Two Fridays ago, on March 27th designer Carlos Falchi, 70, died in Durham North Carolina, after complications from surgery for glioblastoma, a cancer of the brain according to the NY Times.
Falchi was a Brazilian-born accessories designer known for his brightly colored, bohemian styled bags often in dyed animal skin such as alligator, anaconda, crocodile, anteater, frog, python and water snake, to name a few.

¡Olé! and Fabuloso!!


In my last post, I recapped the event I hosted last week in Chicago's Macy's On State Street event which was a HUGE success. So, this past weekend, I flew to San Jose California, to do my second Macy's event Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Honoring Carlos Santana as "Icon of Style"at Santa Clara's Westfield Valley Fair Center/Mall Macy's. I've hosted several events at this Macy's, most recently one celebrating Brazil, so I was excited to be back!


For this latest event, I was invited to be part of the Panel Discussion on Latino Style and didn't have to host the event. Less pressure on me for not having the hosting responsibilities (Yeayy!). Joining me on this panel would be Nayzeth Carillo, of Nayzeth Beverly Hills; bi-lingual fashion blogger and fashion girl about town Flor de Maria Rivera, and musician Rolando Morales, who would later be performing for the Macy's audience and shoppers. Our host for the day was to be the fabulous Lizzie Bermudez, Pop Culture Contributor for ABC-SF Channel 7's "7Live".


Soon after I arrived for my panel discussion/event, Macy's informed me that Lizzie Bermudez--the actual host, was stuck in traffic and might be delayed and therefore, I would have to be the host--at the last minute (literally!). Forget that previous statement about not having the hostin' pressures (LOL!)...


Well..."Done and Done" as they say! I quickly got the "script", did a quick "take a breathe" and then it was "show time"!




There were over 100 people in the audience attending this fab event at Macy's Valley Fair in Santa Clara/San Jose. The event began with a great Spanish dance and music presentation by Caminos Flamencos:

Castanets and Flamenco Ruffles: "Caminos Flamencos" opens the Macy's Hispanic Heritage Event at Macy's Westfield Valley Fair Santa Clara/San Jose--They did such a wonderful job getting the audience ready for a Latino-inspired event. I don't know if it was the singing, the guitar playing, or those Sevillana costumes, but I almost wanted to throw on a peineta/mantilla and jump up on stage and join them! After their performance, it was time for my hosting duties, honoring Carlos Santana as Macy's Icon of Style and moderating the panel discussion on his influence on style, Hispanic Culture, music, as well as taking Latina Fashion:





I had such fun hosting this FABULOSO event and moderating a great panel discussion on Latino Style and its influence in all facets of society. I think the crowd also loved it. After we finished the panel talk and fashion presentation, then it was time for meet-and-greet with the audience and taking some photos (yes, for Facebook, Twitter). Caterers soon began bringing out Latino-inspired hors d'oeuvres and juice drinks. Yes, kids, there was FREE FOOD!

I heard the mini empanadas were deliciosas! And while shoppers shopped, enjoyed the food and drinks, the event ended with some great live music from Rolando Morales and his band. At one point I even got into the "Latino Flavor", doing some salsa dancing with one of my co-panelists, the lovely Nayzeth. Thank goodness, there are NO PHOTOS or video of that. I think. 


All in all, a very fun event once again at Macy's, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and Carlos Santana. I can't wait to return to Macy's Westfield Santa Clara/San Jose to hopefully host another great event! Adios for now!

Latino Fab!!

It's OCTOBER and Macy's is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this month--and I am excited to be part of it! I'm so honored to announce that I will be hosting TWO FABULOSO events--one in Chicago on October 10th and one in Santa Clara/San Jose on October 13th---to honor Hispanic Heritage Month. In case you didn't realize, I speak Español, was raised in Caracas Venezuela and I am half-Panamanian (my mommy!)...so I am very proud to be part of these events. 


Next week on Wednesday October 10, I am hosting the first of these events at the Macy's State Street Chicago store. Then three days later--on Saturday October 13, I will fly to San Jose, to host an event at Macy's Valley Fair in Santa Clara. 


Each event will highlight Hispanic Heritage Month, and honor Carlos Santana as "Icon of Style". We will also have fun panel discussions as well as fashion show presentations, refreshments, Latin-inspired drinks and hors d'oeuvres and MUCHO MUCHO MAS!

Don't Miss It and hope to see you...in CHICAGO and/or San Jose!

