#WCW — All Things Lauren Conrad

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So for this Wednesday, this #WCW, I am dedicating it, fashionably speaking, to the ever–talented, extremely gorgeous, forever fashionista Lauren Conrad, aka LC. I have been a fan of this lady ever since her reality days on Laguna Beach and The Hills. At first, I was always captivated by her own sense of personal style. Literally any outfit I would spot her in, I would want!

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As soon as learned of her design work though, I knew I would be hooked on her own creations as well. So whether it is LC’s higher-end line in that of Paper Crown, or her more RTW pieces thru her exclusive line with Kohls, I have been and forever will be a fan.

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Her collection with Paper Crown is for those who want to have fun…and look lovely while doing so. Lauren Conrad’s designs are a modern take on classic style, with an emphasis on fabric fit to create staples for the contemporary women’s closet.

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The collection is composed of romantic dresses, feminine blouses, chic day wear, and tailored basics. The result: an understated elegance that is both effortless and sophisticated. There are even bridal pieces now with LC’s bridesmaid dress collection.

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It was founded in 2010 by Lauren Conrad & Maura McManus. Now on its impressive 17th collection, the line shows 5 seasons and 6 to 8 deliveries a year, completely designed by Conrad. Her love of fanciful design elements that transcend the boundaries of everyday fashion are beloved by customers & fans alike.The paper crown brand continues to grow, while maintaining an aesthetic that is fresh and  forward with a feminine charm.

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Scattered throughout this post are images from current pieces by Lauren Conrad, on sale at Kohls. Also, I have images of my own personal items that I own from her various collections!

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LC also has a lifestyle blog, encompassing decorating, crafting, fashion, and more! Lauren has added “best selling author” to her resume after signing multiple book deals with Harper Collins. Lauren’s first novel, “L.A. Candy” debuted #1 on the New York Times Best Seller List for over a month. Since releasing this first best seller, Lauren has released “Sweet Little Lies,” “Sugar and Spice,” “Lauren Conrad Style” and “Lauren Conrad Beauty,” all of which have topped best seller lists. Lauren then signed another book deal for series titled “The Fame Game,” penning her final books titled “Starstruck” and “Infamous.”

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As if this lady was not already multi-faceted enough, Lauren has also teamed up with BlueAvocado, a sustainable lifestyle products company on a mission to inspire millions to reduce their ecological footprint with “cool products for a hot planet.” Lauren has since designed two eco-collections for BlueAvocado, which include stylish prints and new products that expand the company’s food-on-the-go product portfolio to include home storage, travel and cosmetic accessories.

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Clearly I’m a fan and I hope to in the future read more of LC’s books, own more of her pieces, and maybe, just maybe, attend  a fashion show or presentation of hers!

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Project Runway is Back in Action!!

And as always for the 1st episode, there is lots to report! Lots of designers. Lots of looks to grace the 1st runway. And lots of other show details from designer intros to workroom beginnings. So let’s get right to it with the 1st challenge of season 14!

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Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn met the group of 16 designers at Madison Square Garden to give them their challenge details. It was nothing out of the ordinary, very typical for a PR 1st challenge. The designers had 1 day to create any garment of their choosing, as long as it represented their designer POV. There were a few tiny catches — limited fabrics (courtesy of Mood) and only 3 minutes to shop, and by shop I mean to run around Madison Square Garden as the fabrics were scattered over the arena, draped over the seats. Each designer could only take 4 textiles. And since the designers were only provided with a limited number of fabrics, these choices could be ones the designers would not typically work with or might not be familiar with using.

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The designers got a little crazed running around the arena, lots of snatching and definitely some aggressive behavior. But it was then off to the workroom where everyone got settled into their workstations with some friendly hellos and getting to know each other a little better. The mood of the room came down quite a bit though with some of the designers questioning their fabric choices and a major PR first!

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Three designers, David, Swapnil, and Merline, did not bring their designer kits. Needless to say, Tim was shocked as this had never happened before on PR. Those designers were left to the kindness of their fellow castmates. I’m assuming everyone was given a helping hand as nobody seemed to have any further issues. A bit of other drama from this 1st episode, #projectmusical. Merline was singing about the workroom, definitely being dubbed as the season chatterbox. All fellow designers seemed quite annoyed to say the least!

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The fun and laughter came to a quick end as Tim Time came around. There was a mixture of nervous designers, questions from Tim, and even some praise. Notably Tim had a disconnect with Edmond and some disagreements with Hanmiao. But overall, Tim left the designers with some firm notes. He was very disappointed and wanted the designers to turn their lumps of coal into diamonds!

