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Newbie Loubies...

Ahhhh Louboutin boutique at South Coast Plaza. I love you.

Thanks to Patrick who sent me a ton of pics from their new shipments! These are my faves... 



I LOVE this. It reminds me of ice cream. Sexy ice cream. hahaha I don't think I have any blue shoes, nor did I think I'd ever want a pair (navy does not count as blue IMO) but these are so tarty and cute!


And these are just soooo perfect! So Summery and sassy, right?



And nobody does a sexy nude patent shoe like Mr. Louboutin. I love how low cut these are- what a sexy top line!! And the amount of toe cleavage should be illegal.


So go in there and check these out in person- I know I will :)

You Like Me- You REALLY Like Me!


Well well well... my first "award"... I truly couldn't be more flattered. So thank you to Jenna from VBS blog for mentioning me! YAY!

So here's my top ten favorietest, most wonderfulliest, FABULOUS blogs!!

4.  Wendy B

Check 'um out you guys. They truly are fabulous. :)


The rules for this award are: (not that I for one second expect any of you busy bloggers to do this... but IF you wanna...)

-Put the logo on your blog or post.
-Nominate at least 10 blogs which you think are fabulous.
-Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
-Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
-Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

SAG Fashion Wrap with Lisa Rinna: Nick makes Lisa CRY!!



Here is the entire show from my last TV Guide Network Fashion Wrap w/ Lisa Rinna, where we discussed the "Best" and the "Least Best" of the SAG Awards last Monday---This week was especially a fun week at the TV Guide studios with Miss Lisa and the "gang"---so much fun that I made Lisa Rinna CRY!!!! Yes, it's not easy to make Lisa Rinna cry, but I, Nick Verreos, did!!! Well, she cried from laughing so hard....Click above and hope you enjoy---and hope I don't make you guys cry...
Oh, and see you Monday February 9th for the Grammys TV Guide Fashion Wrap.

Menswear Videos: DSquared and Gucci

Menswear Runway Fashion Shows: Milan

The Twins taking their DSquared bow, in their white dinner jackets and high-heeled boots

DSquared2:
The twins at DSquared designed another romp of a collection featuring their hot sexy and very pumped up boys. Lots of vests, bow ties and shrunken shearling jackets. Since it's a Fall/Winter Collection, there wasn't ONE half-naked model down the runway, which, if you follow DSquared fashion shows, is usually a VERY COMMON sight!
DSquared2: Shrunken Shearling
DSquared2: Don't throw your vests out of your closet just yet

Gucci:
Think 1960s rock band musician meets glam rock punk trust-fund baby. Tight, skinny and very shrunken (Is SHRUNKEN the theme of choice for Menswear 2009/10?) Skinny ties, lurex shrunken suits and lots of tight skinny pants. It looked fabulous on the 18 year old Manorexic male models but I wonder how those looks will look on the 50 year old men who will actually be able to afford a $800 pair of pants or an $6,000 suit. This collection has Mick Jagger written all over it!

Gucci: Shrunken cardigan, skinny tie and skinny pants

Gucci: Shrunken suits

Click BELOW for both the DSquared and Gucci Menswear runway fashion shows


Menswear Runway Fashion Show Video--John Galliano Fall 09/10

Paris Menswear Fashion Week--Galliano's Flight of Dandy Fantasy
As is tradition, Menswear Designers show their collections to the world in Milan and Paris right before Haute Couture Fashion Week. And of course, this season was no exception. One of the highlights I wanted to show you was John Galliano's collection. It was a decadent flight into his vision for what men should be wearing come next Fall/Winter: Imagine the mythical "Pan"--Half-man half-goat then throw in some Colonial Dandies in 18th-century decadence (and 21st-century micro-mini underwear), add a dash of "Slumdog Millionaire"/Bollywood music and throw in 20,000 candles and an acre of crystal shards and glitter....and well, you've got yourself a very entertaining vision only Galliano's mind could conjure up. And some actually very wearable shearlings, vests and fierce jackets (oh, I swear I wasn't going to say FIERCE!)
Click BELOW for John Galliano Fall 09/10 for Men runway videos

Scrunchy Scrunch

No- don't worry, I'm not going to talk about how I think scrunchies are making a come back. They're not.
...unless Margiela comes out with one, then I'm sure we'll all be blogging about them, right?










