Nick Appearance Minute: Nick Hosts Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge": The Recap!

Bienvenido a Miami!!!

Peachy Nick: Nick Verreos hosts Macy's "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" Spring 2012, Miami International Mall

Over the weekend, I flew out to Miami to host a fun event for Macy's at the Miami International Mall. In the past, I've traveled to many cities to host these in-store events for Macy's--including Miami--so I was happy to be back! The event, entitled "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" incorporates a Spring/Summer 2012 fashion show showing all the trends of the season to help customers get Style Ready for the season.

Pink Carpet Ready: Nick Verreos hosting the Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

In addition, there's also a "Contest", where customers get to play "Stylist for a Day" and dress models using clothes from Macy's for specific challenges ("What would you wear to an Office Interview", for example). And they have to do this in TWO MINUTES (yowsah!). Then, the models change into these outfits, come back out and the public/customers vote (by hootin' and hollerin') on which Stylist For a Day did a better job. The overall winner receives a $100 Macy's Gift Card!!

Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" stage and runway

Upon arriving to the Miami International Mall Macy's, I went straight to the area where I would be MC'ing this fun event. The stage looked SUPER fab--and so did the bright pink carpet runway and audience chairs and "goodies" on them! Speaking of goodies...

Sweets for Nick

Waiting for me in the Macy's "Green Room" where these yummy cookies (notice the "Macy's Red Star" ones!) for me to have while I studied my note cards to host the event. The great Macy's staff even got me some really strong Cuban coffee, a "Cortadito", which is pre-sweetened espresso with steamed milk. So, now I was READY!!! (and probably would be up until next Wednesday for that matter!).

Swimsuit Host: Nick Verreos flanked by his Macy's Models (Left to Right), Aleman, Lauren, Ariana, April (above Nick) and Vila, Macy's Miami International Mall

I began the event by welcoming the audience in both Spanish and English--it's MIAMI after all--and then went right into a Spring/Summer 2012 Bathing Beauties Fashion Show showing all the latest in swimwear available at Macy's on our fabulous models Aleman, Vila, Ariana, April and Lauren.

Swimsuit Shot: Model Ariana modeling latest in swimwear styles for Spring/Summer 2012, Macy's Miami International Mall

Suit Runway: Here's a shot of the "Work Scene" runway segment, where I introduced "Office-appropriate" styles during my "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event, Macy's Miami International Mall--this fashion segment coincided with one of the challenges I gave for the "Macy's Fashion Challenge" contest, "What Would You Wear for a Job Interview".

Grecian Goddess Trend: Nick Verreos describes a Spring/Summer 2012 Prom Trend, Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

We also had an "Evening Affair" segment--which again, coincided with one of the "Fashion Challenges" in the competition: "What Would You Wear to an Evening Gala, Prom, Red Carpet Awards Event". Here, I showed the latest styles in "Dress Up" gowns and dresses...

It's 'Prom Season" and well, if you want a prom dress--head to Macy's and especially the Miami International Mall Macy's (if you're in South Florida), because as you can see from the photo above, their department is stocked!!!

Pageant Gals: Nick Verreos does his best "Bevelled Pageant Pose" with "Miss Coconut Grove USA 2012" Ariana Vila (left) and "Miss South Miami Teen USA 2012" Lauren Hernandez (right)--they were two of my models and well, naturally I had to "Pageant Pose" with them!!!

Buenos Aires winner: Nick Verreos poses with the Winner of the "Macy's Fashion Challenge Spring/Summer 2012", who received a $100 Macy's Gift Card to shop with. The lovely girl (on the left in jeans) was from Argentina and a big Project Runway "Nick" fan (LOVE HER!!) and she did really well in styling her final challenge of "How To Dress For a Girl's Night Out". Felicitaciones to her!!! As you can see from her big ol' smile, she was REALLY happy!!!

After the event and fashion show were over, I took time to do a "Meet & Greet" and take photos with the attendees and customers. I really had an absolute BLAST hosting the event and especially meeting everyone afterward.

Marlene Mercado and Nick Verreos, Macy's Miami International Mall "Find Your Magic: Fashion Challenge" event

One of my favorite moments was meeting Marlene Mercado, who came with her mom and she shared the fact that both her and her mom were HUGE "Nick" fans and yes, she told me that "I should've won my season". I told her that I felt as if I did :)

But soon, it was time for me to head off to the Miami International Airport to catch my flight back to Los Angeles. Yes, it's sad when you have to come to Miami and do an "in-and-out"--no South Beach, no palm trees, no pool time (Don't Cry For Me Argentina...I mean, Miami!!!).

