If you’re anything like me, the first time you heard about Lauren Conrad she was “LC” on MTV’s hit reality series “Laguna Beach.” She later got her own show with “The Hills” — and after leaving TV, Lauren focused on her work in fashion and also started writing. She’s already released three books in the L.A. Candy series, and this week she released the first book in a spin-off series, The Fame Game.

Lauren took some time out of her busy book tour schedule this week to chat with me by phone about her books, fashion, and — in typical Novel Novice form — other random topics!

We all know that your L.A. Candy and now The Fame Game series — though fictional — were inspired at least in part by your own experiences with reality TV, namely MTV’s “Laguna Beach” and “The Hills.” In some way, do you view the books as a sort of Hollywood cautionary tale?

I don’t think so. I think it’s more of a story that just gives people a sneak peek behind the curtains of Hollywood.

A lot of readers have likened your L.A. Candy character, Jane Roberts, to a fictionalized version of yourself. Did you feel any freedom getting away from that character and focusing on Madison for The Fame Game?

I don’t think so. I think it has the same backdrop as the first series, and all these characters live in the same world. But I had told Jane Roberts’ story, so it was time to tell a new one. And it was really fun because I got to tell it from a completely different point of view.

What was the most fun part of exploring Madison’s character separate from the L.A. Candy storyline?

I think it was just getting into the head of someone who is just shameless with their own publicity and image.

A lot of your former co-stars have gone on to careers in film and television, but you’ve gone the other direction — focusing on fashion and your writing. What made you go in that direction?

As far as fashion, that’s something that I always wanted to do since I was young, so that was just a career path that I’d been on for so long. Writing was something that I had always really enjoyed doing, but growing up I had this idea in my head that I had to pick one. So the fact that I got to do both and still do, has been really great.

Your Style Guide also just came out in paperback, and it provides lots of timeless fashion advice. But a lot of your readers are teens or young women, and are on tight budgets. What sort of budget-friendly advice do you have for being stylish on a tight budget?

I think it’s just to invest in classic pieces. Whether it’s a really great shoe that I get re-soled once a year, or a really nice bag I bought myself. I have certain pieces that were more expensive, but I wear them throughout the season. I think when it comes to trendier pieces, that’s where you go the more budget-friendly option.

Your L.A. Candy and Fame Game books are now part of this booming world of YA lit. Are there any books out there right now that you’re hooked on?

The last book that I read was The Hunger Games, so, everyone’s read that recently. I wanted to read it before I saw the movie. I really liked that, I’m actually in the middle of the second one.

That segues perfectly into my next question, which is about The Hunger Games. Obviously, it’s huge right now. Author Suzanne Collins has said she was partly inspired to write the books because of the blurring lines between reality and television. Many have even called her books a critique, in part, of reality TV. Having been a part of reality TV yourself, what are your thoughts on that approach?

Well, I think it’s a very extreme example. I just see where some people could think that, because you’re sort of entertained by other people’s pain, and I think that happens sometime in reality television. But I think the biggest difference is, when you’re on reality television, you’ve signed up for the experience. But in The Hunger Games, they’re just selecting people.

Is there anything you miss about being on TV regularly?

Really, the only thing that I miss is the people that I got to work with. That was really fun. It was fun to go to work everyday and be with really good friends. But as far as the lifestyle, and the way it affected not just me, but the other people in my life, I don’t really miss that part of it.

Private concert: who’s playing?

Oh gosh. Ooh. I’m so bad at this because I don’t really have a favorite band. Most of the time I’m seeing music it’s because my roommate just dragged me to a random show, because she goes to show every other night.

Pizza toppings?

I usually do veggie pizza, so lots of different vegetables.

Is there a book you can’t stop re-reading?

Not really, no. I mean, the only book that I’ve ever done that with is The Great Gatsby, but I’ve only read it a couple times. I think I always prefer to read something new, there’s just so many great books out there.

Living or dead, who would you like to have dinner with.

Oh, these are good questions, I wish I had good answers. Living or dead? You know, I think it would be Coco Chanel. I think that she was just such an amazing woman and she pioneered so many important trends in fashion that are still in use today.

Perfect vacation?

Perfect vacation is probably Cabo. I love going to Cabo, that’s my favorite place to go to.

You’re on book tour now, so what is one best and one worst thing about being on book tour?

The best thing is getting the opportunity to meet all the people that are buying the book and speak with them. It’s such an amazing experience, I love the experience. And the worst part is, I am so tired!

