Oh Nicky you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind, Hey Nicky!

 I. Love. Nick. Verreos. Love him!

Most of you probably remember Nick from Season 2 of Project Runway. These days when he’s not reporting live from the Red Carpet or instructing and sharing his fashion industry-insider knowledge with lucky FIDM students – you’ll find him designing for his Nikolaki line (“Little Nick” in Greek), worn by celebs including camera-loving Eva Longoria Parker and supermodel and Project Runway host, Heidi Klum.

My very fashionable friend Marissa and I were among the lucky guests to meet him last night at the Corcoran Gallery of Art for “An Evening with Nick Verreos & FIDM”. Clad in tweed blazer, white shirt, black patterned tie, fab purple skinny jeans, cool black boots and Gucci classic green & red stripe double-G gold clasped belt – he took time from his glam west coast dream-life to share the inspirations behind his designs and the next generation of fashion.

He talked about traveling at a young age with his family because his father was a Diplomat. He fell in love with the uniforms of the flight attendants on TWA and Pan Am (acknowledging that they were much cuter back in the 70’s!) If his parents went on a trip, his mother would always bring him notebooks back and he would fill them up with drawings as quickly as he received them.

Nick’s earliest memory of a muse was his mother – he recalls her wearing elegant gowns befitting the lifestyle of a diplomat’s wife. He also used his sister, a one-time Miss Venezuela, as a dress-up doll for his designs. She had several friends who were models, so it was a win-win for everyone. He was able to hone his craft, and his sister and her friends were the envy of all in his chic and glam designs! I have to confess I felt a tinge of jealousy that he wasn’t my brother…

Following the lecture, he took his fans to the front row of a west coast fashion show for a special viewing of FIDM’s Debut 2009, which celebrates the work of its top design students and included a tribute to Barbie’s 50th anniversary. Nick was featured in this portion of the show and his Barbie dress was the icing on the cupcake, complete with an oversized pink bow down the back of the gown – gorgeous!

His fans were able to meet him afterwards at a wine & cheese reception where he graciously chatted and signed photos. He gave Marissa and I each a big hug and asked us about ourselves as we gushed about him. He was so cute, even commenting about my dress, “Oh is your dress blouson? Very cute…oh, and love the boots…” (Thanks, Banana Republic & Stuart Weitzman!)

Sigh… you had me at blouson, Nick.

I’m sure you’ve seen the dresses. They’re everywhere.  Basically, they’re the worst of the color-block trend: the top half  is one color, the bottom is another color, and the waist band is (you guessed it) yet another shade. What I need to know is, when did this so-called trend start – and more importantly, when will it end?

No wonder the girl above looks so annoyed – she has buyer’s remorse. Her dress doesn’t even fit well. What drives a girl to purchase this? And what is running through her mind when she wears it for the first time? I’m guessing something along the lines of, “Oh look at me! I’m wearing a dress that is one color on top, and a different color on the bottom! But wait, it gets better! There is also a third band of (insert any color) at the waist – how clever! I’m such a fashion risk-taker!”

Celebs aren’t exempt. Even with Kelly’s belt and Miley’s beads it’s still just a boring, cookie-cutter dress.

This look bored me to tears the first time I saw it, and it will continue to, until the trend dies. It’s not that the dress is necessarily hideous – I’m sure a girl could look cute wearing it (I’ll concede “cute” to Miley above) – but what’s unique, fun, or fashion forward about it? Crickets chirping…

Some attempts have been made to seasonally update it – with cap sleeves, short sleeves, even ¾ and long sleeves – but really, what’s the difference? Same snoozefest, different sleeves.

Maybe I’m in the minority here and I’m sorry if you have one hanging in your closet (and if you do, feel free to let me know what makes it so fab) – but as Tim Gunn would say, I’m just not “wowed”.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz….. wake me up when this excuse of a trend has run its course…

Have you ever been shopping and found that perfect outfit? The one that as soon as you see it you know it was made for you? Now if you only had a fun place to wear it….

You imagine yourself at a posh party, gliding across the room in that perfect little party dress, cocktail in hand….looking so glamorous as you sing along with other partygoers while some dapper gent tickles the ivories and smiles your way… then you discreetly fix your lipstick and mingle some more, occasionally tilting your head back to laugh at all of those witty handsome men trying to amuse and woo you…

Then you snap out of it and realize this party is only in your mind.  Or is it?? Get your pretty little head out of the clouds -  it’s time to make that dream a reality. Start shopping for that chic little number and mark your calendar, party girl, because I’ve got an invitation for you!

