What A Couple: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and Stylist/Costume Designer Jen Rade, TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team" TV Show
This last weekend, my favorite stylist-fashion-expert-in-crime---Stylist/Costume DesignerJennifer Rade--and I, were at it again bringing you what was "Hot" and "Not So Hot" in the week's Red Carpet Celeb World for our weekly "What's The Fashion" segment for TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team".
On the set while filming, my co-host, Jen ,was perfection, wearing a silk georgette bias-cut cowl-necked number and her luscious curly locks. And I, well, I was giving you "mini" bow-tie.
Our "The Fashion Team" host, Lawrence Zarianwas in NY with his besties--Regis & Kelly--so we had to fend for ourselves. We had lots of fun giving our "Fashion Two Cents" on Cher, Christina Aquilera, Debi Mazar and Julianne Moore.
Click Below for our "What's The Fashion?" Segment from TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team":
I LOVE Sweet Booths! Located in New York, they are not just a photo booth for your wedding or event they also have video. A bride can share her special message to her groom or her guests can share their well wishes to the happy couple and take fun picts too! Makes a great favor as well!
And now Sweet Booths are having a contest and want to include The Lela New York readers, that's you! They want to hear your LOVE story of how you met, how sweet right? ***Don't forget to tell them Lela New York sent you*** Some contest details are below but for the full details go to Sweet Booths.
I can't believe it's almost over! Well, the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Finals, that is. We've "traveled" the entire Globe--Japan, China, Russia, Canada and the United States--in search of the top figure skaters in the world. As well as in search of the best and not-so-best Figure Skating Costumes.
This last weekend was the Trophee Eric Bompard in France, the last stop before the Final Grand Prix in Beijing China (it's in two weeks!). Of course, I was watching to see who would make the final cut and eventually go to Beijing, but naturally, I was also watching for the costumes and for my UniversalSports.com Figure Skating Blog.
I also especially LOVE the Grand Prix of France because they always have the MOST FABULOUS "Kiss-and-Cry" section! They make Russia's--and every other Grand Prix for that matter--look as if they're in someone's Trailer Park! Leave it to the French: Always Chic. Here are some (Costume) highlights from this past weekend: Once again, there were a few Costume Changes. Check it all out below:
US Figure Skater Mirai Nagasu's Costume Changes
Memoirs of a Pretty Skate: Another Change in Costume! What is happening? Are these ladies actually reading my comments here on UniversalSports.com? (I privately hope so!). I like this new costume: It’s young, fresh; love the bright white color and the delicate youthful flower detail. However (you know that was coming), I wished that the skirt would have been a lighter more flowy chiffon or georgette fabric.
US Figure Skater Alyssa Czisny's Costume Changes
Color Genius: At first glance, I actually thought Alyssa Czisny’s costume was a brand-new costume. But soon enough I realized “Oh wait, it’s the SAME costume!” but she did something really unique. She added a splash of hand-painted color and Voila: New costume! I think it’s actually quite genius of her (or her people) to have done that. I call this “New Costume for the Economic Recession!” I liked the costume before but now, I LOVE it!
Japan's Haruka Imai at Grand Prix of France/Trophee Eric Bompard
Kismet On Ice: Haruka Imai’s colorful costume, in which she skated to the Polovetsian Dances, or better known for its “Stranger In Paradise” melody, was a little over the top I thought. It may have been a bit too literal for me. I liked the intricate top but lose the “car wash” fringed skirt and tacky arm bands. Along with her flailing arm movements, those two things didn’t help.
Fumie Suguri's Costume: From Bad to Good...or Bad to Worse???
See what I thought about Japan's Fumie Suguri Costume Re-do--plus all the other costumes from Grand Prix of France HERE on UniversalSports.com!
I can't say that I know where a ton of great deals are but I'm going to research it right now! I'll continue to update this post as I find goodies for us :) This is a pretty good start though... The very popular Jessica Simpson Dany (I just ordered the grey snake and already have and love the black version) is only $69.99 today!! They have purple velvet too!!! And free shipping! So many exclamations! If you want some boots I have a half off coupon for you too... 50BOOT I got the Alfie in "Dust"
Endless.com is one of my favorite online shopping resources and they're having a buy more save more event. Spend $100 get $30 off, etc. Click HERE
Another favorite, Net-a-Porter.com just started a huge end of season sale with some really great shoes and lots of sizes. No code needed.
Solestruck.com is offering 50% off sale items with code FP72HMPZF awesome!
And though I haven't officially announced it, I am the new designer for bebe footwear. So I'm sneaking this news in here so that YOU know if first. haha. They are doing a Cyber Monday deal... bebe.com 20% off plus free shipping
Over at Vintage Shaun (super cute vintage goodies) you'll get 15% off with code: SHAUN
Enjoy! And leave me a comment with your favorite deals of the day :)
Ovando, Manhattan’s premiere floral boutique known for its distinctive arrangements and window displays, has opened a second retail location on the Upper East Side at 19 East 65th Street between Madison and Fifth Avenues. The space is triple the size of its West Village shop, 1000 sq. feet to be exact.
