By Lindsey Love
Reality star and author Whitney Port can now add the label "urban chic designer" to her ever-growing résumé.
Now in its fourth season, the line combines a downtown edginess with a feminine touch. And of course, it's got celeb buzz: Paris Hilton and Kourtney Kardashian are among the early adapters. Further evidence that Port's fashion star is on the rise: Heidi Klum recently wore one of her outfits on Project Runway
Port is not a novice to the clothing business; her father, Jeff, owns the apparel company Swarm. We caught up with the leggy, lovely designer while she was showing her latest collection at Tootsies in Houston. We talked everything from beauty faves to castmate gossip to L.A. hot spots.
I've evolved as a designer. What began as a fun art project has become a business. Now I must choose more universal fabrics and design silhouettes to fit every woman.I'm inspired by travel. Being able to see the different sensibilities in other cultures intrigues me. I also find myself designing for what's missing in my sisters' and friends' wardrobes.
My no-fail clothing item is toga slip dresses from Opening Ceremony.
I cannot live without my family and BFFs (best friends).
My must-have piece in the Whitney Eve Collection is the Eva ruffle blazer.
Life after The City is bittersweet but very freeing.
I'm currently obsessing over my Burberry leather moto jacket.
I'm definitely more of a flats girl. (Port is 5 foot 9.)
I would die to dress Blake Lively.
Lauren Conrad and I are still close as ever. We will always be good friends.
I recently splurged on the sparkling Jimmy Choos from Tootsies that you put on me.
My fashion motto is don't follow trends but rather follow what your confidence says to you.My relationship with Kelly Cutrone (the People's Revolution founder) is never going to be as intimate as we were on The City
A makeup-bag mainstay for me is Lucas Papaw lip ointment from Australia.
An embarrassing song you'd find on my iPad is Ali Lohan's All the Way Around
I knew I made it big when I was on the cover of Rolling Stone.
On the horizon for the Whitney Port empire is more Whitney Eve for everyone - and hopefully jewelry soon.
