Nick Verreos brings Macy's Fashion Director to Tampa Florida this Saturday, April 3rd!!

Macy's Westshore Plaza presents a LIVE Fashion Challenge hosted by ME!!!!!
I will be coming to Tampa Florida and bringing the Macy's Fashion Director Online Competition to LIFE...on a stage and a mini-runway! I will select shoppers to style models with Macy's clothing and accessories showing the top trends for Spring 2010 and possibly have a chance to win a $100 Macy's Gift Card!Now, Tampa is the HEADQUARTERS for the Home Shopping Network/HSN so y'all need to BRING IT ON!!!! If anyone knows style and shopping, it should be Tampa Florida!
I'll be expecting FABUUUUUUULOUSNESS!!! I'm bringing my camera to document it ALL and put it in a future posting right HERE. In other words, you better be looking cute!

Where: Macy's Westshore Plaza Tampa, Florida
When: Saturday April 3rd, 2 PM

MARIPOL at Marc by Marc Jacobs Store on Melrose THIS SATURDAY!!!

MARIPOLMANIA!!!Giving Face: Maripol and Madonna

EXCLUSIVE FASHION ALERT: Maripol Makes an Appearance!!
A "Little Birdie" just informed me that the one and only MARIPOL--yes, Maripol of those "Madonna black rubber bracelets" fame--will be at the Marc by Marc Jacobs store in Los Angeles this Saturday afternoon to sign books and discuss her new collaboration with Marc Jacobs which includes iconic rubber jewelry and t-shirts based on drawings from back in the day when she was hanging out with the "FAB SET", including Debbie Harry, Keith Haring, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. Some of my favorite items from her Marc by Marc Jacobs/Maripol Collaboration include:This "Ball-and-Chain" key chain, which I actually own. I love it so much, I wear it EVERYWHERE and literally are attached to my hip, well, my belt loop! You should see the people's faces when I try to go through security at the airport with these! It's SOOO worth the giggle! I also love this...
gold chain necklace--I could just see the FASHION DIVA walking into the NY Standard Hotel ordering a drink with one of these on her neck! Of course, it's inspired from the Madonna "Like A Virgin" album cover.The items are packaged with identifying photos reminiscent of the Polaroids Maripol took which documented those epic years as shown in her book, Maripolorama.
Here are the Details Kiddies:
When: Saturday April 3rd
Where: Marc by Marc 8410 Melrose Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90069
Time: 1-4 PM
More Info: Call 323-653-0100

J'adore Dior!

I have been a very, very bad girl! After reading Tali's posts recently on the Dior Ultra Shimmering All Over Face Powder in Amber Diamond here, I just HAD to buy it! I am a certified highlighter addict and I thought it looked so tempting! The product looked amazing on Tali and her friends and I wanted a piece of that action! But along the way, I managed to slip another item in my online basket...the Dior Bronze Matte Sunshine Bronzer in Honey Matte. The Dior packaging always makes my mouth water, it's luxurious looking, sturdy and always looks gorgeous. I also love the felt pouches they provide to stop your compacts getting all grubby. These products are NOT cheap but I think they are well worth it when you consider the high quality they provide and how good you feel when you're wearing them.

I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I opened the Amber Diamond compact, it's sooooo pretty and shimmery and gorgeous! I love the Dior logo set into the powder and also the different panels of colour...

This highlighter is perfect for creating a really lovely glow on the cheeks that is in no way glittery or overly shimmery. The powder itself is buttery smooth and the shades varying from opalescent white to golden peach to golden amber are just divine. This is actually a challenger for being crowned my favourite highlighter (previous title holder being Nars Albatross!). If you love Albatross then you will love this, it's warmer in shade but equally as amazing. Here's how it looks on the skin...
The bronzer in Honey Matte is a product I wanted to get because often, I don't like to use bronzers in the daytime that have shimmer in them, they're fine for night time use but for the day, you want to have a natural looking glow and fool people into thinking you have the perfect complexion! I always laugh when people tell me I have a lovely skintone because more often than not, it's all down to fake tan or bronzer (I WISH I was that colour naturally but alas it's not to be!). I had never tried a Dior bronzer before so I was interested to see how this one would compare to other matte bronzers I own such as Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Soft Matte. This is what the product looks like in the pan....

