Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos FIDM San Francisco "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Event: The Recap!

I Left My Blogging HEART in...San Francisco!

Trend Talk With Nick Verreos: Nick Verreos FIDM San Francisco "Style, Trends, and Blog Talk"

Last weekend, I flew to San Francisco to host a very special "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Panel Discussion at the wonderful Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Francisco. This was a great chance to get some fabulous information--as well as get to tour the college, get to see what makes FIDM SF so amazing!

I arrived on Friday--to a GORGEOUS day (I almost thought the pilot had landed in San Diego...there was not a single cloud in the sky!). I enjoyed a nice dinner with an old friend and went right to bed to be ready for the event which was happening the following morning at the FIDM SF campus right in Union Square. I always love returning to the Bay Area since yes kids, I spend my very impressionable high school years there after my family and I moved from Caracas Venezuela.

Look Who's Talking: FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk With Nick Verreos"

Saturday morning, I put on my light pink dress shirt and jacket from TopMan, my skinny black jeans, my Gucci boots and of course, topped it all off with my very own custom pocket hankie made out of fabric from my NIKOLAKI line. As I made my way to the College, everyone around me was in shorts and flip flops (SF, 82 degrees Fahrenheit) and yes, I got some major "Why are you so dressed up?" stares but alas, you know I LOVED it!

Foursome Fab: (left to right) Lorraine Sanders, Jeanne Chan, Nick Verreos, and Beth Spotswood, FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" event (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

Once at the campus, I was greeted by three of San Francisco's most fab bloggers who would join me on this FIDM SF "Style, Trends and Blog Talk" panel: Lorraine Sanders, founder of SF Indie Fashion and author of StyleBites, Jeanne Chan of ShopSweetThings.com, and Beth Spotswood, who writes some really great blogs for SFGate.com.

Full House: FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" Event Hosted by Nick Verreos (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

We were greeted by a packed room of 150+ students, parents, SF Bay Area bloggers (yep, they were there!) plus even some Project Runway Fans!! (LOVE YOU!). I began the discussion with a PowerPoint presentation on Trends; how Trends begin, where they come from, trends for Spring 2012, etc. There were A LOT of attendees taking notes as I spoke (it was like I was teaching one of my FIDM classes).

 Trend Class: Nick Verreos Talks 80's Influence at FIDM SF "Style, Trends & Blog Talk" event

Then I segued into the panel discussion--and brought my SF Blogger DIVAS into the mix, discussing their backgrounds, how they got started, and the Do's & Dont's of Blogging 101...

SF Bloggers WORK!!! (Photo Courtesy of Marcellina M. Burch, FIDM SF)

At one point of my presentation, I looked over and our three fabulous bloggers/guests were LIVE BLOGGING and TWEETING about being at the event! Soooo 2012 Social Media!!! After an hour+ discussion on everything and anything BLOG, we had a Q & A with the audience, followed by raffle of a signed FIDM bag.

The winner happened to be a guest who had been at the event over an hour early (a big fan of yours truly!). She was SO happy--and I was so happy that she was the winner (how much do you LUV that "I "Heart" Nerdy Boys" t-shirt of hers??? Sooo cute!!). Afterward, I stayed around to take pics and sign things--anything!!!

Below is a photo compilation of some of those pics:

Top Row: Adam Easterday, Nick Verreos, Malaya Malone; Dexie Santiago & Nick Verreos; 
Middle Row: Lanae Roxas & Nick Verreos; Dre Anthony McMurry & Nick Verreos;

Bottom Row: Besan Alkhatib & Nick Verreos; Emilio Ruiz-Vega & Nick Verreos

Thank you to FIDM San Francisco, my three SF Blogger Panel Guests, and everyone who came out on a beautiful SF Saturday and decided to be indoors with us and attend!!! I am most grateful for meeting each and EVERYONE of you!!! Hope you got some great info. and possibly got inspired!!

Nick Appearance Minute: Meet Nick Verreos at Open House FIDM Orange County THIS SATURDAY, April 28th!

OC Fashionistas...Get Ready!

Meet & Greet: Nick Verreos THIS Saturday April 28th, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

This Saturday, April 28th, I will be in the OC for a very special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House!!! "Open House" is an event designed to help prospective students get to know the College, meet Alumni, instructors, facilities and get a sense of the College as a whole and all that it has to offer. As you already may know, I am an alum of FIDM (Class of ...Don't EVEN Try and Look Up The Year!!) as well as the College's Official Spokesperson.

