George Kotsiopoulos was recently in Chicago to launch his new book “Glamorous by George” at Swarovski’s Michigan Avenue boutique. If you’ve ever wondered how to look glamorous for every occasion, taking tips from George Kotsiopoulos, celebrity stylist and host of E!’s Fashion Police will get you headed in the right direction. We caught up with George to get an insider look at his new book, on growing up in the Chicago burbs and what every woman should own in her closet.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: Tell us about your new book Glamorous by George!
It’s the highest compliment on Fashion Police when we say a woman looks like a “movie star” so I just wanted to share my knowledge on what it takes to achieve this.  Being glamorous is not just about the hair, make-up and clothing.  It’s how you present yourself in every aspect of your life and it’s not as difficult as you might think.

FM: What was it like growing up in Skokie? What are your favorite things to do in Chicago?
GK: I loved growing up in Skokie.  It was the suburbs but not so far removed from the city that I ever felt too sheltered.  

FM: When did you first realize you wanted to work in fashion and how did you break into the industry?
GK: I first realized I wanted to work in fashion when I began assisting Elizabeth Stewart who at the time was Fashion Director at The New York Times Magazine. My job there was based in Los Angeles which is all about celebrity.  I began at a time when actresses were replacing models on the covers of fashion magazines and editorials.  So the transition from fashion styling to celebrity styling just happened organically.  You style a girl for a magazine, you get along and then you start styling her for red carpet.

FM: What do you absolutely love about the Swarovski brand?
GK: Every girl needs a little bit of sparkle in her life.  They have many accessibly chic pieces as well as aspirational fashion items.

FM: What should every woman have in her closet?
GK: A great black cocktail dress that she can accessorize in different ways, the same way a man has a suit he can wear over and over again in different ways.

FM: According to you, who nails it on the red carpet every time?
GK: This past award season Lupita Nyong’o, Cate Blanchett and Sandra Bullock.  On the music side, I always love what Rihanna and Miley Cyrus are wearing.

FM: What are people most surprised to know about you?
GK: I have a bachelor’s in Accountancy and I like to shower outside.