Lauren Conrad: Over 'The Hills'

Uh-oh 'Hills' fans - Lauren is talking about calling it quits!

The Hills protagonist told Extra! last night that, "It's coming to a point where I love this show so much, but I'm ready to kind of walk away. I've been doing it for five years now. Five years on TV is a really, really long time."

Ahhh, suddenly it makes sense why they are not pushing Whitney's life on us!

Lauren apparently wants to walk away from MTV's most popular show to tour college campuses and talk to co-eds about domestic violence and the like. (Similar to past Real World-ers.)

But wait--there's more: Lauren and Heidi are friends again!

USmagazine reports that the two made up at a Malibu Rum sponsored dinner at STK in Los Angeles Tuesday night. Heidi came over and congratulated Lauren on her clothing line and the two hugged. Daww, how sweet...but I didn't believe they were ever really fighting in the first place.

RELATED LINKS
Head from 'The Hills'
Back in 'The Hills'
"Drama follows them"
Boys make girls cry and something's gotta change
"You always miss a best friend"

Head from 'The Hills'

It appears that MTV is trying to suck its 'Hills' franchise dry: Whitney Port, Lauren Conrad's friend and co-worker, will be getting her very own spinoff in 2009.

Rumors of the spinoff have been swirling for awhile now, but MTV announced today that Whitney will star in "The City" --clever title. The show will air in the spring.

Cameras will follow Whitney from LA to NYC, where she will work for designer Diane Von Furstenberg. reunite with "a best friend from her past" and meet "a guy she's head-over-heels for," according to the release.

I mean, I'm all for the "normal" girl on the overly-hyped television show having her day, but do we really think Whitney can carry the show on her own? I mean, she's intelligent and beautiful, but let's face it: She's just an ancillary character in the drama-tastic world of The Hills--that's the downside of having substance and integrity.

MTV is already heading off our worries with this exaggerated description of the show:

"Surrounded by all new friends, pursuing a fresh love life and starting to work in the upper echelon of the fashion industry is a lot to navigate for a new girl in the big city... especially one who has everything to lose. In a city full of people with their own agendas, Whitney will have to quickly decide who she can trust and who to stay away from." - MTV

You know, I thought Whitney was smart for shying away from the cameras during The Hills and focusing on her career, but I'd say this seems like a step in the wrong direction. Still, it will give me some more meaningless television to watch, so...okay.

NYC Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

NOTE: This is a special guest feature from my aspiring fashionista bff, Rachel--a student at Parsons. She had the incredible chance to be a part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this year, and I stalked her down to write about it.

I received the opportunity to go to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City; my Public Relations teacher at Parson’s School of Design is head of Public Relations for IMG Fashion. This year, she allowed the students in her class to attend the festivities if they were able to get there. Was I able to get there? Let’s just say after 10 hours, one fashionable outfit and one huge lie to the company I work for, I was there.

After an anxious bus ride and 30 minutes of traffic outside of Lincoln Tunnel, I arrived at the bus terminal around 11:15 a.m. I immediately ran to a Starbucks for an iced vanilla soy latte (soooo New York) so I could get my energy level up for my big day.

Around 12:25pm, I was caffeinated and approaching the tents at Bryant Park. I have to admit that I got a little choked up when I saw the entrance to the tents.

When I arrived, there were paparazzi, camera crews, reporters, journalists, body guards and tourists snapping away with their cameras. My teacher told me --via phone conversation-- to approach the body guard to let me in--Because she is a VIP (ooh la la), they gave me no problems and I was let through the crowds.

When I got inside, I met up with another student from my class and we were greeted by my teacher’s assistant. My teacher had to be at a lunch for Saks 5^th Avenue. What a terrible life she has.

The atrium of Fashion Week was unlike anything I’ve ever seen--gorgeous displays from all of the high-end sponsors, a full service bar, camera crews, important people in the fashion industry...

My teacher’s assistant took us on a tour. Words cannot even describe how amazing it was to see all of the action behind the scenes. I got to see where all the collections are stored, where models get their hair and makeup done and the lounge where celebrities hang out before and after the shows. It was amazing to see how much work is put into this week long celebration of fashion.

At the end of our tour, my teacher’s assistant told us that we would have the chance to attend the Rebecca Taylor fashion show that was about to start. If there were an award for biggest inner freak out moment, I would have won. She escorted us into a giant room and directed us toward the standing room section behind all of the seats. Even from our spot, we could see everything.