FIDM Orange County, Irvine California

I do various events for the College throughout all their campuses and I'm especially excited whenever I am invited to the OC!!! FIDM Orange County is located in Irvine and can't be missed with its FAB bubblegum pink facade.

This Saturday, I will be there to host an Entertainment Panel Discussion and speak about how I got started in fashion, share thoughts about being a red carpet fashion expert on TV Guide Network, Style Network, and NBC-LA as well as a lot of "Inside Dish" on the entertainment side of the Fashion World and the upcoming new Season 10 of Project Runway!!!

Panel Guests: (Left to right) FIDM Alumni Sarah Beers (2002) and Leslie Christen (2001)

Joining me are two FIDM Alumni: Sarah Beers--a 2002 FIDM Graphic Design Grad--who is Creative Merchandising and Promotion Manager at Marvel, and Celebrity Stylist Leslie Christen--a 2001 FIDM Grad in Merchandise Marketing--who is currently working on  Bravo's "Real Housewives of Orange County".


Come to the FIDM OC Spring 2012 Open House, get to know the College, check out our very informative Entertainment panel, and yes, stay to take photos and get some valuable advice on pursuing a career in fashion and/or the fashion/entertainment field.

What: FIDM Orange County Spring 2012 Open House

When: Saturday April 28, 2012, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.


Address: 17590 Gillette Avenue, Irvine California 92614-5610

RSVP: Open To The Public and FREE-- RSVP HERE or call 949.851.6200

For Press Inquiries/Media Contact: Shirley Wilson swilson@fidm.com 213.624.1200 x2625

Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Verreos at the WZID Women's Expo 2012 in New Hampshire Saturday February 18th

Get Ready New Hampshire!!!!

Nick Verreos: Special Guest at WZID's Women's Expo in New Hampshire

I'm COMING!!!!! Yes, I know that as of late New Hampshire has been in the news for that very important GOP Primary which just occurred not too long ago--but that's "old news"--it's all about THE Women's Expo!!!! And the fact I am coming to New Hampshire--for the VERY FIRST TIME--to lend my Red Carpet Expertise, Fashion College Instructor advice, as well as Project Runway Designer DISH on all y'all (I know it's the East Coast, but I just love saying "y'all"!).

I have been invited to be the "Guest Speaker" at the FAB-- WZID Women's Expo 2012 which will be Saturday February 18th from 10am-4pm. This is the 14th year of presenting the WZID Women's Expo and I am honored to be part of it.

95.7 FM WZID is known as New Hampshire's "Best Variety of Yesterday and Today" music (in other words--you might hear some 2012 with--hopefully--some 80's-90's FAB!). I will make a very special appearance at the radio station while I am there--maybe giving those Radio Morning Hosts some Fashion Tips--not that they need it--it's Radio after all...But I am SOOO excited to be part of the Women's Expo and for my Appearance/Presentation.

I will be there to show women how to "Dress For Their Body Types"--and show examples of great outfits for different body types---and give tips...And of course, I'll talk about my time on Project Runway, why I didn't do All Stars, and much much more...Come out (tickets are only $7!! See below) and get some fashion tips and yes, take a Facebook photo with me! And PS: You might end up on my BLOG here--when I do the Recap of being at the WZID 2012 Women's Expo (I'll be taking photos for my blog here).
I cannot wait to see all the New Hampshire/New England Fashionistas, and see what that "Live Free and Die" motto means. Next week, I'm replacing the first part to "Live FASHIONABLY"!!!

Oh and if you attend the WZID 2012 Women's Expo, you can enter a chance to win a $2,500 Macy's Shopping Spree!!! Seriously. That's A LOT!

What: WZID's Women's Expo--THE GREAT MAKEOVER
Nick Verreos--Guest Speaker-- "How To Dress For Different Body Types" Lecture and Fashion Demo + More!!!

When: Saturday February 18th 10am-4pm (Nick Verreos Appearance: noon)

Where: Radisson Hotel Expo Center, Manchester New Hampshire
700 Elm St Manchester, New Hampshire 03101

Tickets: Only $7 Click HERE to purchase tickets!

Nick Verreos Hosts a "Designer Fabric Party" & Fashion Draping Event at FIDM Scholarship Store THIS THURSDAY Oct 27th

A Fabric Party!

