By Kate Hogan
When it was announced in January that Whitney Port would be showing at New York Fashion Week, the designer herself had only just learned of the news. “I started organizing this maybe a month and a half ago,” she tells People. “The collection that I was doing was already being done, because obviously I’d do it anyway, but we decided pretty last minute we wanted to be part of Fashion Week.”
Now, the budding designer is in the final stages of preparation (her Whitney Eve show is Wednesday morning; it will livestream on Very.com’s YouTube channel), fitting models, selecting music, approving hair, makeup and nail decisions and figuring out what to wear.
“I’m waiting to see what the looks are like for the show,” she reveals. “I don’t want to take anything from the show, so I’ll pick up the pieces and put something together.”
The fall 2012 Whitney Eve collection is derived in part from a kaleidoscope Port found in her grandmother’s home. “I was looking at it, and was inspired by the prints and colors,” she says. “But it’s also based on what kind of girl I feel like I’ve grown to be the past couple years.”
Port launched her line in 2008, in the midst of her run on MTV’s The Hills — and ever since, has felt she has something to prove. “I want to show people I’m really in this to create a great fashion line,” she says. “There’s this thought that people on TV just put their names on lines and it’s not something they’re passionate about. For me, I’ve always wanted to do this, since day one. Being on TV was just this added thing that I kind of fell into.”
While Whitney Eve is still “a small, boutiquey line,” Port says she’s hoping her turn at Fashion Week will inspire buyers, editors and shoppers alike. “I’d love to see more girls wearing it on the street,” she reveals.
And regardless of how her show goes — “I’m pretty nervous,” she admits — she’ll have some very big fans waiting for her backstage. “My parents are here, my sister and my brother are here, another sister’s coming,” she shares. “They’re here to support.”

Go Back To Black
Not sure what to wear to a fiesta? When in doubt, opt for a little black dress. "If you're going to be the belle of the ball at a party, I think a chic LBD is the way to go," the designer says. "It's simple and elegant, but still fun." And it can be easily accessorized with layers of necklaces.


(L) Go For Maxi-Mmum Effect
"Maxis have always been a style staple for me," Lauren says of these on-trend and surprisingly easy-to-wear skirts. She recommends pairing looser versions with a tucked-in or belted top, while body-con maxis look perfect with loose blouses and slouchy sweaters.
(R) Carry a Bold Bag
One of Lauren's favorite ways to add a pop of color to her look is with a bright statement accessory, like this bold turquoise bag she loves to sport.


(L) Knot It
Become a master bun artist, suggests the PEOPLE StyleWatch columnist, who loves to wear the polished do and credits it as a great quick-and-easy style that works well with just-out-of-bed hair. How to keep it from looking messy? "Be sure to have some dry shampoo around to absorb excess oil."
(R) Become a Ballerina
It's no surprise that the designer is frequently seen around Hollywood wearing ballet flats. After all, she considers the shoes "a fashion classic" and "the epitome of Parisian chic." Plus, they can easily be dressed up or down, making them the perfect day-to-night kicks.


(L) Look Cool In Camel
"I have fallen deeply, madly in love with camel clothing," reveals Lauren, who's into swapping out gray and black in favor of this luxe, golden-beige shade, especially during chilly months.
(R) Get Kissable With Cukes
LC swears by an unconventional beauty trick to keep her smile in tip-top shape: "One of the best ways to directly hydrate your pout is by pressing cold, sliced-up cucumber on your lips for a few minutes."

From People Stylewatch:
"We have a new writer on staff — and she comes with a pretty fabulous pedigree. Lauren Conrad is joining the People Stylewatch magazine team, starting with our March issue, dishing out style advice and sharing her fashion and beauty must-haves. In her inaugural column, Conrad answers commonly asked questions (like how to get a great wardrobe on a budget) and tells us what’s on her spring shopping list (hint: there are blazers, button-downs and platforms involved). Thanks to her successful beauty blog and growing lifestyle site, the designer is definitely gaining traction as a style authority — and we’re excited to have her on board!