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 Is Coming To Minneapolis Minnesota for Macy's, Saturday Oct. 9Th!!

Well this Friday, I get on another airplane and head to Minneapolis, Minnesota! I'm hosting my Macy's Fashion Challenge Event Saturday October 9Th at the Macy's Southdale Center, in the suburb of Edina about 11 miles from Minneapolis I've been told. Details on what I'll be doing are above on the "Invite".

I'm very excited because this will be my first time in the state of Minnesota. The clients have warned me to bring a coat because it might be cold--I did my research and the "weatherman" says that on Saturday, it will be a high of 69 and a low of 54. Not too cold. Very San Francisco-esque. I'll take that!

I was going to bring my FABULOUS Marc Jacobs Collection parka with fur hood but...I have a feeling A) That might be to heavy for 60 Degree weather and B) The stares from the Minneapolis Airport Security might get me a "Full Body Scan"...

See you in Minneapolis!

CLICK HERE for the article about my Minneapolis Macy's Event visit and a mini-interview I did for Sara Glassman of the Minneapolis-St. Paul MN Star Tribune

The Details of my Macy's Event:
*What: Macy's Fashion Challenge Hosted by Nick Verreos
*Where: Macy's Southdale Center, Edina Minnesota; First Floor Impulse Department
*When: Saturday October 9Th, 2PM
*RSVP: Nope, just come!

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.

Nick Verreos brings Macy's Fashion Director to Tampa Florida this Saturday, April 3rd!!

Macy's Westshore Plaza presents a LIVE Fashion Challenge hosted by ME!!!!!
I will be coming to Tampa Florida and bringing the Macy's Fashion Director Online Competition to LIFE...on a stage and a mini-runway! I will select shoppers to style models with Macy's clothing and accessories showing the top trends for Spring 2010 and possibly have a chance to win a $100 Macy's Gift Card!Now, Tampa is the HEADQUARTERS for the Home Shopping Network/HSN so y'all need to BRING IT ON!!!! If anyone knows style and shopping, it should be Tampa Florida!
I'll be expecting FABUUUUUUULOUSNESS!!! I'm bringing my camera to document it ALL and put it in a future posting right HERE. In other words, you better be looking cute!

Where: Macy's Westshore Plaza Tampa, Florida
When: Saturday April 3rd, 2 PM

Nick Verreos and Macy's: Sacramento California!!!

Double Breasted in "Old Town" Sacramento!!!The Capitol Building in Sacramento California

This last weekend--after Houston and Orlando--I flew to Sacramento, California. No, not to re-style "The Governator", Arnold Schwarzenegger, but to continue my Macy's "Tour" where I host fabulous fashion events at local Macy's promoting their Fashion Director site, and get the shoppers involved by allowing them to take the Macy's Fashion Challenge and put together Spring 2010 looks for "special challenges" and have everyone vote on the Best Look. Nick and His Girls: Nick Verreos with the SF Ford Models, Macy's Sacramento

As I exited the Sacramento International Airport , the weather was GORGEOUS so I was ready to have a stunning event! After getting picked up by the one-and-only Johnny of Johnny's Towncar of Sacramento, we drove straight to my Macy's Sacramento location in the Westfield Downtown Plaza Shopping Center. I made sure to dress very Political Business with a dash of Thurston Howell III (from Gilligan's Island) since after all, I was in the State Capital!Sacramento Peaches: Nick Verreos poses with the Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team

Once there, I got right to business and proceeded to get on the intercom system and began announcing my event: "Hi Macy's Shoppers...It's Nick Verreos, Designer, Project Runway alumn and red carpet fashion expert...come to my Macy's Fashion Director event...and win a Macy's Gift Card!". I also walked outside and into the Mall and passed out invites, telling shoppers to stop by and take the Macy's Fashion Challenge. Bring It On: The Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team bust a move

At one point, I met the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team! They wanted to take photos so in return, I asked them to show me their best move. And they did it, right there IN THE MALL! Audience Snapshot: Nick Verreos Macy's Sacramento Event

I guess all my shenanigans did the trick, because there were over 200 people waiting for me as I made my way onto the stage--including the entire Georgia Dance and Cheerleading Team!You Got The Job: Model showing off the "Interview" look styled by one of the Sacramento audience members, Macy's Sacramento

For Sacramento, there were Three Challenges: 1) Put Together Your Best Interview Ensemble; 2) Style An Outfit to Meet Martha Stewart; and 3) Style an Outfit for a Beyonce Concert. I chose the contestants by pulling names from a hat, and they each had 2 minutes to style their models, provided by the San Francisco division of the esteemed Ford Modeling Agency. Yes, I only travel with THE BEST kiddies! Posin': Stylist Liz Baca and Nick Verreos, Macy's Sacramento

