Project Style Competition: Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai, Faces of "Project Style 2012"!

Hello Chic Stylistas!!!

Project Style 2012 Divas: Style Network "How Do I Look?" host Jeannie Mai and Fashion Designer/Red Carpet Expert Nick Verreos

Hi Stylistas!!! Yes, it's "Project Style" time again!!! Project Style is the contest sponsored by FABULOUS Forest City Malls, where budding stylists get a chance to show their stuff, shop and style themselves with the FIERCEST outfit with a free $150 mall gift card, post it with pics and a video of the Project Style Website, encourage your friends and family to vote online and you could win A LOT of AMAZING stuff!!! 

 

I've hosted many "Project Style" Final Events at various different Forest City Malls across the nation for the last THREE YEARS--and I am SO excited to be back. For 2012, the most FIERCE Jeannie Mai, host of Style Network's "How Do I Look?" and special correspondent for NBC's "Fashion Star", will help me crown the new "Project Style" national winner, who will enjoy LOTS of FABULOUS prizes...

Below is ALL the information you need to apply and move on to the
"Project Style" Finals:

 APPLY NOW by clicking HERE

One Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to New York City during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2013. This includes attendance at a runway show and a tour of SoHo with escort Verreos, a $500 credit card and a personal fashion design sketch by Verreos. 

 

The following shopping centers will participate in Project Style 2012:

• Antelope Valley Mall, Palmdale, California
• Promenade Bolingbrook, Bolingbrook, Illinois
• Boulevard Mall, Amherst, New York
• Charleston Town Center, Charleston, West Virginia
• Orchard Town Center, Westminster, Colorado
• Westchester’s Ridge Hill, Yonkers, New York
• The Mall at Robinson, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Short Pump Town Center, Richmond, Virginia
• Southlands, Aurora, Colorado
• South Bay Galleria, Redondo Beach, California
• Galleria at Sunset, Henderson, Nevada
• Shops at Tanforan, San Bruno, California
• Promenade at Temecula, Temecula, California
• Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga, California
• The Shops at Wiregrass, Wesley Chapel, Florida

Nick Verreos Hosts "Project Style: Antelope Valley" LIVE Style Off--The Recap!!!

The Antelope Valley BRINGS IT!!!!

Nick and His ManBag: Nick Verreos Arrives at The Antelope Valley Mall, Palmdale California

Last weekend was my final Hosting of the "Project Style" Live Style Off events. I've been EVERYWHERE and have met SO many amazing Top Trendsetters--from all over Southern California as well as West Virginia! And not to mention: I've had a BLAST meeting all the fans, families and yes, some future "Project Style" competitors (They should really think of coming up with a "Mini-Me" Project Style for 12 and under!). But I digress, this time, I was off to the Antelope Valley Mall, in Palmdale to host "Project Style: Antelope Valley"--the Live Style Off.

Who's That Boy: Nick Verreos, Hosting Project Style: Antelope Valley

The weather was gorgeous naturally, as I drove about 6o miles north of Los Angeles toward the Mojave Desert. I arrived and got to see the wonderful signage/posters they had throughout the fabulous Antelope Valley Mall, as well as...

They even framed a photo of me in their "Guest Services" kiosk. I felt, well, VERY Special! (I "Heart" Antelope Valley Mall!)

Nick Verreos with a future "Project Style"Top Trendsetter--LOVE the knee-high sneakers and multi-colored printed top! Ten out of Ten "Nick Points"

My Palmdale "Posse": Nick Verreos with fans of Karla Deleon (and me now!!)

As always, the rules for the "Project Style" Live Style Off were simple: In the past five months, Antelope Valley's "Most Fashion-Savvy" went on shoptopia.com, submitted videos, and were voted as Finalists of their "rounds" and made it to this Live Style Off. I gave them each $200 Antelope Valley Mall Gift Cards and ONE HOUR to go shopping for a complete new look. They had to shop, style and dress themselves and showcase the results LIVE on the Stage in front of a panel of expert judges from the Antelope Valley Mall--for a chance to win a $1,000 Gift Card!!!

