Over the weekend, I attended a party at Shay Todd toasting Maria Menounos with Martini Prosecco for making the New York Times‘ Bestseller List for her new book, The Everygirl’s Guide to Life.

“It’s like no other feeling I’ve ever had maybe since getting my first job in the business,” an ecstatic Maria tells me about the “absolutely incredible” feeling of becoming a bestselling author. “I feel like I won an Academy Award, which I kind of did in the book world!”

And to celebrate, Maria’s all about mixing high and low, combining a Bebe jacket with a Banana Republic top and Rachel Pally pants.

Some of her celebrity party guests meanwhile keep on the high side of fashion, like Jessica Alba who edges up her maternity glow with a L.A.M.B. dress, Burberry vest and Paige Novick necklace.

But when it comes to everyday girl who’s on a tight budget, Maria has a fab fashion tip:

“Shop at some of the more affordable stores but get things tailored,” she explains. “The difference between a high end outfit and a lower end outfit is usually the fit. The fabric too, but now when you go into some of these places you’ve got great designers who are designing things so the fabric has gotten a little better. But the fit is usually still the only thing that separates you from a Dolce & Gabbana. So if you go and have something tailored for a few dollars you get the fit of something expensive and people will never know.”

And it’s true. I could have sworn Maria’s sequined jacket was a high end designer!

Also at the chic soiree? Rachelle Lefevre in a pastel leather jacket, Cheryl Hines in a classic white button down, skinny jeans and leopard belt and Rachael Harris, who complimented me on my colorblocking on my way out. It was such a fashionable start to the weekend!

Photo credit: Wireimage