Cocktail Rings - Bling in the New Year!

Remember when cocktail rings were only worn by the likes of a caftan-wafting Mrs. Roper on Three’s Company or your wacky Aunt Florence from Miami Beach? Thankfully, those days are long gone, and the jewelry statement has made a major comeback.

Celebs from Angelina Jolie to fashion icon Cate Blanchett wear them with pride on the red carpet, and we've seen them all over the runway this year from Versace's bold gold looks to Marc Jacobs's bohemian-chic stylings.

Cocktail rings emerged in the roaring 20s during Prohibition at illegal, booze-filled ‘cocktail’ parties. Women went big with fashion statements at these underground soirees, flashing their oversized, colorful baubles for all to see. Cocktail rings continued to be popular in the 1940’s and 1950’s but soon became a fixture in Aunt Ida’s cobwebbed jewelry box until recently.

The fashionable baubles generally have an oversized center stone of 3 carats or more and are typically worn on the right hand (any finger will do). They come in two gemstone categories: higher-priced precious stones (rubies, emeralds, sapphires) or the more affordable semi-precious options like citrine, aquamarine, peridot, etc. They also come in a variety of costume options, like this fabulous oversized, recession-friendly star ring from Nicole Ritchie’s House of Harlow jewelry line for only $38 bucks.

Because of their affordable price points and wide style range, cocktail rings are the perfect alternative to a more expensive diamond piece. The bigger and bolder the better. And since the economy will most likely have us wearing that little black dress more often this year, a cocktail ring is the perfect way to take things up a notch.

Jewelry.com features a great selection of cocktail rings in all shades of the rainbow:

This amethyst flower ring covers both the purple and flower-shape trend for 2009.










Blue and white topaz bring in the New Year for only $99









And this psychedelic mystic topaz ring from JCPenney is almost $300 off the original price.










Champagne in one hand and a big old rock on the other - -seems the perfect way to ‘ring’ in the New Year, don’t you think?

Happy new year!

source

Happy new year my lovely readers!! I wish you all the best for the new year and have a bad ass new year's eve party. Thank you all so much for visiting my blog, caring about the stuff I post here and for all your lovely comments. It means so much to me <3

Lots of love from Sydney!
Jenny

hi from sunny Sydney

wearing: a new vest that I got here in Sydney, a H&M Trend Men shirt and cut off shorts.



Another new purchase is this lovely light pink dress that I wore with my gladiator sandals, a H&M belt and a black wrap cardigan from Zara

Best of 2008--The Nick Verreos Recap--Part III

Happy New Year kiddies!
The end (of 2008) is near...and so is my "Best Of" recap...
Again, keep in mind it's more of what were the highlights of what I accomplished or did during this last year...So now, when anyone stops me on the street and says "What Have You Been Doing???", I can refer them to this lovely recap...

September----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Verreos poses on the 2008 Primetime Emmys red carpet next to the statue

In September , I was asked by the good (and very intelligent) people at SOAPnet to do a "Live From The Red Carpet" segment once again. I had a blast covering the awards. I was just happy that it was NOT 105 Degrees (like at the Daytime Emmys over the Summer) thank you very much! EVERYONE stopped for me, which was great! Heidi Klum (in her glorious Armani Prive) and Vanessa Williams (in beautiful Kevan Hall) both said "Hi" and even my former FIDM student, Lauren Conrad, rushed by and gave me a little double-kiss on the red carpet.
The following day, I joined the panel of fashion experts at the TV Guide Network's Fashion Wraps With Lisa Rinna and said what I REALLY felt, in regards to my "best" and "worst" dressed of the night.

The Judges at Season 5 Finale Project Runway Bryant Park Show

I then flew to New York City to attend the Project Runway Season 5 Finale. This was to be the show's last season on Bravo (since a deal was signed with Lifetime), so of course, I wanted to be there for one final "Bravo Blow Out". Nick Verreos and David Paul, in the front row of Project Runway Season 5 Finale Bryant Park show

My partner David and I were lucky enough to have befriended Lisa Gilpin, an executive with Saturn/GM, who to our surprise got us seats IN THE FRONT ROW!!! It was a mixed blessing to be seated in the front row because I saw every good--and bad---seam, loose thread and as my friend would say, wanky zipper.

Nick Verreos, Project Runway Designers Rami Kashou and Sweet P at Bryant Park Finale Show

But I loved it since that would probably be one of the only times I would ever get to sit in the front row of a NY Fashion Week I am sure...J.Lo was supposed to be the "Special Guest Judge" but pulled out citing a foot injury--Tim Gunn reluctantly replaced her at the last minute, to everyone's surprise. A week later, Miss Lopez ran a marathon (with her broken foot?).

