Carrie Ann Inaba wears Nikolaki to the Grammy Awards

Architectural Carrie!
Carrie Ann Inaba in NIKOLAKI Fall 2010, hosting TV Guide Network's Grammys Red Carpet Pre-Show

Late last year, when I did my Emmys Fashion Wrap with Carrie Ann Inaba, she took me aside and said "You know what? I need to wear NIKOLAKI when I host one of my upcoming Red Carpet Shows..." We decided the Grammys would be perfect. The next time I saw her while filming the Golden Globes Fashion Wrap, I brought sketches for her and her stylist extraordinaire, my fellow Fashion Wrap Panelist, Jen Rade, to see. They loved all of them but decided they should stop by my NIKOLAKI Design Studio to take a closer look and "play dress-up". And boy did she: She tried on half a dozen gowns and dresses. But her eyes began "wandering"... She couldn't take her eyes off a muslin/toile sample that we had made for our Fall 2010 line. Couture Muslin: Nick Verreos and Carrie Ann Inaba pose with the muslin/toile of her Grammys dress

She asked "What is that??" We said that it was just a mock-up (in cotton muslin) of one of the dresses in our upcoming line. "I HAVE to try it on!" she quipped. She did and both her and Jen found their dress. Done and done. My design partner, David Paul and I took her measurements and discussed length and any other minor adjustments. Now we just had to make it--custom--in just ONE WEEK!!! The final result: A strapless cocktail dress made with black Italian Silk-and-Wool Zibeline featuring Oragami-like "petal" folds up top and cascading down the bottom.
Hand Delivery: Nick Verreos at the Staples bringing THE dress to Carrie Ann Inaba's trailer for a fitting

These last few days prior to the Awards have been crazy, making trips back-and-forth to the Staples Center--site of the Grammys--for some final fitting last touches and today both David and I were at her hotel room, getting her dressed in our NIKOLAKI dress. We think she looks amazing!
Click below for Carry Ann Inaba (in NIKOLAKI) and Chris Harrison interviewing Taylor Swift at the Grammys 2010:


Click HERE for more videos.

FOTD: Rihanna Channeling Spring

I don't think Rihanna needs any more help looking gorgeous. 

However, I love this look created by her makeup artist, Mylah Morales.

 

How to get the look.... (after the jump)

WHO: Rihanna

WHERE: 52nd Annual Grammy Awards Salute To Icons party

WHEN: January 30, 2010

WHAT: Artist Mylah Morales used the NARS Orgasm Illuminator.

Additionally, Mylah used the following NARS products to create Rihanna’s ethereal glowing look:

∗ D. Gorgeous Single Eyeshadow (NEW for Spring 2010!)
∗ Casino Bronzing Powder
∗ Barbarella Lipstick
∗ Ophelia Lipgloss (NEW for Spring 2010!)

“It’s really important to me to make Rihanna look like she’s glowing, like she just stepped off the beach,” said Mylah about Rihanna’s look. “If I don’t like an element involved in her look, I won’t talk about it but tonight was a good night. Sleek hair, sleek fashion-everything was perfect for me to create this look.”

Boots (Drugstore) Haul

I popped int Boots today to pick up a few things (I even made a list for once and managed to stick to it!). I wanted to pick up a good foundation brush coz I'm feeling experimental and since I've never applied my foundation with anything else but my fingers, I wanted to see what the difference would be. I checked out the Ruby & Millie brushes and they looked good so decided to pick up a couple... The foundation brush was about £11 and the brow/lash one was about £7.50. I have noticed recently that when my mascaras get a little bit older (couple of months), they start to clump a bit more, I guess because the formula starts to dry up. Since I'm only half way through some of them, I don't see the need to go out and buy replacements, so I got the Ruby & Millie brush that has a metal comb on one end for separating lashes after mascara application and a brush to groom your brows. I reckon they are both suitable to use on your lashes though. The double ended brush ends flip down to create a compact case for travel which is handy.

I decided to get a back up of Revlon Colourstay Foundation in True Beige...I seem to have yo-yoed between Natural Beige and True Beige. Although I realised this week that Natural Beige is just slightly too light for me. It's hard to keep up with your perfect foundation shade when you use fake tan or gradual tan moisturisers! It's a daily challenge to try and get the match right! I also picked up another Loreal Double Extension Mascara/Serum because I still really like the formula and effect it gives. I think it's a fantastic mascara for the price!

