SAG Awards Red Carpet

SAG GLAM...The Forties: Sandra Bullock Takes a Risk on her Shoulder Padded and keyhole neckline Alexander McQueen gown at the 2010 SAG Awards (love it!)

In lieu of the fact that we didn't do a Red Carpet Fashion Wrap for the Screen Actors Guild/SAG Awards for the TV Guide network, I decided to give my "Nick's Take" on who I thought looked amazing and what I thought may not have worked 100%. To begin with, it seemed like there was a lot more risk taking--or people were more "adventuresome" here at the SAG Awards Red Carpet--when it came to choosing gowns and dresses. White After Labor Day? Kate Hudson in a Pucci low back white jersey gown, 2010 SAG Awards Red Carpet

I remember when the Golden Globes used to be the award show where actresses would be a little more "risky" in their red carpet choices (Hello, remember Lara Flynn Boyle?) but now it seems that the SAG Awards is possibly the place for that. Here were some of my faves:

Diane Kruger:When I saw Diane Kruger on the red carpet, she took my breath away: Simply gorgeous! From the top of her off-kilter chignon to the last 1/4" of the trailing hem, she was perfect. I was sure that it was a gown form a European design house, such as Chanel or Valentino and was happy to see that it was not.I n fact it was by American Jason Wu (of Michelle Obama fame) influenced from a dress in his Spring 2010 Collection (seen in the photo above). She took a risk wearing that color; many people can't pull off that shade of mustard (and I'm sure there were some people that weren't fans of it) but I think it worked on Kruger.

Marion Cotillard:
Marion Cotillard wore an Elie Saab fully beaded cocktail number from his Fall/Winter 2009 "All White" Couture Collection , estimated to cost around $20,000. I absolutely LOVED this collection but I am not sure if I would have picked this particular dress. The silhouette almost looked "padded" at the hips. Cotillard would go under the "risk taker" category in choosing this dress--at least in my "style book". The top section is sensually sublime, with it's draped cowl and asymmetrical padded shoulder-- it's the bottom half that "bugs".

Anna Paquin:
Anna Paquin was one of those who took a risk in wearing this to the SAG Awards. It's a custom Alexander McQueen dress inspired by his AMAZING Spring 2010 Reptilian-Dinosaur-Skeleton Collection. She knew that print would not make friends--especially with the "OMG what is she wearing? I just don't get it...I would NEVER wear that!" crowd (you know who you are, Khloe Kardashian of E! Fashion Police). But the fact that she "went there", well, I am giving her "Nick Verreos Points" for that.

Meryl Streep:
Alright, it's official: I love this woman! Meryl Streep looked like aristocracy straight out of "Hola!" Magazine in this printed silk gown by designer Nicolas Ghesquiere for Balenciaga Fall 2009 (I know that Salma Hayek wore it before but I think Meryl looked waaay better). The padded 1940's-like shoulders, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist: You Go Meryl! The finished up-do, black clutch, and open-toe heels were the Cherry on this "Couture Cake".
See you next time at the Grammy Awards!

Reviewing the Ladies: Nick Verreos Scores the US National Figure Skating Championship Finals

Rating The Figure Skating Finals...Costumes!
Congratulations to the delightful Rachael Flatt, who landed SEVEN (I know!!!) triple jumps including a triple flip-triple toe loop combination. Translation (to those non-figure skating fans): She did REALLY REALLY well! As a result, she garnered the Gold at this year's U. S. National Figure Skating Championships and a spot on the 2010 U. S. Olympics Team. Go Rachael!
I am so happy for her--I had the privilege of meeting Rachael last year and even discussed designing a costume for her. Who knows? But I am sure she's already "taken care of" and wouldn't need "little ol' me" to design and create her Olympic-worthy costume. Speaking of her costumes, for her Long--Rachmaninoff-program, Rachael wore a red beaded number featuring a flirty skirt, and gold embroidered bodice. So perfect for her ivory skin-tone and amber-blond hair. Pretty and elegant yet still youthful and un-fussy.
Score: 8.5 out of 10.