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Lauren Conrad (“The Hills”) is a master at mixing reality and fiction. Her 2009 novel “L.A. Candy,” based on her reality-TV-centered life, added New York Times [NYT] bestselling author to her resume, which includes reality starlet, clothing designer and columnist. The next installment in the series, “The Fame Game” (Harper Collins, $18.99) came out Tuesday. The novel follows Madison Parker, a supporting player in “L.A. Candy” who is now ready for the spotlight. Conrad, 26, who’ll be in Boston for a book signing Thursday, talked with the Herald in a phone interview.

Herald: There are so many references to the TV industry in the book (including a character who is an actor on a series called “Boston General”). How do you find inspiration for these?

Conrad: Being in the business for years, you see so many things. After spending several years in L.A., they start to feel normal, and then you’ll come home for a weekend and you’ll tell your parents what happened and they think what any normal person would think: It’s crazy! But you become immune to it. What I did is I started to take notes and I’m so glad I did because I use them all the time. … I would sometimes sit down with my editor and she would say, “I don’t know if this is believable,” and I would say, “But it really happened!”

As with any celebrity-written novel, there’s always talk that it wasn’t you who wrote it. How do you respond to that?

You have to take it as it comes. I take it as a compliment. When they tell you they didn’t think you could do it, you prove you can. … I really wanted to get younger girls to read. I remember never wanting to read growing up, but there were a few (books) that I could really get lost in. If you can ever get a young person to pick up a book and read it, that’s great.

What can your fans expect from the tour?

I love the signings. I think that’s one of the most fun parts — meeting the people that are gonna read it! It’s such a great opportunity to sign books and talk with all the girls.

What else is coming up in your life?

I’m working on the second book in the “Fame Game” series and that’s taking up most of my time. I’m also still working on my two lines: I’m designing spring right now for Paper Crown and I’m also working with a brand called Blue Avocado and we’re coming out with grocery, lunch and beauty bags, and they’re all made from reclaimed plastic. It’s been a really great experience with them.

When you have a month like mine you try not to look too far ahead, but I broke up this tour so I’m gone for a few weeks and then I’m home on the weekends. And then I’m gonna get to go to Coachella (music festival). I don’t know what I’m going to wear though — I have to shop online while I’m on tour!

Source

MTV’s golden girl, Lauren Conrad, is all grown up and drama-free. How’d that happen? Hard work, a sense of humor, and a new perspective on everything she went through. Allow her to explain in this excerpt from Kyle Buchanan’s cover interview.

GLAMOUR: Your new book is about a bad girl who loves to cause drama on her reality show. Does any of that draw on your time in Hollywood?

LAUREN CONRAD: Yes, definitely. I knew people who called the paparazzi on themselves! Their point of view is “They’re going to photograph me anyway, and this way I get paid half of what they make.” I could never bring myself to do it, but it was kind of fun to write it from that point of view.

GLAMOUR: Are you able to watch other reality TV, like The Real Housewives or The Bachelor, or do you just complain to your friends, “Look how scripted that is!”

LAUREN CONRAD: I do! I’m always so bad about continuity errors, or all the little tricks they do; they cut and paste together these voiceovers. But you have to know that these poor editors have to make something out of nothing sometimes, because so much money goes into every shoot.

GLAMOUR: What’s another trick we might not know about?

LAUREN CONRAD: During shooting, the producers would send us quick text messages telling us what to talk about. They couldn’t walk through the shot, so they’d just text me, like, “Say something quick about this story line.” That’s why we were always checking our phones!

GLAMOUR: You’re awfully considerate when you talk about the crew on these shows.

LAUREN CONRAD: I was really lucky. You see the crew more than you see your friends and family. One producer, Sophia, is still one of my best friends. I think it’s funny because you’re never supposed to make eye contact with the crew during a shoot. Sometimes you want to turn to a friend and you can’t!

GLAMOUR: Did you watch the series finale of The Hills?

LAUREN CONRAD: I didn’t ever watch it.

GLAMOUR: Liar!

LAUREN CONRAD: I swear on my life! I only watched the last minute and a half at the finale party.

GLAMOUR: People often say that reality stars are famous for doing nothing. Did you feel like you had to prove yourself?

LAUREN CONRAD: I did, and it was very frustrating because I almost wanted to send critics my weekly schedule and say, “This is my ‘nothing.’ ” I would film all day, and then I had several other businesses on the side: In the last season I was running a clothing line and writing a novel. I work really, really hard.

