Meeting Seth Aaron Henderson, Winner of Project Runway Season 7!!

Season 4 Casting Memories...
Young at the Standard, circa 2007: David Paul, Nick Verreos, Seth Aaron Henderson, and Santino Rice

Well, look what my lovely friends at Blogging Project Runway un-earthed from their "Treasure Chest" of archival photos: Yes, that's my NIKOLAKI partner, David Paul (far left), myself, Seth Aaron Henderson and Season 2 Contestant Santino Rice. Several years back (look how young and SKINNY Seth looked!!! Not to mention myself and THAT crazy t-shirt!), I judged the Season 4 LA Castings of Project Runway. Seth Aaron 2010

The castings were at the Downtown Los Angeles Standard Hotel and afterward I met up with Blogging Project Runway's Laura Kluvo for cocktails at the Standard Rooftop Bar. She had come to LA to blog about the castings and invited myself and David for apres drinks and munchies. Once there, she said "Oh, I met a lovely guy who tried out and he's stopping by as well". Yes, the "lovely guy" was Seth Aaron. Seth Aaron had tried out for Season 4's Castings but unfortunately, did not make it to the next round. Talk about perseverance, because, well, as we now know, the rest is history. Congratulations to Seth!

ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010 ROCKS Orange County: A Recap!

Rock+Fashion+Architecture+Interior Design= OC MADNESS!!!OC Red Carpet: Nick Verreos arrives at Sutra Bar & Nightclub to host ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010

Fresh off my MSN "The Victory Project" filming in Atlanta, I was dropped off at my home from LAX and then an hour later, a car was awaiting to take me to the fabulous OC! I was sponsored by my fabulous Alma Mater (and College I teach at) the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM to host the 10Th Annual ROCKSTAR Event at Sutra Bar & Nightclub in Costa Mesa. Interview Please: Nick Verreos films an interview for ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010

It was a SOLD OUT event, and the nightclub was packed as guests gathered for a VIP Pre-Party, enjoying cocktails and hors d'oeuvres of Burger Sliders, Tuna Tartar and Chicken and Beef Skewers. VIP Pre-Party Scene at Sutra Lounge, Costa Mesa

The show began with a performance by Everyday Tragedy, a "Welcome Speech" by Co-Chairs Sean Kim and Anne Yap, which soon was followed by my "Hosting Duties" and introduction of the ROCKSTAR Haute Couture 2010 fashion show competition. Hosting Commitee: Nick Verreos poses with event co-chairs Sean Kim and Anne Yap

Fourteen teams, sponsored by Interior Design Firms, Architecture Firms, and various Southern California Universities, got together and created designs based on a "Rock Music Theme" using Interior Design textiles and fabrications. Then, they put on a mini-show in front of a panel of esteemed judges, and were consequently judged for their performance, use of fabrications, style and designs of course. The three-hour+ event, mini-concert and fashion show ended with the announcing of the Winning Groups: Winner of "Rockstar Haworth Haute Couture 2010" was Team GKK Works Sponsored by J&J Invision. The designs and the group were very Elton John-Meets-Asian Lady Gaga-Meets-ABBA (go figure!).
I LOVED her outfit above (remember it's all made from interior design textiles and materials), and especially DIED for her...Disco Ball Glam "Bootie Heels"; I think Lady GaGa's stylist might want a pair for his client!The Prize for the "Interface Flor 2010 Best New Artist" went to Team Cal State University, Long Beach Sponsored by dTank: Hip Hop Divas. They were HOT, starting off with one DIVA being faux-made-up by her hip-hop ladies-in-waiting. The crowd really loved their performance and outfits--and so did I!Finally, my personal favorite (and I guess the judges as well), were Team SAA Sponsored by Bentley Prince Street and CBI who did "Cirque Du POP ROCK". They won the final "Allseating Best Entertainer of The Year Award" for Best Overall Performance. They seriously brought the entire Sutra Bar & Nightclub DOWN, with their very creative performance and outfits. There was a Britney Spears in her "Circus Ringleader" ensemble, a Lady Gaga (above) , and even a Michael Jackson look-a-like, all in designs made from interior design fabrications. It was the "complete package" and thoroughly entertaining.
Rock On BFF's: Nick Verreos and his new posse, Everyday Tragedy