I have known about Bio Oil for years and have heard alot of people raving about it for fading stretch marks, scars etc but I've also heard that it's great for Eczema, Uneven Skintone and Psoriasis. It contains Vitamin A, E, Calendula Oil, Lavender Oil, Rosemary Oil, Chamomile Oil and Purcellin Oil. It can applied to the face or body before or instead of your moisturiser if your skin is particularly dehydrated. I sometimes get small patches of Psoriasis on the back of my neck, at the end of my nose/sides of my nostrils and also sometimes just under one eye. It's not that noticeable to be honest but it annoys me. The cold weather makes it worse so I decided to check out Bio Oil and see how I get on. I also think it will be a good moisturiser to prepare my skin and improve it's condition for my wedding day. It was £19.50 for a 200ml bottle so not cheap but if it turns out to be the answer to my problems then I have no problem spending that amount on it.

As I had finished yet another tub of my beloved Lee Stafford Hair Growth Treatment, I wanted to pick up another one. I sauntered down the aisle and they were out of stock! How annoying. I decided to try one of the other hair masks the line had to offer and picked up one called 'Bling Hair Rehab'. It's basically a super hydrating mask containing hydrolised silk that's particularly good for coloured or hair that's seen alot of heated appliances. Since I just had my hair coloured, I thought this would be a good time to test this out. I will let you guys know if it's as good as the Hair Growth Treatment.

FOTD: Golden Bride

I Love this look! For all of you Women Of Color,this would be a fabulous summer wedding look. I think golden colors look amazing in the summer.

Eyeshadows you can use to achieve a golden eye look:

MAC Amber Lights *love love love*

MAC Goldmine

MAC Romp

MAC Bronze

MAC Antiqued

MAC Woodwinked

MAC Cocomotion pigment (LE)

MAC Melon Pigment

Urban Decay Chopper Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Honey Eyeshaw

Urban Decay Smog Eyeshadow

Nars Mediteranee Eyeshadow Duo

Shop With Me at Gilt Groupe!

http://www.gilt.com/invite/awilda

I absolutely love the daily sales on Gilt Groupe and Gilt Fuse. I've bought shoes, jeans, dresses and jewelry from Gilt Groupe and they rock.

Sign up to take advantage of the daily sales.

XOXO,
Awilda

YSL Fard A Levres Rouge Pur

I'm still on the search for the perfect lip colour for my wedding day and with a name like 'Romantic Pink', I thought this YSL Fard A Levres Rouge Pur was definitely worth a look. It's described as a pale neutral pink but I would say it's a medium neutral pink. I'm still not a big fan of the 'plasticky' packaging but then again, anything short of the Rouge Volupte packaging is a disappointment. Although I love to wear pale pink, peaches and nudes everyday, they don't translate well in photographs. I find that shades that suit me in 'real life', kind of drain the colour from my face when a camera and flash is involved. So I have been searching for a slightly darker shade of pink from what I would usually wear. This shade really does remind me of a romantic, hazy, blush pink that is so pretty...

It has the usual smooth, silky formula, it's reasonably long lasting and feels moisturising. I've seen reviews of these lipsticks where people say they hate the fragrance but I really don't notice that. I don't find the smell overpowering at all. My YSL lipsticks are definitely my favourite and most used in my collection.

This is also the first pic with my lighter hair colour. Feels so much better now I've had it freshened up!

The other thing I wanted to get opinions on is whether they know of any lipstick sealant that doen's stink like Lipcote but has the same fixing effect. I need something to keep my lipstick in place all the way through the wedding day without having to re-apply it all the time.