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As time for the first runway rolled around, it was also time for some of the season’s intros. The entire runway and set for the runway had been re-invented. Accessories this year were provided by JustFab. Mary Kay Cosmetics were back to provide makeup services. And new for this year, Sally Beauty was on board to work as the hair team.

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As in previous seasons, the runway was being judged “anonymously” and the Tim Gunn save would return. The 1st guest judge of the season to join Heidi, Nina, and Zac was Hannah Davis, model and soon to be host of PR Junior.

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With regard to the massive 1st runway, I was not in total agreement with Heidi’s statement that it was so spectacular. There was definitely some highlights, but I kind of agreed with Tim’s earlier sentiment of disappointment. Many of the safe designers were just that, lucky to be safe. The bottom 3 I couldn’t say I disagreed with, but I believe a few other designers could have easily found themselves to be in the bottom. I will give one honorable mention that was in my top, but forgotten by the judges, and that was Swapnil’s sassy royal blue frock. I love this color choice and the bodice was intricately created and detailed. In the midst of mediocrity, Swapnil certainly stood out for me.

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Another quick honorable mention, Amanda. The more and more I look at her design, the more and more I like it. But what I wanted to point out was a shout-out for her work with Mary Kay and Sally Beauty. We see a lot of updos on PR, so to see a fresh, gorgeous hair look that is down, I had to give some props here. But also, I thought the sunkist, bronzed beauty look was a great pairing with her flirty, girly, fun look.

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Ashley was the clear winner though this week. This look was so chic, very fashionable. I can’t imagine any young fashionista wouldn’t be over the moon to wear this piece!

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Ashley not only created a rave look, but she stood out with hair and makeup as well. This lovely chignon updo by Sally Beauty was spot on. And the bold burgundy lip by Mary Kay was a great touch.

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I was 100% in agreement with the judges here, top 3 placement and winning look. I loved that Nina pointed out the texture. This was so impressive for a 1st look and I’m happy Ashley was given immunity for next week. But I would hope she doesn’t need it!

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The other 2 designers in the top I was more on the fence about. Edmond’s black tube dress with a train, showcasing a bright neon color, was very much a turnaround from Tim time. But I’m not sure about the neon fabric on the train as Hannah pointed out as well. In fact, several of the designers made use of a yellow under-fabric so I’m guessing it might have been the most prevalent of the fabric choices at Madison Square Garden. Clearly Mood was trying to get rid of this busy color! I believe it was Nina that was quick to remind her fellow judges that this was not overly innovative, a tube dress with a train. I might have responded differently without the neon color, maybe a royal purple or cobalt blue, but I get that Edmond was working with what he had. I appreciate his ability to “make it work”!

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Merline rounded out the top 3 this week, but I was not so gaga over this one. I loved the use of color. And there were some nice details, but I just wasn’t over the moon here. Just as with Edmond though, I know Merline did a lot to make this work. I would just hope for the future we see less chat and more work. It will only serve to improve her work.

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Nobody wants to be the first to go, but this is PR and each week there is a bottom 3 and one must go. Of the bottom 3, I was so surprised to see Blake become a part of this, so I’m happy he was saved. I loved Blake’s audition pieces, so I certainly didn’t want him axed first. This print could be a lot to take, but I think it was a bold, daring choice, which I applaud him for. However, there was a lot going on here and with such a busy print, too much wasn’t going to work. And again, we see this god awful yellow color as part of an under-fabric, which really didn’t make much sense. So I don’t disagree with the judges on this one, but I’m hopeful we will see better from Blake in the future!

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This left Hanmiao and Duncan in the bottom 2. The judges felt Duncan didn’t do enough and when it comes down to designers not doing enough versus doing too much, the one who doesn’t do enough generally goes home. What saved Hanmiao was the judges did get her aesthetic, which was not a vibe they received from Duncan. I actually believe if Hanmiao had ditched the jacket she would have been safe. The dress on it’s own wasn’t altogether terrible, but with the matchy-matchy coat, it was too much. The dress still had some issues, but I’m guessing with sole focus on the dress, it might have been better. I know she demonstrated a stubborn side with Tim, but Duncan firmly stood by his design with the judges. On top of doing too little, it just wasn’t going to clearly work out in saving Duncan.

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Duncan selected a stunning bun updo, which I loved for this look. I also liked the back. But other than that, this gown was a hot mess. If you are going to just drape, you have to do so superbly. And this wasn’t it. Duncan accepted his elimination well though; he left with his head held high.

