Nick Verreos Figure Skating Fashion Blog UniversalSports.com: Grand Prix Cup of Russia!

Babushkas Loves Sequins!

Tango Hands Abbott: US Figure Skater Jeremy Abbott at Cup of Russia

Figure Skating Fever: If you've been keeping up with my blog here, you might know that I have been covering the Costume "Hot's" and "Not's" for UniversalSports.com for this season's Grand Prix series.

Now we are in St. Petersburg Russia for the Cup of Russia 2010. Several Figure Skaters changed up their costumes from the last time they competed--some good and some not so much. Here are some improved ones:

Ashley Wagner US Figure Skater

Where Are My Castanets: I think Ashley’s Long Program costume is a step in the right direction. She always looks elegant and regal and I think this more traditional style suits her skating better. Although a bit fussy for my taste (not a fan of the ruffled “rickety-rack” trim that looks as if it came from JoAnn’s Fabric Store), the strapless effect of the dress and the beautiful Ombre-dyed skirt enhance her beautiful skating.

Akiko Suzuki Japanese Figure Skater Skating to "Fiddler On The Roof"

And the Award For “Much Improved” Goes To: I think this is a big improvement from the costume Akiko wore at Cup of China. It is more sophisticated and reflective of what is happening in fashion now; the asymmetry of the neckline, the diagonal ruffles, the contrast edging, the rosette details. The previous costume looked juvenile and meant more for a Junior Skater. She went from 15 to 25 in ONE beautiful Costume!

The "Why Bother"...

Tomas Verner Czech Republic Figure Skater Skating to a Michael Jackson Medley

Beat It: Czech boy-wonder Verner changed up his costume by going from a blue shirt to a black shirt (boy, that was a STRETCH!). While I understand that he is simplifying everything this year, I think this is taking things a step too far. He went from looking like he worked on the Lido Deck to becoming a student at the Marcel Marceau School of Mime!

And Then...

Lucie Mysliveckova and Matej Novak: Let My People Go: Remix

Russia's Mysliveckova and Novak skated to music that included--among others--an African-American Spiritual Song, ABBA and well, everything in between. The soundtrack was a potpourri of a MESS and what did I think of their corresponding costumes?

Click HERE to read what I really thought plus view all my comments from the Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating.

Day 2 in Firenze.... No Lanvin for HM, but Chanel, My Love!!

Day 2 in Firenze at 10 AM.

FYI : Nop, I didn't buy anything from Lanvin for HM collection. (I know you all probably are disappointed by me. :P)
I went to the HM store in Firenze about 10 AM seeing people waiting for trying out things, I then left!! :P There is no line and people are not mazed of waiting in line neither.

Good luck, Lanvin lovers!

I, then, detoured to Chanel boutique instead. What I want to see is some fur/shearling or even leopard pieces from Lanvin.  But none of those found in his collection for HM. I am kind relieved and a bit disappointed. His leopard Happy tote from 2008 collection is an absolute fab. find for me.  ^^

Shearing n' leopard boots from COMME des GARÇONS.


I had my eyes laid on those beige embellished leggings--Euro 380. @@
I remember I made one myself w/ only ONE embellishment.... it might take another 5 years for me to find all the embellishments first. :P

Lanvin, I can find you when I am back in USA! Now I have other tasks to fulfill!!

 

This distressed taupe lambskin reissue is cruise 2011 collection.

Brand new in display! (slightly lighter in person)



Ta da~~ see my big smile!!

I sacrifice Lanvin for Chanel.lol

This is limited edition from Chanel Act II 2010 marron (more like charcoal brown color to me) w/ gray calfskin handle tote.

Very practical, very spacious, very stylish!! ^^


Slightly more intensive quilted stitches at sides.


Our kids ride Marry-go-around from SF city, Paris, London all the way to Firenze, Italy. haha...


This Chanel 10A tote becomes my another "huge" carry-all collection other than my 08' Rodeo Drive large tote.


Who told me that I shouldn't carry my designer bags when traveling to Italy?
I want to say "THANK YOU, you are so right", just so I can buy me another one w/o thinking of excuses!! lol.


S. Maria del Fiore (Duomo) ~ here we come!!


Ah, before we climb another 462 steps to Cupola (top of the dome) again, let's get some pretty shaped pasta home first.




Those status are pretty scary in the mid-way of the climbing. 
We are about 250 steps away from the Cupola!

 









Finally, we are at Cupola. 
You know, we climbed 320 steps in Vanticano + 462 steps in Duomo, that's total 782 steps.
A good work-out and great for the Cardio. ^^





Keep shape when travel!! (girls, wait for me coming back to do Yoga, TRX, Zumba,...etc. haha...)



Yes, I carried my gigantic Chanel tote to the top..... NO SWEAT!! ^O^
(Two architects in the background are designers for the dome and the other for the church itself.)


