It seems like only yesterday that Audrina Patridge was revealing her life-size Bongo billboard on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard, but after serving as the brand’s spokesmodel for two years, the former reality star is hanging up her body-hugging bikinis and jeans.

“Nothing lasts forever, so it’s all good,” she tells PEOPLE of splitting from the company. “It’s been two years, so it’s almost like a little family. The whole crew has been amazing — they made it really fun for me to work with them and travel. They were always so creative and they always made it special.”

Patridge isn’t parting ways with the fashion world, though; she tells PEOPLE she’s planning a line of her own for next year. “I’m already looking into either lingerie or bikinis,” she reveals. “I’m really excited about that.”

In fact, her holiday wish list includes some designer necessities. “I asked my mom for a sewing machine,” she shares. “I love personal things that are keepsakes forever.”

Though she was dressed as a sexy Mrs. Claus for her final Bongo event in Los Angeles Tuesday, Patridge believes holiday clothes “are all about sparkles. You have to be festive. If you’re going to dress up or you’re going to decorate, you go all the way.” For Christmas, she prefers textured silk, leather or velvet dresses in rich jewel tones. “I’ll always add sparkly jewelry and red lips,” she says.

But for New Year’s Eve, it’s all about the glitter. “Whether it’s a sequin dress or sequin skirt, or leggings or something like that, it’s fun,” she says. “You can get away with making it a little more funky.” Tell us: Are you planning your holiday outfits yet?

–Reporting by Dahvi Shira

TAKE CUES FROM STARS’ HOLIDAY DATE-NIGHT STYLE

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Get all the details of Molly Sims’s custom Marchesa wedding gown. READ IT

–Kim Kardashian won’t wear her wedding ring to the gym — or to bed! READ IT

–Tom Brady says farewell to his long locks, debuting a short new haircut. READ IT

–Alexander Skarsgård changes up his hair for a new role. READ IT

–Audrina Patridge lightens her brunette tresses with a new ombré-inspired hair color. READ IT

She’s a pro at showcasing her killer bod and glowing skin, and now, reality star Audrina Patridge is flaunting yet another enviable asset: a brand new blonde do. Patridge recently traded in her rich, brunette color for blonde, a look she debuted during an appearance for Bongo at Sears in Cerritos, Calif., on Wednesday.

The new hue seems to mimic the ever-popular ombré hair trend, with darker color at the roots fading into a lighter shade at the ends.

Though she’s most recognized with her signature glossy brown locks, the star told PEOPLE her natural hair color is actually a dirty, light blonde, a look she showed off earlier this year. Tell us: Do you like Patridge better as a blonde or brunette?

–Kim Peiffer

VOTE NOW ON STAR HAIR CHANGES

Audrina Patridge is just 26 years old, but according to the Hills alum, it’s never too soon to start protecting skin from signs of aging.

“A lot of people turn to getting surgery, but if you prevent [skin damage] before it gets to that point, you won’t have to do it,” she told PEOPLE Tuesday. “So I wear sunblock, I moisturize, and I wash [my face] on a daily and nightly basis.”

Patridge, the face of Bremenn Research Labs Miracle Cream, has also learned to keep a religious consistency to her daily routine. “People use [different products] and expect to see something overnight, but it’s all about being consistent and using it for a week or two because it has to get into your skin and start working,” she said.

The California native, who spent her summer at the beach, playing volleyball, riding bikes and visiting her family’s lake house, is also aware of the threat her outdoor hobbies could pose to her skin.

“I do wear sunblock a lot more than I ever have because I’m 26 now, so I am starting to notice the sun damage and more freckles on my arms or my chest,” Patridge said. “I’m very conscious of that, so I wear sunblock — 70 [proof] on my face every day, and when I dress up at night, I just bronze it up so you don’t even know the difference.”

Patridge credits her mom — a fan of the Bremenn’s eyelid lifter, anti-wrinkle forehead cream and dark circle cream — as the source of her skincare knowledge.

“[My mom] taught us to always moisturize,” Patridge shared. “After you get out of the shower in the morning, moisturize your elbows, your knees and your hands because they get really dark and chapped and you can tell. So it’s really important to hydrate your skin and drink a lot of water.”

