Designer District

Project Runway designer Nick Verreos is in Scottsdale today to launch his new line of Spring dresses, carried exclusively at Dillard’s. The collection features several shape-enhancing dresses in vibrant colors, soft jersey fabrics and the feminine draping that Nick is famous for.

NIck Verreos, Spring 2013

I met Nick yesterday ( he is charming and hysterically funny, by the way! ) and he shared his thoughts on developing this collection and all the details that went into it.

“I wanted to give women the same red carpet style that I’ve done for celebrities at an affordable price point. The dresses are priced from $108 to $168 and they’re all very flattering to a real woman’s figure. One thing I’ve noticed when I’m styling is that even tall, thin models think they have flaws or things they’re not comfortable with about their bodies. I try to emphasize the feminine, bringing things in on the waist and putting the focus on flattering necklines or offering a flirty sleeve that can be worn in a couple of ways for more coverage on the arm. And I love color ! So I always encourage women to take these dresses into the dressing room and just try them on…adding color into your wardrobe just brightens every girl up !”

NIck Verreos, Spring 2013, 1e

One of the first things you’ll notice about these dresses is the soft fabrics; every time our model appeared in a new dress, she said “This is so comfortable !”

Nick Verreos, Spring 2013, 6e

I loved this little hot pink number; from office to night out in 5 seconds flat !

This was another one of my favorites; see how the sleeves are draped on the shoulder ?

Nick Verreos, Spring 2013, 4e

You can also wear it like this so it’s not so bare in the underarm area… genuis !!

Nick Verreos, Spring 2013, 5e

This is Nick, posing with my lovely daughter Gabriele, who is definitely not 6 feet tall. She loved this dress because she’s a little self-conscious right now after having her baby.  I think she looks amazing, but we girls are so hard on ourselves sometimes, aren’t we ?

Geez Louise. I’d kill to look like that again…

If you can make it to Dillard’s today, Nick will be hosting a fashion show, offering his unique brand of styling tips straight from the red carpet and undoubtedly completely entertaining you with his sparkly, funny self.

He’s like a bright ray of sunshine that will have you giggling like a schoolgirl as soon as you meet him, cross my heart and hope to die.

He’ll be upstairs in the dress department from 2 to 3:30 today at Dillard’s in Scottsdale Fashion Square. Some lucky girl is going to win a personalized styling session with Nick including a Nick Verreos dress and accessories, (a handbag and shoes ) from Dillard’s. That drawing takes place at 3 p.m.

I hope it’s you !

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This year’s Met Ball Gala may go down in history as one of the strangest Red Carpet events ever. There was confusion and chaos, which in hindsight makes perfect sense, since this year’s fashion exhibition at the Met is Punk: from Chaos to Couture.

Personally, I thought it was delightfully entertaining !

Jennifer Lawrence, Sarah Jessica Parker and Hamish Bowles

Like in this photo, where Jennifer Lawrence is petting Sarah Jessica Parker’s astounding Philip Treacy mohawk headpiece.

That thing was fantastic…

Sarah Jessica Parker, Philip Treacy headpiece

Sarah Jessica Parker was fantastic from head to toe… she wore a Giles Deacon gown and custom plaid Christian Louboutin boots.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Met Ball 2013, Christian Louboutin boots

Sarah was like, “Go big or go home.” I’ll bet she had more fun than anyone there.

The stars seemed a little confused by the whole punk thing and lots of them just pretty much ignored it and turned up in glamorous ball gowns that were just not capable of making a splash at this event.

But others, like Miley Cyrus, managed to get it right. She wore a Marc Jacobs fishnet dress and gets my vote for best punk hair.

Miley Cyrus, Met Ball, 2013

For best punk makeup, I gotta go with Ginnifer Goodwin…

Gennifer Goodwin, Met Ball , 2013

and January Jones. Hers is sorta creepy, in a Boy George kinda way, but this one’s never afraid to take risks.

January Jones, Met Ball , 2013

I loved the people who celebrated punk and seeing how they interpreted the look.

Like designer Zandra Rhodes…

Zandra Rhodes

My vote for best punk couple goes to Sienna Miller, in a fab studded jacket and headband from Burberry and her boyfriend Tom Sturridge.

Sienna Miller, Tom Sturridge, Met Ball

Model Cara Delevinge also wore Burberry – it makes sense that a British brand would be able to nail this, so to speak. In case you didn’t know, punk music originated in England in the 70′s before it jumped across the pond and landed in New York.

