Cute Umbrellas

Along with Spring, comes the rain. After many days of nice clear blue skies and warm breezy wind, the rain has inevitably reached my corner of the globe. Fortunately for me, this means that I can finally use the new super cute umbrella I bought from London during spring break! Always look on the bright side right?

Anyway, about my super cute umbrella, its from Accesorize (as are the two shown above) with cute floral pattern against a black background and its TINY. Thats my favourite thing about it. Its so tiny, it barely weighs anything and actually fits into my small shoulder bag along with my ipod, wallet, camera, mini hairbrush and lipgloss. Its amazingly portable. I LOVE my new umbrella. The only downfall is that its so tiny, it feels very fragile against the Chicago wind. But I'll be careful ;)

Ever the business-minded, Juicy Couture ofcourse makes umbrellas as well. They're cute. The black one is . . . usable I guess, even cool if worn properly. But the pink one, if you see it opened, is covered with pink hearts. Waaaaaay too much, unless you're age 10 or below, it can in no way be considered cute.

Other cute tiny umbrellas I found was this spotty Kate Spade one and this personalised initial one from Neiman Marcus. The Kate Spade one, is playfully elegant, just the right touch to be fun but not childishly so. And who doesn't like their own initials right?

Ever thoughtful to their customer's needs, Neiman Marcus also makes these plain tiny umbrellas and waterproof poncho. Although I really don't see how a waterproof poncho will protect one from the rain. Is that thing at the neck a decoration or a hood? Either case, its not very attractive. Good thing the ladies of Neiman Marcus have drivers and cars, and would never be caught out in the rain to begin with.

And of course, there is always the super uber cute tiny umbrellas from Burberry. The tiny pouch that comes with the red one is just darling!

Embellished Summer Thongs

Embellished thongs are classic summer shoeswear. You can basically buy one pair and wear it until it breaks since their designs don't change much each year. I used to dislike such fancy sandals because they looked so overcrowded with shiny stones and seemed like the type of shoes that only slutty rich girls type would wear. But when I was shopping with my mum, she kept trying on embellished thongs, and I realised that as long as these thongs were matched well with clothing, then they are excellent summer shoes.

Embellished thongs, which are basically fancy flip flops aren't exactly this year's most fashionable shoes (platforms.) But they are comfortable and great to wear for doing casual stuff, like shopping in the local mall and the beach.

Cole Hann Gala Thongs -My mum bought these in gold. I love how the crystals are so simple. This pair would match practically all daytime outfits.

Guess flip flops -This pair is really similar except instead of crystals, the embellishment are rhinestones. I think the crystals on the Cole Hann pair looks classier, but this pair would look great with jeans.

Manolo Blahnik embellished thong sandal -This pair has a lot of crystals, so be careful when matching outfits. It would look great with wrap dresses and evening wear.

Jimmy Choos jeweled ankle wrap thong -Sooo gorgeous! Perfect to wear with white shorts and pretty, neautral coloured tops.

A. Marinelli 'Idal' thong -Since we can't all afford Choos and Manolos, this is a cheaper choice at only $84.95 (Nordstrom.) The great thing is that it doesn't look cheap. I really like the colors of the little beads.

Michael Kors metallic flat thongs -OK, this thong isn't exactly embellished, but it's such a great investment because of its simplicity and would go with all outfits.

Miu Miu gold gemometic sandals -If you prefer not-so-simple looking sandals, then you would love this one. Another great pair to wear with this season's neatural colored clothes.

Stuart Weitzman Starfish sandals -I LOVE this pair. It's soo pretty with all those starfish...

Kate Spade Kimora embellished thong sandals -This is another one of my favourites. I have no idea what those white blobs are but they're so cute! (And the color is totally this season!)

J. Crew nautical sandals -These would go perfectly with this season's nautical-themed clothes. Most of them are about $98 per pair so you're looking for something to wear everyday this summer, or if you're the beachy/ yacht club type of girl, then go check out J. Crew!

Bienvenido a Miami

Red Carpet @ the Latin Billboard Awards

Greetings from Miami, or as they say "Saludos de Miami". Without sounding too nostalgic, I forgot how much I loved Miami. It was , in fact, the first stop my family and I made when I arrived to the US from Caracas , Venezuela over 25 years ago. With the perfect blending of Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, and South American influences, I feel at home in Miami, as if I was back in Venezuela.

I was asked , as you know, by Heineken, to design a "Green Ribbon/Pin" to raise music awareness within the Latin community for the Celia Cruz Foundation which was to be worn by the presenters and performers at the Latin Billboard Awards as well as the "Special Pins" which were worn by Los Angeles-based band Ozomatli. Last year , designer Narciso Rodriguez designed the pins for the Grammy Awards, so I was beyond honored to have been asked.

