Music to my ears

My beautiful friend Amina has recently embarked on her solo singing career. 

Even though we grew up together, her passion for music still astounds me every day. I have always encouraged her to follow her dream and am so happy to be able to be a small part of her journey.

I really hope you guys can join me in supporting her by checking out her myspace page here, where you can listen to her stunning, soulful voice. My favourite song is "I miss U".

If you are interested in reading more, you can also check out her latest interview for Fashion Records here.

All the photos used in the article, as well as on her myspace were created by myself (makeup, hair, styling, photography, editing etc.) so I would really appreciate your feedback!

 Thank you all so much my lovelies, I know this isn't really the type of post I normally write, but I know the industry is a very tough one, so we both really value your support!! xxx

Pre-Fall 2010 Shoes I Love!

Hi Beauties!

Fall 2010 is almost here and the stores are quickly gearing up for Back To School shoppers. Personally, my favorite season is the Summer. However, I go crazy for winter clothes and boots of course.

As usual, I did some online window-shopping and wanted to share some of my faves (Low and High End).

 Let me know what you think!

XOXO,

Awilda

I Can't Get Enough Of This!

I confess. I am obsessed.

Starbucks Passion Tea Lemonade (sweetened).

Has anyone tried this? I love it so much that I ordered the tea and sweetener to make it at home!

XOXO,

Awilda

Nick Verreos Project Runway Season 8 Blog Premieres on MyLifetime.com!!

I'M BAAACK...writing my Project Runway Recaps, that is!

Hi Project Runway fans! As you already know (of course!), the Premiere Episode of Project Runway Season 8 happened last night! Even though I am in Europe, I got to see it! Lifetime asked me to write the recaps for this brand new season so of course, I "made it work", almost 6,000 miles away from my LA home!Nick Verreos says "Bonjour" from Paris France, YSL Retrospective Petit Palais

Here's to a new season of our beloved show and hope you read--and enjoy--all my Recaps which will be published on the MyLifetime.com website the day following each episode.
Here's a "tease" of my First Recap:
Bonjour Designers! I am in Europe and happen to be writing this first Recap from Paris. The City of Lights and The City of Fashion! Yes, I know: Shut The Front Door! Thanks to the magic of hotel satellite TV, I can "Make It Work"! So let's get started.

We're BAAAACK!

Tim has dry cleaned his suits and wiped his glasses clean; Heidi has a new shag-a-delic 'do; Michael is re-bronzed and Nina has polished her new Louboutin's. This could only mean one thing: Project Runway is back! Seven seasons and...

Click HERE to continue reading my entire recap of Episode One of Project Runway Season 8

Rapidlash

Let's talk eyelashes ladies.

We all know I love my makeup, this blog wouldn't exist if it wasn't one of my passions. However, on a day-to-day basis I feel as I have got older I have become more comfortable with my looks and can get away with fewer cosmetics. There are however certain things I still obsess about - clear skin and eyelashes. Even if I am running to a dance classes or popping out to buy Diet Coke I will always take a second to dab on some concealer (be it for blemishes, or just to hide the effects of yet another late night on my under eye area) and mascara. There is nothing more flattering than mascara, it opens the eyes, defines them and creates instant impact with minimal fuss. I am always on the look out for the next best thing, but I have come to realise that no matter how good the formulation (or hefty the price tag) as mother nature hasn't blessed me with naturally long, full lashes I will never be satisfied.

Some of you may remember that last Spring I started using Lilash. It worked wonders on my lashes and after 8 weeks they were so long and curly that I even had to trim a few just to keep them in check. Just look at them with one tiny coat of mascara. They may be a little too spidery for some, but I loved them.

I know they are just eyelashes, but I'm vain like that. Unfortunately, as you all know the effects are not permanent and after I finished the tube (and had scraped out every last drop) I was not looking forward to splurging out another £90. So now I am back to square one... tiny little lashes, that even the best mascara can't fix.

A year later, with many positive reviews spurring me on, and I have decided to embark on my second lash enhancing experiment. I purchased Rapidlash online from Boots.com for the slightly less hefty price of £39.99. Meet my new friend Rapidlash:

This baby promises to thicken and improve the appearance of lashes in 8 weeks. I am not going to go into the glaucoma medication mumbo jumbo, of course there are dangers (some people worry about irritation and change of eye colour), but as I had no significant issues with Lilash, fingers crossed this will work just as well.  

With proteins, vitamins and moisturising agents it claims to provide protection against breakage, replenish and rejuvenate, provide strength and shine, provide superior hydation and improve flexibility and elasticity. Enticing no?

So here are my little lashes after two weeks of use. 

Of course I am not expecting any results yet, but what I have noticed is a tiny bit of swelling and pink around my lid. (I had this before with Lilash so I am not worried. My eyes are extremely sensitive and many makeup products tend to make my eyes a little irritated).

So there we have it. Let the journey begin. I shall see you here in 6 weeks to document my findings. I'm not going to lie... I'm expecting miracles ;).

Have you tried any ash growth products? What have been your experiences? Are you tempted? xxx

Whatever!!

The Details. 

My ODJ. 


Barney's Warehouse Sale!!

I heart Jil Sander Heels. 







KOI Jasper Cape!


So that's it!!!!!!! That's all I scored today... ^O^


Stay focus~~~
xoxo Rachel 

My Absolute Favorite Nail Polish!

Hi Beauties,

I'm sorry I've been long for so long. I've been going through some life changes (good ones, thank God) and I've just had a hard time updating the blog. 

