Wearable Fashion Trends 8: Minidresses

This season marks the return of the minidress. It seems that every fabric, colour, cut and style of minidress were made with hemlines creeping up and up - some barely-there - for the warmer weather perhaps.

Runway: The skirts are so short on some of the minis and babydolls that they barely cover the model's bottom.

Reality Shorter may be better for shorts, dresses and skirts, but this is definitely a youthful trend. Get the same leggy look with a bit more coverage by adding a minidress with black tights or by putting a minidress over skinny cropped jeans.

Just for fun, I looked for pics of celebrities in their minidresses and here's what I found in Second City Style. Who looks prettier? Who Wore It Better?

Lindsay Lohan vs. Lily Allen in a tweed-rimmed dress by Chanel

Stacy Keibler vs. Kelly Clarkson in a Castle Starr minidress



Nicky Hilton vs. Hilary Duff in a Petro Zillia jumper



Paris Hilton vs. Serena Williams in an Alice + Olivia sequined shift

Wearable Fashion Trends 7: Metallics

Maybe you're seeing lots of metallics all around you. Such colors as gold, silver and bronze become the new neutrals suitable not only for night but also for day. Reflect the rising mercury with day-to-night metallics.

Runway: Designers add glitz to both daytime and evengwearwith sequins, lurex and metallic lace.

Reality: You might have metallic overdose because it's been around for so many seasons, but this time try metallics in apparel pieces instead of just accessories. Soft gold or silver lurex or lace pieces have just the right touch of shine for daytime. Mix daytime pieces with white for a fresh, warm-weather look. For after-five, the more subdued metallics work, but you can also up the gleam factor with big gold and silver spangles and beaded short dresses.

Photo Source: 1, 2

Wearable Fashion Trends 6: Patent

Let it Shine with Patent Leather!

This high-gloss, waterproof material is most commonly used for shoes. Originally worn to complement warm weather looks, black patent leather in particular has emerged as a year-round fashion statement. It returns to its warm weather roots this season by showing up in a variety of warm weather colors and trims. Red patent peek-a-boo flats are being shown with black and white Capri-style pants, and oversized white patent totes replace heavier black leather bags for the fashion-conscious crowd. Oversized patent leather belts are also a great way to create waist interest over long summer cardigan sweaters and tunics. Many trench coats this season have also taken on a patent-like shine. Of course, the key to wearing these shiny new looks well is to treat them as accents.

Runway: Normally tame accessories like wide belts and pumps take on shine with patent.

Reality: Black patent -- either in a wide belt or clutch bag -- is the easiest to wear. Bright patent pieces add plenty of pop -- orange, bright blue, red -- so pair them with something equally strong like graphic black and white outfits.

Photo Source

Miss Japan Becomes Miss Universe!

Congratulations Miss Japan!
Congratulations to Riyo Mori for winning the title of Miss Universe 2007. She looked chic and stylish in her Gucci Spring 2007 gown. I'm sure Nina Garcia approved of this dress! Nina looked stylish and elegant herself.

This video was very unfortunate. Rachael Smith never looked comfortable from the start of the contest. I think that the weeks of feeling unwelcome by the Mexican population was weighing on her and our sources tell us that besides being booed at the National Costume Parade and preliminary judging, the booing started from the moment she was introduced at the National Auditorium and reached it's climax when she answered her final question. The fall was unfortunate but what was even more regrettable was the unsportsmanlike attitude of the audience.

Wearable Fashion Trends 5: Fun Florals

There is a summer romance blossoming and it’s blooming in your closet! Well put that romantic floral frock on and skip down the street. Look for overgrown prints and and rosette embellishments to add life to your wardrobe. Sweet daisies and gorgeous bouquets give great silhouettes with ultimate girly touch. And with so many flowers to pick, you will be sure to grow the perfect fashion garden.

Runway: Blooms are a perennial spring fave, but this season they come in fun sizes and colors.

Reality: To look modern, you need to pass on the ditsy little prints and go for something bright and bold, like hot pink or bright blue; graphic black and white floral prints are great, too. Floral embellishments don't have to just be in a print; look for flower embellishment, tone-on-tone embroidery and accessories, too.