The clothes and accessories were hand-picked by the fabulous Liz Baca, my Macy's Sacramento Stylist and fab Vintage Clothing "Treasure Hunter". She was great in making things easy for me and for the contestants and did a great job to convey the Spring 2010 Macy's Trends. She also happens to be an FIDM San Francisco Graduate of the Merch/Marketing Dept ('98).All The Single Ladies: The Winning "Beyonce Concert" outfit

After the three challenges concluded, it was up to the audience to chose the Overall Winning Look and its winning "Fashion Director". The winner was from the "What Would You Wear To a Beyonce Concert" Challenge. As a result, the winning contestant won a $250 Macy's Gift Card!!! I was told later that she was also the first person to arrive before my event began! Well, you know she was the FIRST PERSON I wanted to take a photo with (see above). Love her! Congratulations to her and her great "fashion eye".
After the event was finished, lots of fans and shoppers alike were waiting for autographs and to take more photos. I was so excited to see one particular one, who had purchased my Project Runway My Scene Barbie on Ebay, bought it, and brought it for me to sign!
Once done with my event, I had several hours before I would catch my flight back to Southern California and my trusty driver Johnny decided to take me into Old Town Sacramento where I enjoyed a nice late lunch, people watched and walked the streets in search for the perfect "Governator" t-shirt. Needless to say, I didn't find one that would go with my Double-Breasted jacket! Maybe next time.

Nick Verreos Visits Orlando Florida and takes over the Macy's at the Millenia Mall!!!

Magic Macy's Kingdom!!!Next on my "Macy's Tour" was Orlando Florida!! I was excited to return to Orlando, since the last time I visited was during my "Prom Dress Tour" a couple of years back when I did a one-time-only line of "Nick Verreos Prom Dresses" for Windsor Fashions and I was making in-store appearances. This time, though , it was all for Macy's! As you know, I am traveling around the country hosting the Macy's Fashion Director events where we have in-store runway shows and get the shoppers and audience involved by letting them take the "Fashion Challenge", put together looks and have a chance to win Macy's Gift Cards to go shopping!
I arrived into my Downtown Orlando Marriott the day before, checked in and got myself acquainted with the hotel's "Sports Bar". Yes, I felt like George Clooney in "Up In The Air"--it was me, in my skinny jeans and vintage LeTigre royal blue polo shirt and TWENTY business men in PLEATED DOCKERS (ouch!) and pressed shirts, drinking beer, talking about the basketball game on the TV screens, while I was trying to look over my next day's hosting notes over my Turkey Club Sandwich. Good times.Orlando Vice: Nick Verreos poses with his Orlando models, Macy's Mall at Millenia, pre-"Make-Overs"

The following day, I headed to the Macy's at the Millenia Mall. I decided that since we were in Florida, I would give a Don Johnson/Miami Vice look with my crisp white jacket, bright blue pants and pink striped shirt. I know, I could just hear Tim Gunn saying now: "That's a LOT of look Uncle Nicky!". I met up with my trusty Macy's Special Events Florida team of Janelle and Rich who were ready and waiting for the show to begin.
Pick Me: The scene at the Macy's Orlando Fashion Director event

The place was packed as I got to meet "my" Models backstage, from the Lisa Maile Image, Modeling and Acting School ,hand-picked by its President, Debbie Tapia. They were ready in their white tees and jeans to get "made over".Model Make-Over: Nick Verreos and his Orlando models after getting a "Fashion Director" Make-Over

There were 3 fun Challenges: What You Wear to a Beyonce Concert?; What Would You Wear to Have Coffee with Your Ex?; and Show Me Your Best Outfit To Meet The In-laws. I pulled two audience members per challenge and the winner of each was voted on by everyone else based upon how loud they were hootin' and hollerin', Orlando style!Dress For a Beyonce Concert: Nick Verreos announces the winner

At one point, when I was deciding on who next to pull (for the "Meet Your Ex Outfit") a woman kept pointing to her daughter and proceeded to explain (teary eyed) how she (the daughter) had just been dumped by her boyfriend (in a crummy way) and so she would be perfect to take this "Fashion Challenge". Well, of course, I picked her! Lo and behold, her daughter WON THE CHALLENGE and a $100 Macy's Gift Card to get new clothes! (photo above) After the event was over, I was happy to pose for photos and sign autographs with everyone. Fashion Instructor: Nick Verreos is flanked with a group of fashion students from IADT Orlando

I was happy to see a very hip-looking group of kids who all wanted photos and were VERY EXCITED to meet me. They all came from IADT/International Academy of Design and Technology Orlando and had been told about me being there and they all showed up to get "A little bit of Nick". Needless to say, I was in HEAVEN!!!!
The evening ended as my clients--the Macy's Special Events DIVAS, Janelle and Rich--took me out to dinner and drinks. It had been a long day and we were A.)Parched and B.) Starving! We ventured into Downtown Orlando--away from the Spring Break tourist madness--and had a fabulous steak dinner at Kres, a restaurant referred to us by our hotel. It was a perfect ending to another great Macy's Fashion Director/Take The Fashion Challenge event.
Next up: Sacramento California!!!