Fashion's Night Out NYC: Come Say "Hi" in NYC Thursday September 6, Lord & Taylor 6-11PM !

Fashion's Night Out NYC: Come Say "Hi" in NYC Thursday September 6, Lord & Taylor 6-11PM !

FNO Fab!

This week, as a lot of you fashionistas know, is time to get ready for Fashion's Night Out. For the fourth year in a
row, designers, models, fashion editors, celebrities and, of course,
shoppers will once again flock to their favorite stores for an
extravagant night of shopping, champagne and exclusive FNO events which are happening ALL over the World. In NYC, the celebration
marks the kickoff to New York Fashion Week and the festivities all happen on Thursday, September 6, from 6
to 11pm.

 Nick Verreos hosting Macy's Aventura Mall's Fashion's Night Out 2010 Event

American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York created Fashion's Night Out in 2009 as a
collaboration intended to celebrate fashion, restore consumer
confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in
shopping. Proceeds from sales of official FNO gear will benefit the New
York Community Trust's New York City AIDS Fund. For the last several years, I have had the pleasure of hosting FNO events in several cities/malls/department stores including Charleston West Virginia in 2011 and Miami in 2010.

 Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue, NYC

This year, I have the extreme pleasure of being part of the Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Fashion's Night Out 2012 event occurring yes, at the Lord & Taylor Fifth Avenue Fifth Avenue Flagship in NYC!

The night's FNO "headliner" is the ever-so-fabulous Kim Kardashian, who will be exclusively at the store, signing her True Reflection fragrance bottles for fans. She'll be there from 7-9 PM. I had a fun pleasure of working with Kim several years back while doing an Academy Award Pre-Show for E! Entertainment:

Nick Verreos and Kim Kardashian (with then E! Entertainment's Debbie Matenopoulos--my "Greek Sister from Another Mister"!)

But, Miss Kim Kardashian isn't the only highlight of Lord & Taylor's Fashion's Night Out NYC party--we--the Project Runway alumn/designers who created the first ever Project Runway Collection--will also be there--and yes, that means, me too!

 Nick Verreos for Project Runway/Lord & Taylor Collection Dress

 So, when you are done with getting Miss Kim's autograph and photo for your Facebook....come see us---we will be on another floor getting our "Project Runway" fun on, unveiling our dresses--which are exclusively at Lord & Taylor's Fifth Avenue Flagship (as well as on their shopping website). I hear, there will be lots of fun activities that Lord & Taylor has in store---plus the fact that--at least for me--I'll be there to take all the FB and Twitter pics you want! I will be joined by the other first ever Project Runway Collection designers, including:

Season One Winner Jay McCarroll (right)...

All Stars Season One Winner Mondo Guerra (right)...

Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson and Season 9 designer Bert Keeter, among others

SEE YOU THURSDAY NIGHT!!!



Details:

WHAT: Lord & Taylor NYC Fashion's Night Out



WHERE: Lord & Taylor Flagship

                 424 Fifth Avenue (between 38th and 39th Street)

                 New York NY, 10018



WHEN: September 6, 2012, 6-11 p.m.

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

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

FASHION MONDAYS: Beyonce in Paris: A Fashion Show EVERY DAY!!!

FASHION MONDAYS: Beyonce in Paris: A Fashion Show EVERY DAY!!!

Beyonce in Paris: It's a Catwalk EVERY DAY!!!

Beyonce poses for a Harper's Bazaar shoot at The Ritz Paris balcony

Miss Beyonce is in Paris for a Harper's Bazaar shoot--and enjoying the City of Lights with her hubby Jay-Z and family. They arrived last Monday and are--according to some sources--staying at the LUXE Hotel Le Meurice and purportedly, spending about $20,000 a night on the Penthouse Suite. To them, $20,000 a day is like withdrawing the $40 Fast Cash at the ATM, I am sure!

Sun Goddess: Beyonce in the Harper's Bazaar shoot, wearing Gucci Fall 2011, in The Ritz Paris balcony

Over the weekend, she was spotted doing that aforementioned Harper's Bazaar shoot on the balcony of another tony hotel, The Ritz. She was wearing a sexy black silk chiffon halter gown with red "rose petal" torso detail from Gucci Fall 2011.

Pumps in Disneyland Paris? Yep, when you're Beyonce

Throughout the week, Miss Beyonce has been giving FASHION in the World's Fashion Capital. Only Miss THANG would go to Disneyland Paris and wear black 6" Stiletto BOOTS, black drop-crotch pants and a jersey muscle tee---ALL DAY!!! Everyone else goes to Disney Amusement Parks in shorts and sneakers....But not Miss Beyonce! (well, and I wouldn't either, to tell you the truth!). I love how she added her own "pedestrian touch" by sportin' that fun "Goofy" baseball cap. Cute!

Just Woke Up Look: Beyonce looks for her Morning Croissants

Next, she was also spotted in Paris in a side-baring black jumpsuit and (once again), her favorite accessory: SKY-high heels!!! Notice the skin-colored under bustier.

Let me guess: She was just getting her Morning Coffee and Croissants??? This is what I would wear, wouldn't you?

Le Sexy: Beyonce in Paris

Then, on another Paris outing, Miss Beyonce continues her "I'm in Paris and I am GIVING SEXY!", when she was seen in a very mini side draped printed dress, a big handbag, sunglasses, her iphone and THAT ring!

Let's see: Where could she be going in this little cocktail number? I say, she's going for a Brie Cheese run at the local grocery store. Not.

