Above is a photo of my dog Benny (LOVE!) and he's wishing you and yours and all the readers of my little ol' blog a FABULOUS New Year on behalf of myself, David and NIKOLAKI.Here's a Benny Toast to a better 2010 for everyone!
xoxoNick Verreos
Happy New Year from Benny!!!!!!
Above is a photo of my dog Benny (LOVE!) and he's wishing you and yours and all the readers of my little ol' blog a FABULOUS New Year on behalf of myself, David and NIKOLAKI.Here's a Benny Toast to a better 2010 for everyone!
xoxoNick Verreos
Figure Skating Costume Controversy!
Aboriginal Costume Misstep: Yay or Nay?
Welcome To Australia: Russian Ice Dancing Champions
The Winter Olympics in Vancouver are only 43 days away and there is already controversy with one of the top Ice Dancing teams from Russia. Do I even need to remind you of why I love Figure Skating? The reigning World Champion Ice Dancing team, Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin from Russia have had a tough time this year and have not been able to participate in the Pre-Olympic International Grand Prix Events. But that didn't stop the Russian Federation from crowning them the Champs with a score that rivaled the best of the season (How do you say quelle surprise in Russian?)
Hey Look We Have Plants Growing Out Of Our Bodysuits!
But the real controversy was not about their scores, but about their costumes darlings. In the original dance, skaters are required to use music that is based on a national folk tune. Domnina and Shabalin chose very unusual Aboriginal music, using voices as the instruments.
Their costumes were based on Aboriginal Tribal-wear (see above) using white body paint and red cloth "crotch covers". But then their costume designer took some Aboriginal "liberty": For some unknown reason they had leaves planted (pun intended) throughout their costume bodysuits and....wait for it....they also were in what some critics have deemed Blackface. Therefore the controversy. The skating bloggersphere forums have been abuzz over it. I think it's a bit odd and in bad taste. But I'd love to know what the rest of you think--or at least my fellow Figure Skating fans. Yay or Nay?
UPDATE: Click HERE to see what I thought about their UPDATED costumes at the Olympics, when I reviewed all the Dance Costumes with Kristi Yamaguchi and Peter Carruthers! LIVE!
Welcome To Australia: Russian Ice Dancing ChampionsThe Winter Olympics in Vancouver are only 43 days away and there is already controversy with one of the top Ice Dancing teams from Russia. Do I even need to remind you of why I love Figure Skating? The reigning World Champion Ice Dancing team, Oksana Domnina and Maxim Shabalin from Russia have had a tough time this year and have not been able to participate in the Pre-Olympic International Grand Prix Events. But that didn't stop the Russian Federation from crowning them the Champs with a score that rivaled the best of the season (How do you say quelle surprise in Russian?)
Hey Look We Have Plants Growing Out Of Our Bodysuits!But the real controversy was not about their scores, but about their costumes darlings. In the original dance, skaters are required to use music that is based on a national folk tune. Domnina and Shabalin chose very unusual Aboriginal music, using voices as the instruments.
Their costumes were based on Aboriginal Tribal-wear (see above) using white body paint and red cloth "crotch covers". But then their costume designer took some Aboriginal "liberty": For some unknown reason they had leaves planted (pun intended) throughout their costume bodysuits and....wait for it....they also were in what some critics have deemed Blackface. Therefore the controversy. The skating bloggersphere forums have been abuzz over it. I think it's a bit odd and in bad taste. But I'd love to know what the rest of you think--or at least my fellow Figure Skating fans. Yay or Nay?UPDATE: Click HERE to see what I thought about their UPDATED costumes at the Olympics, when I reviewed all the Dance Costumes with Kristi Yamaguchi and Peter Carruthers! LIVE!
Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe 2009: Red Carpet Fashion Year In Review
Universal Fashion Doll:
If you've been keeping up with the Pageant World (and I have of course!) you might remember that early this year, in the Bahamas Atlantis Resort, 19 year old Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009. This was the second year in a row a woman from that country (where I was raised by the way) had won the coveted crown. She has since made many appearances, representing the Miss Universe Organization and on behalf of AIDS, a cause which the Donald Trump-owned organization supports. She's also been "out-and-about" at parties, events and many a fashion week shows. Stefania has become a little "fashion plate" in her own right. 
The Miss Universe Organization has their own stylist who works with their title holders providing designs to best "market" their girls in the public eye. Some are from the sponsors of the pageant and some are from the designers whose show she is attending (if it's during Fashion Week). Then after that, I'm sure the stylist goes shopping or may get dresses from various stores and designers from all over.
