NICK APPEARANCES.....Filming TV Segments for FIDM San Diego Make-A-Wish San Diego Fashion With a Passion Fundraiser: Blog Recap!

I Match the NBC Peacock Colors: Nick Verreos at the studios of NBC7 San Diego, to do a segment on this past weekend's "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish San Diego/FIDM San Diego Fundraiser 

Last week, I went to San Diego to do some morning TV segments promoting the "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish San Diego Fundraiser that was held over the weekend at the fabulous Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising San Diego campus overlooking Petco Park in Downtown San Diego. As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumni--of FIDM, I was honored to get the word out to all of San Diego about this wonderful fundraiser which FIDM San Diego has been associated with for five years in a row!

Fashion With A Passion--Make-A-Wish San Diego FIDM San Diego

This one-of-a-kind occasion featured the “Ultimate Fine
Accessory Swap” where attendees bring gently-used, high quality designer,
trendy, vintage or one-of-a-kind purses, necklaces and other accessories to
swap them for items brought by other guests.

There was also an informal fashion
presentation featuring FIDM graduate, Project Runway finalist Bradon McDonald,
fashion draping demos and an array of food, wine, cocktails and dessert tasting
among many other things. And ALL proceeds going to Make-A-Wish San Diego.

(L to R) Make-A-Wish San Diego President and CEO Chris Sichel, Nick Verreos and fashion designer FIDM graduate Paul Hernandez

Joining me on the TV appearances would be President and CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego Chris Sichel and FIDM fashion designer Paul Hernandez who would be on air with me showing a draping demonstration. Now before I get to the photos of the TV appearances...I wanted to discuss the hotel I stayed at...Upon arriving in San Diego, I checked into the GORGEOUS Westgate Hotel. I had never stayed there before and WOW:

Fit for a Queen: The Westgate Hotel San Diego lobby

The minute I walked in, I was taken aback by tits ornately appointed lobby, the grand staircase, the Baccarat Crystal Chandeliers, the French-style furniture and decor...I felt as if I was transported into a Petit Palais in Paris back in the Marie Antoinette days.

I am used to staying at "Boutique" hotels that in terms of decor, well, let's just say, it's rather minimal and spare. So, needless to say, this was a nice change of pace and a wonderful feast for the eyes. I felt as if I should have brought my gowns and imaginary Louis Vuitton trunks and French Poodle! The two days I stayed there I also took advantage of a rare thing for me, having an actual breakfast--here are some pics for the "Foodies" out there:

Yum Part One: "The Italian" with scrambled eggs, Apple Smoked Bacon and potatoes. The scrambled eggs had Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, goat cheese and pesto. It was DELICIOUS. I savored every bite. And the presentation was so chic--The Westgate Room, The Westgate Hotel San Diego

Yum Part Two: "The Mediterranean" poached eggs, Prosciutto Di Parma, Truffled Shallot Compote and Port Wine Hollandaise. This above was probably THE MOST DELICIOUS breakfast I have EVER had. Incredible. My breakfast dining partner had the same thing and she was actually making sounds while eating this. Making Sounds. Not kidding--The Westgate Room, The Westgate Hotel San Diego

The Super Classy Leftover Bag: Oh and if the food and presentation of the food wasn't enough, check out what their "Doggy Bag"/To-Go bag looks like (photo above). Can you say #Class. I did.



Now back to the Morning TV appearances...

Nick Verreos --with FIDM Alumn fashion designer Paul Hernandez--San Diego 6 News: The CW Network

First up was an appearance on Friday at San Diego Channel 6 The CW and their San Diego Living Morning TV Show. Chris Sichel , President and CEO of Make-A-Wish San Diego as well as Paul Hernandez joined me for a "Red Carpet Gown" draping demonstration with "San Diego Living" co-anchor Heather Myers. Here are photos from our visit:

(L to R) Chris Sichel of Make-A-Wish San Diego, Nick Verreos, designer Paul Hernandez and Heather Myers--San Diego Living TV Show, San Diego 6 News: The CW Network

