I Just got back from shooting my TV Guide Network "Screen Actors Guild Awards Fashion Wrap" and it was a HOOT and a HALF!!!! So much fun! Wait until you see it--who knew commenting on the SAG Awards Red Carpet could be so much fun! Once again, along with host--and TV Guide's Fashion Guy--Lawrence Zarian, I joined the panel of experts including Hair Color Guru, Kim Vo, shoe expert Kara Birkenstock and Stylist-to-the-Stars, Miss Jen Rade!!!
We Discussed all the actresses below:
Color Crazy:
Red Hot:
And the Shimmering Stars:
Here's a Hint: We LOVED almost ALL of them... Tune in tonight to find out what we said and which actress some in our panel weren't so sure about....
Watch TONIGHT Monday Jan. 31st beginning with a "Preview" at 7pm and then again at 8pm and 9pm! So, if you missed one showing, you got no excuse!!!
LA Fashionista Girl Central, A well-stocked Fashion Bar...and Vintage LA Couture!!!
Nick Verreos at Diane Merrick Clothing Store, Los Angeles, for TV Guyide "The Fashion Team" TV show
This past week, I filmed my TV Guide Network show "The Fashion Team" at one of LA's Retail "hot spots", the fabulous Diane Merrick "Clothing Salon"--located in the heart of Los Angeles on Beverly Boulevard.
Store Front Chic: Window of Diane Merrick
Of course, host Lawrence Zarian and my red carpet "Hit" or "Miss" fashion partner-in-crime, stylist Jen Rade, were there as well. Jen had a shoot with Denise Richards soon afterward so we had to make this segment work and fast! It's usually me and the fact that I have to get to my FIDM class that forces us to rush a bit unfortunately.
Well Edited: Diane Merrick store, inside view
Diane Merrick has been in the LA retail and wholesale fashion industry for almost 40 years--in 1972 Diane opened her first store on Melrose Avenue and ever since then, she has been synonymous with LA, style & fashion and where every Southern California "It" girl should go for getting the right items for her chic Hollywood walk-in closet!
Buddha Diva: Another inside view of Diane Merrick store
The Diane Merrick boutique has all the skinny jeans, colored scarves, statement making necklaces, comfy jersey sweaters and tanks as well as the CUTEST bomber jackets EVERY girl needs! I love all the Buddha decor and one of my favorite things:
A fully-stocked bar: Well...almost! I spotted this at 10 AM while we were about to shoot our TV Guide Fashion Team "What's The Fashion?" weekly segment and wondered if it's there "for show" or "for reals". I might have to return to find out!
What's In That Bag: A Cardinali sample
While waiting around for the crew to set up the shoot, I spotted several racks of clothing in plastic bags. Well, of course, I was intrigued. As it turned out they were racks of chiffon gowns, tweed suits and beaded-trim dresses from the Southern California (now-defunct) line, Cardinali designed by Marilyn Cardinali Lewis, who also is the woman behind Kate Mantilini's.
Sequin Heaven: Cardinali gown with a diamante neckline and sleeves (VERY heavy!)
In the late 1960s, Cardinali was featured alongside Norell, James Galanos and Geoffrey Beene in fine stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman. Made from imported tweeds, laces, silks, Lewis’ Cardinali suits, dresses and gowns were worn by the likes of Marlo Thomas (for “That Girl”), Nancy Reagan and Betsy Bloomingdale. One dress that caught my eye was this one:
This silver and pewter lame plisse palazzo-divided gown ended up having quite a provenence: It was worn by actress Dyan Cannon on a "Very Important Date", her first date with Cary Grant. Check out the note on the dress bag below:
Below was another one of my Cardinali faves: A Peter Pan collared polka-dotted gown that SCREAMED late 60's-early 70's! I could totally see a fabulous actress pool-side at an A-list Bel-Air soiree wearing this. All that was missing from the bag--and the dress--was a STIFF Martini--and a cigarette perhaps!
Just another day shooting my TV Guide Fashion Team TV Show here in LA! Another reason why I LOVE LA! Fashion, Vintage and Hollywood A-List Couture!