Fortunately for Patridge, good skin seems to run in the family. “I think that my grandma has amazing skin and she’s in her 60s,” she said. “So hopefully I’ll have skin like hers when I’m older and I won’t have to do anything.”

But if she isn’t lucky enough to inherit her grandmothers’ genes, Patridge hasn’t totally ruled out Botox.

“I haven’t really considered it,” she admits. “Right now I’m just all about preventing it and using products … So I’m really trying to avoid the whole facial surgery thing.”

For now, the aspiring actress is simply looking forward to testing the next batch of Bremenn’s products. “I just got the box of butt lift, so I’m going to try it,” she said. “I’m really excited!”

–Jessica Wedemeyer

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Audrina Patridge caused jaws everywhere to drop when she unveiled her sexy, larger-than-life billboard on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, but the Audrina star and sultry face of Bongo says her ads for fall continue to raise the heat index. “This new campaign was a little more edgy and flirty, every season there is definitely something that sets it apart from other brands,” she tells PEOPLE. “The lighting was a bit darker than usual — it was more flirty and moody this time around.” The on-set emotions are reflected in the line’s fall collection, which features sleek outfits the reality star can’t wait to get her hands on. “I’m loving the animal prints and of course the denim jeans along with the embellished details,” she says. “I always buy a great new pair of boots and Bongo has amazing jeans for fall that I love. Can’t wait to start shopping!” The new campaign, debuting in August, will also feature Patridge in her first-ever television commercial for the brand. Tell us: What do you think of Patridge’s latest Bongo ads? –Kim Peiffer

Courtesy Bongo

CHECK OUT MORE STAR STYLES IN ‘REMIX YOUR WARDROBE’

Which of Hollywood’s style stars had readers buzzing this week? Don’t miss our top stories!

–Katy Perry Tweets about her newly changed hair color, and later shows off her auburn-hued do. READ IT

–Molly Sims is off the market! All the detail on her surprise engagement and sparkling ring. READ IT

–Evan Rachel Wood says goodbye to her long locks and shows off a sleek new short haircut. READ IT

–Audrina Patridge shares her top tips on how to feel good in a bikini this summer. READ IT

–Justin Bieber and Tiffani Thiessen show their love for one another by sporting T-shirts emblazoned with each other’s faces! READ IT

Audrina Patridge is in a bikini just about every day of the week, and it’s all because of one trait: confidence. “I don’t even think twice about wearing a swimsuit because it’s always been a part of my lifestyle,” she shares in the July issue of SHAPE. “But I have girlfriends who are so afraid to show their bodies, they won’t take off their towels at the beach or pool. It’s a shame because everyone can look good in a suit.” Patridge, who started swimming at age 4, credits her bikini-ready body to lots of outdoor activities — biking, beach volleyball and hiking or running with her pup Lady — plus an intense exercise routine, outlined on SHAPE.com. But you don’t have to work out as hard as she does to work a two-piece. Patridge first recommends choosing a bathing suit that flatters your own figure. “So many women will buy one they see a celebrity wearing, thinking it’ll look good on them too,” she says. “Be open-minded. Even if you think you know what works on your body, you may be really surprised by the results.” To get her beach-girl glow, the Audrina star uses self-tanner, and is always sure to protect her skin with sunscreen. She keeps her hair summery year-round, too, by washing it only twice per week and using dry shampoo on the days in between. To fix flyaways, she rubs Moroccan Oil onto her ends. “It smells really wonderful,” she says, “and I have less breakage when I comb my hair.” And to give her body a little boost, she does a quick series of squats and sit-ups before hitting the beach. “I like to get the blood flowing to those areas,” she explains. “I feel tighter and stronger, and it gives my skin a nice rosy glow.”
SEE MORE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL!’