The Top Five Trendsetters (Left to right) Zoe April Stotz, Amanda Beard (she couldn't be there so her lovely sister modeled and shopped for her), Kimberly Backe, Frank Nadolny, and Karla Deleon--Here they are after they've gone shopping and styled their outfits, getting ready for the live Style Off, in front of A LOT of people:

Finalist Karla Deleon modeling her faux fur vest, blue blouse, shorts, floppy hat, tights and wedge heels, Project Style: Antelope Valley Mall Live Style Off

The Top Two Were:

The Boy: Our one male Finalist, 14-year-old Frank Nadolny--I think Frank ROCKED his style--he mixed his love of skateboarding, street and music into his look. I also liked all the colors and polished sense of sporty style. Frank had a bunch of fans in the audience--including his FAB family--but in addition, there were some Cheerleaders from his High School that even did a Cheer for him and Project Style (scroll down to the end of the blog to see the VIDEO!).

Kimberly Backe: I dubbed her "Mini Katy Perry" because she looked just like her! She chose a very fashion-savvy-meets-young style for her Live Style Off, combining directional elements as well as traditional Southern California style.

And The Winner Was...Kimberly!!! But let me tell you, Frank was a very close second! And like I said to ALL our Finalists--they are all Winners! I was so excited to see how the Antelope Valley Finalists really BROUGHT IT, in terms of all the eclectic and very diverse styles and especially how AMAZING the audience in the Mall was! I have to say: Antelope Valley ROCKS!!! Hope to see you Next Year!!!!

Click below to watch the HHS Cheerleaders do a little cheer for Frank:

Nick Verreos Hosts "Project Style" LIVE Style Off: Antelope Valley Mall THIS SATURDAY!!!

Antelope Valley Stylistas: You're Next!!!

This Saturday I am continuing my "Project Style" LIVE Style Off "Mall Tour" and this time I will be in the Antelope Valley Mall, in the city of Palmdale. I've hosted several Project Style contests--in the South Bay Galleria, Rancho Cucamonga, Temecula and even Charleston West Virginia!

This time, I am headed to 60 miles North of Los Angeles to Palmdale in the Mojave Desert. This Saturday, September 24th is the Finale Live Style Off from 1-3pm, where five Finalists will compete for a $1,000 Gift Card Grand Prize (to shop, shop, shop!) and to become the Top Trendsetter for the Antelope Valley.

The Finalists are:

Round 1 Finalist: Karla Deleon, Round 2 Finalist Frank Nadolny, Round 3 Finalist Kimberly BackeRound, 4 Finalist Amanda Beard and Round 5 Finalist Zoe April Stotz

You can click HERE to view their videos, and hope to see you THIS Saturday at the Antelope Valley mall to see WHO will be the Next Top Trendsetter--I can't wait!

Here are all the DETAILS:

What: Project Style Live Style Off, Antelope Valley

Where: Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 West Rancho Vista Boulevard

Palmdale, CA 93551-3949

When: Saturday, September 24 2011

Time: 1-3pm

Nick Verreos Hosts Project Style LIVE "Style Off" The Promenade in Temecula TOMORROW!!!

Come Meet Me and See Temecula's Most FAB Trendsetters!!!

TOMORROW, Saturday September 17th, I will be in Temecula (about 85 miles Southeast of LA) at the Promenade Shopping Center from 1-3PM--Why? To host the LIVE Project Style Style Off of course!

Promenade Temecula is the shopping and dining destination in Temecula. The shopping center features 140 national retailers, quick and fine dining, and entertainment options such as Edwards Cinemas, a food court, and an entertainment plaza — in a unique indoor/outdoor setting.