Afterward, I had a fun time meeting-and-greeting with a lot of the guests, the teams, the winners, sponsors, and even some Project Runway fans. One of the highlights of the night was meeting the band members from Everyday Tragedy, who insisted--PLEADED--I do a "Rock On!" pose with them. So there you have it: My ROCKSTAR pose!

Products I'm Loving Right Now

I just wanted to take you guys through some products that I have really been enjoying using recently. I always love reading these posts on other people's blogs because it always gives me a chance to check out new products.

1) First up is MAC Face and Body Foundation (I use the shade C4). This stuff is water based so it doesn't leave a greasy film on the skin. I don't use it on my face because it doesn't offer enough coverage for me. However, I love to use it on my legs because it gives them colour and evens out the skintone at the same time. It's perfect for when you don't want a dark tan, you just want to add a little bit of colour. It's really easy to blend and lasts for as long as you want it to i.e. it only comes off when you wash it off. It also contains various emollients to keep your skin moisturised and soft. I've had mine for around a year and it's still half full! 2) The Sanctuary Bidadari Shimmering Body Souffle - I love to use this on my skin when I'm going out on the town because it moisturises whilst adding a really beautiful golden sheen to the skin. It makes your skin look really healthy and glowy and looks particularly fantastic on the decollage and legs! It's a really light formulation so it seeps into the skin quickly and without leaving any tacky or sticky feeling. It's just another product that makes me feel more glamourous when I'm all dressed up.

3) St Tropez Everyday Mousse - I spoke about this recently and I have to re-iterate how amazing this product is! I am so glad I found it because it's the answer to all my problems with self tan. As you know, I have decided to use this product for my wedding day because just one application gives me the subtle golden glow that I want. I was really paranoid about using self tan for my wedding day because I didn't want to go over the top, given that ivory naturally makes your skin look more tanned. This St Tropez gradual tanning mousse gives JUST the right amount of colour and it's so easy to use. You don't even need to use gloves! It dries so quickly and no more horrible stained bed sheets that you get with the normal St Tropex tinted mousse! This is definitely my HG self tanner!

4) Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup in Fresco - I started using this again last week because it used to be my go-to foundation when I was at uni. I was so dedicated to it and then the inevitable happened...I started this blog and began wondering about other foundations out there (it's the "grass is always greener" syndrome rearing it's ugly head again!). I have to say that I've fallen in love with this foundation again because it offers fantastic coverage for night's out or special occasions, it gives a matte finish so you don't end up all shiny and it lasts soooo long! Some people feel this foundation is too heavy, although the consistency is lighter than Revlon Colorstay, but I really do think this is brillaint for anyone who wants a truly medium to full coverage. It blends well, doesn't crease in fine lines and I love it! The only small downside is that some people have experienced the SPF creating that white out effect in photos but it's never really affected me in that way . I always apply a barrier between my skin and the foundation (whether it's moisturiser and/or primer) so I think that possibly stops the SPF from creating that effect. Not sure about that but I'm taking a guess here!

5) Optrex Rereshing Eye Drops - I had never thought to feature these on my blog before until I pulled it out of my bag on a night out a few weeks ago because the atmosphere in clubs sometimes makes my eyes bloodhsot and tired looking. My friend said "wow, what a great idea!". So I thought I would give it a mention in case anyone else suffers from dry eyes in these circumstances. Also, if you wake up in the morning and your eyes are bloodshot from tiredness, or you sit in front of a computer all day, then these drops are great to cool and refresh your eyes. It really helps to get rid of the bloodshot look and you will look wide awake again.