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Lauren Conrad knows a few things about hot clubs, cute guys and life in the fast lanes of Los Angeles. Best known for her starring role in the MTV reality series The Hills, she’s also the best-selling author of the L.A. Candy series, which follows young interns on the prowl. Perhaps in designer threads from Conrad’s own clothing line, of course. Now she’s back with a new series featuring a favorite L.A. Candy character, Madison Parker. Conrad, 26, chatted with USA TODAY from her home base, Los Angeles.

Q: Your newest book, out Tuesday from HarperCollins, is called The Fame Game. What is it about fame that attracts so many people? It’s like a drug.

A: I think it’s just simply to be adored. The first thing you think of is people blindly loving you, and all the perks that come along with that.

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hottest, where do you put yourself on the fame meter?

A: I’d be down at the bottom right now. I haven’t been on TV for a long time.

Q: Did you ever wish you weren’t even on the meter sometimes?

A: I think that I had a love/hate relationship with it. I felt like I should appreciate it, and it’s lovely at certain times. And if you’re able to inspire another person, that’s the great side of it. And I was able to travel. That I loved.

Q: But it’s not all fun and games being in the spotlight. What’s the hardest thing about fame, do you think?

A: I think the level of criticism you’re under is never healthy. I think that’s why lots of people in Hollywood end up in rehab. There are the ups and downs. I was never a fan of the attention.

Q: Do you have a funny story about being “spotted” somewhere?

A: There were a lot of those. Most of the time it’s great. They ask for a photo with you. It’s a little overwhelming if it’s a young girl, though. They can overreact. Cry.

Q: After you were on the cover of Teen Vogue andSeventeen, didn’t people notice you more on the street?

A: If you’re on the cover of any magazine, you certainly get recognized more.

Q: Your Lauren Conrad Styleguide is now out in paperback. Any style tips you’d like to add now? Any trends?

A: That’s a good one! Let me think. I purposely didn’t put anything trendy in there. I wanted this to be a book that you could refer to for years. It’s all very classic. Things come in and out. I didn’t want that.

Q: You live in LA. Where should someone go to be seen?

A: Who do you want to be seen by? If you’re an aspiring actor? My experience is so different. I didn’t go through any of that. Most of my friends all tend to work in restaurants part time, doing acting classes on the side. I don’t know! I was walking through a parking lot when I met my producer.

Q: You’re heading to Africa for two weeks. Tell us more.

A: It’s a little work and a little safari. I’m excited because we’re going to see giraffes. I love giraffes. And I’m meeting with a bunch of groups, foundations. As soon as I finish my next book, I’ll have more time, and I want to devote some time working for a cause. So I’m going to take a look at various groups.

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The very first moment Lauren Conrad graced our television screens I knew there was something distinctive about this lady. Maybe it’s her personality or the fact that she’s well-grounded, but one thing we all can attest to is that LC is without a doubt driven for success. Many still call her ‘former reality star’ but I feel she’s far surpassed that by now. If you so choose to give her a proper title then ‘entrepreneur’ is more like it.

Over the years, Conrad has established an empire embodying her three fashion lines, a series of best selling books, and other business ventures. Lauren celebrated her 26th birthday recently and at such a young age she’s already accomplished a great deal. Indeed, the minimal and chic lover shows no sign of slowing down, so it’s quite a pleasant surprise that she even had time to spare for an interview with us. Therefore, it is significant that you continue on below because as usual, this interview was done on your behalf:

EY: Thanks for taking the time. Let’s start off by talking a little about your life before it all took off. What was it like growing up and did you always love the creative arts?

LC: I had a wonderful childhood in Laguna Beach. My family is very close and I am the oldest of 3 kids. We had so much fun as a family growing up.

EY: To be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to become an author because of your constant demonstration of your love for fashion. So, your novels were definitely a pleasant surprise. What inspired you to start writing?

LC: I have always loved reading. Ever since I was a young girl I had a book by my bed and would get lost in the world of make believe. When I was asked to write a book, what interested me most was trying something that was outside what I normally did. It was a challenge that I was up for.

EY: Were you expecting the positive feedback that you received for your previous novels?

LC: The main reason to write was to try something new and to really explore my creative side. I never did it for any other reason. Having the books become a success was really like icing on the cake and it was so wonderful as a first time author.

Read the Rest of the Interview Here . . .

