Our first shoot :)

Opening of Elin Kling for H&M

'The Conversation' - by Zimmermann

With leather, lace, prints and pants combining to make the AW11 Zimmermann collection.

erin and her tatts

Katy Perry wearing NIKOLAKI Press: People.com, InStyle.com

Katy Love...

I was so excited when THE ONE and ONLY Katy Perry wore our NIKOLAKI lilac sequined silk chiffon one-shoulder cocktail dress to her PURR Fragrance Launch in Mexico City this past weekend that well, it was 'icing on the cake" to see some sites give some "Nikolaki-Katy Perry" Shout Out's. First, InStyle.com, one of my FAVE sites has THIS, and also...

People Magazine's site did a fun "Three Dresses In One Day" Poll. Just so you are on the "up-and-up": Miss Katy actually wore THREE Dresses for the Launch (Outfit-change DIVA!). Below is the site's Headline:

Three Dresses, One Day: Which of Katy Perry's Purple Sparklers is Your Favorite?

If you want to vote (for our NIKOLAKI dress the one on the far left) then click HERE

Here's the lovely Miss Katy Kerry and the dress from our NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Look Book

Incapable!!

My cornea is too thin that the doctor wouldn't perform LASIK on me. Instead, I underwent PRK. .... The surgery is successful but the afterward take-care is ... painful. 

Surgery Day (Day 1) 

 I wear goggle and my sunglasses altogether!! ha~ 

At this point, I can only say it is very, very uncomfortable. 

Thanks to Cathy who drives my kids in between extra-curricular activities yesterday. 
Top: tie front blouse
Bottom: HM small pleats skirt
Accessory: FALKE striped stockings
Givenchy Tinhan tote
Shoes: Kensie Girl wedge 

Day 2

Incapable of driving and almost malfunctioning w/ house chores as my eyes are very sensitive to the light and tears most of the time.  DH has to take over picking up kids, dropping off kids and lots of activities. 

The nurse says this is very normal and should be 50% better on the 3rd day. I have to go back to take off my eye bandage in a week and by then, the nurse says that I should feel GREAT!! Can't wait~~

The goggle becomes my accessory. ^^


Top: AA (American Apparel) 3D mesh top
Bottom: Orange Huge Boss suede A-line skirt 
Shoes: Alain open toe suede wrap boot

I almost type w/ my eyes shuts most of the time as the tears coming down unstoppable ..... I will update everything day by day!

Bear w/ me......  **

See you tomorrow.
xoxo Rachel 

Nick Verreos Attends the Unveiling of FIDM's 19th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition !

Costume Extravaganza!

Cassiopeia Nick: Nick Verereos poses with "Clash of the Titans" Costume Tableaux, FIDM Museum & Galleries "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Last Saturday evening was the Gala Party for the unveiling of the 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising FIDM Museum & Galleries here in Los Angeles. Of course, being that I am a FIDM Grad (don't even try and look up the year!), Instructor, and the College's Official Spokesperson, I was invited to this grand annual party to get a "sneak peak".

Armour and Plisse: "Clash of the Titans" Costumes Designed by Lindy Hemming, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition features over 100 costumes from over 20 films of 2010, including ones nominated for this year's Oscars "Best Costume Design".

Costume Royalty: Nikolaki Designers David Paul and Nick Verreos with Academy Award-Winning Costume Designer Colleen Atwood, FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Speaking of Academy Award Best Costume Design Nominations...Included in this exhibition are these 2011 Academy Awards Best Costume Nominees:

"Alice In Wonderland" Costumes by Colleen Atwood (yes, that's Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter ensemble as well as Mia Wasikowska's Alice Dresses!)

"True Grit" Costumes Designed by Mary Zophres

"The Tempest" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (who won last year's 2010 Academy Award for Costume Design for "Young Victoria"), as well as...

"The King's Speech" Costumes Designed by Jenny Bevan

Other Highlights in the Exhibition (there were SO many so I had to edit!!! You will have to come and see ALL of the Costumes for yourself!) include:

"Inception" Costumes Designed by Jeffrey Kurland--above is Marion Cotillard's black embroidered sequin gown and coat

"Burlesque" Costumes Designed by Michael Kaplan--above is one of Christina Aguilera's "Showgirl-esque" sequined costumes

"Shutter Island" Costumes Designed by Sandy Powell (Leonardo DiCaprio's costume is on the far left--didn't realize how tall he is!)