But a few minutes before the show, the room was getting crowded; almost all of the seats were taken and it was started to get cramped in the standing room area. Suddenly, an usher pointed to me and the girl from my class and told us to come forward. We did as we were told, only to find out that we were going to be filling two seats in the third row.

I was sitting directly behind the celebrities in the first row including (from left to right):
Rashida Jones, Leven Rambin, Alexie Gilmore, Mena Suvari, Simone Sestito, Mark Indelicato, Veronica Webb and Bijou Phillips. (Note: That green arrow is Rachel)

The show was completely amazing and Rebecca really demonstrated a glamorous, bohemian chic vibe in her collection. Her use of pattern and color were eye-catching and girlie and her silhouettes were very feminine with delicate details. Although she is not a big-name designer, from what I saw, she definitely deserves more recognition within the industry. I would buy these clothes any day (if I had money).

After attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I can attest that I am truly inspired by the entire process of fashion and it’s impact on the world. I just wish that I had Jess with me to experience it all! (Thanks, Rachie!!!)

Dems fightin' words

Now that the Olympics are finito, it's time to look forward to the next national event that will be overblown by the media: the November presidential election.

With only about two months left until we elect a new Commander-in-Chief, be prepared for some severe political overload wherever you look--except this Web site!

No one cares what I have to say about the war, oil, health care; if you really did, then I'd be running for president, not writing for a weekly newspaper that no one reads. So if there's something significant going on, then I'll mention it... otherwise, I'm sure you won't be too hard-pressed to find another site to read all about John Hickenlooper or if Cindy McCain's choice of powersuits rules supreme over Michelle Obama's.

That being said, the now-old news is that Barack announced his running mate this weekend: Senator Joe Biden. In more current news, the Democratic National Convention began today out in Denver. Headliners include the Bill and Hill (Wednesday and Tuesday, respectively), Michelle Obama (Monday) and of course, Barack himself (Thursday). For a full list of headliners and a day-to-day schedule, click here.

Fierce to the trannieth degree

Top Chef 4 premiered tonight--PRAISE THE LORD!!!

Buuuut, you couldn't have expected Project Runway to go out like a lamb. Check out this fierce Project Runway spoof from SNL this weekend. SNL sucks lately, but Amy Poehler's impression of Christian is fantastic--she looks just like him!



And Christian took it all in stride. In an e-mail to People magazine, he wrote:

“I thought it was SO FUNNY. Amy [Poehler] looked exactly like me which is kinda scary, but fabulous.”--Christian Siriano.

Love it!

"Hello--did you have a doubt? What up."

WARNING: SPOILERS
Again, I have shamefully slacked on my PR updates, but thankfully I caught tonight's season finale and all I can say is--FIERCE.

After going head-to-head with Chris March last week in a sudden death match up, Rami advanced to Fashion Week with Jillian and Christian. The designers had their shining moment to debut their line in Bryant Park in front of guest judge Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham. Daaaamn!

I also enjoyed the smattering of Bravo celebs sporadically placed throughout, like Padma, and love-of-my-life Jack with his new love interest Top Chef Dale, last season PR winner Jeffrey Sebelia and the rest of the eliminated designers from this season.

Jillian's line was--as always--wearable, but her complete lack of excitement really turned me off. Her clothes were derived from the painting she chose for the last challenge and appeared to be some sort of horse jockey meets knits with a few random shiny things thrown in. Hats, too. Lots of hats. Overall, it was a pretty line, but like the judges said, also disjointed.

Rami's line was--not surprisingly--impressive; I actually liked it a lot more than I thought I would. And there were lots of headbands. What's with the headwear obsession? Rami's designs were much more cohesive than Jillian's, and the evening gowns were really well made. My fav was the basket woven dress--so pretty.

And then there was Christian who delivered ferocity and drama, drama, drama. Lots of frill and puffs. I was a little put off by the first five looks or so being all black (the judges were too), but I appreciated the transition into colors, and though I'd never wear most of the designs, they were really exciting and fun to look at. And how spectacular was it to finally see Christian show off his runway walking skills as he struck a 'ferosha' pose at the end.