Tarah and myself @ the National Ribbon Unveiling

Tarah and her sister Sabrina in Nick Verreos

Lenny (Tarah's Beau), Myself and David

I first met up with my "Project Runway 2" model, Tarah, whom I had not seen since I left the show(as well as her beautiful sister Sabrina) to attend an "Unveiling of the Ribbon/Pin Party" at the fabulous "National Hotel" in South Beach. Tarah and I were so giddy together, it was as if we were 10 years old! She is looking more beautiful than ever (if that is even possible) and it was just really nice to be reunited with her. Tarah has such a positive energy and exudes kindness and warmth --I forgot how much she was the glue that was holding me through the mess that was going on during the filming of the show. Along with David, Tarah's boyfriend, model Lenny came along as well. We joked how much he looked like a "Ken Doll" to her "Barbie"! I dressed both Tarah and her sister in my silk-print cocktail dresses that were perfect for the balmy 85 degree weather. They loved the dresses and looked sexy and very "Miami" in them. We had a lot of fun at the party and were surprised to find so many Miami locals who were big fans of the show and loved my work.

Ribbon unveiling by the pool @ the National Hotel

Red Carpet @ the Heineken Ribbon Unveiling

Ozomatli and myself on the Red Carpet @ the Ribbon Unveiling

The next day , along with Ozomatli (who were so great by the way, we are totally going to hang out back in LA), we arrived at the awards show, via a limousine to do the Red Carpet and attend the show. We joked how no one would know who we were and they would be saying "Who are these guys?". Much to my surprise, fans in the bleachers were calling out my name and wanting to take photos. We were interviewed by many reporters including Telemundo, NBC affiliates as well as other news sources. It was a bit difficult to change from Spanish to English and visa versa every two minutes, and at times, I became a bit nervous at the whole process, but overall it was lots of fun. For the actual awards show, David and I had great seats and enjoyed the show immensely. Highlights were seeing Shakira shake her "thang", cutie Alejandro Sanz, and seeing "Reggaeton" idol, Daddy Yankee, perform. I was even more excited to see my Ribbons on the lapels of some of the performers who went up to receive their awards. I also have to add that it was a treat to see how different Latin performers, actors, singers, dress to these events (as opposed to the Emmy's, Academy Awards, Grammy's, etc). It was nice to see that not everyone was "safe" and "boring". Were there train wrecks? Yes. Was there fabulousness? Yes. It was great "eye candy" to see how everyone dressed for this event. All in all, Miami was amazing. The weather , the beach, the food, everything was great! I am definitely coming back! Special thanks to Heineken and the beautiful team of Diane Von Furstenberg wrap-dress clad gals at Shorefire Media --you rock! Now I have to moisturize the slight burn I got from laying out in South Beach! Ciao.

Ozomatli and myself on the Red Carpet @ the Latin Billboard Awards

US Weekly Hot Hollywood Awards

Talk about a pathetic excuse to party. On Wed night, the lovely tabloid US Weekly hosted the Hot Hollywood Awards. Huh? you ask. Well apparently, it's to celebrate Hollywood crowd's "outstanding taste in fashion." The funny thing is, none of the the real fashionable IT girls, aka la Lohan, Nicole Richie, MKA Olsen, Mischa Barton and Rachel Bilson weren't even there. Prepare to see the fashion in this seriously unstylish party:

Style Icon of the Year -Jessica Alba. She has got to be the only stylish star there. She looks gorgeous in everything.

Hottest Sexy Style -Carmen Electra. Err, I don't usually pay attention to her, but I suppose she picked a good and not too slutty dress here.

Hottest Body Style -Jennifer Love Hewitt. Huh? How does she have the 'hottest body style'? Actually what does this award even mean?

Hottest Rock Star Style -Avril Lavigne. Oh surprise surprise. Her outfit here is really poorly put together. I thought she recently converted from Sk8er Girl to Chanel Girl, but she's obviously decided to change back for her upcoming CD!

Hottest Red Carpet Style -Paris Hilton. Err yes, flashing your bra on the red carpet is definately the way to go. That's hot Paris!

Nicky Hilton -The poor girl didn't get anything! They should have made an award for 'Hottest Styligh Designer' for her!

Best Makeover Style -Kelly Osbourne. Yup she's gotten a makeover all right. I'm just not so sure about the 'best'. My opinion: Hilary Duff should be getting this.

Michelle Trachtenburg -No idea if she got any award, but I'm not such a big fan of her style.

Hottest Movie Star Style -Brittany Murphy. If you ignore the rest of the well-dressed movie star that is. But I suppose Brittany's not too bad.

Hottest Popstar Style -Jesse McCartney. Omg, what happened to him!? He was so cute in Summerland!

Rachel Leigh Cook -She's so off the 'it' radar that you hardly see her in photos anymore. But she's got such cute features. I wish some TV show would have her as a main character!

