Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Emmy TV Minute:

Today in Fashion Fab: (Left to right) Carl Bell (Weathercaster for the weekend editions for "Today In LA NBC"), "Today In LA Weekend" Anchors Ted Chen, Michelle Valles, and Nick Verreos

Last weekend was Emmy Awards time and as it has become a tradition, I was asked to go to visit my NBC-LA friends as the Fashion and Museum Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--to give my "Nick Two Cents" on what I thought the "Red Carpet Trends for the Emmys 2012" would be before the actual Emmy Awards and then I returned the day after to give my Emmys Fashion Round Up.

Speaking of the Emmy Awards and Costumes and FIDM--just so you know--the winning designs for this year's Emmy Awards "Outstanding Costumes for a Series" was HBO's "Game of Thrones" (above photo) and yes...

They are featured at this year's "6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design" Exhibition at FIDM Museum & Galleries. And don't forget, they are open (Tuesday through Saturday) until October 20th and best of all, it's FREE. Go check it out (if you haven't!).

Now, let's discuss my predictions: last Saturday prior to the Emmy Awards 2012 Live Telecast, I went on NBC-LA Channel 4 "Today in LA" weekend news program with anchors Ted Chen and Michelle Valles to discuss what I thought would be the Red Carpet Trends using gowns from my very own NIKOLAKI Collection. I mentioned "The High Low Hem":

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul "high-low hem" gowns

And that came true in various forms, including the black Zac Posen gown "Mad Men" actress January Jones wore:

I also talked about COLOR--particularly corals, reds, etc. being a possible big trend--and lo and behold, they were:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul coral colored gown and Ginnifer Goodwin in a Monique Lhullier coral and nude gown (also High-Low Hem BTW!)

Finally, I told Ted and Michelle on NBC-LA "Today in LA" weekend show that full-on sequins would be a presence on Emmy Awards 2012 red carpet...and it was:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul, and Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad all-over sequin gown

NBC-LA News Anchors Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams and Fashion Designer FIDM Spokesperson Nick Verreos

On Monday after the Emmy Awards, I had the pleasure of being invited back to the NBC-LA Burbank Studios to discuss my "Top Picks" and those styles that well, were great but "Needed Improvement!". For the NBC-LA Channel 4 5 o'clock News, I joined my FAVORITE Anchors Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry. In case you were wondering, my Best Dressed was...

Heidi Klum in seafoam green Alexandre Vauthier silk chiffon double-slit gown. Perfect Miss Heidi.

To finish off my NBC-LA appearances over the weekend, I also shot a fun TV segment with Ted Chen showing "How to Dress for Red Carpet Events" on less than $100, featuring looks from the wonderful FIDM Scholarship Store, located in Downtown LA, street level at FIDM LA Campus.

Gown Sale: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

Fashionista Jewelry Options: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

I was so excited to film a special TV segment with NBC-LA's Ted Chen showing how women can dress for their own "Red Carpet" events but not spend thousands and thousands of dollars. The FIDM Scholarship Store is great for that. It has LOTS and LOTS of gowns, cocktail dresses, for under $100 from BRAND name designers--that would work perfectly at events such as the Emmys.

Strapless Girls: Nick Verreos, with models (left to right) Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

Joining me on the NBC-LA "Red Carpet Under $100" segment were three of my favorite models in Southern California including Amanda Fields, Etirsa, and Zdenka Sutton.

Gown Prom Dates: FIDM Spokesperson and Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and NBC-LA's Ted Chen join models Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

We all had so much fun shooting the segment and hopefully (if you watched it), we were helpful in getting the message out there that you don't have to spend $50,000 to look Red Carpet Fab! 

5 Affordable Online Stores You Probably Had No Idea Existed

5 Affordable Online Stores You Probably Had No Idea Existed

The only thing that makes me happier than a Friday is a good retail therapy! And as much as I love strolling around the first floor at Maison Ogilvy or browsing the carefully curated new arrivals at HoltRenfrew.com, my monthly budget simply doesn't allow me to indulge in high-fashion and luxury items every time. But as a fashion girl, I made it my mission to remain on top of my style-game at all costs… Or in this case, at practically no cost ;) 

Piqued your curiosity just yet ? Check out the five online boutiques I simply could have never done it without…

1) TOBI

featuring the I'm Yours Sweater Crop Top, $33 and East Side Printed Neck Scarf, $30

TOBI always carries the most exciting things online and I find their style to be very reminiscent of Nasty Gal's for often, a quarter of the price. Whether it's basics, intimates, swimwear, evening-wear, ROMPERS!.. TOBI has it all and even more. The 'Sale' feature is probably my favourite as it allows me to get all the pieces I missed out on at a fraction of the price. And every career girl knows that a good sale always makes the bank account happy. Sorta… ;)

tobi.com

2) MISSGUIDED

featuring the Velvet Choker Shift Dress, $49

Missguided is such a good party brand for twenty-something ladies like myself! Their overall aesthetic channels the perfect combination of femininity, sensuality and effortless style, offering a great variety of pieces fit for a queen. Warning! If, like myself, you have a soft spot for the cool fabrics and textures of the 90's (velvet, satin, crochet and mesh that is) you might end up spending most of your days scrolling down the new arrivals and back in stock options of the moment. Most. Of. Your. Days.