Nick Verreos answering Project Runway questions to the Media at Bryant Park

Hours after the show at Bryant Park, I was invited to the Official After Party , where I got to congratulate Miss Korto and Leanne (I had a feeling they would be the finalists since their collections were the best).Leanne Marshall's Finale Bryant Park Collection, which has been purchased by her Alma Mater, FIDM
Project Runway Season 5 Designer (and eventual Winner), Leanne Marshall and Nick Verreos at the After Party
During this month, I also continued to write my fashion one-liners for UsWeekly, as one of their resident Fashion Police. I didn't realize how many people really read UsWeekly (of course I always did!) but I must say that almost everywhere I go, someone always stops me and tells me how much they loved what I said in UsWeekly!

October---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nick Verreos on the red carpet for the Finale Project Runway Viewing Party

The highlight of this month was attending the Finale Viewing Party for Season 5 Project Runway at Hollywood paparazzi central, STK Restaurant. It was thrown by its producers, Magical Elves and it was a fabulous way to end the season! Magical Elves Producer Micahel Rucker, Finalist Korto Momolu, Nick Verreos and John Wade at STK

I enjoyed seeing most of the cast from the season, including finalist Korto, Jerell and designers re-uniting with Blayne and Joe, whom I had seen the month before in the NY Bryant Park Finale Fashion Show. We also enjoyed the delicious food and cocktails at STK while mingling with guests and fans of the show alike.Nick Verreos poses with Blayne (in neon) from Season 5 at STK

November---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First exit: Model in NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Runway Show

In the beginning of November, I debuted my NIKOLAKI Spring 2009 Collection at the first ever Islands Of The World Fashion Week, in The Bahamas. I was invited by the IOTW organizers to not just show my collection, but judge many other fashion shows from local and international designers (NextGen, Sustainable Eco, Culture Awards) and give a seminar/lecture on the "Inside Dish" of the fashion industry and dressing actresses for the red carpet.The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort: View from one of the many pools

David and I flew to The Bahamas and spent a week casting the models, steaming the 25-piece gown collection (that had traveled in our suitcases all the way from LA), doing alterations, fittings and even managed to get in some pool time, while staying at the gorgeous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort. Both our families flew to The Bahamas to support us. I was especially surprised to see my nephew and niece who flew in from Texas! They REALLY LOVED the Water Slides at the Atlantis--as well as those famous Sharks and Manta Rays. I think I received "Ten Favorite Uncle Points" for that trip!

Nick Verreos and David Paul take their final bow after debuting their NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 Collection

NIKOLAKI models posing after the show

Our collection was deemed a success and David and I were very proud to have been part of the first ever Islands Of the World Fashion Week. We were treated and entertained like royalty and enjoyed night after night of Fashion Week Parties and events at places such as the Marley Resort and the UNBELIEVABLE Nygard Cay Resort, one of the most expensive resorts and private islands in the world! We received a lot of press--locally and internationally and were featured on the cover of the California Apparel News as well as in industry trade publications and websites such as The Daily, and WGSN (Worth Global Style Network).

Nick Verreos and Lily Collins at the Launch of her bag, Mary Norton Boutique

After returning from The Caribbean, I was off and running, with a couple of fun events I was invited to. Lily Collins personally invited me to attend the Launch of the "Lily Bag" and ballet flats she designed in conjunction with Mary Norton, so of course I was there with "bells" on---OK, maybe not bells, but more like my YSL Johnny Boots!

Nick Verreos and the Juicy Couture Designers

I also attended the unveiling of the Juicy Couture Dedication Wall at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM in Los Angeles. Juicy Couture co-founder and co-designer, Pamela Skaist-Levy is a FIDM grad. The designers looked fabulous in their mini fur (mink or fox?) capelets , pencil skirts and 5 inch Louboutins. I, on the other hand, wore an H&M cotton cardigan I bought for $30.

December---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Behind the scenes of the Sears '08 Holiday Ad Campaign

Now that we have come to the end of the year, I have to mention my Sears Commercial as the highlight of not just this month but probably the whole year! I was contacted by Sears to star in their upcoming 2008 Holiday Ad Campaign, along with Ty Pennington (of ABC's Extreme Home Makeover), LL Cool J, and Vanessa Hudgens. I shot it in Spanish and English and it was shown through the month leading up to Christmas. I'm still in astonishment that they would choose me to be in a national ad campaign!

