New Make Up + DIY Stranded Necklace !!!

Finally, I decided to make one of my own stranded necklace. I got inspired by a blogger LoveMegan and from reading tons of celebrity wearing it in magazine.

photo from In-style!

I like the longer version on Sandra as well as Lanvin w/ black ribbon at left corner. I started w/ my old 3-string pearl necklace bought at Discovery store and a black ribbon I-don't-remember-where-it-is-from.

Here we go!! DIY fun!!

Starting a fixed length which is flattering on you.


You basically are trying to tangle the ribbon in between pearl necklace!


I want to tie ribbons around my neck so I had to sew two ends on ribbons.
This way, I can always add new necklace or take off one to play w/ a new look by clip on.


Then I went out to Discovery shops again and found this awesome chain necklace for $9.
(Sorry I didn't know the photo is blurring. :( )


I also got some great idea from J Crew!!

Ta Da ~!!


Then I add one 14k gold w/ jade chain and two other necklaces bought at Loehmann's for $44.


One look of my new necklace. I love those cute tassels on one of the necklaces!


For different look, I can reverse to wear it.


I can adjust those inter-chains however I want since all necklaces clip on one and another.

................... Back to this morning!! ....................... Nude make-ups!! ....................

I went a little shopping w/ my girl.
Ilona is so big now and she enjoys to pose in front of camera very much!!


I bought YSL Rouge Volupte 2 n' Gloss pur 47.


w/o gloss, it is matte!



I also tried dash GOLDEN GLOSS 7 (orange glittering one) on upper lip later on.


After I applied Gloss pur 47 at only lower lip, while leaving upper lips alone!


Ta Da!!
My very nude make-ups!!
Eye shadow : Make up Forever color plum!


All foundation I applied today.
I love Make up Forever's HD concealer.
I only dash a little under my eyes and it instantly gives under-eyes a little highlight!

You know you probably see some girls applied "too much simmering or white power" under eyes trying to pop up the eye shadows but sometimes they applied too much. Then the look ends of horrible or too obvious w/ too thick foundation.

Well, this concealer has the same effect except it blends in w/ your skin and give a nature glow under eyes. You should try!!!!! :)

My ODJ!

• Black puffy shoulder dress (mom bought at Shanghai)
• RUGBY double buckle belt
• J Crew rusty rose gold rhinestone necklace
  

• Chanel two layered/two toned hosiery

I wore cuffed boots and carried Hermes Birkin today.


This pair of Chanel two toned hosiery are very strong, and it is very warm for it has two layers.

I probably should say "Good morning, girls"!!!!! :)

October Favourites

I wanted to share with you, some of the products I have been absolutely LOVING this month... 1) Aussie Luscious Long Shampoo & Conditioner - this stuff makes my hair feel absolutely gorgeous, it always seems to revitalise the colour and gives my hair so much shine. When I style my hair, it just falls into place effortlessly. It does all this without weighing my fine hair down or making it static...perfection at an affordable price!

2) Kerastase Reflection Chroma Riche Intensive Mask - this treatment is a life saver! I used it on Friday night and left it on for about 10 minutes while I pottered around. Once I rinsed it out, my hair was tangle free immediately. It gives you hair such a boost in terms of shine and condition, it's just amazing and definitely the best hair mask I've ever used. My hair felt and looked amazing on Friday night. Love it! I want to repurchase the shampoo and conditioner from this range as it's also amazing. I like to rotate what shampoo/conditioner I use as my hair seems to become immune to things if I use them everyday for a prolonged amount of time.