Here are the DETAILS:


CHICAGO--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What:
-Join Macy's, Vanidades and Latino Fashion Week, "In Conversation" with our panel of experts for a discussion on Carlos Santanas influence in the music and fashion world hosted by Project Runway Season 2 Contestant, Nick Verreos!
-Plus, meet our guest panelists: Leanne Violette, designer of Carlos by Carlos Santana footwear, Jacqueline Blanco, editor and chief of Vanidades magazine and Diego Rocha, Project Accessories Season 1 Designer!
-After the panel enjoy live music by Jose Cornier, light Latin-inspired refreshments and, with any Carlos by Carlos Santana $50 purchase or more made during the event, receive a copy of Santana's newest album "Shape Shifter" and limited-edition key-chain

Where: Macy's on State Street
             111 North State Street, Chicago IL 60602
             4th Floor, Dress Department

When: Wednesday, October 10th 5:30pm

RSVP: Seating is limited so call 1-800-329-8667


SAN JOSE---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What: 
-Join Macy's as we honor our 2012 icon of style, Carlos Santana.
-Join us and Vanidades magazine "In Conversation" with Fashion Designer and Alum Nick Verreos; TV host, stylist and founder of flordemariafashion.com, Flor de Maria Rivera; TV host and actress Nayzeth Carrillo; musician and composer Rolando Morales, moderated by Emmy Award Winning TV Host and Reporter Lizzie Bermudez for a panel discussion on Carlos Santana's influence in the music and fashion world.
-Catch live performances by Rolando Morales and Caminos Flamencos while enjoying Latin inspired hors d'oeuvres. Plus, with any Carlos by Carlos Santana purchase of $50 or more, receive a copy of Santana's newest album "Shape Shifter" and a limited edition key-chain!

Where: Macy's Valley Fair
              2801 Stevens Creek Boulevard
              Santa Clara, CA 95050
              Impulse Department, 2nd Floor

When: Saturday October 13th 2pm

RSVP: Call (408) 248-4451 for more info. or just SHOW UP!

San Jose Goes Brazilian!


To wrap up my fun San Fransisco Bay Area Macy's "Brasil" hosting appearances last week/weekend, here's my RECAP of the last event I hosted at the Macy's Valley Fair in Santa Clara/San Jose last Saturday. If you've been keeping up with my blog here, last Thursday I hosted a very fun event at the Macy's San Francisco "flagship" in Union Square.. So, now, I was ready to  "Go South" and make sure the San Jose area got a little Brazilian!

Macy's, as you know, just introduced a fabulous new "Spring/Summer 2012" campaign promoting the South American nation of Brasil, it's beauty, culture, fashions, music...so I was happy when they called and asked me to help out with a couple of the "Brasil" events...

I put on my turquoise-colored TopMan jacket (one of my faves!), skinny black jeans, skinny coral-colored TopMan tie, Gucci boots and well, I was ready! I arrived at the Macy's Valley Fair to a bright and sunny day as the second floor Macy's Impulse Department was preparing for today's fashion presentation.


There was a mini catwalk stage set up, with gorgeous flower displays, seats set up like a Fashion Week runway show my new bestie DJ--DJ Antonio of Braza!--was already spinning some samba lounge tunes getting all the shoppers in the mood.


Purple Plant was also on hand giving out free samples of their DELICIOUS smoothies while shoppers and runway show attendees were getting ready for the show.


I headed backstage to check out the fashions, accessories and models...and then it was "Show Time"!!! The "Brasil" Macy's Valley Fair Fashion Presentation consisted of many, many looks, showing trends, silhouettes and styles, that were Brasil-inspired and all (of course) available at Macy's.

San Francisco and San Jose..."Macy's Presents Brasil: A Magical Journey" with ME!!!!


Next week, it's ALL ABOUT MACY'S and Brazil!! As in "Brasil: A Magical Journey"--As you may know, I host a bunch of Macy's in-store events throughout the year and well, it is 2012 and Macy's is having a BIG "Brazil" bash this spring:

From Sao Paulo to Rio, and the Amazon to Bahia, Macy’s tribute campaign aims to capture the spirit of this rich and intriguing culture through specially curated in-store shops, collaborations with well-known Brazilian fashion designers, Brazil-themed events in stores and a fundraising program to benefit the Amazon Rainforest. Macy’s "Brasil" campaign will officially kick-off on May 16, next week...


I am SOOO excited to be hosting not one--but TWO--Macy's Brazil-themed events/fashion shows next week. These will be in-store fashion shows highlighting  fashions from various manufacturers/designers carried at Macy's stores that speak to the designer's unique aesthetic with Brazilian-inspired colors, prints, and silhouettes. You may know that I was raised in the South American nation of Venezuela--not far from Brazil--I speak Spanish fluently but depending on how many Caipirinha's I have...my Portuguese can be good :)
  
From fashion to entertainment, take a journey with Macy’s this spring and uncover the magic of Brasil--with my FABULOUS & FASHIONABLE assistance:


Here are the DETAILS:


MACY'S SAN FRANCISCO UNION SQUARE--
WHAT: Join us for a Runway show hosted by Project Runway Alum Nick Verreos. Featuring  “Brazilian-inspired trends" show will feature Calvin Klein and Rachel Roy. Also, enjoy informal modeling art and refreshments as well as a musical performance by Sambada and BRAZA!