A Designer Fabric Party! I am so excited to announce that I will be the "Master of Ceremonies"---OK, I'll be Hosting--this fun "Fashion Party" at the FIDM Scholarship Store this Thursday, October 27th--from 11:00am-2:00pm.

Nick Verreos Hosts "A Designer Fabric Party!" at FIDM Scholarship Store", this Thursday 11am-2pm

In case you didn't know, besides LOTS of Designer-brand clothing at steep discounts, store mannequins, dress forms, jewelry, and even magazines, the FIDM Scholarship Store sells fabrics, bolts and bolts of it! And at really, REALLY good prices. Like $2/yard good! As part of this "Designer Fabric Party", we will be presenting creative fabric ideas for Fashion, Holiday Parties, Home Decor, and much much more!

Along with yours truly, FIDM Advanced Fashion Design "Debut" Graduates Angela Avanesyan and Paul Hernandez will be on hand, showing many different ways of draping the fabric to the body forms to create dresses, gowns, bustiers, you name it! I'll also be draping and sketching and offering my "Nick" fashion consultations--just for YOU. And of course, I might be giving you some "INSIDE DISH" on the Finale of Project Runway and yes, signing autographs and taking Facebook Pics!!

Oh, and did I mention that ALL the proceeds from the purchases made from the FIDM Scholarship Store go to create scholarships for FIDM students!! Yep! So, come Thursday and BUY some FABULOUS FABRIC!

FIDM Scholarship Store

Here are the Details:

*WHAT: A "Fashion Fabric Party!" hosted by Nick Verreos

*WHEN: Thursday October 27, 2011 11:00 am-2:00pm

*WHERE: FIDM Scholarship Store, 919 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles CA 90015-1421 Phone: 213-642-1200--ask for the "Scholarship Store".

*RSVP: None! Just come!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Fashion Show at 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo in Cincinnati Ohio: The Recap!!

Hola Cincinnati!!

Turquoise Man: Nick Verreos hosting Macy's Fashion Show, 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

Last week, in the midst of my FIDM 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" appearances in SF, LA, San Diego and Orange County (whew! That's a sentence-full!), I flew for an overnight trip to Cincinnati Ohio to host a FAB Macy's Fashion Show. The Fashion Show was to take place as part of 2011 LULAC/League of United Latin American Citizens Convention and Exposition's "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (United Voices: Concert for the People) featuring "Los Lobos" (yes, of "La Bamba" fame) and "El Guero".

Upon arriving from my flight from LA to Cincinnati (via Salt Lake City), I was greeted by this sign, welcoming all LULAC Convention and Expo out-of-town guests and attendees to Cincinnati. You know I had to take a quick photo as arriving passengers were impatiently trying to get onto the escalator, making their way out of the airport.

After getting to the city, I checked into The Cincinnatian Hotel, which I heard was "The Best Hotel" in town. I immediately went to my room and as it's become a "Tradition" here on my blog and my Recaps, I took photos of my bed and the room itself (it was very nice indeed!).

The shower had TWO, not just one, but TWO, of those "Rain Shower heads" PLUS SIX coming-from-the-shower-wall jet streams. I made a mental note to get up EXTRA early the following morning to enjoy that before I had to catch my flight back to Los Angeles!

I had about one hour to change from my "travel outfit" and into "I am Hosting a Macy's Fashion Show" TopMan turquoise blue jacket, Dolce & Gabbana black jacquard tie and Zara black skinny trousers ensemble and then make my way to the Duke Energy Convention Center, site of 2011 LULAC Convention and Expo--as well as my fashion show event. It was about 90 degrees HOT and Humid so thank goodness I was NOT in head-to-toe wool!!!

The Center was "busy busy busy" as attendees made their way in and out of the Expo and from various different conferences and meeting rooms. After climbing three floors on the escalators (it's a BIG place you guys!), I made it to the Grand Ballroom, site of the Concert and Fashion Show.

Concert Mistress: Melissa "Crash" Barrera Mun2 TV personality, 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

After checking in with my Macy's clients, and the producers of the fashion show as well as all the models (they were SOOOO sweet!), we had a quick rehearsal, got all my note cards and was ready to BRING on the Macy's Fashion to LULAC! The Concert's "Mistress of Ceremonies" was the beautiful Melissa "Crash" Barrera, TV host and Mun2 personality. She introduced me and well, of course, I had to begin everything...