Photo Source: 1, 2

Live From Mexico City: Miss Universe 2007!

It's Pageant Time Again!!

Tomorrow (Monday) is the "Miss Universe 2007" pageant and besides being Memorial Day it also means one thing: Get out the Guacamole and chips and Margaritas, it's time to get your score card out and rate those gowns!!!!
But really, because of my sister's involvement in beauty pageants and having designed many "Miss USA" and "Miss Universe" gowns, as well as the gown Nancy O'Dell wore to host last year's telecast, this is my other "Academy Awards"! As you may remember, I went to last year's telecast, which was held in Los Angeles, at the famed Shrine Auditorium. This year, the pageant, is being held in Mexico City, Mexico featuring almost 80 girls from all over the world.

I was going to go for the weekend to "El D.F.", but I was called in for a job assignment over the weekend which ended up being a lot more lucrative. I was hoping to return to Mexico City and visit some family and friends (my sister's ex-husband's family is from there and my nephew and niece were born in Mexico City), but alas, I could not. I was even more disappointed when I found out Olympic Ladies Figure Skater, Michelle Kwan, would be one of the judges for the event. This would have been my chance to "slip in" one of my dresses to her, amongst all her Vera Wang's (Wang is her one and only designer).

Just recently, I had a "double" run-in with Miss Universe, when I attended my friend, Brook Lee's wonderful Baby Shower, thrown by her best friend, comedian Alec Mapa. At the party, all of sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I recognized another guest, former "Miss Universe", the beautiful Justine Pasek , from Panama. Well, I just about died! But of course, I could not show it. I was calm, cool and collected (as much as "Uncle Nick" can be!) We ended up talking for a long time, like old Panamanian girlfriends! Brook almost had to pull us away! She was like "Excuse me! This is MY Baby Shower!" She did tell me that she was on her way to the Mexican capital to judge the preliminaries of the Miss Universe Pageant. I just kept thinking of what my Missologist (pageant experts) friends would think of this moment: Brook Lee, Justine Pasek, and myself; I had to capture it with a photo.

The contestants have been in Mexico City for about a month and last week were the "National Costume" and "Preliminary" Contests. There was a bit of a scandal during the open air Parade of Costumes show, when the gorgeous "Miss USA", donned up as a sexy "Elvis" impersonator(she hails from Tennessee), was booed and jeered by the Mexican audience. Poor girl is getting the brunt of a whole country's feelings towards the US Government and especially its immigration policies. It reminded pageant-watchers of an incident that occurred the last time the "Miss Universe" pageant was held in Mexico City, when the Mexican audience also booed --for an hour--the contestant from the United States. She was continually booed when she made it into the Final 10, during her presentation on bathing suit and evening gown, as well as when she made the Final 5. An entire country looked tacky and "unsportsmanlike". History repeated itself.

Amongst other minor gossip, Jessica Simpson-hairstylist Ken Paves, has declined to appear as a final telecast judge, and was replaced by a Mexican soap-opera actor. Also, former "Miss Universe" Cecilia Boloco from Chile has declined an invitation to Monday night's show. This would have been the year celebrating the 20Th Anniversary of her crowning. Instead she opted to "lay low" as a result of recent scandalous topless photos of her that have appeared in the media showing her having an affair (she is married to the former President of Argentina, Carlos Menem).

