Nick Verreos at the 2010 Golden Globes Gifting Suites

2010 Golden Globes Gifting "Dishing" FIDM Hills: Lauren Conrad and Nick Verreos at the 2010 Golden Globes Kari Feinstein Style Lounge, Zune LA

The days leading up to this year's Golden Globes, my schedule was packed. First, there's my Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM classes to teach, then draping dresses and making patterns for my own collection and meeting with stylists for possible gowns for the upcoming awards. And somehow I found time to get out of my "Nick Cave" and venture to a couple Golden Globes Gifting Suites I was invited to.

First Stop: The Kari Feinstein Golden Globes Style Lounge, Zune LA
The Kari Feinstein Style Lounge is always an "A" list Suite and I am always very honored to be "on the list". It was held at Zune LA and is always sure to be a place to spot a celeb or two...or three. On the day I went, I had just gotten there when I felt someone pinching my "Nick Bootie". I turned around and it was none other than my friend--and former FIDM student--Lauren Conrad. Looking GORGEOUS I might add! Of course, we proceeded to do some "girlfriend dishing" and catching up as only Lauren and I can do. She was there with her friend Lo Bosworth from MTV's The Hills. I also said "hello" to actress and former Miss USA Ali Landry, whom I had designed a gown for YEARS ago--and spotted Molly Sims as well, while I was there.Bulging Biceps: Nick Verreos and the Retro Sport T-shirt Mascot, Kari Feinstein 2010 Golden Globes Style Lounge

The Kari Feinstein Gifting Suite also had great running shoes from Reebok as well as stylish ties and scarves from Vineyard Vines (I will wear them at an upcoming TV shoot or appearance for sure!) and cute vintage t-shirts from Retro Sport . Designer Alan Aldridge--who has worked with The Beatles-- was there showcasing his famed concert graphic designs, my favorite being "The Who" t-shirt. Model Dad: UK Artist Alan Aldridge and Nick Verreos holding one of his t-shirt designs, Kari Feinstein 2010 Golden Globes Style Lounge

Another fun fact: One of his daughters is supermodel Lily Aldridge, whom I met at the Victoria's Secret NY Runway Show and actually got to interview her (she's also the girlfriend of Caleb from Kings of Leon). My last stop here was with Rasta Taco, who had a taco stand set up at Style Lounge. It was 3 PM and I had not had lunch yet so needless to say, I was SO HAPPY to see them and had a couple of their most delicious chicken and carne asada tacos. Delicioso!

Next Stop: Madison and Mulholland Golden Globes Charitable Suite, Beverly HillsCharitable Scene: Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite, Beverly Hills

Next, I traveled to a private home in Beverly Hills for the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite. Amongst other things, what makes this Gifting Suites special is that they put together a Gift Bag for a Charity of your choice. I put together a great bag which will be auctioned off at Clothes Off Our Back with proceeds going to my charity of choice, The Trevor Project. I drew a fabulous fashion illustration and autographed a pair of REUSE JEANS for my "Charitable Bag". Besides clothing, there were also lots of cosmetics and beauty products (the AMAZING Sakura Silk Exfoliating Gel was my fave!) and delicious cakes here. If you like cocktails, then this Gifting Suite was your place, with Casa Noble Tequila, Eagle Castle Winery and Adult Milk Chocolate all present, offering "cocktail hour" all day! I also loved the sexy and very stylish handbags and jewelry from Charlie Lapson. I snagged the BEST luggage tags for all my travels!Desert Anyone? A Golden Globes Cake at the Madison & Mulholland Charitable Gifting Suite Beverly Hills

Well, after one Adult Chocolate Milks too many, I knew it was time to head back to my non-Gifting suite life back at the NIKOLAKI design studio in Downtown LA-- Signing off from the Golden Globes Gifting Suites---see you next time!

Lauren Conrad and Nick Verreos: Fashionable Holidays!

"The Hills"---in West Hollywood...plus another Boutique Opening!Three's Company: Lauren Conrad, her high-school friend Jillian and Nick Verreos, at HERE Lounge

The weekend in LA for some people means relaxing, nice brunches at Quality, House of Pies or the hipster hangout 101 Coffee Shop/Hollywood and, of course, some last minute Holiday Shopping---yeah, I did that. But it also meant "Oh Dear, more Holiday Parties!" Over this last weekend, I was invited by my dear friend, Woody Woodbeck, whom I originally met over a year ago filming a "Where Are They Now?" Project Runway segment. We immediately hit it off and since then have been friends. He had his first Annual "It's A Woody Christmas" event at the HERE Lounge in West Hollywood and of course I wanted to be there.
As soon as I dropped my toy off in the "toy box" (it was done in association with Toys For Tots), I posed with a US Marine (in full uniform, who seemed very comfortable being amongst "The Gays") and made a beeline inside to the bar/club. The place was packed and I soon spotted my former student at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM and now friend, the one and only Miss Lauren Conrad. I Love a Man In A Uniform: Nick Verreos poses, with his gift and a "Toys For Tots" Marine

Lauren was in a roped-off "VIP booth" with one of her best friends from high school, Jillian. When I saw Lauren, of course, I turned into a 16 year old screaming girl and screamed "Heeeeyyyy". Lauren and Jillian were both sportin' Urban Outfitters (you know I asked what and who they were wearing and they said "Urban!"). I guess they had gone shopping earlier that day and were showing off their purchases. I would be too. On the other hand, I was wearing year-old Dolce and Gabbana (no shopping for me unfortunately). While we were hanging out, she received a phone call and it was Brody (Jenner). She had another party to be at and so we soon double-kissed and said "Goodbye"!

Gordon Henderson Boutique Opening
Shopping For a Suit: Marc Jacobs' John Wade and Nick Verreos meet up at the Gordon Henderson Store Opening

On Sunday--after a day of shooting my entire NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection for my upcoming new Website (and Look Book), I got a call from my friend John Wade, inviting me to be his "date" at the store opening of the new Gordon Henderson Boutique on Melrose. It took me about 2 minutes to figure it out but Gordon Henderson is---as Victoria Beckham would say---MAJAH! Not only did he apprentice with Calvin Klein, he also won the prestigious Perry Ellis Award back in 1990, and had his own exclusive line of practical, sporty separates through Saks Fifth Avenue. He was also one of People Magazine's Most Sexiest Men---in 1992!!! He is doing Menswear and has a fabulous new store to showcase it. The vibe of the store, and his line of Saville Row-looking hand-finished suits and shirts, were very "Out Of Africa"--like a stylish expat living in Nairobi. Nonchalant tailored chic. He also "collects" vintage menswear pieces from Brooks Brothers as well as other brands and revamps them. So great, I even bought a piece (I know, I cannot help myself at a store opening!). If I was a rich British soccer player with style, I would definitely hit up Gordon Henderson! Just sayin' David Beckham....