Fashion Institute of Design FIDM Los Angeles

SMILE: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

This past Saturday, I had the honor of MC'ing the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM's Fall 2013 Open House at the Los Angeles campus. The FIDM Open House is a way for high school--as well as post grad's--who are interested in careers in fashion, graphic design, styling, visual merchandising, apparel industry, product development...to check out the FIDM campus, meet its faculty, Almuni and staff. And yes, join me as I host a fun panel discussion!

MC Nick: Nick Verreos MC'ing the 2013 FIDM Opern House Expert Alumni Panel Discussion--Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles

Speaking of Panel Discussion--on my agenda that day was to MC a very special FIDM Alumni Panel Discussion with five FIDM graduates sharing their success stories working in the industry, including Eunice Chung, a Senior International Coordinator at Guess Inc.; Caitlin Connell, who is a Creative Coordinator with Universal Pictures; Kara Gaydosz, a Merchandise Coordinator with Vans; Lynn Restelli, who works as a Costumer and Project Manager at Disney's California Adventure; and Chace Vance, who is a Trade Manager at Manufacturer.com.

 Showing the Dads How It Is Done: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

But before I got to that, I had a very special "Runway Walk-Off", involving the dads who attended the FIDM Los Angeles Fall 2013 Open House. Many of the attendees come to the Open House with their parents so I thought this is a fun way to get them involved...and embarrass their daughters and/or sons.



Check put some of the fun--and CRAY-CRAY pics I got of the Father FIDM Open House Runway Walk-Off:

 Dad Fierce: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 Paid and Striped Dad Chic: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

 T-Shirt Runway: FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

After the Dad Runway, I hosted the FIDM LA Open House Alumni Panel Discussion:

 Expert Alumni Panel: (left to right) Caitlin Connell, Kara Gaydosz, Eunice Chung, Lynn Restelli, and Chace Vance--FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House, FIDM LA Campus

FIDM Almuni Kara Gaydosz (left) and Eunice Chung (right)--FIDM Los Angeles Fall 2013 Open House

Post-FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House Meet-and-Greet Pics:

Nick Verreos and FIDM Fall 2013 Open House Attendees

Go Social Winner: Grand Winner of FIDM LA's Fall 2013 Open House "Go Social" Contest, Jayce Chandler with Nick Verreos--and the autographed and sketched bag he won

I had a BLAST hosting the FIDM LA Fall 2013 Open House and so happy that everyone had a great time as well --or at least they told me LOL! Can't wait for the next one!!

New Hampshire

Say "Cheese" Keene!! Nick Verreos at the Keene State College--Nick Verreos Appearance at KNE-FM Women's Expo 2014 Keene New Hampshire

Two weekend's ago, I had a pleasure of flying to New England to do a Special Appearance at the KNE-FM Women's Expo 2014 in Keene, New Hampshire. Part of my Appearance involved shopping and styling the two "KNE-FM Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners, revealing the Makeover "After's", doing a Spring Trend Presentation as well as a post-appearance Meet-and-Greet.

Keene Beautiful: I landed in Boston and then was driven to Keene--which took almost THREE HOURS (there was hail, rain, and yes, traffic!). Once we crossed the Massachusetts/New Hampshire border, all that was gone and it was a beautiful tree-lined ride into Keene. Keene is a beautiful, quaint, and uniquely "New England" town college town with lots of historical buildings. I checked into...

The Lane Hotel--a boutique hotel that in fact is a Historical Landmark, located on the building that was once the "Goodnow's" Department Store and Spence Hardware Company. The staff was so sweet, they upgraded me to a very spacious Suite in their "below-street level" floor. After a nice dinner with the clients, and a good night's rest, it was time for my "Shopping/Styling/Appearance" day.

Early the next morning--before the store opened--I went to the Keene New Hampshire T.J. Maxx, where I would be shopping and styling the KNE-FM "Best Friends Makeover" Winners. The lucky gals were Karen Thompson and Tracy Pelkey. Both were soooo sweet and so fabulous! I LOVED every minute I spent shopping with them.

Shopping with Nick Verreos--T.J. Maxx Keene New Hampshire, KNE-FM "Best Friends Makeover Contest" 

Now, I didn't do this alone and I was grateful to have the help of the Keene T.J. Maxx Store Manager Chris Capone and T.J. Maxx employees Olivia and Billie. I also got some much-needed assistance from Bethany Priest, KNE-FM On-Air Personality (and now, my Keene New Hampshire Personal Shopping Diva!)

VIP: Nick Verreos with (L to R) KNE-FM On-Air Personality Bethany Priest, and "Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners Tracy Pelkey and Karen Thompson

After shopping and styling the "Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners at T.J. Maxx, it was time to head to Mia Capelli Salon so the ladies could get their Makeover complete in terms of their hair and makeup...

Salon Fab: At the Mia Capelli Salon in Keene New Hampshire with owner Sue Wilber, Lynn Royce, Megan Bassett, as well as Bethany Priest and "Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners Karen Thompson and Tracy Pelkey

Finally, it was time for me to head back to the hotel, do an "Outfit Change" and get ready for my Women's Expo 2014 Special Appearance:

Trend Presentation: Nick Verreos doing a Spring 2014 Trend Presentation--KNE-FM Women's Expo 20-14 Keene New Hampshire

After my Trends Presentation, it was time to reveal the "Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners and their "After" looks:

Makeover Divas: Nick Verreos and the "Best Freidns Makeover Contest" Winners, Karen Thompson and Tracy Pelkey--Women's Expo 2014 at Keene State College, Keene New Hampshire

Afterwards, it was time for some photo-op's and Meet-and-Greet:

Mounting a Harley: Soon after I finished my Appearance, I was summoned to the Monadnock Harley-Davidson booth at the 2014 Keene New Hampshire Women's Expo--to pose with a purple Harley. Now, since I was wearing my purple Topman suit, I thought "Why Not?".

My #1 Keene NH Fan: I was so excited to connect with what I found out was MY BIGGEST FAN in Keene, a young boy by the name of Collin. He loves fashion and has dreams of becoming a fashion designer and possibly being on Project Runway (in the near future). I had THE BEST time with Collin, gave him lots of advice and sketched a special fashion illustration for him.



Here's some more Meet-and-Greet Pics from my time at the 2014 Keene New Hampshire Women's Expo:

Nick Verreos with 2014 Women's Expo attendees, Project Runway "Under The Gunn" fans, the Mia Capelli Salon staff and Bethany Priest, KNE-FM On-Air Personality

Purple Batwing: Finally, I had the fabulous chance to have a photo-op with Ribby, Mascot of the Keene Swamp Bats, a collegiate summer baseball team, based in Keene New Hampshire. PS: I think Ribby and I should be Co-Mascots! #JustSaying



Thanks Keene New Hampshire and to EVERYONE who attended the 2014 Keene KNE-FM Women's Expo and Congrats to the BEAUTIFUL "Best Friends Makeover Contest" winners, Karen and Tracy! Love ya!

**Until Next Time New Hampshire! XOXO**

NICK APPEARANCES.....NEW HAMPSHIRE Nick Verreos at WKNE-FM Women's Expo 2014 Keene New Hampshire Saturday May 31st!

Nick Verreos Special Appearance at Women's Expo 2014 WKNE-FM at Keene State College New Hampshire

NEW HAMPSHIRE: I'm Coming BAAACK!!! I'm so excited to announce that I will be returning to New Hampshire to be part of the Women's Expo! On Saturday May 31st, I will be one of the "headliners"/lecturers at the 103.7 WKNE-FM Women's Expo 2014.

The Expo takes place at the Keene State College in Keene New Hampshire. Keene is about two hours from Boston and about one-and-half hours from Manchester. If you are anywhere nearby, you are welcome to come and Say "Hi!".

Mentor Winner of "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" Nick Verreos Makes an appearance at "Women's Expo 2014" in Keene, New Hampshire May 31st

I will take two Contest Winners on a special SHOPPING trip with me and give them my advice/expertise on what to get and then show off their new "Nick Make-Over's". A third winner will be chosen at the event and receive gift cards for a fun shopping spree.  I will also give Style Tips on How To Look Your Best. There will also be a chance for a Meet-and-Greet, Dishing on winning the Top Mentor title of Season One "Project Runway: Under The Gunn" as well as Instagram/Twitter Photo Op's and much more!

WHAT:

The 103.7 KNE-FM Women's Expo 2014 presented by Plotkin's Furniture 

Nick Verreos Special Appearance and Fashion Advice Lecture Plus...

• Angelic Medium, Carmen Carignan from Angelic Essence Healing


• Cooking Demonstrations with Luca Paris of Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe (and also winner of “Guy’s Grocery Games”!)


• Over 30 booths! Shop, get informed, browse, sample, enjoy from a variety of local businesses!


• Prizes: Win a “Best Friends Make-over”. Also, a chance to win part of ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS in the KNE Ka$h Grab!1 attendee will be chosen at random every 15 minutes to grab their share of 1000 dollars in cash!

WHERE:

Keene State College

229 Main Street, Keene New Hampshire 03431



WHEN:

Saturday, May 31, 2014 10 am-2 pm



TICKETS:

Only $10!

Tickets are on-sale NOW for $10 each. Purchase your tickets HERE.

(tickets will be available at the door the day of the show for $12 each, cash only)



****See You In NEW HAMPSHIRE in less than TWO WEEKS!!!!!

NICK INSTAGRAM....Discover L.A. What's Your L.A. Story Photo Shoot at FIDM Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Drape Fab: Nick Verreos "Discover L.A." Instagram photo-shoot--Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM Los Angeles

Today I had the honor of doing a quick photo shoot at my Alma Mater and college I am the Official Spokesperson for--FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising--for a great campaign entitled "Discover L.A." and "What's Your L.A. Story?" for Instagram. The photo shoot was done by photographer Michelle Yam...

The campaign features "L.A. Stories" of Angelenos--as the site says:

"L.A. is a city of stories. Not just screenplays and novels. But real life stories that can only happen in L.A. A close encounter with dolphins. A brush with a celebrity. A cupcake from a vending machine. It could be an event, an exhibit, a song. But the moment it happens, you can’t wait to tell everyone back home about it. What’s your L.A. story?"

 Instagram L.A. : Photo and story on Instagram--Nick Verreos "Discover L.A." photo shoot

Here are some more photos from the shoot...

 Red Carpet Gown Drape Fabulous: Multi-colored taffeta drapes, "Discover L.A."/ "What's Your L.A. Story?" Nick Verreos photo shoot at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

 Nick Verreos and red carpet gown drapes--"Discover L.A."/ "What's Your L.A. Story?" Nick Verreos photo shoot at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

Photo Perfect:  "Discover L.A."/ "What's Your L.A. Story?" Nick Verreos photo shoot at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

 Red Carpet Gown Drapes: "Discover L.A."/ "What's Your L.A. Story?" Nick Verreos photo shoot at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

Photographer Michelle Yam and Fashion Designer Nick Verreos--"Discover L.A."/ "What's Your L.A. Story?" Nick Verreos photo shoot at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM

Here's the pic of me and the young fashionistas (and their respective parents) who were visiting FIDM as we were doing the "Discover L.A."/"What's Your L.A. Story?" photo shoot--FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising

Click HERE for more "Discover L.A./ What's Your L.A Story?" stories

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