What:     The Party Of The Year

When:    Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Where:   Bobby McKeys Dueling Piano Bar, National Harbor MD

Now picture yourself at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar – yes, dueling. As in 2 uber-talented piano players playing your requests – while you and your friends sing along and shimmy to the music in your fab party frocks. These gifted musicians take every measure to accept any and all requests – from Bon Jovi to Beethoven, James Taylor to Jay Z, Meatloaf to Mozart.

Join the fun and “Sing In The New Year” at Bobby McKey’s, National Harbor’s hottest venue! Highlights include drinks, light buffet, party favors, champagne, and discounts at local harbor restaurants and hotels. Start planning your outfit and make your reservations today!

Black Friday is just so…three days ago. I was greeted this morning with a handful of emails announcing special deals for Cyber Monday – and I have to say that I’m pleasantly surprised! Retailers are doing their best to make it worth your while to shop online today so be sure to check out the fashion, beauty, and travel offerings out there. Shop from the comfort of your office or home office – not to mention there’s no crowds and no lines (or chance of picking that dreaded “slow line”).

Most sites are offering 20, 30, and even 40% off of regular and sale-priced items, as well as additional perks such as free shipping or other gifts if you purchase online today. Here’s a sampling of what’s out there so far this morning:

Ann Taylor Loft – 30% off your entire purchase, plus free shipping when you spend $100. Visit their Gifts under $50 section and start checking holiday gifts off your list.

Aveda – complimentary shipping for orders over $25 and choose 4 free samples.

Banana Republic, Gap, Piperlime, Old Navy & Athleta – today only, all 5 brands: 20% off everything, plus free shipping on any order. I just ordered some over-the knee warm lace-up boots from Old Navy.

Bath & Body Works – 25% off your entire order. Check out their $15 and under stocking stuffers.

Bloomingdales – you need to spend at least $250 to get $50 off today online.

Clinique – complimentary shipping with any $50 purchase and choose 2 free samples.

Forever 21 – free shipping – not too shabby when the clothes are a steal to begin with!

Lilly Pulitzer – free  shipping all day. Check the site for some supercute agendas that are “full of intricate die cuts and monthly surprises”.  I’ve already snatched one up in the pink monkey “Trouble” pattern

Papyrus – 25% off of everything and 20% off of custom printing today only. As if I need another excuse to buy some more pretty stationery!

South Moon Under – 20% off of everything and free shipping on orders over $50. Pretty sweet deal, considering everything in the store is so cute.

The Limited – 40% off of everything, free shipping, and to further sweeten the deal, receive an adorable ruffle scarf FREE when you make a minimum $50 purchase (while supplies last).

Starwood Hotels and Resort – all dressed up with nowhere to go? Starwood has a Cyber Monday sale, with discounts of up to 45 percent at dozens of hotels worldwide including the Westin St. John Resort and Villas (starting at $289) and the W Fort Lauderdale (starting at $229).

Other online stores such as Nordstrom, Anthropologie and J. Crew may not have a specific Cyber Monday deal but are still offering some type of free shipping or other discount during the holidays. For year-round discounts on quality merchandise, some favorite sites I recommend are Bluefly, invitation-only shopping boutique Rue La La, and Gilt Groupe.

Ok, you have until midnight, ladies! Happy Cyber Monday!

The whimsy! The creativity! The holiday sass! Kate’s got it in spades, so I’m raising a glass…

‘Twas the night before last, when all through the house
The only thing stirring was the click of my mouse.
Unable to sleep and needing something to do,
I started checking my email and scrolling through…

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a message from Kate Spade full of holiday cheer.
I clicked to her page and was tickled to see
The cutest holiday list in front of me!

“Delight in the holiday spirit” the snappy site says,
Offering “20 ways to merry-make” in the festive days ahead:
From decking your heels and swinging from chandeliers,
To meeting your crush under the mistletoe this year.

Click on each picture to find a treat,
Like some pretty jeweled pumps to adorn those feet.
Channel your inner rockette with fab colorful tights,
And buy a pair of bright yellow mittens to help hail a taxi tonight!

The purpose of this list seems pretty clear-
(It’s no secret they’d like to sell you their cute festive gear).
They’re providing stylish tips for your merry-making, too-
So whether you just visit or buy is all up to you…

Black Friday sales are less than a week away – so get that gift list ready and check out KateSpade.com today!

This early holiday post was inspired by: the chic and classic creativity of Kate Spade designs; Channel 433 Seasonal Music television and 97.1 radio stations (now playing holiday music 24/7); my lucky lineage which includes festive forebear Clement C. Moore; and my love of both fashion and Christmas.