Once again, a delicious design that just makes this bronzer so desirable! The Honey Matte shade is super natural and just adds the right amount of colour to my complexion. It's really smooth to apply, non streaky and long lasting. It's a cinch to blend in and doesn't look at all powdery on the skin. I must admit that I almost didn't want to ruin the design in the pan though!

Here are the swatches....

I am soooo glad I got both of these products, they were expensive but so worth it. I love how luxurious they feel to use, I love how they look on my skin and I love the packaging. So that's another couple of things crossed off my lust list. I really want to try the Dior Maximiser Gloss so that may be my next Dior purchase!

This will be my last post until next week guys...it was my last day at my current workplace and I have to admit that there was a chorus of "HALLELUJAH!" ringing in my head as I walked out of the door at 5pm. I feel liberated and I'm really excited about the future. I am heading off to my fiance's homeland of Ireland tomorrow to visit his parents and I will be away until Tuesday so I will catch you guys when I get back!

Be good girlies!

Paris Fall/Winter 2010 Runway Show Videos: Viktor & Rolf, John Galliano, Dior and Lanvin!!!

Fashion Shows and More Fashion Shows...During this most recent Fall/Winter 2010 Paris Fashion Week, we saw lots of Layering (quelle surprise), tailored suiting and coats (Viktor & Rolf above), lots of folkloric accents (Dior) and...ethno-influences (Galliano Russian Mongolian Princess above). There was also... Liquid bias cut Hollywood Glamour/1930's gowns (Galliano above) and a continued mood for off-kilter draping usingMetallics and soft liquid fabrics such as wool jerseys (Lanvin above) or...Stiffer Wool fabrications (Lanvin above). And then there was the dynamic duo of Viktor & Rolf. Using 90's Supermodel Kristen McMenamy as their "Head Mistress", they decided to pay a sort of homage to their decade old "Babushka Couture Collection" and bring McMenamy onto the runway wearing practically the entire collection and then peeling each piece off her and adding it to the corresponding models. See for yourself in the Viktor & Rolf Fall 2010 Fashion Show. And enjoy the other runway videos I have included as well...

Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show--Part 1:

Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 2:

Click Below for the John Galliano Fall/Winter 2010/11 Runway Show:

Click Below for the Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11--Part 1:

Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2010/11 Part 2:

Lanvin by Albert Elbaz Fall/Winter 2010/11 Edited Video:

Beauty From The Inside Out With H2O

Hi Beauties,

I know most of you already know how to cover up bad skin with foundation and concealer. But the condition of your skin (under your makeup) is usually a direct result of what you put inside your body. You've all heard it before, you need water every day and exercise.

I have to be frank, I am terrible at drinking water and I don't really work out either (unless you count my 2 days of jogging I did in the neighborhood last week when it was sunny).

Last week, I downloaded and Application on my Iphone that reminds me of how many glasses of water I need to drink per day based on my weight. It's genius! 

I never thought that I could be into the drinking water thing but now I get a reminder every time I look at my phone, now I'm on track to great skin.

Here are some facts about water and your body:

1. Fines lines in the skin appear prematurely because of dehydration.

2. Chapped lips can be caused by dehydration.

3. Water helps your body get rid of toxins which in turn clear your skin and prevent acne.

4. Every cell in your body needs water. Your blood is 94% water. Your brain is 85% water.

5. Headaches can originate by lack of water intake. This is because the body resorts to water in your brain.


Drink Up!

The Real Look of Michael Angel Digital Print Shirt/Dress!!

So I have piled on a lot of clothes over this Michael Angel dress shirt. Now is the time to appreciate its whole look up closer.


You know what's the problem of wearing a runway or designer clothes when there is some model or celebrity wearing it. 


......... 
Afraid of being compared......
"WHO WEARS IT BETTER??????"
.........


That's right!! I hate that column in the magazine. But again, reading that provides a lot of entertainment to me, so never take it seriously. hah... 

Beauty comes differently in every eye, isn't it!!!!

 
Michael Angel spring 2010 collection 


Show time~~

My ODJ. 

1. Top:

• Michael Angel shirt dress
• Lerario Beatriz WASHED WOOL VEST

2. Bottom: BJB leather-like leggings

3. Accessory:

Designer friend, Elfi's 14K gold purple swarovski cluster necklace

HOBO International faux snake skin clutch

Erickson Beamon for Target clear cluster earrings

4. Shoes:

• Alexander McQueen square toe satin heels  
• Sam Edelman taupe gladiator sandals

I love the peep-out look of hot pink from the bottom of A. McQueen heels.