Here is my 2009 Year-In-Fashion-Review of Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe '09...Some Good...
Monochromatic Queen: Here is Stefania in one of her most recent red carpet appearances, where she debuted her new above-the-shoulder hairstyle. I think she looks modern, fresh and less of the typical "Pageant Betty", more model-like/TV host. The monochromatic look works on her with the black dress layered over black stockings. I'm sure her Latino base of fans may not like the somberness and expect more brighter hues, but to me, she looks modern.
Best Dressed: Here-- at the recent Latin Grammys this month in Las Vegas-- she is in one of my favorite looks. The sand-colored shirred one-shoulder mini-dress looks fantastic. Her asymmetrical hair-bun compliments the overall look as well. The shoulder copper detail adds just the right amount of "bling". Trust me, looking at some of the crazy dresses our Latina sisters wore to the Latin Grammys, Stefania looked AMAZING!!!!
Miss Spartacus: Another favorite is this black Grecian-inspired dress, which she wore to the Toni Maticevski NY Fashion Week Show. I am LIVING for the serious DIVA you-can't-touch-me look!
Clean and Simple: Here she is at the Narciso Rodriguez NY Fashion Show in a pretty midnight blue fitted dress. She looks good, but I might have done without the pageant-esque Diamante earrings--not necessary for a dress with such clean lines. 
Fun and Flirty: At another NY Fashion Week event, she looked young and flirty in this ruffled charmeuse number. Cute and young--after all the girl is still only 19!!! I like it.
After-Five Dept: And last, I'm on the fence on this violet ruched satin dress. It's very I-bought-it-at-the-"After-Five"-section-at-Macy's. Nothing against that section. But maybe for Miss Universe, you want to strive for "Milan" and not Going-to-a-wedding-in-Woodland Hills, California.
And the Maybe-Not's:
Handkerchief No-No: When I saw this photo of the gorgeous Stefania, I went "Oh Dear!". She's at the Custo Barcelona NY Fashion Week Show, and I can only surmise that she's wearing Custo naturally. Another designer friend of mine said that she looked like one of the "Real Housewives from Orange County". And I kind of agree.
Stefania and Designer Zang Toi: Zang Toi has provided many a dress or gown for past Miss Universes. Here she is with the designer posing the day of his NY Fashion Week Show. Toi is known for some over-the-top concoctions that border on top-of-a-wedding-cake so for him, the ensemble she was wearing was quite subdued. Maybe too much so. The black 3/4 coat and lace dress aged her. Leave that to her mother. 
Lace Overkill: Finally, Stefania made an appearance at a Mary McFadden Tribute Cocktail Reception this September at the Hotel Gansevoort where she wore a high-necked lace overlay dress. I actually like the high-neck style of the dress and the hair is perfect. Part of me wishes I had a pair of scissors to cut about 12 inches from the lace so it would match the inner lining hem.
Overall, the year was a fashion success for the newly crowned Miss Universe. So here's to a fashionable 2010 for the gorgeous Stefania! Buen provecho mi amor!
Update:
Here is video of Stefania's haircut and how the decision was made! Do you like the new style?!
If you've been keeping up with the Pageant World (and I have of course!) you might remember that early this year, in the Bahamas Atlantis Resort, 19 year old Stefania Fernandez was crowned Miss Universe 2009. This was the second year in a row a woman from that country (where I was raised by the way) had won the coveted crown. She has since made many appearances, representing the Miss Universe Organization and on behalf of AIDS, a cause which the Donald Trump-owned organization supports. She's also been "out-and-about" at parties, events and many a fashion week shows. Stefania has become a little "fashion plate" in her own right. 
The Miss Universe Organization has their own stylist who works with their title holders providing designs to best "market" their girls in the public eye. Some are from the sponsors of the pageant and some are from the designers whose show she is attending (if it's during Fashion Week). Then after that, I'm sure the stylist goes shopping or may get dresses from various stores and designers from all over.Here is my 2009 Year-In-Fashion-Review of Stefania Fernandez, Miss Universe '09...Some Good...
Monochromatic Queen: Here is Stefania in one of her most recent red carpet appearances, where she debuted her new above-the-shoulder hairstyle. I think she looks modern, fresh and less of the typical "Pageant Betty", more model-like/TV host. The monochromatic look works on her with the black dress layered over black stockings. I'm sure her Latino base of fans may not like the somberness and expect more brighter hues, but to me, she looks modern.
