WHERE I SHOP

WHERE I SHOP

Everyone knows that I simply adore a good shop. I am always asked where I shop and how I find so many bargains. As much as online shopping has its place in the world, there is nothing like the immediate satisfaction of falling in love with an item and taking it home. In saying that, discount shopping does not mean stalking people for a car space on Saturday mornings at your local DFO or finding the same stock from a retailer in their flagship store vs their outlet. In fact if you know where to shop and hidden stores perfect for sourcing new pieces, you will find you will not discount shop every again.

In this post I am going to take you on a little adventure inside one of my favourite hot spots for unique, quality goods and finding a stellar bargain or two that is located about 15 minutes from Melbourne CBD. This location always has the goods and I can honestly say I have never walked out without at least two pieces (and I visit fortnightly).

Factory outlet shopping does not mean you need to be digging through a bin or trying to find your size in a pile of twisted garments whilst being starred at by an angry shop assistant. The store layout  is beautifully managed, catagorised to assist with ease of shopping, merchandised with expertise and it is clean and lit very well. Almost like you are in a higher end store, just with more stock! You will be pleasantly surprised by the level of professionalism, passion, product and people in this one stop, must shop destination. This location is not just for the fellas. So ladies, grab your tote, slip on your shoes and head on down.

One of Melbourne's best kept secrets is Flair Industries in Preston, Victoria. Ted Baker, Hugo Boss, Wolf Kanat and Flair Industries goods are on offer at massively discounted prices. The "normal" discounted shopping experience does not apply here. The staff great you with warmth and personality and offer to guide you through the rather large store. Their passion for the brands shines through with their product knowledge for each brand and upcoming stock and sales coming to the store and helpful styling tips.

Personally I am a major fan of Ted Baker. The quirky style, use of bold colours, fabrics and prints suits me perfectly. There is a timelessness to Ted Baker and it's Glasgow roots that allows for items not to date whilst providing a freshness and uniqueness that is not like other designers. You know I am not afraid to wear a rocking print or super colourful items. One of the hidden gems of this location is the samples. I personally love finding sample pieces as they are not mass produced items, they tend to be more fearless in creativity and there is an exclusivity to owning them. There are samples everywhere in this location and its one of the major drawcards for me. If you want to carry a bag that no on else has, then this is the place for you. You need some new shoes but want something a little quirky to stand out from the crowd, step right up, take a seat on the nice benches and try them on. I kid you not, this place is a shoeaholics dream!

Being a serious shopper for a very long time, I cannot understand why anyone would opt for run of the mill budget brands when this outlet has reasonably priced 'no ordinary designer' looks. Most shirts at the outlet are $40-$70 dollars and the quality is far superior, there is more variety in prints, colours and sizing. Shoes range in price from $70 dollars upwards (even cheaper with their twice yearly sample sale). My love affair with beautiful things can flourish in store as I try on sample shoes after sample shoes, all amazingly created with uniqueness.

Desire and passion go hand and hand, and at the Ted Baker outlet, you can literally walk out with all that you're craving (or if you're anything like me, so much more). Ted Baker's passion for quality shines through in the smaller details, such as buttons, stitching and fabric choices. I challenge you to pick up a bag and inspect the finer details of the hardwear, the two coloured shoe laces on the shoes, the collars on the shirts, the details are completely exquisite. If you don't walk out with something, you clearly need to seek help.

Let's delve a little further and look at the in-store gems that are available. Their are gorgeous suits and I mean gorgeous. Waistcoats, trousers, jeans oh my. Shirts, polo's, jackets, blazers and coats. Did you say accessories? Well belts, gloves, bags and shoes........honestly there is everything! I have fallen in love with many suits that you just do not see in mainstream menswear lines in Australia. These suits are perfect for weekends in Portsea, destination weddings in exotic locations and red carpet events. And men, this is just not for you, grab the girls and head in as they have just as much for women! Yes this location has a massive amount of women's wear. You could easily spend a good hour to two in this store. There is so much to look at and try on in the spacious change rooms and the hardest decision will be, "do I buy it all?"

