The "Project Style 2012" National Winner Is...

The "Project Style 2012" National Winner Is...

April Yang !!!

April Yang, Winner of "Project Style 2012"

Last week, we crowned our National Project Style 2012 Winner! She is April Yang! April is 19 years old and hails from Murrieta CA. She attends Palomar College where she studies Fashion Design and Visual Merchandising. April also has a fun Fashion & DIY YouTube Channel  that has recently hit over 31,000 subscribers and
over 4 million views (!).

Style Trois: Nick Verreos, April Yang and "Project Style 2011 Promendae Temecula" winner Lexi Laura

"Project Style" is a
national contest organized by Forest City Centers to
find the Next Top Trendsetter of the Country. Selected Forrest City Centers/Malls across the Country held local competitions looking for the next great Stylista--someone who could style a fab outfit using shopping gift cards. They also had to put videos of their outfits up for people to vote.

 Nick Verreos, Project Style 2012

The top vote-getters then got  the chance for a "Live Style Off" at their local malls--some of which I had the pleasure of hosting! The winner of each "Live Style Off" received a Shopping Gift Card worth $1,000 and a chance for the National Prize--

A trip to NYC, attend a NY Fashion Week fashion show, a SoHo shopping trip (both with me!) and lots more!

 Nick Verreos Hosting "Project Style 2012" Promenade Temecula

Now, back to our winner: April Yang happens to be the Winner of Promenade Temecula's "Project Style" which I had the honor of hosting as well as judging not too long ago. At the time, she showed all of us (myself and the other judges) her individual style, great eye for color and professionalism. She also brought a HUGE crowd of family and friends to support her at the time--with big ol' posters and photos.

April Yang, Winner of Promenade Temecula's Project Style 2012 "Live Style Off" and National Winner

Subsequently, she was crowned "Project Style 2012 Temecula Mall" Winner, which put her in the running for the overall National Finals. She then competed against 14 other "Project Style 2012" regional winners for the Grand Prize. They all had to submit videos, photos and explanations on their outfits.

Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos--Project Style 2012

I've been part of "Project Style" for several years now and this year, I was made their Official Co-Spokesperson--along with the gorgeous and fabulous--Jeannie Mai of Style Network. Jeannie and I were two of the three Final National Judges. The other esteemed judge was:

Jane Lisy, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Forest City, recognized by the industry for her award-winning retail leadership and
technology experience with shopping centers

Each of the 15 finalists received a $200 mall gift card and were challenged to create the ultimate outfit/ensemble that best represented their sense of style. We judged on Concept, Creativity, Sense of Style, Presentation and Fashion Knowledge, giving the stylistas scores for each of the five criteria. It was a really difficult decision to pick a Winner and trust me, we deliberated for a very long time. The scores were very, very close. But finally, we all agreed on April as our Project Style 2012 National Top Trendsetter.

Here are Photos of April's Winning Look:

 

April Yang, Project Style 2012

Here are excerpts of what she said about her Project Style 2012 Winning Outfit:

"The
juxtaposition of contrasting textures is a classic design aesthetic for
beautiful architecture. My outfit is inspired by the soft curves, hard
lines, and ornate details of the buildings at Balboa Park in San Diego. I
layered a denim button up underneath a black body-con dress to create a
mix of textures between the leather and the denim...The body-con dress is feminine because of its fitted
style but I loved how the leather cut-outs on top give it an edge. This
created a very structured look which is why I decided to choose jewelry
with soft lines. I kept my shoes a neutral color to draw the attention
first on my outfit and then down to my shoes. The contrasting textures
of my clutch sums up my theme and brings harmony to the overall look"

She went to Forever 21, Reflection, Macy's, Charming Charlie and H & M for her outfit.



Congratulations to April and to all the other finalists in "Project Style 2012"! April: see you in NYC next year! Can't wait--we'll have SOOOO much fun!

Click Below to watch April's Winning Video:

Project Style Minute: "Project Style" Promenade Temecula Live Style Off--The Recap!

Project Style Minute: "Project Style" Promenade Temecula Live Style Off--The Recap!

Hot Style:

Presenting Promenade:  Nick Verreos Hosts Project Style 2012 Promenade Temecula (wearing one of my FAVORITE bow ties from the Hugh Simms line!!!)

This past weekend, I hosted--and judged--the MOST FABULOUS "Project Style 2012" Live Style Off Competition at Promenade Temecula. As you may know--if you've been following me here on my BLOG (and elsewhere), I am the Official Co-Spokesperson for "Project Style 2012" (along with Style Network's Jeannie Mai).

 Nick Verreos, Promenade Temcula Project Style 2012

Project Style is a fun contest created by Forest City Shopping Centers, giving future Trendsetters and Stylistas across the USA a chance to shop, style and show...their looks in a video--and then, have a chance to win $1,000 Shopping Spree. And this year, there's even a BIGGER Grand Prize for the Winner of all the Regional competitions: a trip to NYC and to attend Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013 with me and to go shopping and much more.

Now let's get to the Temecula Live Style Off:

 

I arrived to Temecula's Promenade Shopping Center in style--via a limo, and then onto a red carpet (LOVE that!). And then it was time for PROJECT STYLE. 