Psssst! There's also a 20% discount for students in the US… #unidays

missguidedus.com

3) GO JANE

featuring the Day Date Ruffled Chambray Romper, $29

With currently up to 70% sale off sitewide, Go Jane is one of my most affordable online fashion discovery of 2016. Every since my very first order with them (a gorgeous pair of denim chunky heels) I have been completely obsessed with their weekly arrivals and their footwear shop, curating over 900 pair of pumps, boots, sandals, sneakers, flats, catering to everybody's taste and budget.

gojane.com

4) LULU'S

featuring the Ring the Bell Dark Green Crop Top, $42

I like to think that I was quite early on discovering and integrating Lulu's best sellers into my wardrobe mostly because it caters so well to my ultra feminine style and aesthetic. For almost 10 years now, Lulu's has been my go-to web destination for all-things dresses and cute accessories. As for my favourite feature from their website: the 'Back in Stock' section where they bring back all of the styles that sold out too quickly, so you can never miss out on a great #outfitgoals ;)

lulus.com

5) PIXIE MARKET

featuring the Ribbon Open Back White Tee, $78

Pixie Market is my favourite online destination for statement tops and other original pieces. I've always loved a good stand-out outfit and Pixie's allows me to innovate and get extra creative with my fashion sense. They've got a wonderful collection of fun, fearless work-appropriate shirts and blouses that make it super easy to transition from the office to happy hour in a knack. Don't go unnoticed!

pixiemarket.com

The post 5 Affordable Online Stores You Had No Idea Existed appeared first on PBTH **

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 8 of Season 10 Project Runway--"The Boris and Natasha Show"--My RECAP!

Project Runway Recaps: Episode 8 of Season 10 Project Runway--"The Boris and Natasha Show"--My RECAP!

Boris, Natasha and Bullwinkle and...Oh No, Another Team Challenge!!



To Start, What Does Boris and Natasha:

Bullwinkle:

And 90's Ripped T-shirts:

Have to do with Project Runway? Keep reading kids...

 

Last Thursday's Project Runway episode dealt with a Team Challenge in which they had to design two looks--in teams of three--for Fall 2012. As expected, there was lots of DRAMA, I-have-no-time excuses, and direct-to-camera, nasty one-liners...and for the most part some rather unexciting fashion.

 Headmaster of Arts and Crafts: Tim Gunn and the Season 10 remaining designers

To begin with, in order to get their "Mood Money" for this week's challenge, the remaining designers--after the teams were announced--had to make and merchandise t-shirts created from of all the art and craft supplies that awaited them at the Parsons workroom.

There was so much puffy paint, hot glue and glitter that it looked like a 70% off sale at Michaels Arts and Crafts...or like a Kindergarden classroom. One team made cute t-shirts with fashion croquis, others went for the predictable and tacky ripped 90's t-shirt look.

Meatpacking $2 Hookers: Team Gunnar/Sonjia/Christopher hawking their merchandise

They also created some necklaces, bracelets and whatever other "Whickety-wack" they could come up with to then sell to unsuspecting NY fashionistas, hipsters and tourists that happen to be walking by. Team Christopher/Gunnar/Sonjia were GREAT "$2 Hookers" and also made up signs to advertise what they were doing...They get ATTAGURL points.



Now to the DRAMA:

Boris and Natasha of Season 10: Designers Dmitry Sholokhov and Elena Slivnyak who were on one of the teams, got on each other's nerves. Dmitry is a former professional ballroom dancer from Belarus and Elena, well, she's just a Ukrainian-born Diva. Throughout the episode they were both very "Boris and Natasha" from "Rocky and Bullwinkle" cartoons. Elena said nasty things and Dmitry verbally threw it back at her. Elena made fun of his accent and Dmitry called her designs "coffin-like". It just went on and on.

Alicia Bullwinkle: Designer Alicia Hardesty--their team partner--poor thing was caught in the middle (or on sidelines) of their "Boris and Natasha Show" during this challenge. She was their "Bullwinkle".  As a result of their negative un-team-like working relationship, their designs on the runway suffered.