Project Runway Season 7 Nick Verreos Recap: Museum Queens

Museum Queens...One Ego is Better Than Two...and a Homeless Statute of Liberty?This week's episode was the dreaded Project Runway "Team Challenge" where two designers are paired up--randomly (or so they say!)--and the producers and fellow Cameramen get some GOOD TV for y'all. For Season 7, the kids headed to the grand Metropolitan Museum of Art where "Couture Curator", Tim Gunn, stood framed by some of the most beautiful Couture garments from the 20th Century from designers like... Balenciaga (1954-55 Cocoon Silk Faille Coat above, a Gift from the Baroness Philippe de Rothschild), as well as... Madame Gres (silk jersey gown above). It would be interesting to have a "Fashion History Test" with the contestants to see how many of them even knew who Madame Gres was. Just sayin'...The Challenge this week was to design a look worthy of a Museum Couture Piece (with $500!) and then (of course there was a twist)-- they later discovered-- they also had to design a "budget H&M-like version (with $50) of another team's design. I know, I was like "Say what?". I'm sure it sounded good in the "pitch meeting" but it lead to a rather confusing episode; too much packed in just an hour episode for the viewer's mental and visual capacity. Of course, there was conflict when it came to the teams, especially with Kooky Ping and Matinee Idol I'm-an-Actor Jesse. He just wanted to do his job and Ping Wu just wanted to be Kooky--and look for her missing shoes! Mila Hermanovski and her partner Jonathan Peters were also an interesting couple. Jonathan--intelligently enough--let her be "The Boss" and boy was she. I would not want to mess with that severe bob either. Not surprisingly, when it finally came to the Runway Show, it was one great garment and one pretty bad outfit.

To begin with, I liked Jesus Estrada and his partner Amy Sarabi's design: You could TOTALLY tell that it was all--or at least mostly-- Amy. That pleated-fan bolero was spectacular and so Amy's style! I also liked Maya Luz' design...
It was edgy, a modern take on Museum-worthy Couture. I concur with Nina Garcia: The open side was very chic. I can see many people saying "I just don't get it...I would never wear that!" But wear-ability was not really the point for this half of the challenge.The winner ended up being Mila's color-blocked kimono coat and skinny pant look which was very 1960s Courreges/Pierre Cardin with a definite nod to Narciso Nodriguez. To be honest, it wasn't my favorite but leave it to Kors and Garcia (Champions of NY-American sportswear and separates) to chose this. But now, onto the messes:This look from Jesse LeNoir, Ping's team "assistant" was so bland, I almost fell asleep as it came down the runway. Cheap "fast fashion" doesn't have to be boring. It was Banana Republic...from 2001! And Jonathan and Mila's design...Based on Anthony Williams' bad ball gown (what was that bustier???).. It was mainly the severe Baby Doll silhouette, and that gathered tulle accent on the halter neckline that bothered me. I just wanted to get my seam-riper and take that black tulle accent off! Jonathan seems to be more talented than this--maybe it was a time restriction. I have been there huney--did you see my crazy design for the Santino-and-Nick Banana Republic Team Challenge? In other words: I understand.

But of course, Ping's "Homage" to a Homeless Statue of Liberty took the Worst Museum Couture Piece this week. As I said previously, I was surprised she wasn't "auf'ed" last week and we were all just counting down the days until her demise. Ping made for great TV but that can only take you so far in a show that is based on talent and craftsmanship--not to mention 10 cameramen and an entire production crew looking over your shoulder. The lace top looked matronly and the side cowl draping was heavy-handed and was neither Museum-worthy or qualified as anything a woman of this Century would want to own. Maybe a character from HBO's "Rome", but even then, she would be the recently-freed Roman Slave--certainly not the Mistress of the house!
Out with Ping...in with the rest...now onto more important matters: When are we going to see Jesse shirtless? Until next time kiddies.

H & M Shoulder Embellished Top!!

You know why we all craze about this H&M Embellished top? 


The color!! The pinkish-taupe color n' the delicate embellishment on the shoulders. 

You know how do we describe the shoulder patch? 


Ah...cause it doesn't look like H&M quality ..... haha.....!!!

Here are couple looks of us girls w/ the same top. I must say this top is so slouchy on most of us slender frames. 

This is Isabel w/ wider belt n' Hermes belt.

The wider belt makes the whole look more structured.

Roger Vivier taupe heels + H&M top + Hermes belt 
The wider belt look better on her. 

This is Pei w/ her cute rain boots bought in Japan. 

I switched to a patterned leggings instead.

My personal chair ..... Barcelona chair in brown leather!! 

No Sharing!! ha...:P

My ODJ.