 Promenade Temecula Project Style 2012 Finalists (Left to right): Ashley Barre, April Yang, Blake Keif, Dana Menard and Kristina Horlock

This year's Promenade Temecula Live Style Off occurred outdoors right in front of the Edwards Cinemas. It was about 100 degrees HOT but I was thankful to have a shaded stage. I immediately introduced the Four Finalists and the "Wildcard"--(left to right, above photo) Ashley Barre, April Yang, Blake Keif, Dana Menard, and Kristina Horlock to a WILD audience...

Project Style 2012 Promenade Temecula Fans

I think that EACH Finalist brought a fan club of family/friends of 10+ people--with big poster-sized photos and signs supporting their favorite. It was like being at a Miss USA Pageant when one looks out in the audience and there are big signs saying "We LUV U Miss Minnesota", or "Go Miss Texas!". It was the CUTEST thing! Needless to say, the 100 degree weather did not stop the crowd at Promenade Temecula from being "pumped" with excitement!

 Promenade Catwalking: "Project Style 2012" Host Nick Verreos doing his catwalk,--Promenade Temecula Project Style 2012

I began the contest with doing my traditional "Nick Catwalk Blessing"--doing a "Runway" walk onstage so the Finalist would A) Know what to do, and B) Show off my runway walk LOL!

Judges Corner: last year's winner Lexi Laura (left) and Barbara Contreras (right)--from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Orange County--Promenade Temecula Project Style 2012

The judges for the contest included last year's Project Style Promenade Temecula Winner, Lexie Laura; FIDM Rep Barbara Contreras; Marketing Director of Promenade Temecula Kym Espinosa; David Paul (my NIKOLAKI Design and Business Partner) and me!



Here are the FIVE Finalists:



An hour prior to the Live Style Off, each Finalist was given a $200 Promenade Mall Gift Card to shop and put together an outfit of their choice and now, it was their chance to SHOW IT OFF--in front of this HUGE audience of family, friends, shoppers plus of course, the judges...

April Yang (left) and Ashley Barre (right)

Blake Keif (with jacket and without)

Dana Menard (left) and Kristina Horlock (right)

 Project Style Interview : Nick Verreos interviews Finalist Ashley Barre (above photo)--after they did their catwalk session, then it was onto the interview portion (yes, very "Miss USA"!) where I asked them why they chose the particular garments, where they shopped, how much they spent and to explain why they love fashion and style

After one last "Who's Your Favorite Hoot and Holler" from the audience, I joined the rest of the judges to deliberate and then...it was time to announce the WINNER....(drum roll!):

Style Winner: Project Style 2012 Promenade Temecula Winner April Yang (middle) joined by Nick Verreos and Lexi Laura, last year's Project Style Promenade Temecula Winner

April wore a coral-colored jacket with gold details, white blouse, black knit skirt, apple green-colored thin belt, bright blue pumps and clutch purse. The judges loved her sense of style, pops of color and how she looked ready for a job as a assistant at a fancy fashion magazine!

April Yang Fan Club: afterward, I posed with the Winner and her Fan Club--as seen from the photo above---I absolutely LOVE that she brought them all out to support her! Check out her little brother holding up a big ol' photo of his sister April! Soooo CUTE!

 Photo-Op: Finalist Blake Keif with Nick Verreos--Promenade Temecula Project Style 2012 Live Style Off

 Nick Verreos--Project Style 2012  Live Style Off Promenade Temecula

Congrats to the Winner--and all the Finalists--EVERYONE did a fantastic job and trust me, it was difficult to chose a Top Trendsetter since, I personally thought that they were ALL Top Trendsetters! I had such a BLAST in Temecula and I especially thank the audience, friends and family members for BRINGING IT ON, when it came to the level of excitement!!! It made my job so much easier--and more fun!

Project Style Promenade TEMECULA: THIS SATURDAY September 29, 3 PM, "Project Style Live Style Off"!

Project Style Promenade TEMECULA: THIS SATURDAY September 29, 3 PM, "Project Style Live Style Off"!

Attention Temecula Fashionistas!

Nick Verreos will HOST Project Style 2012 Live Style Off at the Promenade Temecula THIS Saturday

It's that time again for the Project Style Live Style Off at the Promenade Temecula Forest City Shopping Center ! Join me THIS Saturday September 29 at 3PM as I host this year's Live Style off, where five finalists will compete for the Top Trendsetter title and $1,000 Promenade Temecula Shopping Spree prize!!!

Last year, I hosted this very same contest at the Promenade Temecula and let me tell you, I had a BLAST!!! So many people came out to see the Live Style Off and as usual, I had a great time doing my post-competition Meet-and-Greet and taking all the Facebook and Twitter photos I could!

These were last year's finalists (above photo) and they BROUGHT IT when it came to their looks so I really hope this year's Finalist will OUTDO them!! I'm looking forward to that! And I hope that Temecula shoppers will also BRING IT!! And out-do last year's audience!!! And don't forget, I'll be doing a Recap right here on my BLOG so you might become "semi-style famous" by coming out and maybe making it into my Style Blog!

