Interview with George Kotsiopoulos for Gap Factory

Interview with George Kotsiopoulos for Gap Factory

George Kotsiopolous, Ellen FlowersOne of my favorite aspects of being a Dallas fashion blogger is all of the wonderful people I get to meet in the industry! This past weekend, I was given the opportunity to interview one of my favorite TV hosts, George Kotsiopoulos, from E Fashion Police. George has partnered with Gap Factory this year to host fashion shows and styling events to help showcase all of the trendy clothes, as well as to help shoppers understand that you don’t have to spend a fortune to look chic. Courtney Kerr co-hosted the fashion show with George at the Grand Prairie Premium Outlets, which of course this duo led to ultimate entertainment! I had so much fun at the event and definitely found a lot of affordable pieces I need to add to my closet. Check out my interview with the fabulous George below:

So how long have you been working with Gap Factory?

Has it been a year? Yes, I think about a year now!

I love that you have partnered with the factory store. One of our favorite things to do is to show our readers how they can look fabulous, without breaking the bank.

I think a lot of people think factory stores are just castoffs from stores, but it’s not. It’s a completely different collection made exclusively for the factory store. It’s the same great quality, it’s just at a lower price. The jeans are great, and jeans can be tricky! I love the jeans. The white distressed ones are my favorite!

 So tell us about this fashion show. Have y’all been to a lot of cities?

The collection is Summer and Fall. It’s mostly Fall actually. We were in DC, Jersey, and next we are heading to Houston and Chicago

I saw that you recently wrote a book! Tell me about that:

My book, Glamorous by George, is all about how to get to the movie star style on a regular gal’s budget. It’s just all about incorporating glamour into every element of your life, not just fashion, but there’s also hair and makeup. and entertaining and etiquette. I also talked about lighting, Lighting is very, very important. Lighting, packaging and presentation- It’s really all about presentation. It’s really not that hard, just put some lipstick on, like you did! I think it’s really all about just putting a little bit of effort in towards anything. Even on Fashion Police we can rag on people for dressing crazy, but ultimately it’s like, yes it may not be the most flattering choice on them, but at least they tried! If someone tries, I can’t fault them too badly. I mean, I can fault them for lacking refined taste, but you tried and put a nice little dress on. I appreciate that.

How long have you been on E Fashion Police? I love watching that show!

It will be four years in… Actually this month! This month is four years.

Congratulations!

Thank you, it’s so crazy. It feels like… well it kind of feels like four years haha! And not in a bad way. It’s just, you know, I started out different than I am now.

How did you end up in LA from Chicago?
Well I moved to LA in 1990, and I started working in fashion. The TV thing just kind of happened. I didn’t move to LA to be an actor- that was not my goal. Shows like “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” were on, and I kept thinking “what are they talking about?”, so every TV opportunity I could take on, I did. And I thought there was another voice that needed to be heard. I just thought there were so many stereotypes of what a gay man in fashion was or what a gay man is, so I just thought I’m not that and I thought there was a different voice that needed to be heard. People would always say about me, “Are you sure he works in fashion, he’s not flamboyant enough?” because I wasn’t wearing all pink and throwing my hands up in the air saying “girrrl”, which I can do because that’s fun, but that’s just not me. I think that happens with any group of people, getting stereotyped.

Lastly, we hope you are enjoying Dallas! Did y’all do anything fun last night in the city?

No, we got in too late. I mean, I wanted to go out but thought nooo, I’m going to be responsible. I went to the Round Up last time I was here.

Oh the Round Up is so fun! Did you do any of the dances?

I tried, I can’t do any of that choreographed dance stuff. I mean, I try but then I just mess everyone else up. Like if I take any classes where they have any of those routines… I’m more of a free spirit! I like to free style! If you tell me how to do a move, I’m just like well… You move too fast, I gotta go!

Well I had so much fun getting to sit down and talk to you today about everything. Hopefully you will be back sometime again soon in Dallas!

I’m sure I will!