3) John Frieda Weather Works Frizz-Ease Weather-Proofing Style Sealant Creme - wow, that's some title! I often change my styling products around regularly and this one has been sorely neglected over the last few months. I had forgotten how good it was! I often find myself trying so many different things that sometimes I don't appreciate just how good certain products are. I apply two pumps of this to my hair when it's damp, comb through and then just dry it straight with my hairdryer and round bristle brush. It smoothes my hair like a dream, makes it super shiny and it feels so light so there's no sticky feeling left on my hair. It also means I don't need to use straighteners on my hair!
1) Korres Blush in Pink - I have been using this gorgeous blush all week and I love the healthy glow it gives my cheeks. You only have to apply this very lightly as it's very pigmented!It is a matte formulation so there's no shimmery bits in it which is ideal for daytime when you want a more natural look. It lasts all day and I never have to reapply it. The powder is silky smooth and blends so easily.

2) Bobbi Brown Longwear Gel Liner in Graphite Shimmer - I absolutely adore this stuff (you can probably tell by the dirty great big hole I've made in it!). I have pretty much been using it continuously since I bought it. It's the perfect daytime liner as it's just that bit softer than black, which sometimes can be a bit harsh. It's just the right consistency which makes it a cinch to apply quickly and neatly. I actually use a small smudge brush to apply it along my upper lashline and this liner lasts ALL day, with no smudging or bleeding into the waterline. It has just the right amount of shimmer and it stays put so there's no shimmer fallout. There's a reason why these liners have won awards and they've definitely won me over. I'm going back for every colour I can get my hands on!

3) Korres Shimmering Eyeshadow in Bronze - I can't rave enough about this eyeshadow colour - it's mega pigmented, lush to apply, smooth and silky...just a pleasure to use. I love creating bronzed eyes and this is the perfect shade to add a bit of intensity in the outer corners and crease. It looks amazing against blue or green eyes. It's shimmery without being glittery and just plain gorgeous.

4) Korres Shimmering Eyeshadow in White - as I have said before, this eyeshadow isn't white, it's a very pale silver and it's absolutely perfect as a base for a smokey/platinum eye. It has all the same amazing properties as the Bronze shade I have described above. I used it in my latest FOTD and you can see how lovely it is. It's such an easy colour to wear and it really is my go to shade when I want to create a glamourous smokey look. Team it with MAC Print and Carbon e/s to deepen and contour...so easy to do and so striking.

5) ELF Mineral eyeshadow in Natural - I picked this up after seeing Lollipop26 rave about it on YouTube. I wasn't disappointed! This eyeshadow is the most gorgeous goldy beige that can act as a base colour for so many looks. You can't go wrong with a neutral colour like this. It looks amazing when used with the Korres Bronze e/s. It's fantastic value for money and gives the most beautiful sheen to your eyelids whenever they catch the light.

6) Rouge Bunny Rouge Big Lash Amplitude Mascara in Pure Obsidian (Black) - This is my FAVOURITE mascara at the moment. It's the one I always grab in the morning because I can rely on it to give amazing volume, length, intense colour and staying power for my lashes. It has quite a fat brush but it's by no means too bulky and it still alows you to get all the little lashes. It never ever flakes, clumps or smudges and it makes my lashes look almost fake. You can just keep layering it for more and more drama. This is a serious contender to push YSL Faux Cils off the top spot! I will report back on whether it dries out prematurely like Faux Cils does but I doubt it as the formulation seems slightly thinner. I love the packaging of these products and I would say this is a star buy! If you haven't tried anything from this brand, then I would highly recommend you try this mascara. It's pricey at £24 but SO worth it because it's better than 10 of my other mascaras put together.

What are your October favourites?

Nick Verreos: The Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Fashion Show: Universal Studios Backlot

Nick's Getaway..to Universal Studios!Tardy For The Party: Nick Verreos on the red carpet at Kevan Hall's Spring 2010 Runway Show

Last Saturday night was a busy one: I was invited to the very A-List black tie Opening Gala for the Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture Exhibit (as you may have read in my previous post) at FIDM Downtown and then I had to attend the Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Runway Show at Universal Studios. After spending two amazing hours enjoying the party and the wonderful Couture gowns at the museum, I realized that David and I only had fifteen minutes to somehow get to Universal Studios! We quickly got in our car and sat in: STOPPED TRAFFIC! I don't know what part of "It's a Saturday Night in Los Angeles" we did not understand? It eventually took us FORTY-FIVE minutes to get to our fashion show destination!Spanish Steps a la Kevan Hall: Designer Kevan Hall strikes a pose