Audrina Patridge has graced the cover of Maxim and performed the tango in front of millions on Dancing with the Stars, but she says seeing a larger-than-life-sized billboard of herself on one of the busiest streets in Los Angeles was a “surreal” experience. “It’s gigantic,” she told PEOPLE Wednesday at Hollywood’s Redbury Hotel while describing her new, super-tall Bongo ad on Sunset Boulevard. “It’s so big! When I saw it, I was like, ‘Oh, my god, that’s way up close and personal.’ I’m so appreciative of it. I never in a thousand years thought I’d ever be up there. It’s insane, but it’s amazing.” The star of the new VH1 series Audrina is featured wearing a sexy black two-piece in the ad. “It was really about promoting the brand’s spring and summer lines,” Patridge, 25, said during a Bongo-sponsored party celebrating her show. “Bongo has bathing suits now, which they’ve never had in the past. I think they really wanted to promote that, and since I’m always in a bikini, it just kind of made sense. It was an amazing shoot.” Patridge is a longtime fan of the line, sold exclusively at Kmart and Sears. “I love Bongo,” she says. “My mom used to wear it in the ’80s. It’s been around forever.” More importantly, the reality starlet appreciates how the brand has evolved over time. “It’s not just about the clothing anymore,” she explains. “They have all kinds of apparel, as well as accessories. The clothes are actually cute. I don’t like to just slap my name on something. I like to be involved. I need to like the product, otherwise I’m not going to represent it. It’s great, because I actually get to go to San Francisco and I actually get to give them my feedback.” –Dahvi Shira

Courtesy Bongo

CATCH UP ON MORE STARS’ FASHION CAMPAIGNS

It was truly a star-studded event at Wednesday’s night’s Heart Truth’s Red Dress Collection show to kick off Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. With a star-only roster of models in stunning scarlet dresses (below) by a pantheon of designers, the front row fans included Matthew McConaughey (supporting girlfriend Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco), Bill Rancic (cheering on wife Giuliana Rancic in Marchesa) and Susan Sarandon (applauding for daughter Eva Amurri in Chris Benz). Julianne Hough opened the upbeat show in her custom Swarovski crystal necklace and satin gown, even giving a perfect twirl mid-stage. Following waves and giggles from Audrina Patridge, in shimmering Badgley Mischka, and a perfectly-timed dropped strap of her Zac Posen gown by Dita von Teese, Alves hit the stage — and so did McConaughey (almost)! The beaming star lunged out of his front row seat, enthusiastically snapping photos of his gorgeous girlfriend, who walked the runway with the grace and seasoned strut of a true pro. The show ended with Natasha Bedingfield serenading the crowd in a slinky Nicole Miller gown on behalf of sponsor Diet Coke. She got the fashion crowd — and Rancic! — to wave their hands in the air before the models filed out to wild cheering and a standing ovation. – Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FROM N.Y.C. FASHION WEEK!

FilmMagic; INF; StarTraks

Later this year, Audrina Patridge will debut a new reality program for VH1, but another project of hers has already been renewed: She is reprising her role as the face of Bongo. “I am thrilled for my second season as the Bongo girl!,” she says in a release. “It has been a wonderful partnership and I really love the product.” The line, which consists of apparel, swimwear, footwear and accessories is a perfect fit for the perennially beach-ready Patridge. “I wear the jeans and tops constantly and can’t wait for spring to wear the bikinis,” she says. Smoldering in the brand’s suspendered short shorts and printed tank for the latest advertisement, The Hills alum looks effortlessly comfortable in front of photographer Tony Duran’s lens. “She is a true Bongo girl through and through,” remarks Dari Marder, chief marketing officer, Iconix Brand Group, Inc., which licenses the collection. You’ll have to wait until March to shop the collection exclusively at Kmart and Sears stores, but click through for a behind-the-scenes pic of the beauty rocking an Americana tube top look from the line. Tell us: What do you think of Audrina’s newest ads? —Justine Harman

READ UP ON MORE CELEB AD CAMPAIGN NEWS

Courtesy Bongo

From sleeping with conditioner in their hair to religiously washing their faces at night, stars always have some tricks up their sleeves when it comes to their beauty regime. In this video, some of Hollywood’s most beautiful–including Jennifer Garner, Audrina Patridge, Fergie and Julianne Moore–share their secrets for always looking camera-ready. But as Cindy Crawford so candidly puts it, its not always as easy at it appears—it takes hard work and maintenance. “There are no secrets!”  Crawford jokes. For those of us who don’t wake up in the morning looking flawless like a supermodel, we appreciate all the help we can get from these famous beauties.—Kim Peiffer

