Nick Verreos in Novi Michigan's Twelve Oaks Mall: Macy's "Putting It All Together" event--The Recap!

Detroit Fashion Gals, Michigander Fashionistas, Exclusive Blogging Project Runway Interview...and George Clooney????

Michigander Gals: Nick Verreos poses with Macy's "Putting It All Together" guests (and "Project Runway" fans), Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

This last Friday, I flew to Detroit Michigan to host one of my FAB Macy's "Putting It All Together" events. Just days before, I was in Chicago Macy's State Street and then, had to fly back to LA to take care of some dress-making NIKOLAKI business--and then later in the week, I was back on a plane--to Detroit. I was hosting at Novi Michigan's (about 30 miles from Detroit) Twelve Oaks Mall Macy's the following day--on Saturday.

Upon arriving into Novi, I checked into the very chic "The Baronette Renaissance" Boutique Hotel. I ABSOLUTELY LOVED the decor: It was very Mid-Century Modern Boutique-y. I WANT EVERY piece of furniture for my own home!!!

The Baronette Renaissance Hotel Lobby, Novi Michigan

I've been to many a Boutique Hotel in my "frequent flyer" travels and I must say, The Baronette Renaissance was one of THE BEST! Loved that Lobby, with the fireplace and sectional sofa decor. It was a nice "welcome to Novi" after flying (almost) across the US.

The hotel was designed by David Ashen of d-ash Design and as of now: He is my new Interior Design "boyfriend"! If I had all the money in the world, I would order those chairs in the photo above as well as that glass table with the wooden legs. Love.


I also sneaked a peak into the "Kitchen" area (top photo) of The Baronette Renaissance, which was just as sleek and well-designed as the rest of the lobby--and of course, it's mini-fridge was well-stocked with a Michigan Icon: Faygo Soda, as you can see. I, unfortunately, never got the chance to try one, but...maybe next time!

Look Who's Here: Nick Verreos, Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

But now, it was on to my Macy's "Putting It All Together" Event! The Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi Michigan was abuzz as shoppers gathered around and recognized me as I made my way into the store. Immediately, I told the store manager that I wanted to make an announcement on the intercom and he was happy to make my wish come true.

Novi Stage: Nick Verreos, Macy's "Putting It All Together" event, Twelve Oaks Mall

Soon enough, the First Floor Impulse Department section, which was blocked off for the event, was full with EVERY seat taken and in fact, it became "Standing Room Only". Prior to the event, I was SO excited to see "Tbone" from MY FAVORITE Project Runway Fan Site--Blogging Project Runway--waiting for me--to do an "exclusive" interview and video. It was also great to see my good ol' friend, Lisa Gilpin of GM and formally with Saturn (sponsor of Project Runway!).

Blogging Friends: Lisa Gilpin, Nick Verreos and "Tbone" of Blogging project Runway, Macy's Twelve Oaks Novi Michigan

Naturally, I couldn't contain myself and gave them a big hug--and did the interview (see videos at the end of this posting!). But then, it was time for "Putting It All Together": I chose-- randomly--members from the Macy's audience, to be "Macy's Stylists" and "Put Together" outfits for three challenges...

Including "A Night Out With The Girls", "Brunch With The Girls" and "Shopping With Nick" (above photo). The winners, picked by the rest of the audience, won $100 Macy's Gift Cards while the runners-up got $25 Macy's Gift Cards as well (not bad!).

Contestant Interviewin' : Nick Verreos interviews contestants at the Macy's "Putting It All Together" event, Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan

There were LOTS of Mommies and their daughters and so, of course, at the end, I brought up some of the little future Fashionista/Macy's Top Models and had then do a little Runway Walk on stage with me to cap off this fun Macy's Twelve Oaks "Putting It All Together" event.

I had the BEST time in Michigan with my lovely Michigander DIVAS! I was especially verklempt, when I met a beautiful attendee, Maxine Gardner (above), who actually had a special "Gift" for me: Gorgeous Photo-Cards designed by her!! I couldn't believe it! The fact that someone took the time to come to Macy's and my event and bring me a wonderful gift!? Done and Done! By the way, you can click HERE to see her website and those gorgeous cards from her fundraising company, Artful Vision.