Nick Verreos and some of Project Style South Bay Galleria's Finalists

I am so excited to meet the Five Finalists of the Promenade's Project Style 2011 Contest and see what styles they will come up with to have the "ultimate bragging rights" as Temecula's Top Trendsetter AND win the $1,000 Gift Card Prize! What is Project Style, you may ask? Well, darlings, Project Style is the ultimate fashion competition for guys & girls ages 13 and up. Budding stylistas put their sense of style & fashion to the test by creating the ultimate outfits. They create a video and post photos of their ensemble. Live voting by Shoptopia.com members determine the winner for the each round. And then the Top Five have the LIVE Style Off TOMORROW!!!

Come and see all the FASHION FUN, cheer on the "Project Style" Finalists and even get to try the FAB Swivel Virtual Dressing Room--where anyone can "virtually" try on clothes, accessories--and even my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Gowns! Oh and if you come, you might just make it into my BLOG PHOTO Recap of the event! You'll for sure get a BIG "Nick Hug", a Facebook Pic and an autograph--and maybe some "DISH" on Project Runway :)

What: Project Style LIVE Style Off

Where: Promenade in Temecula

40820 Winchester Road

Temecula, CA 92591

When :1-3PM

See ya TOMORROW!!!!!!

Project Style Victoria Gardens, Rancho Cucamonga: The Recap!!!

Rancho Cucamonga Style, An Outdoors Style Off...and a Mini Michael Jackson??? Yep, Welcome to Project Style Victoria Gardens!!!!

I Made It: Nick Verreos, Victoria Gardens Shopping Center Rancho Cucamonga

As you probably read in my previous post, I had been in NYC last Friday for some business meetings--along with my NIKOLAKI partner-in-design crime, David Paul. I also attended the Finale Runway Show of Project Runway Season 9. The following day, I got on a 7AM flight to LA. Why? I had very important Duties: I was to Host the "Project Style" at the Victoria Gardens Shopping Center in Rancho Cucamonga--about 40 miles east of Los Angeles.

My plane arrived at LAX at 10AM and I had to be at "VG" (Victoria Gardens) by 11:30AM. Driving in Southern California and 40 miles can be anywhere from 1 hr+ to THREE, so I was scared that I would not make it in time! Somehow, WE MADE IT!!! David might have been doing just a little bit over the speed limit (ooops!) but I took a nap while he drove so I have no proof!

Presenting VG's Project Style Finalists in their "reg" ensembles Pre-Style-Off: (L to R) Moriah Merkelbach (San Bernardino), Bryanna Smith (Alta Loma), Nick Verreos, Veronica Parga (Colton), Rashid Kabia (Alta Loma), and Devon Curtis (Rancho Cucamonga)

Upon arriving the beautiful outdoors mall--located with the gorgeous mountain backdrop in Rancho Cucamonga--I got acquainted with the stage, met "my" DJ and of course, the Finalists of this year's Victoria Gardens "Project Style". These budding stylistas went on shoptopia.com, applied, were picked as Finalists in five different rounds of competition and now they were here for the Live Style-Off.

The Competition was as follows: I gave each of the Finalists a $200 VG Gift Card and they had ONE HOUR to shop for an entire ensemble, put it on and then model it in front of all the audience--including very supportive friends and family AND every random Mall Shopper Attendee!!!--and then a panel of judges would decide who would win the Grand Prize of a $1,000 VG Gift Card!

Once they were out shopping, there was a fun Banana Republic Fashion Show on the center stage showing the latest Fall 2011 Trends, which I also hosted (that's me above with the Banana Republic Fashion Show models).

I also checked out the Swivel Virtual Dressing Room "Booth" where shoppers could "virtually" try on clothes, accessories...even MY NIKOLAKI gowns!!! Oh and, I almost forgot: back onstage (while waiting for the Finalists to return), a mom who was in the audience asked if the DJ could play Michael Jackson and if her son--who LOVES M.J.--could do a dance to one of his songs...