SEE MORE BEAUTY STAR SECRETS IN 25 STAR-TESTED BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS

Former Dancing with the Stars contestant and Bongo babe Audrina Patridge is getting in the holiday spirit this season by lending her California style to the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The former Hills star hosted a private shopping extravaganza last week at a Kmart in Burbank, Calif., where she posed with Santa and hand picked items to send back to the hospital’s holiday shop. She also selected some must-have pieces for a very special patient named Chase, telling PEOPLE, “I chose a black and burgundy striped, cropped Bongo sweater and a black and blue Bongo sweater for Chase yesterday! Also the dark gray jeggings, which are my favorite and a pair of black motorcycle boots.” And while the selfless star was all about giving at the Kmart/Sears event, you can’t blame the girl for making her own wish list too. “For Christmas, I am dying for a small, diamond cross necklace. I also have my eye on this beautiful pair of YSL heels!” she said. And for the love in her life? “I am searching for the perfect gift to give Corey, my boyfriend! I would love to find an amazing watch.” To style yourself like the sun-kissed beauty, head to Sears.com or Kmart.com, which exclusively carry Audrina’s Bongo goods with a portion of the proceeds benefiting St. Jude. –Jessie Goldberg
SHOP OUR 35 EXCLUSIVE DEALS FOR THE HOLIDAYS HERE!

Tony Duran for Bongo

Audrina Patridge may have had to hang up her dancing shoes early after an unexpected elimination in last night’s episode of Dancing With the Stars, but don’t expect the reality starlet to waste time crying over spilled milk. As the new face of denim retailer, Bongo, Audrina is giving fans a chance to style her booty – her “Bongo Booty,” that is. “Bongo and I are calling all you fashionistas to show us your styling skills,” she says in a video message. “You can win a chance to be a stylist at my next Bongo photo shoot plus win $1000. All you have to do is put the look together in your own unique, cool way and send us a picture. Best styled look wins.” Sounds simple enough, right? For your chance to style the Hills star on set at the next Bongo photo shoot in L.A., go to Bongo.com and upload your looks! – Hana Choi

When we asked trendsetting stars like Heidi Klum, Kelly Ripa, and Whitney Port which fashion trends they’d like to resurrect, a common theme was detected amongst the crowd: Anything ’80s! And while Amanda Seyfried and Miranda Kerr want the return of high-waisted jeans, Jada Pinkett Smith and Kendra Wilkinson are longing for ultra teased hair! The only star who isn’t sharing the ’80s blues? Betty White! “I’m a little tired of jeans,” the funny lady says. Watch the PEOPLE TV video to hear what other trends your favorite stars are itching to bring back. Tell us: Which fashion trend do you want to make a comeback? –Jessie Goldberg

Tony Duran for Bongo

The Hills may be coming to a close this week, but things are just heating up for Audrina Patridge. Following in the stylish footsteps of other reality superstars like Kim Kardashian and Nicole Richie, Audrina is taking on the role of Bongo girl! Come fall, Audrina will front the affordable denim brand in its fall ad campaign. And even though she’s used to having a camera capture her every move, being a sexy siren at Bongo’s New York City shoot turned out to be no easy task for the reality star. “I’ve never done anything like this,” Audrina tells PEOPLE exclusively. “[Photograher] Tony Duran shoots supermodels so he had me jumping through the air and just letting loose and not worrying about posing.” Though it took a bit of warming up before Audrina could get in bombshell mode, getting to play dress up with some of her favorite items from Bongo’s fall collection definitely helped. “I’ve always loved skinny jeans but I also love the boot cut,” Audrina says. “I’ll roll them up and wear cute little flats or heels and a nice top just to kind of change them up.” And what could be a better fit for the brand than a denim connoisseur who admits to having “probably over 100″ pairs of jeans? Bongo will be exclusively available at Sears and Kmart for back to school. Tell us: What do you think of Audrina’s new role for Bongo?–Andrea DeSimone