Nick Verreos with last year's Project Style 2011 Promenade Temecula Winner

DETAILS:

What: Project Style 2012 Live Style Off

Four finalists will compete in a live Style Off fashion event at the mall, with a chance to win a $1,000 mall shopping spree!
The winning stylist from each participating mall's Style Off will
compete in a National Style Off where Nick Verreos & Jeannie Mai will help
select one national winner to attend the Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week in New York City! Plus, Nick Verreos will take the Grand Prize
Winner on a shopping district tour to discover emerging trends in Soho
and design a personal wardrobe sketch.

Where: Promenade Temecula, JCPenney Court 

              40820 Winchester Road

              Temecula CA 92591

When: Saturday, September 29 2012 at 3:00 pm

See You There!!!!       

Project Style Minute: Project Style Live Style Off South Bay Galleria: The Recap!

Project Style Minute: Project Style Live Style Off South Bay Galleria: The Recap!

South Bay Galleria Trendsetter Fab!

Ready Set, Project Style GO: Nick Verreos arrives at South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach CA, to co-host Project Style 2012 Live Style Off

It's PROJECT STYLE Live Style Off time at various Forest City Centers across Southern California--and the US--and two weeks ago I had the honor of co-hosting--along with Style Network's "How Do I Look?" host Jeannie Mai--South Bay Galleria's edition of this fun and fabulous style competition.

Hosts With the Most: Project Style 2012 Spokespersons and Host Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai



As you may know, both Jeannie Mai and I are the Official Spokespersons of Project Style 2012 and back in March, we shot a fun video, encouraging Trendsetters/Stylistas to put together looks, style themselves, shoot a mini video and put it up on the Project Style website--to eventually have a chance to win the Top Trendsetter prize and a $1000 Shopping Spree from the participating malls/centers. Then, all the 15 regional winners will go on to compete NATIONALLY for the Grand Prize--a trip for two to New York City during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week next year!

Nick Verreos, Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Live Style Off

Now, back to South Bay Galleria's Live Style Off...I began the event with some fun introductions, and greeting all the shoppers, guests and family members/loved ones of the finalists who were all gathered at the Center Court of South Bay Galleria. I also had to do my traditional "Runway Blessing" (so none of the finalists would have a runway malfunction while on stage)...

You Better Work: Nick Verreos begins the Project Style South Bay Galleria Live Style Off with a "Catwalk Blessing" doing a little runway walk of his own while the Finalists look on

Joining Jeannie and I to judge today was Sean Dennison (above far right) Personal Stylist manager of Nordstrom South Bay Galleria. Sean was really great in bringing his years of expertise and insight on styling to help in deciding who would win the Final Live Style Off prize of a $1000 South Bay Galleria Shopping Spree.



The Finalists:

Left to right: Christy Chen, Jennifer Gonzalez, Tori Thompson, Brittany Donaleshen, and Chigo Ikeme--on stage, Center Court South Bay Galleria

Each of them got to do a runway walk showing their outfits that they put together:

Left to right: Christy Chen, Jennifer Gonzalez

Left to right: Chigo Ikeme, Tori Thompson, and...

Brittany Donaleshen

Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai interviewing Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria finalists

Interview Portion: After their catwalks, Jeannie and I had a "one-on-one" interview asking each finalist about their looks, where they went shopping, their reasoning behind each look and how much did they spend (each was given a budget of $200 to shop in the mall/center).



Then it was Decision Time. And The Winner Is...

Tori Thompson!! (above, being interviewed by hosts Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai) Tori is a budding fashionista, stylist and blogger (she has a great blog called MyThriftyChic.com--you can click HERE to check it out)--Her winning outfit consisted of a very Fall-appropriate sweater, grape-colored skinny jeans, a printed blouse, stacked pumps and a FAB oversized clutch with metal studs. We, the judges, felt that her look was pulled together and was perfectly styled. She also utilized the most out of the money that was given to her to shop and style herself.

Winning Style: Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Tori Thompson joined by judge Sean Dennison of Nordstrom, and hosts/co-judges Jeannie Mai and Nick Verreos

Not only did she win the $1000 South Bay Galleria Shopping Spree prize, she also won the Fan Vote--where we asked their friends, shoppers and attendees to text their favorite contestant to a number and the one who received the most votes won "Fan Favorite", and $500 Galleria shopping spree. So, Tori won a total of $1500! You Go Girl!



After all the Congrats--we all posed for some fun photos and then Jeannie and I had a great Meet-and-Greet with shoppers, attendees and took lots of photos and signed autographs--Here are some of those pics:

MC of Style: Nick Verreos with the Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Finalists and Winner

Nick Verreos and Jeannie Mai with Project Style attendee and fan--Amy Taylor--South Bay Galleria

Project Style 2012 South Bay Galleria Finalist Chigo Ikeme (and one of my biggest Twitter followers--Love her!) Photo Collage (check out those FIERCE wedge booties!!)

Style Smiles: Mandy Faura, NIKOLAKI co-designer David Paul, Nick Verreos and Rita Verreos--South Bay Galleria