The Runway: 

Guest Judge fashion designer Ana Sui (far left) with Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum

Fall Dressing: Team Gunnar/Christopher/Sonjia got along swimmingly and created the best looks of the night--Gunnar's dresses (above) were very Fall/Winter, directional and sleek. I especially LOVED the leather and wool felt fabric blocking.

 

The looks also included two other standouts: Sonjia Williams' jacket and Christopher Palu's camel coat seen above. Both were Paris Fashion Week fabulous. The winner--and rightly so--was Sonjia with that perfectly tailored jacket. I was SWOONING over the roll of  Sonjia's jacket sleeve cap: AMAZING! The styling, fit and look of the jacket was very...

 Armani Prive Haute Couture

Team Monotony: Team Melissa/Fabio/Ven were one of the two teams with the lowest scores. Their looks were very bland and uninspiring to the judges. I kind of agreed but at the same time, they were like something one would see from a FAB Danish, Finnish or Swedish fashion designer...

Hello Stockholm: The looks were very "Scandinavian" in terms of their clean lines and pseudo modern styling. Melissa Fleis' cropped jacket was well received by the judges but the rest was not-so-mucheey, including Ven Budhu's dowdy dirndl skirt.

 

Team Boris and Natasha: Team Alicia/Dmitry/Elena were also one of the lowest scored teams. The judges said that because they argued and didn't work well as a team, it showed on the runway with their designs. I thought Dmitry's (Boris) asymmetrical neckline dress was so "Robert Palmer Girl--2012"and Elena's (Miss Natasha) coat was a wonky mess. The front lifted up and it wasn't up to par with the work that I remember seeing from her back at the LA Castings. (I D.I.E.D. over her AMAZING coats!).

But it was Alicia "Bullwinkle" who went home because the judges thought her top and pants were a "yawn". It's a perfect example of one of the Project Runway credos: Go BOLD or Go Home. In my Recap (starting below), I wrote that her denim "cool girl" jumpsuit was much "fresher" than those stovepipe pants and jersey top...

Speaking of my Recap...here it is:

The Boris and Natasha Show

Last week, there were NINE designers, and
this week ... there are STILL Nine Designers. If you have been keeping
score, NO ONE was out in last week's DRAMA-filled "Lord & Taylor
Challenge" episode. The designers were asked to create a dress for the
iconic department store and the winner was Christopher, who made a
blush/nude and black gown which won praise from all the judges. On the
bottom — vote wise — were Alicia and Gunnar, yet Miss Heidi K. said that
because there were no real "train-wrecks" and, according to her, they
all did a good job, EVERYONE stayed. We all realize it was because of
the two designers who quit early in the season, but let’s just all play
along, shall we?!

Auf This and Auf That

In the beginning of the episode, the winner, Christopher, was riding
high on his winning horse and declared that someone should have gone
home. Gunnar was his target, and we all know, it wasn’t because of his
design, but mainly because he is Christopher’s Gay Arch Nemesis! I also
agree that someone should have been eliminated but I felt that it should
have been Alicia. I feel that the sooner the show can rid itself of the
not-so-talented designers, the quicker the TRUE designers can really
make this a competition. I know it sounds mean and heartless but I'd
rather see a bunch of FAB competing against other FAB. But I digress...

Team Kumbaya: NOT

Now, with this good news that NO ONE was out, one would hope that
there would be a communal Kumbaya atmosphere prevailing through the
walls of Parsons and less melodramatic fits of negativity. Well, kids,
not so fast ... After getting their "Hellooo!" from Heidi, they're off
to meet Tim. He's in the Parsons Workroom, which has turned into
Michael's Arts & Crafts depot with a bunch of glitter, glue, and
paint. Gunn tells the designers that as of now, they have NO BUDGET to
shop at Mood so ... they must create merchandise to sell on the streets
of Manhattan to raise the money for their as-yet-to-be-mentioned
challenge. That's the first bad news, here comes the second: this will
be a Team Challenge and they will have to sell in teams of 3. The teams
are named: Team 1 is Christopher, Sonjia and Gunnar; Team 2 is Dmitry,
Elena and Alicia and Team 3 is Ven, Melissa and Fabio.

Arts & Crafts Parsons

The designers get to work on their Art Doodle projects, making
t-shirts, necklaces, etc. Team 1's stuff is looking cute — croquis,
fashion illustrations and well-sketched faces on T-shirts. On the other
end, however, Team 2's creations are looking like something a First
Grader made after drinking too much "Honey Boo Boo Go Go Juice." Soon,
time's up and they take their merchandise — and go try and sell their
"whickety wack" to the unsuspecting hipster Meatpacking/Chelsea/East
Village public. After much haggling and pleading to people that "You
Really Need A 90s, shredded, Puffy-Painted T-shirt,” the teams return to
Parsons to let Tim know how much money they made: Team 1 made $648;
Team 2 $500; and Team 3, a whopping $800.48. So now, the teams have
their Mood shopping money, but what about the actual challenge? Mr.
Gunn??