Today, I am not in a mood of dressing "high" at all. 
I actually wear this sandal all day of doing chores!! 

I also use safety pins to secure two side of the shirt to make that curved hem.

Hope you get lots of inspiration of reading my blog everyday!!^O^

xoxo Rachel

Nick Verreos and Macy's: Sacramento California!!!

Double Breasted in "Old Town" Sacramento!!!The Capitol Building in Sacramento California

This last weekend--after Houston and Orlando--I flew to Sacramento, California. No, not to re-style "The Governator", Arnold Schwarzenegger, but to continue my Macy's "Tour" where I host fabulous fashion events at local Macy's promoting their Fashion Director site, and get the shoppers involved by allowing them to take the Macy's Fashion Challenge and put together Spring 2010 looks for "special challenges" and have everyone vote on the Best Look. Nick and His Girls: Nick Verreos with the SF Ford Models, Macy's Sacramento

As I exited the Sacramento International Airport , the weather was GORGEOUS so I was ready to have a stunning event! After getting picked up by the one-and-only Johnny of Johnny's Towncar of Sacramento, we drove straight to my Macy's Sacramento location in the Westfield Downtown Plaza Shopping Center. I made sure to dress very Political Business with a dash of Thurston Howell III (from Gilligan's Island) since after all, I was in the State Capital!Sacramento Peaches: Nick Verreos poses with the Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team

Once there, I got right to business and proceeded to get on the intercom system and began announcing my event: "Hi Macy's Shoppers...It's Nick Verreos, Designer, Project Runway alumn and red carpet fashion expert...come to my Macy's Fashion Director event...and win a Macy's Gift Card!". I also walked outside and into the Mall and passed out invites, telling shoppers to stop by and take the Macy's Fashion Challenge. Bring It On: The Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team bust a move

At one point, I met the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team! They wanted to take photos so in return, I asked them to show me their best move. And they did it, right there IN THE MALL! Audience Snapshot: Nick Verreos Macy's Sacramento Event

I guess all my shenanigans did the trick, because there were over 200 people waiting for me as I made my way onto the stage--including the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team!You Got The Job: Model showing off the "Interview" look styled by one of the Sacramento audience members, Macy's Sacramento

For Sacramento, there were Three Challenges: 1) Put Together Your Best Interview Ensemble; 2) Style An Outfit to Meet Martha Stewart; and 3) Style an Outfit for a Beyonce Concert. I chose the contestants by pulling names from a hat, and they each had 2 minutes to style their models, provided by the San Francisco division of the esteemed Ford Modeling Agency. Yes, I only travel with THE BEST kiddies! Posin': Stylist Liz Baca and Nick Verreos, Macy's Sacramento

The clothes and accessories were hand-picked by the fabulous Liz Baca, my Macy's Sacramento Stylist and fab Vintage Clothing "Treasure Hunter". She was great in making things easy for me and for the contestants and did a great job to convey the Spring 2010 Macy's Trends. She also happens to be an FIDM San Francisco Graduate of the Merch/Marketing Dept ('98).All The Single Ladies: The Winning "Beyonce Concert" outfit

After the three challenges concluded, it was up to the audience to chose the Overall Winning Look and its winning "Fashion Director". The winner was from the "What Would You Wear To a Beyonce Concert" Challenge. As a result, the winning contestant won a $250 Macy's Gift Card!!! I was told later that she was also the first person to arrive before my event began! Well, you know she was the FIRST PERSON I wanted to take a photo with (see above). Love her! Congratulations to her and her great "fashion eye".
After the event was finished, lots of fans and shoppers alike were waiting for autographs and to take more photos. I was so excited to see one particular one, who had purchased my Project Runway My Scene Barbie on Ebay, bought it, and brought it for me to sign!
Once done with my event, I had several hours before I would catch my flight back to Southern California and my trusty driver Johnny decided to take me into Old Town Sacramento where I enjoyed a nice late lunch, people watched and walked the streets in search for the perfect "Governator" t-shirt. Needless to say, I didn't find one that would go with my Double-Breasted jacket! Maybe next time.

