Though "The Hills" may be a distant memory, its star, Lauren Conrad, has managed to stay busy. Conrad recently launched a new high-end fashion line, in addition to her more affordable Kohl's collection, LC Lauren Conrad.
"My new line, Paper Crown, will really cater more to the special occasion dress," she says. "I love designing everyday clothes for Kohl's, but sometimes it is fun to have that special dress or splurge every once in a while."
In addition to her fashion collections, she also recently released a fashion guide, "Lauren Conrad Style." The book offers practical advice on beauty, clothes and looking your best.
Before a recent visit to the Triangle, she shared a few of her top style tips:
Size matters: "Wear what fits," she says. "Even the best outfit won't look good if it isn't the right size."
Choose trends wisely: "Don't follow trends blindly," she says. "Not everything looks good on everyone."
Shop your own closet: "It's all in the styling," she says of creating new looks with what you already own.
Some real gems
Elaine Miller Collection in the Lassiter at North Hills will host a Mazza and Company trunk show Tuesday and Wednesday. The Mazza jewelry collection dates back more than 150 years, when the Mazza family began harvesting and hand carving coral in Italy. Nowadays, the line is sold around the world and features chunky earrings, pendants and rings with colorful gemstones and pearls.
Elaine Miller Collection is at 4421-109A Six Forks Road, Raleigh. 571-8777.
At Joint Venture Jewelry in Cary, more than 50 antique pieces - including Victorian opal earrings, carved black jade and amethyst rings - will be on display during a jewelry show through Nov. 10.
During the event, all pieces in the collection are 25 percent off.
Joint Venture Jewelry is at 2042 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 678-0092, jointventurejewelry .com
A century of beauty
Venerable cosmetic company Elizabeth Arden marks its 100th anniversary this year. In celebration, the company's regional makeup artist, Lesley McDowell, will visit Belk in Crabtree Valley Mall on Tuesday and Wednesday. McDowell will offer consultations and makeovers by appointment.
To reserve a session, call 782-7010, ext. 369. Belk is at 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. www.belk.com
Help the creatures and critters
Do something to help local pets and save Sunday at ReTails Thrift Shop's monthly Clean Sweep sale. Everything will be 50 percent off in the resale shop, which benefits the nonprofit AnimalKind. Shoppers can save on clothing, housewares and electronics while helping the group, which assists low-income pet owners in getting their pets spayed or neutered.
ReTails is at 1608 N. Market Drive, Raleigh. 872-0019, www.animalkind.org.
Never too young to be stylish
Crabtree Valley Mall has a new store just for the kiddies. 77kids, the children's arm of American Eagle Outfitters previously only offered online, opens Wednesday.
The location is one of a handful of its brick-and-mortar stores opened in the United States this year.
The Raleigh store will carry American Eagle's little77 line of baby clothes for ages newborn to 18 months. www.ae.com/77kids
New and improved
While designer consignment has worked for Raleigh boutique Dress, the shop has recently changed things up a bit, blending a few brand-new collections with its consignment pieces.
The store's new offerings include pieces from Wish, Theme, Lost April and MM Couture.
And for all the local sports fans, Dress also has added looks from Tailgate Couture - a line of team apparel in the form of comfortable, feminine dresses.
Dress is at 14 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 523-6021, www.dressraleigh.com