Michael Jackson Mini-Fans: Jaymes and new friend preforming at the Victoria Gardens Project Style 2011 Stage

Well, HUNEEEEYYYY! Of course I let little Jaymes onstage and before I know it, he was bringing the Victoria Gardens Rancho Cucamonga House down!!! He even brought another young "Project Style" attendee to share the stage with him (above photo). I got a video of Jaymes doing his AMAZEEENG Michael Jackson dance number and it's at the end of this post...so don't miss it!!!

Stylin' Five: Nick Verreos and the 5 Finalists of Victoria Gardens Project Style Live Style-Off

After such a fun--and impromptu intermission (Thanks Jaymes!), it was time for the "Project Style" Finalists to come back on stage with their new outfits to be judges. All five did an amazing job and I especially liked the variety of styles in each and every one of the contestants. There was Boho Chic , Elegant Business, Going Out "cocktail" and our guy Rashid, gave the audience "Meet-the-Parents Proper Elegant-Sport".

A Matching Pair: Nick Verreos interviewing Bryanna Smith in her Rachel Roy royal blue jersey draped dress with knee-high stockings, black pumps and black and gold studded clutch.

Business Chic: Nick Verreos interviewing Finalist Veronica Parga on her choice of red flared slacks, black bootie heels, creme drop shoulder blouse and faux croq-skin clutch.

The Style-Off was very close--in fact so close that the judges couldn't decide and it was a TIE!! Between two contestants. So, guess who the Tie-Breaker Judge was? Yep, moi! So, I decided the Winner of the $1,000 VG Gift Card Prize and Project Style 2011 Winner would be...

Boho Winner: Nick Verreos interviewing Our Grand Prize Victoria Gardens Project Style Winner, Moriah Merkelbach

Needless to say, I had a BLAST hosting "Project Style" at the Victoria Gardens Center in Rancho Cucamonga and especially was very happy with the outcome--as well as with our "Michael Jackson Intermission Dance Number"---Oh and speaking of that...

Click BELOW for a GREAT video from "Project Style Victoria Gardens" Intermission, when I let a VERY TALENTED boy named Jaymes on stage to perform a song by Michael Jackson:

Hosting Fashion's Night Out and Project Style Charleston West Virginia: My Recap!!!

Good Evening Charleston West Virginia!!!!

FNO Balloon Happy: Nick Verreos, flanked by Charleston Town Center Mall "Fashionista Volunteers", Charleston West Virginia

As everyone knows, last Thursday night, September 8th was Fashion's Night Out. As part of the FNO Shopping Celebrations, I was invited to host a Fun & Fab event in West Virginia!! So, last week, I left 100 Degree Heatwave-weather Los Angeles, threw on my trench coat and scarf and flew to much cooler climates: Charleston West Virginia (it was in the 60s-low 70s Thank Goodness!!).

The Stage Is Yours: The "Project Style" Runway Stage at Charleston Town Center Mall, Macy's Court, Charleston West Virginia

I was invited to host a Fashion's Night Out Event AND a Project Style 2011 Competition at the Charleston Town Center Mall. As everyone knows (if you've been reading here on my BLOG), I've been hosting several of these Project Style "Style-Off's" and this time, it took me to "John Denver Mountain Momma"-Country! After a long flight (it's not easy to get there from LA), I arrived to an awaiting long stretch white limo (!) which then took me right to my hotel where I got some pre-event sleep.

Luncheon Posing: Nick Verreos, and my new friends, at Tidewater Grill Charleston Town Center Mall, Charleston West Virginia

The following day, I had a delicious "VIP" Luncheon at Tidewater Grill, where I met the charming Lisa McCracken, CTC Marketing Director and Project Style Co-Producer (LOVE HER!!!) plus several of the judges of the night's Project Style competition--including Laura Sheets Cosmetics Manager & Macy's Charleston Town Center Mall Fashion Director, Stephen Smith, the Assistant Manager at Gap, and Jennifer Miller, Owner of Mission Savvy Boutique.

