Lauren Conrad

Ramey

Lauren Conrad is a California blonde through and through — except this weekend, when she tried out a short brunette bob created by star hairstylist Ken Paves while shooting in Los Angeles. Conrad took to her Twitter page to tell fans about the experience, twittering “Just finished our shoot. I got to wear a brown wig all day. It fun… Kinda like playing dress up.” The star struck poses outside the Marc Jacobs store in West Hollywood for Harper’s Bazaar looking a bit more Posh than her normal self. As sophisticated as Lauren looks as a brunette, we have to say that we prefer her with her normal long blonde locks. Tell us: What do you think of Lauren as a brunette? Should she dye her hair for real?

Matt Sayles/AP

She may have put her signature clothing line on hiatus, but that doesn’t mean that Lauren Conrad is taking a break from designing. The Hills star has just announced that she is teaming up with Kohl’s to bring fans her California cool style at more budget-friendly prices with the LC Lauren Conrad collection. Just how affordable will the new line be? The designs will range from $20 to $60 — a steal compared to her first eponymous line, where jersey dresses ran as much as $200. “Partnering with a successful national retailer like Kohl’s supports my mission to make great clothing accessible to young women everywhere,” Lauren said in a press statement. LC Lauren Conrad will launch with just apparel at 300 Kohl’s stores and kohls.com in October 2009, but may expand into footwear, jewelry, handbags, intimates and sleepwear at a later date. Tell us: Will you buy from Lauren’s collection for Kohl’s?

Matt Sayles/AP

This Monday, Hills star Lauren Conrad’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE.com that the star is putting her eponymous clothing line on hiatus in light of the current economy, and today the L.C. is taking to her MySpace page to blog about the decision. Listing her current mood as “excited,” the star says, “A few days ago a statement was released to the showrooms that carry my clothing line. It asked them to let the stores know that I was planning to take a couple seasons off from my line so that I could make some changes that I felt were necessary.” But, she clarifies, “As a result, a lot of people were under the impression that my line was being discontinued or had been dropped. This isn’t the case at all. The truth is I was the one who asked to take a couple seasons off.” The star goes on to explain that she decided to put the collection on pause to apply the industry knowledge she acquired over the past year. She also addresses a criticism that has been targeted at the collection, saying that she wants to make production changes that will lower the price point. So when can we expect to see the collection back in stores? “I have spent the last couple weeks working on designs for spring,” she says, “which is when I am planning to bring the (new and improved) line back.” Tell us: Are you looking forward to seeing Lauren back in the design game in 2010?

Clark Samuels/startraks

Looks like the recession’s heading for The Hills. The New York Post reports that designer Lauren Conrad is putting her eponymous clothing line on hiatus, citing the current economy. The line, which launched in 2007, suffered from reports of slow sales last year, with retailer Kitson dropping the collection. The Post says that the reality star has put a hold on shipments and that some showrooms received a message stating, “In light of the economic climate, Lauren has decided to rethink her line.” PEOPLE.com spoke with Lauren’s rep, Nicole Perez, who confirmed, “She’s taking a few seasons off so she can rework the line — but it will be coming back with Lauren [continuing] as the designer.” A source also tells PEOPLE.com that L.C. will be looking into different fabric options and possibly moving beyond her signature jersey, which dominated previous collections. Check back with PEOPLE.com for more updates from Lauren about the future of her collection. Tell us: Have you ever bought clothing from L.C.’s collection? What do you think about her taking the line in a different direction?

courtesy Divine Rights of Denim

She might not be launching her own eponymous line like her Hills costar Lauren Conrad, but Audrina Patridge is making a mark in the fashion world by striking a pose for Divine Rights of Denim. The reality star is the face of the line’s Spring/Summer ‘09 ads — which she also helped merchandise and style. Audrina’s ads will be hitting magazines starting in March issues, but we’re bringing you this exclusive image — just for PEOPLE.com readers. Divine Rights of Denim is already a star-favorite brand, with everyone from Audrina and Lauren to Jessica Alba having been spotted in the label. But with prices mostly under $100, the jeans are also a possibility for the non-celebs among us. Shop the line and check out other celebrities in Divine Rights of Denim at ardenb.com. Tell us: What do you think of Audrina’s ad?

Andy Fossum/Startraks

Lauren Conrad couldn’t help but feeling “so nervous!” before her already-successful eponymous line’s show as part of Spring 2009 Mercedes Benz LA Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios last night. Clad in one of her own flowing black maxidresses with perfectly coiffed hair by the backstage team from Warren-Tricomi Los Angeles, the Hills star told PEOPLE that this show is “really girly and fun. I just wanted to have fun with it.” But, the star still took out time for charity. “This show is sponsored by mark and specifically the m.powerment campaign. All the models [are] actually wearing the Have a Heart necklace that we did, and we’re giving $250,000 to seven different foundations, and what’s really cool is they brought some of the girls here from some of the foundations. That’s what it’s all about.” Also in the audience, BFF Lo Bosworth and rumored Conrad amour Kyle Howard, who told PEOPLE he’s “super excited” for Lauren. And even though Whitney Port couldn’t make it, her support came through earlier in the day. “Whitney wrote me a really long message this morning that was the sweetest thing. I mean we’re just really supportive of each other.” says Conrad. See highlights of Lauren’s collection in our video.

INF

Following in the fashionable footsteps of her Hills co-stars, Audrina Patridge has inked a deal with Divine Rights of Denim not only to co-design a line, but be the face of it as well. Audrina has already proved that she is more of a jeans and T-shirt type of gal than her fashionista former roommate Lauren Conrad, and she already has a favorite pair from the brand — the skinny “Lust” style in black stretch. Unlike Lauren’s higher-priced line, Audrina’s denim collaboration will likely be more affordable — Divine Rights of Denim jeans normally start at $58. Audrina’s line and her ads will be coming out in November. Tell us: What do you think of Audrina turning designer?