Temecula Gives FASHION!!!

The Promenade has stores like J. C. Penney, Macy's, Sears, plus Apple, Aeropostale, Victoria's Secret, Williams-Sonoma and a newly-revamped Charlotte Russe, among others. For the upcoming Holiday Season, in fact new stores will be opening including (wait for it!) H & M (yeayyy!), G by Guess, and MAC Makeup.
Now, back to "Project Style": Since May, through a series of monthly style competitions, budding fashionistas went on shoptopia.com, applied and then won spots to be here! Now, the four Finalists were at The Promenade in Temecula for the LIVE Style Off, hosted by MOI! After introducing the finalists, I gave them $200 Promenade Gift Cards and they each had only ONE HOUR to shop for an entire new look for themselves, change and get ready for the runway!
While the Finalists were out shopping and using their hour wisely, I entertained the crowd by doing my own little runway walk, having a fun "Project Runway Fan Q & A", and hosting a great "Charming Charlie" accessory Fashion Show. I also demonstrated to some "lucky" guests from the audience how to use the FAB Swivel Virtual Dressing Room and showed them how my Red Carpet NIKOLAKI Gowns would look like...on them!
Once, the shopping-and-styling hour was up, the finalists were back and then it was up to the three very esteemed judges of Barbara Contreras of FIDM, Rita Griggs of Palomar Community College and last year's "Project Style" Winner Sinead Copely, to pick the 2011 Winner, who, by the way, would win a $1,000 Promenade Gift Card! And the Winner Is... Lexi Lorah (above) The judges (and I) loved her use of color, prints, her styling (of course) and how directional the entire look was. She also was ON TREND when it came to Fall 2011. Congrats Lexi! (she was very excited--and surprised). Afterward, everyone wanted to take photos...And as in "Everyone", I mean ME!

Rancho Cucamonga Style, An Outdoors Style Off...and a Mini Michael Jackson??? Yep, Welcome to Project Style Victoria Gardens!!!!
As you probably read in my previous post, I had been in NYC last Friday for some business meetings--along with my NIKOLAKI partner-in-design crime, David Paul. I also attended the Finale Runway Show of Project Runway Season 9. The following day, I got on a 7AM flight to LA. Why? I had very important Duties: I was to Host the "Project Style" at the Victoria Gardens Shopping Center in Rancho Cucamonga--about 40 miles east of Los Angeles. My plane arrived at LAX at 10AM and I had to be at "VG" (Victoria Gardens) by 11:30AM. Driving in Southern California and 40 miles can be anywhere from 1 hr+ to THREE, so I was scared that I would not make it in time! Somehow, WE MADE IT!!! David might have been doing just a little bit over the speed limit (ooops!) but I took a nap while he drove so I have no proof!
Upon arriving the beautiful outdoors mall--located with the gorgeous mountain backdrop in Rancho Cucamonga--I got acquainted with the stage, met "my" DJ and of course, the Finalists of this year's Victoria Gardens "Project Style". These budding stylistas went on shoptopia.com, applied, were picked as Finalists in five different rounds of competition and now they were here for the Live Style-Off. The Competition was as follows: I gave each of the Finalists a $200 VG Gift Card and they had ONE HOUR to shop for an entire ensemble, put it on and then model it in front of all the audience--including very supportive friends and family AND every random Mall Shopper Attendee!!!--and then a panel of judges would decide who would win the Grand Prize of a $1,000 VG Gift Card! Once they were out shopping, there was a fun Banana Republic Fashion Show on the center stage showing the latest Fall 2011 Trends, which I also hosted (that's me above with the Banana Republic Fashion Show models). I also checked out the Swivel Virtual Dressing Room "Booth" where shoppers could "virtually" try on clothes, accessories...even MY NIKOLAKI gowns!!! Oh and, I almost forgot: back onstage (while waiting for the Finalists to return), a mom who was in the audience asked if the DJ could play Michael Jackson and if her son--who LOVES M.J.--could do a dance to one of his songs...
Well, HUNEEEEYYYY! Of course I let little Jaymes onstage and before I know it, he was bringing the Victoria Gardens Rancho Cucamonga House down!!! He even brought another young "Project Style" attendee to share the stage with him (above photo). I got a video of Jaymes doing his AMAZEEENG Michael Jackson dance number and it's at the end of this post...so don't miss it!!!
After such a fun--and impromptu intermission (Thanks Jaymes!), it was time for the "Project Style" Finalists to come back on stage with their new outfits to be judges. All five did an amazing job and I especially liked the variety of styles in each and every one of the contestants. There was Boho Chic , Elegant Business, Going Out "cocktail" and our guy Rashid, gave the audience "Meet-the-Parents Proper Elegant-Sport".
The Style-Off was very close--in fact so close that the judges couldn't decide and it was a TIE!! Between two contestants. So, guess who the Tie-Breaker Judge was? Yep, moi! So, I decided the Winner of the $1,000 VG Gift Card Prize and Project Style 2011 Winner would be...
Needless to say, I had a BLAST hosting "Project Style" at the Victoria Gardens Center in Rancho Cucamonga and especially was very happy with the outcome--as well as with our "Michael Jackson Intermission Dance Number"---Oh and speaking of that... Click BELOW for a GREAT video from "Project Style Victoria Gardens" Intermission, when I let a VERY TALENTED boy named Jaymes on stage to perform a song by Michael Jackson:

Good Evening Charleston West Virginia!!!!
As everyone knows, last Thursday night, September 8th was Fashion's Night Out. As part of the FNO Shopping Celebrations, I was invited to host a Fun & Fab event in West Virginia!! So, last week, I left 100 Degree Heatwave-weather Los Angeles, threw on my trench coat and scarf and flew to much cooler climates: Charleston West Virginia (it was in the 60s-low 70s Thank Goodness!!).
I was invited to host a Fashion's Night Out Event AND a Project Style 2011 Competition at the Charleston Town Center Mall. As everyone knows (if you've been reading here on my BLOG), I've been hosting several of these Project Style "Style-Off's" and this time, it took me to "John Denver Mountain Momma"-Country! After a long flight (it's not easy to get there from LA), I arrived to an awaiting long stretch white limo (!) which then took me right to my hotel where I got some pre-event sleep.
The following day, I had a delicious "VIP" Luncheon at Tidewater Grill, where I met the charming Lisa McCracken, CTC Marketing Director and Project Style Co-Producer (LOVE HER!!!) plus several of the judges of the night's Project Style competition--including Laura Sheets Cosmetics Manager & Macy's Charleston Town Center Mall Fashion Director, Stephen Smith, the Assistant Manager at Gap, and Jennifer Miller, Owner of Mission Savvy Boutique.
Afterwards, I even went to Jennifer's boutique where I filmed a lovely video (at the end of the post). Then, it was time to get back to my hotel, do an outfit change and get "spritzed up" for the Hostin' Duties of the evening. I returned to the Mall, and once inside I almost fell off my YSL Johnny Boots when...
I passed this wondrous display of red balloons spelling out "FNO" (for Fashion's Night Out" of course) PLUS a HUGE banner with my photo above it...right IN THE MIDDLE of the Mall! (Oh Lordy!). The "Southern Hospitality"--technically, West Virginia is considered "The South"-- didn't stop there. Once in my Pre-Event "Green Room", the organizers had many, many newspapers showing the ad and promo of the event--all reserved for my taking--PLUS... Lisa McCracken's (The CTC Marketing Director) AMAZING Assistant, Katrina (LOVE HER Part 2!), had created a "Nick Board" with photos not just of me (Oh Lord!) but many many of my NIKOLAKI dresses and my Celebrity Clientele wearing my NIKOLAKI dresses on the Red Carpet! She even included a photo of "my" Project Runway MyScene Barbie AND a picture of me and my precious doggie, Benny!!! (Awwww! Yes, I was clutching my pearls huney!). I autographed it and hopefully, that's hanging prominently in someone's office at the Charleston Town Center! Soon, it was SHOWTIME. Project Style, in case you didn't know, is a contest sponsored by shoptopia.com where budding stylistas apply online, send their photos and go through a selection process where they get chosen through different "rounds" of voting. The Top Five, then come to the Finals, where in Charleston West Virginia's case, I then gave then each a $200 CTC Gift Card, and ONE HOUR, to shop for an entire outfit, and come back...for a LIVE Style-Off.
The judging was very CLOSE but there could only be one winner. The Project Style 2011 Winner was: Amelia Edmondson (above)! She was very tall (5'10"+) and styled herself with a very "Boho Hippie Chick" ensemble including denim shorts, stretch lace leggings, brown knee-high boots, multi-colored and multi-printed tops, a cute headband, various jewelry, all for under $200!
As a result I handed her THE PRIZE: A $1,000 Charleston Town Center Mall Gift Card! She was ECSTATIC and overjoyed (so were all her friends and family who were cheering her on the entire time!!!). I had such a fun time hosting this special Fashion's Night Out event and Project Style "Style-Off"!! The super warm hospitality of EVERYONE in Charleston was INCREDIBLE. Words cannot describe. But soon, it was time to head back to my hotel and get three hours of sleep, since I had a 6AM flight to catch. Where did I have to go? New York City! Why? To attend the Project Runway Season 9 Mercedes-Benz NY Fashion Show Finale... Stay tuned!!! For Now: Here's a Video I shot of the very FAB "Mission Savvy" Boutique--and its owner Jennifer Miller--in Charleston West Virginia:

Style Off: South Bay Galleria!!
This past Saturday, I hosted the first--of several--Project Style "Style-Off" contests--I have been invited to do. The location: Redondo Beach and South Bay Galleria, near LA. This was the second time I had been invited to host Project Style at the South Bay Galleria, so I was excited to come back!! Project Style--in case you were wondering--involves finding the Top Trendsetter for each Shopping Center/area. They are chosen as Finalists after going through several rounds of judging.
After the Finalists are picked, they are given a $200 Gift Card to purchase clothing in which they will style themselves into an outfit. Then, at the "Live Style-Off", they model their look in front of judges who choose the Winner--The winner gets a $1,000 Gift Card to shop some more!!!
Soon after arriving at South Bay Galleria, I got to check out the new Swivel Virtual Dressing Room, which features many different brands of clothing which shoppers can "virtually" try on and choose via a webcam. The Swivel Virtual Dressing Room Company, actually came over to my NIKOLAKI Atelier not too long ago, took very detailed photos of several of my gowns, to then add into their program.
Naturally, as I got to the Swivel area, I wanted to see how I would look in one of my NIKOLAKI red carpet gowns!!! It was FABULOUS!!! I actually look good in a red silk ziberline strapless gown!!! I could have stayed there ALL day virtually trying on clothes, but it was soon time to go host "Project Style". First, I did a fun Meet-and-Greet with South Bay Galleria Shoppers, fans and Project Runway fashionistas:
Pics from the fun "Project Style" Live Style-Off Contest:
The Winner was (drum roll) Nikoleta Panteva (left and right, with Host Nick Verreos), who chose palazzo pants, a peach-colored blouson top, multi-colored belt, stacked heels and bangles--from Nordstrom and Forever 21 (photo courtesy of Nikoleta who also happens to write a FAB blog called Live Love LA. Check it out HERE (Photos courtesy of Oliver Viboolkij)
For More Photos, Check out Live Love LA, RedondoBeachPatch.com

Charleston, West Virginia...I am Coming to Bring The FASHION!!!!!

Project Style 2011!!!

I am sooooo excited to be hosting PROJECT STYLE this upcoming Saturday at the South Bay Galleria!!!! Last year, I was honored to have hosted the 2010 Project Style Finals at South Bay Galleria as well, so I'm DOUBLE thrilled to be back!!!!

What Is Project Style?
*It is the ultimate fashion competition for guys & girls ages 13 and up.
*Two trendsetters are selected each round to put their sense of style & fashion to the test by creating the ultimate outfits.
*The trendsetters create a video and post photos of their ensemble. Live voting by Shoptopia members will determine the winner for the round.
*Finalists will come back to compete in a Live Style Off... that I will host!!!...for ultimate bragging rights as the Top Trendsetter and a $1,000 Shopping Spree! (not bad huh?)
Below is the Schedule of Events for Saturday September 3rd:
1-2pm – Nick Verreos Meet & Greet --Sign autographs and take all the (Facebook) photos you want!!!
2-3pm – Live Style Off –I host the fashion show with five finalists from Project Style who will model their latest fashions from South Bay Galleria, which they purchased with a $250 Galleria Gift Card. Finalists will also describe their style secrets and tell you why they should win the Live Style Off and $1,000 Galleria Gift Card.
3pm – Project Style Winner Announcement -- $1,000 Galleria Gift Card is awarded. **The Application period has already closed, but make sure to come to the South Bay Galleria to cheer on your favorite and say Hi! to me as I host this fantastic event!! And if that wasn't enough!!: The event will also be featuring the Swivel 3D Virtual Dressing Room. You will be able to step inside this wonderful new technology and try on some of my NIKOLAKI gowns!! To learn more about the Swivel Virtual Dressing Room click HERE. Below is a fun video about the Project Style Contest and how to participate: