The Most Famous Cardigan!!

Yesterday, I put together a quick and fun birthday party for my little one, Ilona, for her 3-year-old birthday! Meantime, I took the chance to meet up w/ my closest gals and their family. It was such a wonderful night, and Ilona finally had her FIRST SOLO birthday party! ^^

Happy Birthday, my litl. princess, Ilona!
(Looks like I had twins there~~ :P )

Oh, yeah, SF city again! Seriously, I should either move UP to SF city or down to LA so I can live close to FaShIoN or at least smell FaShIoN nearby!! :P 

I had my limedrop cloud cardigan on again and I received compliments for this cardigan the WHOLE DAY!! Literally, I am not joking......people come forward to compliment my cardigan, a dapper man in Emporium Armani, a pretty lady in THE COFFEE BEAN, a SA in Bloomingdales, ..........I think I also should give a big thanks to StyleBubble who introduced this collection on her blog! Thank you, Susan!

My ODJ

• 1. Top:
• BCBG ribbon trim racker-back tank
• Stella McCartney ombre sequins tank 
• Limedrop cloud cardigan

2. Bottom:
Some brand draped shorts


3. Accessory:

• URBN brass metal chain necklace w/ beads
• Chanel Hawaii edition LTD clutch
• J Crew gold skinny belt

4. Shoes:
Monolo Blahnik 

Yet another nice day in SF city!!

Have a good rest of your weekend!
xoxo Rachel

Pants in Pants!

I bought this Ann Demuleumeester cotton casual pants/leggings in Taiwan and 
didn't realize it is so so loose. 
I guess it is supposed to be a casual and relaxed pants after all. Thus, I decided to wear another pants over it to give it a more structured look! Didn't I said I am going to have a lot of fun w/ this pants. ^^

Looks like I wore a leg warmer or something....

1. Top: 
Some cropped top


2. Bottom: 

• Ann Demuleumeester cotton trousers w/ side buckles
• Mphosis bias-zipped bermuda shorts

3. Accessory:

• Karen Walker Dandy sunglasses
• Hermes orange lacquer horn necklace
• studded double belt
• Alexander Wang Gray Rocco Duffel bag 09'

4. Shoes:
Jean Michel Cazabat iridescent heels

Look at Ilona, she is such a cutie pie!!! ^O^


Abby wore my Max Co. leather jacket on Friday cause' it is still chilly in SF city....not bad looking at all!!^^

I am out in the city to hunt for BOOTS but unluckily, nothing really catches my attention...except for those. 


Maybe I can do a post of DO or Don't of pants in Pants!!? ^O^

More Fun in the city?
xoxo Rachel

Nick Verreos Heats Up Miami and Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: Part Dos!

THE Dress, The Blue Carpet, the After Party, My Twin...and SHAKIRA video!!!One More Photo Please: Chica Orbit (in Nick Verreos for Orbit Gum Dress) and Nick Verreos, 2010 Premios Juventud

Well, the day finally arrived: After several days in Miami, filled with fittings, alterations, adding last minute crystals and some hot-and-humid Miami Premios Juventud pre-events, of course, Thursday was upon us!Presenting Orbit: Nick Verreos before going onto the blue carpet, 2010 Premios Juventud

It was going to be VERY HOT out on the "blue carpet" and so I decided to wear a white jacket, white dress shirt, purple TopMan skinny pants (they were a hit!) , an Etro silk pocket scarf, and I even had David Paul (my Nikolaki partner) make me a custom Orbit Gum Logo Swarovski pin for my lapel (very cute!). Chica Orbit was radiant in my creation: The dress fit perfectly, she looked gorgeous and when she put on the earrings and held her clutch, well, I was a proud Premios Juventud "Prom date"! We were ready to go...In the waiting area, I ran into a bunch of kids who just happened to be the back-up singer/dancers for Shakira's "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" performance which opened the awards show. Some of them recognized me from Project Runway and were big fans so of course we took photos!
Now onto the Blue Carpet:
Chica Orbit in Nick Verreos Custom for Orbit, 2010 Premios Juventud

Here's a view of the Chica Orbit in my "Orbit Print" dress, showing the draped cowl back.
In addition to the cocktail dress, the clutch, the earrings and other accessories, I also made a custom pocket scarf, using another print from Orbit's new "retro" collection. Univision's "Fashionista" from El Gordo y la Flaca, Rodner Figueroa (who co-hosted the Pre-Show), wore it.