Anyway, along with my makeup collection, I have a weakness for nail polish. I realized last week when I went in for my manicure/pedicure that I have an absolute Favorite Nail Polish. It is OPI Pink Flamingo.

It is a rich and creamy vibrant pink. Everytime, I visit my nail salon I feel the other pinks appear not-worthy. LOL

Here's a photo I found online. Gorge!

Do you have a favorite color?

Source: www.vampyvarnish.com

XOXO,

Awilda

Nick Verreos and Althea Harper Meet Up in Florence Italy!!!

Ciao Italia!
Italian Couple: Althea Harper and Nick Verreos pose at the Hotel Continentale rooftop bar with a view of the Campanile of the Palazzo Vecchio

Hi kiddies--and faithful nickverreos.com followers! Sorry I have not been updating the blog, but I have been in Europe! I know: Shut Up! I have been in Italy and France for both work and pleasure. And this is the first break I have gotten so I felt the urge to give you a "sneak peak" of what's more to come. Over a week ago, I flew to Florence Italy to give a lecture as part of Miami University of Ohio's Summer In Italy Program (second year in a row that I have been invited!!).
As a "Double Project Runway Bonus", not only did I fly to Florence but so did Season 6 Finalist, Althea Harper. Yep, she joined me in Florence to also give a lecture! Of course, I will give you the full Recap later but I just wanted to give you a "tease", including the photos you see here.
View of the Arno River, Florence Italy

I had an AMAZING time---even though it was about 100 degrees and the humidity was well, it felt like 70 % (lots of sweating darlings--not cute!). But if I'm going to sweat, I'd rather be in Florence doing it...and with the beautiful Althea...and about 50 lovely students from Miami University of Ohio!
On Top: Nick Verreos at the top of the Santa Maria del Fiore (le Duomo) Florence Italy

I just left the Amalfi Coast, and the gorgeous city of Positano and now I am in Paris--I HAVE to go see the Yves Saint Laurent Retrospective at the Petit Palais! Stay tuned for my full "Europe 2010 Recap" soon!
Ciao!

Garden Girl

A fun, bright tropical look perfect for the summer!

*****You can now get 10% OFF the Garden Girl Palette featured in this video by entering the coupon code "Natalya" at checkout @ www.cocobeau.co.uk*****




I must apologise for the horrendous lighting! It was a really sunny day so the light coming in from the left has made the left eye look much lighter than the right in this video. Just look at the pictures for a better representation of the makeup :).

Products used:
Sheer Cover foundation
MUFE concealer

UDPP
BeeLuscious Garden girl palette (from http://www.cocobeau.co.uk/index.php?m...
Eyeshadows: denim blue, washed denim, yellow diamond, distressed khaki and envy.
Besame face powder
Urban decay 24/7 liner in zero
Estee Lauder Sumptuous volume mascara

Coral Sun blush
Micro Tickled Pink Lipstick

I hope you guys enjoyed this video! Thank you all so much for watching! xxx

Curly Wurly

So many of you have sent me messages asking me how I do my hair in the mornings (since most of the time I have curly hair in my Work It Out post series). I didn't think this was really worthy of a tutorial, or even a post as I really spend no time on my hair in the morning, and it usually takes as long as I have before I must get out of the door (so 5-10mins max).

Now, had I been blessed with lovely glossy hair this would be understandable, but I unfortunately was not. My lovelies, you have to understand that my hair is CRAZY. I know many people state this, but really I don't believe them, and many of my friends didn't until they saw mine in its natural state (read angry lion mane). It is curly, wavy, frizzy, Monica-esque and takes hours to dry. So much so that if I go to bed with wet hair it will still be wet (not damp) in the morning. Therefore, it is a daily gruesome battle and the only thing that saves me hours of blow drying or straightening is the Babyliss curling wand.

This baby heats up in seconds and let's me tame the frizz into curls. I usally do about 4 sections on each side and alternate the directions of the curl (wrapping away from my face at the front and towards at the back). It's super easy and simple. Then I just pull my fingers through my hair to separate the curls, add a few quick sprays of hairspray and some serum or a little argan oil and I am ready to face the world. Taaa-daaa!

If I could only have one hair tool in the World, it would undoubtedly be this one. It is amazing. Try it, buy it, you won't regret it! xxx

P.S. I got mine on e-bay for under £30.

Taut!

Michael Angel Designs is having a sale online. Check it out!!


When my brain is actually working, I pair colors coordinating w/ prints better. Friends ask me how to tone legs, I say: squads! ^O^ I am not skinny so my legs are not skinny but I exercise to tighten every muscle of my legs. 

This heels is not the best match, I first thought!

Then I thought Stella Luna gladiator heels is a great alternative.
Heels + Socks = A Must DO! 

My ODJ. 


1. Top:

• Marc by Marc Jacobs doll t-shirt
• Some brand baby blue asymmetrical blazer (A Fad)

2. Bottom:
Gap tartan shorts

• 3. Accessory:
• Charcoal Gray socks
• Chanel matte black reissue 226 

4. Shoes:
Stella Luna gladiator heels (bought at Taiwan)

I love both Stella McCartney for Adidas' collection and Alexander McQueen for Puma's collection and every now and then I'd check both out!! (I don't know if they'd continue A. McQueen for Puma) 


Work high fashion sports wear into your fashion wardrobe is actually a good idea!!! ^O^ 

Love you all looking fabulous!
xoxo Rachel