Eco Fab: Jennifer Miller, Owner of "Mission Savvy" in front of her store, Downtown Charleston West Virginia

Afterwards, I even went to Jennifer's boutique where I filmed a lovely video (at the end of the post). Then, it was time to get back to my hotel, do an outfit change and get "spritzed up" for the Hostin' Duties of the evening. I returned to the Mall, and once inside I almost fell off my YSL Johnny Boots when...

FNO Charleston Town Center Mall, Charleston West Virginia

I passed this wondrous display of red balloons spelling out "FNO" (for Fashion's Night Out" of course) PLUS a HUGE banner with my photo above it...right IN THE MIDDLE of the Mall! (Oh Lordy!). The "Southern Hospitality"--technically, West Virginia is considered "The South"-- didn't stop there.

Once in my Pre-Event "Green Room", the organizers had many, many newspapers showing the ad and promo of the event--all reserved for my taking--PLUS...

Lisa McCracken's (The CTC Marketing Director) AMAZING Assistant, Katrina (LOVE HER Part 2!), had created a "Nick Board" with photos not just of me (Oh Lord!) but many many of my NIKOLAKI dresses and my Celebrity Clientele wearing my NIKOLAKI dresses on the Red Carpet! She even included a photo of "my" Project Runway MyScene Barbie AND a picture of me and my precious doggie, Benny!!! (Awwww! Yes, I was clutching my pearls huney!). I autographed it and hopefully, that's hanging prominently in someone's office at the Charleston Town Center!

Soon, it was SHOWTIME. Project Style, in case you didn't know, is a contest sponsored by shoptopia.com where budding stylistas apply online, send their photos and go through a selection process where they get chosen through different "rounds" of voting. The Top Five, then come to the Finals, where in Charleston West Virginia's case, I then gave then each a $200 CTC Gift Card, and ONE HOUR, to shop for an entire outfit, and come back...for a LIVE Style-Off.

The Finalists were Alyce Crist(pink top, flower-print skirt), Hennah Vogel (denim shorts), Kenzie Fry (headband & flower-print dress), Amelia Edmondson (Boho-Hippie Chick) and Taylor Ingram (white belt), seen above with me and last year's Project Style Winner, the beautiful Simran Walker (far left).

The First: The first Project Style Charleston Town Center Winner, Olivia Smolder (right) , who was also one of the VIP Judges, and Nick Verreos, Project Style Charleston Town Center, Charleston West Virginia

The judging was very CLOSE but there could only be one winner. The Project Style 2011 Winner was:

Amelia Edmondson (above)! She was very tall (5'10"+) and styled herself with a very "Boho Hippie Chick" ensemble including denim shorts, stretch lace leggings, brown knee-high boots, multi-colored and multi-printed tops, a cute headband, various jewelry, all for under $200!

$1,000 Smile: Project Style Winner Amelia Edmondson and Nick Verreos, Fashion's Night Out Charleston Town Center Mall, Charleston West Virginia

As a result I handed her THE PRIZE: A $1,000 Charleston Town Center Mall Gift Card! She was ECSTATIC and overjoyed (so were all her friends and family who were cheering her on the entire time!!!). I had such a fun time hosting this special Fashion's Night Out event and Project Style "Style-Off"!! The super warm hospitality of EVERYONE in Charleston was INCREDIBLE. Words cannot describe. But soon, it was time to head back to my hotel and get three hours of sleep, since I had a 6AM flight to catch. Where did I have to go? New York City! Why? To attend the Project Runway Season 9 Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Show Finale... Stay tuned!!!

For Now: Here's a Video I shot of the very FAB "Mission Savvy" Boutique--and its owner Jennifer Miller--in Charleston West Virginia:

Nick Verreos Hosts Project Style: Sept. 10th Victoria Gardens Mall, Rancho Cucamonga

PROJECT STYLE: Rancho Cucamonga Edition!


In celebration of Fashion's Night Out, join me tomorrow--Saturday September 10th--noon-3PM in Rancho Cucamonga, CA for another great Project Style Event at Victoria Gardens Mall...