Prim and Proper: Beyonce in Marc Jacobs Fall 2011 polka-dotted dress

And finally, we'll end our "Beyonce in Paris" fashion tour on a prim and proper note: Here she is in a green-and-red mini-polka dotted dress with a high neck and below-the-knee hovering skirt which she wore yesterday for her Parisian Easter Brunch. Very 1940's and very NOW I must say.

Au Revoir Beyonce!

Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Nick Appearance Minute: Hosting a VIP Luncheon and Shopping Day in Las Vegas for Crystals at CityCenter--The Recap!

Vegas Fab:

Vegas Fashion Boy: Nick Verreos--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

A couple of weekends back, I had the pleasure of flying to Las Vegas to host a fun-and-fabulous luncheon, Trend Lecture, as well as a VIP Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Experience for Barrett-Jackson.

This very special day was organized by the very luxurious Crystals at CityCenter--home of all the TOP high-end boutiques in the World including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Tom Ford...you name it, they are there! Barrett-Jackson is the Worlds Greatest Car Collector Auction and while I was there, they were having one of their amazing Barrett-Jackson Collector Car events.

 Las Vegas View--from my suite at the Vdara  Resort Hotel & Spa

 Vdara Hotel & Spa Products

While the husbands/boyfriends/fathers are seeing the cars, the Barrett-Jackson ladies were treated to a VIP Luncheon and Shopping with moi! I arrived the day before the event and I checked into the very chic Vdara Resort Hotel & Spa. It is an all-suite hotel--the only non-smoking-no casino resort in "Sin City". I absolutely loved it. My room was AMAZING, I have to say, and such a shame my NIKOLAKI Partner David Paul--or our Benny--couldn't have joined me! After a nice afternoon swim in the resort pool, I grabbed some dinner and went to bed (no gambling for me, kids!) and got ready for the following day's events...

 Striped Fashion: Nick Verreos at Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The next day, I was ready to host this fun VIP Luncheon and Crystals at CityCenter Shopping Day. This was my very first time there and Oh Lordy: Crystals is truly unbelievable. It's like being in a Dubai shopping center...and I've never even been there (to Dubai, that is, but I assume!).

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Ready for Fall: Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas--The shopping center was ready for Fall with lots of decorations including HUGE hanging leaves and oversized jack-o-lanterns with flower-filled pumpkin heads.



First up: VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon and Trend Lecture at Social House:

Welcome Ladies! Nick Verreos Hosts the VIP Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas 

Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

The Barrett-Jackson ladies were at Crystals at CityCenter Restaurant, Social House, already enjoying their pre-lunch ice teas, as I walked in and began the Hosting-with-the-Most Luncheon.

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Assouline Book Presentation VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon at Social House--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

The ladies enjoyed a presentation from Becky Zander of Assouline unveiling "The Ultimate Car Book" to the ladies as well as a gorgeous book about fashion (which, I, naturally, was SO interested in!--bottom photo).

Barrett-Jackson VIP Luncheon Ladies--Social House Restaurant Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

After introducing myself to the guests and going from table to table
giving them Trend and Fashion advice (not that they needed it!) as well
as "How To Dress For Your Size" lecture, I also had a chance to take photos with the ladies and talk FASHION, Project Runway and yes, give them some "Hollywood Dish"...

Birkin and Couture: Nick Verreos with guests at the Barrett-Jackson VIP Social House Restaurant Luncheon--Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Soon, it was time to do some of my "Nick Magic": I held an impromptu "Barrett-Jackson Catwalk Contest" with three of the ladies in attendance.

 Photos Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Barret-Jackson Divas: I chose--by accident--three of the TALLEST ladies there (see left photo above). I first did my "Nick Runway Walk" (yes, right then and there at Social House) and then, it was up to the Barrett-Jackson Ladies to strut their COUTURE walks:

Las Vegas Runway Walk Instructing: Nick Verreos at Social House Restaurant, VIP Barrett-Jackson Luncheon Crystals at CityCenter Las Vegas

 Photo Courtesy of Al Powers Powers Imagery

Then...it was onto SHOPPING at Crystals:



After the VIP Luncheon at Social House, I had the pleasure of joining the ladies on a Shopping Tour of Crystals at CityCenter. We went to all the fabulous boutiques including:

Tom Ford Las Vegas: Live modeling at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter; Shoes at Tom Ford, Crystals at CityCenter

 Tom Ford Boutique--Crystals at CityCenter; Actress Gwyneth Paltrow Academy Awards 2012 in Tom Ford

Gwyneth Gown: at Tom Ford, we got to see--and touch--the famous "Gwyneth Oscar Gown" --a white silk crepe cape and one shoulder gown style which the actress wore at this year's Academy Awards. They had several color ways hanging perfectly on the store's rack.

We also stopped at Prada and got a very VIP presentation in their exclusive VIP sitting room--the Prada boutique in Crystals at CityCenter is one of the largest, by the way!

Trevi Fountain Nick Verreos: And yes, I had to go into the Fendi boutique and pose by the Trevi Fountain reproduction--right INSIDE the store!!!

I had an ABSOLUTE BLAST with the Barrett-Jackson Ladies--hosting the luncheon, giving them my "Fashion Tips", and yes, VIP Shopping with them! I have a feeling they also had a really good time (I hope!)  

A Big "Thank You" to the wonderful Barrett-Jackson ladies, all the retailers at Crystals at CityCenter for being so accommodating (and FABULOUS--Thanks for all that Champagne!) and yes, Crystals at CityCenter for being the MOST LUXE shopping center!

Click HERE for a fun interview I did with Crystals at CityCenter