Nick Verreos poses with "Model family" at Univision Studios, Miami

As a result of the Sears Campaign, I flew to Miami to shoot a Live Fashion Segment in the Spanish-speaking version of Good Morning America, the Univision show Despierta America. I styled an entire family in Sears clothing for the Holidays.
Nick Verreos and his models in NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns at FIDM San Diego Grand Opening

I returned to Southern California to attend the Grand Opening of The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM San Diego Campus.

Nick Verreos speaking to San Diego Mayor and press

I was invited by the school and decided to give the Grand Opening a special treat: I brought some of my just-debuted Spring 2008 NIKOLAKI Collection and had a mini-trunk show while guests and San Diego's gliteratti--including that city's Mayor-- mingled.

Designer Korto Momolu and Nick Verreos at Jane Joe/John Doe Boutique Opening Party

Back in Los Angeles, I attended the opening of the Jane Doe/John Doe Boutique in Los Angeles. The store unveiled designs by several of this last Project Runway season's designers, including Korto Momolu, Jerell Scott, and its winner, Leanne Marshall, so I wanted to show support for their designs.
David Paul, Nick Verreos and their dog Benny (looking chic in House Of Dog collar and leash), at the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Holiday Party

Since December is a time for Holiday Parties, I was happy to attend several of them, including the Beverly Hills Mutt Club Party, where David and I got to bring our beautiful dog, Benny. Even though he got sick on the ride to the party, it was all better once we arrived and he saw all his canine buddies.Lauren Conrad (of MTV's The Hills), her friend and Nick Verreos at HERE Lounge, West Hollywood

I also attended the Toys For Tots Woody's Christmas Party, where I ran into Lauren Conrad and one of her best friends. She made me feel really bad since I brought a Learning DVD for kids as my gift; Lauren brought the cutest Teddy Bear. Next time Nick, I mumbled to myself, bring a HUGE Teddy Bear!!!!
Happy New Year and here's a toast (pretend I am holding a Champagne flute) to a prosperous and busy 2009! xoxo Nick

Pass The Bubbly Please

Ah. The New Year is upon us - where did the time go? One more reason to celebrate with friends and loved ones, and one more reason to dress up and look fabulous. I'm sure you have all found your dresses already but I just passed by the store window of BCBG the other day. BCBG has always attracted me, there is something simple and ethereal about their dresses, and their cutting (for me at least, is superb).

Their dresses make you feel almost old hollywood glam or simply modern chic. I know they're rather simple, definitely something you've seen before, but talk about excellent draping! I don't know, there's something about them that makes me fall in love.

Love the velvet bodice of this dress!

This dress is actually much more beautiful in person.

Aughhh...I need to get this - look at that sleeve detail!

So simple, so lovely (especially the colour). Hm, I will advise you not to wear a headband that the model demonstrates...

Ok, kind of generic I know, princess cut blah blah blah. But the material! And a colour that would look great on all skin tones.

What are you doing for New Year's? &equally important, what will you be wearing?

Building A Basic Jewelry Wardrobe

Whether you're accessorizing for work or play, having the right jewelry can go a long way in helping you project an image of confidence and individual style. But how do you develop that style when you're building your jewelry wardrobe from scratch?

According to Jewelry.com, developing your own style means "knowing yourself": what you like and dislike. To determine this, ask yourself "What is my ideal?" and "What turns my head?" Decide if that means contemporary or classic jewelry styles; streamlined or detailed; colored stones or white diamonds.

Also, listen to style-related comments from others. What outfits or accessories do people compliment you on? This will give you important clues about the kind of jewelry that looks best on you.

Next, make sure what you've selected fits your personality and lifestyle. For instance, if you spend a lot of time doing activities outdoors, consider simple earrings that won't dangle too far and get in the way. Comfort is a must. If something is either physically or psychologically uncomfortable to wear, you'll have trouble projecting the kind of confidence and competence integral to developing a personal style.

As for the jewelry itself, stick with the basics in the beginning. The rule of thumb is to always buy the best-quality basics you can afford, so you can add matching pieces later. In gold jewelry, such basics should include a gold chain necklace, classic hoop or button earrings, and a link bracelet. Additions could include slide-on pendants or drops to create different looks with your necklace and earrings. In diamond jewelry, classic stud earrings or a solitaire pendant should be among your first purchases.

Experts advise that you begin with classic shapes that look appropriate with a variety of outfits, and then add pieces that offer versatility of wear or a fashion touch, such as different colors or finishes.

And don't overlook the importance of selecting jewelry that suits your body type. For instance, your height and bone structure play a big role in determining the kind of jewelry that looks best on you. A smaller, petite woman would be better served with necklace lengths that fall below the breast but above the waist to elongate her figure. Meanwhile, a tall, thin woman may want to select a choker that cuts the line of the neck and de-emphasizes her height. And a full-figured woman should stay away from jewelry that's too small or delicate.

