Fierce Style Comes to Bethesda

Project Runway designer Christian Siriano brings his fierce style to Westfield Montgomery Mall at 1 pm Saturday, Oct. 3 as part of the Westfield Style Tour. The tour starts Friday at noon with fashion shows, events and activities that go on all weekend. The highlight is Modelinia Style Sessions, during which shoppers can consult with a celebrity stylist to get a personalized look and a "fashion recipe," which details outfit suggestions and discounts. Participating retailers include Nordstrom, Ann Taylor (I LOVE the new looks at Ann Taylor), Banana Republic, Eileen Fisher and Zara. So go, get some amazing free advice, discover your style, pull your look together, and enter to win a trip to NYC Fashion Week in 2010. For more info, check westfield.com.

ALL ACCESS: Fashion!

The three-day Tysons Galleria fashion event had its grande finale Saturday with a lineup of fashion shows from the best of the luxe mall's retail shops. Betsey Johnson, 7 for all Mankind and Basler made it work in a fun day that also featured special tents and events including blow-outs and cocktails. The highlight of course was the fashion show featuring looks by Juicy, Kensie, Kate Spade and more hosted at 1 by Mr. Fashion Fabulosity himself, Tim Gunn. He began with a shout out to "Mother's" friends and launched into a running commentary to the show, full of quips and fine advice. He suggested women need a "basic blazer" and a good dress, and said he doesn't really follow trends. "Proportion, fit and silhouette" are what make an outfit work; he also showed how to create different looks from one dress with accessories. He answered questions from the audience with sincere aplomb, and wowed the crowd when he said that he likes to take fashion risks himself--like with a pocket square--that aren't always successful.  "Tim! Take that off! You look like an ass!" As the crowd roared, he went on. "The pocket square is like this little demon in my pocket, 'you look like an ass, you look like an ass.'" We've all felt that way. The culmination was the line outside Chanel to get a photo taken with Gunn and receive a little box of Tim-themed holiday cards. He's as nice one-on-one as he is when working the crowd. I could've spent hours with him. Get more Tim Gunn now on the new Dr. Oz show in addition to Project Runway.

One dress, two looks

LBD Parade

A Kate Spade LBD we loved

Bethesda's Big Night

Wow!! What went on here last night?? Bethesda Lane went from a pedestrian promenade to a full-scale runway style show complete with fashionistas, press, lights, thumping music, programs and front row swag as a bevy of beauties modeled the best of spring, summer and fall fashions from our own Bethesda shops. We got to preview everything from an Esley ruffled cocktail dress from Luna to fall preview Yansi Fugel from Wear It Well with a full complement of dresses and sportswear from Tickled Pink to Ginger to Lucy to Urban Chic, including a dress with a horse race print from J.McLaughlin perfect for tonight's Preakness.

But wait--isn't that Project Runway winner Christian Siriano sitting in the front row?? The young fashion superstar enjoyed the show with his mother, Joy, and sister Shannon. Prior to the show, Christian was gracious enough to pose for pic after pic at a reception for him at Redwood, where we enjoyed cocktails and nibbles. Though Christian's creative styles can be found in selected Saks and Nordstrom stores, the Brooklyn-based designer says he is excited about the shoes he's creating for economy-savvy Payless. His mother, Joy, says she was happy to have him home for the weekend as we chatted over Hot Mess martinis. Today The Front Row continues with a full day of events in many stores, including cookbook signings in Bella Italia, live oil painting at Ginger, and the Jimmy Choo bio book signing and specials on blowouts and highlights. There's still time to take in the trunk shows, discounts, giveaways, cocktails and a fresh hair style and more.