The Kevan Hall show, which was co-sponsored by Ruznak Auto Group as well as Universal Studios, was being held at the Universal Studio's backlot and the invitation warned that there would be over 1000 guests and security would be very "tight". Gay Fashionsita Terrorists can be so harmful to runway shows. One never knows if Sacha Baron Cohen might be showing up as his over-the-top Austrian Bruno. PR Extraordinaire: Nick Verreos and Kevan Hall's pr DIVA, Margaret Schell

Running up the cobblestone streets of the studio's backlot (note to self: YSL Johnny Boots are not conducive to running!), we passed stunning automobiles: Audis, Bentleys, BMWs, Jaguars, Maybachs, Rolls Royces ...Yep, no recession happening here darlings! When we finally arrived at the location of the runway show, we were happy to see that the show had not begun yet, but it was about to and all the guests were already in their seats! Work It: A one-shouldered cocktail dress, Kevan Hall Spring 2010

In our standing-room-only section of "Tardy for the Party" late-comers, we ran into California Apparel News Publisher, Molly Rhodes, Executive Editor Alison Nieder and Fashion Editor Jayne Seward, so yes, David and I were not alone! I also said "hello" to Kevan's wife, Debbie, and dished on our memories of last year's Islands of The World Fashion Week in the Bahamas, where both Kevan and myself had shown our collections.My Fave: A strapless organza gown from Kevan Hall Spring 2010

The runway was set up below an enormous stage reminiscent of Rome's Spanish Steps. The show, entitled "The Getaway", featured lovely satin cocktail dresses and flowing gowns, which Kevan Hall is famous for. One of my favorites gowns being a peach strapless number with a Diamante waist brooch. These were dresses to perfectly compliment those stunning--and very expensive--cars that lined the walkway. Runway Close-Up: Lifetime's Models of the Runway model Tanisha Harper

On the runway, I spotted not one but TWO Project Runway Season 6: Models of The Runway: Lisa Blades and Tanisha Harper. They did a great job maneuvering what seemed like over 100 steps coming down! These girls are pros; no "Model Down" accidents here kiddies! It was a great show in a fabulous location--if only I could have put one of those Jaguars in my tuxedo jacket pocket, I would really be set to go on MY Getaway!

Click BELOW for the Final Runway Walk and Tableau of Kevan Hall Spring 2010 (We were next to the photographer's pit, so excuse the chattering, it's them!):

Nick Verreos Attends "High Style: Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture"

Haute Couture Grand DameBetsy Bloomingdale, in a 1986 Marc Bohan for Dior Haute Couture gown, stands next to the Marc Bohan "Wall" at FIDM

The Event:
This last Saturday was the Black Tie Gala Opening of High Style Betsy Bloomingdale and the Haute Couture at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Museum and Galleries. Curators Kevin Jones and Christina Johnson spent three years scouring the hallowed closets of one of the most celebrated Grande Dames of Fashion, Betsy Bloomingdale. The Exhibit spans over 30 years of Bloomingdale's love and admiration for Haute Couture and fine fashion, ranging from her first Couture purchases in the 1960s to her last one; a black silk crepe and chiffon from the late designer Gianfranco Ferre for Dior Couture. The Exhibit runs October 21st to December 13Th.

The Scene:Glittering Tent: The Scene at the High Style Betsy Bloomindale/Haute Couture Gala

The tented party, held at the Grand Hope Park, adjacent to the FIDM campus was elegantly decorated with crystal "Chandeliers" dangling from its ceiling and greeted the VIP guests as they entered the party. In addition, exquisite white chairs, tables, mini-sofas, several fully-stocked open bars and delicious hors d'oeuvres tables "announced" to the gown-and-tuxedo crowd that this would truly be a very special event.