Best Dressed: Here-- at the recent Latin Grammys this month in Las Vegas-- she is in one of my favorite looks. The sand-colored shirred one-shoulder mini-dress looks fantastic. Her asymmetrical hair-bun compliments the overall look as well. The shoulder copper detail adds just the right amount of "bling". Trust me, looking at some of the crazy dresses our Latina sisters wore to the Latin Grammys, Stefania looked AMAZING!!!!
Miss Spartacus: Another favorite is this black Grecian-inspired dress, which she wore to the Toni Maticevski NY Fashion Week Show. I am LIVING for the serious DIVA you-can't-touch-me look!
Clean and Simple: Here she is at the Narciso Rodriguez NY Fashion Show in a pretty midnight blue fitted dress. She looks good, but I might have done without the pageant-esque Diamante earrings--not necessary for a dress with such clean lines. 
Fun and Flirty: At another NY Fashion Week event, she looked young and flirty in this ruffled charmeuse number. Cute and young--after all the girl is still only 19!!! I like it.
After-Five Dept: And last, I'm on the fence on this violet ruched satin dress. It's very I-bought-it-at-the-"After-Five"-section-at-Macy's. Nothing against that section. But maybe for Miss Universe, you want to strive for "Milan" and not Going-to-a-wedding-in-Woodland Hills, California.And the Maybe-Not's:
Handkerchief No-No: When I saw this photo of the gorgeous Stefania, I went "Oh Dear!". She's at the Custo Barcelona NY Fashion Week Show, and I can only surmise that she's wearing Custo naturally. Another designer friend of mine said that she looked like one of the "Real Housewives from Orange County". And I kind of agree.
Stefania and Designer Zang Toi: Zang Toi has provided many a dress or gown for past Miss Universes. Here she is with the designer posing the day of his NY Fashion Week Show. Toi is known for some over-the-top concoctions that border on top-of-a-wedding-cake so for him, the ensemble she was wearing was quite subdued. Maybe too much so. The black 3/4 coat and lace dress aged her. Leave that to her mother. 
Lace Overkill: Finally, Stefania made an appearance at a Mary McFadden Tribute Cocktail Reception this September at the Hotel Gansevoort where she wore a high-necked lace overlay dress. I actually like the high-neck style of the dress and the hair is perfect. Part of me wishes I had a pair of scissors to cut about 12 inches from the lace so it would match the inner lining hem.Overall, the year was a fashion success for the newly crowned Miss Universe. So here's to a fashionable 2010 for the gorgeous Stefania! Buen provecho mi amor!
Update:
Here is video of Stefania's haircut and how the decision was made! Do you like the new style?!
Nick Verreos Unveils The Victory Project!!!!
V is for VICTORY...
I am so proud to announce a new venture that I am really excited about: The Victory Project. The Victory Project is an MSN-exclusive show co-sponsored by Special K , where twelve women are going to transform their bodies for a very special moment in their lives--whether it be an interview, a momentous anniversary, a special birthday, or a new job--for the new year.
Victory Project Glam Squad: Chantal Moore, Nick Verreos, Kacy Duke and Katherine Brooking
To guide, mentor and inspire them through their transformation, The Victory Project Show will have four experts, handpicked for specific goals. Kacy Duke will be their fitness guru helping lose some weight and tone their bodies through training and lots of cardio (I might need to give her a call after the Holidays!); Katherine Brooking will assist them with nutrition and how to stay away from Fettuccine Alfredo (I can't!); Chantal Moore will make them even more beautiful (than they already are) with her make-up expertise and I, well, I have been chosen to be their "Style Guru".
Drama Queen: Nick Verreos recording some Victory Project voice overs
I will be their best style friend, their personal shopper and "Ego Booster" all rolled up into one.
We will travel to three US cities and find four women in each city who are looking for a makeover for their special event. Our first city will be one of my favorite cities in the US: Seattle, Washington.
Project Red Dress Runway: Nick Verreos striking a pose, Macy's Seattle Project Red Dress '09
In the past three years, I have judged and/or hosted half a dozen fashion shows and events in Seattle, including the Macy's Project Red Dress Benefit Gala Fashion Show as well as several for the International Academy of Design and Technology.
