Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Vegas Fab:

Vegas Fashion Boy: Nick Verreos--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

A couple of weekends back, I had the pleasure of flying to Las Vegas to host a fun-and-fabulous luncheon, Trend Lecture, as well as a VIP Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Experience for Barrett-Jackson.

This very special day was organized by the very luxurious Crystals at CityCenter--home of all the TOP high-end boutiques in the World including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford...you name it, they are there! Barrett-Jackson is the Worlds Greatest Car Collector Auction and while I was there, they were having one of their amazing Barrett-Jackson Collector Car events.

 Las Vegas View--from my suite at the Vdara  Resort Hotel & Spa

 Vdara Hotel & Spa Products

While the husbands/boyfriends/fathers are seeing the cars, the Barrett-Jackson ladies were treated to a VIP Luncheon and Shopping with moi! I arrived the day before the event and I checked into the very chic Vdara Resort Hotel & Spa. It is an all-suite hotel--the only non-smoking-no casino resort in "Sin City". I absolutely loved it. My room was AMAZING, I have to say, and such a shame my NIKOLAKI Partner David Paul--or our Benny--couldn't have joined me! After a nice afternoon swim in the resort pool, I grabbed some dinner and went to bed (no gambling for me, kids!) and got ready for the following day's events...

 Striped Fashion: Nick Verreos at Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The next day, I was ready to host this fun VIP Luncheon and Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Day. This was my very first time there and Oh Lordy: Crystals is truly unbelievable. It's like being in a Dubai shopping center...and I've never even been there (to Dubai, that is, but I assume!).

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Ready for Fall: Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas--The shopping center was ready for Fall with lots of decorations including HUGE hanging leaves and oversized jack-o-lanterns with flower-filled pumpkin heads.



First up: VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon and Trend Lecture at Social House:

Welcome Ladies! Nick Verreos Hosts the VIP Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas 

Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The Barrett-Jackson ladies were at Crystals at CityCenter Restaurant, Social House, already enjoying their pre-lunch ice teas, as I walked in and began the Hosting-with-the-Most Luncheon.

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Assouline Book Presentation VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

The ladies enjoyed a presentation from Becky Zander of Assouline unveiling "The Ultimate Car Book" to the ladies as well as a gorgeous book about fashion (which, I, naturally, was SO interested in!--bottom photo).

Barrett-Jackson VIP Luncheon Ladies--Social House Restaurant Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

After introducing myself to the guests and going from table to table
giving them Trend and Fashion advice (not that they needed it!) as well
as "How To Dress For Your Size" lecture, I also had a chance to take photos with the ladies and talk FASHION, Project Runway and yes, give them some "Hollywood Dish"...

Birkin and Couture: Nick Verreos with guests at the Barrett-Jackson VIP Social House Restaurant Luncheon--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Soon, it was time to do some of my "Nick Magic": I held an impromptu "Barrett-Jackson Catwalk Contest" with three of the ladies in attendance.

 Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Barret-Jackson Divas: I chose--by accident--three of the TALLEST ladies there (see left photo above). I first did my "Nick Runway Walk" (yes, right then and there at Social House) and then, it was up to the Barrett-Jackson Ladies to strut their COUTURE walks:

Las Vegas Runway Walk Instructing: Nick Verreos at Social House Restaurant, VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Then...it was onto SHOPPING at Crystals:



After the VIP Luncheon at Social House, I had the pleasure of joining the ladies on a Shopping Tour of Crystals at CityCenter. We went to all the fabulous boutiques including:

Tom Ford Las Vegas: Live modeling at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter; Shoes at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter

 Tom Ford Boutique--Crystals at CityCenter; Actress Gwyneth Paltrow Academy Awards 2012 in Tom Ford

Gwyneth Gown: at Tom Ford, we got to see--and touch--the famous "Gwyneth Oscar Gown" --a white silk crepe cape and one shoulder gown style which the actress wore at this year's Academy Awards. They had several color ways hanging perfectly on the store's rack.

We also stopped at Prada and got a very VIP presentation in their exclusive VIP sitting room--the Prada boutique in Crystals at CityCenter is one of the largest, by the way!

Trevi Fountain Nick Verreos: And yes, I had to go into the Fendi boutique and pose by the Trevi Fountain reproduction--right INSIDE the store!!!

I had an ABSOLUTE BLAST with the Barrett-Jackson Ladies--hosting the luncheon, giving them my "Fashion Tips", and yes, VIP Shopping with them! I have a feeling they also had a really good time (I hope!)  

A Big "Thank You" to the wonderful Barrett-Jackson ladies, all the retailers at Crystals at CityCenter for being so accommodating (and FABULOUS--Thanks for all that Champagne!) and yes, Crystals at CityCenter for being the MOST LUXE shopping center!

Click HERE for a fun interview I did with Crystals at CityCenter

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

The SAG Awards are the second key moment of this awards season, and style-wise a warm-up between the Globes and the Oscars. As the winners of the night rehearse their speeches for their big time at the Oscars, let's have a look at the best (and worst) fashion moments of the night:

STAR OF THE SHOW

Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl/Ex-Machina) in Louis Vuitton

Bow down to the most beautiful Louis Vuitton dress I have ever seen on a red carpet: simple in the design and dazzling in the details. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander definitely looked like the star she will become. Best look of the night.