But on to more fun stuff: Who are my favorites? Miss Venezuela (of course), Ly Jonaitis. She really is beautiful and will wear a stunning Angel Sanchez gown, designed especially for her. Some say she can "take it all". As long as she shows a "real, more down to earth" side of herself. Miss Venezuela's are known to always be perfect; from the hair to the gown to the surgically-enhanced body. Miss Venezuela is perfect from almost any angle but she can come off as rather robotic and rehearsed. Those savvy international panel of non-pageant watcher judges are looking for "realness"and personality, not necessarily a "pageant Betty". My other favorites include, Miss Korea, Miss Thailand, Miss Guatemala, Miss India, Miss Spain, Miss Dominican Republic, Miss Greece and Miss Japan (she will be wearing Gucci directly from the Milan runways!) Lastly, I am certain that Miss Mexico and Miss USA will also duke it out for that coveted crown. You can go to one of my favorite sites Global Beauties and check out all the contestants and their swimsuits and especially, their gowns. Some are absolutely a mess, and you wonder "what were they thinking?" with slits going up to their cha cha's and way too much whickety wack! While many of the "Top Tier" girls that I mentioned above chose beautiful, elegant and sexy dresses. May the best gown, I mean girl, win!

Ogre-ly Fashion

Shrek, the movie that put ‘happily ever after’ fairy tales on their heads, is back in theaters with a story that finds Princess Fiona preparing for her greatest adventure…parenthood. Before slipping into the joys of motherhood, Fiona gets to live the royal life as ruler of Far, Far Away. A little bit swamp mommy chic, a little bit queen of the kingdom, these indie picks will have you ready for all your orge-ly duties.

1. Rachel Leigh Positively Ring - Gold-plated, cocktail ring with leaf detail at stone setting. Available exclusively at shopbop.com.

2. Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent Deep V Mini Dress - Feminine, hip, and confident is what you'll feel when wearing this dress.

3. Vita Milano Bracelet - There is nothing more elegant than luxurious chain detail.

4. Charlotte Ronson Kidada Flat - Because the ballerinas shouldn't get to hold the monopoly on this adorable style.

5. Fenton Handbags Earl Tote - For we love a luxurious style with options.

*At 23 years old, I love animated movies and that includes Shrek on top of my list. I am amused with the movies' humor and scripts.

Source

Wearable Fashion Trends 4: Animal Prints

The warmth from the sun brings out our inner animal. Release the beast by suiting up in some of the exciting animal prints. Leopard, zebra, and snake prints are making a huge comeback with patterns being seen on everything from dresses to bathing suits, handbags to stilettos. Pick up on of these animal print picks and be queen of your urban jungle.

1. Beach Tanzania Dress - A flirty skirt on an adorable style? That's perfect fashion.
2. Lampshade Leopard Dress - This dress is doing retro funk better than anything we've ever seen before.
3. The Whiskey Bikini - Tyler Rose has us walking poolside like it's a runway, and we've never felt sexier.
4. Jungle Mesh Clutch - A clutch that's sublimely touchable? That's perfection.
5. Batik Tagua Print Ring - This stunning ring is natural elegance at its finest.
6. Leopard Flat - All we have to say is Meow!

Runway: Big animal prints show up on everything from handbags to trench coats.

Reality: Animal prints -- leopard, zebra, etc. -- are a classic, but that doesn't mean just anyone can wear them. First, you'll need to scale the size of the print to your body type (larger prints for larger or taller women, and vice versa). This time of year you'll want to pair them with white to lighten them up. Add updates touches like a wide belt or patent accessories and shoes.

Photo Source

Spot the Difference

this series has been running for a while now in fashionista.com and i had been hooked.

there's this, most budget stores are now downright copying designs of high end designers straight from the runway. of course, stores like gap, urban outfitters and forever 21 are completely denying this allegations, as they claim that they are merely getting inspirations from runway looks.

errr... do you agree? see for yourself!


L: Anna Sui's candy-striped dress for Spring '07, worth $200
R: Forever 21's inspired one for $17.80

now, this one is not even copied from a runway...


kate moss, forever 21
Right: Kate Moss's silk top for TopShop
Left: Forever 21's own blouse for $27

Right: Diane Von Furstenberg's print retails for $180. Diane is already suing Forever 21 for reproducing her prints.
Left: Forever 21's print goes for $24.80


Why you buy a $1200 Versace dress (R) when you can buy the same print at Bebe (L)?


manolo blahnik J. crew shoes
Right: Manolo Blahnik has a gorgeous pair of sandals for $575
Left: J. Crew's similar looking shoes for $118

Wear It In 100 Ways

Wondering on how to show your sexiness? Victoria's Secret is introducing a new bra you'll wear in 100 ways. Comes with three sets of straps: regular, halter and a low-back converter strap to wear beneath backless styles. You can wear it as a plunge, one-shoulder, racerback, cross-back, boatneck, criss-cross front, halter - and a lot more ways.