Michigan's Top Models: Nick Verreos with models Caitlyn (L) and Austyn (R), from Real Style Agency, Macy's Twelve Oaks Mall Novi Michigan "Putting it All Together" event

I had a great time and I thank EVERYONE for coming out! And of course, for shopping at Macy's (hello!). But then, I was off to the Detroit Metro Airport to catch my flight back to Los Angeles. Now, I thought my exciting day was over, but...after getting to the airport and checking in, I went through security and had about two hours to waste away. I decided that since I was hungry, I should get a turkey sandwich at the "Waterworks Bar & Grill" at the Delta McNamara Terminal near my gate. As soon as I was about to take my first bite, I look up, and who do I see:

George Clooney and his girlfriend, the beautiful Elisabetta Canalis! Yep, not kidding. In fact, I almost didn't notice him (gray sweater, gray pants, salt-&-pepper hair, glasses) but it was she who caught my eye. She was in jeans, black Ugg boots and sunglasses and no make-up but still, I was like "She's beautiful and...she looks familiar!!! They sat ten feet away, ordered drinks and burgers. The entire kitchen staff was tripping over themselves being all looky-loos. To make a long story short: They were both on my flight back to LA! And yes, the Delta flight attendants, pilot and co-pilot were a MESS! At one point, I wondered if anyone was flying the darn plane because they were all in the front First Class Galley acting like they needed to be there (they were just looking at Mr. Clooney, but pretending not to--it was kinda cute actually!).

It was a very "Hollywood/Celeb Sighting" ending to my fun Detroit Michigan trip. Who knows, maybe next time I visit Novi, I might see Lady Gaga!

Click Below for Blogging Project Runway Interview with Tbone--Part I:

Click Below for Blogging project Runway Interview with Tbone--Part 2:

Nick Verreos Will be in the Detroit Area THIS SATURDAY to Host Macy's "Putting it All Together" Event!!

Watch Out Michiganders...I'm COMING!!!!



Come together and Find Your Magic by Putting it All Together! YOU could be chosen from the audience to participate in the ultimate fashion face-off and win a $100 Macy's Gift Card! Yes, kids, I am flying to Michigan THIS WEEKEND to host the Macy's Putting It All Together Fashion Event".


Join ME THIS Saturday at Twelve Oaks Shopping Center in Novi Michigan in the Macy's First Floor Impulse Department at 2pm. I'll pick lucky contestants from the audience to style models for different scenarios-- from what would you wear to your dream job interview to how would you dress on a night out with the girls. Plus, during the event I will share my "Nick Fashion Do's" and "Dont's" along with my top style tips for Spring 2011.

Here are the DETAILS:

What: Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Putting It All Together" Event

Where: Macy's Twelve Oaks Shopping Center Novi, Michigan
27550 Novi Road Novi MI 48377
1st Floor, Impulse Department

When: Saturday April 9th, 2pm

RSVP: Nope! Just show up!!!

And PS: I'll be taking Pics, signing autographs AND you might make my NICKVERREOS.COM BLOG right HERE!!!

Nick Verreos "Puts It All Together" in the Windy Cindy at Macy's State Street Chicago: The Recap!

Chicago Gets Fashionably Windy!!!

Trench Coat Diva: Nick Verreos in front of Macy's on State Street Chicago

Last weekend I had the FABULOUS opportunity--and pleasure--of flying to Chicago to host a Macy's "Putting It All Together" fashion event at the historic--and iconic--Macy's on State Street, the second largest department store IN THE WORLD, in the historic Marshall Fields building!

Flower Display: Nick Verreos poses outside a Macy's State Street Window Display

After checking into the wonderfully chic theWit Downtown Chicago Boutique Hotel, I got some dinner at the hotel's "State and Lake" Restaurant (I had one of the most DELICIOUS Steak Frites I have EVER had btw!), and even met up with a friend in "Boys Town" (naturally) for some "Welcome To Chicago" cocktails. Soon, it was time for me to head back to the hotel and get some rest for my event the following day.