With one of my "Nick Runway Walks" (photo courtesy of JackFleming.com). Then, it was onto the Fashion. Being that it was a Macy's Fashion Show, there were LOTS of great looking clothes, naturally--and all available in two blocks distance at the nearby Macy's Fountain Place.

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

The show began with a tableaux of fun and flirty printed maxi dresses--perfect for a July 4th Bar-b-Q, cocktails in Cabo, or even "dressed up" with heels for a party.

Model Jessica in coral 2-piece suit by Evan Picone Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

We also showed tailored business attire for the professional Latina, and even some Comfy-Chic separates. Trends included tie-dye, flower prints, bold and bright colors, metallics and statement-making scarves.

In between the fashions, I even gave some "Lessons" in what dresses work best for what body types and what details (shirring, diagonal pleating) also help visually "slim" a figure. And of course, I got in on the act and even modeled with one of the gorgeous girls!

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

There were BOYS as well, kids! And they, naturally, were also wearing head-to-toe Macy's looks from Macy's-exclusive brands like INC and Alfani.

Photos Courtesy of JackFleming.com

After the fashion show ended, I went down into the Grand Ballroom area and took photos with guests as well as signed autographs and drew "Fashion Croquis" for them as well (photos above). I had A BLAST hosting the show and now it was onto watching--and listening--to "Los Lobos" and "El Guero" do their thang! And then return to my hotel and enjoy a good night's rest. In case you were wondering, yes, I got to use that AMAZEEEEEING shower back in my room the next morning! The sounds that I was making...well, I'm surprised my next door hotel neighbor didn't call the Hotel Security!!!

Ciao Cincinnati!!

Click Below for Exclusive Video of Los Lobos at "Voces Unidas: Concierto de la Gente", 2011 LULAC Convention & Expo:

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Guest Appearance at FIDM Orange County!!!

Nick Goes to The OC--and brings Benny!

My Doggy Muse: Nick Verreos and Benny, and the FIDM OC 2011 "3 Days of Fashion" meet-and-greet crowd

Last week, I finished my "2011 3 Days of Fashion" Appearances and Fashion Shows at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising Orange County, in Irvine California. Being that this was the final one of my "3 Days of Fashion" 2011 events--I had to bring my doggy Benny!

I Heart Benny: Nick Verreos and Benny, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

He is THE official "mascot" for NIKOLAKI!!! And Lord knows, If I had my wish, I would have gotten him in my Virgin Mobile Commercial!!! For. Sure. (He saw it and was mad--and jealous-- of me!)

I really do love the Orange County FIDM Campus (above) because they are always so "chill" yet fashionable and they never give me "shade" for bringing my son--ooops, I mean, my doggie, Benny! And the campus is so Loft-Fabulous to boot!

Posing: Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

I drove down to Irvine with David, and of course, we brought "Benny"! He loves it in the OC (of course he does!). For the "3 Days of Fashion", I was to speak on "How I Got To Where I Got" and how FIDM helped my goal of becoming a famous--and successful fashion designer. I also brought my "Muse":

Mermaid Diva: Model Amanda Fields in NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 black ziberline gown with black-and white brocade attached bustier, FIDM OC "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Beyonce Fan: Model Amanda Fields and Nick Verreos, FIDM Orange County "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

Model Amanda Fields, and some of my NIKOLAKI Gowns and dresses, for the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion" attendees to enjoy. She stayed afterward to take photos and sign some of the guest's bags, t-shirts, etc. Love me some Amanda!

Clip Board Collage: My Clip Board at the FIDM OC "3 Days of Fashion"

After my Lecture and fashion show, I told the audience that of course, In would be around to take photos and sign anything they wanted me to sign. The FIDM OC staff was so AMAZING that they had a clipboard ready (to help me in signing) with a collage of images of me from "Google Images".

OC Barbie: Nick Verreos and a FIDM OC 3 Days of Fashion attendee--and her "Nick Verreos MyScene Project Runway Barbie"

I was SOOO EXCITED, when at one pint in my "Meet-and-Greet", a young attendee brought her "Nick Verreos Project Runway Barbie"--the MyScene Barbie that was created and sold exclusively at Toys 'R Us as a result of me winning one of my Season 2 Challenges. I told this young girl that she FOR SURE would make it on my BLOG as a result! And I always keep my promises...