Next on Ukrainian and Belarus TV ... The Elena and Dmitry Show

Tim finally announces that each team must create 2 cohesive looks for Fall. They go to Mood...



Click HERE to read the rest of my MyLifetime.com RECAP for this past week's episode--and don't forget to let me know what YOU thought!!!! PLEASE! I LOVE reading YOUR "Two Cents"!

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Red Carpet Report: 38th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards...The Oh Dear! Top Ten!

Daytime Emmy Awards Red Carpet OH DEAR! Top Ten!!!

I'm just going to make this Short and Not-so-Sweet--in terms of my Daytime Emmys Red Carpet Fashion Two Cents. I present to you my "Oh Dear! Daytime Emmy Awards Ladies"...

The Finalists:

Petal Pusher: Pink Petal Prom Disaster--It's like someone tried to Knock Off something from Project Runway Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall...but didn't succeed. I loved the hair though (insert Happy Face).

Where's The Rest of My Dress: Oh huney! Did you forget the rest of your dress? This is unacceptable. Maybe on the runway, it looked H.O.T. Hot on a 6 foot tall model from Brazil but here, in real life, on the red carpet, it looks as if you ran out of your secret lover's hotel room right before his wife showed up!

Scuba No: Now, I realize the whole "Scuba" Theme is big for Resort 2012, but...What in the name of Color-Blocking Fashion is this above? And those necklaces? Were they really necessary? On stage, that neckline looked a teeny weeny bit TOO PLUNGING as well. The "sistahs" didn't look so nice. Her hair and make-up look were very good though (see, I try to include some positives).

Tonya Harding Meets Daytime Drama: Bless Her Swarovski Crystal Studded Purse Heart. Let me guess: Judith Lieber? (the purse, that is) The dress is A LOT of Bubblegum Pink--and I'm a fan of Barbie Bubblegum Pink but maybe not so much of it. And why is the top section inspired by a Figure Skating Costume? Tonya Harding We've Got A (Fashion) Problem!

Real Housewives of Orange County Garage Sale: Two Word: Oh No! It's a Handkerchief-y Hem...it's Caftan-y...it's Wrong. Someone made a mistake and told her she was going to a 20th High School Reunion for one of the "Real Housewives of Orange County" as opposed to "Hello, it's the Daytime Emmy Awards"! Maybe at a resort in Marrakesh but not on the Red Carpet.

Pageant Betty: Well well well, it looks like one of Miss USA 2011 Contestants decided to "jump ship", leave the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas Telecast and went straight to the Las Vegas Hilton instead! I wonder if her "handler" even knew she was missing? What is with this gown: The garish colors and the feathers on the boobie (sorry for the Kindergarten-speak), the mesh/nude-and-diamante inset...

Athens On a Budget: I get that the Grecian Goddess Look is still very in--I am a big Fan of this, but the dress is a bit of a misstep here. I think it's the "striped" fabrication--why isn't it just gathered and draped like all the other Grecian Goddess dresses? And then the addition of the necklaces, earrings and...is that a "crown"/headband? Oh those Daytime Drama girls love their accessories huney.

Quick, A Steamer: Looks like someone tried to "recreate" that Gucci Spring 2011 "Look of the Season"...and it did not work. This is like "Wet Seal/Contempo Casuals" Does Gucci. And the wrinkling didn't help. Hand-held Steamer anyone?

Runner Up:

Toddlers & Tiaras Red Carpet: Please tell me she is on some SERIOUS medication. Please. Why is she smiling? I guess I give her points for even walking out of the house, getting in a car and doing the Red Carpet. Who thinks of these two VERY different prints and then decides to combine them? Who? My favorite part, though, is THAT "TLC Toddlers & Tiaras" hair-DON'T. Will someone PLEASE stop hairstylists from doing side ringlets?? PLEASE!!!

But The Award Goes To:

My Window Curtains Are Gone: I ABSOLUTELY love this woman. Any person who would have the chutzpah to just go out, in public, to a BIG Red Carpet Event--in THIS Dress--must be a HOOT to be with! This dress is now on my official "Worst Dresses of 2011" List (I just created the list!). It's like she went to Western Costumes and got an old Marie Antoinette costume (or some curtains from a "Period Film") and decided to pair it with an unrelated black dress she had in her closet from 1987. It's either that or there's a new Project Runway copy-cat show filming in LA as we speak and this was the result of one of the unfortunate Challenges.