BREATH-TAKING

Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) in Zac Posen_Brie Larson (Room) in Atelier Versace Couture

As I always say, "you can never go wrong with a Zac Posen's design" and Viola Devis is another proof of that: the color of the dress is amazing on her skin, the feminine shape on the gown enhanced her figure and that smile..well that was the cherry on top! Actress of the year Brie Larson got the couture treatment directly from Atelier Versace, as she wore a couture piece straight from the house's spring 2016 couture collection. The dress proved to have "red carpet" potential on the runway, and I am glad to see how beautiful it looks on Brie. My only side note has to be the shoes: WTF???

SISTERLY LOVE

Kate Mara in Valentino_Rooney Mara in Valentino

The Mara sisters had a Valentino moment on the red carpet. Kate Mara wore a piece from the spring summer 2016 collection, while Rooney Mara opted for a couture piece from the fall winter collection. Same designer, different interpretations: I have to say that Rooney looked regal (even if I wanted to see some major jewellery piece with that gown), while Kate definitely brought some sensuality to her dress. 

SHOCKING PINK

Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) in Dior_Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) in Vera Wang

Only the brave. Emilia Clarke wore the second decent Dior design of this year awards season, while Sofia Vergara (as always) favored a mermaid-like dress: the designs were not original, but the color sealed the deal. 

THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS

Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) in Michael Kors_Queen Latifah (Bessie) in Michael Costello

Ok, let's forget the bad title-joke. But I have to admit that Michael Kors and Michael Costello gifted Saoirse Ronan and Queen Latifah with two beautiful elegant and timeless dresses. In both cases the styling was kept to the minimum, I could not agree more.

EYE-CATCHING TOPS

Sarah Paulson (ASH: Hotel) in Armani Privé couture_Kristen Wiig (The Martian) in Roland Mouret

Couture make over also for Sarah Paulson, who turned to Armani to find the perfect dress for the evening. Usually I am not a fan of her on the red carpet, but this time I love the injection of color. Kristen Wiig brought back my love for jumpsuits, wearing a modern number for Roland Mouret. I would wear it in a heart-beat.

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

Maise Williams (Game Of Thrones) in Ermanno Scervino_Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) in Carolina Herrera

This time I am not really impressed by the fashion choices of the two British stars: they looked ready for prom rather than for the red carpet. Maisie Williams wore an Ermanno Scervino's dress, that in my opinion looked too heavy for her petit frame; Sophie Turner was lovely in Carolina Herrera, but she was not memorable. I am a "dress to impress" kind of person, so this is miss for me.

Ariel Winter (Modern Family) in Romona Keveza_Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men) in Erdem_Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) in J Mendel

Keeping up with the young hollywood section we have Ariel Winter in a bombshell attire by Romona Keveza, Kiernan Shipka in a youthful and elegant Erdem design, and Sarah Hyland in a blue J Mendel. Kiernan looked the best, as it was easy to find some flaws in both Ariel and Sarah's styling choises: Ariel's frosty rose lipstick and Sarah's poor hair style were definitely a total let down. 

SPARKLING COUTURE

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture_Nicole Kidman in Gucci

This is a hard one: two Hollywood royalties wearing the designs from two major fashion houses...and the result is not that good. Julianne Moore's lime green Givenchy dress was doing nothing for her body; however the color was beautiful on her. As for Nicole Kidman...well, that Gucci number was simply not made for her. Let's start by saying that this is a tricky dress: I could see a younger celebrity rocking it and I can imagine a model wearing it for an editorial, but in my opinion this gown has no red carpet potential, and Nicole dear, that styling is not helping either.

CLASSIC ALLURE

Anna Faris (Mom) in Naeem Khan_Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) in Elie Saab_Marisa Tomei (Empire) in Zuhair Murad couture

I see 3 beautiful dresses that needed a bit more of drama in the styling.
A red pout for Anna Faris and that gorgeous red Naeem Khan gown; a sleek hairstyle and a darker eyeshadow to upgrade Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab. Marisa Tomei disappointed me in the shoe-department and she definitely needed to pay more attention to her hairstyle, if she wanted to match that lovely teal Zuhair Murad.

NOT CONVINCING

Priyanka Chopra (Quantico) in Monique Lhuillier_Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) in Prabal Gurung_Eva Longoria (Telenovela) in Julien MacDonald

What do we have here? A bridal gown, a terrible pose and a hot mess. Wow, three beautiful ladies that did not manage to stand out in the crowd: Priyanka Chopra's Monique Lhuillier was a camouflage bridal gown; Laverne Cox was actually wearing a nice Prabal Gurung, but she killed off all the magic with that questionable pose; Eva Longoria  basically wore a dress that was meant for a taller person, and despite the fitting it is still very clear. BTW that hair style is a NO.

