eShakti Dress Giveaway Winner

Thanks to all who entered the eShakti dress giveaway.  Congrats to Meeyeehere, she is the winner of the giveaway.  I will be emailing the you shortly!

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Topshop 2007 wide leg trousers again an vogue?

Look what i've spotted!
Topshop wide leg trousers from a 2007 collection, if you have them wear them!

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Wide leg trousers the trend to come

Summer and Autumn will see the return of wide leg trousers.Big palazzo legs with pinces under the belt. Even if these trousers seem merciful with the body figure they're going to flatter lean womans and should be avoided by the shorter girls because they make legs look shorter.
My y choice is a beige cream or white version, you can look taller wearing these with wedges. They're perfect for a S. Tropez look.

Missoni chic version here

They're still hard to find in shops but i found one by gap not my perfect pair yet.

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Nick Verreos Rides in the Macy's Car for the SF 40Th Anniversary Pride Parade

Happy San Francisco Pride!!!SF Pride Macy's Banner

Yes, kiddies, it has come to this: I was FINALLY invited--by Macy's no less--to ride the official Macy's "float" at the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. Not just any Pride Parade but THE 40Th Anniversary darlings. I just happened to be in San Francisco hosting the Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Event at Macy's Union Square and well, Macy's thought "Let's see if Nick will be our Macy's 'Grand Marshall' ?" Ummm, let me think about it...YES!!! Riding Proud: Nick Verreos atop the convertible BMW Macy's Car, SF Pride 2010

After I was done with my Sunglass Hut Event, I checked into my most comfortable Hotel Vitale room and settled in for the night (after a few cocktails with friends at the Americano, naturally!). Now, onto Sunday kiddies. Rainbow Peace: Nick Verreos strikes a pose, SF Pride 2010

I was so humbled, honored and well, very verklempt, to have been asked to be part of this amazing occasion. As I arrived in my "waiting area", all the Macy's volunteers congregated along with hundreds of other parade attendees who were a part of different organizations and/or floats that were about to take part if this 40Th Anniversary EXTRAVAGANZA. Macy's went "all out" with not one but TWO shiny brand new BMW's from BMW San Francisco. They also had hundreds of black Macy's Pride T-shirts as well as TONS of Macy's rainbow flag hankies (above) that were to be passed out during our parade route. During the wait, I got to enjoy the Gold's Gym Float (above) which waited right next to us the entire time with a group of the most perfectly toned, muscled and buffed bodies this side of the Mississippi (nice!). I was also very happy to see one my oldest and dearest of friends...interior designer Gino Castaño, who stopped by to keep me company (Love him!) (above photo). Finally, around 1PM, we got the word that we could "start" them BMW engines! Macy's Princess: Nick Verreos, atop the Macy's BMW SF Parade car, with Macy's volunteers

I threw on my white Zara jacket over my peach-colored American Apparel deep-V t-shirt, threw on a couple of those fabulous Macy's Pride Hankies, and I was ready! For about an hour, all I could see and hear was "Omg!Nick!!!" or "Oh wait It's Nick from Project Runway!". View From My Car: Market Street San Francisco from my car, SF Pride 2010

So much so that my Macy's client--and driver-- said "I really need to make a t-shirt that says 'OMG-It's Nick!' " It was so AMAZING to ride the 40Th Anniversary SF Pride Parade and get to see all the loving, peaceful, inclusive, and very COLORFUL people out for Sunday's festivities. I cannot say this enough: Riding the SF Pride Parade was one of the most SURREAL experiences of my life!
I'm Taking This To Europe: Nick Verreos eyes his new Bubblegum Pink Samsonite Suitcase

Once we finished the parade, the Macy's clients had a VERY SPECIAL Gift for me: A bright Pink Samsonite Suitcase! You see, last month when I was in San Francisco to host a "Sex And The City 2"-themed party at Macy's Union Square, I was "eyeing" this Barbie-pink suitcase that was in one of the "Sex And The City 2" event displays...well, the clients remembered and so as a "Thank You" for being the Macy's SF Pride "Grand Marshall", they gave it to me, it was waiting for me at the end of the parade! I know: Shut The Front Door!After the parade I had three hours before I would catch my flight back to LA. My SF friends from AGES ago, Jason Fioresi and Carlo Parenti (above), decided to throw me an impromptu "Congrats, Welcome and Happy Pride Sunday" afternoon gathering at their fabulous Bernal Heights pied-de-terre. Nick Buffet: The "SF Pride" Spread at Jason and Carlo's home