I had been to Chicago many times--to judge several seasons of that city's Castings of Project Runway and even last year, hosted a Macy's in-store event at the Woodfield location in the outskirts of Chicago in Schaumburg...but NEVER had I stepped foot in the AMAZING Macy's on State! And WOW!!! As I walked in and was told to look up, I witnessed the beyond-incredible Tiffany Dome Ceiling which immediately took my breath away.

Tiffany Dome Ceiling, Macy's State Street

The immensity and elegance of it all. The architecture of the building was incredible. It reminded me of a combination between Galleries Lafayette as well as maybe the Paris Opera House! I almost forgot it was a department store. In addition, they were having their annual Macy's Flower Show, which goes on until April 10th so I was excited to be there just in time to see it!

Spring was definitely in BLOOM at the store with gorgeous displays of flowers of all kinds. My favorite was, of course, the soaring "Tower of Flowers" (see photo above) which was ASTOUNDING to see!!! I felt like Alice in Wonderland...at Macy's!

Spring Flowers at the Walnut Room Restaurant, Macy's on State, 7th Floor

I capped off my quick tour by going to the historic Walnut Room on the 7th Floor (just above that aforementioned Tiffany Dome Ceiling). But then, it was time to get ready to host my "Putting It All Together" event. I asked the Special Event Directors and the Store Manager if they'd mind if I did a little "Shout Out and Mention" on the intercom about the event, in order to remind shoppers to come! And for the FIRST TIME EVER--or so they told me--they allowed someone other than their official intercom event announcer to yes, go ahead and speak! And so I did!!! (Love you Macy's on State!).

The Macy's Accessories Table, "Putting It All Together" Event, Macy's State Street Impulse Department

Well, I guess, that helped a little bit, because upon arriving, the entire Macy's Impulse Department was FILLED with shoppers, tourists, lots of Mommies and their daughters--some sons too!--as well as some Project Runway fans (I "Heart" you!). I was SOOOO excited to do my event!

Cinch The Waist Girls: Nick Verreos on stage, Macy's State Street "Putting It All Together" event

As you may know, "Putting It Together" is an in-store event/fashion show/contest where I chose people from the audience, they get two minutes to style models--using Macy's Spring fashion & accessories that are on nearby racks and tables--for special "challenges" which I pre-selected; such as "Having brunch with your girlfriends" or "Dressing for a Night Out", etc.

A Night Out Outfit: Model shows off a look styled by one of our contestants, Macy's State Street "Putting It All Together" event

The models then change and are brought back out and the audience votes (by hootin' and hollerin') whose outfit was best. The winner gets a $100 Macy's Gift Card while the Runner-Up got a $25 Card. I had such a BLAST doing the event. The entire audience got really into it, which was great!

Who Will I Pick Next? Nick Verreos scans the audience for the next contestant, Macy's State Street "Putting It All Together" event

There were so many cute little girls--all fashion'ed out--that at one point, I called them all up on stage and did an impromptu "Macy's 'Putting It Together' Walk Off"! I think the young ladies--and their mommies--LOVED that! And for a rare moment---I chose A BOY!!! Yes, a boy...to be one of the "contestant/stylists" for one of the challenges. Usually, since the challenges run in the vain of "How would you dress for a Girls Night Out" , (and it's only women's clothing and accessories to chose from) I usually pick women to be the contestants...but I wanted to change it up a bit.

And he WON! (Our male contestant/fashionista above with me) Yeayyyyy for the Boys!!!! We all had a fun time and yes, I can't wait to come back to Chicago and Macy's State Street and "Put It All Together" once again!!!

Bye Windy City...for now!

Click HERE for a fun video and clips for the entire event from Chicago3Media.com

Nick Verreos Will Be In Chicago this Saturday at Macy's State Street!!

Hello Windy City Fashionistas!!!

I'm excited to announce that I will be flying to Chicago this weekend to host a very special "Putting It All Together" Event and Fashion Show at Macy's State Street! EVERYONE is invited--no RSVP needed: ALL of you are VIP! Hello!

I will host a fun event where:
*I will ask members of the audience to style our models in the latest for Spring 2011 for "very special" scenarios--like "How To Dress For A Night Out" to "How To Dress For Your First Date".

