Nick Verreos kicks off "Sex in the City 2" at Macy's

Our Fab fashion correspondent and "Project Runway" alum, Nick Verreos is one of the first to light the launch to "Sex in the City 2" by hosting an event at San Francisco's Macy's Union Square this Thursday, May 20th.

According to him, they'll throw a fete honoring the ultimate Gal Pal flick with free gifts, fashion tips, fun & more! Nick, himself, will be walking through closets full of affordable luxury while you enjoy refreshments, music, mini manicures, makeup tips from Benefit and sampling the fragrance .

If you're ever in SF or heading up there, don't forget to politely RSVP to get your name on the list:

Here's is the info:

Macy’s Union Square

Impulse Department, Level 3

Thursday, May 20th 6:00 pm

RSVP: 1-800-786-2665

Then, Mr. Verreo will spin around to San Jose to showcase the upcoming trends in swimwear for Summer at San Jose's Macy's Valley Fair for an afternoon of Hot Trends, Beach Body Tips and Timeless Swimwear and a FAB fashion show worthy of a Miss Universe Swimsuit Competition!

We will look back into decades of design as bathing beauties model the Heritage Collection, modern recreations of classic swimsuits by Jantzen over the past 100 years.

This swimwear collection is near and dear to his heart. It's the first he designed a beachwear line for a special cause, Nick Verreos/Nikolaki Swimsuit for Equality CA.

His vibrant personality is just a shine to his daft drafting skills which came in handy in designing swimwear which he added, "not easy by the way!"

Let him burn his brain cells while you take it easy by simply dropping by and say "Hi" at

Here's the Info:

Macy's Valley Fair

Swim Department, Level 2

Saturday, May 22 2pm

Call (4o8) 248-3333 for more info.

As a fashion/pattern-making instructor, Nick suggests this is a far more enjoyable way to soak California and Swimwear history by celebrating 100 Years of Jantzen.

What a way to start off Summer, Nick, "Sex in the City 2" and "Jantzen."

Cheers!

Camper By Camper Benefit for the Circle V Ranch Camp

Diana Bianchini, Camper By Camper Chair

The black tie benefit dinner at the Beverly Hills' Four Seasons Hotel was studded with glittering celebrities, such as : Tom Bergeron of "Dancing with the Stars," the classic Susan Blakely of "Southland," and "Project Runway 7" Mila Hermanovski, "NCIS" Pauley Perrette, and a stunning parade of beautiful people.

It's not just about beautiful people, the glamourous gowns and tuxs, and this writer does admit, the scrumptious three-course dinner, topped by the most gourmet s'mores on the planet (and learning there is such a thing as a soda glass as there is a water glass, not the bottle type) but the orbs of beautiful hearts glowing on the red carpet.

This is glamour with a mission, raising funds to send needy kids to camp and repairing it.

The participants cannot emphasize the importance of taking them out of the city and giving them a fresh perspective, there's an alternative to better themselves. That life doesn't have to be what they're growing up in but fresh air and a different scenery can do wonders to a kid's future.

The ever chic, Diana Bianchini, the Camper By Camper chair, went to camp last year with her eleven-year old son, to personally see what the camp has to offer and mostly importantly, what it needs.

She added that this fundraiser is here to one, sponsor a kid and second, fix the facilities.

A former Project Angel Food colleague and friend told her about it. Of course, Diana said "yes."

"Really easy to say “Yes.” I really like to help out kids right here in the LA community. A real sweet, simple idea. It can be really life-changing for them. Get them out of the city or a bad home environment, getting them beyond the city block. "

All of the money they raise that night, goes directly to the kids since it costs $300 to send one to camp and 98% of them need sponsors. 1200 children had benefit from the program.

Mila Hermanovski of "Project Runway 7"

Tom Bergeron of "Dancing with the Stars"

Asking how he got involved, Tom Bergeron said it was through "NCIS" Pauley Perrette, which leads to...

"NCIS" Pauley Perrette

the spunky and sparky Pauley Perrette.

Through the same Project Angel Food pipeline, she got involved with Camper By Camper but with added backstory.

She went to camp all through her childhood and is immensely grateful for that. Now, she wants to give back.