"Coco Chanel & Ivor Stravinsky" Costumes Designed by Chattoune and Fab

As well as "The Kids Are All Right" Costumes Designed by FIDM Graduate Mary Claire Hannan

My Better Half: NIKOLAKI Co-Designer David Paul and Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries

The "Opening Night Party" on Saturday was a HUGE success and as always FIDM Museum & Galleries know how to throw a VIP Party: A great tent was set up outside of the Museum, which featured an entire buffet of delicious foods (a mashed potato self-service bar I heard!) as well as fully stocked bars for anyone in the mood for cocktails.

Nick Hearts KCRW: DnA host Frances Anderton interviews Nick Verreos, FIDM Museum & Galleries, Opening Night of "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition

Besides seeing all the amazing costumes on display, I spent the entire time doing Media/TV/print interviews with everyone from ABC-LA News to KCRW's DnA Radio Program host Frances Anderton as well as the LA Times, Daily Bruin and many, many blogs. I also got to mingle with some guests:

Momma Nick: Nick Verreos with "Momma", FIDM Museum & Galleries Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

First up, I was verklempt with excitement upon seeing Momma, the DIVA behind EC2 Costume House, the home and purveyor of Bob Mackie's Archives--LOVE her Gerber Daisy Hair Pin and Boucle Tweed with over-sized pearl necklace "Lady Who Lunches" ensemble!

Photo Courtesy of Laura Diaz

Including CBS-TV News Anchor (and FIERCE Latina!) Laura Diaz and her good friend Megan Telles (above). I just adore Laura, she was so sweet, she wrote THIS for her CBSLosAngeles.com blog write-up on the Exhibition...

I also ran into my good friend, California Apparel News Fashion Editor and VeryVeryChic Blooger, Jayne Seward (above with moi) who was "working" her chic harem-pant chiffon jumpsuit and new Prada heels (love me some Prada!).

Mini Costume Fans: Nick Verreos poses with the youngest of the 19Th Annual Art of Motion Picture Opening Night Party guests

I also ran into three "Little Costume Designer Fans" at the Party. The precious one (I know, which one??) on the far right is Frances Anderton's daughter! Love her cropped pants, cap and "shrunken" blazer! Tres Mini-Chic!

You MUST come to the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and check out this brand-new Exhibition. It's THE ONLY PLACE IN THE WORLD where you will see these costumes! If you love motion pictures, films, actors, costume design and fashion...well, the FIDM Museum & Galleries is YOUR PLACE! Oh, and did I mention it's FREE!!!!

Photo Courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/abimages

Here are the Details:

What: 19Th Annual "Art of Motion Picture Costume Design" Exhibition
Where: FIDM Museum & Galleries, 919 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles CA 90015
When: Opens Tuesday February 8Th (yesterday!!!) and runs through to Saturday April 30Th.
Hrs/Days: 10am-4pm/Tuesday-Saturday Closed: Sundays and Mondays

Check out this video from KABC-TV Los Angeles featuring the Exhibit and a quick Interview I did with ABC7 Eyewitness News Team Reporter Adrienne Alpert:

I Whip My Hair Back and Forth

Hairspray isn't the most exciting of topics, but it is the one product that unites us ladies. Whether you are a low maintenance girl (which I doubt as you are reading this lol) who is hiding a can of Elnett in the back of her bathroom cupboard for 'special occasions', or one of my friends who carries an industrial size Tre Semme in her handbag (you know who you are) we all need a little bit of hairspray every now and again.

Having tried a gazillion different hairsprays I have stumbled on one that fits my needs perfectly. It holds hair really well without being crunchy or sticky, doesn't smell awful and make me feel slightly faint if I over do it, is affordable (£1.99 for 175ml) and pink! I have noticed that it keeps frizz at bay efficiently when straightening and works hard to maintain my style throughout a long night. In fact after curling my hair for a night of 'whipping my hair back and forth' (I mean dancing, I don't know what you were thinking!) the curls were still pretty much in tact the next morning, which is more than could be said for the rest of me lol ;).

Phil Smith's Xtravagant hairspray promises to be long lasting, give a brilliant shine and a firm, but natural hold and it delivers. Now if only we could all find a man who will do the same!

Have you tried the Xtravagant hairspray or any other products from the Phil Smith range? xxx

I Finally Found My Perfect Red Lipstick

A while back I blogged about my quest for the perfect red lipstick.  Nothing says glamour quite like a full on, vivid red lip.  I had convinced myself that I just couldn't get away with bright lipsticks.  BUT after my bold lip epiphany, I realised that it's all about finding the right shade for your individual skin tone.  There are so many shades to choose from and I quickly realised that there's a perfect shade for each and every one of us.  I felt a bit conspicuous wearing bright lipsticks at first but the more you wear them, the more you get used to it.  Believe me, I thought I would be a strictly nude, pink and peach lipstick girl forever but I am so glad I took the plunge to try something different.  Don't get me wrong, I will always reach for my nudes during the day but there's something about smoothing on a vivid shade that completely transforms your look for night time glamour.  I am very much in the school of thought whereby I only like to accentuate one feature at a time.  Heavier eye makeup? Keep the lips natural/light...Bright Lip? Keep the eye makeup simple. 