Click Below for last week's TV Guide "The Fashion Team" Segment--from BLISS SPA W Hollywood--with myself, host Lawrence Zarian and Jen Rade:
Well it looks like the Oscar de la Renta pr machine is working hard! Lots of the top ladies love themselves some Oscar. Michelle Obama might not--according to all those Washington DC/NYC tabloids--but Hollywood ladies do! Here, "Glee" actress Lea Michele--who's worn Oscar de la Renta before--hit a High note with this slinky all-over beaded gown.
It's refreshing to see Lea in a not-so-structured architectural gown (like she's worn before) and although, I liked her Golden Globes gown, many did not--including my TV Guide Fashion Wrap partner Jen Rade (we fought about that decision of mine for MINUTES!). So, I can see why maybe she took a less structural gown route this time. The only thing I'm not a fan of is the messy hair. To think that someone got payed A LOT of money (I am guessing since I know those stylists charge a hefty fee for Awards Show Red Carpet) to do that, it almost makes me shiver. But I like the gown Miss Lea!
"Black Swan" actress Natalie Portman wore a strapless white silk crepe column gown from Azzaro and its Argentine Designer Vanessa Seward. First of all, can Natalie Portman get MORE beautiful? Her make-up, hair: Absolutely GLOWING.
Now onto her gown: It looks like a combination of two dresses from the Azzaro Spring 2010 Collection originally shown two years ago on October 2009 (it still looks fresh and modern kids!). One is long and features pleated drapes originating from the bust at center front with no neckline trim-but styled with a gold sequin bolero (as seen above).
Azzaro Spring 2010
And the other is a shorter more trapeze-shaped cocktail dress which has almost the same crystal trim at the neckline as in Portman's. I like this gown on Natalie and it's nice to see a pregnant young lady wearing a fitted column gown instead of a tent-line Empire-style one. I'm just thinking it might be a little too tight on her. What do guys think?
Here is Miss Christina Hendricks in a L'Wren Scott black shawl-collared metallic jaquard-looking split-front gown with yes, A WAIST TIE!! There's a bit of a 1975 vibe to this dress and her make-up and hair. I could see her at old Trader Vic's at the Hilton Beverly Hills swigging a couple of Mai-tai's for sure in this gown.
I like the softer hair, and it's nice to see Christina in a black gown since we usually see her in strong vibrant colors. The shoes? Not so sure about those. Somehow I want to see her in big old Brian Atwood "Maniac" pumps!! What do y'all think?
Nicole Kidman arrives at the 2011 SAG Awards in Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2011 by former Louis Vuitton Designer Peter Copping. It's a black mini-raglan sleeved gown with lace back and shoulder insets. She is on-trend with the sleeved gown and fit-to-flare shape but, I have to say that I've seen better from La Kidman. This might end up on a lot of people's "Oh No She Didn't Lists".
This gown choice could have been fine at the Berlin Film Festival Awards--or something like that--but here in the States at such a high-profile red carpet: Maybe not so much. Please let me know your Two cents: Likey or No Likey?
What? Actress January Jones is NOT wearing Versace Atelier! Or Versace? What in the World is going on??? Yes kids, the beautiful and always red carpet fashion forward Diva herself, January Jones, arrived at the 2011 SAG Awards in (drum roll), Carolina Herrera.
It's demure, proper and very lady-Like--especially after that red peek-a-boo gown she wore at the Golden Globes a couple of weeks back. This Carolina Herrera gown--from her Pre-Fall 2011 Collection is a black high-necked Mermaid-shaped with gold lace details and yes, THAT ubiquitous waist tie. Notice how the torso and top portion of the skirt section (at the waist) were shortened when compared to the Look Book model photo (love those little things!).
What do you think of the more "Lady-Like" January Jones: Yea or Nay?
I love a "Le Smoking"--the Tuxedo look created by the Genius Design Master Yves Saint Laurent. Here, Designer Catherine Malandrino evokes this black halter jumpsuit from her Malandrino Resort 2011 Collection and worn by "ABC's Modern Family" actress Julie Bowen.
Julie has got some FIERCE, buffed, toned arms so it's not a surprise she would want to show them off. But to me, there's something missing: I feel the look is a bit "unfinished" and also, I'm not so sure I like those diamond pins in the neckline; they look forced as in "let's see how we can 'dress up' this black jumpsuit".