The judges shared some of my sentiments, but no one was Christian's biggest fan tonight like Posh Spice herself. She was practically drooling, and in the end, Christian's clothes almost brought the cold one to tears! Gasp.

Jillian--you're out.
And you could just tell as soon as Heidi Klum said, "Christiaaan?" he was in. And I could not have been freaking happier. If Rami had won, it would have been a wash because he's already established, plus he and Jillian are both a snooze personality wise.

So a big congratulations to Christian for being the youngest--and fiercest--winner of Project Runway to date.

Sadly, this concludes this season's coverage of Project Runway, but let us all rejoice in the fact that Top 'mother freaking' Chef starts next week. CANNOT WAIT.

RELATED LINKS
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10
Episode 11

"Joan Rivers carved her initials in it"

WARNING: SPOILERS

My apologies for the tardiness of this entry. I honestly had not had a chance to see either the last challenge episode and this week's reunion until this afternoon.

Where we last left off, crybaby Ricky was kicked out--thank God--and only Chris, Christian, Sweet P, Rami and Jillian remained in hopes of becoming (no, not America's Next Top Model, sorry I got carried away) Project Runway Season Four's top designer. Two designers would be eliminated at judging.

This challenge was one of the best in terms of logistics, but not necessarily results. The designers visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and were required to create a design inspired by one piece of art within three different themed rooms in the museum.

Well, naturally, Rami went with the Greek/Roman inspired drape piece--hello, yawn. He put together, again, a nice looking dress completely devoid of a 'wow' factor. Thank goodness the judges gave him an earful.

Chris was also criticized for his familiar design, not because it was safe (below, left), but because it was very reminiscent of the couture challenge's garment (below, right). Ehh? Yeah. What was he thinking?!

Sweet P's look--based on a peacock painting--made me the most uncomfortable. The judges said it looked wearable, but to me, it really just looked like colorful rags. And the feathers in the model's hair? My God, she looked ridiculous (below, left).

The judges liked Jillian's look and sung her praises once again, but I just don't like her. Maybe if she had a personality. I think Heidi was right: She's quiet (aka a robot) but her clothes are loud. Of course, this isn't a personality contest and Jillian got her ticket to Fashion Week (below, center).

And then there was Christian, whose design from the get-go was a shoe-in to win this week, even though it started off looking like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man in a vest. His dramatic, but wearable pieces really thrilled the judges and he was this week's winner (below, right). During judges' deliberation, it became clear that Christian is regarded as the most talented and creative of the lot, so we'll be on the lookout for him during next week's finale.

The judging then went as follows:

"Sweet P, you're"
"...Chris, you're in." [GASP!!!]
"Rami...you're also in." [DAMNIT!!]

Yes. The judges were deadlocked between Chris and Rami that the two will go into extra innings to show at Fashion Week. From the end of the show, the designers were sent home to create their look to show, but when they return to NYC, Chris and Rami will show three looks from their line and the judges will select who goes on. Hopefully the "do something else" bashing that Rami got at the last judging won't sink in and Chris will move on. Rami bores the hell out of me. Go back to designing for Jessica Alba.

11 down--four to go. Make it work!

RELATED LINKS
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9
Episode 10

New 'Hills'--hollaaa

Mark those calendars! Lauren has posted a new blog on her MySpace page announcing that the bonus episodes of MTV's The Hills will begin airing March 24.

Word has it that the girls--no longer at Teen Vogue--will be working for People's Revolution, a fashion PR firm and Lo (best character on the show, fo' real) will be moving in with Audrina and LC.

And for shits and giggles, check out Heidi's music video, if you can even call it that.

"Mine's gonna be Ferosha Coutura"

WARNING: SPOILERS

Well, we had a week off since the shocking victory of Ricky and the downfall of Victorya, but this week, Project Runway was back with a vengeance.

Tim took the crew on another field trip to reveal the challenge, and at first, it seemed like it was going to be an S&M design challenge with all the moaning and slamming going on behind closed doors. Instead, the doors opened to reveal six feisty W.W.E. Divas, in mid-scripted fight.

They've got one day and $100 to spend on a flashy, spandexy spectacular look that applies to their Diva's persona in the ring, i.e. Sweet P's Diva, Candice, is the "Robe and Reveal," so she must create a robe for Candice to take off and reveal her body - rocket science, I know.

