miami University Journalism Class of this special Summer Program at the Polimoda Institute, a nucleus of "fashion learning" in Italy. Afterwards, I will speak about "Fashion Communication", branding, give a little insight on my career--and of course, talk about my experience on Project Runway--and maybe tell a story or two about Heidi and Tim Gunn, my favorites! I have also been told, I may get a chance to check out the Pitti Filati shows while I am in Florence. The Pitti Filati shows are similar to the Pitti Uomo e Donna, but with more of an emphasis on textiles and knits. Needless to say, I am beyond eccitato! Figure Skating Ladies Final Auditorium: David Paul and Nick Verreos at the Tornio Olympics, 2006

The last time I was in Italy was three years ago when I was invited to the 2006 Torino Olympics to do some "fashion commentary" on the Olympic Figure Skating Ladies Final Costumes (Yeah, you read right!). Italian Bodyguards: Nick Verreos poses with the Carabineri, Tornio Italy, 2006

My design partner, David Paul and I had such an amazing time in Torino (we even made a side trip to Milan) and I am glad to be returning--but now this time, to another beautiful city in fabulous Italy! Maybe, I will get to take more photos with the sexy Carabineri (see above)--and get to see David (Michelangelo's) up close and personal.

Nick Verreos and Chantal Jones in the OC!

FIDM Orange County Three Days Of Fashion...Bring on the Pink!Pink Pink and More Pink! Nick Verreos and his dog, Benny, pose in the entrance of FIDM Orange County

My "Three Days Of Fashion" California Tour ended with a visit to the Orange County Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM campus located in sunny Irvine. The O.C. campus is located right near the St. John headquarters and very near the famed shopping mecca of South Coast Plaza. And my favorite part: the entrance and lobby is BRIGHT BUBBLEGUM PINK!!! Barbie Pink!!! And speaking of Barbie, of course, my trusty confidante/model (and muse to my 50Th Anniversary Malibu Barbie Gown) the lovely Chantal Jones, drove down to the campus to meet me in all the fun.Say Cheese: Model Chantal Jones and Nick Verreos pose with a high school student attending the FIDM O.C. "3 Days of Fashion"

As it has become a tradition when I visit the FIDM O.C. Campus, I brought my dog Benny with me. All the staff loves him and he is always very well behaved--thank God! They make fun of me, because I always walk in with him in a Swarovski Crystal-encrusted dog bag. Very Paris Hilton. The "Three Days of Fashion" high school kids, who came from all over the country to attend this event, had gone shopping to South Coast Plaza and were returning for the "grand finale": My appearance and a mini NIKOLAKI fashion show. But before then, host Blaine Vedros, had a fun cell-phone fashion quiz game, in which the kids had to call ME (yes I know) with the correct answers to those fashion questions. We Love You Blaine: Model Chantal Jones and Nick Verreos kiss host Blaine Vedros

It was a lot of fun. Afterwards, we brought Miss Chantal out and she modeled my gowns beautifully, as she has done in all the other FIDM Three Days of Fashion and stayed afterward to sign many autographs and take all the Facebook and MySpace photos the kids wanted. We also had to do a final "Kiss Pose" with our cutie host, Blaine, who was very happy to get a "Goodbye and Thank You" kiss from both Chantal and I.

Nick Verreos Does San Francisco !!!

A fashion show contest, NIKOLAKI gowns, Heidi Klum's Dress, and a Prom Date...

My ten hours in San Francisco!!!Photo Op: Nick Verreos at the FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion"

Yesterday, at 10 AM, I boarded a United Airlines plane from LAX and arrived an hour later in one of my favorite cities in the world: San Francisco!! I was there for my whirlwind stop-and-go visit to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco. I was there to do their "Three Days of Fashion". I grew up in the Bay Area, just fifteen miles south of San Francisco, so that city has always had a special place in my heart. It really is the city that "fed" my love for fashion. I remember all the times my mom would take me to I. Magnin for an Oscar de la Renta in-store appearance or trunk show, my once-a-month Union Square shopping trips to the Men's Store at Macy's, seeing an Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Fashion Show at the War Memorial Opera House...My other Sister: Nick Verreos with Didi Simon, FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion"

Needless to say, I always love coming to San Francisco. One of my dearest of friends, Didi Simon, whom I've known for over 20 years (I know!), picked me up and was with me the entire day. I absolutely adore her! After a quick delicious brunch at JoAnn's Cafe in South San Francisco, we headed straight to "The City" and the FIDM Campus.Divas and Newspaper Couture: Barbara Cupper and Trudy Noren pose with one of the FIDM Discarded to Divine creations