Ovando's clients range from retail, wedding, corporate and real estate to the hotel and food service industries; they provide high-end weekly and monthly installations and custom design environments for corporate and social events as well as make deliveries to individuals ordered for special occasions.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Sandra de Ovando, the creative force behind Ovando, and here is how it went:
1. What inspires you to create your beautiful designs? Natural forms of color and structure, almost anything in it’s pure and natural state of being.
2. What services do you provide? Ovando is a full service floral business providing in-store purchases, daily deliveries, weekly installations and maintenance for residences, corporations, fashion houses, and boutique hotels. Ovando also specializes in events, parties, and weddings- overseeing every detail from flowers, lighting, and linens to table settings.
3. What makes Ovando unique? Being simple not simplistic. Our belief that colors, shapes, and texture of flowers and plants are truly where beauty lies. So our designs and compositions are meant to accentuate these basic but one of kind properties. This design philosophy makes Ovando unique and sets us apart from the rest.
4. Could you please explain your process? Ovando’s design principles are rooted in modern Mexican architecture. Artistic values are always considered when arranging the freshest and boldest flowers, unusual plants, striking cacti and carefully chosen accessories. Keeping in touch with these principles assures the integrity and consistency of our work.
5. What can you advice brides and couples to be aware of or avoid when choosing their floral Designer? Choose a florist that you trust because that allows your floral designer do what they do best when it comes to creating a custom look for you. Pay attention to seasonal flowers as they are the largest and the most beautiful in their time of year. Be aware of how to plan your budget wisely. Allocate dollars to where your guests spend the most time such as the centerpiece during dinner.
6. Could you share with us your favorite floral design that you created? The window box
7. What are the latest trends in floral design? Using traditional flowers such as carnations, lilies and roses presented in a more interesting yet sophisticated and modern design.
These are a few photos I had saved of Chloe & love -although I don't remember the source for the first one. I love the 70s vibe in the photoshoot, & the little leopard dress she's rocking.
- Hope you all had a relaxing & indulgent Thanksgiving dinner with your families ! -
Thanksgiving is my FAVORITE holiday! I love hanging with my family and pigging out. :) I also love the excuse to be cheesy and say what I'm thankful for. Not that I really need one...
I'm thankful that I don't have shoes that remind me of a turkey. Sorry Givenchy, you got it all wrong.
Or these scary beasts...
I am thankful for shoes that use feathers tastefully. Like these by L.A.M.B.
But more than that, I'm thankful for my health, my AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAZING husband, my family and friends (including all of you of course!) and my cutie little puppies that are trying really hard to reach the turkey on the counter top. Not gonna happen guys.
Emcee...FIDM "Red Carpet" Commentator and a Panel of Alumni...
Open House Mic: Nick Verreos Emcees FIDM Fall Open House LA Campus
This last Saturday, as the Official Spokesperson for my alma mater, the Fashion Institute of Design& Merchandising/FIDM, I had the pleasure of visiting the LA Campus' Fall Open House. FIDM's Open House is when prospective students get to visit FIDM, learn about all the 20 creative majors, get advice from FIDM Alumni and Admissions Counselors, and much more.
Panel of FIDM Grads and student, FIDM Fall Open House LA Campus
One of the "much more" was meeting me--and three FIDM Grads and one currently-enrolled student, at a Panel Discussion which I hosted. The Grads had received their degrees in different majors including Apparel Manufacturing and Product Development. One of them was actually a student of mine, I am proud to say, Malorie Dempster (third from the left in black jumpsuit) who recently competed in the DECA FIDM Runway Challenge). The one current student (far left) was in the Fashion Design Major. Each spoke of their experience at FIDM and where they are working now.
Boot Happy: Nick Verreos poses with prospective students at FIDM Fall Open House
We also held a Q & A, a mini "Nick Verreos FIDM Open House Red Carpet " session where I pointed out the especially stylin' prospective students--and their moms and dads! Afterward, I stayed around for photos with all in attendance.
Can you See Me: I am somewhere in that group, posing and taking photos with everyone "in line". Once again the FIDM LA Open House was a great success; I had a great time with all the perspective new students and of course, the loving parents! Hope to see you in one of my classes (the students that is!).
Click Below for a Video of the Panel Discussion FIDM Fall Open House LA Campus:
Finale Night Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010, Haiti Relief Fashion Show, Awards...and fun at Atlantis Resort!
Fashion Hammock: Nick Verreos filming a TV interview in The Bahamas, British Colonial Hilton
Happy Thanksgiving Week!! Hopefully, you enjoyed a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, had fun with friends and family, rested and well, got out and "exercised" your shopping duties! While taking some "down-time" during this Thanksgiving, I figured, this would be the perfect time to post my last Recap of the AMAZING time I had a couple of weeks back in The Bahamas at the 2010 Islands of The World Fashion Week. In case you missed my other previous postings, you can go HERE, as well asHERE and HERE to get caught up.
Vive Haiti: Dignitaries, fashion designers and models at "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show, Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010
But now, we're onto the last and Final "Runway 3" night of this annual affair which showcased designers, fashions, and accessories from the Islands of The World!! The "crowning jewel" of this final night was the Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show. VIP guests who were present for this final night included all the Guest Designers who showed this year at Islands of The World Fashion Week, such as Project Runway Season One Winner Jay McCarroll, Indashio from NY and Oliver Tolentino from Los Angeles (via The Philippines). Dignitaries including the Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas as well as the Haitian Ambassador to The United Nations were also on hand to witness the beautiful designs from Haitian Designers and artisans.
Haiti Handbag: Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Haiti Flag" sequin purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show
I had the honor of hosting this final night and from the moment I stepped onstage and uttered (OK, yelled!) Sak Pase Nap Boule (Haitian Creole for "What's Happening?...We're Chillin'" I was told), we were off to a fabulous night to benefit the beautiful nation of Haiti.
Runway Scene: Maguy Durce dress and purse, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show
Soon afterward, it was time for the second part of the evening: The Announcing of the Winners for the first ever "In Search of The Next Oscar" design competition, in addition to the NextGen Designer and Eco-Fashion Designer Awards. Continuing my emcee duties, I especially LOVED this part of the evening. I channeled being the host of the Miss Universe or Miss World pageants as I announced the Winners with much DRAMA! The Winner of the "In Search of The Next Oscar" was...
Georgina Estherr from the Dominican Republic, whose sequin-and-satin gowns/cocktail attire took the grand prize. She spoke little English and as I am Bi-lingual, I was her official translator during the contest and when announcing the winner. I think she didn't need any translating, however, when I called out her name!
Bahamas up-and-coming designer (and our unofficial NIKOLAKI Assistant, Intern/"Boy Friday" from two years ago), David Rolle won the NextGen Award (seen above getting his award) with his edgy designs. He won a Scholarship to Parsons The New School of Design in New York! (Funny side note: Minutes before he was announced the Winner, he approached me backstage asking about possible schooling opportunities for him, either in LA or NY! He had NO IDEA...)
And finally, I announced the Winner of the Eco-Fashion Award, Designer Oliver Tolentino (above), and his strapless off-white gown made of pineapple fabric (yes, I said PINEAPPLE!). It also had actual hand-sewn cultured pearls woven into it!
Beauty Under The Bahamas Stars: Miss Bahamas 2010 Braneka Bassett with Nick Verreos, After Partyat the British Colonial Hilton
The night ended with a festive VIP After Party at the British Colonial Hilton(site of the Islands of The World Fashion Week) with a delicious buffet, drinks and musical entertainment where guests, editors, models, photographers and designers got to party all night under the gorgeous Caribbean moonlight!
Bahamas Free Time!!
Rainbow Conch: (L-R) David Paul, Nick Verreos, Tomas Frenes, Jay McCarroll, Matthew, Arawak Cay Nassau The Bahamas
Naturally, it wasn't all work for yours truly. Luckily, we had some "down time" prior to the evening's Runway Shows and my hosting duties to enjoy the sights of the GORGEOUS Bahamas. One day, Tomas Frenes Vice President of Mode Isles (Producer of the Fashion Week) as well as Owner of Tomas Frenes Design Studio in Miami (and my King Teddy Bear!) took Jay McCarroll, Matthew, David Paul and I to have CONCH at The Fish Fry at Arawak Cay, where in the back of the restaurant, we discovered a brightly colored wooden wall which of course, we had to take photos in front of.
Well kids, I did it: That's me midway down The Leap of Faith--yes, in them shorty-shorts! (Thanks David for that AMAZING photo). And don't EVEN think about magnifying it! I'm sure the look of sheer horror on my face is neither pretty or fashionable. With that, I bid a warm Goodbye to The Bahamas and Islands of The World Fashion Week 2010. Until the next time... Below are Three Exclusive NICKVERREOS.COM videos from "Runway 3" night of Islands of the World Fashion Week 2010:
Announcement of the Eco-Fashion Designer Award:
Final Model Walk and Bow of Maguy Durce Fashion Show: "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:
Final Model Walk and Bow of Veve Collection by Phelicia Dell "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:
Final Model Walk and Bow of Michel Chataigne, "Fashion Cares for Haiti" Fashion Show:
What A Couple: Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and Stylist/Costume Designer Jen Rade, TV Guide Network's "The Fashion Team" TV Show
On the set while filming, my co-host, Jen ,was perfection, wearing a silk georgette bias-cut cowl-necked number and her luscious curly locks. And I, well, I was giving you "mini" bow-tie.
Our "The Fashion Team" host, Lawrence Zarian was in NY with his besties--Regis & Kelly--so we had to fend for ourselves. We had lots of fun giving our "Fashion Two Cents" on Cher, Christina Aquilera, Debi Mazar and Julianne Moore.
