Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's 1st Annual Wine Women And Shoes Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home: The Recap!!!

Nick Verreos Hosts Seattle's 1st Annual Wine Women And Shoes Event to Benefit Seattle Children's Home: The Recap!!!

An "Emerald Evening" in the Emerald City: Seattle!!

Seattle Chic: Nick Verreos with Seattle Diva Fashionista (and friend) Rose Dennis, Seattle Wine Women and Shoes Benefit Four Seasons Seattle

Last Thursday, I flew to Seattle--one of my FAVORITE cities in the US--to host Seattle's "Wine Women And Shoes" Event to benefit the Seattle Children's Home. This was the city's first ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Gala, and well, you can imagine, the pressure was on me, to BRING IT!

I arrived, checked in to my gorgeous Four Seasons Seattle Hotel--site of the event--and after hanging my "ensemble" up in the closet, I went straight to the event Ballroom to check out how all the preparations were going. But there was one HITCH: I realized, as I was unpacking, that I forgot to bring a tie. For now, read on...

How To Make Nick Happy? Check out the Seattle Four Seasons Welcome in my room

Now, before I get any further, I must point out the wonderful "Welcome to the Four Seasons Seattle Spread" that awaited me in my room-- bottle of red wine, shoe-and-wine-shaped cookies and a lovely "Welcome Note" from Four Seasons Seattle Director of Catering Kirk Sugamele. Now, seriously: That's a Welcome!!! I also made a "mental note" of the gorgeous bathtub in my hotel room, thinking "I will end up there after it's all over!" After going through what my duties would be as the Wine Women and Shoes Host-with-the-Most...

Pike Place Nick: Nick Verreos trench-coat'ing it in Seattle's Pike Place Market

I then headed to the iconic Seattle Landmark: Pike Place Market, for some lunch (I just knew I probably wouldn't eat for the next, well...eight hours!!!). I have been in Seattle like half-a-dozen times hosting events--but NEVER, got a chance to come here (I know, shame on me and my previous hosts!!). I did witness the "Flying Fish" guys and it was FAB!!! (those Fish Guys are kinda cute--just a bit smelly thank you very much!).

Now, I was ready to try and remedy my I-Forgot-To-Bring-A-Tie Problem...

Greek Goddess: Maria Christofilis, Founder and Creative Director of Anthousa Collection, Barneys NY Seattle

I had packed a fab suit with a lavender dress shirt but forgot to bring the TIE that went along with my ensemble!!! So, now I was in search of ONE purple/lilac/lavender tie--that would go with my shirt. I walked through Downtown Seattle near my hotel looking for a boutique/store that carried ties (the entire time angry at myself for forgetting to pack one, since I OWN about 150 TIES!!!). I spotted Barneys NY, and thought "OK, THEY will have a chic purple/lilac/lavender tie for me!". I stomped in and before I could head upstairs to the Men's Department, I heard "Nick!!!" I turned around and it was my good old friend, the ever-so-stylish (and my Greek Supermodel Sistah!!) Maria Christofilis, founder and creative director of Anthousa Collection, a luxury line of candles and Home Ambiance Fragrances which I D.I.E. for, and use in EVERY room of my house, studio...you name it , Anthousa is THERE!!!

The Man Who Saved The Night: Barneys NY Seattle Store Manager Christopher Nardi (left) and Nick Verreos, Barneys NY Seattle

She was standing next to a very well dressed man. Anyhow...after our Greek double-kisses, she asked "What are you doing here at Barneys Seattle?". I told her my predicament and before I could sprint to the upper Men's Floor, the man next to her, said "You Can Borrow my Tie...It's Hermes, it's purple-ish, and it's yours tonight!" It turns out that this man next to Maria, was Christopher Nardi, the Store Manager of Barneys NY Seattle and he told me in confidence that there were probably no purple ties upstairs (he would know!!). He was so kind that he actually TOOK OFF his hand-made lilac-colored Hermes tie and handed it to me!!!! Well, how could I not resist? I didn't!!! Now, my outfit was complete.

Lilac Hermes Tie: Nick Verreos on the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" pink carpet Step-and-Repeat, Four Seasons Seattle

The Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event was AMAZING!! I hosted a VIP pre-party--where VIP guests mingled and sampled hors d'oeuvres and champagne and got a fifteen minute (OK, maybe more!) "lecture" from moi, where I spoke of my "Welcome to Seattle Tie Incident" as well as how much I LOVE Seattle, and some DISH on Project Runway.

VIP Posing: Nick Verreos at the "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle Event", Four Season Seattle

Afterward, I headed to the main Ball Room, where over 300 guests tasted lots of delicious wine, and sampled lots of FABULOUS fashions that they could purchase--with some proceeds going to the wonderful Seattle Children's Home.

Seattle Fierce: Nick Verreos with guests at "Wine Women and Shoes Seattle" Four Season Seattle

I spent the next three hours (as guests arrived, sampled delicious canapes and wine, as well as tried on some of the participating vendors' jewelry and shoes)--on a microphone--making my "Red Carpet Commentating" on guests fab shoes, as well as their outfits--and telling them to SHOP, SHOP, SHOP--as well as partake in all the wine!!! I also judged a "Best Shoes" contest and awarded the most "Classy Classic" shoe, as well as best "Stunning Stiletto" and fiercest "Embellishment Extraordinaire" pump. I did a special "Runway Walk" with the winners (I think they loved that!).

Auction Table: A Custom One-of-a-Kind Nick Verreos Fashion Illustration

There was a special Silent Auction--and one of the items up for Auction was a One-of-a-Kind Fashion Illustration sketch by me, that I would sketch right then and there. The highest bidder/winner, a lovely and very fashionable woman by the name of Alana, was so ecstatic (and so SWEET!!) that I decided to do TWO sketches for her--as cameras and guests watched--it felt like one of those "Project Runway" Make-It-Work Moments: Do a Fabulous Fashion Illustration in Fifteen Minutes...Or Else!!

One was my "Vision for her in a Couture NIKOLAKI Gown" from my line (above). And then I decided to sketch her in the outfit she was wearing.

Winning Fashionista: The Winning Bidder, Alana Jan Koetje Morris of Mercer Island Washington...

And the second sketch I did of her

I absolutely had a blast hosting this First Ever "Wine Women and Shoes" Seattle event and I heard--from a little birdie--that the guests--as well as the clients--were also very happy. After a "good job done", I ventured up to my room, ordered in-room dining and passed out! Incidentally, I was so tired I didn't make it into my gorgeous Four Seasons Bathtub in my hotel room! Maybe next time!

*Click HERE for Team Photogenic and their exclusive video and photos of my event.

*Click HERE for more photos from Seattleite Magazine--including the Winners of the "Best Shoes" and more...

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 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