Anyway! So I rocked my Sass & Bide black rats for the first time today and I love them. Even my dad liked them! Haha. Is that a good thing? 
I paired my new leggings with my favorite bad ass bootie of all times- my Sam Edelman "Balenciagas"... hehe

Style Me Pretty Inspiration Board features Lela New York


Hello Everyone!

I love when fans let me know when Lela New York has been featured in the Press!
Here is Lela New York's Wedding Invitations featured in Style Me Pretty, A Stylish Wedding Blog. We are featured in an inspiration board with Pink being the theme.

Thank You!
-Lela

Paris Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009: Dior and Lacroix

Paris is abuzz with the Haute Couture runway shows, and in a time of economic recession, reporters have one question on their minds: Why and how would someone want to spend $30,000 on a jacket or $150,000 on a gown? To that question , John Galliano, of Christian Dior answered THIS on Style.com: "There's a credit crunch, not a creative crunch. Of course, everyone is being more careful with discretionary purchases. I am. But it's our job to make people dream and to provide the value in quality, cut, and imagination" You go Girl!
Chrisitan Dior

For his Dior Spring/Summer Haute Couture, Galliano was inspired by Dutch and Flemish painters; Vermeer, Van Dyck and Monsieur Dior of course. You can see in the re-working of his 1947 New Look Jacket Shapes and his full skirts and ball gowns toward the end of his collection. Dior's women DO NOT SIT for cocktails, they stand and look fabulous holding a Vodka Martini! Forget about sitting for dinner in front of a table--try doing that in one of those Haute Couture fitted dresses with full-circled front "attachments" with eight inch wide Horsehair encircling almost every single hem. And be sure not to miss the Carla Bruni-Sarkozy soundtrack in his runway show (click below for the videos). Bless. John. Galliano. Marvelous!
Christian Lacroix

For Spring '09, Christian Lacroix continued doing what he does best: His masterful and one of a kind creations blending the feminine with the romantic with obvious nods to historical costume references, and deftly mixing 8 different fabrications IN ONE seemingly simple and elegant cocktail number. Perfect for that Dubai debutante in need of a dress for attend just another Friday night party!
Click below for Part I and II of the complete Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009 videos, as well as an edited video of Christian Lacroix's Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2009 show





Holy Skyscrapers Batman!





...and I thought I had some high shoes. This bitch is putting my ass to shaaaaaame.

I said GODDAMN! These are re-dic.

(images: foto decadent)

*Drool



These Giambattista Valli's are sick in the head. Like, seriously could they be hotter? Um, no- I'm thinking not.

I loved those florescent shoes he did that the Olsen trolls were trotting around in last year, and these are a great follow up! I love the height of the platform in front, and how its smaller than the rest of the forepart.

What else do I love about this shoe you ask? Well, I'm glad you asked. I love the cream color- I think it's perfect. I love the dark brown platform with the cream. I love the pitch of the shoe and how it looks devastatingly high! I also love the slight almond shape to the toe- I hate witchy pointy toes.

I found these on lusiaviaroma for €600

Nick Verreos talks Obama Fashion



While attending and hosting the California State Society and FIDM Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show, I was interviewed before the show by VOA reporter Amra Alirejsovic. We spoke about Michelle Obama's fashion choices and how they will impact the fashion world. And because of my collection inspired by first ladies ranging from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama, we discussed the impact of past First Ladies and fashion.

It is a great report which shows wonderful highlights from the show.

*If you are having problems viewing the video above click
HERE

Nick Verreos on the SAG Awards TV Guide Network Fashion Wraps!!


Yes, it is Awards Season, and my so-called expertise has been called upon once again for the TV GUIDE NETWORK. I will appear tomorrow night on the SAG Awards Fashion Wrap With Lisa Rinna. I really have a fun time with everyone doing these and I'm sure we'll be on our "best behavior"---NOT! Be sure to catch it Monday, January 26th @ 7pm and replaying at 8pm, 9pm and 11pm.
* Above is the video from last weeks Golden Globes Fashion Wrap, in case you missed it!