Coming in Second Place was Mirai Nagasu. Along with Rachael Flatt, Nagasu will also be heading North--to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. She also wore a red costume for her Long Program (red was popular!) but hers was a deeper, more "Spanish" red, reflecting Bizet's "Carmen"--which is what she skated to. It was a "sweet" Carmen.
I, for one, love the drama and sexuality of Katarina Witt's Carmen (in which she won the Gold Medal) I would have loved to have seen Bolero-esque shoulder treatments (like a fighting Toreador)but I realize that's not really what Mirai is about. So for that, the costume design was on the safe route: It did not detract from her program but it didn't add anything either.
Score: 6.5 out of 10.

Most years, THREE women head to the Olympics for the chance of winning that Gold Medal, but because it is based on the placements from the previous World Championships (and the US Women did not do so well--oops!), there will only be TWO heading to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. With that in mind the dreaded Third Spot went to...Ashley Wagner. In regards to her Ombre-Purple re-embroidered costume--you can read HERE what I thought about it back in December when she came in Third at the ISU Grand Prix in Tokyo Japan Here's a hint: On the fence.
Score: 6 out of 10.

One of my Season 2 Project Runway Guest Judges and Challenge Subjects, Sasha Cohen, struggled throughout her Moonlight Sonata Free Skate. I SO wanted her to BRING IT! She kinda did--and kinda did not. She was credited with only one clean triple jump (in the program) and got Fourth Place and (obviously) no position to go to this 2010 Vancouver Winter's U.S. Olympic Team. In terms of her costume, I really liked the "Kool-Aid" grape-colored Ombre dyed (an theme?) color. I LOVED the crystal-beaded neck but that over-sized shirred bust was a tad bit to wide and I must admit, bothered me.
Score: 7 out of 10.

Well, now were off to Vancouver...maybe not me, Ashley or Sasha...but I cannot wait for our next "Rate The Figure Skating Costumes"...LIVE from Los Angeles California!

Daily Diary: Day 1 Street Chic .... Inspiration of Runway Ann Demeulemeester......

I own nothing from Ann Demeulemeester's collection but always fascinated by its intriguing details/prints on the fabric. As far as I am concerned, I enjoy their runway look book at this moment just as much as wearing them in the future. ^O^

Today I stole that look n' came out a new ensemble from my wardrobe.

MY ODJ!

1. Top:

• Y3 gray turtleneck w/ 3/4 sleeves
• Lauren Moshi gray zebra tank
• For Joseph slate/gray leather vest

2. Bottom:

Dolce Vita jersey jeans leggings

3. Accessory:

• A. Wang gray Coco duffel bag w/ studs
• Y3 wool hat

4. Shoes: Costume National navy oxford heels

I am Ilona....

Hope you have a great start on Monday!!

Fashion Report: The Over-The-Knee Boots Trend Marches On

We’ve all picked up a gossip magazine or read a celebrity blog and know that Over The Knee (OTK) boots are the hottest trend right now. I love shoes and OTK boots are no exception! However, this trend could be a little tricky to wear especially because it reminds us of the oldest profession in history …prostitution! Remember Pretty Lady? If these boots are worn the wrong way, people will not hesitate to judge you.

I put together a quick how-to on this hot trend. I hope this helps some of you.

DISCLAIMER: I am by no means, a fashion authority. Just hoping to point out some quick tips so you don’t commit a fashion DON’T.

Remember: Celebrities like Rihanna, don’t normally follow these rules. She is a public figure and being theatrical in her industry is preferred. We, the mere mortals need to be conscientious of our appearance in order to keep our jobs. (lol)







Read On For More

Over-The-Knee VS Thigh-High Boots
Thigh-High boots push the edge on “flashy/trashy”. If you do decide to go with Thigh-High's, be sure to wear non-body-hugging pieces on top. A good way to wear THIGH-HIGHs is to pair with leggings, tights, loose fitting dresses or with a long loose fitting-wrap sweater. Try to avoid low necklines and too-short hemlines on dresses.

Over-The-Knee Boots on Short Girls

No one wants to feel left out of a trend because of their height. I am 5’1” and for me this is a major challenge because OTK boots have a tendency to make you look stumpy. If you are vertically-challenged, like me, be sure to find boots that don’t hit too high on your thighs. The issue of the heel height is debatable and it’s really down to how comfortable you are in heels. I would wear these boots with a 2-3” heel so I don’t look too pressed on to the floor. Also, Keep the top portion of the outfit simple. Sweater dresses, leggings, loose fitting tops. When buying these OTK boots, definitely try them at the store. Thin shorter girls are at an advantage because thinner legs appear longer.

Over-The-Knee Boots on Tall Girls
Knock yourself out in these boots. You, my friend, have probably been blessed with long legs and these boots just look amazing on you. Pair them with leggings and loose fitting tops and you’re in business. Just keep in mind to not show too much on top to avoid looking "cheap" and more like a fashionista.

Leather VS Suede

Leather is definitely a litte bit more flashy. I would avoid Patent leather styles, this screams “trashy”. Suede boots are more demure (and quite hot this season). Try them in flats!

Are OTK Boots Safe For Work?

This is completely on a case by case basis. If you work in fashion or in creative, most likely you are ok. If your company has a no-jeans rule, this is probably not a good place to wear your OTK boots.

Final Thoughts
The bottom line is that these boots should be used to accentuate your outfit,  they are not a piece of clothing (even though they cover your legs). Try on a few outfits with your boots in front of a mirror and be honest with yourself. Happy Shopping!

XOXO,
Awilda

Let me know what think about this. Agree/Disagree?

FOTD: Just Because I Love Red Lipstick

Courtesy of Troy Jensen:

Sleek Face Contour Kit

Remember I said I was looking for a good matte contour powder and I was going to look for a MAC blush to do the trick?...Well, I have found a fantastic contour powder in the most unlikely of places... Yes, it's another product from Sleek and they have really excelled themselves with this one. I was a bit dubious when I saw the contour colour as it looked quite dark for my skintone. This compact is the Light version (also comes in Medium and Dark) and it costs £5.99. The compact also features a highlighting powder thats a super pale biscuit colour. The compact has the usual compact black packaging and mirror in the lid...

Please note that the swatches below are applied darker to show up on camera. The contour pressed powder swatches the same colour as Bare Minerals Faux Tan (my current favourite contouring powder). I have decided though that Faux Tan is slightly better suited to night time wear as it has the slightest amount of shimmer (very very small amount). I really wanted a matte powder with no shimmer whatsoever and this Sleek compact has totally delivered what I wanted. The highlighting powder looked slightly too shimmery when I applied it to my arm for the swatch but when applied lightly, it gives a really pretty effect.

I found that the best brush to apply the contour powder was my Bare Minerals Angled Contour Brush to really be precise about where I am placing the colour. You really don't need alot of product and a soft tap in the pan is enough. The contour powder is really blendable so you're not left with any patchy/streaky bits.

I wanted to give you a demonstration of how this product looks once applied to the skin (please keep in mind that I don't have defined cheekbones naturally!). However, the combination of the contour powder applied lightly in the hollows of my cheeks and highlight powder lightly dabbed along the very top of the cheekbones makes me look like have proper cheekbones! Hurrah! Yah for fooling people with clever makeup! (ignore my moody monday facial expression)

I love the way this powder is perfect for daytime use with it's matte formula. I think it gives a really natural and subtle effect. The compact comes with a guide on how to contour your cheeks, eyes and nose so for anyone who's not sure about where to place the product, this is a great way to introduce yourself to this type of product. I never thought I would find such a great product for such a reasonable price but I am so happy that I did. This product is going in my wedding makeup bag but I will be using Nars Albatross to highlight as it's just that bit more finely milled.

IMATS London this weekend

The date is fast approaching for one of the most anticipated makeup shows of the year! IMATS is coming to London this weekend 30th and 31st of January at Alexandra Palace. I am so excited to be attending this year as the line up looks absolutely amazing.

I am especially looking forward to:

Crown brushes- Amazing range of high quality brushes at reasonable prices.
Eve Pearl- Emmy award winning celebrity makeup artist who is as lovely as she is talented.
Guru Makeup Emporium and PAM- simply because they stock Make Up For Ever.
Illamasqua- Innovative brand which is definitely worth trying! Love their intense lipglosses.
OCC- One word- lip tars. So excited to see these in real life and see if they are worthy of the hype.
Temptu- Love their small and portable compressor and airbrush system.
Yaby- Can't wait to try their huge range of super pigmented and affordable shadows.


As well as a great selection of exhibitors there is also a great opportunity to learn from the keynote speakers. I will definitely be fighting my way through the crowds to listen to Alex Box (co founder of Illamasqua), Eve Pearl and the lovely Koren of EnKore makeup.

I will be at IMATS this Saturday the 30th of January so please do come and say hi!!

Natalya xxx