I love Lauren Conrad, so I was thrilled to have the chance to interview her a second time! Most known for her chic fashion line, Paper Crown, as well as famed books Style, LA Candy and Sugar and Spice, Conrad recently collaborated with BlueAvocado on an eco accessories line that’s due out this summer. You can follow Conrad @LaurenConrad and keep up to date on laurenconrad.com. Below she dishes all about her new eco accessories line and how she lives a sustainable life.

Haley Sherif: It’s such a treat to be interviewing you again! How were your holidays? Did you get some time for well-deserved rest and relaxation?

Lauren Conrad: Thank you! This holiday my family did something fun and went on a cruise. We try, every holiday season to spend time as a family. My mom, dad, brother, sister and I all get together and just spent quality time. It is the best.

Haley Sherif: Tell me about your “green” resolutions.

Lauren Conrad: For me it is about starting small and inspiring others to do the same. I think that people should find resolutions that are right for them. It isn’t about changing your entire life in one day, but taking steps daily to make better choices.

HS: I love Blue Avocado. It looks adorable. When did this collaboration come about?

LC: I was first introduced to them last Spring when I went down to Texas to meet the founders. For me, the partnership represents a synergy of all the things I love to do—design great products and do something cause related. I just loved BlueAvocado’s mission of inspiring a reusable lifestyle where looking good and doing good can co-exist. I was also really inspired by the company as a whole. It is founded by women and it has always been important to me to teach young girls that as females we can come together and live out our dreams.

HS: What’s your favorite thing about your new eco line?

LC: In general, I love the idea that the entire collection is made from reclaimed plastic bottles, so we are keeping them out of landfills and oceans. I am also excited about some of the beauty carrier products, which is an entirely new line I helped inspire. Each of the products will include an impact label so people can see the carbon footprint of the product, how many plastic bottles were upcycled, and the waste avoided with each use. It is the ultimate in reuse and recycle. Plus the bags are super cute!

HS: Why did you decide to do a green accessories line? What inspired you?

LC: Growing up in California, I grew up with an appreciation for the natural beauty of our beaches, which were my playground. It is heartbreaking to learn about how the build up of garbage in oceans is compromising marine animals and their habitats. I really wanted to make it easy for people to do something without sacrificing style or function and understanding the impact of conscious design. Taking just the smallest first step can create a ripple of awareness where greater change can take place. I think that lifestyle accessories are a great way to take that first step.

HS: How does this line differ from Paper Crown?

LC: This line is accessories and mainly bags. Paper Crown is clothing.

HS: How do you live a healthy green life?

LC: I start by first and foremost being aware of the environment. Recycling is a first step that really is easy. I also use recyclable materials such as reusable bags rather than plastic.

HS: Do you have any favorite eco lines?

LC: I think it is still such a new space that I am learning about, but I am fascinated by all the innovative options available.

HS: Any other green collaborations or projects on the horizon?

LC: We definitely have some great new collaborations in the works. I am learning so much from my collaboration with BlueAvocado regarding everything from sustainable fabrics, to micro-enterprise, to the importance of social impact businesses and entrepreneurs. I am just excited to launch our first collaborative line this summer!

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Lauren opened up to me about the inspiration for designing the Spring 2011 collection for Kohl’s, as well as influences on her personal style. This is what she has to say.

Where do you find inspiration for designing your fashion collections?
I want my designs to be representative of my personal style and incorporate things that I find beautiful, like flowing fabrics and feminine floral prints. I work to create pieces that can stand alone or be mixed and matched to complement a number of different looks, allowing anyone who wears the clothes to enhance their wardrobes each season without having to sacrifice style for savings.

What is your favorite piece in the Spring 2011 collection?
I recently expanded my apparel collection to include shoes, jewelry and other accessories, so my favorite accessory is the Zander platform sandal. The wooden platform detail is very reminiscent of the ‘70s and the neutral color allows them to work with a variety of outlets.

Even though I am sure you can shop among the best designers, do you wear pieces from your own collections for Kohl’s?
Absolutely! Being able to wear the styles I create is one of the best parts of being a designer. The look of the LC Lauren Conrad collection is representative of what I want to wear each season.

Like me, you were also born in the 1980s. What is one look that you sported then that would get you on a worst dressed list now?
Those parachute pants that MC Hammer wore. Those were not the most flattering.

If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Dresses. I love them because they are so versatile and can easily be dressed-up or down by adding the right accessories.

Source: www.hillsfreak.blogspot.com

If you are anything like us, you have been a big fan of Lauren Conrad, once known as “LC” on Laguna Beach and you sported TEAM LAUREN tees from Hollister. But now, our Lauren is all grown up and has so many amazing things going on in her life — from life after The Hills to her new collection, Kohl’s line and latest books — Lauren Conrad is a name you just can’t forget.

