Nikki Laura

I'M MOVING!

2010-07-01T20:53:00.000-07:00

I AM LEAVING BLOGSPOT AND HEADING TO TUMBLR. FOR NEW UPDATES PLEASE CHECK OUT WWW.NIKKILAURA.TUMBLR.COM

Vivienne Westwood... affordable?

2010-06-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have always loved the punk style of Vivienne Westwood. I carried her Anglomania line at the boutique and wore her pieces at every opportunity I could find. Recently, All Saints another British company has exploded in NY, but this time much more affordable!

I attended the Phoenix House Summer Gala in the Hamptons this weekend, wearing a SICK white dress from All Saints. The draping of the dress was reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood in the 90's. The fact that Shallon and I look a little queasy was due to the intense food poisoning we had from dinner the night before.

NY Street Fairs.. My New Shopping Destination

2010-06-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

I always see street fairs in NY during the summer and avoid them like the plague but this weekend I attended my first. Colin and I strolled the fair to get some nasty food and I found the most amazing vintage jewelry.

I wore one of the pieces last night to the New York Magazine party at the opening of Upstairs at the Kimberly Hotel. Its a double strand gold chain with a big vintage pendent on the top strand. I absolutely love it!

Denim Suggestions

2010-06-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

I've had a few people ask me for jean suggestions for curvy girls since my earlier post claiming my love of my luscious butt.

Here are a few tips for looking your best if you've got tush:

1. Make sure the rise is above 8 inches (from the seam underneath the crotch to the top button) If the rise is too low it will cut you off at your hips. Jeans should come up closer to your waist to draw the attention away from your hips.
2. A slight bootcut looks best on curvy girls. It gives the illusion of thinner thighs and waist.
3. There should be atleast 2% of elastic in the fabric.
4. Choose dark clean washes rather than any with dyes or whiskering.
5. For skinny jeans, choose a legging jean.

Here are some of my favorites for under $100!!!!!

Madewell- Bootlegger Jean $89.50

Topshop- Jamie Skinny Legging $80

Maxi Dress Style Tip

2010-06-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

On episode 3 of Downtown Girls, in the first scene I am wearing a long silk pink dress. Maxi dresses in the summer are always an easy go to outfit as they are super comfortable and sexy. STYLE TIP- Curvy girls, belt your maxi dress to create a small, defined waist. Wearing a plain silk long dress can begin to look drab and force hippy girls to look too bottom heavy or girls with larger chests to look like they have a belly. If I don't belt loose dresses, I look like a pear!

Waist belts are my favorite accessory for making any loose top or dress a little more form fitting and sexy!

Single Forever?

2010-06-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

Check out the deleted scene of Klo and I picking out her wedding dress and discussing my fear of never-ending singledom!

Trying On Dresses: "Nikki reveals her fear of never getting married as she helps Klo pick out her wedding dress."

Showing off your "ass"ets

2010-06-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

Let's face it, all girls have insecurities, mine is about my "tushie". I was either blessed or cursed depending on who you ask with a large, round derriere. Growing up I always hated my shape because I was too curvy. Being a fashion addict my whole life, I always wished for a tall, lanky body like the models, so all the clothing I loved would look good on me!

As I've grown into my curves I have become more aware of what shapes look good on my body. My fashion icons are all super straight, tall women and that is definitely not my body. I would love to wear mini shorts and oversize T-shirts like Erin Wasson or skinny leather pants and crop tops like Alexa Chung, however I have to embrace my own figure and wear what flatters me.

I look at celebs like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez. They have beautiful, curvaceous bodies and love to show them off. I am proud to follow in their footsteps!

Some fashion tips for curvy women:
1. Always have a well fitting bra and underwear to help accentuate your assets.
2. Cinch baggier clothes at the waist to add shape.
3. Wear the size you actually are, not the size you want to be. When clothes are too tight they bunch in all the wrong places.

