Maria Menounos' (Svelte) Star Shines Brightly At Bethesda Row's Annual 'Front Row' Fashion Event

BETHESDA, Md. -- A marquis fashion event for the D.C. metropolitan region that just seems to grow bigger with each passing year, 'The Front Row' experience returned to Bethesda Row last week with popular actress-turned-entertainment reporter-turned-author Maria Menounos serving as 2014's headlining guest.

Despite a list of Hollywood acting credits about a mile long ('Entourage', 'Scrubs', 'Fantastic Four', 'The Mindy Project', etc.) and a permanent hosting gig at 'Extra' since 2011, the A-List actress shunned the guarded celebrity stereotype in favor of an open arms approach to the hundreds of D.C. fans that turned out to meet her.

Between hugs, baby bouncing, and selfie posing, Menounos also found the time on Friday night to sign copies of her new book, The EveryGirl's Guide to Diet and Fitness, which recently topped the New York Times list of bestsellers.

And she was careful to ensure that everyone's book got signed before she took her VIP seat at the foot of the covered catwalk, for 'The Front Row's main event: an energetic fashion show featuring spring and summer looks pulled directly from the stores lining Bethesda Row.

Friday's festivities were but one part of the three day celebration, with D.C. fashionistas also treated to a special screening of documentary film Versailles 73 on Thursday evening and an outdoor 'Fashion Fuel' fitness class hosted by Equinox on Saturday.

Menounos also wasn't the only familiar face in attendance, with many of the District's prominent journalists (NBC4's Eun Yang and Angie Goff, FOX5's Laura Evans, WUSA9's Andrea Roane), business leaders, and philanthropists (Mark and Sally Ein) also spotted.

Even the stormy weather failed to (literally) put a damper on things, with the day's downpour holding off until after the conclusion of all of the fashionable fun!