Source - see the actual products here

Wearable Fashion Trends 3: The Little White Dresses

Move over black, the little white dress is stepping in...

Little white dresses are more than Western symbols of purity; they’re the new staple of every fashionista’s wardrobe. From traditional bridal gowns to little girl Easter attire, white dresses have long been fashion code for innocence and purity.

Don't think of yourself as a fashion traditionalist! With a crisp white sundress and sun-kissed golden skin all summer long, there's nothing boring about that.







Runway: Little White Dresses are shown for day and night time wear.

Reality: Wear the Little White Dress in place of the LBD (white to weddings is still a no-no, though) and accessorize them with white or metallic sandals and big, chunky bangles. Wear nude undergarments that match your skin tone for the most natural look; you may need a traditional or body slip for a smooth look if you opt for more fitted white dresses.

Photo Sources: 1, 2, 3

Je T'aime New York!

New York Diary: Survivor:Fiji, Karolina, Whoopi, Laura Bennett, Daniel Vosovic, and Jay McCarroll
Where do I begin? How about with : I love New York!!! It is, by far, my favorite city in the world! It almost pumps blood into my creative veins; being surrounded by all the fashion, art, architecture, the "hustle and bustle" of the original Metropolis, the shops, the models, the restaurants. The whole city thrills me like no other. It is "real", and a nice break from the "It's not what it seems" surreal world of La La Land.

My trip to New York City was bookended by work and the "Survivor: Fiji" Finale, in which my sister, Rita invited myself and David to attend. In between, however, was some "play time". As soon as we arrived , I was off to work, doing some fashion segments which I will talk about later next month. I got the privilege to do some more "red carpet" interviewing at an event for Katie Couric's Colon Cancer Foundation at the Chelsea Piers.

The highlight of that event was meeting Whoopi Goldberg. The Oscar-winning actress, came up to me, as I tried, nervously to introduce myself , "Hi , Whoopi, I am Nick Verreos from..." She stopped me and said, in her own unequaled way, "I know who you are...and I loved you! You should have been in the Final Three!" Well, I almost died and became speechless (rare) and of course, thanked her profusely. She then asked me for my business card. Unfortunately, I did not have one! I just about died a second time. I also became nauseous. And then, in that one-of-a kind Whoopi voice, she murmured in my ear, "Nick, you NEED to have a business card... AT ALL TIMES!" Needless to say, I reached for some paper and wrote my information and handed it to her. Lesson learned: Always have business cards. I don't like giving them out, I think it is cheesy and so "LA", but in this instance, it would have certainly been appropriate.

Immediately following my Red Carpet duties I rushed to the opening of my friends (Andy and Taylor pictured to the left) new gym STATION. Located in an absolutely fabulous building in the Meatpacking District (next to the Gansevoort Hotel), STATION offers these amazing vibrating exercise machines that are all the rage in Europe and are just now being offered here in the states. RuPaul as well as editors from W and all the top magazines were on hand to check out the buzz on this new hot spot.

I also got the chance to attend a chic opening party for a new Soho store called "Curve", which one of my favorite Supermodels, Czech beauty Karolina Kurkova was hosting. The party was filled with a "Who's Who" of A-List fashion types. Stylist Rachel Zoe (wearing an amazing dress and even more amazing Cartier Panthere diamond jewelry) with Hal Rubenstein, editor of "In Style" Magazine, designer Rachel Roy, model Bridget Hall, as well as a bevy of Upper East Side socialites that you always see on the "People Are Talking About" section of "Vogue" Magazine.

I also made a pit stop at one of my favorite bath and beauty product stores, "Lush". They were having a "Grand Opening" of their Soho store and asked me to stop by. Of course, I obliged and ended up buying my Mom a "Happy Mother's Day" gift box of "Lush" goodies, which I am sure my niece and nephew will use, instead of her. I also posed for photos with some of the shoppers in the store.