Seen On The Scene: Mary Stephens and Nick Verreos, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

As soon as I arrived, I spotted Mary Stephens, Director of the FIDM Advanced Fashion Design/Debut Program, looking both elegant and modern in a black ensemble. I jumped up and down (literally!) when I saw my good friend Jane Cha, Executive Producer of Project Runway. Her date was the incredible R.J. Cutler, director of the Vogue documentary The September Issue. Jane Cha and R.J. Cutler, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

Also seen were Buzz Aldrin--the second person to set foot on the Moon back in 1969 and his beautiful wife Lois--as well as philanthropists Iris Cantor and Barbara Davis. I heard that many of Betsy Bloomingdale's family came out for this illustrious event, including her two sons and one daughter as well as her grandchildren. Buzz Aldrin and James Galanos, Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit Opening Gala

I got a quick glimpse of the star of the night, Betsy Bloomingdale, who was looking fabulous in an iridescent orange taffeta gown from Marc Bohan for the House of Dior. One of the many highlights of the night was when I recognized one of my fashion idols, designer James Galanos. Of course, I had to stop him and say "hello". That moment made my night!

The Couture:
Nick Verreos at the Betsy Bloomingdale/Haute Couture Exhibit, FIDM Museum and Galleries

By the time I made my way inside the exhibit, I had only about fifteen minutes to do a mini-tour (I had another event to attend, the Kevan Hall Spring 2010 Runway Show at Universal Studios). From what I saw, it made my arms tingle with excitement, I must say. All the "masters" were there: Christian Dior Haute Couture from designers Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferre, Galanos, Adolfo, Givenchy, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent and others. There were video montages explaining the clothes, the art of Haute Couture and exclusive interviews with Monsieurs Givenchy, Bohan, Fracois Lesage and Bloomingdale herself. Even in my quick visit, I caught juicy "Couture Dish" from the videos like how Mrs. Bloomingdale and her Couture friends like Nan Kempner and Lynn Wyatt knew their importance within the Couture Houses and how their vendeuses (sales ladies) ALWAYS gave them "the right price". Love the dish!There is also an entire section devoted to the croquis (or sketches) from the design houses that were sent to Mrs. Bloomingdale after she had made her selections. As I was leaving, I spotted one of my favorite pieces in the exhibit: A canary yellow silk taffeta Dior Couture gown that was displayed with its inner corselette turned inside-out, so the viewer can see the stunning intricacy that really makes an Haute Couture gown (photo above). I will DEFINITELY have to return to see the exhibit with more patience. It deserves two hours if not more! It is a MUST SEE for anyone who loves fashion and the art of Haute Couture. Forget going to Paris, it's all in Downtown Los Angeles at the FIDM Museum and Galleries!

LA Fashion Week Spring 2010: A Night of "Passion...Revealed!"

LA Fashion Week gets International...
Vibiana's Cocktail: Good Day LA's Maria Quiban, Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, Passion Revealed Fashion Show, LA Fashion Week

Onto another fabulous event: Last Friday, I was invited to attend "Passion...Revealed! A Fusion of Fashion, Music and Arts", benefiting The Trevor Project, HOPE4Children, FASGI (Filipino American Service Group Inc.) and Gawad Kalinga at the fabulous St. Vibiana's in Downtown LA. There would be three designers of Filipino descent showing their latest collections. My friend, former Miss Universe, Brook Lee, was hosting the evening's festivities, so of course I had to be there to support her--and of course, see some great international fashion! I immediately saw Brook once David and I arrived. She was there with Maria Quiban, the beautiful Fox 11 Good Day LA Weather Anchor. We posed for photos and made our way to our front row seats. Imelda 2010: A gown from Philip Rodriguez

First up was Philip Rodriguez' collection. He is known as "The Fashion Czar of Cebu" and has dressed Manila high society, First Ladies of the Philippines, as well royalty. For Spring 2010, his collection, which included men's and womenswear, took inspiration from his native land and the elegant Mantones de Manila (silk shawls). Highlights were the elegant traditional Filipino Men's shirts in pineapple-organza (yep, you read right!) and his intricately embroidered black and off-white gowns.

