The book serves as a guide to finding and developing your own style. While it is full of advice on topics, including shopping and working with your body type, Siriano wanted the book to be “fun, kitschy and not super-serious.” One of my favorite chapters was his tips for looking fierce on a budget. He described fierce style as being about being confident and exuding power. He recognized that while it is fine to want to have “dream” pieces in a wardrobe, you can find more wallet-friendly choices at stores, such as H&M, Banana Republic and Forever 21. Maybe you can’t afford a Burberry trench coat. A Banana Republic trench is a wonderful option for you with great quality and fit. 

Like the rest of us recessionistas, the style guru appreciates the collaborations from Target and H&M. When a designer does a line for them, the superstore can be a hidden gem, said Siriano. It’s a no-brainer to purchase some pieces when it’s from someone like Stella McCartney, he said.

Siriano also shared his belief that fashion definitely means taking chances. One of his fans who embodies the style of a risk-taker is actress Sarah Jessica Parker. If she didn’t wear something that looked outrageous to the rest of us, she would never be dressed different, he said.  Take risks and find different things, such as a new color or a print. After all, looking fabulous for yourself is what makes you feel better about yourself, said Siriano.

Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks was a vision as she walked the red carpet at the Golden Globes Awards last week. The sexy redhead looked gorgeous in a peach organza dress from the fierce Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway Season 4. Her triple leaf diamond earrings from Loree Rodkin complimented the ruffles in her dress. The beautiful jewels would set you back thousands of dollars but we have the perfect look for less!

Designer Matthew Levinson, who is also the owner of M. Levinson Jewelry, created a wonderful look for fashionistas who love glamour without the hefty price tag. The lovely sterling silver peridot rondells tear drop earrings (above) are only $55 ! These baubles are the accessory to have for a glamourous night on the town or just treat yourself. For more of the unique pieces from the fab designer and some great ideas for Valentine’s  Day, visit M.Levinson Jewelry.

Actress Michelle Tractenberg at H&M

On Friday, November 13th, a celebration and very special shopping excursion for the Jimmy Choo collection was held at the H&M flagship store in Manhattan. Guests who attended the invite-only event were able to buy from the gorgeous line the evening before the official launch on Saturday. High-fashion items, such as thigh-high black boots, sold out fast, but some fashionistas were lucky enough to try on some shoes for size before the stock was gone!

Among the 500 excited shoppers was Gossip Girl actress Michelle Tractenberg who happily browsed and shopped at the exclusive event in New York City. Other fashion insiders included designer Christian Siriano and fashion bloggers and editors.

Did you get an item from the collection at H&M? What pieces did you get?

Christian Siriano for VS Makeup

Project Runway Winner Christian Siriano has created the perfect makeup collection with Victoria’s Secret to complement the haute looks for Fall. Back in April, I told you that the fab designer was teaming with VS Makeup for a line exclusively for Victoria’s Secret. I was surprised that the Christian Siriano for VS Makeup collection is now available in the stores.

The lovely shades of dusty rose, midnight blue and tawny blushes are a must-have for a fashionista’s makeup arsenal. The makeup includes several rich eye shadows, appropriately named after some of Siriano’s popular phrases, such as Gilded Fierce and Royalty, an ancient-Egypt black kohl liner, three lip gloss shades and a luxe  face brush to apply the bronzer/highlighter on your best features. There’s also a chic black ruffled cosmetic bag to toss all of your makeup in. Prices start at $12 for the eye shadows and the lip glosses, $16 for the makeup bag and $32 for the essential face brush. From runway to reality, Siriano continues to bring his fierce looks to his fashion designs.

Christian Siriano for VS Makeup

Fab designer Christian Siriano wants to show you how to create a “fierce” look with his new glam makeup collection for Victoria’s Secret. In addition to the shoe line that he produced for Payless Shoe Source, the Project Runway winner will design the limited-edition Christian Siriano for VS Makeup. The stylish set will include five shadow shades, black eye liner, three lip gloss colors, a bronzer/highlighter, a makeup brush, all in a pretty ruffled cosmetic bag. Prices will start at $12 for the eyeliner and up to $32 for the luxe face brush. The exclusive collection should be available at Victoria’s Secret stores this fall. I love how Christian is bringing the catwalk to the sidewalk!