My Girls: Nick Verreos with two of the Seattle ladies, Heather Teegarden and Rebecca Miller
I love the Emerald City and I will be there the second week of January (that's in two weeks!) to help transform the "Seattle Four" from Drab to Fab, as they say! They have been working their little butts off getting in shape, eating better and working out so now I will show them how to look more fabulous in their new Victorious bodies!
If you are interested in being part of The Victory Project Show, click HERE for more information. Maybe you might be chosen as one of our "Victory Ladies" in one of the cities we will travel across the USA and get a chance for a new body, a new healthy diet and a new fashionable and stylish you (via yours truly!).
Click Below for a "Sneak Peek" Video of MSN and Special K's The Victory Project Show:
I am so proud to announce a new venture that I am really excited about: The Victory Project. The Victory Project is an MSN-exclusive show co-sponsored by Special K , where twelve women are going to transform their bodies for a very special moment in their lives--whether it be an interview, a momentous anniversary, a special birthday, or a new job--for the new year.
Victory Project Glam Squad: Chantal Moore, Nick Verreos, Kacy Duke and Katherine BrookingTo guide, mentor and inspire them through their transformation, The Victory Project Show will have four experts, handpicked for specific goals. Kacy Duke will be their fitness guru helping lose some weight and tone their bodies through training and lots of cardio (I might need to give her a call after the Holidays!); Katherine Brooking will assist them with nutrition and how to stay away from Fettuccine Alfredo (I can't!); Chantal Moore will make them even more beautiful (than they already are) with her make-up expertise and I, well, I have been chosen to be their "Style Guru".
Drama Queen: Nick Verreos recording some Victory Project voice oversI will be their best style friend, their personal shopper and "Ego Booster" all rolled up into one.
We will travel to three US cities and find four women in each city who are looking for a makeover for their special event. Our first city will be one of my favorite cities in the US: Seattle, Washington.
Project Red Dress Runway: Nick Verreos striking a pose, Macy's Seattle Project Red Dress '09In the past three years, I have judged and/or hosted half a dozen fashion shows and events in Seattle, including the Macy's Project Red Dress Benefit Gala Fashion Show as well as several for the International Academy of Design and Technology.
My Girls: Nick Verreos with two of the Seattle ladies, Heather Teegarden and Rebecca MillerI love the Emerald City and I will be there the second week of January (that's in two weeks!) to help transform the "Seattle Four" from Drab to Fab, as they say! They have been working their little butts off getting in shape, eating better and working out so now I will show them how to look more fabulous in their new Victorious bodies!
If you are interested in being part of The Victory Project Show, click HERE for more information. Maybe you might be chosen as one of our "Victory Ladies" in one of the cities we will travel across the USA and get a chance for a new body, a new healthy diet and a new fashionable and stylish you (via yours truly!).
Click Below for a "Sneak Peek" Video of MSN and Special K's The Victory Project Show:
Crazy and Funny Celebrity transformed into muscled beefcakes
We all know celebrities can be obsessive about their weight.One minute they’ve slimmed down, the next they’ve piled on the pounds, perhaps to play a new film role.
But these digitally altered photos take the weight game to the extreme – by transforming the stars into bodybuilders.
Keira Knightley is often criticised for being too thin – but she’s beefed-up here
Angelina Jolie complete with bursting biceps bigger than husband Brad Pitt’sThe images are created by superimposing the celebrities’ heads on to photographic images of bodybuilders.
And the results will certainly make you take a second take as they look bizarrely realistic – even though Winehouse’s scrawny frame has been transformed into a toned manly physique.
Imagine: Model Gisele Bündchen would hardly fit down the catwalk built like this
Cameron Diaz with muscles so big the veins in her arms are nearly burstingThe shots also show how photo trickery can truly transform the look of a person.
And it flies in the face controversial techniques glossy magazine use to make their front cover stars look thinner.
Larger than life: Sx And The City stars Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker
Charlize Theron striking a rather unfeminine pose with killer calf musclesInstead, the results show the stars as they could look as a serious athlete.
Clint Eastwood gets a makeover with bustling pecs and washboard stomach
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Crazy and Creative Heineken Beer Ads
The most creative and unusual advertising campaigns for Heineken beer.Heineken Christmas Tree
Heineken Beer Billboard
Heineken Rugby Shirt
Anti Drinking and Driving Heineken Ad
Heineken Pizza Boxes
Heineken Snow Ad
Heineken Manhattan
Heineken Beer Column
Heineken Colosseum
Heineken: Made to Entertain
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