NICK APPEARANCES..... "Project Style" Promenade Temecula Live Style Off: 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!