I get what she was going for, but maybe she needed a great fitted black peak-lapel Tuxedo jacket to go with it. And put the diamond brooches on the lapel to finish it off. Would love to know what my readers think???
There goes Prada again doing Custom--and Gowns--when NOWHERE in any of their most recent collections do we see GOWNS. But I guess it's time to get into the Red Carpet PR Business Prada so...it's time to make some Gowns!
Academy Award-nominated (for "True Grit") actress Hailee Steinfeld chose a multi-striped Mermaid shape Prada gown inspired from a dress from their Spring 2011 Collection. It's in the colors of the season: Orange, Bright Pink, and Black. I think it's young, fresh and right for her. It also fits perfectly; those Prada seamstresses that fly into Hollywood from Milano to make sure all these dresses are Giusto (just right) sure know what they are doing! What do guys think?
When I first saw this gown in the Style.com "Look Book" site for Alexander McQueen Resort 2011, I said "someone BETTER wear that!". Well, my wish came true--and it was "Black Swan" actress Mila Kunis. The multi-colored watercolor printed (looks like some of the black color was removed for this sample) strapless chiffon gown is a stunner on the model.
I'm not so sure if it has the same effect on Kunis however. I know it's all about cinching the waist and bring interest to that area, but...I feel the gown should have been kept as the designer intended it to be and be without the belt; it ruins the line of the gown I feel.
Loving this gown on actress Jennifer Lawrence. The bubblegum pink color is DIVINE!!!! I love me a girl in a bright color, especially "Barbie Pink"!!! Attention Ladies: It's all about COLOR! Bright, neon, stop traffic COLOR! Jennifer hits all the right marks in this silk chiffon overlay Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011 side-slit draped shoulder number. I also like the black velvet waist tie as opposed to the beaded chain -belt worn on the runway.
Twizzle Fire: Ice Dancers Meryl David and Charlie White
The 2011 U.S. Figure Skating Championships--"The US Nationals"-- in Greensboro North Carolina began last Saturday and ended today. This is the "Miss USA" (of course, I had to give a "Beauty Pageant" analogy!) of Figure Skating. The top winners (usually the top 2 or 3) go on to represent the USA at The World Figure Skating Championships--"The Worlds"-- in Tokyo Japan this March. So, of course, you all know what that means: Time to Rate the Costumes... Here are my "Nick Verreos Highlights" from the pairs, dance and ladies competition:
Ice Pairs Amanda Evora and Mark Ladwig
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED Evora and Ladwig's costumes. The bright violet colors were eye-catching and stunning. the Swarovski crystals were nothing short of spectacular. I loved how there were heavier stones on the asymmetrical neckline of her costumes and it was genius to use same-color-as-the-top stones for him. I also liked his old-school "retro" costume and the use of the Blouson top with the black pants. Whoever they are consulting in the creations of these costumes, keep doing it! They get an A+ in my book!
Ice Pairs Caitlin Yankowskas and John Coughlin
Yankowskas and Coughlin earned their first ever Pairs Title mesmerizing the sold-out crowd with a powerful "Ave Maria" program. I thought their costumes were perfect: Angelic, sublime and just right to correspond with the music. They looked as if they were skating on clouds with "Figure Skating" angels guiding them through. I especially liked Caitlin's mock-neck ivory beaded costume with illusion shoulders and sleeves. Along with her severe yet elegant blond hair, she almost reminded me of a Russian Ladies Figure Skating Doll!
Ice Dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White
Davis and White won their third straight ice dance title easily. Their program--a Tango Medley--was strong, filled with emotion and scissor sharp! In terms of costumes, Meryl Davis switched hers from the costume she wore previously to this program.
Before, it was an asymmetrical deep wine colored beaded dress and now, she went for BOLD, FIRE Red and intense! I think it was a good choice to switch. Their costumes needed a bit of a costume "pop" for such a fiery Tango program and this new costume certainly delivered. I do think, however, that it looked a bit "overdone" in terms of the diamante trim and the embroidered lace beading. It look a bit "cheap prom dress"--just a teeny bit. Overall though, I was happy for the change.
Rachael Flatt
Rachael Flatt also changed her costume and WOW! What a smart little cookie she is: That color is just EXACTLY what she needed to give life, emotion and WAKE everyone up to her beautiful skating and performance. I am IN LOVE with this neon canary yellow. In Love. Personally, I don't think she need the long sleeves and maybe should have opted for a variation of short sleeve style or just sleeveless. But on the whole: Ten Points Miss Rachael!