TOO MUCH FABRIC

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) in Christian Siriano_Sola Bamis (Mad Men) in Lola Wusu

Usually I appreciate a bit of drama on the red carpet, but not in this case. One of the basic rules in fashion is to make sure that your client looks smoking hot in your design, and I dare you all to say that Christian Siriano or Lola Wusu accomplished that request. Sola Bamis should fire her stylist, while Christina Hendricks could have upgraded her dress with a pair of scissors: that piece of fabric on the shoulder was pointless. Chop it off next time! 

SKIN SKIN SKIN

Susan Sarandon in Max Mara_Eva Amurri in Gabriela Cadena_Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) in Romona Keveza

Where should I begin? Susan Sarandon should have worn a white corset under that Max Mara tuxedo, and those pants needed to reach the floor. I do not have much to say about the Gabriela Cadena dress that Eva Amurri wore, if not "burn it". Kaley Cuoco dress could have been a good choice for the Grammys, but that sheer panel that does not match her skin-tone is a let down. Next.

Written by: Stella

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part ONE!

Reporting From the Royal Red Carpet...

Viva España: Queen Sofia, Crown Prince Felipe and Princess Letizia of Spain

First up on my "William and Catherine Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion Report" is the Royal House of Spain. Queen Sofia of Spain wore a mauve-colored silk taffeta suit with jeweled button accents and stand-up shawl collar. I think she looked great; loved the color! And as always, she has her pashmina shawl which she never leaves her Palace without! Her son, Crown Prince Felipe, dashing in uniform and Princess Letizia...

Wore a pleated mousseline blush-colored dress by designer Felipe Varela and matching shoes by Magrit. The dress was simple, understated and "Wedding Guest Appropriate". I would have loved to have seen a more dramatic hat however.

L'Afrique C'est Chic: Prince Seeison and Princess Mabereng of Lesotho

A good friend of Prince William and Prince Harry, Prince Seeison Bereng Seeiso of Lesotho was accompanied by his wife Princess Mabereng Seeiso, who wore a colorfully printed floor-length fitted "Mermaid"-style gown.

Takchita Couture: Princess Lalla Salma of Morocco

Princess Lalla Salma is the princess consort of King Mohammed VI of Morocco and she showed up sans her husband (but with some SERIOUS body guards!) to the Royal Wedding, in a traditional Moroccan caftan gown or takchita in silk organza, gold center front covered buttons and gold embroidered applique.

Dutch Royal Treats: Prince Willem-Alexander and Princess Maxima of The Netherlands

Prince of Orange Willem-Alexander and his wife, Crown Princess Maxima of the Netherlands. Maxima wore a blush pink Chantilly lace dress featuring a "belted" waist tie and scalloped edges. Her "hat" was more of a turban/pillbox combination and very 1950's Retro.

Millinery Divas: Zara Philips and Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium

Two Royal Guests stand out for their fabulous Philip Treacy (of course!) creations. On the left, Zara Philips--only daughter of Princess Anne (Prince William's aunt)-chose a gunmetal colored hat of buckram with twisted side detail. On the right is Crown Princess Mathilde of Belgium...

Seen above with her husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium, heir to that country's throne. She looks rather chic in an Armani Prive custom-made teal-blue satin "trumpet"-style dress and matching jacket that featured interesting waist-drape tie. The black asymmetrical ankle-strapped pumps are rather stupendous. Her hat: Philip Treacy. Her necklace: AMAZING!

Blue Boring: Queen Margrethe II of Denmark

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark was a disappointment for me. Usually HRH is the Go-to gal for KRAZEE florals and dresses and suits that an old Costume Designer who has retired to Boca would wear--and that's why I LOVE HER! But for William and Catherine's Wedding, she came rather conservatively dressed, in a lilac blue coat-and-dress ensemble. No prints, no KRAZEE. Boring. Even the hat did not excite me. At least, she had a winning smile which actually was the best thing she "wore"!

Wrinkled Duchess: Maria Teresa of Luxembourg

Another snooze-fest in terms of "Royal Wedding Red Carpet Fashion" was Maria Teresa, the Cuban born (yep!!) Grand Duchess of Luxembourg, one of the smallest countries in the world. Wrinkled, ill-fitting and almost cheap-looking. The style of the dress and suit ensemble is better suited for--dare I say it--a commoner, as opposed to the Duchess of a country!

Miss Diva of Greece: Marie Chantal, Crown Princess of Greece & Princess of Denmark

On the other spectrum, leave it to Marie Chantal of Greece, wife to Prince Pavlos, to bring it when it comes to some fashion. Marie Chantal wore Chanel Spring 2011 Haute Couture darlings. A gray-lilac tweed dress with "spiderweb" hand beaded embroidery. Notice that her style has longer "glove length" sleeves. It is a Couture-ordering client's prerogative to change things a bit--especially when you are paying about $30,000 for a custom day dress darlings! Her flower-adorned hat: Philip Treacy.

For now, we'll end our "William and Catherine Wedding Day Red Carpet Report" with Prince Pavlos of Greece's father and mother--former King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie (she's from the Danish Royal Family, in case you didn't know). Both look quite handsome, elegant and Royal Wedding Appropriate, just the way exiled royals who have no country to rule should look like.