Baby Shower!





So last night I went to what turned out to be the most awesome baby shower I've ever been to. It was actually more of a cocktail party staring a very cute pregnant friend of mine! I've honestly never been in a room with that many women in my life- my friend Heidi has more girl friends than girls I've met, I swear. There were a few subtle baby games and a station where you could decorate onesies bibs and burping cloths. 
My favorite was the bellini bar! 

Anyway, I rocked my Nicholas Kirkwoods and this super cute skirt I picked up at Forever 21. I love this Thomas Wylde clutch too- spices up any outing. Arrrgh  ;)


Purple, Custom Letterpress wedding invitation - Inspiration Board


Here is an inspiration board we worked on recently. Lela New York uses inspiration boards to get inspiration for our designs.
It inspired beautiful unique letterpress wedding invitations.
We took inspiration from the venue's architecture and the couples beautiful purple and gray color theme.
I will share the final printed designs next week. Stay tuned!

Great Success! (said, of course, in Borat accent)

You guys, I seriously couldn't be happier right now. I had my Harajuku Lovers approval meeting at Gwen's house today and she LOVED the line!! I'm so pumped. It turned out great and I'm super happy with it. :)
I wanted to get a pic taken of us and the shoes but I just can't work up the nerve to do it. Ha ha ha. I'm such a nerd.

We did these super cute moccasins with cool color combos, preppy mary janes with chunky heels and multi color strap, our own version of Doc Martins, wellingtons (so cute!) and some 80's inspired stuff that I love. I can't show you pictures yet- but I will after the show the first week of February. 

I wore my Yokoo scarf and Gwen loved it. I'm still madly in love with my Stellas too. <3
It rained all day and I didn't get to eat- but my spirits were as high as ever. YAY!

xox


Inaugural Parties--Nick Verreos in Washington DC

Party-Hopping DC Style

Step-&-Repeat: Nick and DC reporter (and Project Runway fan), at Inaugural Night Party, L2/Leopold's Kafe

I was honored and humbled to have been invited to host the California State Society and FIDM Presidential Luncheon and Fashion Show in Washington DC and to be there during this historic Inaugural. But, of course, I also hoped that maybe David and I could "hit up" some parties while in the US Capital. Unfortunately, I was not invited to any of those fabulous Balls (there were MANY!), but I was invited to several very cool and fun Inaugural parties during my stay.
Welcome to the Embassy: The Ambassador of Kuwait's wife, Rima Al-Sabah with designer Tory Burch

The first party I was invited to was Sunday evening's illustrious Cocktail Buffet Party given by the Ambassador of Kuwait and his stylish wife, Rima Al-Sabah to celebrate the Inauguration of President Obama and Vice President Joe Bidden. The party was also hosted by world-renowned architect Leo Daly and his wife, former Chief-of-Staff for President Reagan, Ken Duberstein and his wife, and DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and his wife and CEO of the Washington Post, Donald Graham. Rima Al-Sabah is known to be THE unofficial Hostess of Washington DC, and is always on the "Best Dressed Lists" of the world.


Runway to Cocktail Buffet: Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (above photo) and the stunning Balenciaga dress (Fall 2008) she wore to the Kuwaiti Embassy Inaugural Party

The party was held at the Kuwait Ambassador's residence. Upon entering the home, all the guests gathered in the immense inner Courtyard which featured a gorgeous fountain right in the middle of it. Republicans Unite: Actress Bo Derek and Colin Powell at Kuwaiti Embassy Party

There were hundreds of guests; all of them the creme-de-la-creme of Washington DC, Hollywood and NY. I was in CNN and BBC World News Heaven: I recognized Wolf Blitzer, ABC's George Stephanopoulos and his lovely wife, actress Alexandra Wentworth, Colin Powell, Opera Diva Renee Fleming, socialite designer Tory Burch, Estee Lauder heiress Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (in black Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere--see above), actress Bo Derek and even Linda Carter, of "Wonder Woman" fame. Thank God David came with me as my "date", since I did not know anyone.