During my week, I got a chance to visit some of the East Coast "Project Runway" designers. I met Daniel Vosovic for a relaxing FOUR HOUR lunch where we ran into singer Jody Watley, who was in town for a special performance, staying at the same hotel I was. I also got to visit Laura Bennett at her spacious Manhattan Loft. I thought my Loft Studio was big, but WOW! This was my first time there, and I finally got to hang out (and play a little bit) with her kids. The "Project Rungay" boys were also there at Laura's pad, witnessing some heavy "off-the-record" dishing that will never get printed!(sorry guys).

I even got to visit the Poiret Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which was gorgeous and inspiring. Everyone must go, especially students of Fashion Design. Paul Poiret is credited with being the designer who de-corseted women in the early 20th Century, with his loose chemises and then-shocking Kimono robe ensembles. His designs look so contemporary, especially now, during this season when every other dress is off the body and shapeless.

On Sunday,the day of my sister's "Survivor: Fiji" Finale (and Mother's Day), I spent the most amazing time with my beautiful 6 year old niece, Casia and 9 year old nephew , Alain and my lovely mom, of course. I took the kids to the Times Square "Toys 'R Us" and told them they could buy anything as a "treat" from "Uncle Nick" for being such good students and getting the wonderful grades this year. We even got to ride on the Ferris Wheel that is inside the store and demolished the candy section. Later that afternoon, we headed to their hotel to prepare to go to the "Ed Sullivan (David Letterman) Theater", where the Finale would take place. My mom wore a custom "Nick Verreos/Nikolaki" design I had made for her. She looked radiant on this very special day. My sister, I later found out, also wore one of my cowl-draped tops from my collection.

We were at the theater for FIVE HOURS, from 6 PM until 11 PM. The time actually went quite fast. We watched the final episodes on flat screens in the theater plus the live finale. We were thrilled to see that towards the end, host Jeff Probst (please get rid of the choker!), asked Rita a question about being a Mother and she spoke lovingly of her kids. We had been told, during the commercial beforehand that the camera would show the kids and to have Casia hold up the "Happy Mother's Day" sign they had made for Rita. When the time came, it was all so sudden, that Casia got nervous and forgot to hold the sign. If you saw the snippet, you might have noticed me nudging her to pick up the sign. But it was too late. Oh well, they still got their three seconds of fame and I am sure they were the Stars of their respective schools when they returned to San Antonio.

My beautiful friend, Ali (pictured to the left), then invited us to the official "Survivor: Fiji" After Party at "Pop Burger" in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, hosted by Ethan Zohn and Jenna Morasca, of "Survivor" fame. Jenna was stunning in a puffy-sleeved shirt dress and Ethan, well, one word: HOTTIE! I never told him this for sheer embarrassment, BUT, all I wanted to do was run my fingers through his ringlets! He was the perfect host. My sister mingled with her fellow contestants , introducing me to them, soon discovering that a lot were fans of "Project Runway".

Since this was the last night of my New York trip, I decided to go out with a "bang". After the party, we headed to Hiro at Maritime. Hiro is one of my favorite hangouts on a Sunday night in New York City. It is always packed and always fun. I always wonder if anyone has to go to work the next morning by the looks of all the people there dancing as if it was a Friday night. We quickly went upstairs for a drink and out of the corner of my eye, in the "VIP" section, I spotted NY Diva Amanda Lepore, Celebrity gossip queen Perez Hilton, AND (wait for it!) Kylie Minogue!!! OK, this is what I am talking about: I LOVE New York!!! If that was not enough, , I feel a tap on my shoulder, and I turn around and it is none other than Jay McCarroll!!!! Jay was looking very incognito in his over sized black sunglasses (Note to Jay: I would love to get me a pair!). My night, and week, was therefore, complete. I headed back to my friend's Chelsea apartment for much needed rest for my next day flight back to La La Land. I hope to be back in NY very soon!!!