'The Hills' look is here

If you have missed getting your fix lately of Lauren Conrad and all the drama on the "The Hills," head over to Gena Chandler in Raleigh's North Hills.

It's the only store in the area now carrying Conrad's new collection of spring clothes.

For those who don't watch the MTV pseudo-reality TV show, Conrad last season was an aspiring fashion designer working as an intern for Teen Vogue magazine. But as it turns out, in addition to dealing with her ongoing dating, friendship and career drama, Conrad also was busy chasing her dream. She started designing clothes last year and put her first collection for sale online (http://laurenconrad.seenon.com) last fall.

Now she has made her spring collection available in stores throughout the country, including Gena Chandler. (Store owners Gena Fajgenbaum Combs and Chandler Woodall have already met her twice.)

The silhouettes are simple but modern with playful detailing that are designed with the laid-back Southern California lifestyle in mind.

One of the most striking pieces is the Sophia, a voluminous, navy blue, Empire-waisted kimono dress, with a deep V-neck and short hem length, made of rayon and spandex.

The price is appealing too. At $160, it's a bargain compared to some other designer labels.

Also don't miss the Whitney dress, a fitting homage to Conrad's "Hills" friend Whitney Port. You'll get plenty of mileage out of the Whitney. With its dainty straps and A-line skirt shape, the Whitney is the perfect anytime summer dress. Then in winter, use it to layer over a turtleneck and leggings.

The Audrina dress, which will arrive later this spring at Gena Chandler, is a sexy, draping goddess dress that's cut short above the knee, a nod to another "Hills" pal, Conrad's roomie Audrina Patridge.

But don't go looking for a Heidi dress, at least not in this collection. It seems for spring, former "Hills" friend Heidi Montag is still a foe.

Full figures wanted

Think you have what it takes to be a plus-size model?

Then Shirley of Hollywood wants to meet you. The 60-year-old lingerie company (formerly known as the National Corset Co.), which makes lingerie for all sizes of women, is having a contest to find models for the company's 2009 catalog. Once all the nominations are in, the company is going to let America decide who among the top 10 wins with online voting.

Of course, Deborah Friedman, owner of Plussizeplum.com, a Durham-based online plus-size lingerie company that sells Shirley of Hollywood lingerie, wants a Triangle woman to win the contest.

"This has the potential for launching someone's career in plus-size modeling," said Friedman, who was a plus-size model.

She said they're looking for models who are 5 feet, 8 inches or taller and are a size 14-16.

All candidates for the contest must be sponsored by a retailer. And Friedman said she's happy to sponsor candidates. Contact Friedman at info@plussizeplum.com or 471-1110.