Kuwaiti Couture: The black Alexander McQueen dress (on the right) worn by Mrs. Al-Sabah, wife of the Kuwaiti Ambassador, sans the mask of course

I did say "hello" to the hostess, Mrs. Al-Sabah and complimented her fabulously chic Alexander McQueen black side-draped cocktail dress, from his Spring 2008 Collection. I was happy to have bumped into "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry. We ended up DISHING on Project Runway. There were full bars in almost every corner and a dining room featuring a Middle Eastern-inspired buffet with such delights as Kubideh beef, chicken and rice, Falafel, Hommus, Filpino lumpias, and the most yummy shrimp which I later found out Mrs. Al-Sabah has flown in all the way from KUWAIT!!!!!!
Better Late than Never: Toby shows up to Host the Artists and Atheletes Alliance Inaugural Party

On Monday evening, I was invited to attend the Capitol File Magazine and Artists and Atheletes Alliance Inaugural party at DC's Cafe Milano. It was hosted by "Spiderman" actor, Toby Maguire. The party went from 7- 10 PM. Toby showed up at around 9 PM, did a "lap" to greet guests and take photos.

Strike a Pose: Jennifer Lopez gives it to you!

Also at the party were Jennifer Lopez (in a gold mini dress-she must have been really COLD!) and her hubby Marc Anthony. I also ran into the always stylish Judith Light, actress from "Ugly Betty". There were several open bars and lots of hors d'oeuvres being passed around and in buffet style (which I heard was rare for some of the larger Balls and parties so I guess we were lucky). A guest told us that they had gone to the supposed much-larger Latino Ball and decided to return to this party that we were at to eat something, because there was NO FOOD (at the Latino Ball)!! I ended up spending the party having my photo taken with a lot of the guests--I guess Washington DC has a lot of Project Runway fans...

She Bangs: Actress Jessica Alba at Inaugural Night Party, L2/Leopold's Kafe

The last party I attended with David was on Inaugural Tuesday night, the Artists Making An Impact Party at L2 and Leopold's Kafe in Georgetown. During the Kuwaiti Embassy Party a couple nights before, I befriended a guest who happened to be a talent agent with United Talent Agency/UTA visiting from Los Angeles. He was gracious enough to invite me to another party held by Artists Making An Impact. It was the only party we would attend on Inaugural Night and the fact that we were leaving for Los Angeles on a very early flight the next day (7 AM!) helped us make it an "early night". It was a lovely event, very low-key and classy, with finger foods, deserts and lots of Champagne to celebrate. We spotted actors Ben Affleck and Jessica Alba (who was there with husband Cash Warren). Everyone was very well dressed in either gowns, cocktail dresses or tuxedos. I chose to wear my white Dinner Jacket and bow tie. After a couple of glasses of Champagne and one delicious Margarita later, David and I called it a night and took a cab back to our hotel to try and get at least 4 hours of sleep before being picked up by our Airport "Cinderella Pumpkin Carriage". Thanks for a fabulous week Washington DC!!!

Nick Verreos "First Ladies" Washington DC Fashion Show!

DC Fashionista
Host With The Most: Nick Verreos wearing his Tarina Tarantino-designed "Liberty Pin" onstage at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom

Beyond my "Sightseeing Day" of visiting the Washington and Lincoln Monuments as well as taking far away snapshots of the White House, not to mention my lengthy all-day excursion to the Smithsonian Museum, the main purpose of my once-in-a-lifetime visit to Washington DC was to host the California State Society and FIDM's Presidential Inaugural Luncheon as well as Fashion Show. As part of the fashion show, I was going to show a selection from my most recent NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection. While I was designing the collection, many months ago, I found out that I was being invited to Washington D.C. for this event and decided to design a group of gowns around famous US First Ladies. However, because of the secrecy surrounding this event, I couldn't say so at the time--until now.Welcome to DC Baskets: Nick Verreos in his hotel room

The night I arrived into DC--after a whole day of traveling cross-continent--I was greeted by the most INCREDIBLE basket of goodies and a GORGEOUS bouquet of roses and balloons waiting for me in my hotel room. I just about died and went to Champagne-Cookies-and-Obama Pin heaven! My gracious hosts at the California State Society were responsible for this "Welcome" and I had to capture a photo of it. Both David and I tried to pick up the one "Goodie Basket" and our non-Gym-Bunny bodies almost broke our backs! It was a wonderful way to arrive into DC.Nick and his First Ladies: Saturday Press Meet-and-Greet