OBSESSION... Burberry Prorsum Resort Collection

2010-06-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

Resort collections are always small and specific, but none stood out more than Burberry Prorsum's 2011 collection. Creative director Christopher Bailey took the collection to a new shade of sexy. The trenches are more streamlined this season and their collars frame the face in an ever-so-seductive way. I die for the Leopard Jacket and the silk dresses belted at the waist. A must for the Fall! The ruching details on the skirt gives a new texture to a basic military look.

Which is your favorite look?

2010-06-10T15:26:00.001-07:00

I have been getting emails regarding my outfit on Episode 1 of Downtown Girls, in the scene of the infamous bowling alley. Even though my EX kissed and flirted with everyone, making me look like an *sshole... at least my clothes looked good.

On top I am wearing a backless t-shrit from Topshop. It had sheer panels and is super comfortable! I wore it with Jbrand 10" skinny jeans in ink and YSL tribute sandals.
I also am wearing (although you can't see it in the top picture) Made Her Think Double Band Chain Ring in Oxidized silver with pave diamonds.

Email me for special orders on any of these items!

Cast of Downtown Girls

2010-06-09T15:08:00.000-07:00

Cast of Downtown Girls: "Cast of Downtown Girls talks to Christian Siriano about their MTV Movie Awards fashion."

My Project Runway Fashion Idol interviews Shallon, Victoria and I about our own red carpet outfits!

2010-06-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

After spending the past weekend in LA at the MTV movie awards, of course now I am sick in bed. Well, here is the recap... Friday night we partied all night at Boudoir after a delicious dinner at Mozza. Saturday we ran all of our errands to prepare for the big Red Carpet debut and hung with Shallon's ex Dargon. Now Sunday, was the BIG day! My very first Red Carpet!!!

I wore a dress by Christina Makowsky, she is the most amazing designer based out of NY, www.christinamakowsky.com

Hair and makeup by Dina Gregg, www.dinagreg.com

Let me know what you think of the dress!

2010-05-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows about my obsession with elephants. I dream of a wrist tattoo of an elephant but I am too big of a baby to pull the trigger, Instead I'll have to accessorize with my elephant jewelry.

What to wear????

2010-05-23T08:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of fun interviews and events this week... What to wear? Choices from Bergdorf Goodman, help me shop!

Downtown Girls Trailer

2010-05-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Check out the trailer for Downtown Girls!!! Airs Tuesday, June 1st at 11pm on MTV!!!

Watch as my friends and I have wild experiences and crazy nights out, while testing our romances and friendships! You'll laugh, You'll cry... but inevitably you will want to be friends with the Downtown Girls!

CLICK HERE TO WATCH

Valentino's Edgier Look

2010-05-01T19:59:00.000-07:00

Valentino designers Mario Grazi Chiuri and Pier Paolo Picciolli are updating their signature feminine look by injecting some downtown edge. Valentino Red, bows and frills will always be apart of every Valentino collection, but now they are adding edgier looks. Kate Bosworth and Chloe Sevigny were great choices to host the party, both girls are known for their downtown looks. I am absolutely in love with the red leather pants with bow detail that Bosworth wore.

Isabel Marant Boutique Bust

2010-04-22T07:46:00.000-07:00

As all fashionistas in NY claim, Isabel Marant is my favorite designer!!! I remember the first blouse I bought. A thick crepe wool in an army green. It was sexy, casual and cool, a classic Marant top. I've bought many tops, skirts, dresses etc over the years in random stores and on exciting trips, but never in an Isabel Marant boutique.
When I heard that the boutique was opening, I was there the day they unlocked the doors!! I was so excited!!!!!!! The space was beautiful, carefully bohemian without looking undone. I scoured the racks and became hugely disappointed. The colors were perfect, the designs were impeccable, but I had already purchased so many similar items at Topshop or Madewell. Her prices had skyrocketed and everything had already been knocked off.
Today in the New York TImes Cintra Wilson describes her disappointment with the boutique as well.
Check out her article at NYTimes.com

Coachella 2010

2010-04-21T19:11:00.000-07:00

Whether dressed in 60's hippie attire or raging in 90's punk, the hot summer trends were apparent through the fields. Girls in cut-offs and tie dye T-shirts or leather shorts with exposed lingerie; casual and cool was seen through out.