Once again as part of my "Project Style 2011" Mall Tour, I will be hosting another great Style-Off involving Five Finalists who will get a $200 Gift Card (this time from the Victoria Gardens Mall) and then have ONE HOUR to Shop, Style, dress themselves and be back on the Stage to be judged on who was the Top Trendsetter for Victoria Gardens Mall in Rancho Cucamonga!

The winner will get a $1,000 Victoria Gardens Mall Gift Card! Come see the excitement, meet me, and have a Project Style BLAST!! And also get to experience the Swivel Virtual Dressing Room which is making its Debut across all these Southern California Shopping Centers!


Adress:
Victoria Gardens Mall
12505 North Main Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739

Time:
12:00-3:00 PM!!!

Click HERE for all the details!

Project Style: The Live Style-Off in South Bay Galleria: My Photo Recap!!!

Style Off: South Bay Galleria!!

Hello South Bay: Nick Verreos, South Bay Galleria "Project Style" stage

This past Saturday, I hosted the first--of several--Project Style "Style-Off" contests--I have been invited to do. The location: Redondo Beach and South Bay Galleria, near LA.
This was the second time I had been invited to host Project Style at the South Bay Galleria, so I was excited to come back!! Project Style--in case you were wondering--involves finding the Top Trendsetter for each Shopping Center/area. They are chosen as Finalists after going through several rounds of judging.

South Bay Galleria: Nick Verreos hosting "Project Style 2011"

After the Finalists are picked, they are given a $200 Gift Card to purchase clothing in which they will style themselves into an outfit. Then, at the "Live Style-Off", they model their look in front of judges who choose the Winner--The winner gets a $1,000 Gift Card to shop some more!!!

(Virtually) Trying on a NIKOLAKI COUTURE gown, Swivel The Virtual Dressing Room

Soon after arriving at South Bay Galleria, I got to check out the new Swivel Virtual Dressing Room, which features many different brands of clothing which shoppers can "virtually" try on and choose via a webcam. The Swivel Virtual Dressing Room Company, actually came over to my NIKOLAKI Atelier not too long ago, took very detailed photos of several of my gowns, to then add into their program.

Nick Verreos (virtually) trying on one of his NIKOLAKI gowns, Swivel The Virtual Dressing Room

Naturally, as I got to the Swivel area, I wanted to see how I would look in one of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns!!! It was FABULOUS!!! I actually look good in a red silk ziberline strapless gown!!! I could have stayed there ALL day virtually trying on clothes, but it was soon time to go host "Project Style". First, I did a fun Meet-and-Greet with South Bay Galleria Shoppers, fans and Project Runway fashionistas:

Nick Verreos and South Bay Galleria shoppers--and "Nick" fans

Young Fashionistas, South Bay Galleria "Project Style" Event

Nick Verreos and Keshia Williams, South Bay Galleria "Project Style"

Pics from the fun "Project Style" Live Style-Off Contest:

Group Shot: (Left to Right) Judges Warren Chaumont (Orange County Fashion Week Producer), Finalists Caryn Lee, Kristy Gail Hargrove, Host Nick Verreos, Finalists Fabian Cabrera , Jennifer Barbour, Judge Chelan Gabor, and Finalist Nikoleta Panteva

The Winner was (drum roll) Nikoleta Panteva (left and right, with Host Nick Verreos), who chose palazzo pants, a peach-colored blouson top, multi-colored belt, stacked heels and bangles--from Nordstrom and Forever 21 (photo courtesy of Nikoleta who also happens to write a FAB blog called Live Love LA. Check it out HERE (Photos courtesy of Oliver Viboolkij)

Shopping with the Winner: Nick Verreos shopping at Forever 21 South Bay Galleria with Project Style Winner Nikoleta Panteva (Photo Courtesy of Oliver Viboolkij)

Fan Favorite: Nick Verreos with Fan Favorite Winner (through text messages), Kristy Gail Hargrove (and her also very stylin' little brother, on the left)

For More Photos, Check out Live Love LA, RedondoBeachPatch.com