Ashley Wagner
Ashley Wagner decided to go very elegant and "Red Carpet Safe" with this black all-over sequined costume. What I though was unusual about it was the fact that there was no mesh-illusion on it (a staple of most figure skating costumes). The strong black color made a great contrast against her porcelain skin, making her look like a John Singer Sargent Painting...on the ice!
Alissa Czisny
I was a big fan of Alissa's asymmetrical ruffled dress late last year when she debuted it on the Grand Prix Finals, where she took the top prize. And I still like it now. The watercolor Degrade shadings, the cascade ruffle detail; it's modern, directional and stands out in a sea of traditional looking sequin-and-illusion costumes. The costume worked at the Grand Prix Finals and it worked now because she--again--took the top prize.
The Woman Makes The Dress: Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman
Julia Roberts in Valentino, receiving her Academy Award
Natalie Portman in Rodarte, 2009 Academy Awards
This week's episode of Style Network's "Style Star"--the show I am one of the "fashion commentators" on--we discuss the two STUNNING actresses Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman. They prove that the dress does NOT make the woman but that the woman--Julia and Natalie respectively--make the dress!
Nick Verreos on Style Network's Style Star TV Show
The episode debuts TONIGHT at 9PM and will be shown at midnight as well--and next week: Monday, Jan 31st at 4:30PM, Fri February 4 2:30PM and 10:30PM on the Style Network of course.
Don't miss me on "Style Star" tonight and next Monday and Friday, discussing the Style Beauty of Julia Roberts and Natalie Portman.
Amalfi Coast Yacht Party: Silk plisse gown with Ruff-neck cape featuring circular "Valentino" hem detail, Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011
Valentino House Designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli showed their latest offering for Haute Couture this past week in Paris. It was an elegant, subdued, more "realistic" vision of Couture, which is what Valentino has always been known for. Very 60's, early 70's influences and lots of nods to the House, including Lady-Like "Daywear"--almost very "HBO's Big Love"-esque, ultra feminine evening, and THAT "Valentino Red" naturally peeked through. This looks like a very sellable collection and meant for Valentino's older client base as well as their granddaughters with taste.
Where's My Caprese Salad: From Lunch to Cocktails, Valentino blush silk organza ruffled dress, Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011
Trends: Opaque colors, light roses, blush, red, white, nude-beige, dull blue; Lady-Like dressing; braided hair; RUFFLES Galore; high necklines; covered shoulders; mini ruffs at the neck; Neat put-together looks; lower more sensible heels.
Valentino Proper: This Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 look from above, looks a lot like...
Something actress Chloe Sevigny's character in HBO's "Big Love", would LOVE
Themes: Chloe Sevingy in HBO's "Big Love" meets Lady Who Lunches; Traditional Couture; Elizabeth Taylor meets Jackie O circa 1960.
Highlights from Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011:
Campari and Soda Please: Nude-colored coat dress with bow waist tie and mini convertible collar, Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011
Click Below For a Preview Video of Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011, showing the Seamstresses in Rome sewing EVERY PIECE by hand, the Fit Model modeling the clothes and then the Paris pre-show alterations and fittings:
Lebanon-born Paris and Beirut-based designer, Elie Saab sent out a sweetly beautiful Haute Couture Collection, featuring one perfect Oscar Red Carpet gown after another (take note Actresses!). It was a "new" Elie Saab woman: Less Halle Berry, more Scarlet Johansson; sweeter, not so "fierce" (well, those shoes were!) and more delicately made-up (hair, make-up). His Middle Eastern girls getting ready to "debut" at the next Crillon Ball should be ready to put their orders on one of those $50,000+ creations as we speak!
Tulle Shoulders: Blush-colored Organza-appliqued gown with covered shoulder mini-puffy raglan sleeves, Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011
Themes: Elie Saab "Stomping DIVA" turns "Sweet Sixteen"; Late 19Th century/Early 20Th Century Socialite; Great Expectations'Mrs. Havisham (above), but in her younger years; Oscars Red Carpet GALORE!! Safe and Demurely sexy.
Highlights from Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011:
Red Hot:
And the Shimmering Stars:
