FIDM.....FIDM San Diego Make-A-Wish San Diego Fundraiser TV Filming

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