'Project Runway' Loves Fashion Bloggers

This industrious young woman is basically the walking stereotype one thinks of when the phrase "fashion blogger" is uttered. At age 27, Italian fashion blogger and entrepreneur Chiara Ferragni is impossibly chic, up on the latest trends, and somehow manages to make effortlessly tousled hair her everyday look. And lucky for Project Runway fans, she'll lend her chic expertise to the designers as a guest judge alongside burlesque star Dita von Teese this Thursday.

And clearly, Ferragni's got the chops to put designers on the chopping block. Her blog, The Blonde Salad, is filled with pictures of Ferrangi wandering around New York City in thousand-dollar outfits and peering cheekily at the camera. But if the photos aren't enough proof, the blogger's seven year old site is beloved by the folks over at Teen Vogue and New York Magazine. So clearly, she's doing something right.

But she's not just writing about fashion. Ferragni, like the designers on Project Runway, has begun making her own. Earlier this year Ferragni partnered with Steve Madden to release a shoe line (she first created her own line of footwear, simply named Chiara Ferragni, in 2010). And proving that she's had a taste of the other side of the Project Runway competition, Ferragni has also modeled for Guess — plus, she picked the clothes for the 2013 holiday-themed campaign herself.

The challenge for this week's Project Runway contestants is to design an "alternative wedding dress" And if Lifetime's promos aren't deceiving my eyes, the competition will involve some crazy wedding designs, including a black lace dress, a dress made of a black and beige pattered fabric, and even a white satin pantsuit. Ferragni's style is sophisticated and eye-catching, but not particularly "alternative" or out there, so it's not clear if she'll love these looks or vote for something more traditional.

As for Ferragni's look for her big TV moment, she's got it all figured out. On Wednesday, she tweeted that she'd be wearing Fendi for her Project Runway appearance, then linked to the below photo of her outfit on Instagram. No one will be judging her.

Her short flared black skirt with pleats and a zipper running down the front, paired with a cropped navy jacket with one fishnet sleeve, black pockets and a beading detail on the collar is pretty darn perfect. For her makeup, Ferragni wore a bold smoky eye, nude lips, and she styled her hair into her signature light wavy locks. Typical Ferragni. Of course, her modern look is going to be a stark contrast to fellow guest judge Von Teese, who is known for her vintage pinup style.

It's still early in the season of Project Runway, but several contestants have already distinguished themselves. Between them, Sandhya Garg and Amanda Valentine have won four of the five challenges thus far. However, this week is a team challenge, which are notoriously difficult, and promos show Amanda in particular having a tough time. And thanks to Ferrangi and Von Teese, this competition isn't getting any easier. With expertise like Ferragni's coming at them, the designers will really have to bring it.

Images: ChiaraFerragni /Instagram (2)