6) Clinique Super City Block SPF40 - I always struggle to find good SPF creams for under my makeup. Most of them leave such a sticky/greasy film on the skin that causes your makeup to just slide off your face. However, this slightly tinted lightweight cream protects your skin whilst creating a really solid base for your makeup. I love it and it will be a life saver in summer and also on holiday!

7) Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Liquid Eyeshadow in Sand Shimmer - You guys know I love my golden bronze shades and this baby definitely delivers on that! It's such a wearable colour for summer, just a single wash of this, some black liquid liner, some mascara and you're done. The only downside to this is I expected the tube to be bigger but I will definitely be checking out the rest of the collection because I generally love most of EL Bronze Goddess products.

8) Urban Decay Blow Lip Plumper - I have to say that I've had some scary experiences with lip plumpling products. I don't know if I have sensitive lips but they don't seem to react well with some of these types of products (Too Faced being one of them). I'm reasonably happy with my lips but who wouldn't like to plump their puckers up a bit more?! This plumping gloss from Urban Decay only has a very slight tint to it, it has quite a nice scent and you start to feel the numbing effect after about 2 or 3 minutes. This numb feeling lasts for around 10-15 minutes then it subsides and you're left with noticeably plumper lips. Nothing crazy or Angelina Jolie-esque but my lips just look a bit more luscious. I didn't experience any pain or discomfort with this product at all and there wasn't any redness either. This lipgloss is great and I will be using it tonight when I go out.
9) Prestige Lip Liner in Silk - I had been searching for so long to find the perfect lipliner that was subtle enough to accentuate my lips without getting the dreaded obvious line around them. This lip liner is the perfect shade to suit my natural lip colour, it applies smoothly and really lasts. For someone who loves nude and pink lips, this liner is just perfection.

What are your favourite products at the moment?

Gingham + Lace, PLUS, FUN Make-up!

PS. I'd love to share my beef noodle soup recipe to you all but I have to warn you .... I eyeball the measurement of every condiment and adjust them to the perfect taste according to my tongue. ^O^ Maybe I should ask Betsy (our fellow reader/friend here)to come over someday and hold the iphone to shot me in the air. haha... 


Today, I did a make-up... I apply eyeshadow underneath the starting point of eyebrow and around the corner of nose too.

Left to right: Giorgio Armani pale blush, Bobbi brown taupe eyeshadow, Make up for ever purple.


My inspiration look comes from Barney's catalog.






pic. source Barney's catalog.

w/o flash.

w/ flash.

The Victoria style necklace is gifted from Cathy, who made for my birthday last year. 

I couldn't think of any other necklace would go so well w/ this lace blouse!!! ^^

This tights has interesting texture. 

My ODJ. 

1. Top: 

• lilith gingham cover-up 
• Lei lace blouse (Anthropologie)
• HM black cardi. w/ rushing shoulder details

2. Accessory:

• Textured tights (Anthropologie)
• Two layered pearl necklace
• Chanel beige medium/large classic 09' (didn't show in the picture)

3. Shoes:

Chanel 08' runway satin pink tulle camellia heels

The ivory lace top compliments my underneath purple gingham shirt very well. 

I twisted this Lilith gingham cover-up to a knot in the front and wrap around my waist as a dress.

Can you imagine the look of me shading off the tights and lace blouse for summer time!! ^O^

A friendly face of my friend, Isabel!!

She lives in Southern California and as today is the 1st day of SAKs ff event, she generously shared her luxe shopping look w/ us!!  ^O^

Thanks, sis!!

On Isabel: same fur vest that she got for me too, ^O^, gray jeans, Chole 09' black boots (mine is taupe), Chanel black reissue, Hermes black CDC!!!

Aren't we look alike w/ sunglasses on!!? ^^

xoxo Rachel

what?  Almost weekend again~ oh, I love weekends!!!