My Twin?
Not Me: Mario Domm (center) of the Mexican band, Camila

During my entire time in Miami, at least TEN people stopped me (on the street, airport workers, even at the Premios Juventud blue carpet!) asking me if I was Mario Domm from the band Camila? I didn't even know who they were (I'm a bit late with the Latin soft-rock music world!) but when I almost got in a fight with a cab driver who INSISTED that I was him, I finally had to Google him to see for myself who my doppelganger was. I guess it's the hair, the skin color and the beard. I'm flattered since I'm sure I could be his (very) older brother! I wonder if he ever gets asked "Are you Nick Verreos from Project Runway?". Doubt it! (laugh out loud)

The After Party:
The Scene at the Biltmore Hotel Ballroom, 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

Following the blue carpet, we went straight to our seats and watched the entire show. In case you don't know: It was THE highest rated program on Thursday night, beating out ALL four major networks and it was the No. 1 topic on Twitter WORLDWIDE that night! After the show, we got in a special bus, which transported us to the Official Premios Juventud After Party at the historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
The Biltmore Ballroom was set up with a dance floor, a DJ, several Open Bars, and even Cirque du Soleil-like dancers/performers in hyper-shocking costumes. Waiters also -passed around delicious hors d'oeuvres like chicken mini quesadillas, fried jumbo shrimp and burger sliders, were passed around for the guests to enjoy.
Novela Chica and Chico: Chica Orbit, Rosario Abarca and Mexican actor Eugenio Siller, Biltmore Hotel 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

It seemed like "everyone who was everyone"--except maybe Enrique Iglesias and Shakira--were there! I spotted lots of those Mexican Galanes--heartthrob soap-opera actors--and my date , the Chica Orbit was happy when I "forced" her to take photos with them!
Nuestra Bellezas: Designer Dannette Sotero, Nick Verreos and Melissa Marty, Biltmore Hotel 2010 Premios Juventud After Party

I was also excited to run into Melissa Marty, Nuestra Belleza 2008, who co-hosted a Despierta America Sears segment with me last year. She looked very sexy in a fitted color-blocked dress. I just love her; she was SO sweet and SO happy to see me (and visa versa).
Chica Orbit and I ended the night by meeting-and-greeting the "Orbit Gum Girls" who were at the 2010 Premios Juventud After Party, handing out lots of Orbit Gum! Love those bags. Must get one for my next trip to Miami Beach! Until next time kiddies.

The EXCLUSIVE VIDEOS:

Chica Orbit and Nick Verreos Make An Entrance:

Shakira Madness on the "blue carpet":

Shakira "Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)" Performance:

Nick Verreos Heats Up Miami and Premios Juventud, Chica Orbit: Part Uno!

Part One: Swarovski Crystals, Hot & Humid Miami...and a Run-In with Miss Universe Stefania Fernandez?
Orbit Gum Limo: Nick Verreos rides the limo with "Chica Orbit", Rosario Abarca

Last week, I flew to Miami. Why, you may ask? Well, kids, for the last three years, I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Wrigley's and Orbit Gum--the most fashionable gum in the planet thank you very much--in creating perfect red carpet dresses, inspired by Orbit Gum, for Premios Juventud. In 2008, I designed...A very "retro" strapless white silk duchess dress (with an Orbit Gum "Jackie O" pillbox hat of course!). And in 2009... I created this "Orbit Blue" silk jersey Grecian goddess dress above. This time, the clients LOVED the gown I designed for Miss Universe 2009, Stefania Fernandez for People En Español"50 Most Beautiful" gala, that they asked me to create a brand new one, inspired by that one, to highlight the brand new retro-printed boxes Orbit Gum just released. Therefore, for this 2010 Premios Juventud, I designed a one-shoulder with a back draped cowl shorter "cocktail" version of Stefania Fernandez's long, flowing Batwing gown (sketch above).
Swarovski Worktable: David Paul's Chica Orbit Accessories-in-the-process

