Bambi for Grazia November Issue

Mannequin Hands

A few weeks ago I was sent this polish from E.L.F. in Innocent and didn't really think a lot of it. It's a difficult colour to describe (a creamy greyish pink neutral?) and it didn't really stand out. Nevertheless, as I was well overdue to get my gel nail infills I decided to give it a go in an attempt to mask the re-growth.

I can't believe I was so dismissive! The colour is gorgeous and is a perfect nude for my skintone - not too beige/ yellow and not too dark. It applied smoothly and topped with my trusty Seche Vite dried quickly to a lovely even finish. You can see just how good the payoff is after two coats as the line between my natural nail and the gel is well hidden. I can't comment on the chipping as with gel nails most polishes last much longer, but there was minimal wear at the tips, as you can see in this photo, which was taken after 6 days of wear. All this for £1.50, I am mighty impressed and will be sure to order some more... well it would be a crime not to ;). Currently I have my eye on:

Mod Mauve

Purple Pleaser

 Mango Madness

Champagne

You can find E.L.F's nail varnish range here. Have you tried E.L.F. nail polish before? Are there any that take your fancy? xxx

Style Week Orange County 2010-The Wrap Up: Nick Verreos Hosts 2nd Annual Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition

Style Week OC 2010 Ends on a Sporty Note!

And the Winner Is: Nick Verreos with Julia Nish, the Winner of the 2nd Annual Neelde & thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

Well kids, I am writing my last posting/recap of the AMAZING Style Week Orange County 2010! I started with the recap of the debut of our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection (of course), then I wrote about the very creative Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gowns Competition and now, it's all about the last evening of Style Week OC and the 2nd Annual Ezekiel and Active Ride Needle & Thread Competition, all of which occurred at the Irvine Spectrum.

Style Week Orange County 2010: Ezekiel Fashion Show

Seven designers, Nick Gaska, Grace Sori Hwang, Julia Nish, Alejandro Ortega, Natalia Romano, Clay Sadler and Adrienne Young--all graduates from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM-- competed in the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Competition, and also for the prize money in the Needle & Thread Contest. Their task was to create a group of looks that would go well with the Ezekiel brand (active/surf sportswear for a hip teen-twenty-something customer) and the Active Ride (surf, skate, snowboard and everything in-between!) store.

Designs from Natalia Romano for the 2nd Annual Needle & Thread Competition, Style Week OC 2010

The Surf and Activewear business in Southern California is one of the hottest fashion markets in the country and this was a GREAT opportunity for these young designers to dive right in. (Pun intended!) They were given a certain amount of time, a budget and also had time to research the brand and even meet with its design team.

Winning Design: A look from Julia Nish's designs for the 2nd Needle & Thread Competition

The Winner would get the chance to have their winning designs included in the Ezekiel Spring 2011 Collection and then produced and sold! The winner was Julia Nish--who indecently ALSO won the Cadillac Couture: Red Carpet Gown Contest! (a double whammy for Ms. Nish!). The judges, who included myself, design director of Ezekiel womenswear and last year's winner, Adrian Manuel.

2009 Needle & Thread Design Contest Winner Adrian Manuel and Nick Verreos, Style Week OC 2010

We judged on whether or not it was in accordance to the Ezekiel brand, if it went well with the customer, did the clothes look like something the Ezekiel and Active Ride-shopping girl would like, wear and buy? All of that, plus, of course, was it cute? Julia obviously hit all the right notes.

Nick "Hearts" Active: Nick Verreos, Style Week OC Active Ride VIP After Party

Afterward, there was an Invitation-only Style Week OC After Party, at the Active Store in the Irvine Spectrum Center. There was VIP shopping (of course), a wine and Champagne Open Bar, and even an Active Ride Photo Booth.

OC Studs: Nick Verreos with the Active Ride Irvine Spectrum Center "crew" manning the "After Party VIP Guest List"

I got to film a fun "runway" segment with FIDM Productions, who were on hand to capture all the After Party fun. It was especially great to re-connect all my Active Ride "buddies" whom I had met last year when I hosted and judged the first "Needle & Thread Competition".

OC Step 'n Repeat: Nick Verreos, Rita Verreos and David Paul, Style Week OC 2010

My sister, mom, and even my precious niece (yes, the one I designed my Project Runway-winning Barbie for) were still in town and able to attend the second night of Style Week OC so of course, they came along for the "Style Week OC After Party" ride!

Uncle Nick: Nick Verreos with his niece, Casia Kennedy and sister Rita Verreos

They had a lot of fun and enjoyed all the fashion, as well as the gorgeous weather Orange County bestowed us! Here's to another fabulous and very fashionably successful Style Week Orange County!

The Body Shop 30% discount!!

This weekend The Body Shop have a 30% discount on ALL online purchases. Plus if you spend over £15 (pre-discount) you get free delivery.

Just enter the code: Autumn30 at the checkout.

I have already taken advantage of this and have stocked up on my favourite Neroli Jasmin body lotion, shower gel and body mist. If you haven't had a chance to try the beautiful Neroli Jasmin scent this may be the perfect time!

I use the lotion as my hand cream and every time I apply it (be it at work, on public transport, at the checkout at Waitrose or in the cinema) I always get compliments on how amazing it smells, and not just from girls either ;). Who would have thought that a simple lotion from The Body Shop would have such an effect on the gentlemen? I guess it may be time for me to stop spending £40 on those expensive, sophisticated perfumes, when a £7.00 body mist seems to do it all. (If you have seen Anchor Man - think ladies' version of Sex Panther - 60% of the time works every time ;) lol.)

I really can't recommend it highly enough!! xxx