I was immediately greeted by the incomparable Trudy Noren, FIDM College Representative and Coordinator of the Three Days Of Fashion, San Francisco and Barbara Cupper, Director of FIDM San Francisco. They both looked tres chic in their fitted shift dresses-- so chic, that I had to get a photo! They posed in front of one of the fabulous"Newspaper Dresses" made by FIDM San Francisco Visual Communications Department students for the 4th Annual San Francisco Discarded To Divine fashion show and auction.
Give me a Look: model Rachael Sitz poses as we fit my NIKOLAKI gowns backstage

Soon, I was introduced to "my SF Model", the gorgeous Rachael Sitz, from the Look Modeling Agency. I brought some of my NIKOLAKI gowns from LA, just for the SF "Three Days Of Fashion" (in case you're wondering, the FAA security did ask me if I was doing a Drag Performance when they inspected the garment bag!!).
Work It! The winner of the SF "Three Days Of Fashion" fashion show/styling contest (look at my reaction to his FIERCE walk!)

After a brief Project Runway-inspired FIDM Three Days Of Fashion fashion show and contest--where students styled other students and we all picked the best "ensemble" and model, I spoke to all the high school students about my "fashion" experience, including how I ended up on Project Runway, as well as gave them a little bit of sound advice (I hope). The highlight of my visit, however, was the mini NIKOLAKI fashion show, of course. Heidi=Rachael: SF Model Rachael Sitz models the "Heidi Dress", SF "3 Days of Fashion"

Rachael modeled four of my gowns--including the "Heidi Klum Dress" (which she wore on the Conan O'Brien Show)-- to the sheer delight of the students. She was absolutely a DREAM! I had never met her but, she not only fit perfectly into all my Gowns and dresses, she modeled them with the serene grace and professionalism of any top Supermodel! Turquoise Rachael: Nick Verreos and model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI gown

To cap my time in SF, I signed lots of Three Days of Fashion diplomas and took lots of photos and, along with the entire FIDM SF Three Days of Fashion staff, I headed to the Four Seasons for some "Happy Hour" cocktails. Before I could say "I Love FIDM SF", I had to grab my dresses and get Didi to take me to SFO so I could make my 8 PM flight back to LA. Get In Line: Nick Verreos signing and taking photos in San Francisco

Thank you to everyone--especially Trudy and Courtney for taking all the great photos and Michelle, for being the best "wrangler" I could ever ask for. I can't wait to come back---and I hope that one of these high school students that I met had their own "Oscar de la Renta/I. Magnin moment" that I had when I was their age!
Click HERE for a great blog titled Le Garcon Avec le Sourire, from Rhyan, a fabulous fashionista to end all seventeen year old fashionistas--I even promised him a "prom date"! (he's the guy with the black hat in the photo above)

Not Too Late To Go Green In Fashion ~ Linda Loudermilk!

Linda Loudermilk's collection includes Oeko-Tex certified linen (from the flax plant, which requires little or no pesticides or fertilizers to grow) and organic cotton (pesticide- and fertilizer-free) jersey.

This high-end eco-designer based at Los Angeles, uses sustainable fabrics such as soy- and corn-based fibers. She has even created women's separates made from an antibacterial Japanese fabric called sasawashi. She also has a more chic, luxury eco line, which sports rock n' roll edge, made from seaweed and cellulose called seacell - which releases vitamins and nutrients absorbed by the skin!! Now you can't say that Beauty is as shallow at its appearance! :) (Intro. courtesy of WWW)

I was eyeing this suit since Feb. but didn't take the plunge to buy it. Even now I bought it, I am still trying to justify its price. The SA thinks this suit is timeless and I can wear it forever. I can't argue w/ her. The slightly muscular shoulder is what's all about this f/w until 2010. I think I will be able to get around w/ the jacket in the future w/ a little alteration if big shoulder is not a hit anymore. :)

I will do a better MOD pic. after I alter the pants. The waist is too loose even w/ size 8 in Brit. which is equal to size S in USA.

I love this black suit has a sheen to it. So glamorous!!

The jacket has asymmetrical design for its collar and only one side has the pocket. So fun!

Cosmetics + Science - Just a load of rubbish?

I don't know about you but whenever I see beauty adverts on tv and they start going on about peptides and hyluronic acids I kinda think to myself "what a load of rubbish!". It often feels like they're trying to baffle us with terminology and you're left wondering if it actually means anything at all.

On this thought, I just wanted to share with you some products which have a bit of science behind them (as with most things nowadays!) and get your thought on whether you have used them and if they've worked. I'm normally very cynical about these things but after reading and watching Lollipop26's blog and YouTube vids on products like LiLash (eyelash lengthener/thickener) and how it has really worked for her...it got me wondering whether I should put my cynicism aside and put my faith in modern science?

