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:

Nick Verreos Hosts a Macy's Fashion Show at LULAC Convention & Expo in Cincinnati, Ohio!

Cincinnati OHIO...Here I come!!!

This Thursday, June 30th, I am flying to Cincinnati Ohio, to be part of the "Voces Unidas: Concierto De La Gente" and host a very special Macy's Fashion Show as part of the 2011 LULAC/League of United Latin American Citizens National Convention & Exposition. In case you didn't know, LULAC is the LARGEST and OLDEST (82 years and going strong) Hispanic Organization in the United States.

I am very proud--and excited--that Macy's has invited be to be part of it---and add some of my Latino Nick Fashion Savor....to the Expo this year. As you know, I travel around the country hosting many fashion events for Macy's and this will be MY FIRST TIME in Cincinnati so I'm extra excited!

Below is the Schedule for the night and who else will be part of :
7:30 pm - 11:00 pm Voces Unidas: Concierto De La Gente held in the Grand Ballroom

• Melissa “Crash” Barrera, Mistress of Ceremony;
• Comedian Alex Reymundo, Master of Ceremony;
• Los Lobos;
• El Güero y su banda Centenario;

****Macy’s Fashion Show****

You can find out about ordering tickets HERE

I hope to see all my FASHIONISTA Latinos there!!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts the Macy's Fashion Challenge Event, Minneapolis Minnesota: The Recap!!!

A WARM Minneapolis Welcome!

Well It's You Girl And You Should Know It: Nick Verreos poses with the "Mary Richards/Mary Tyler Moore Statue", Minneapolis Minnesota

Last weekend, I traveled to Minneapolis Minnesota to host another Macy's Fashion Challenge Event. Several days before I left I did an interview with the Twin Cities' Star Tribune in lieu of my appearance and its reporter warned me "Bring some sweaters!". I immediately looked online and the "Ten Day Weather Report" said that for the days I would be there, it would be a cold 59 Degrees. Yeaay, I thought: I get to LAYER!!!

Nick Verreos Comes To Minneapolis Minnesota

Well kids, I made the mistake of not re-checking THE DAY I left to see if anything had changed, temperature-wise. I wore my trench coat, sweater and scarf on my flight: Yes, I was GIVING Fall! Upon arrival into Minneapolis, the pilot came on and said something I was not prepared to hear "Welcome to Minneapolis...it's a BALMY 85 Degrees". Say What? Yes, it was GORGEOUS! The night I arrived, I had a nice dinner with my Macy's PR girls and even posed with the famous Mary Tyler Moore Statue--in my Trench Coat and scarf!

Hair Did: Fantasia Salon, site of my Radio Interview, near Minneapolis Minnesota

The following day was my Macy's Fashion Challenge Event but before that, I had a "pit stop": I was to do a radio interview with the St. Paul/Minneapolis "Shop Girls" on myTalk 107.1 FM to talk all about my event, what's "In" for Fall 2010, and give DISH on Project Runway.

Fantasia Girls: The Shop Girls, Allison Kaplan and Alexis Walsko, Nick Verreos and Fantasia Salon Owner, Fantasia Hair Salon Crystal Minnesota

My interview took place at the Fantasia Hair Salon where they were doing a LIVE broadcast in honor of Breast Cancer Month. I had barely walked in and Allison Kaplan and Alexis Walsko--the Shop Girls--swooped me right in, gave me a mic and let me at it! Needless to say: I had a BLAST with the girls! L.O.V.E. them! Thank you Fantasia Hair Salon and Thank You Shop Girls!

I eventually made it to the Southdale Center in Edina Minnesota, the FIRST totally enclosed Mall built in the USA (I know, shut up!), where my Macy's event was taking place. Well, Edina does it right because they had a yummy Green Room feast of cheeses, vegetables, crackers, and chilled water ready for me, just in case I was hungry.

The first floor at Macy's and the Impulse Department (site of my event) was PACKED (love you Minnesota!) as I took the stage and began the Macy's Fashion Challenge. I came up with three "challenges" (How to Dress to Meet the In-Laws, How to Dress for NY Fashion Week, and How to Dress for a Blind Date) and I chose 2 audience members at random per challenge.

Edina Love: Nick Verreos and Macy's Southdale Fashion Challenge guests

They then had 2 minutes to dress the models from their rack and table of Macy's Fall 2010 garments and accessories. The Winners received $100 Macy's Gift Cards and the Runner-Up's got $25 Macy's Gift Cards. So, basically it was a win-win for both of them! The Edina Minneapolis crowd was very rowdy and eager and loved the Challenges.