j'adore spring 2010

2010-04-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

I've realized this season, everything I see and LOVE always goes back to Pheobe Philo's Spring collection for Celine. It's either a leather outfit (fyi something my Grandma Pauline would love to travel in... she only travels in leather because of its true nature of staying crisp on an airplane) or something of a neutral palate.
Colin came home the other night in head to toe neutral and for some odd reason he was unsure of his outfit pick of the day. I on the other hand became obsessed. It reminded me of all the chic pants Philo created for this season inspired by menswear and now a must have to pair with a leather top.
Speaking of leather tops, I ran into my friend Rahav the other day who is creative director of IRO. I ended up spending the afternoon playing dress up in his showroom trying on, what else but LEATHER! Jackets, skirts, tops and dresses! It was so fun and so spot on trend!
I think I need a trip to Paris...

What is chic to you?

2010-03-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

The question, "What is chic to you?" was explored through April British Vogue. Gwyneth Paltrow replied to this question, "Chic is halfway between elegant and cool. Its an effortless-looking pulled togetherness, with a touch of awareness."
I absolutely agree with Gwyneth and she definitely fits her own definition.

When I think of women who are chic I picture Alexa Chung, Carine Roitfeld, Nicole Richie and Kate Moss!!!!!
Each one of these women set the trends and stick to their own style. I scour the internet to see what these girls are wearing next! Of all of the women I find chic, their common style is that they all look EFFORTLESS. Whether Kate Moss is modeling couture or running around festivals in her hunter boots, she always looks effortless, cool and chic. Nicole Richie can pull together prints, colors and shapes that are always flattering and beautiful. Carine Roitfeld is the trendsetter for all chic Parisian fashion. Herself and her magazine are always perfectly manicured but seem carefree and beautiful. Alexa Chung is known for pairing unassuming pieces together to create the ultimate chic outfit.

Comment and tell me what is chic to you?

A Diamond is Forever...

2010-03-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Growing up in my house, my sisters and I were surrounded by contemporary art. My favorite artist has always been Vik Muniz. His most famous works are his reproductions of well known images using random household products, photographed against a white box. My favorite my mother purchased when I was younger is a photo of a young boy looking in the distance composed of garbage collected at the Carnival festival in Rio de Janeiro.

A few years ago, Vik Muniz teamed up with Kwiat diamond to create the diamond diva collection. I went to visit my favorite photograph from the collection the other day while I was shopping uptown. Besides Chanel being my favorite store to browse, it houses a HUGE photograph of Coco Chanel. It is so beautiful, every time I walk in, it takes my breath away!!!!!

For some reason I cannot find a picture of this exact one on the internet and the picture police in Chanel won't let me snap a shot of it for myself (which totally blows)!!!!! However, here is a picture of some of the other divas created by Vik Muniz.

Dinner Party

2010-03-23T10:11:00.001-07:00

I had my first official dinner party last night after being in my apartment for almost two years. However, I cannot take the credit of cooking the fabulous dinner we ate. Colin decided last minute to whip up his amazing chicken paillard. I know, I know chicken paillard sounds super boring... but not the way he makes it. There was tons of chopping herbs and garlic, sautéing things I've never heard of, smells that are usually avoided by any fashionista in designer apparel before entertaining- good thing I stuck to a Topshop ensemble.

I, as a good hostess should, began drinking as soon as everyone arrived, teeth turning purple from red wine and all. In attendance were Colin's best friends from college, Dave, Heather, Kurt and their psuedo-college friend Michael. I think it was the most people to ever be in my apartment at once.

After a full Gossip Girl marathon we finally ate, and it was superb!!!!!

2010-03-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

I felt a little to Cher (Clueless Cher, not the original hot 70's version) when I realized I spent the day breaking in my new clogs. It was so nice out in NY today that I walked through Union Square and Washington Square Parks in my new Alexander Wang Trishia Loafer wedge mules. I bought them on Sunday at Opening Ceremony in the pouring rain, and couldn't wait for the sun to come out to wear them! They are so versatile, today I wore them with a crop skinny jean, a striped Isabel Marant top and IRO leather jacket.