Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Exclusive Interview: Maria Menounos, StyleBistro Celebrity Guest Editor









Maria Menounos (Getty Images)Maria Menounos has been a staple in entertainment news since early 2001. The celebrity journalist got her start as a student reporter for Channel One News and quickly catapulted onto shows like Access Hollywood and The Today Show. Maria's bubbly spirit and infectious laugh have earned her a spot as one of the top entertainment correspondents in the industry. We swapped seats with the gorgeous journalist to get the exclusive scoop on everything from her style icons to the juicy details on her New York Times' best-selling book. 

StyleBistro: How would you describe your personal style?
Maria Menounos: My style is classic-sexy. I like to keep it classic but I like to keep it young and trendy at the same time. But only trends that fit me. I don't follow every trend but I like to be trendy when it works

SB: What trends for fall are you looking forward to wearing?
Maria: I just went out and bought a big, fuzzy vest...almost like shearling. It's warm and soft—fuzzy and cute. I also got some great wedge booties that are suede and have a little leather belt that goes around your ankle. Leopard print, any kind of animal print is also really big this season. And, of course, bold colors.

  SB: Who would you love to swap closets with?
Maria: Probably Victoria Beckham

Maria+Menounos in 63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - ArrivalsSB: As a host for Extra who's constantly working the red carpet events, what's been your favorite red carpet outfit so far?
Maria: This year's Emmys gown was one of my favorites. The dress was absolutely gorgeous. It was Emannuel Ungaro. I took it off the rack and it fit like a glove and I just loved it. I just thought it was such a unique way to wear black—I'm not normally a big fan of wearing black, but it was so beautiful, I couldn't help myself.

 SB: Any red carpet regrets?
Maria: Definitely! One year at the Emmys I wore my version of a tutu. I have to say, I've been pretty good… I think the key is, if you do stick to classics and trends that fit you, you're not going to have as many mishaps as those who don't pay attention to what works with their bodies and what works with their persona. So, I don't feel like I have as many as I could.

 SB: You were Miss Massachussets Teen USA and was first runner-up at the 2000 Miss USA pageant. How did competing in pageants affect your life?
Maria: Pageants taught me time management, how to promote myself, how to get ready really fast—I learned how to get my hair and make up done in twenty minutes by myself and do it well, which is really key, because now I can do it myself in a blink without having any issues.Maria+Menounos in 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals

SB: You released a lifestyle book this year, called The EveryGirl's Guide to Life. What motivated you to write the book?
Maria: I'm blessed that my questions always get answered and, for the most part, by the best experts in the world. Whenever there's a problem, I have access the best experts in the world—my questions never go unanswered. After 11 years of being in the business, I've accrued a lot of knowledge and I've seen a lot, so I decided to share it all in this book. I have all this information and people really need honest help. I did not get paid to mention any of those products or companies; I 100 percent use those things everyday. Stars aren't always upfront with what they're using, and the feedback I've gotten about the book is that people loved it because I was honest and because I did share all of my secrets. I want to help women live a better, healthier, happier, more successful life.

SB: You're also a contributor on Dr. Drew's Lifechangers. What inspired you to do the show?
Maria: When I was approached by Telepictures to come over to Extra and do Dr. Drew's show, it satisfied two goals that I had wanted to accomplish: I always wanted to work with Mario Lopezand I always wanted to work with Dr. Drew. For me, it's been a blessing because I still get to do all of the things that I love to do. I love to tell stories. I love to help people. And that's what the show is all about. It's great because even with everything that I know, there's always new stuff coming up. There are always new things to learn—new techniques, new products. I love that I get to experience all of that with that show.

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