Equally important to style are face shapes. The four basic are oval, round, rectangular and heart-shaped. If your face is oval, triangular-shaped earrings are especially flattering. A round shape should seek elongated, dangling styles that draw the eyes down, rather than around. For a rectangular face, try jewelry that adds width, camouflaging the length of the face. And for heart-shaped faces, look for earrings that are wider at the bottom, because style can soften a pointed chin look.

And don't forget to consider your hand type if you're purchasing rings. If you're long-fingered, wider bands will look especially good on you. If you're short-fingered, thinner bands and stone shapes such as marquise or pear that elongate the hand would be a good choice.

Best of 2008--The Nick Verreos Recap-Part II

Recap of 2008--Nick Verreos style! (Continued) :
Partying with Victoria's Secret, Bravo A-List Awards, Gender Pac Chicago Cook Off, Reality Check, Heidi in Nick Verreos, SOAPnet Daytime Emmys, Project Runway Season 6 Castings, and a Walk-Off in Seattle with Sweet P

May--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Verreos at Heavenly Kiss Victroia's Secret Party at Beso

In Early May, I was invited to the Heavenly Kiss Victoria's Secret Fragrance Launch Party at Eva Longoria's Beso Restaurant in Hollywood. Australian model/Orlando Bloom girlfriend (and Victoria's Secret supermodel) Miranda Kerr was the hostess with the mostest. Project Runway Season 4 Finalist Rami Kashou and Nick Verreos at Beso

I ran into LA designer (and Project Runway finalist) Rami Kashou at the event. We both dished a little about the show of course.Decades 2 Owner, Christos Garkinos and Nick Verreos at Sex And The City Decades/HauteLook.com Party

I also attended the Sex And The City/HauteLook.com event at Decades 2 Boutique in LA. My good friend, fellow Greek Christos Garkinos, is part owner of this fabulous store and of course, I am a sucker for parties and anything Sex And The City.Nick Verreos interviews LA designer Rachel Pally, LA Fashion Week

In May, I also filmed a little fashion segment with LA designer (and jersey Queen!) Rachel Pally, in which I covered her LA Fashion Week Collection at the rooftop of this chic Art Deco style Downtown LA penthouse.Actress Thea Gill in NIKOLAKI gown

Finally, actress Thea Gill (of "Dante's Cove") wore one of my NIKOLAKI gowns (a silk chiffon gold paillette one shoulder number) to host the LA Gay and Lesbian Center's Women's Night event, where the one and only Sharon Stone was honored with the Board of Director's Award.

June-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Verreos and Kathy Griffin (in Nick Verreos design) at Bravo A-List Awards

June was an extra crazy month for me: To begin with, I flew to NY to film and attend the Bravo A-List Awards. We shot a fun segment where former Project Runway designers were chosen to design outfits for celebrities that would later be auctioned off for UNICEF. I designed a gown for the host of the show, Comedian and Gay Icon, Miss Kathy Griffin. I created a lilac-colored silk jersey draped gown with Swarovski crystal straps. The $600 sketch of Kathy Griffin's Nick Verreos Gown

The show ended with a Project Runway All-Star Fashion Show showcasing all the gowns created by former Project Runway designers, including mine of course. My fashion illustration of the gown also got auctioned off and sold for over $600!Tila Tequila in NIKOLAKI dress at Bravo A-List Awards

Speaking of TV personalities wearing my gowns, I also found out that Tila Tequila (of MTV's A Shot At Love With Tila Tequila) wore my NIKOLAKI striped silk cocktail dress to the Bravo A-List Awards as well as one of my copper-colored draped jersey gowns to the MTV Movie Awards earlier in the month. Tila Tequila in NIKOLAKI gown at MTV Awards

Nick Verreos, Brian Peeler and Jay Rodriguez, 2nd Annual Reality Check Party

Back in Los Angeles, I attended several red carpet parties and events including the 2nd Annual Reality Check, where I got to hang out with Jai Rodriguez, of Queer Eye For The Straight Guy fame and Peeler, the hot former trainer from Bravo's Work Out show.I was also invited to the fundraiser for Nicole Ritchie's Ritchie Madden Foundation at Cusp Boutique to signal the launch of Signorelli's Angel Collection.Stephanie Pratt (from The Hills) and Nick Verreos at Pink Is The New Blog Re-Launch Party

Soon afterward, I attended the Pink Is The New Blog Re-Launch Party in Hollywood, wearing one of Signorelli's Angel T-shirts.

