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Two Thursdays ago, I flew to NYC to host the first ever "Project Runway" Live Finale Web Chat!! My partner David Paul, naturally came with me to NYC since I needed his "support" and well, he just LOVES NYC so he didn't even question joining me on this trip (usually for my work trips, he just stays back in Los Angeles with our little Benny and "holds down the NIKOLAKI fort"). The night we arrived, we checked into our wonderful hotel room at the very hip Royalton Hotel located on 44th Street between 5th Avenue and Avenue of the Americas in Midtown West.







I just about had a heart attack when I walked into the room and then noticed that there was a HUGE balcony attached to the room--just for us! Now, if you know NY and know NY hotels, it is a RARE sight indeed to have a balcony--and a good sized one--as part of your NYC hotel.







After I got my breathing back to normal, we ventured out to Times Square and took some pics (so touristy of us!), and looked for a diner to get a late dinner. The following day was my Live Chat...





I was so excited to host this Live Chat for "Part 1 Finale" of Season 12 "Project Runway". Fans from all over the country logged in to MyLifetime.com and either got the chance to "text" questions or actually "Live Chat" with me via a video cam. The Pre-Finale episode dealt with the Top 5 designers and there would be one elimination and the introduction of the Tide Pods Washable Challenge--in which the designers had to create a look for their Finale Collections entirely made of washable fabrics. The Live Chat occurred in the A&E Networks offices and they had set up a colorful backdrop for the chat--and I was ready! I also made sure to wear something that "pops", keeping with the Tide "theme". Here are some pics from my Live Chat:















Post Chat: Nick Verreos with clients from Lifetime, A&E, Tide...I had a BLAST doing the Live Chat and enjoyed answering lots of questions from fans--questions ranging from "Do you need a Master's Degree to be a Fashion Designer?", "Who do I think will win?", How to design fabulous garments--besides jeans and t-shirts--that are Washable, and so on. The Live Chat only took a little over an hour but when I was done, it seemed as if I was back on "Project Runway" doing a Challenge! I answered questions NONSTOP for the hour+, back-to-back...it was CRAZY! But let me tell you, I'd do it again in a heartbeat!




Oh, and in case you missed my "Project Runway Blog" Recap of the "Part 1 Finale Episode", you can click HERE and read it on MyLifetime.com and see what I thought of the episode.



Since we were in NYC, David and I decided to stay a couple of nights after the Live Chat to get in some "fun/relaxing" time...



We visited the FIT Museum's "A Queer History of Fashion: From the Closet to the Catwalk" Exhibition. The Exhibit features
approximately 100 ensembles, from 18th-century menswear styles
associated with an emerging gay subculture to 21st-century high fashion.
This is the first museum exhibition to explore in depth the significant
contributions to fashion made by LGBTQ
(lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender-queer) individuals over the past 300
years. We also enjoyed the RetroSpective Exhibition at the FIT Fashion and Textile Gallery, which explored fashion's relationship with its own history. We really loved that particular exhibition as well.








David and I also got a chance to visit Lord & Taylor on 5th Avenue to see if there were any of our NV Nick Verreos dresses...and lo and behold there were!! We found this one multicolored apple green and pink printed dress and of course, we had to take some photos!







Afterward, we had a nice dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Nizza, where I recognized one of my favorite TOP models, the stunning Damaris Lewis, who has appeared in the 2009, 2010, 2011 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues--she happened to be seated next to us. She also recognized me and is a big fan, so of course we had to take a pic! She was having dinner with her friends after doing a Samba Workout! This is what a Supermodel looks like after a Samba workout: flawless. Work It Huney! We finished our last night with our NY friends at a party overlooking the Manhattan skyline:

With the 5th edition of  petitePARADE / VOGUE Bambini Kid's Fashion Week at a close, we would like to take the time to thank all our participating designers, sponsors and affiliates.

As long time fans of Isaac Mizrahi, who holds a rich design history, Isaac has proven time and time again that he is a design force to be reckoned with.

 Most recently, he has taken on the tween market with an Isaac Mizrahi Girls collection, and it is ridiculously cute!

 With just the right amount of edge, the Girls Fall 2013 collection has taken queue from Rocker Mod / 50's inspiration. Focusing on the perfect combination of active lounge wear and perfectly girly dresses that are decked out with just the right amount of metallic and sequins, stripes and graphics, and polka dots and cheetah print!

Isaac Mizrahi came in as a breathe of fresh air, proving that girls can wear age appropriate clothing while still looking incredibly fashionable! Can't you just envision Sasha and Malia Obama wearing these frilly skirts and dresses?

Don't take our word for it, you be the judge ! We've rounded up some of our absolutely favorite looks from the collection.
Be sure to let us know which of these you're most excited to see your tween in!

Q: When did you realize the need to start a children's collection?  

Colleen's Daughter, Alba

Q: You've said your Daughter is a big source of your inspiration, does she like to be involved while you are designing?
CC: Alba is definitely a source of my inspiration and possibly an employee! She is full of energy, slightly bohemian, born in the city and a little spicy to top it off! All of which influences and speaks to the ethos of the brand. In truth, I have created a monster! She has a definite opinion about what she will be wearing and a penchant for dresses, especially silk ones. She is also our resident fit model, along with her best friend, Coco. I throw samples on them and let them wear them around the city and out at the beach for the day to gauge reaction and wearability. 

Alba and Colleen

 CC: Roberto began his career in Italy in the fashion industry, at which time he became a huge fan of VOGUE Bambini vision and later introduced the magazine to me. VOGUE Bambini's approach to content and their point of view toward the children's market resonates with us and CHaLKnyc. I think only CHaLKnyc and VOGUE Bambini share a number of similar qualities by not only engaging with kids on a higher lever, but also reaching the parents through elevated concepts, superior quality and refined aesthetic rather than a lot of the fluff the market is now saturated with.

 Currently we are developing our spring collection, which will be colorful, edgy and a bit beachy…I'm really excited to present this next season.
CHaLKnyc has been really well received thus far (especially our furs and fun stretch leather pants) and we anticipate an equally warm and enthusiastic reception of our spring looks. Spring 2014 will embody all of the effortless chic NYC downtown vibe that CHaLK currently has, but with a lighter fresher spring take...city kids at the beach wearing metallic, stripes, whites, bright pops of color and ethereal fabrics.
As for the near/distant future we will add an official boys line to the brand, it's only fair to the boys! We launched the brand exclusively online and with Barneys but will now begin to look for global distributors.


shoes and accessory collections for large companies.

And, with special projects and collaborations in the pipeline, there are sure more insanely cute things to come from CHaLKnyc!

Perry Lamb Fur and Leather Jacket  - $698

Charlie Lamb Leather Jacket - $398



Alba Silk Crepe Dress - $198

Olympia Harlem Pants - $148



Xane Leather Pants - $498

Boe Tee - $48

CHaLKnyc is currently available at Barney's stores in New York and Los Angeles or Shop online at www.CHaLKnyc.com

Tucked neatly between the posh streets of Madison and Park Ave in NYC, children clothing boutique, Florence Fancy  has become a city favorite among chic tots and their equally stylish parents.





With a great summer offerings like Simple Kids- available exclusively in NYC at Florence Fancy, and Mio Mio stroller covers ( that includes all eco friendly products made from pima cotton as well as blankets and oneses') , the Florence Fancy Collection offers occasion specific clothing as well as durable and easy to wear multi-purpose pieces.


One of our favorite pieces is this Green Tiger T-Shirt ($51).