"I’m so grateful I was able to go to camp growing up. I can’t imagine not going to camp."

"All I do in my free time are charities. So when I hear about a good one, I get really excited."

During the dinner itself, Pauley couldn't believe that she went from being a broke bartender with a mohawk in Manhattan to being this awesome actress with a heart. It was a very touching moment. A little bit of trivia, she volunteers at a Hollywood soup kitchen every Sunday and knows everyone on the sidewalk by name.

"Sober House" manager and star and former super model, Jennifer Gimenez

Jennifer Gimenez can pose like nobody else-and she's the one who brings it all home to remind folks what the mission is all about.

Wisely joking, "I’ve been modeling since I was 13 to 24. I know how to model better than I know how to wipe my butt."

Being at the fundraiser has a more meaningful mission for her, "I think it’s a great charity and brings so many kids together. Allows them to have a future and have fun. Grow up together and unite together."

If she only went to camp when she was a kid, it could had been different.

"I think this is so much better than Sober House. These kids have yet to open themselves to drugs and alcohol...I’ve never been to camp. Therefore, I am a recovering drug addict and I didn’t go to camp."

She felt taking these kids out of a bad family situation, putting them in the fresh air and nature, gives them a new and better perspective to improve their lives. That what they endure at home doesn't have to be their future. Jennifer believes going to camp changes a kid's outlook for the better.

Feel Good. Be Good. Buy Makeup to Help the Homeless

Tuesday night on May 25th is a special night at Westfield Century City Mall's Sephora.

When you dash into Sephora for that quick pick-me-up of a lipgloss or your skin needs some serious quenching from a lotion, you may unintentionally help the neediest of society.

10% of each purchase that night will go directly to Cardinal Manning Center to assist the homeless on Los Angeles' Skid Row.

This charity event will not go unnoticed. Century City's Sephora will return the love for your very cute self-love by throwing an adorable bash of a DJ, cocktails, and food from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

Now, get over your guilt and pick up a gloss, a cream, a lotion, a bottle of perfume, and perhaps, a dizzying array of sunscreen you will need for Summer to actually help someone get off the streets.

RVSP to sephora@dimodapr.com or call (310) 288-0077 to get on the list and get in and help out.

The Other Side of William Rast, Trace Ayala

By Laura Medina

Justin Timberlake's business partner in William Rast, Trace Ayala.

At a recent store event, this reporter was lucky to chat with the man who's Justin Timberlake's fashion business partner-in-crime, Trace Ayala.

We nonchalantly talked about how they started the brand, his sewing background, and doing a little something for Nashville.

Mr. Ayala pretty much describes William Rast as Tennessee Southern Heritage meets Hollywood Style. He represents the more laid-back, low-key but still great quality of being a denim guy while Justin likes wearing suits and slacks.

"I think it’s the perfect combination of Justin and I. He likes to dress up a little more, in suits and slacks. And, I’m a denim guy. I feel like we’re right down the middle. Tennessee Southern Heritage with Hollywood Style. It’s a little bit of Tennesse and a little bit of Hollywood."

This inquistive photojournalist kindly joked about his Pro Bass Fishing Cap as being the next Trucker Cap. We laughed about that. Despite being one of Los Angeles' most desirable brands, Mr. Ayala hasn't forgotten his roots.

"It’s my favorite store. I’m a big hunter and fisherman. I spend a lot of time there."

A William Rast devotee.

Growing up learning how to sew as Justin's childhood buddy, Trace used the sewing skills his mother taught him to build the brand as it is known today.

"For me, I grew up sewing and designing and making patterns. I grew up in Tennessee. My mother was a huge, huge sewer. She made up patterns. She pretty much made all my clothes I wore growing up. I would sit up all night, lying down on the floor, listening to the sewing machine going off at night. So, I wanted to learn how to sew. I learned how to sew when I was really young. "

This built the foundation for integrity of William Rast's construction but the concept for the brand was actually born when Justin's entertainment career took off...

"Then when Justin went on tour with *NSYNC , I would make clothes for him to wear on stage. Styling him then he went out with Brittany Spears. So, Brittany loves the stuff. Then, I started making all her stuff she wore. Kinda making all their clothes is where I started."