But...once inside the Miami International Airport American Airlines terminal, I HAD to head over to "La Carreta" Cuban Cuisine Restaurant and get some to-go for my flight. What did I get:

A chicken empanada of course! And don't you worry, it did not stink up the plane--I have better sense than to bring stinky McDonald's inside a plane unlike some other people....
Thanks Miami, Macy's and Miami International Mall for a FABULOSO event and for reminding me how much I miss and LOVE Miami---oh, and thanks "La Carreta" for that delicious empanada. Almost better than those American Airlines warm nuts...

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 Does Puerto Rico: The Macy's Fashion Director Event in Plaza Las Americas Mall, San Juan Puerto Rico!!

Bienvenido a Puerto REEEEECOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Miss Puerto Rico: Nick Verreos and his Macy's Puerto Rico Models, Plaza Las Americas

One week ago--to the day--I went to the Caribbean Island (and unofficial 51st US State) of Puerto Rico, to host one of my many Macy's Fashion Director Events. I was SOOOO EXCITED to be coming to Puerto Rico. Why? First of all, I am half Latino and speak fluent Spanish and grew up in Venezuela--which is like Puerto Rico but in South America.

Also: This was my second time in the island. Back in my UCLA/College days, I spent a very crazy Spring Break in Puerto Rico with my College roommates and friends where I had to call my parents back home to wire me money because I had none to pay for a hotel! But this time I was going for work and actually staying in a nice hotel...

The Sheraton Hotel and Casino near the Convention Center. No beach or poker-playin' time, unfortunately. Need I remind you, I am here for Fashion and for Work! I arrived the night before my event and was surprised to see what awaited me at the American Airlines Gate:

Yummy Yummy: Sancocho

There were two people--with a whole "Soup Kitchen"-like set up--serving what I think was SANCOCHO! Now, in case you are Latin-food deficient, Sancocho is a traditional soup consisting of vegetables and (usually) large pieces of meat, served in a broth. As I walked out of my LONG flight, the entire gate was filled with waiting passengers (for the next flight I presume?) with Styrofoam bowls of the stuff. I was like "What the H***???". Welcome to Puerto Rico!!! It's like the "lei" of Puerto Rico I guess!

AM Modeling: Nick Verreos flanked by his Univision "Tu Mañana" Morning Show Models

Very early the next morning--the day of my event--I was scheduled to do an interview--and mini-Fall Trend Fashion Show with models--with the local Univision Morning Show, "Tu Mañana". When I showed up, I really had no idea what to expect and if they even knew who I was. But all that changed the minute I met my new GIRLFRIEND:

Matchy-Matchy: Nick Verreos and Nuria Sebazco, on the set of Univision's Puerto Rico "Tu Mañana"

The gorgeous "Tu Mañana" anchor, Nuria Sebazco. She went LOCA: She was like "OMG, te quiero! I read your blog..loved your Barbie! I loved you on the show..." Well, that was IT for me! I wish I had her as my every day Wake Up Alarm Clock! The interview and mini fashion show went great and I had a lot of fun with everyone at Univision Puerto Rico.

But now, it was time to get ready for my Puerto Rico "Director de Moda Evento" (translation: Fashion Director Event) at Macy's Plaza Las Americas.

We had three great Challenges, where audience members styled our models for special occasions which I came up with, such as Dressing for Puerto Rico High Fashion Week and "What Would You Wear For an Interview?".

Hug It Out: Nick Verreos and and old friend of his family who resides in Puerto Rico, Dyneli, who came out for the event

Everyone had a lot of fun--especially me--and it was great to meet the fans of Project Runway in Puerto Rico. Hopefully I can return to this gorgeous island and possibly be invited to show my Nikolaki Collection like I showed in the Bahamas two years ago at Island of The World Fashion Week. I love me the Caribbean that's for sure!

One of the Pools at the Sheraton San Juan/Convention Center and the View of San Juan from the Pool Deck

Before leaving the following morning (I had a plane to catch to host another Macy's Fashion Director event, this time in Nashville Tennessee!), I had to at least get a photo of the Hotel's pool and some "Caribbean-esque" Palm Trees. Otherwise, people would have not believed that I was even there! Sorry no Beach-y photos, but I did get to see them from my airplane window when I left. Adios Puerto Rico, Te Amo! Now, I wonder where I can get some Sancocho in Los Angeles?????

For Some Great Interviews I did in Puerto Rico (both in Spanish) Click Below:Click HERE for my Interview with Puerto Rican Newspaper "Primera Hora" Click HERE for an Interview with "El Nuevo Dia"