So...first up is A.M. Eye Magic. It's £9.95 and is basically a pack of 'beauty magnets' that you attach to your face for 30 mins and they help to de-stress your eyes and reduce undereye bags. Hmmm, they say that Cleopatra used to sleep with magnets near her head to preserve her youth. Magnets are widely used in Chinese and Western medicine for various things like sports injuries and fatigue so maybe there's something in it! I did a bit of research and magnets are generally made from Magnesium, which is naturally sourced from the earth and because all the electrical equipment used today reduces the earth's overall magnetism, we are apparently all suffering from 'mild shuttle syndrome' which basically means we need to rebalance our bodies with...you guessed it...magnets!

Next up is Star Smile by ModelCo which retails for £28.00. It's a double ended applicator, one end is a brush with a solution that gently whitens your teeth/removes stains and has a minty flavour. The other end has a hydrating lipstick. I did think this was a really good idea but it really depends on how good the whitener is. You are supposed to apply the whitener 4 times daily and claims to show a difference in just 1 week of application. They also claim it's the strongest portable teeth whitener...I wouldn't say there are many of those on the market though!ha ha.

Next is LIPOCILS Eyelash Treatment Gel (£12.50), which I'm hoping is a good dupe of LiLash which costs around $100! I may actually get this one myself as I have blonde, fine lashes that are desperate need of plumping. Mascara is all good and well but I'd like to give them a helping hand. This gel is supposed to help your lashes reach their maximum length, stop them falling out and becoming brittle. It contains all natural ingredients and claims to thicken and lengthen your lashes and this claim has now been authorised to be advertised in France. That suggests that it must work (otherwise people could sue for false advertising) , even if it works just a little bit, it's worth giving it a go.

20 Questions Tag

Hi Everyone,

I got tagged by redz2486 (a.k.a. A Girl's Life blogspot) to answer these following 20 questions:

1) Things you cannot leave the house without? My mobile phone, keys (obviously!), some kind of lipgloss and a brush

2) Favourite brand of makeup? I couldn't choose just one brand - different brands have key products that I like...I'm going to cheat and name three:

Mac - for their eyeshadows, lipsticks and pigments
Lancome - for their bronzers abd primer
YSL - for their Touch Eclat, Rouge Volupte lipsticks and Faux Cils Mascara

3) Favourite flower? Iris - purple is one of my fave colours

4) Favourite clothing store? Zara for everyday stuff, Monsoon for summery clothes and bright colours and Reiss or Coast for a special occasion.

5) Favourite perfume? Elle by YSL

6) Heels or flats? Heels, all the way baby! I only own two pairs of flat shoes...my trainers for the gym and flat sandals for holidays.

7) Do you make good grades? Yeah I did quite well at school and uni, mostly A's and B's. I was rubbish at maths and science though but I scraped through. I like to think I have more of a creative brain than a logical one!

8) Favourite colours? I tend to go for bright colours. I love that electric blue colour that's around a lot at the moment, coral or fuschia are also lovely. Bright colours put me in a good mood - yes I'm THAT easy to please!

9) Do you drink energy drinks? I used to drink Red Bull and vodka when I went out in uni but I soon stopped when I found myself wide awake at 6am in the morning. I never drink them now coz they're way too sugary.

10) Do you drink juice? Diluting or fresh? I prefer fresh, I have those Innocent Smoothies every morning.

11) Do you like swimming? Not really no, I hate the feeling when you get water up your nose and you kinda choke on it...urgh. I hate the smell of chlorine and the fact that people may have peed in the water so that rules swimming pools out!I also have a fear of the open sea/things brushing past my legs etc so that rules the sea out. So, no, I don't like swimming.ha ha.

12) Do you eat chips with a fork? Yeah I do, you don't wanna get grease all over your fingers! I love the little mini wooden forks you get in fish and chip shops!

13) Favourite moisturiser? Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream

14) Do you want to get married later on in life? Well, I just got engaged so I would hope so!

15) Do you get mad easily? No, it actually takes alot to get me angry, I am a very laid back person, very easy going. I can't remember the last time I yelled at someone.

16) Are you into ghost hunting? er...no.

17) Any phobias? As I said before, I am scared of the open sea, getting washed away doesn't appeal to me! I also have a fear of Jordan a.k.a Katie Price

18) Do you bite your nails? No, I used to when I was a kid but when I started to get into nail polishes etc, I stopped! Vanity overtook the compulsion to bite!

19) Have you ever had a near death experience? not that I can remember....

20) Do you drink coffee? Yes, I love coffee, the fresh stuff is the best. I like stopping for a latte on a shopping trip so you can have a chat etc. I have to watch I don't drink too much of the stuff though coz it dehydrates you and also makes me a bit fidgety!

If they haven't already done this one, I'm going to tag..........

Lipstick Rules
Alpha Blonde
Legseleven7
Starlight2196
Redhotsunfire