*Then, the rest of the audience (make sure to bring your friends and families for applause back-up!) will chose the winners and they will get $100 Macy's Gift Cards!!! (Love that!).

*I'll be giving tips on the "do's" and "maybe not's" for Spring 2011 Fashion as well as What's On Trend.
*If you come out, I'll be taking all the Facebook, Twitter, MySpace pics you want afterward and you might also (an added bonus) end up on my "Macy's Chicago Photo Recap" RIGHT HERE on my BLOG in an upcoming post!!! See you Saturday!

Here Are The Details:
What: Macy's "Putting It All Together" Fashion Event & Contest Hosted by Nick Verreos

Where: Macy's: 111 North State Street Chicago, IL

When: 2pm

RSVP: Just show up!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's "Material Girl" Party with Kelly Osbourne: The FAB Recap!

I HEART MG(Material Girl)...Kelly...and...Macy's!

Macy's Prom Dates: Kelly Osbourne and Nick Verreos onstage, "Material Girl" Party, Macy's Beverly Center (Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)

Last Thursday, I had the great opportunity to host a Macy's "Material Girl" Party and Event and more importantly, officially introduce to Southern California the one-and-only Kelly Osbourne as the new Face for Madonna and daughter Lola's FABULOUS--and very successful--clothing line!

The Right Color Tie: Nick Verreos on the pink carpet of Macy's "Meet Kelly Osbourne/Material Girl" Bash (Photo courtesy of Faye Sadou)

In case you didn't know--I do lots of events for Macy's, traveling across the country and Puerto Rico (LOVED going to La Isla del Encanto last year!), hosting in-store events and fashion shows (next week I'll be traveling to Chicago and the Detroit area to host TWO upcoming Macy's "Putting It Together" Events---more on that soon!!). So, I guess some of the VERY SMART (hee hee!) Macy's execs decided "Hey, let's get Nick to host Kelly Osbourne's 'Material Girl' party!" Done and done...

Look Who's Here! Nick Verreos at the entrance of the "Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne" Party, Macy's Beverly Center

I had never met Kelly officially (a close "Six Degrees of Separation" however, since her co-anchor on E! Fashion police, Giuliana Rancic just wore one of my NIKOLAKI designs on the show!) so I was beyond-excited to finally get to say "Cheers!".

Upon arriving to the Macy's Beverly Center, I headed straight to the Level One Junior's Dept. where it had been transformed into a "Material Girl" Party VIP Lounge (above and below photos) with black-and-white striped couches, flat screen TV's, bubblegum pink pillows, candy jars with lots of REAL candy as well as...

A DJ, Lipstick Reader (she can analyze you by reading your lipstick "kiss") and a High-Definition Photo "booth" rounded out the ambiance of this soon-to-be FAB event! I then went up to where Kelly was holding Media Interviews before the event to give her a hug and tell her what fun we would have together!

Pink Carpet Smile: Nick Verreos Macy's Material Girl/Kelly Osbourne Event

Finally, it was time for the party: Pink Carpet(!), TONS of photographers and press, as well as a Packed house of many many young girls--and their moms--waiting to meet Kelly and see this season's new "Material Girl" collection (exclusively at Macy's!!).

Fashionista Girl: Kelly Osbourne, Material Girl Event Macy's Beverly Center

The press went KRAZEE with flashbulbs snapping a mile a minute the second she stepped on the carpet, wearing a cropped chambray denim shirt, polka-dotted and flower-print skirt ensemble--all from the "Material Girl" line of course!

Le Smooches: Nick Verreos introduces Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center (Photo Courtesy of Faye Sadou)

I finally introduced Miss Kelly as the NEW FACE of the line and brought her onstage for a fun tête-à-tête (Francais for "head-to-head" or conversation). I asked her all the questions EVERYONE in the audience wanted to ask...