1. Top:

• beige dress w/ layered skirt 
• H&M embellished top

2. Bottom: Kate spade navy pattern leggings

3. Accessory:

• Sonia Rykiel swarovski owl brooch bought at Paris (made as necklace)
• Chanel 08' metallic navy reissue 227 

4. Shoes:

Givenchy 09' wedge booties w/ chain

I like the look w/o belt better....there are way too much of fabric at bottom if I cinch it. 

Ah, I am preparing Valentine's party already...... love those tiny hearts, big hearts......

Don't forget to Love once more to that someone special of yours!!!

Good Times/Bad Times

GOOD TIMES

1) The wheels have been set in motion for my hen weekend in Edinburgh and luckily I have fantastic bridesmaids to help organise the whole thing. It’s taken such a weight off my shoulders coz I’ve got so many other things to sort out for the wedding. I’m currently running about 15 spreadsheets for various things…I’ve gone spreadsheet mad! I blame my fiancé, Chris. He’s a chemical engineer and everything he does at work is input to spreadsheets so he kinda got me into that, adding formulas etc. I can’t believe it…he’s finally turned me into a geek!ha ha.

2) Korres Jasmine Lip Butter – This has been my best friend for a week now. I have been laying off my By Terry Rose De Balm as I don’t want to say goodbye to it just yet! I have had this Korres Lip Butter sitting in a drawer for a while so I decided to break it out and keep it in my drawer at work. I like to have one lip balm in my bag for when I’m on the go, one at work and one next to the bed at home. I know it’s over the top but I just hate having cracked or chapped lips! This lip butter contains Shea Butter and Rice Wax and it’s just divine. It totally melts onto your lips and it’s tinted with a nice natural sheeny colour so it gives you a look of being ‘polished’ even though you’re only wearing a lip balm. My lips feel so soft and smooth…love it!
3) I’m really trying to follow a good strict beauty regime ahead of the wedding (ok, I’ve got months to go but the longer I do it, the better results I will see I guess). So, I’ve been doing hair masks twice a week and face masks once a week. I’ve also been applying serum or essential oils to my face before moisturising to fade any blemish scars or uneven skintone, exfoliating my whole body once or twice a week and moisturising my whole body every night (essential since I’m wearing a strapless wedding dress). Chris has complained about the moisturising coz he doesn’t particularly like the ‘slimey’ effect it gives my skin but I said “tough!”…this is for the greater good!ha ha. He did say to me recently “wow, I never realised how much work girls have to put into their appearance until I moved in with you”. I would have liked to have kept up the pretence we had for the first couple of months of our relationship that I looked like this naturally, but I think the magic is somewhat ruined when your partner sees you with facemasks on, stinking of fan tan or on those days when you just can’t be bothered. I remember the first time he saw me without makeup on, I hated it, but he told me I looked lovely (I know I didn’t, but it meant a lot that he said it).
4) I’ve discovered two products this week that work really well together. Benefit Hello Flawless Powder in Shell – This is actually designed to be a powder foundation but it doesn’t have enough coverage for me so I have found a better use for it in my case. I have been applying it VERY lightly with a kabuki over the top of Korres Wild Rose Foundation, which can sometimes make my skin look a teensy bit too shiny by lunchtime. BUT when I apply the Hello Flawless powder in the morning over my foundation, it gives my skin a nice soft matte glow that lasts ages. My skin really looks so flawless when I use that combo without looking cakey or heavy. That’s what I was wearing in my last post about the Sleek Face Contour Kit. I wouldn’t apply this powder over a foundation like Revlon Colourstay as it would be too much but it’s great to set lighter foundations.
5) I was at the hairdresser last night and I felt like my hair was getting a bit dull so I asked her to lift the colour a bit. It’s got really nice creamy blonde shades in it now and I’m so happy with it. It’s amazing how the right hair colour can totally change your complexion and make it seem brighter. I woke up today and did my makeup and it all just looked so much better!
Bad Times

1) Woke up to heavy snow this morning that appeared from nowhere. Nuff said.