As I arrived, there was an entire table set up with White Wine from Spain, cheeses from all over the world, crackers and bread, Caprese Salad, salami, Prosciutto, Garbonzo beans, olives and Banana Peppers, as well as turkey meatballs. Not kidding! Just for me! Well, it was the perfect ending to an unbelievable weekend in San Francisco. I was ready to get back on the freeway and find my way back to SFO and board my return flight back to LA-LA Land. I HEART San Francisco! For More Photos: Click HERE!

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Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Event Macy's Union Square

San Francisco Host With The Most: Sunglass Shopping, Hot-Dog Eatin', Manicure Polishing and Much More...Billboard Boy: Nick Verreos at Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

On Saturday, I flew into San Francisco in a flourish. Here's the rundown: Got up at 5AM, packed, showered and got dressed, got to LAX, and boarded my Virgin America 8 AM flight to the City by the Bay. My trusty car and Bob--one of my favorite drivers in SF--picked me up at SFO and whisked me off to Union Square where I was to host the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut store at Macy's San Francisco's flagship from noon-4PM.Posing Divas: Nick Verreos and models pose with the Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Sunglasses designed by Devi Kroell, Matt Murphy and Kara Ross

The weather in San Francisco on Saturday was sunny and gorgeous--perfect to be sporting some CHIC new sunglasses. Macy's and Sunglass Hut had set up a whole "Afternoon Soiree" in Level 1 of the store and I was it's "Host with the Most". I brought three of the prettiest Ford models from San Francisco to be my "Nick's Angels" for the event (all styled fabulously by Keylee Sanders, my SF Stylist DIVA from Style Studio).Sunglass Hut Grand Opening Macy's San Francisco Union Square

For the Grand Opening, we had hors d'euvres including mini hot dogs, chili-lemon peppered watermelon and sorbet ice cream sandwiches, as well as lemonade and sparkling water being passed around, to entice shoppers to come see the new shop and get in a "It's Summer and I need some Sunglasses" mood.Greetings Macy's Shoppers: Nick Verreos, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

There was a "photo booth" by Fotomio where shoppers got to try on the featured Vogue Eyewear/CFDA sunglasses and take their very own photos. Pinkies was there giving manicures to shoppers. Sunglasses On A Plate: Models showcase Vogue Eyewear/CFDA Designer Eyewear, Macy's Union Square

As a bonus--just for that day--with EVERY purchase of a pair of sunglasses, shoppers received a chic little Sunglass Hut cosmetic bag, a Gift Certificate to Pinkies AND a full size bottle of Clarins Self Tanning Gel (Hello!!!!). Between the mini-hot dogs, lemonade, photo-booth taking, the gift-with-purchase and my shouting voice of "Welcome, Come Buy Some Sunglasses!!!, the store was abuzz with shopping madness! OMG! It's Nick: Nick Verreos poses with shoppers, Sunglass Hut Grand Opening, Macy's Union Square

The event was a complete SUCCESS! I had a great time and the fact that hundreds and hundreds of people (shoppers, tourists strolling in, fans of Project Runway--yeayyy!!) were stopping by, kept it all lively and fun!
That's MY Barbie: Siobhan Tuvo, her daughter Sarah and Nick Verreos, Macy's Union Square Grand Opening of Sunglass Hut

A highlight was one of my very best friends, Siobhan Tuvo, stopped by and brought her oh-so-pretty daughter Sarah, whom I had not seen in YEARS!!! Sarah brought me a special somethin'-somethin': The "Project Runway My Scene Nick Verreos Barbie"!!! Well, you just know I began screaming in the microphone like a little girl! She brought it for me to sign and of course, I obliged. It was a perfect ending to a fabulous afternoon at my Sunglass Hut Macy's San Francisco Event!
Now it was time to get some rest before the next day's big event: SF Gay Pride Parade!!! Stay Tuned...

