Curiocity: Q & A With Lauren Conrad
Since her journey through "The Hills" of Los Angeles, Lauren Conrad has come a long way.
Ditching the drama spotlight to pursue her own passions, Conrad has made quite a name for herself in the world of fashion and fiction. At 24 years old, Conrad has graced the No. 1 spot on the New York Times bestsellers list for her fiction series, has released a new book on style and fashion, created several looks for a line sold exclusively at Kohl's department stores and is beginning the journey of unleashing her very own clothing line.
If that's not enough, she's also diverged from the path of a few of her fellow former "Hills" co-stars, maintaining a down-to-earth spirit and grounded personality. Fans will get the chance to see Miss Conrad coming up on Tuesday at the Mall of America, where she'll sign copies of her two new books -- "Lauren Conrad Style" and the third (and final) tale in her fiction series, "Sugar and Spice."
She'll also be returning to the realm of reality TV with a new show about starting her line, Paper Crown, on MTV. But this time, she says it'll be more "business Lauren" and less "personal life Lauren." Still, we shall see what kind of drama may unfold.
Conrad took a few moments out of her busy schedule to answer a couple of our burning questions on everything from her upcoming new show to the show she can't help but watch.
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After great success with "L.A. Candy" and "Sweet Little Lies" – and now two more books, it seems fans and reading enthusiasts can't get enough. Did you ever think you'd be here career-wise – as a successful published author and go-to fashion expert?
Lauren Conrad: No, I never dreamed of this, and I am so thankful for all my fans who made this a success.
It seems fans of "The Hills" haven't been quite as interested in the show since you left. But luckily they'll have their chance to see you in your new reality TV show. Beyond being about your new line, Paper Crown, what else can you tell us about the new show?
Conrad: The new show will follow me as I work to start a new line. They will see a business side to me, which they really haven't seen before since my last two shows really focused on my personal life outside of work.
Do you still keep in touch with the girls from "The Hills?"
Conrad: Yes, Lo actually lives with me.
I hear you're a big fan of "Jersey Shore?" Is this true?
Conrad: I love the show. What a great guilty pleasure.
You've said that the fans inspired you to write "Lauren Conrad Style" and it seems since the book came out, people have been eager to get their hands on a copy. What is it like to have so many people putting their utmost trust of fashion in you and looking to you for the latest trends?
Conrad: It always feels good when girls ask me for advice. I have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing stylists so why not take all that I learned from them and pass it onto my fans.
Can you tell us about your new line and what fans can expect? Will any of the pieces be available through your Kohl's partnership – or is this a completely separate venture?
Conrad: I will continue to design "LC Lauren Conrad" for Kohls and the new season has amazing new items. That won't stop. Those clothes are really meant for everyday. Things that can take you from day to night. The new line is more specialty. A dress you may buy for a special occasion.
What's your top three must-haves for fall?
Conrad: A great pair of skinny jeans, some high boots and a boyfriend blazer.
Where do you go for style inspiration? Whose style inspires you?
Conrad: Everything all around me. Like any girl my age, I look at fashion magazines and what other celebs are wearing.
Since "Laguna Beach" and especially "The Hills" it seems a lot of people from the cast fell into a celebrity complex, one that took them far away from the person we were first introduced to. Many claim they're "playing a part" for reality TV, but you've always seemed to stay grounded and very true to who you were. How are you able to keep a level head through all the possible traps in Hollywood?
Conrad: I have a great friends and a great supportive family that are not afraid to make me clean my room and take out the trash.
Catch Lauren Conrad signing copies of her new book, "Sugar and Spice" and "Lauren Conrad Style" at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Best Buy Rotunda at Mall of America.
Sara Boyd is a web producer and columnist at WCCO.COM.