Going Thru The Script: San Diego Living" anchor Heather Myers goes through the script with us--San Diego 6 News: The CW Network

FIDM graduate and fashion designer shows the "Art of Draping Red Carpet Gowns" and his sketch for a Make-A-Wish recipient--"Fashion With A Passion 2014" FIDM San Diego Make-A-Wish San Diego---San Diego 6 News "San Diego Living" TV Show, The CW Network

**Click HERE to watch the San Diego Living "Fashion With A Passion" TV Segment!

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The following day--Saturday--it was time for another TV Segment: I was scheduled to join "Make-A-Wish San Diego" President and CEO Chris Sichel, as well as Paul Hernandez and this beautiful little "make-A-Wish" recipient Sayaret, who beat cancer and got a wish to go to Paris France!

Peacock Color Coordinated: Nick Verreos outside the NBC7 San Diego studios

(L to R) FIDM grad and fashion designer Paul Hernandez and Nick Verreos--NBC7 San Diego studios "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish Fundraiser FIDM San Diego TV segment

Make A Wish TV: (L to R) Nick Verreos, Chris Sichel, Make-A-Wish recipient Sayaret, NBC7 San Diego News anchors Megan Tevrizian and Greg Bledsoe--NBC7 San Diego studios "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish Fundraiser FIDM San Diego TV segment

Draping Fabulous: (L to R) Paul Hernandez, Nick Verreos, Make-A-Wish recipient Sayaret, Make-A-Wish President and CEO Chris Sichel and NBC7 San Diego News anchors Megan Tevrizian and Greg Bledsoe--NBC7 San Diego studios "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish Fundraiser FIDM San Diego TV segment

Nick Verreos with Sayaret (Make-A-Wish San Diego "Wish Recipient") and her friend Xochitl--NBC7 San Diego studios "Fashion With A Passion" Make-A-Wish Fundraiser FIDM San Diego TV segment

**Click HERE to watch the NBC7 San Diego "Fashion With A Passion" segment

NICK APPEARANCES.....FIDM San Diego Open House 2013 Special Appearance, A Photo Recap!

 Hello FIDM San Diego Open House 2014: Nick Verreos and the FIDM San Diego Open House "sign girl"--LOVE her bandana headband and Lycra leggings outfit!

This past weekend I drove to San Diego with my NIKOLAKI design partner David Paul (who took A LOT of great pics in this post! Thank You David!!), for my "Special Appearance" at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Diego Open House. The FIDM Open House is a way for high school students--and post-graduates--to get to know the FIDM campus, meet Alumni, instructors and take a tour of the campus (amongst many other things!).

 Welcome Back Nick: The lovely charcuterie and wine that "welcomed" me back to San Diego and the Kimpton Solamar Hotel

I arrived the night before my appearance and checked in to the wonderful Kimpton Solamar Hotel, located very near the college. The hotel was so classy in that no sooner I had hung my overnighter garment bag, there was a knock on the door; they had delivered a delicious "Welcome Back to the Solamar Hotel" spread of charcuterie, red wine and bottled water to my room: what a way to start my weekend in San Diego! Thank You Kimpton Solamar Hotel San Diego!

 NV Nick Verreos San Diego Gals--(left to right) Elise Paul, Marisa Coon and Conchita Encinas Hansen, all wearing our "NV Nick Verreos" dresses (Love Them!)--Island Prime Restaurant San Diego

 San Diego Familia--(left to right) Elise Paul, Marisa Coon, Nick Verreos, David Paul and Conchita Encinas Hansen--Island Prime Restaurant San Diego

Soon after doing a "spritz-and-repeat" and outfit refreshner, David and I went to Island Prime Restaurant to meet David's mom, Conchita and sisters, Elise and Marisa who all reside in San Diego. David's mom had invited us for dinner at this very divine restaurant. The food was delicious:

 Island Prime Restaurant--Salmon and Scallop entrees and the Mud Pie Dessert

But more importantly, the ladies ALL wore our NV Nick Verreos dresses. I. Love. Them. And need I add, they got a bunch of compliments on their outfits! Oh, and guess who was there as well: former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (yes, wearing his neck-brace!).