July--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Heidi Klum, in NIKOLAKI dress , at Conan O'Brian taping

I was really excited this month when Heidi Klum chose to wear one of our designs (a black jersey and leather one shoulder dress from my NIKOLAKI Fall Collection) to an appearance on NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien Show. She looked unbelievable--so much so, she was then featured in InTouch Magazine in my dress!Nick Verreos and Ted Allen at Gender Pac Chicago Celebrity Cook Off

I flew to Chicago to emcee that city's annual Gender Pac Cook Off. Last year, Kathy Griffin was the hostess and this time around, I was invited to emcee. At least I wasn't asked to cook. I do not cook. I order out, unfortunately. Gender Pac treated me like a VIP, with an amazing gift package from Kiehl's awaiting me in my Hotel Monaco suite and I had a blast hosting the event and donning an apron with Top Chef Judge and former Queer Eye For The Straight Guy's Ted Allen.Nick Verreos and SF philantropist and jewelry designer, Amber Marie Bentley at SF Dress For Success Fundraiser

I also flew to San Francisco, to make a special appearance and be the "guest auctioneer" for its Dress For Success Event at Bentley Holdings. San Francisco fashion diva, philanthropist and jewelry designer, Amber Marie Bentley, invited me and I was happy to attend of course. Especially for such a good cause. She wore one of my NIKOLAKI Spring 2008 cocktail dresses for the event; a black and fuchsia silk duchess Empire waist dress with ivory raw silk fitted bustier and bolero jacket.Actress Shelly Henig in NIKOLAKI Gown at '08 Daytime Emmys Red Carpet

And then to cap this busy Summer month, I was happy to find out that NBC's Days Of Our Lives actress, Shelly Henig was wearing my gown (from my Spring 2008 Collection naturally) to the Daytime Emmy Awards. She also chose a NIKOLAKI cocktail dress to wear to the official SOAPnet Party the night before! I love me some Shelly Hennig!Actress Shelly Henig in NIKOLAKI at SOAPnet Daytime Emmys Official Party

I was extra excited when I got the call from my lovely friends at SOAPnet.com asking me to do "Live From The Daytime Emmys Red Carpet". It was 105 Degrees and I sweated the entire afternoon. My make-up artist just stood next to me with a big roll of paper towels! It was the opposite of GLAMOUR, that's for sure!Nick Verreos and SOAPnet Daytime Emmys Red Carpet presenters/hosts

My (Sexy) Daytime Emmys Shade (from the 105 Degree heat!)

August-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Nick Verreos and the Project Runway Season 6 Casting Judges in Chicago

In August, I was asked to judge the (yet to be aired) Season 6 Project Runway Casting in Chicago. Little did I know that I would actually be "playing the part" of Tim Gunn, since he was unable to make the castings. I guess there is something about Chicago that I can't get enough of. Nick Verreos and Lily Collins on the "set" of "Homegrown Princess"

I returned to LA , where I filmed a pilot for the N/Nickelodeon Network, a show titled Homegrown Princess. It was a make-over type show, which I co-hosted with the beautiful Lily Collins, who does red carpet reporting for the network; Lily is a fashionista mini-diva; and a student at the University of Southern California/USC--oh, and she also happens to have A-list Rock Star genes: Her dad is Phil Collins. Project Runway designers Raymundo Baltazar, Nick Verreos, Jay McCarroll and Kara Saun at OUTFEST screening of Jay's Documentary

In LA, I also attended the Outfest screening of Jay McCarroll's Eleven Minutes Documentary. I cannot say this enough: This documentary must be watched by EVERY SINGLE Project Runway fan, every fashion design school student and every family member and close friend of a fashion designer. It's a gritty, no-holds barred vision of what it takes to put on a fashion show and make a collection.

Nick Verreos at FIDM San Diego

I also did several appearances for the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising/FIDM Three Days Of Fashion events in LA, Orange County, San Francisco and San Diego. One of my favorite was the latter, where I got to pose Charlie's Angels style with some future FIDM students, overlooking the stunning San Diego PetCo Ballpark (see photo above).
Nick Verreos and Sweet P arrive in Seattle and are treated "flossy-flossy" style with a limo waiting at the airport (we love IADT!)

I then flew to one of my "home away from home" cities, Seattle, to host the International Academy of Design and Technology/ IADT "Imagine 2008" Event and Fashion Show. I was ecstatic to find out that I would have company: The one and only Sweet P, of Project Runway Season 4 fame, would be joining me. In case you missed it, I made her do a "Walk Off", Project Runway style, to the delight of all the guests--make sure to click below for the fun video.