How To Get The Bright Undereye Like Kim Kardashian

One of the most popular questions for Kim Kardashian's Makeup artist is: How did you create the bright concealer under Kim's Eyes?

He's already revealed some of his secret on Spoiled Pretty.com.

FULL coverage concealer (cream) applied with a blending brush + Blend with a damp sponge + Translucent powder on top with the same sponge. Brush off the excess powder.

Mario D sometimes uses a lighter shade loose powder to set the concealer. When the flash goes off, the undereye area appears much brighter.

TIP: Using a little brightening powder like Laura Mercier Secret Brightening or Benefit Powderflage will help diffuse light and hide dark cicles under the eyes.

Hope that helps!

PS: Another trick Mario does is, he will use a powder bronzer around the hairline and hollows of the cheeks. This contouring technique makes the highlighted concealer to appear more obvious.

Kim Kardashian's Natural Glow Makeup Look

Hi Beauties!

I was so excited when Kim Kardashian's Makeup Artist, Mario posted this look on his blog. It is by far one of my favorite Kim Kardashian looks and I think alot of people also asked him to post the "Get the Face".

Here it is!

On skin-  Creme de la Mer Moisturizing Cream all over skin first.  NARS sheer glow foundation in Barcelona applied with a sponge.  

Under eyes, use Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer in Meduim Vanilla.  Set the face with Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder in #2 using very little.

Brows are filled in with Brow Sculpting Pencil by Sephora, in Medium.  Brush them through with the opposite end of the pencil once filled in.

Eyes –  Sweep Josie Maran EyeShadow in Vintage all over the lid.  On the crease and also smoked along the lower lashine, use Cacao EyeShadow, also by Josie Maran.  Line the upper lash line with Sephoras Doe Eyed Felt eyeliner in Black.  L’oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black on top and bottom lashes.  For some added drama, use the long individual false lashes by Ardell on the outter upper corners.

Warm up and frame the face with Smashbox bronzer in Suntanne Matte.  Also brush some on the hollows of the cheeks.  Sweep NYC New York Color Color Wheel in Peach Glow on the apples of the cheeks and a bit across the forehead and chin.

To get that gorgeous, glowing skin, use EYE M GLAM highlighter.  Brush it on your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose and right on the cupids bow of upper lip.  I also used it on her brow bones and inner corner of her eyes.

Line lips with Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide on Lip Pencil in Heavy (shimmery nude shade).  Use Captivating Coral lipstick by Motives and follow with Covergirl Wetslicks gloss in Fig.

XOXO,

Awilda

Weekend Family Fun Time n' I Rock w/ Chanel Tattoo!!

It is very unusual for all of us family wearing sneakers at the same time. Today is an coincidence. 

Daffodil is almost finishing its blossom, right now is the time for tulips...and then Roses in the summer! (I don't know what's the name of this flower I took... :P)

Top: Y-3 white shirt, Splendid quarter sleeves stripes shirt

Bottom: Mango tweed pants

Accessory: Diesel white mesh suspenser

Balenciaga violet part-time 08'

Converse black n' pink ankle sneakers

So, another wardrobe essential is a nice white shirt. Any kind, ruffle, no collar, short sleeves or long sleeves or sleeveless..... get all of them!! ^O^ I think they count into ONE category within 10 wardrobe essentials. ha~

Let's onto Chanel tattoo!!

I have to make sure the pearl bracelet goes all around my arm. So there are 6 patterns I used here. 

Now you know how strong my arm is .... :P. (A bird (w/ that CC logo), single pearl, a long pearl string, two two-pearl strings, CC logo charm. )

Those Chanel tattoo are too precious, I had compliments from men and then a girl asks me where did I purchased. It seems they sold out those tattoos!!

I think I have to give a proper thank-you lunch to Irene for sharing her tattoo w/ me ~~~

Off we went to Santana Row today!!


You know, the last minute shop in farmer's market is not too bad....except you think they don't have anything fresh left for you. However, the chance is they might want to sell you the left-over produce before the market closing and offer you a good deal. 
I bought 6 baskets of strawberry for $8. I think it is a pretty awesome deal. ^O^ 


Have a good Monday.... oh, couldn't wait for spring break comes.
We are flying to Maui, any suggestion? I know we could at least take kids to watch a whale up closer if we are lucky!!!!
xoxo Rachel