After swatching furiously at every makeup counter I could think of, I finally found my perfect match in the form of the infamous Revlon Cherries In The Snow Lipstick.  It's a gorgeous cool toned red.  The original shade was launched in 1953 with the iconic ad featuring one of the world’s first supermodels, Dorian Leigh. Revlon wanted to introduce the 1950’s housewife to the fantasy of opulence and escapism from everyday domesticity.  It became a cult classic in the 1950's and I can see why!

First off, I lined my lips with Prestige Lipliner in Tomango.  I love these affordable lip liners and also have it in a really natural shade, Silk and a bright pink, Baby.  They go on really smoothly, without dragging on your lips and they last for ages which is really important when you are wearing a bright lip colour over the top.

I then applied the lovely Revlon Cherries In The Snow...just look at the beautiful raspberry/cherry red colour...

I love the consistency of this lipstick, it's so comfortable to wear and doesn't dry out my lips.  It's ever so slightly shiny on the lips, but I wouldn't go as far as to say that it's a glossy lipstick.  It has a super smooth consistency with really great staying power.  This will definitely be my red lipstick of choice from now on because although it's a cool toned red, it doesn't drain my face of colour like some others do.  It's the perfect tone for my colouring and it really brings out my blue eyes.  I love how cool toned reds make your teeth look whiter too.  FINALLY I can do a red lip! Hurrah!

In case you guys are interested, I will list which products I used for this look.

Face:  Jemma Kidd Skin Rescue Bio Complex Veil (as a base)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation (Fresco)

Bobbi Brown Corrector (Light to Medium Bisque)

Estee Lauder Maximum Cover Foundation in Light/Medium (as a concealer)

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder (shell)

Dior Matte Sunshine Bronzing Powder (Honey Matte)

Sleek Contour Kit (Light)

Blusher in New CID Cosmetics Eyes Lips Face Palette

Estee Lauder 5-Tone Shimmer Powder (Pink Shimmer)

Eyes: Benefit Brows a go-go Palette (blonde brow powder)

Estee Lauder Brow Setting Gel

Mac Paint Pot (Soft Ocre)

New CID Cosmetics Eyes Lips Face Palette (ivory shade all over lid/inner corner and lightest brown to contour)

Mac Vanilla e/s on browbone

Benefit Powderflage

Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero Smudge Liquid Liner (Black 

Benefit Eye Bright (on waterline)

 Ardell Fashion Lashes Natural (110 Black)

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme Mascara (Black)

Lips: Prestige Lip Liner (Tomango)

Revlon Cherries In The Snow Lipstick

I decided to challenge my crappy false lash applying skills and try once and for all to master my technique.  I have tried many times before and failed spectacularly.  BUT this time I did it differently to see if that's where I was going wrong.  I applied the lashes after foundation and powder but BEFORE any eyeshadow was applied.  I figured I had failed in the past because the lash glue wouldn't adhere to my lids when I was wearing eyeshadow.  Whaddaya know, it worked!

Yes people, I actually managed to apply the lashes and I reckon they look pretty darn good for my first successful attempt! I think it's a case of practice makes perfect when it comes to false lashes.  Also, I am definitely more of a fan of the natural look lashes.  They feel lighter when on and I think they look alot more flattering.  Heavier, more dramatic lashes can make eyes look heavy and tired.  I already have dark circles so I don't want to make myself look even more tired!  I really rate these Ardell ones because they are the perfect length and volume if you just want a subtle change.  This was my first time trying Ardell lashes and I am really impressed at how easy it was to apply them.  They stayed put which is more than can be said for the Eyelure Girls Aloud lashes I tried in the past!

So I managed to tick off two items off my beauty wishlist for this year...finding the perfect glam red lipstick AND mastering the art of applying false lashes.  Go me!

Since I love the Revlon lipstick, it's only natural that I would love the matching Cherries In The Snow nail polish!  I only had to apply one coat to get the colour in the pic below.

This shade looks gorgeous on fingernails as well as toe nails.  It dried really quickly which is a must for me because I'm awful at smudging my nails.

Some people think it's a beauty no-no to match your nails with your lip colour but I love this shade so much, I don't care!