Trace sewing and styling Justin pretty launch the idea for their own brand-but with heart-felt respect for their roots while taking it forward to new audiences.


"Originally, we always wanted to do a brand since the*NSYNC days. An opportunity arose. We link up with a great denim guy. We initially started as a denim line. Now, we come full-circle as a lifestyle brand."


As for a name that fits their philosophy for keeping it real as a Southern Heritage/Americana brand as it is modern and fashion-forward for our times, they settled on William Rast.

"When we were naming the brand, we wanted something that meant something to the two of us, William Rast. William is his (Justin’s) grandfather’s first name; and Rast is my grandfather’s last name."


The roots maybe Southern but the outlook is futuristic yet practical.


He describes the current collection in stores right now as "Biker Bohemian." The person he had in mind who might want to make some use of this is the "Traveling Guy/Traveling Woman" who propel the "Easy Rider" of exploring the open roads on a Harley and needs cool gear, something tough but stylish, to take her or him anywhere, anytime.

Showing his sewing background, Trace pointed the details making the collection, "A lot of leather with patches. Leather with outer stitching. Distressed flannels." He calls this the "New Americana."

Nashville, Tennessee Flood Relief at the bar.

Due to Mother Nature, they set up an impromptu flood relief at the bar to help Nashville's flood victims. Trace and this writer both felt slightly guilty for being in sunny, dry California while we both know the folks back home are dealing with losing their home, or at least dealing with water-damaged belongings.

"Nashville is our home. I think over 700 homes are now gone which I think is insane."

He and Justin may think of something to help. This little get-together was kind enough to ask people at the bar to donate something for the Nashville Flood Relief.

Still hasn't forgotten his roots.

Original Penguin for the new Summer Set

By Laura Medina

The New Smart Set for Summer.

Thanks to the young sophisicated socialites of the CW's guilty pleasure, "Gossip Girl and AMC'S "Mad Men," they made natty sexy and revamping long dormant brands such as Original Penguin of retro-stylishness.

Under Perry Ellis, they brushed off dusty, olde grandpa then refreshed it for the new rising class of the twenty-first century leisure set, harking back to or a yearning for gentility and polite frivolity with urbane polish, sprinkled with cosmopolitian twinkle.

This is the new party wear and resort wear for the new elite, educated, mulit-cultured set, Les Preps Nouvelle," who wisely wear resort wear for those Summer parties at the beach or on the yacht.

A chambray oxford in timeless button-down shirt.

The preppy stand-by, short-sleeved madras plaid shirt with short sleeves goes gangsta with a bibb choker in rhinestone. Move on from Punk Prep to Hip-Hop/Gangsta Prep.

Epitomized by "Gossip Girl'" rakish bad boy, Chuck Bass, preppiness does have a jaunty knack for mixing the unlikeliest of combos then making it dashingly hip as in topping a pullover sweater over a madras shirt with matching bermuda shorts for those surprisingly chilly Spring nights out on the boat. The solid pink sweater breaks the fashion gaffe of the matchy-match of plaid overboard.

This is what separates prep from dork. A prepster knows her or his fabric weight and color blocking and breaking. Head to toe lightweight knit and weight ties everything together for Spring/Summer as does heavy weight everything unifies a Winter Look.

For those who just want to swing some brew and gobble BBQ and berry pies or some outrageous technicolor cocktails in high-fuel liqour, no fear. Original Penguin kept the Americana Classic of madras in Summer Berry colors in two fits. The Classic Fit, easier on the shoulder, relaxed through waist, is great for hanging out. With the berry madras, you can be at ease with stains.

For those dressier moments, the slender-tailored Heritage Slim Fit, slim shoulder, lean through waist is a great hybrid of dress casual. The light cotton lawn or pima cotton with a sleeker fit keeps you cool, physically and mentally.

Like Father, like son, Original Penguin does consider about the next generation coming up. Hopefully, the Junior set thinks it's fun to wear as much as Dad.

Whether it's frugality and heritage through hand-me-downs or the preppy female's desire for being taken seriously or functionality or efficient laziness, androgyny has always been a part of Preppinessism.