Cara Delevingne

And then there was Madonna. How I love this woman.

Madonna, Met Ball 2013

She sorta took everyone to school in her Givenchy jacket, ripped tights, thigh-highs-no-pants, studs and chains look.

The thing about punk is it’s an attitude. An anti-establishment, I-don’t-care -what-you-think, spiked-up, safety-pinned rebellion.

So it almost doesn’t matter what she wears, Kristen Stewart is Hollywood’s punk. She’s always been confounded by, rebelled against and totally unimpressed with the whole Hollywood thing.

Kristen Stewart, Met Ball 2013

Plus, she’s got the scowl down.

Oh, Kristen, you’re so naughty.

OK, just 2 more pics I gotta show ya because one is just horrifyingly awful…

wait for it…

wait for it…

Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Met Ball 2013

Good gawd, it’s Kim Kardashian ,wearing some short of bad lawn chair fabric from the 70′s. Also, attempting the Angelina Jolie leg trick, while she’s pregnant.

And doesn’t Kanye look overjoyed ?

No, he does not.

This is what overjoyed looks like…

Giselle, Met Ball 2013

Giselle, I’d just like to thank you for acting like a total doofus and not giving a crap about what anybody thinks.

That’s punk.

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Take flight in Chanel’s new Papillon makeup collection; see our step-by-step makeover to create your own look !

April 29, 2013

Inspired by the color of butterfly wings, the dazzling new L’Ete Papillon de Chanel makeup collection has just launched. We’ll show you how to create a new summer look in our step-by-step makeover and highlight some of the amazing new products in the line ! It’s a delicious new color palette; you’ll find cool aquas, [...]

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Express yourself in Spring’s best statement shoes !

April 24, 2013

From modern day gladiators to pumped-up kicks, the season’s best statement shoes can tell the world who you are in five seconds flat ! These power players from Fendi say I’ve got your glass ceiling right here… Christian Louboutin’s new Daffodile multi-print says I’ve got sole, sister and I’m not afraid to show it…  cuz [...]

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Cream of the crop: Ken Downing styles the Neiman Marcus runway in Scottsdale !

April 21, 2013

Imagine if Ken Downing was your stylist… it’s the stuff fashion dreams are made of. The Runway Report Spring 2013 show was presented Friday at Neiman Marcus and gets our vote as the best, most sophisticated fashion show of the year in Scottsdale. It’s all in the details… that’s what Ken does best: from big [...]

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Serious Spring Bling !

April 20, 2013

From the Neiman Marcus Spring Trend show yesterday in Scottsdale, styled by Fashion Director Ken Downing. When it comes to big, bold jewelry, he’s not messin’ around… Definitely go big or go home. I’ll have more of my favorite looks – along with Ken’s fashion tips from the show – up soon…you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, [...]

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Today’s little bit of lovely: Jimmy Choo

April 18, 2013

“Bring your camera over here,” she whispered, the little floral print spring sandal from Jimmy Choo. “I’m exclusive to the Scottsdale Neiman Marcus.” I swear she winked as she turned to the side and posed like a pro. Flirt. Tweet

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Brighten up ! Add some color to your wardrobe with spring’s best new colors !

April 13, 2013

Nothing energizes your spring and summer wardrobe like this year’s yummy citrus colors. We’re talkin’ mouthwatering shades of lime greens, lemon yellows, tangy oranges and watermelon pinks; there’s a whole new menu of delicious bright colors, guaranteed to add a little zip and zest to your spring style ! Today, we’re featuring some great layering [...]

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Fashion Bright Spot: Lilly Pulitzer’s Pursuit of Happiness

April 8, 2013

Before there was Kate Spade, there was Lilly Pulitzer. She passed away last week at the age of 81, and if you’re under 30, you may not be that familiar with her, but for many American women, she was the first designer to introduce bright, happy colors and bold floral print shift dresses. You could [...]

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Shoes, glorious shoes ! Inspired Soles exhibit features shoes created by Phoenix artists and they’re a sight to behold !

April 5, 2013

See creativity unleashed this Friday at the second annual Inspired Soles Art Show and Auction in downtown Phoenix. Over 60 artists and local Phoenix celebs created these flights of fancy for the exhibit and they are truly inspired ! For opening night, you can not only see these heavenly heels, you can bid on them [...]

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