Below is a fun slideshow with LOTS of photos of the entire event. These fantastic photos were provided by Drew Altizer Photography and click HERE for even MORE photos!

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"Days of Our Lives" Best Supporting Actress Nominee Arianne Zucker Wears Nikolaki to Daytime Emmy Awards

Daytime Emmys Grecian GoddessBest Supporting Actress Nominee Arianne Zucker in NIKOLAKI at the 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

This last weekend was a busy one for me: Hosting a FAB Macy's Grand Opening of Sunglass Hut event in San Francisco Union Square Flagship on Saturday and being invited to ride the Macy's "caravan" at yesterdays AMAZING San Francisco Pride 40Th Anniversary Parade (I will have posts up soon with all the fun!!!). But the Parade wasn't all that was happening on Sunday: Last night was the 37Th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards and one of the nominated actresses, the gorgeous Best Supporting Actress nominee Arianne Zucker wore one of our NIKOLAKI gowns to last night's televised awards!!!
Days Of Our Lives Actress Arianne Zucker, in a Nikolaki gown, and Husband Kyle Lowder, 37Th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards red carpet

Her stylist took some gowns from our Nikolaki Atelier here in Los Angeles, brought them to her for consideration and the next thing we know, Arianne was walking the red carpet in our Nikolaki gown. It is a one-shoulder ivory silk jersey cowl-draped "Goddess" gown with black silk duchesse contrast bands. She looked gorgeous--thank you Arianne for making our gown look so sublime.

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The Pleasure Principle...or not so much - Carmakoma review & OOTD

Some of you may have already seen, but Reiko from God's Favorite Shoes invited me to a dinner at Cocina in the West Village in Dallas.  She was here visiting.  I love her blog and sometimes you feel people's energy before you even meet them and thats how it was for me.  And of course as I had already peeped out --- She is freakin awesome.  Besides being absolutely adorable, she was just super nice.  And as she mentioned we just chatted as if we have known each other for years.   She invited the lady behind Fashion nette-work, Juanette.  Juanette also sells some really great statement jewelry.  She was absolutely fabulous in her Banana Republic dress which she died from white to yellow.  I love a DIY girl...she tells you how to accomplish this on her blog.  Check it out.  I can't do anything but love another Banana girl.

My bag is from Ann Taylor.  I actually bought it last season on final clearance - orginally $160, I paid $40.

I wanted to tie this into an outfit post/review of the Carmakoma dress that I recently bought.  I really like the dress, but it did take two tries for it to get to me.  Inspired by Reiko (a lover of Janet) and my clip on bangs by Jessica Simpson.  I tried to achieve my long coveted Pleasure Principle hair style.  Just FYI I have wanted this look since I have been 8.  With the weather hot and steamy its kind of hard to pull off the look with my bangs staying oh so straight my real hair frizzing up.  So, yes I tried, but failed.  I have to wait until the Fall for me to get my Miss Jackson look off.    

(yes I picture jacked....but Reiko's looked so much better than mine)

Okay so I picked up this piece from Carmakoma in a 14/16, which is really not my size, but it was on sale and I wanted to try a cheaper piece before I really spent some money.  Even though it was smaller it definitely had good give and was somewhat baggy on me by the end of the night.  Another treat with this dress is that it was like two dresses in one.  There was an off the shoulder dress that was underneath (that was more like a shirt to me) --- This offered a few options of wearing the pieces together or apart.  Another bonus was that the dress was a razorback with a super cute sequin detail.  

Too cute right?!? The plus of the piece so far is that I really like the price, quality, and the style aesthetic. The cons are that it may take a month or so to get your piece.  My piece took two tries, I was talking to someone on Twitter and the same thing happened to them.  So while, the pieces are cute, if you plan to order for a special event, give yourself at least a month in advance. 

And so shall I leave you with the hairstyle that I have been trying to achieve for the last 20 years.   Thanks to Jessica Simpson...I know at least have some kind of hope of getting this look! 

(Now I don't know where I'm going to get some knee pads to fit my big knees. But believe when I was younger I did put my softball knee pads over my jeans)

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Nick Verreos Appearance at FIDM 3 Days of Fashion 2010 Orange County and Los Angeles!

High School Fashionistas: Bring It!!!OC Style: Nick Verreos and the audience at FIDM Orange County Campus' 3 Days of Fashion

This week was the beginning of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM 3 Days of Fashion. It's when high school (and above) students from all over the country come to see what FIDM is all about and check it out as a possible school to attend for those interested in the Fashion Industry. As many of you may know, FIDM is where I attended and got my Fashion Design Degree from, and it is also where I am an Instructor (and it's where Project Runway Season 6 was filmed!!!). I always love being invited to the 3 Days of Fashion and making special appearances at all the campuses.

First Up: FIDM Orange County: Nick Verreos and Amanda Fields pose with 3 Days of Fashion OC attendee

For 2010, I decided to bring my Nikolaki gowns and "star" models such as the fabulous Amanda Fields, who, besides being a muse and "House Model" of mine, she was also on Project Runway Season 3. We had a fantastic time in the OC (as I always do!). I even brought my "son", Benny. Yes, Benny made a "special appearance" and even did a quick catwalk down the FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion Runway!

FIDM Los Angeles:
Work The Crowd: Nick Verreos and 400+ attendees, FIDM Los Angeles 3 Days of Fashion

Over 400 High School students (and their parents) came to the final day of FIDM Los Angeles' 3 Days of Fashion, and I was the "Grand Finale"(yeaaayyyy!!!). Again, I brought model Amanda Fields and some of my Nikolaki gowns for everyone to see and enjoy.
Flamenco Queen: Model Amanda Fields in Nikolaki black silk taffeta tiered-ruffle and sequined feathered gown

Miss Amanda WORKED the runway--and crowd--wearing a black silk taffeta "Flamenco" styled tulip-shaped gown. She looked UNBELIEVABLE in it and you could tell from the "ooohs" and "aaahs" from the audience.
Print Goddess: Model Amanda Fields in Nikolaki silk chiffon gown

I also brought one of my favorite gowns, a "Hibiscus"-print silk chiffon high-neck gown which has over 30 yards of fabric. Again, the crowd went "wild" when she sauntered onto the FIDM LA 3 Days of Fashion stage/runway and showed all the kids what a model in COUTURE should look like!
Say FASHION: Nick Verreos and Amanda Fields pose with FIDM LA 3 Days of Fashion attendees

After my speaking appearance and mini-Nikolaki Fashion Show, both Amanda and I spent over an hour taking photos and signing autographs (as we did in the OC!) with all the attendees. I hope everyone had a blast, enjoyed my talk (sorry I went overtime!) and best of all, were inspired.

Click BELOW for Video of both the OC and Los Angeles 2010 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion:

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eShakti Dress Giveaway

The generous people at eShakti have sponsored a dress giveaway with yours truly.  The dress is a 2X black and white print.  Sorry guys the dress is a little snug on the hips, so I couldn't actually model the outfit and there is no one else here but the dog and she said she didn't want to model...LOL.   The dress, from what I can tell, is sold out on eShakti, but it is very trendy and cute --- I'm sad I couldn't slip it on.  

The accessories are not included, but I wanted to style it up.   To enter the contest you must be a follower and comment "enter me" & your email address.  The contest will end at June 30th (the day the new Twilight movie come out --- cant wait) at 11:59pm.  The winner will be picked by Random.org.  Good Luck!!!

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a Tribute to Alexander Mcqueen: inspired dress by H&M

We all miss Alexander Mcqueen the genius of the Britain fashion!
All fashionistas like me who can only dream one of this precious dresses always search for inspired fashion.

This one comes from H&M and it's a bodycon dress with a print that remembers one of Alexander's. Alexander's visionary work!

The H&M inspired one.

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Nick Verreos Rides For Macys at the 2010 San Francisco Gay Pride Parade this Sunday!

Nick PrideThis weekend I am SO EXCITED to be flying to San Francisco to host a very special event at the Macy's Union Square for the Grand Opening of the Sunglass Hut on Level 1. I will be there from noon-4Pm (no RSVP necessary, just show up, say "Hi" and buy some sunglasses!). In addition, I just got word from the Macy's SF "bigwigs", that they have invited me to ride on the Macy's car the next day for the San Francisco Gay Pride Parade. Well, of course I said "Done and Done". I spent my junior high to high school years (post Venezuela) in the Bay Area so coming back to San Francisco and being asked to be part of this AMAZING celebration will just make my Greek-Latin arm hairs STAND UP! It is an honor. I have a lot of friends in The City and hope to see them all there waving at me! Now, besides sunscreen, what shall I wear???? Come out to the Parade and see...

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Milan & Paris Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections: Westwood, Moncler Gamme Bleu, Gucci

Euro Dandy or Euro Heir?Summer Drizzle: Moncler Gamme Bleu S/S 2011 Trenchcoat

The Menswear Spring/Summer 2011 Collections continue and here are some of my faves. First up, the Moncler Gamme Bleu Collection, designed by American Thom everything-is-shrunken Browne. Browne is known for his great presentations and somehow he had to "top himself" from last year's Swimming Extravaganza. He did. The runway show occurred in Milan's Vellodromo Vigorelli Football (soccer for the Gringos) Stadium and it was all about chic Activewear for that Tour de France fashionista in every man. Great windbreakers, trench coats, shrunken double-breasted cardigan/jackets (I can't wait until Topman knocks those off!) and LEGGINGS--bicycle-print ones, which I guarantee will be the "must purchase" for every stylin' gay this side of the Marais!
Going To A Picnic: Vivienne Westwood Menswear S/S 2011

Moving onto Vivienne Westwood. Her Menswear show was FAAAABUUUULOUS! I could just see those bloggers and oh-we-don't-get-it people saying "I would NEVER wear that!", "Is she crazy?", "what IS thaaaaat???". Ummm, how shall I say this politely: That's not the point and by the way IT'S NOT FOR YOU!! (for those people who say the "I would never wear that" comment. It's all about creative inspiration and creating a presentation--a show (think John Galliano). BIZZZNESS Class: Vivienne Westwood Men Spring 2011

Smart editors, store buyers and fashion-savvy writers will see beyond the wig and 1979 Male Hooker scarf (love!) and see a great plaid jacket, a rather "basic" purple gingham shirt one could even buy at Urban Outfitters, and some sexy shoes to boot! I loved the collection so much, I actually started looking for some inspiration for my upcoming lecture trip to Italy next month. I have been invited to speak to the Miami University of Ohio Summer Europe Program once again so I saw this look below from Miss Westwood as a "suggestion" for my "Traveling to Europe" ensemble...and well, I had to think again. It could be the Manpris or it might have been the I-think-all-that-carry-on might NOT be allowed on the plane factor...So, in other words, I had to "think again". A look which definitely might be in my "Summer In Florence" ensemble is:
Ahhhhhhhh, yes, leave it to Gucci. I think the above outfit WILL BE my inspiration for next month's European trip and lecture. For Spring/Summer 2011, Designer Frida Giannini designed a collection which was very 1960's Fiat Heir On His Way To Capri...or London.
The collection screamed Andrea and Pierre Casaraghi (Princess Caroline's we-do-nothing-bu-go-on-Holidays- sons). Slim very 60s suits, high-water cropped pants (a S/S 2011 Trend), rolled-up sleeves (great styling!) and an altogether Euro Trash-Gone Good look to it, which is what defines Gucci.
My Positano Beach Bag: Gucci Spring/Summer 2011 The sock-less loafers (sooooo GUCCI old-school!)
Oh it all SCREAMS "Me!". Now this is a collection where it is OK to say: "I would wear that!" Thank God the Euro is poor and the Dollar is strong because "Uncle Nick" might have to do some Gucci Damage in Italy!

Click Below for Moncler Gamme Bleu by Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2011:


Click Below for the Vivienne Westwood Menswear Spring 2011 Preview:


Click Below for the Gucci Menswear Spring 2011 Runway:

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