Back at my studio in LA--for the last three weeks--I have have been working "feverishly" to create the dress and get the print made. Once again, I enlisted the help of my favorite printer First2Print--LOVE THEM! I also had the AMAZING aid of my Nikolaki design partner, David Paul, who created the perfect silver faux python skin clutch, "Orbit" earrings and bracelets, using HUNDREDS of gorgeous Swarovski Crystallized Elements sequins.
Last Tuesday, I arrived to Miami to my "Home Base", the sprawling Loews Hotel and Resort in Miami Beach. It was GORGEOUS (the hotel) and the weather, well, very HOT (95 degrees) and HUMID (70%). The hotel is right on the beach (that was my view!) and features a stunning pool, a fabulous spa and restaurants galore! But no time for that since just a couple hours after dropping my suitcase, it was time for a fitting with my Chica Orbit, the beautiful Peruvian-born Rosario Abarca. Just A Peak: Chica Orbit fitting the Nick Verreos "Premios Juventud 2010" dress and the earrings, Loews Hotel Miami Beach

She tried on the dress and it fit PERFECTLY! (this was the first time ever meeting her!). She looked BEAUTIFUL! Like an "Orbit Gum Barbie" come to life! After little minor alterations (close the slit just a little bit) and deciding if the clients liked my custom "Orbit" accessories (they loved them), it was time for a little shopping and sightseeing...
Tourist Nick: Nick Verreos poses in front of the former Gianni Versace Mansion, The Villa by Barton G.

Of course, I walked into Ocean Drive and ventured to The Villa by Barton G., best known as The Gianni Versace Mansion. I also did a little bit of "retail damage" naturally, but the heat was overpowering my sweat glands and I ran back to the hotel after an hour! I then received a message from my friend Roston Ogata, Creative Director for the Miss Universe Organization (and "Momma Chaperone" to Miss Universe). He was in town, along with Stefania Fernandez Miss Universe 2009, and wanted to hang out. Done and Done, Part DOS!
Delicioso: Stefania Fernadez, Miss Universe 2009, eyes her Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas

After a shirt-change (remember, it's 95 Degrees and 70 % humidity!), I made my way to The Viceroy Hotel (very fancy-schmancy!) where they were staying and as I arrived Stefania, Roston, and a few friends were at the lobby waiting for me. The friends had brought the STUNNING Stefania (who was in town for some TV shoots) Venezuelan tequeños and empanadas as a "Welcome" care package (yummy!). Viceroy View: Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009 and Nick Verreos, The Viceroy Hotel Downtown Miami

For my part, I brought her some of my Nikolaki gowns that I took with me to Miami. Maybe she might wear one when she goes to Las Vegas in August for Miss Universe 2010. Who knows? Later that night, I was invited to a Pre-Premios Juventud "VIP Tour" party/concert featuring the very popular Venezuelan reggaeton duo, Chino y Nacho. Stefania LOVES them so she pleaded if she could come. Well, done and done! Hello, she IS Miss Universe after all.
Miami Vice: Nick Verreos and Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez, Premios Juventud VIP Tour Pre-Party/Concert

We had a great time but called it a night right after Chino y Nacho's performance: Stefania was leaving back to NYC and I had to get some rest for the next day's Premios Juventud Awards Show. I was to help my "muse", the Chica Orbit get ready and styled correctly, as well as walk the blue carpet along with her.
Stay tuned for my Recap of the night! Ciao for now.

Work it Out: Installment Dix

Last night I was heading straight from the office for drinks to celebrate a few of my work girlies' Birthdays. What a night it was... and what an awful day it has been today.

Dress: Zara (later worn with black cardigan). I also wore black patent heels from New Look. I really don't like NL very much because most of the clothes are such poor quality. Personally I would rather save and buy one nice item, that will last, than ten that are going to disintegrate in the wash. However, the shoes in NL are nothing to be sniffed at. They have some nice designs, are super affordable, comfortable and give me peace of mind as so often expensive shoes get ruined (after one outing in the lovely London rain).

I hope you all had a good Friday night my lovelies!  I'm going back to bed to nurse my poor head. My own fault really.. why did I ever think it would be a good idea to mix about 14 different types of cocktails and shots in one night??? :( xxx