The best part of this episode was the "If I were a W.W.E. Diva, I would be..." conversation that sparked up in the workroom, which would be from where this entry's title originates. While Sweet P's persona would be Spread Eagle (and she'd crush people with her thighs," Chris comes up with the completely unoriginal Wonder Woman - uhh, that's been done before. Christian takes it to the next level--as always--saying he would be Ferosha Coutura and she would spray enemies in the eye with hairspray. Even if Christian doesn't win this season, they should give him his own reality show to document his ferosh-ness in every day situations. I'd watch.

And generally, it's acceptable for a woman to lose an arm wrestling match (sorry ladies, it is), but shame on Sweet P for losing to Christian. Yes he is (arguably) a man, but come on, girl...

The abridged version of the work room - big, scary, buff women being fitted. Sweet P's model wanted all the bells and whistles--we're talking Queen of Gaudy-ville here. And of course, Rami was super sour about the tackiness of the challenge, whaa whaa. Your name isn't Ricky, stop crying.

Chris and his model both discovered their love for leopard print and he sent her out in some sort of half-hoodie, animal-esque look (below, left) that the judges went ape for--this week's winner. Christian went with the 'Leather and Lace' look (below, center), Fleetwood Mac anyone? Chaa, just kidding. And Jillian's look also got some kudos (below, right), but I think it's mostly because her Diva was the hottest. Wait a sec...the entire show is made up of women and gay men, nevermiiind.

At the bottom of the barrel this week were Sweet P, Rami and Ricky. Sweet P was criticized for not giving her model a big enough robe (below, left), but I don't think I bigger robe would have helped that thing, like, really. Rami's design was so incredible hideous, and if I didn't dislike Ricky so much, I'd have wished for him to go home. Seriously. It's ghastly!

And then there was Ricky...

Maybe Ricky didn't get the memo that they were designing for W.W.E. Divas this week, because he sent some sort of tropical bathing suit down the runway, a design that we've so totally seen in like, last year's swimwear line. And with that, the judges FINALLY gave Ricky something to cry about.

10 down--five to go. Make it work!




RELATED LINKS
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8
Episode 9

"Oh my God, I'm gonna die of barfness"

WARNING: SPOILERS
Some big lead changes on this week's Project Runway episode. Those at the top (ehem "Team Robot Monotone" according to David Dust ehem) landed in the bottom, and unfortunately, a certain someone won the challenge...

The remaining designers took a "field trip" to a docking site where they were introduced to this week's raw materials: over 500 pairs of Levi's jeans and white cotton. The challenge was to create an iconic denim look that embodied the spirit and creativity of the Levis brand.

Unfortunately for our "BIG man on campus," Chris March," the designers were given three minutes to sprint to the materials and gather as much as possible. Another running challenge?? It seems like they're just targeting the big guy.

Anyway. Back in the design room, the drama seemed to flare up here and there, between Chris and Christian bickering--"Give him a bottle and send him to bed"-- and Jillian crying about how she was pricking herself with the sewing machine and bleeding everywhere.

Ricky had his own little confessional moment being voiced over as the designers worked on their garments. In his blabbering, the conductor-hat-wearing designer lists all his accolades. Hey Ricky, we don't care what you did in whoever's lingerie show. We still liked Kit better than you...and Kevin...and Jack...

Coming down the runway, nearly everyone pulled off something decent looking. The judges seemed to like Rami, Christian, Sweet P and Ricky's looks, while former frontrunners Jillian and Victorya fell to the bottom with Chris.

Yes, that's right. The judges liked Ricky's look this week, which honestly, infuriates me. Just when you think, "Okay, maybe he'll go home this week. There's no way he can be so lucky and get all the way to Bryant Park," the SOB pulls off something that's actually good looking. The judges deem him the winner.

The best part - What does Ricky do when they call his work impeccable (which no one has used to describe his work since he's been on the show)? He cries. Yes, surprising as it may be, Ricky let loose a river of tears all over his winning denim dress. GO HOME!


And on the other end of things, Jillian (rightmost) and Victorya (my other least favorite people) were left standing on the runway after both designers dressed their models in boring and mismatched jean jackets. Victorya was sent home, mostly because Michael Koors thought her design looked like a "party skirt got glued onto a jean jacket."

Nine down--six to go. Make it work!



RELATED LINKS:
Episode 1
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
Episode 5
Episode 6
Episode 7
Episode 8