The richness of this discount shopping adventure is superior to the after hours mobile online shopping. Online shopping has become an everyday part of our lives and I personally find it very soul-less. I adore the shopping experience of trying items on, falling in love with the quality of a leather, engagement with staff and grabbing that bag after swiping the credit card. As much as I like to shop online (purely as I cannot find what I want in Australia) there is nothing like physically being present and experiencing the passion, products and people associated with such great brands like Ted Baker. Brand loyalty is rare these days as the fashion industry has evolved and tries to cater for everyone's needs and desire to mass produce rather than be original. Its brands like Ted Baker that consistently deliver with creativity, quality and style and all this is wrapped up in great pricing and a positive shopping experience with wonderful interaction from staff. How can online compare?

You could easily be distracted by the other brands on offer at this location. Especially Wolf Kanat, the tailoring and exquisite fabric choices are refreshing to suiting in Australia. If you are from Melbourne, or visiting, I would highly recommend a trip to Flair Industries on Albert Street, Preston. The staff are friendly and highly skilled, the stock is amazing, and the bargains are out of this world. I challenge you to find a better discount store in Melbourne that offers everything an A-grade shopping experience should be. This is why I am a Ted Baker devotee.

Flair Industries is located at 6 Albert Street Preston

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!

Men Exclusive Party wear Collection 2017-2018 | Party wear pant coat Designs For boys

Men Exclusive Party wear Collection 2017-2018 | Party wear pant coat Designs For boys

Hold your breath closely.....Men Party wear Collection Here!! Today we brought party wear exclusive pant coat designs which is designed all according to the new and most recent trends and fashion.Are you attending any party soon? If your reply is yes,then you are at right place."Men Exclusive Party wear Collection 2017-2018" here! Here you will get your favorite and beautiful party wear attire.This Collection is perfectly and no doubly fashioned for your parties.This assortment is best and perfect for your upcoming parties.Pant coat included in this Collection.Pant Coat is dress which is great to wear in party,function, or any exclusive get-together.
In case you want to buy any dress from this assortment then simply hush to your nearer store to get your best.you will also get from any online shopping store.So Pick your best!......

Party wear Pant Coats For Men

 

 Grey Color Pant Coat For Boys

 Men Party wear Pant Coat Fashion 2017-2018

Embroidered Fancy Formal Party wear Dresses & Suits 2015-2016

Embroidered Fancy Formal Party wear Dresses & Suits 2015-2016

This combination is extraordinarily for every one of those young ladies who yearning to enhance herself with satisfying and  unbelievable outfits in Parties.they all ought to check this bewildered amassing 2015-2016.this Collection is brimming with exquisite and a la mode gathering wear dresses which are designed in extremely interesting and wonderful styles and patterns.as we all realize that all ladies' are insane to wear rich outfits.they dependably craving to seem trendy among everyone.they are typically want these sorts of clothing types for gatherings as demonstrated in this post.they are exceptionally remarkable in style.the Best dress to wear in any occasion,function,party and get-together.all the Pakistani and Indian Designers continually exhibiting their best and they are generally presenting satisfying and charming variety which are truly increased in value by different varieties of women.the colors which are used in this collection are exceptionally immaculate and bright.in party occasion,mostly ladies longing to wear frock with churidar pajama,someone preferences to beautify gowns.all ladies have their own particular choose.
according to the picks of ladies here in this aggregation Collections9  included satisfying sorts of dressing for all women's.these dresses are made with exquisite embroidery,patches,laces and ribbons.the Elegant weaving on sleeves,neckline,borders gives stunning look to the attires.these outfits help you to get an incredible look in your identity with new vogue.all these dresses are exceptionally sensible in cost range and expenses of these clothing types are effortlessly sensibly priced.hope you will like these clothing types which are composed by most recent style patterns of Pakistan and India.you will effectively purchase any clothing from this assortment.you will purchase online at fashion web & shopping store.pick your most loved or best from amazing and satisfying grouping 2015-2016.Here we brought some party wear designs for women which are outlined in exceptionally sufficient way or method.these dresses are impeccably intended for parties.every year we need to go to a few religious occasions, for example, Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-azha.these outfits are best to wear in these religious events.fashion industry of pakistan is expanding step by step and new adolescent architects are entering in style industry.there are numerous different sorts of outfits for women.being a ladies it is hard to pick a dress for gathering in light of the fact that all ladies need to look satisfying and extraordinary among everyone.so likewise a few tips to pick an immaculate dress would be here.firstly the clothing is as indicated by the occasion or time.suits your personality.according to your body shape.color of dress additionally effects.so Choose your gathering wear dress as per these tips..whenever you are fancing a dress determination issue take after these tips trust these tips are so advantageous for you. Let's See below full assortment of party wear dresses.....!!,