Alexis Monsanto Muses: Good Day LA's Maria Quiban and Miss Universe 1997 Brook Lee, in Alexis Monsanto designs

Next was designer Alexis "Bong" Monsanto. Brook, in fact was wearing one of his designs, a very pretty navy charmeuse and chiffon gown with crystal detailing. For Spring 2010, Monsanto showed everything from strapless jersey jumpsuits, pretty blouson tops paired with skinny or wide-legged pants, and gowns made to lounge around in a very high-end resort. Monsanto even threw in a couple of hot, fat-free male models in skimpy swimsuits to bring his "resort" theme home (much to the delight of the audience).
Dubai Goes to the Venice Ball: Furne One/Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010

The third and final designer was Furne One and his line, Amato Haute Couture which he designs out of his home base in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates where he is well known. He has also designed for Heidi Klum's Germany's Next Top Model Finalists. For tonight's finale, over a dozen models made their way onto the stage in glittering, over-the-top, incredibly-beaded gowns. One more stunning and intricate than the next. The colors ranged from strawberry pink, ice-blue, vanilla yellow to mango orange.
Peach Confection: Furne One/Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010

The models' make-up was theatrical and Opera-like. On their heads were white powdered Marie Antoinette-like wigs which held small toys such as bicycles, bowling pins and even a mini helicopter. I kid you not. All of us--at least in the front--had our jaws to the floor! It was as if I had just crashed a fabulous Venice Opera House Costume Ball.

Dangling Couture: Close-Up of Furne One's Amato Haute Couture Spring 2010 gowns

When the show was over, you know I had to make my way to the back to see these Haute Couture creations up close. And trust me, they were incredible! Each with it's own built-in corset, yards and yards of ruched tulle, embroidered organza, and Swarovski crystals to make Bob Mackie blush! This was Zuhair Murad and Elie Saab--but on steroids! I can only imagine how those Dubai ladies must LOVE his gowns--and pay a pretty penny for them! If I was a Sheikha or needing a gown for the Crillon Debutante Ball in Paris, I would too!

CLICK BELOW for the Amato Haute Couture by Furne One Grand Finale:

Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment

My hair is already pretty long but I have always wanted about an inch longer than it is. It never quite gets there as I get trims every 6 weeks to get rid of any split ends and make sure it stays healthy and looking good. I was in Boots at the weekend and spotted the Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment which claims to be a "gorgeous, thick intensive treatment with Pro-Growth™ complex gives your hair strength from within by fertilising your follicles, creating a healthy environment on your scalp to help hair grow faster and reach its maximum potential length. Its soothing formulation reduces irritation and moisturises the scalp, helping to keep it healthy and improving the volume and feel of your hair".

I am always dubious when products make claims such as these but maybe I'm just being too cynical. This product is £6.84 for a 200ml tub. They recommend that you use an 'egg-sized' amount on your hair between shampooing and conditioning. This product would be great value if it worked so i would be keen to hear back from anyone who has tried it! Apparently you have to use it very regularly to see a result but I reckon it would be worth it, especially if you have shorter hair and you want to get past that 'in-betweeny' stage as soon as possible.

The customer reviews on the Boots website are mixed with one customer stating "You have to use this product several times a week to see the benefits. It REALLY works" and the other stating "i've bought this twice- maybe you have to use it all the time for real results.but i haven't noticed much difference!!! it smells really nice and is in a nice tub, and lasts a few weeks, but my hair doesn't seem any longer :S also its quite expensive!! give it a go but im not quite convinced it does what it says it should".

I've also heard that Boots do a hair loss treatment spray that can be applied directly to the roots, that is supposed to work in the same way. Although I'm not losing my hair (thank god!), it can be used just for it's hair growth properties. Has anyone used this?