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Project Runway Returns!

hp-images-pr14-newLifetime’s hit reality series, Project Runway, is back for it’s 14th season this Thursday, August 6th!! As an avid fan, I know I am excited!! How about you?!? I wanted to put together a little intro piece for this exciting event, discuss the designers, the season details, and more! So for all you PR fanatics just like me, ENJOY!!

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There are 16 designers coveting and competing for the PR title this season. Not only is the competition for the title, but a host of prizes including:

  • $100,000 to launch his or her business
  • a Celebrity Cruises® modern luxury vacation
  • a year’s worth of products courtesy of Sally Beauty
  • the opportunity to consult with Sally Beauty to create a limited edition “FingerPaints” nail color collection
  • a 2015 Lexus RC 350
  • a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother Sewing and Embroidery
  • a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, and
  • from Mary Kay, an entire year’s worth of beauty products for their fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for their debut show.

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In addition to the always impressive and talented judges, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and mentor Tim Gunn (and his save!), top names in the entertainment industry sitting as guest judges this season include: Bella Thorne, Kiernan Shipka, Tracee Ellis Ross, Paula Patton, Ashley Tisdale, Shiri Appleby, Constance Zimmer, Ciara, Mel B, Coco Rocha, Lisa Perry, and Hannah Davis.

So let’s meet the designers —

Amanda Perna: 28, Delray Beach, FL

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Amanda’s studies included The University of Alabama, as well as a first internship with Oscar de la Renta. Her strengths, putting together cohesive collections, mixing colors and prints, as well as thinking outside the box.

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More on Amanda & her brand The House of Perna

Gabrielle Arruda: 27, New York, NY 

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Gabrielle hails from NYC and studied at the infamous Parsons, The New School for Design. Her strengths include time management and designing pieces that reflect her style and accomplish the task at hand. She has a modern and feminine sensibility infused into her designs.

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More on Gabrielle

Hanmiao Yang: 27, New York, NY

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Hanmiao’s strengths include being a fast learner and time management. She pays attention to detail, can work under stress, is a problem solver, and being a multi-tasker.

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More on Hanmiao

Edmond Newton: 37, Atlanta, GA

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Edmond’s strengths lie with evening wear & high fashion. He’s been trying to get on since season 1, is this is time??

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More on Edmond

Jake Wall: 36, San Francisco, CA

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Jake’s strengths include that he is a fast learner, impeccable with time management, pays attention to detail, can work under stress, is a problem solver, and can multi-task.

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More on Jake

Joseph Charles Poli: 37, Las Vega, NV

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Designer strengths include creating a strong silhouette, fit and tailoring.

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More on Joseph

Blake Patterson: 24, Los Angeles, CA

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Designer strengths include designs, fabric selections, craftsmanship, and creating something amazing!

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More on Blake

Swapnil Shinde: 34, Mumbai, India

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With a 4th time in auditioning, Swapnil is ready to show off his exquisite skills in patternmaking.

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More on Swapnil —

Merline Labissiere: 32, Savannah, GA

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Merline attended SCAD. She is very conceptual, tending to think outside the box, both with designs and the colors she uses. Architectural elements come out in the way Merline designs patterns.

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More on Merline

Laurie Underwood: 29, Chicago, IL

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Her designer strengths include creating looks that allow women to stand out, while fitting in at the same time.

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More on Laurie — (brand is Wanda Grace)

Lindsey Creel: 28, Austin, TX

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Lindsey feels she is strongest with patternmaking, sewing, and ready-to-wear.

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More on Lindsey, M.E. Shirley

Candice Cuoco: 27, San Francisco, CA

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Candice was honored to win the SF Best Emerging Designer in 2013 and nominated for Designer of the Year in 2014. She feels and interprets everything deeply. “Women are emotional creatures and to pay close attention to the meaning behind why I create is my strength.”

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More on Candice, House of CCUOCO

Ashley Nell Tipton: 24, San Diego, CA

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Designer strengths include sewing construction, thinking outside of the box, and problem solving.

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More on Ashley

David Giampiccolo: 31, Hollywood, CA

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David is highly client centric, focused, and based, so he strives to make my designs comfortable and mix street wear with a touch of couture.

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More on David

Duncan Chambers-Watson: 25, Auckland, New Zealand

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Duncan’s designer strengths are tailoring, knitwear and patternmaking.

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Kelly Dempsey: 31, Boston, MA

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Kelly is confident, with a designer strength in that of creating her own individuality, picking and choosing what she wanted to learn along the way, leading her to the designer she is today.

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More on Kelly with Keli Couture