Nick at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Hello All- I am in Miami attending the Billboard Latin Music Awards! I was asked by Heineken to custom design a special Music Awarness Ribbon that will be worn by the amazing Latin fusion band Ozomatli. It is a beautiful sterling silver pin that is encrusted with emerald green swarovski crystals and a red enamel star. Last night we had the unveiling at the beautiful National Hotel here in South Beach where Ozomatli performed. The best part of this whole experience for me has been reuniting with my beautiful model Tarah. She has been living in Miami since November and it was so great to see her last night! I dressed her up in a special Nick Verreos creation and we walked the red carpet together. I will post some photos as soon as I get back to LA.

Tonight is the actual Awards Show and it will air at 7pm on Telemundo. Also, look for the pre-show airing before the Awards. I will be walking the "Green Carpet" and talking about the ribbon I designed which benefits the Celia Cruz Foundation.

7:00pm HARD ROCK LIVE @The Seminole Hard Rock Resort & Casino, Hollywood THE BILLBOARD LATIN MUSIC AWARDS LIVE!!!

Produced & Broadcast by Telemundo

Prom Dress 06 II: Off the Runway

Off the runway, we look to the stars and the stores for inspiration.

Conveniently for us, ABS has a collection of dresses that is literally off the red carpet, called the "Red Carpet" collection. I think its pretty cool. They have Natalie Portman's vintage Chanel that she wore to the Golden Globes this year, which I love, because it is just SO classic and elegant. It looks so similar that I noticed the resemblance even before I read about the idea behind the collection!

Sometimes, the ABS copy is even better than the real thing. I bet Charlize Theron wish she wore this ABS copy to the Golden Globes instead of the real Dior by Galliano see-through version.

Also in stores are dresses in the color of this season's brown. I adore the brown/gold dress BCBG on the left, its just good to see something different in dresses. And the model looks good in the brown BCBG dress on the right, especially with that tan!

Look young and cute in these BCBG taffeta dresses with a bow. They are so fun! Although I'm not too fond of the slight 'bubbling' of the skirt on the right.

Then there is the ever elegant goddess look. I especially like these two from BCBG, with the fading wash of colors. Although with that length, you really have to be tall to carry it off.

But if you, like me, are not that tall, there is always these goddess-like dresses from ABS with the short or assymetrical hem.

So happy prom dress hunting everyone. And remember, find something that is flattering to your body and that you won't cringe at when you see your prom pictures 10 years from now!

Prom Dress 06 I: On the Runway

A lot of readers have been asking us for inspirations for the perfect prom (or equivalent) dress. So I went directly to the source-the SS06 runways- for inspirations.

First stop, I went to the Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera runway for inspiration from the master. The elegant, champagne colored and brocaded dresses blew me away. Its just so royal and elegant.

For a similar feel, try these two dresses from BCBG. Both has a tint of gold/champagne color and a simple elegant design.

Take a page off Marc Jacob's runway and have a magical prom night. Sheer sky and sequinned stars, let the magic begin! (Left by Marc Jacob, Right by BCBG)

Don't be afraid to stand out and go bold with red-think of how great the pictures will turn out. I'm loving these red dresses from Elie Saab and Nicole Miller, hot but not tramp-y.

Add glam to a plain white dress with shiny silver sequins/beads. I LOVE the Elie Saab dress on the left, it is light, flowing, flirty and glam! For a more sophisticated glam, try the dress on the right by BCBG.

As you can see, I clearly LOVE Elie Saab's SS06 runway. Flowers on an outfit makes it all the more fun and romantic. That with the bright yellow color of Betsey Johnson's dress reminds one of a fresh blooming flower. Just beautiful!

SS06 Makeup Trends: Purple Eye Shadow

Normally I'm not a big eye shadow fan. Don't get me wrong, I think eye shadows are great for brightening up one's looks. But I have always had the problem of oily eyelids, which means that the eye shadow powder tends to gather at the creases after a few hours. I'm still trying to find a solution to this so if you know how to make eye shadow stay on oily eyelids, please let me know!

Anyways back to the topic, just like pink is for our face, purple is apparently the color of the moment for our eyes. (Excuse my lack of knowledge for the names of the different shades and hues of purple.) As seen on the SS06 catwalk:

Twinkle -This is such a pretty purple! This light, shimmery purple is perfect for both day and night.

Badgley Mischka -This is a solid, greyish purple color. Another good day or night color if you prefer to not look so sparkly and more 'proper' and sophisticated.

Missoni -Another solid purple. The pink blush on the models make the whole look 'prettier' than the look in Badgley Mischka.

Libertine -Very strong, shimmery purple. This is serious hardcore purple, so only wear it for parties at night!

The Chanel and Dior eye shadow palettes are both great for the looks above. I prefer the Dior one simply because there are five shades to mix and play with, but Chanel eye shadow is simply too divine to resist!

I'm also loving the Nars SS06 campaign. The purple (and the whole combination of makeup) used here makes Lily Cole look so haunting!
The Nars duo eye shadow gives a more matte effect than the Chanel and Dior palettes, so you may prefer this palette if you don't like shimmery eye shadow.

Purple is especially compliments brown and blue eyes, but it goes for all eye colors so do try it out!