2) I haven’t been able to go to the gym lately since I’ve had a head cold that just won’t shift. I wasn’t totally watching what I was eating since I kept thinking about the old saying “feed a cold”. That person obviously didn’t have a wedding in 6 months time! I feel like I’ve taken a few steps backwards with my weightloss and I hate that feeling. I really need to kick start my healthy eating and exercise regime tonight (yes, gym on a Friday night…I mean business!). I just want to get that ‘feel good’ thing again and I should be back on track in about 2 weeks but I just want it now!

Gone Legging Crazy!!

I have not forgotten those 5 ensembles I posted last week; However, there is always new inspiration each day. If you are interested in particular look, please let me know and I'd shift its rotation earlier. haha........


Anyway, I finally receive my Daddy Long Legs degraded leggings n' couldn't wait to try it on. I paired it w/ my slate colored leggings inside for extra warmth.

grrr... I forgot to adjust my scarf.

I bought this scarf at a street market in Paris in 2008 but always wonder that if it is actual a table cloth!!! ^O^

My ODJ.

1. Top: 

• Rubbish purple tank
• Lavender racer-back tank
• Vince asymmetrical leather jacket

2. Bottom: 

• slate leggings
• Daddy long legs flower degraded leggings

3. Accessory:

• scarf bought at ParisChanel 08' LTD metallic navy striped reissue 227

 4. Shoes: 

Nicolas kirkwood teal suede peep toe pump

I really like hosiery n' couldn't stop buying them whenever I found it intriguing!! And thanks to all the Power Yoga n' TRX to keep my legs toned!! Now I am looking into a personal trainer of Pilates!!

Go, girls, you at least need to find one exercise/work-out/activity to keep you looking sexy...oh, not that, to keep you healthy n' really pretty!!! :)

DO you remember this little quilted jacket of Millard Fillmore (our 13th president aka the Father of contemporary sports wear )? I am going to give it a face lift...so stay tuned!! :)

Those are little Chanel cosmetic pin set bought at Paris 08'!

Wonder Girls NOBODY US Debut Single HD MV

Have a fun Friday!!!

Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010: Elie Saab and Valentino does Rodarte???

House of Valentino needs to Focus plus Elie Saab Love...
Influenced: Rodarte Spring 2010 and Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010
The House of Valentino has gone through a couple of changes since Monsieur Garavani exited. First, they hired Alessandra Facchinetti to design and one Couture Season after, she was unceremoniously fired. Ever since, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, former Accessories designers for Valentino have been at the helm. I have to admit: I think they should have kept Facchinetti-- it was my favorite post-Garavani Valentino Haute Couture Collection. Case in point: For Spring/Summer 2010, Chiuri and Piccioli sent out some beautiful designs, BUT, it was very different from the season before...and the season prior to that....Make up your mind darlings. Are you "Classic Valentino... with a Twist"? Or are you Rodarte?
The color blocking, styling, and punk/apocalyptic make-up was very un-Valentino and more Blade Runner 2010... Can someone PLEASE explain this above? PLEASE??? It should be on a Fashionista test: "For $5,000, can anyone identify the designer of this dress?" I bet that 99.9 % would NOT have said "House of Valentino". That might NOT be a good thing kiddies...
However, there were some moments of "Valentino Clarity": As in this limoncello-colored silk chiffon gown. I would love to see someone wear this gown to the Oscars. Seriously. That actress would certainly be a stand out! (Sans that eye blindfold, of course!).
Valentino Preview Video Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010


Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010
Elie Saab
Pastels reigned for Spring 2010 at the Elie Saab Haute Couture show. Saab has been accused of being repetitive in his designs and once again, if you breeze through this 44 look collection it almost looks like you are viewing many of the same gowns over and over again. But Elie Saab knows his client (multi-millionaire Chinese women, Persian Gulf and Eastern Europe DIVAS!) and delivers exactly what she wants. One has to understand that in Haute Couture, if someone orders a dress that costs upwards of $100,000, very often you want to be the ONLY person who owns this one-of-a-kind garment. Therefore, Saab intelligently offers multiple variations on his exquisite creations giving each woman the "Elie Saab Look" but different enough to call her own.The one variation in the collection were two chiffon gowns that were created using a very large floral watercolor print. Although not for everyone, these prints certainly stood out amongst the sea of beaded frocks and looked perfect for a Swedish Princess.

Elie Saab Preview Video Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010