The Saturday prior to the event, we held a "Press Meet-and-Greet". Various journalists, writers and reporters of local websites and newspapers, including the Washington Times, were invited to preview the gowns which I would be showing on the runway. As I noted previously, these gowns were loosely inspired by First Ladies. They included Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Louisa Adams, Mary Todd Lincoln, Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Michelle Obama. My designs were modeled by the most gorgeous Washington DC-based models, who originated from far-flung places such as Uganda, Poland, Russia, and even New Jersey!
Laura Bush, Michelle Obama, Luisa Adams and Dolley Madison, as imagined by Nick Verreos

In my press "Meet-and-Greet", I explained to the press to first of all "suspend their belief" of how they remember most of these First Ladies, especially Mrs. Washington, Madison and Lincoln. I wanted to "re-invent" them, fashion-wise. This was my "Nick Verreos Make-Over" of how I would see these famous women in 2009! For example, in my research, I discovered that Mary Todd Lincoln was probably the first Fashionista and loved to shop, therefore I designed a very "high fashion" gown with an impressive back cascade and directional one-shoulder strap detail. Nick and the "Luisa Adams"-inspired silk chiffon sequined gown

Luisa Adams was known to wear bejeweled turbans (gasp!), and therefore my gown for her was a silk chiffon sequined gown with a corset, as a nod to the early 1800's fashion. For the more contemporary First Ladies, I either stayed close to how we remember them or gave them a bit f a make-over. Nancy Reagan was known for her sleek James Galanos one-shoulder gowns so I designed a black sequined one-shoulder number for her. The gown inspired by Jackie Kennedy was in ivory duchess satin and featured a Watteau back "cape-train", reminding me of the gowns she wore in her official visit to France. Hillary Clinton has always been fond of her blue pantsuits so I took some liberty with her and designed a very feminine gown that featured turquoise blue, as well as draped celadon-colored silk.

Where's The Presidential Ball? David Paul and Nick Verreos pose backstage with their "First Lady" models

Finally, for Michelle Obama, I was inspired by her tall statuesque frame and love of color. Mrs. Obama has such strong shoulders, I created a strapless architectural fitted gown in a candy-apple red. As we know now, she chose a full-skirted one shoulder design by 24-old NY-based designer Jason Wu. Of course, I have to admit, I kind of like my design just a little better...Pep Talk: Nick Verreos thanking the Dressers backstage at the Ritz Carlton Ballroom

The event, which took place the Sunday before Inaugural Tuesday at the very exclusive Ritz Carlton Washington DC, was a complete success. I wore my Marc Jacobs suit with a fabulous Tarina Tarantino "Lady Liberty" pin which she designed especially for the Inaugural. Notable guests included California Senator Diane Feinstein, as well as San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, Former S.F. Mayor, the always stylish Willie Brown, and many others. Nick and Leanne: Nick Verreos posing with models in Leanne Marshall's Project Runway Finale Collection

After they enjoyed their lunch and some wine and champagne, guests were "good-and-ready" for the fashion show, which besides my 9 First Lady Gowns, included the designs of FIDM's Advanced Study Fashion Design and Theater Costume students as well as an exclusive showing of Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall's Finale Bryant Park Collection, which was bought by the school through the Bravo Website Auction. I had an amazing time hosting as well as meeting all the guests and taking photos with them-- I ran into many people that were present at the Luncheon/Fashion Show at various Inaugural parties days later and they all felt compelled to stop me to say how fabulous the event was and how much they loved my "hosting" of the show...Ahhhhh, that really made my week in DC!!!!!

Below are four great articles about the Luncheon and Fashion Show--as well as my First Lady-inspired Gowns:
Click HERE for an article on Washington DC's RollCall.com site
Click HERE for an LA Times.com article
Click HERE for the COVER STORY featured in the Washington Times
Click HERE for an article on Style.gay.com
Click HERE for a great article at the Washingtonian.com