They all climbed up to Cupola ~~ What a complishment!
(ps. Please remember DH's hair style here)



"Spectacular" is the only word for it!



DH stops by a salon and had a hair cut for Euro 24 ~ looking handsome again!! ^O^

After get lost, going around the circles, we are finally back in HM. (to our right and behind) I tried couple heels and dresses that none of them catches me and DH's eyes or taste, we then happily walked back to Hotel!! 


We are probably not going to Vernice this trip, Pisa instead!! 


See you tomorrow. 
xoxo Rachel

H&M and New Look Haul

Me, my mum and my new mother in law, Madeleine went shopping on Friday and if there are any two people that are great at helping me spend money, it's those two ladies!...not that I need a huge amount of encouragement.  I'm really getting into New Look at the moment because they always seem to have pieces that appeal to me.  It's a great place to find trends that you know may not last a long time but it doesn't matter because everything is so affordable.

The first thing that caught my eye was situated right at the front of the store when I walked in.  It's a navy blue, military inspired jacket with so many lovely details.  This jacket only costs £39.99!

It looks so much more expensive than that because it has these lovely intricate, gold effect buttons.  The tailored fit is fantastic and it has a really slimming effect because it tapers in at the waist.  I was really impressed by the cut of the jacket and the heavy quality of the material, it's almost like really thick felt.  I wore it in Edinburgh at the weekend where it was REALLY rainy all day and despite the wind and rain, my jacket didn't get too damp.

I love the zip pocket detail on the front of the jacket, it's yet another aspect that makes this jacket seem more like one from French Connection than New Look.

The jacket also has a really nice gold patterned lining...

I love the epaulette details on the shoulders which adds to the military feel...

And finally, they went to town on the buttons on the back of the sleeves...

I can tell I will be wearing this jacket non-stop during winter because it's a great alternative to all the long coats around at the moment.  It's cosy warm and really practical...what more could I ask for???

I wouldn't have thought that the 70's inspired check shirts around at the moment would suit my style.  However, I really took to this one and plan to wear it with skirts and thick tights or with skinny jeans/jeggings and my new coat!

The shirt is made from a really soft, cosy flannelette material and has pearlised popper buttons...

It has a nice shape to it and tapers in at the waist to hug your figure.  I'm loving the three quarter length sleeves too and it was only £14.99!

Next up, I spotted this nude coloured chiffon blouse...

It has delicate three button detail at the bust, three quarter length sleeves and comes to about the mid thigh area. 

It has ties that originate at the neckline so you can either wear it open or with a pussy bow at the neck.

I love the gorgeous beaded pattern on the blouse and it's another item that seems alot more expensive than it actually was...£24.99.  It has ties at the back so you can gather it at the waist for a more flattering fit.

I have been after a stripey top for a while now but it was just a case of finding the right kind.  I wanted a bold stripe and something that could be casual or dressed up.  I found this grey toned top for £14.99 in New Look...

It has very slight batwing sleeves which give it a nice edge and it comes just down to the top of my hips which is a nice length.  It will look great with a black blazer, accessorised with some quirky jewellery.

Next up, we trotted over to H&M to check out what they had to offer.  They had set up a nice display at the door and of course my eyes immediately darted to an embellished nude-coloured clutch bag...

I immediately exclaimed "oooh, I don't have a nude coloured bag at the moment" so naturally I had to get it! It was only £14.99 but it's faux leather so that's to be expected.  I adore the embellishment on the front!

I will be using the bag as a clutch but it also has a strap concealed inside in case you prefer to wear it as a shoulder bag or across the body.

Lastly, the colour of this dress completely blew me away...it's an intense raspberry red/pink that's ALMOST neon.  It's the kind of dress that can really be dressed up or down.

It has pretty detail on the front with the pockets and zips and the elasticated waist nips you in to create a nice silouhette.  I feel like you need a belt at the waist to add more detail though and the bow one I own is perfect. 

The dress is a great length...a couple of inches about the knee (depending on your height of course).  The other thing I love about this dress is the cap sleeves that are held up by a tab and button.  This draws the sleeve up slightly in the middle and creates a v-shape so it makes your upper arms look slimmer...bonus!

I just wanted to quickly let you guys know about a competition being run by Beverly Hills Formula on Facebook. All you have to do is upload a photo of you or a friend showing their gleaming white smile (whether it's fake or not) to be in with a chance of winning £250 of Top Shop vouchers. You and a friend could be living it up, VIP style on a shopping spree around Topshop Oxford Circus. You would get your own private dressing room and a personal stylist who will advise you on the best looks for you. They are also treating the winners to tea and cakes to make sure you have the energy to keep shopping! Finally, the winners will also receive a whole years supply of Beverly Hills Formula Toothpaste.

To enter the competition visit www.facebook.com/beverlyhillsformula.

The competition closing date is 3rd December 2010. Good luck!!!