Nick Verreos with a Mommy-Daughter team at Macy's Southdale, Edina Minnesota

I was scared they'd get mad at me for not picking some of them but in the end, they were GREAT! Not only did I have lots of Mom-Daughter fans come to my event, I also had lots of little fashionistas:

Maybe Macy's will one day ask me to design a pre-tween line of clothing--"Little Fashionista by Nick Verreos"--I like the sound of that!

Thanks Edina, Minneapolis and Minnesota for bringing the warm weather and the even warmer hospitality! Love you and cannot wait to return!

*Click HERE for my Star Tribune Interview
*Click HERE for my entire Radio Interview with myTalk 107.1 FM The Shop Girls

*Click BELOW for a really GREAT Video of my Macy's Minneapolis Event:

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Schaumburg Illinois Fashion Event: Mommy Peach, Uncle Nick and Lots of Fashionable Girls!

Chicago: I'm BAAACK!!!

Mommy Peach and Uncle Nick: Peach Carr from Season 8 Project Runway and Nick Verreos, Macy's Woodfield

Last week, in all my getting-ready-to-debut-my-NIKOLAKI Spring 2011 Collection-madness, I flew to Chicago for ONE DAY: I got up at 4 AM, caught a 6AM flight to Chicago, arrived at about 11AM just in time for my Macy's Woodfield Fashion Challenge Event in Schaumburg Illinois.

Macy's Woodfield Mall, near Chicago Illinois

The Village of Schaumburg, as it is officially called, is a suburb of Chicago and very close--thank goodness--to the Chicago O'Hare International Airport--it just took 15 minutes to get there (love that!). I also loved that it was COLD. After being in gorgeous--but hot & humid Miami, Puerto Rico, and 113 Degree LA--it was nice to have some natural air conditioning, let me tell you!

Munchies for Nick, Macy's Woodfield Mall "Green Room"

Upon arrival, I was greeted by a "Green Room" spread of ice-cold water, and a cheese and veggie platter (Thank You Macy's!). But then, my lovely Macy's PR girls told me "Nick, we have a special guest who would like to say Hi": It was Peach Carr (yes, "Mommy Peach" from this season of Project Runway!) We'd never met but had been corresponding via Facebook, so when I saw her, I put down that celery stick and ranch dressing dip and hugged her so hard, I wrinkled her very nicely pressed Military-inspired jacket (very Fall 2010 BTW!).

Here's Peach: Nick Verreos introduces Peach Carr to the Macy's Woodfield Fashion Challenge audience

Once I began my Fashion Challenge Event, of course, you just KNOW that I had to call her out in the audience (she was in the front row with her beautiful daughter) and get her up on the stage and introduce her to everyone! I was so excited to see that the Macy's floor where my event was happening was PACKED:

The packed Macy's Fashion Challenge/Nick Verreos Event at Macy's Woodfield

It was mostly standing room only. I don't think the Macy's organizers expected that many people to show up (maybe it was my LOUD voice yelling on the microphone telling people to "come and take the Macy's Fashion Challenge w/ Nick Verreos!!!!").

Meet The Parents Look, from a Macy's Woodfield audience member

As with all my other Macy's Fashion events, I chose three audience members, gave them "Challenges" such as "How To Dress To Meet your Boyfriend's Parents" and "What Would You Wear To A Red Carpet Event such as Chicago Fashion Week". I gave them 2 minutes to quickly pick our clothes from the racks, style their models and then, the rest of the audience would chose the Winner, who would get a $100 Macy's Gift Card!

Sequined Model: Nick Verreos, audience member and model Erica Milde, of Season 1 Models of The Runway/Project Runway Season 6

In addition to Peach from Project Runway Season 8, one of the models we used for this event looked a little bit familiar to me. So I asked...

And yes, it was Erica Milde from Season 6 (The "LA Season") of Project Runway and from Season 1 of "Lifetime's Model's Of The Runway" (seen in above photo, on the right). She was so sweet and worked the looks the audience members had styled for her very well.

Speaking of the audience: For some reason, I guess I am "big" with the little girls and the tweens (Watch out Justin Bieber!) because they were out in full Fashionista force!

And the Most Fashionable Audience Member Award Goes To: Nick Verreos hugs a "fan" and an audience member, Macy's Fashion Challenge Woodfield Mall

At one point, when I went to hug one of them after taking a photo, she actually cried! I know: Shut The Front Door! So cute. After my event was over, I also held impromptu "What Should You Wear to Your Homecoming Dance" styling sessions with several girls from the audience. It's Homecoming Season and the girls--and their moms--were out shopping and in need of "Nick Tips". Note to Macy's Execs: Bring me back for a "Homecoming Tips Event" next year!