Tony Duran for Bongo

Tonya Wise/London Ent/Splash News Online

If you’ve ever daydreamed about raiding Audrina Patridge‘s closet, here’s your chance. For the next seven days, you can bid on the fabulous retro-chic dresses from the new West Hollywood vintage boutique Found By that were worn by celebrity guests–including Kate Mara, Julie Benz, Carmen Electra, Taryn Manning, and Maria Menounos–to the shop’s grand opening party on March 29. Among the six pieces up for grabs in the online charity auction are an ankle-grazing black kimono-style jumper with a Nehru collar, gold buttons, and piping modeled at the event by Carmen Electra. Patridge wasn’t able to make the opening party, but she was so committed to the auction that she wore the dress to another event a few days later. Win an auction and you also get a bump up in kharma: All proceeds will benefit Chrysalis, a local L.A. nonprofit devoted to helping the homeless and disadvantaged become self-sufficient through employment. For more info, check out foundbyclothing.com/auction or to bid on the styles, visit the eBay auction through April 15th. – Marissa Patlingrao Cooley

Courtesy Bluefly

With Valentine’s Day coming up this weekend, Audrina Patridge is making sure she gets exactly what she wants. The Hills hottie teamed with e-boutique Bluefly.com to create the ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide. From a bow-topped Valentino clutch, $636, to a rhinestone heart E.vil tank, $59, you can shop all Audrina’s red-hot picks at BlueFly.com — and don’t forget to check out Audrina’s exclusive video where she narrows it down to her top 10 must-haves. If you still can’t find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift, shop our ultimate Valentine’s Day gift guide with everything from $1 lip glosses to $25,000 cocktails.

Courtesy Forever 21; Abaca; INF

Stars like Audrina Patridge, Demi Lovato, Paris Hilton, Corbin Bleu and more are joining forces with Forever 21 to get charitable this holiday season. The celebrities have partnered with the retailer to create a line of charity T-shirts and tank tops to benefit Starlight Children’s Foundation, an organization that helps educate, entertain and inspire seriously ill children. Starlight spokesperson Corbin Bleu says, “I am excited to be designing a T-shirt on behalf of Starlight and Forever 21. As a Starlight ambassador I have been inspired by the children and families I have had the privilege of meeting along the way, and by the strength they’ve shown in the hardest of times. I encourage everyone to get involved with Starlight and help lift the spirits of these brave children.” And with T-shirts and tanks retailing for $13 and 100% off the proceeds benefiting the charity, everyone can help. The star-designed T-shirts will hit Forever 21 stores and forever21.com tomorrow Saturday, December 20 — just in time for the holidays! –Andrea Desimone

Rony Alwin

After five seasons of reality TV on The Hills, Audrina Patridge is working on her real acting career — the one she moved to L.A. to pursue. Patridge tells NylonMag.com that “right after I graduated, I moved straight to Los Angeles and just started going to auditions and castings.” And now after becoming a household name for just being herself, the star is turning in her first feature film role in Sorority Row, which she describes as having “lots of suspense. It’s going to keep people guessing and jumping, ’cause no one really knows who the killer is until the very end,” says Patridge.”And there’s lots of hot girls in it. Sorority girls.” Let’s see — a star who’s known more for her personal life than her movies with a horror film under her belt plus short-shorts and long crimped red hair — no wonder NylonMag.com says this shoot reminds them of Lindsay Lohan.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PICS OF AUDRINA!

Rony Alwin

Dan Steinberg/AP

We’d expect nothing less of Audrina Patridge than to go all-out sexy for Maxim magazine’s Hot 100 celebration last night, and the Hills star lived up to the evening’s theme in a Doo-Ri minidress and Giuseppe Zanotti for Balmain sandals. But the highlight of her look was her recently lightened hair, and PEOPLE.com got the scoop on her new do. “This actually is like my natural color,” she explained. “Dirty, light blonde.” So why change now? “It’s summery!” she says. “And I’ve been kind of wanting a change for a while now — so I love it!” Click here to vote on her new look. Then tell us: Do you love Audrina’s lighter hair as much as she does, or do you prefer her with darker hair? –Reporting by Shruti Dhalwala