Next Day...The FIDM San Diego Open House Appearance:

 Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House

 Double Nick: Nick Verreos poses next to his mini-billboard--FIDM San Diego Open House appearance

I had the pleasure of doing not one, but two presentations at this FIDM San Diego Open House 2014, speaking about my time attending FIDM, experience in the fashion industry and lots more. I also gave some "Nick Advice" on what to do to make you "stand out" at FIDM as well as post-college in the fashion industry. Here are pics of my "Special Appearance":

 Meet Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Under The Gunn: FIDM San Diego Open House had a special sign alerting everyone attending that I was on Lifetime Network's "Under The Gunn" TV Show

 Nick Verreos--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Say Cheese: Attendees at FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

Post Lecture Meet-and-Greet...and Photo Taking:

 Nick Verreos with Kristiana Sanchez and Marcos Jimenez--FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 Nick Verreos during the Post-FIDM San Diego Open House 2014 Photo Meet-and-Greet

 Signing Nick: Nick Verreos, FIDM San Diego Open House 2014

 One of the attendees--a student by name of Michelle Lockwood gave me this "Cat" pin cushion that she sewed herself! Thank you Michelle!--FIDM San Diegom Open House 2014

Thanks San Diego for a WONDERFUL weekend and a fabulous FIDM San Diego Open House!

NICK APPEARANCES.....FIDM San Diego Open House 2013: Recap with Lots of Pics!

 Nick Verreos, FIDM San Diego Open House 2013

This past weekend, I drove down to San Diego--along with my partner David Paul--to make a special appearance at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM San Diego campus for their Open House. The FIDM Open House is a way for anyone interested in possibly attending FIDM to check out the campus, facilities, classrooms, all the different majors, meet instructors, alumni...It's also away to Meet Me!

 Hello FIDM San Diego Open House--Nick Verreos gets ready for his special appearance and "Open House 2013" discussion

As the Official Spokesperson for FIDM, an FIDM instructor and grad, it's always my pleasure to make appearances at some of the campus events to share my story and "How I Got To Where I Am" and how FIDM helped me, of course. I always love going to the FIDM San Diego campus and particularly, San Diego. The campus is conveniently located in Downtown San Diego in the very hip Gaslamp District and VERY adjacent to...

 PETCO Park, San Diego

I also like San Diego in that it's like L.A., but with a little bit of natural air conditioning; the weather is always PERFECT. A bonus is that my NIKOLAKI/NV Nick Verreos partner David Paul's family lives there and that's where he grew up so he always finds a chance to visit his mommie :)

 Ortega's Mexican Bistro Restaurant, Hillcrest neighborhood San Diego

When David and I arrived--the night before my appearance at the FIDM San Diego Open House--we had the chance to have a delicious dinner with his mom, Conchita, at Ortega's A Mexican Bistro Restaurant (the Chicken Mole was yummy!) in the Hillcrest neighborhood. The following day was Open House:

 Guess Who's In The House: Nick Verreos, FIDM San Diego Open House 2013

 NIKOLAKI slide show--FIDM San Diego Open House 2013

 FIDM San Diego Open House 2013--Nick Verreos appearance

Nick Verreos and 2013 FIDM Valedictorian Angelica Villegas--I had the pleasure of doing a special "pair discussion" with the 2013 FIDM Valedictorian Angelica Villegas, who happens to be from the San Diego area. She was AMAZING; so inspirational and intelligent. Angelica had such great insight in what it takes to be a succesful FIDM student and grad. After our talk, it was time for taking pics and sign some bags. Here are some photos of that:

Nick Verreos with FIDM San Diego Open House 2013 attendees

 Water Cup Signing: Nick Verreos during the Signing-and-Pics section of FIDM San Diego Open House 2013

Fashion Coordinating Beard Brothers: Nick Verreos and Juan Carlos--from Mexico--giving Nick a "Fashion Run for his Money" with his very stylin' ensemble! Beards and COLORFUL skinny jeans...are "IN"!! Tell that to Heidi Klum!

Until Next Time FIDM San Diego!! XOXO