Macy's Midwest Sandwich: Nick Verreos and his Macy's PR Girls

But sadly, soon after my "Homecoming Tips" session, I had to catch my flight back to Los Angeles--yes, all in one day: I arrived at 11AM, and was back at Chicago O'Hare by 5PM! Crazy. Even the American Airlines ticket counter people were like "Didn't we just see you!". Thank you to my lovely Macy's PR Girls (seen above) who were so kind, and so helpful (especially in taking all these photos!).

Click HERE for a fun interview I did with the very stylish Jena Gambaccini of ChiCityFashion.com

Nick Verreos Becomes a Southern Belle in Nashville Tennessee: Macy's Fashion Challenge Event Recap!

Nick Does Nashville: Green Hills "It's A Nice Area", The Rockettes, a Run-In with a Miss Tennessee and Suzie Wong's House of Yum...

Nashville Fashionistas: Nick Verreos poses with one of the Winners of the Macy's Fashion Challenge Green Hills Event (left) and her friend

Last week, A DAY after my Macy's Puerto Rico Event, I flew from San Juan to Nashville Tennessee!!! Yes, I was TIRED but huney, FASHION doesn't understand that word! Unless we are describing an outfit! I landed at almost midnight in Nashville, went to my Airport Marriot Hotel, and asked the lobby how far the "Green Hills" of Nashville was (to be ready for the next day and my event). They said "why?" Of course, I told them I was hosting an event at the Macy's in the Mall at Green Hills. They responded with: "Ohhhh, Green Hills,...THAT'S a NICE AREA!!!". Ummm, OK. I checked in and called it a night.

The next day, I got ready and caught a cab to my event. I told the cab driver: "I need to go to Macy's in Green Hills". He responded "Green Hills!!?? That's a NICE AREA!!" That's the second person who said that! I think that the Green Hills area of Nashville needs to make a new marketing campaign: "Green Hills: It's a Nice Area!". I finally arrived and guess who was at the Macy's at the Green Hills Mall as well?

Reunited: Nick Verreos and The Rockettes, Macy's Green Hills Nashville TN

The Rockettes!!!!!! Well, I just about DIED and went to Gay Xmas Heaven! I hosted a "Kick It With The Rockettes" event--back in Los Angeles--not too long ago at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM, and had a BLAST! And here they are again!!! They just happened to be at the same Macy's I was at, doing an event of their own--promoting their Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular, of course.

Of course, we lit up the Macy's Green Hills "Green Room" doing more high kicks and even doing The Rockettes "salute" (photo above).

Waiting For Nick: The audience at Macy's Green Hills Mall, Nashville TN

I finally got my leg to come down long enough to leave my Rockettes "girlfriends" and mosey on over to the fabulous Macy's Green Hills Impulse Department--and host my Macy's Fashion Challenge" event. The floor was PACKED; hundreds of shoppers, guests and yes, Project Runway fans, filled the seats and kiddies, it was STANDING ROOM ONLY!! Who do I think I am: Tim Gunn? Hardly. But yes, it was a BIG crowd!

The Best Sequin Dress Goes To: Nick Verreos Judges the Macy's Fashion Challenge, Nashville Tennessee

Something about being tired from flying and my crazy airplane itinerary, lack of sleep and those Southern Belles in Nashville...but I ROCKED IT! It was mainly the audience: They were FABULOUS with a Capital "F".

Nick Verreos poses with his Nashville Models (styled by audience members!), Macy's Green Hills Nashville, TN

I consider myself a "Southern Belle" at heart, so I was right at home! One of my Macy's Fashion Challenge Models was a REAL Southern Belle...

She was Miss Tennessee USA 2009, Kristen Motil and a Top Ten Finalist in Miss USA 2009!!!

Model Sandwich: Nick Verreos poses with two of the models, Miss Tennessee 20009 Kristen Motil (left) and Sulivan Mellencamp (right)

Macy's LOVE: Nick Verreos and the Macy's Green Hills Mall Nashville Team

After my event, the wonderful store manager, Patrick Bain, drove me back to my hotel (ain't that sweet!) and gave me a drive-by tour of Nashville. He showed me all the sights, including...

Tootsies bar and lounge, "Music Row" of course...

Also, we drove by the "Musica" Statue and I even got to see...

The Country Music Hall of Fame...well, just the front of it (the poster of Tammy Wynette was enough for me!). That night, two of the lovely Rockettes (sans costumes), Laura Danelski and Alina Williams (a local "Southern Belle" who lives in Nashville) invited me to dinner at...

Suzie Wong's House of Yum. The Executive Chef is Arnold Myint, who was on Bravo's "Top Chef D.C." show. He wasn't there, but there were a lot of cutie waiters! My dinner was DELICIOUS and a perfect ending to my short--but FABULOUS--time in Nashville: The Rockettes, Southern Belle Fashionistas, a great Macy's event at Green Hills ("It's A Nice Area!"), and a little bit of sightseeing? Who could ask for more.