Gap event champagne Ellen Flowers, Kelly Barnes George Kotsiopolous, Courtney Kerr Gap event fashion show Gap Factory event grand prarie Gap factory fashion show dallas George Kotsiopolous, Courtney Kerr Gap Event

Visit The Gap to shop the collection

Get My Look: 

Romper (similar) // Horn Earrings // Statement Necklace // YSL Handbag

Photography by: Kaitlynn McConville | Edited by: The Perennial Style

PS for M&H: Pink Romper

PS for M&H: Pink Romper

romper and leather bandeau

Pink has and will always be my favorite color, so it’s safe to say I’m a happy camper when I find the perfect pink piece to add to my wardrobe. I’ve mentioned before that I think rompers are such an easy and comfortable dress alternative (see here), so this Milk and Honey romper was ultimately a must when I found it. To keep the romper from hanging too low on me, I paired an awesome leather bandeau underneath – I totally recommend adding one of these to your closet. It’s such an easy way to add a punch to your look, and I plan on pairing it with a high waist skirt as well for a nighttime look. Check out how I styled my romper below and click here to get the look:

Pink romper pink romper and leather bandeau neon Kate Spade bag pink romper neon bag neon thread necklace Neon thread wrapped necklace neon romper

Get the Look: 

Romper c/o Milk and Honey // Leather Bandeau c/o Milk and Honey (try this similar one) // Necklace c/o Milk and Honey // Kate Spade bag (similar) // River Island Round Sunnies c/o // Leighelena Bracelet c/o // Hermes Bracelet // Christian Louboutin Heels (or look for less)

PS for M&H: Palm Crop

PS for M&H: Palm Crop

ellen flowers

The palm print is one of my favorite prints of the season, which is why this neon painted palm crop is my perfect tee to toss on for a casual afternoon look. I paired my crop with my high-waist white flares for a weekend trip to the DMA. I love stocking up on loose-fitted printed tees (try this, this, or this) for those days where I want to feel relaxed and comfortable, while still appearing put together. See my weekend look below, and click here to shop the look!

Palm print crop top

Hermes Leather bracelet

Bright Yellow Kate Spade Bag

dallas fashion blogger

printed crop tee and jeans

Neon Kate Spade Bag

Palm Print Crop Tee

neon tote and white pants

printed palm top

Get the Look:
Palm Crop Top c/o Milk and Honey // Flared White Jeans // Wedges (similar) // Earrings (similar) // Ray-Ban Aviators // Kate Spade Handbag (similar) // Hermes Leather Bracelet // Leighelena Bracelet c/o

Photography by: Kaitlynn McConville | Edited by: The Perennial Style

PS for M&H: Grid Print Mini

PS for M&H: Grid Print Mini

ellen flowers
Layering is one of my favorite (and one of the easiest) ways to add depth to any item. This black and white grid print dress has become such a staple in my closet, due to its classic button-down shape and simple color scheme. By pairing it with this crochet kimono, I gave the dress a boho twist for a concert night in Deep Ellum. The sleeveless shape and comfort fit make it the perfect dress for any season, and I can’t wait to pair some leather leggings, a moto jacket, and some platform ankle booties for an edgy Fall night. See how I styled this mini dress and click here to shop the look:
kimono black and white dress

green crochet kimono

grid print dress

grid print blouse dress

green kimono

kimono and dress

gold boho statement necklace

dressy kimono

dallas fashion blogger Get the Look:
Grid Print Mini Dress c/o // Crochet Kimono c/o // Statement Necklace c/o // Ray-Ban Aviators // Jami Earrings c/o // Heels (similar)

PS for M&H: Mesh Top & Pearls

PS for M&H: Mesh Top & Pearls

JOA Too Posh Top black

If I had the option, I would wear the color black everyday. Excluding the fact that it matches “everything”, black is just such a sophisticated and daring color that gives you a certain attitude unlike any other color. To keep my closet from looking dark and monotonous, I love finding black pieces with a bold shape or interesting fabric that showcases the item, rather than getting lost within the color. This JOA top from Milk & Honey is just that, as the sheer grid-print fabric keeps the hue interesting. The mesh puffed sleeves add an extra dimension to the shirt, which I paired with skinny jeans to balance the oversized shoulders. Following the pearl trend (which we mentioned here), I added a gold and pearl statement necklace for a dressy and feminine touch. See how I paired my top and be sure to check out all of my Milk & Honey looks this week on their website!

ellen flowers mesh sleeve black top JOA black sleeve top black top and skinny jeans with aviators JOA black mesh grid top mesh JOA top JOA mesh top black JOA top and skinny jeans JOA Too Posh Top pearl and gold statement necklace milk and honey blogger collabGet the Look: 

Top: Milk and Honey c/o // Necklace: Milk and Honey c/o // Christian Louboutin Heels // Serfontaine Jeans