Party wear Formal dresses 2015-2016

 

 Dark Color Party & Wedding wear formal dresses 2015

 

 Embroidered Fancy dresses Collection 2015

 

 Embroidered wedding party wear dresses 2015

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

OODLES OF OUTERWEAR

Back in Melbourne after my vacation to Noosa and I am feeling the cold. From days on the beach soaking up the sun to jumping puddles and constant coffee runs to stay warm, there could not be more of a contrast. Either way I am to inspire both men and women with experimenting with their own personal style. To inspire you to engage with the world outside your front door and step out of your comfort zone. Clothes can either maketh the man or woman but in truth the clothes should not wear you. You should wear them, and they should make you feel amazing and be an extension of your personality. A great item to showcase your personality and style is the coat and that is what this post is all about.

Hat: @asos_man

Sunglasses: @lespecs
Coat: @vanheusenau
Shirt: @dangerfieldclothing
Scarf: vintage find
Pants: @topman
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @jacklondon_official

Whether you're running around town attending gallery shows or catching up with friends over a nice brunch, make sure you're warm and cozy this winter. A wardrobe necessity for me is a good winter coat (or 3 or 4) Wherever you are this winter, you want to ensure that the coat you choose is both functional and stylish. Personally I favour long coats as I like to feel warm and secure. Bomber jackets and denim are great but not practical for cold winters in Melbourne or Hobart where you need a coat that can battle the elements. 

This coat is called "The Grant" from @oxfordshop Naturally I bought it 
Coat: @oxfordshop
Suit & shirt: @briggins_clothiers
Tie: @bows_n_ties
Shoes & bag: @ted_baker
Socks: @paulsmithdesign
Sunglasses: @gucci

Being a savvy individual I adore coats that are easily "Go-To" or "Do-It-All". Simply throw it on and run out the door and look effortlessly chic, coats that are able to be paired with many of your wardrobe items. Great coats will be fitted with some sort of stylish feature from buttons, fur trims, pipping, deep pockets and luxurious fabrics.

Sunglasses: @gucci
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au
Coat: @bossinimenswear 
Pants: @connor_clothing
Gloves: @dentsgloves
Shoes: @ash

Obviously this is one wardrobe item that does need to be fit for purpose and deliver in protecting your from the elements. You will find a large portion of winter coats will come with a hood. The aim of a winter coat FYI is to keep your body warmth in and block the elements from getting in. I look for deep pockets (user-friendly), high collars, and a point of difference in the details such as buttons. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @jamesharper_
Pants: @manuelritzofficial
Waistcoat: @connor_clothing
Shoes & bag : @ted_baker
Sunglasses: no name

Keep in mind when shopping for a coat what the material actually is. You will find these days most coats are not fully made of wool, or partial inferior fabrics and insulation are used. In saying that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars (so many great bargains around town) to get a great coat. There is a large variety of online retailers that produce quality winter coats for fraction of the price and the quality is quite good. 

Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Pants: @edderedidelduca
Shoes: @adidas
Scarf: @karllagerfeld
Bag: @ted_baker
Sunglasses: @lespecs
Gloves: @dentsgloves

The great thing about fashion and style (both two very different things) is there is no right or wrong these days. From clashing prints, to changing your body shape with the use of different fits and styles. Invest in a great coat and it will last years. I do not understand why people invest in something that does not fit their personal style and will be thrown out after the current season. Prime example is Burberry trench coats. They stand the test of time as they are classic and the quality is amazing. 

Cape coat: @jacklondon_official
Sweater: @oxfordshop
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @boohooMANofficial
Shoes: no idea
Hat: @connor_clothing

Family and friends always ask my advice with how to choose the right fit for a coat. Here are some handy tips:

1) If you cannot lift your arms parallel to the floor the coat is too tight

2) Swing a punch (seriously). If you cannot the coat is too tight across the back

3) Throw your keys or phone in the pockets, if it feels to restricted it is not for you

4) You need room for layers, such as suits, scarves and sweaters or thermals

Sunglasses: @gucci
Coat: @boohooMANofficial
Shirt: @oxfordshop
Pants: @topman
Shoes: @targetaus
Scarf: @frenchconnection_au

Make sure you're ready for the winter season with a great coat or two. My advice is to purchase a black and a camel. Always in fashion and remarkably go with everything. Shop smart and pick a great coat.