The Kelly-Nick Show: Nick Verreos interviews Kelly Osbourne, "Material Girl" Party Macy's Beverly Center

Questions like: When did Kelly first meet Madonna? What was it like when her and daughter Lola asked her to be the new Spokesmodel? Who are her Style Muses? What is she listening to--music wise--and what is her next project. This Q & A portion of the party was soon followed by questions to the audience--that had to do either with Madonna, Lola, Kelly or the "Material Girl" line--and those who answered correctly, won $50 Macy's Gift Cards!! (Hello!!!)

Denim & Flowers: A look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011

Then of course, it was time for the FASHION--and the exclusive "Material Girl" fashion show!! Ten beautiful models hit the runway showing the latest styles from the collection. In case you want to know what's HOT for Spring 2011 "Material Girl":

Paper Bag: A Look from "Material Girl" Spring 2011

Washed-and-distressed denims, "Flower Power" prints, hippie-chick meets rocker girl, neon colors, bubblegum pinks, yellows, black-and-whites, minis, leggings, patent pumps, and PILE On the jewelry! Think 1984 Pat Benatar with a little Joan Jett with a dose of Cyndi Lauper thrown in to the mix and yes, of course, some Madonna.

Material Girls: Nick Verreos and Kelly Osbourne, flanked by models wearing "Material Girl" Collection, Macy's Beverly Center (Photo courtesy of JackFleming.com)

The event was a complete success and I sure as heck ain't lying when I say: I HAD SOOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!! I loved and enjoyed every minute! Miss Kelly Osbourne was so sweet, so effusive with her excitement and a class act! Huney, we could have spent TWO more hours discussing fashion, the 80's and how much we LOVE Madonna and the Material Girl line!!!

Is My Tie On STRAIGHT? Nick Verreos and David Paul in the "Material Girl" Party HD Photobooth

After the Q & A, Fashion Show and Macy's Gift Card Contests were over, the party continued and... of course, my NIKOLAKI design partner--and better half--David Paul, and I were "coaxed" into the HD Photobooth, where, yes, we tried out our "Vogue'ing" as an homage to Miss Madonna. Two Material Boys workin' it! Or so we think :)

Photo Courtesy of JackFleming.com

Until next time...Thank you to EVERYONE who attended!!!! And Congrats to all the winners of the Macy's $50 Gift Cards (I'm jealous!)

*Click HERE to read all about the event--with additional great photos--on California Apparel News' ApparelNews.net BLOG

And...Click Below for videos of my Q & A with Kelly Osbourne at the Macy's Beverly Center "Material Girl" party...as well as...the madness of the Photographers/Press when Kelly hit the Pink Carpet!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's "Material Girl" Event with Kelly Osbourne and a Material Girl Fashion Show!

Material Girls...and Boys!!!!
I am SOOO EXCITED to announce that I am MC'ing an event with the ONE and ONLY Kelly Osbourne---to formally introduce Miss Kelly as the NEW Face of Material Girl--Madonna and daughter Lola's very successful line exclusively at Macy's! In case you didn't know: I LOVE me some Kelly Osbourne and yes, I LOVE me some Madonna and Lola (Hello!! What part of "Nick" did you not understand???).

Fashion Designer and Style Expert Nick Verreos will MC "Material Girl" Event at Macy's with Kelly Osbourne (photo courtesy of Alex J. Berliner/ABImages)

So... yes,I will be on hand THIS Thursday night, at Macy's Beverly Center to introduce Miss Kelly as well as serve as MC to a fun party with DJ, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a "Material Girl" fashion show!!! In addition to all that...Kelly and I will also be there to give the audience advice on trends, what to wear and what not to wear...and there will even be a chance to win Macy's Gift Cards!!!

Here are the Details:
What:
Macy's Beverly Center rolls out the red carpet for TV personality, fashion authority, author and now the new face of the Material Girl Collection- Kelly Osbourne! A party with DJ, cocktails, food, photo booth, red carpet and much more...
For more info: Click HERE

When:
Thursday March 24th 6:30-8:30 PM
Where:
Macy's Beverly Center 9500 Beverly Blvd West Hollywood CA 90048-6201 Juniors Dept. on Level 1
RSVP:
Nope, just show up!!!! Get there EARLY! And Dress FABULOUSLY!!!

See you Thursday Night!!!!!

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