So does having subcategories and subcultures of Preppiness, as they migrate North, morphing into Punk Preps clad in black or discovering new found opportunities out West where the preppy female either goes Glam in Juicy Couture or Tory Burch or go Bohomenian as in toughening the country hippie in white crochet by borrowing her brother's/dad's/boyfriend's/buddy's plaid shirt.

Original Penguin has always been overlooked as a bastion of mid-Twentieth Century Americana and been overshadowed by Lacoste for preppy chic but its time has come.

Gen-Xers and Yers of the new social set are digging it back up and making its own, at reasonable price points.

Rebecca Taylor's Gift to Moms Everywhere, Jurlique Intense Recovery Facial Mask and Rose Hand Cream Set

By Laura Medina

Rebecca Taylor with Jurlique Gift Set for Mother's Day.

As a treat to hurried moms everywhere like herself, New Zealander-turned-New York fashion designer and a mother of three, the ultra hip and girly Rebecca Taylor thoughtfully put together her favorite Jurlique products together in a special Mother's Day box set of stuff she can't live without: Intense Recovery Facial Mask and Rose Hand Cream.

To balance out her life as an in-demand designer and raising her family, she always turned to Jurlique products based on essential oils and natural ingredients.

Packaged in purse-friendly sized tubes, the Intense Recovery Facial Mask and the Rose Hand Cream are a mini spa on the go. You can smear on the facial mask to revive your face in ten minutes and wipe then you're ready to face the world and meetings. The hand cream is great to replenish working hands, regardless if you're a designer, artist, chef, and attorney.

The gift set isn't all utilitarian, Ms. Taylor and Jurlique impart Ms. Taylor's feminine yet modern sensibility in the fun-loving set to make it exquisite for the holiday.

The $59 gift set will be available at select Jurlique locations, the Rebecca Taylor boutique as well as Jurlique.com and Rebecca Taylor.com through the month of May.

More Mother's Day Gift Ideas

By Laura Medina

Saks En Rose

Written in Saks’s millennial deconstructed-script logo in large strokes of pure black on
milky white Bond No. 9 superstar flacon bottle and topped by rose pink cap, Saks En Rose arrives just in time for Mother's Day.

The top notes of Lantana Leaves, Dry Dates, and Mace tickles the nose then the body of
Orange Rose, Tuberose, and Orris whiffs open, leaving a base of Amber, Musk, and Sandalwood offering the perfume weight.

The trust-worthy apothecary, Caswell-Massey, jumped on the organic bandwagon which ironically reaches back to its 18th-Century roots.

Introducing a new assortment of Natural products to its Luxury collection, the new, Natural Hand Lotions and Hand Wash Gels will be sold at the launch of the Caswell-Massey boutique at Limelight Marketplace, 47 W. 20th Street, on May 7th.

Founded in 1752 in Newport, Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey uses only the finest natural ingredients in their wide selection of soaps, lotions, gels, fragrances and accessories – all made in America. The company’s brands also include Dr. Hunter’s Original Remedies and Lucky Tiger.

Free of parabens, pthalates, lauryl and laureth sulfates, the Luxury collection features Natural Hand Lotions ($35) and Natural Hand Wash Gels ($30) made with shea butter and Vitamin E to gently moisturize skin. The Naturals are also gluten-free and made with recyclable packaging. They are available in 5 scents: Lemon Verbena, Lavender & Violet, Oatmeal, Fresh Cut Flowers and Ocean. Each fragrance has tailored additives to soothe, condition and protect the skin such as green tea, pea protein, lemongrass and sea kelp.

You can find them here at Los Angeles' Studio Beauty Mix or at CaswellMassey.com/luxury.

Dailycandy.com has a Top 10 List for additional gift ideas, http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/gallery/82731/10-Gifts-Only-a-Mother-Could-Love?n=3.

If you want to go the extra mile by throwing a tea party for the special lady, again hit Dailycandy.com for accessories and ideas, http://www.dailycandy.com/all-cities/gallery/82258/Throw-the-Mother-of-All-Tea-Parties.

If you're bashing your head for last minute ideas, hit gilt.com for last minute luxe picks.

Check this site when more Mom's Day's ideas come in.

Hopefully, this scribbler can cover all your bases.