How has life been since The Hills?

It’s been great! It’s always a little scary to make a big change like I did when I decide to leave the show, but I don’t regret it one bit. Since I’ve left I’ve discovered a new love… writing! I have had such an amazing experience writing my novels and touring the country for signings. It’s been an exciting year and I’ve learned so much.

Also, I have been having such great time working on my Kohl’s line and have been blown away by the support I have received. Fashion has always been what I have loved to do and I feel so fortunate to be working with such a great partner. Aside from that, I have really enjoyed having a personal life and the opportunity to do a little traveling. All and all, I’d say it’s been a great year.

We just finished reading your second book, Sweet Little Lies (HarperCollins) and of course, it kept us wanting more — How did the idea of your LA Candy Series come about? Was writing something you have always been interested in?

The concept of the LA Candy series was more of a compromise than an original thought. I was interested in writing a dating book (sort of a what-not-to-do for someone who’s made all of the mistakes) and HarperCollins wanted me to write a tell-all about The Hills. Since I wasn’t comfortable revealing the secrets of others we began talking about a fictional series. This way I could tell the story of a journey similar to the my own without calling anyone out…but still include insider knowledge from someone who’s lived it.

How are the books [related] to your personal life – was that the inspiration?

I wrote from experiences and I also based characters on a compilation of people I had met in my life but the books aren’t real life. I had a ton of fun playing make-believe.

Read More . . . .

Lauren Conrad could probably get her pick of young actors to star in the movie adaptation of her novel, “L.A. Candy.” So, since the same producers behind “Twilight” are backing her project, could fans see some crossover action?

“I have no idea!” she told MTV News when asked which “Twilight” actor she’d like to see in the film. “I think I’m kind of taking it step by step. I’m gonna work on the script first and then go to actors. As soon as I get back … I’m going to start meeting with writers and try and decide on a writer to write the movie.”

But, she does know for sure what she wants to see happen in the movie. Conrad explained that when she met with the studio to discuss the film, she made it clear she wanted the movie to capture the craziness of being young in Hollywood without sugarcoating it for the audience.

“You know what — in our initial meeting when I was really trying to get the point across of what I wanted this movie to be about, I was saying Hollywood isn’t normal,” she explained. “When you live in Hollywood, you feel like you live in a crazy world.”

She hopes that the film can show people that “there’s all these things going on,” that a move to La La Land can throw you into some crazy situations, like it did for main character Jane Roberts. “I told them one thing I wanted to capture was that moment when you’re inside a swarm of 20 paparazzi and you can’t move and you don’t know what to do and it’s terrifying,” she said. “And I don’t think anyone’s ever illustrated that before.”

Being in the spotlight takes a toll on the stars of The Hills, and Heidi Montag, Audrina Patridge, Kristin Cavallari and Stephanie Pratt are among those MTV reality stars who have resorted to plastic surgery in order to enhance their looks.(For Heidi, it was a nose job and implants; for Audrina, implants; for Kristin, a nose job; and for Stephanie, a nose job and lip injections.)

I caught up with Hills grads Lauren Conrad, 23, and Whitney Port, 24, to get their views on why their co-stars go under the knife, and how they stay beautiful naturally. “I think it’s a personal thing,” Whitney, who has moved on to The City, tells me. “If they feel like it’s necessary and it’s going to make them feel more confident, then more power to them.” For Lauren, the need for plastic surgery stems from growing fame.

“It’s hard because you’re in that position where you’re being criticized for everything,” Lauren, whose novel L.A. Candy is getting the silver screen treatment, tells me. “It’s hard because do you ignore it, and try to be beautiful on your own and be happy with the way you look, or do you listen to the criticism. They put them on this platform, and they tear them apart and then they criticize them even more for changing themselves. It’s hard to say. I think you just try and be confident with the way you are.”

Although Whitney and Lauren don’t admit to enhancing their looks through surgery, they make the best of the features given to them.Whitney’s go-to beauty product is Fresh Black Tea eye cream, and she wears Trish McEvoy #3 perfume, Snowdrop and Crystal Flowers.

“It smells really fresh,” she says. “It’s springy, fresh and not so pungent.”

Lauren, who says her eyes look “round and boyish,” swears by Mark’s Get In Line liquid eyeliner. As for scents? “I wear 15 different perfumes. Anything with a gardenia in it.”Whitney laughs, “Oh, so does my mom.”