WHEN: Thursday May 17, 2012 6-8 PM

WHERE: Macy's San Francisco Union Square
170 O'Farrell Street  San Francisco, CA 94102
Fashion Show on Level 3
Informal modeling on 2 and 4

RSVP: Nope, just come!!! Call  415-753-4000 for more info.

MACY'S VALLEY FAIR SAN JOSE--

WHAT: Nick Verreos Hosts "Brasil-inspired" Runway Show Presentation--Join us for an informal modeling presentation hosted by Project Runway Alum Nick Verreos. Featuring "Brasilian-inspired trends" featuring Calvin Klein and Rachel Rachel Roy. Enjoy informal modeling as well as Brasilian music, art and refreshments. Celebrate Brazilian cuisine with a cooking demonstration with Nicole Baverso from Palo Alto's Pam

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 2012, 2-4 PM

 

WHERE: Macy's Valley Fair Mall, 2801 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, CA 95050

Level 2 Mens Store, Lower Level Cellar Kitchen

 

RSVP: None, just show up! Call (408) 248-3333 for more info.

Vintage Swimsuit Beauties, Chocolates and a Birthday Girl...I Forgot My Speedo: Nick Verreos Hosts Macy's Valley Fair Swimsuit Event Last Saturday, following my very successful Macy's Union Square "Sex And The City 2" Shopping Event, I drove down to Santa Clara (about an hour south of San Francisco), to host the Macy's Valley Fair Swim Event. My Bodyguard: My driver, Sam from Pacific Heights Limousine Service Now, I actually didn't drive but my ever-so-gracious clients outfitted me with a SUPER-DUPER Hybrid Chevy Tahoe SUV from Pacific Heights Limousine and my very own driver, a very dapper Sam, who was of Egyptian descent and taught me a few Egyptian-Arabic words and phrases, on my drive down. Sold Out: The Scene at the Macy's Valley Fair Swimsuit Nick Verreos Event As the Macy's "Host With The Most", I was asked to be the Master of Ceremonies of a fun fashion show highlighting all the new and latest in Swimsuit styles for the ladies (no boys, sorry!) for Spring/Summer 2010. Macy's Swimsuit Pageant: Nick Verreos and his "bathing beauties", Macy's Valley Fair The entire Macy's Valley Fair Swim Department was set up with a runway stage, audience chairs, a DJ and even a Snow Cone Table. As I peeked outside the stage's curtains, I was excited to see that the floor was Standing Room Only with over 150 attendees!Turquoise Beauty: Nick Verreos points out how to wrap a sarong, Macy's Valley Fair In case you want to know here's the List of What's In For Swimsuits This Summer: Swimsuits with Ruffle Details, Colors like Canary Yellow and Turquoise, Tankinis will be VERY BIG as well as Animal prints. I was also there to celebrate Jantzen's 100Th Anniversary in designing and making women look beautiful. To honor this occasion, they have designed their Heritage Collection, with iconic 1930s, 40s and 50s styles that are fabulous for 2010, which were also shown on the Macy's runway. Pool Diva: Model featuring stylist's Liz Baca's vintage Jantzen Swimsuit circa 1940s The entire fashion show was styled by Liz Baca, who styled a Macy's Sacramento event I hosted back in March. Besides being a FAB stylist, she also runs the Gotta Get the Goods site, where she "Treasure Hunts" for Vintage goodies. On that note, she brought a Vintage Jantzen swimsuit from her own archives, a woolen jersey two-piece number dating back to the 1940s.And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos picks from the bowl, Macy's Valley Fair After the fashion show, the event was capped with several giveaways, including a Shiseido Basket (stocked with many of their sun-protection products) worth over $350 and a pair of Burberry Sunglasses to perfectly compliment the new swimsuit you were going to get---after seeing my Macy's fashion show! Among the audience I was so happy to see my cousin Christopher Verreos (above), who lives in San Francisco, and his lovely wife Regina, both of whom I haven't seen in years. Regina, who graduated from Le Cordon Bleu Paris as a Pastry and Chocolate Chef, hand-made the most delicious batch of chocolate bonbons--just for moi--and brought them as a gift! Merci Regina! Nick Verreos Fan Club: Nick Verreos poses with Raquel (second from right), the Birthday Girl, and her friends, Macy's Valley Fair Finally, I noticed a group of very excited young ladies in the audience and as it turned out, they were "big fans" and wanted photos (which of course I obliged!). In addition, one of them was having a Birthday, so I gave her a special "Uncle Nicky" hug and made the entire audience give her a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out! I think she really enjoyed that! And hopefully everyone enjoyed another great Macy's Event!