Nick Verreos LOVES The Pelican Hill Resort

Resort Rewind...OC Style!Welcome to your Bungalow: Nick Verreos stands in the entrance of his one-night Bungalow

About two months ago, I was invited to Irvine, CA on two occasions within the same week: First to do a LIVE segment promoting Style Week OC on Good Day LA TV Show and then, to host Style Week Orange County 2009 and judge the fabulous Ezekiel Needle and Thread Competition. Bienvenue: David Paul at the entrance of one of the Pelican Hill Resort Bungalows

Both separate times, the clients put myself and my trusty NIKOLAKI design partner--and unofficial president of the "Nick Verreos Fanclub"--David Paul, in the most GORGEOUS Pelican Hill Resort. I have been waiting for the right time to get in a "resort feeling" to show some of the photos here on my blog--and no better time than now, during the Thanksgiving Weekend when all your are supposed to do is relax and do nothing. I wish I was THERE now, doing just that!Style Week OC Runway: Nick Verreos hosting Style Week OC, September 2009

Words do not describe the immensity of this resort. The Pelican Hill is located in Newport Coast, not far from my Style Week OC Appearance, which was at the Irvine Spectrum Shopping Center. From the minute you drive up, it is FIVE STAR VIP treatment all the way. In fact, I asked the front desk staff (who were extremely accommodating) if the Pelican Hill was indeed a Five-Star Resort---and if it wasn't, well, then it is under the new "Nick Verreos Five Star Resort Resort Style Guide"! They told me that it wasn't even rated yet! (well those Zagat and Michelin people better get to it!) . The lobby even smells like a million bucks! (it is scented with its own unique Pelican Hill Resort scent, I kid you not!)Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow Living Room

We stayed at a sumptuous Bungalow Suite, about the size of my Downtown LA NIKOLAKI studio (about 2,000 square feet): There was an entry foyer room, full living room, dining area and mini bar area, sofas galore to relax in, two HUGE flat screen TVs, a full separate bedroom, large sunning balconies and closets that actually could fill up all my Gucci belts, YSL boots and Top Shop jackets! (did I just drop THREE labels?). I don't normally take photos at the hotels I stay during all my travels but I couldn't resist!Master Bedroom at a Pelican Hill Resort Bungalow

The piece de resistance of the Bungalow were the bathrooms: One smaller full one (for guests I assume) and a Master one with a huge sunken jacuzzi tub, full shower, double sinks...I could go on and on. It was simply the most gorgeous Resort Suite I had ever stayed at. In fact, upon entering, I quickly called EVERY close friend in Los Angeles and said "You better get your you-know-what down here and spend a night in the OC!" Alas, they didn't want to drive the (with traffic) hour+ drive. So, we had it all to ourselves. But it was such a tease: We only stayed for one night both times! Infinity Caesar: Nick Verreos enjoys the Pelican Hill Resort Coliseum Pool

We even dined at the lovely Pelican Grill and got to swim (OK, maybe just stand and relax) in the HUGE 136 foot Coliseum Pool which features ONE MILLION glass mosaic tiles that were laid by HAND! (I know, shut up!). We had an amazing stay and I was missing it the minute we drove away. Maybe some day in the future we can take some more R & R time from my crazy busy schedule and enjoy the Pelican Hill Resort once again. This time, I am NOT leaving that pool!Goodnight Mr. Verreos: This was waiting for me upon my return from my hosting and judging duties--Turndown Service a la Pelican Hill Resort
Happy Thanksgiving Weekend kiddies and take the time to relax...I'll try.

Nick Verreos Takes on Style Week Orange County--and LOVED IT!!!

Behind the Orange (Fashion) Curtain!

Double Breasted in Orange County: Nick Verreos at the Style Week OC Active Ride After Party

If you've been keeping up with my lovely blog here, you may remember that last Monday, I went down to the Irvine Spectrum Center in Orange County to shoot a TV segment for "Good Day LA", Southern California's most watched morning news/talk show. The reason: To promote Style Week Orange County and the fashions that would be shown this year. Well, three days later I was BACK!
The weather was absolutely GORGEOUS as David and I made our way to Orange County and checked in to our OUT OF CONTROL home for the next few days, the Pelican Hill Resort (more on that in another post!). We got ready and headed to the Irvine Spectrum to check out the fashion shows. I was "blown away" by how fabulous everything was--from the modern and chic stark white runway stage to the stunning models hand-picked from LA's top modeling agency LA Models to the sectioned off area for red carpet and VIP guests. It was like Smashbox/Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week but outdoors under a balmy evening breeze and 75 degree weather. In other words: It was better!
The Greek-Venezuelan Michael Kors: Nick Verreos judges the Needle and Thread Competition, Style Week Orage County

The evening began with the SOLD OUT (!) Designer Showcase Fashion Show and the Needle and Thread Competition, a contest sponsored by Ezekiel and Active Ride Shop. Six fashion school grads--who just happened to be ALL from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, my alma mater (Go FIDM!)--were chosen to design looks inspired by the Ezekiel Spring 2010 Collection. Mentor Nick: Nick Verreos flanked by Needle and Thread Contestants Liz Sandhoefner, Brenda Ahamad, Valentina Vardanyan, and Adrian Manuel

By coincidence, it happened to be that 5 out of 6 designers were former students of mine, so it goes without saying that even though I was "officially" there as a judge, I still felt like a "proud poppa". All six did amazingly well! They created designs that were "spot on" in following the Ezekiel brand but at the same time, injected their own design "DNA" into each garment.And The Winner Is: Nick Verreos announces the winner (and Second Place) of Needle and Thread Competition

It was a tough decision but we ended up choosing the talented 21 year old San Jose native (now residing in LA) Adrian Manuel as the winner. When his designs came down the runway, my fellow judges (all female) were emitting "oohs" and "aahs". Of all the 6 "contestants", he really nailed it! Therefore, we awarded him with the $4,000 (I know, shut up!) Top Prize. Second Place went to Liz Sandhoefner (who was a Debut FIDM 2009 Grad, along with Adrian). She received a $2,000 second place prize. As I announced them as the winners I think I saw tears come down their ecstatic faces. Yes, I was clutching my pearls for them!
Can You Spell Your Name? Meeting and Greeting at Irvine Spectrum Active Ride Shop After Party

Following the Needle and Thread Competition and Fashion Show, I was whisked off (by security guards no less--who am I Miley Cyrus?) to the After Party at the Irvine Spectrum's Active Ride Shop, where guests drank Champagne and mingled with all the designers. One...Singular Sensation:Nick Verreos and fans do their best Chorus Line Pose

I was also there to do a meet-and-greet with all the fashion show guests. I was humbled to see a long line of fans and fashion show guests alike (I'm just happy if two people show up!) and proceeded to sign and take lots of photos.
Miss Iraq: Nick Verreos poses with Iraq-born designer Oday Shakar and his models

Afterward, as I made my way back to my awaiting town car (yes, the clients got me limo! Love them!), I spotted a stunning six-foot tall model in a black gown so you just know I had to approach her. As it turned out it was a model, the Nigerian-born Tracy Acholonu, along with one of the Style Week OC featured designers, Oday Shakar (I missed his show because of the autograph signing). Of course, she was wearing one of his designs, along with a couple of other models. I might have missed his show but I got the "VIP Viewing" up close and personal--and it was all COUTURE!!
Next Up: My Macy's Appearance at the Irvine Spectrum....but first, I had to get a good night's rest at the fabulous Pelican Hill Resort...Toodles!

Click Below for a Video of Me Announcing the Needle and Thread Competition Winners at Style Week Orange County (and a "Nick" runway demonstration!):