When Vanessa Minnillo auditioned to be the host of ABC’s Wipeout, she landed the job with ease. But producers did have one concern about the newlywed‘s look.

“They told me, ‘You might need to change your hairstyle,’” she recalls to PEOPLE. “I was like, ‘What do you mean?’ And they showed me my audition tape, and when it got to a certain part of the day, I literally looked like I had a huge bald spot — my hair was thin on the front of my scalp.”

After a minor freak-out — “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh I’m that girl now. I’m 30, I’m losing my hair, getting adult acne, what is happening?’” she recalls — she turned to her hair stylist, Betsy Reyes, who suggested Nioxin‘s new hair-thickening spray, Diamax (available in February). “I’m obsessed with it,” Minnillo says of the product, designed to keep the scalp healthy. “It’s not a gimmick — it’s a treatment that’s topical that works immediately. It’s genius.”

Minnillo — who’s never had extensions, and plans to keep it that way — pumps about 15 spritzes throughout her wet hair each morning, massages her scalp and then blow-dries as usual. “I noticed a difference the first day, but it plateaus in two weeks and then you maintain your new thickness,” she shares.

“It’s a staple in my career,” Reyes adds. “I use it for men with hair loss, as well as people using hot irons every day, or people who have extensions, which pull on hair.” And thicker hair is generally healthier hair, the stylist explains. “It’s better protected from the sun and from heat.”

Thanks to the treatment, Minnillo is feeling better about her own hair — especially its appearance on camera. “The Wipeout producers are like, ‘Your hair looks great,’” she shares. “And I say, ‘I know!’”

–Kate Hogan

STUDY UP ON OUR STAR-TESTED BEAUTY TIPS & TRICKS

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

–Ben Affleck trades in his signature scruffy locks for a brand new, younger-looking hairstyle. READ IT

–Kim Kardashian‘s friends share the scoop on what will be her “beyond gorgeous” wedding look. READ IT

–Vanessa Minnillo says choosing a wedding dress for her recent nuptials to new hubby Nick Lachey was a “very emotional” decision. READ IT

–Ashley Greene says her ever-changing Twilight wig is finally the perfect fit. READ IT

–LeAnn Rimes‘s new man, actor Eddie Cibrian, strips down in sexy Charisma ads. READ IT

When Vanessa Minnillo ventured out for that wedding dress shopping trip every girl dreams of, it didn’t go as expected. Minnillo, whose birth mother hasn’t been in her life for more than 20 years, struggled with not having her mom there with her on that special day. “Normally this is something you do with your mother, and my birth mother hasn’t been in my life since I was 9,” she explains emotionally to PEOPLE. “I have been okay with that up until now but for some unexplained reason, it really overtook me. I felt lost, confused and sad. It was very emotional.” With her matron of honor, friend Jennifer Birmingham-Lee, by her side, Minnillo worked with Monique Lhuillier to try and find the perfect dress. “This was the hardest decision in the whole wedding planning … probably because I didn’t have the support of Nick [Lachey],” Minnillo says. “We decided everything together, even his [Dolce & Gabbana] tux. For the first time, I felt a little bit alone.” To gain some clarity, the bride-to-be decided to ask for her groom’s opinion. “I said, ‘What do you want to see me in when you marry me and I become Mrs. Lachey?’” she recalls. And much to Minnillo’s surprise, Lachey didn’t give a generic male response and instead, was eager to say, “Something traditional with a little modern flair.” So following their chat, Minnillo headed back to Lhuillier’s Los Angeles boutique … and the rest is history. “Literally the next day I went to Monique and tried on my three dresses for the zillionth time. As soon as I put it on, I knew this was it.” –Jennifer Garcia

Courtesy Monique Lhuillier

SEE MORE DASHING DRESSES IN ‘LAST NIGHT’S LOOK: HIT OR MISS?’

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

–Newlyweds Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo show off their custom wedding bands. READ IT

–Want more? Get all the gorgeous details of Minnillo’s wedding look, from the dress to the hair. READ IT

–Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal prove they look just as good sans locks by showing off their bald heads. READ IT

–Robert Pattinson creates a worldwide frenzy with his new half-cropped, half-wild hairstyle. READ IT

–Meanwhile, Katy Perry causes an equally big stir with her new blonde hue. READ IT

Vanessa Minnillo tied the knot with Nick Lachey Friday on Necker Island in the Caribbean, but the island atmosphere didn’t change the bride’s vision of that traditional wedding look — with a twist, of course. Minnillo, the new host of Wipeout, donned a two-piece Monique Lhuillier ensemble featuring an intricately embellished lace corset with rose and crystal detail, paired with a signature hand tufted skirt made of silk faille. The look was completed with a tailored bow belt at her waist and chapel length tulle veil. “I probably had half a dozen fittings and I was just so lost,” she tells PEOPLE of searching for the perfect gown. “I finally decided to ask Nick and said, ‘What do you want to see me in when you marry me and I become Mrs. Lachey?‘” she recounts. “I thought I would get some generic guys’ answer but he sat up in bed and told me he loved me with my hair down … and wanted me in something traditional but with a modern flair.” And so on Minnillo’s next trip to Lhuillier’s Los Angeles boutique, she knew the ‘one’ when she saw it. “I knew it [was the dress] because of the conversation I had with Nick. It just felt so right and I felt so beautiful in it.” The bride accessorized with a pair of diamond stud earrings Lachey gave her during their first year as a couple, plus Swarovski-encrusted Christian Louboutin slingbacks (she had a jeweled pair of white Havaianas flip-flops for late-night!) and a Judith Leiber clutch. For her makeup the bride went au naturel. “Two dear friends of mine that I met [while working at] MTV did my hair and makeup,” Minnillo says. “We went very natural because I wanted Nick to see me, not a bunch of makeup and big hair. It was such a tropical location but we wanted our wedding to have a timeless feel.” –Jennifer Garcia

CHOOSE DRESSES FOR HOLLYWOOD BRIDES-TO-BE IN ‘PREDICT-A-GOWN’

Their intimate wedding on Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island was every bit as exotic as Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo were going for, but when it came to their wedding bands, the couple of five years wanted to stick to tradition. So they returned to New York jeweler David Bader, of Bader and Garrin, who designed Minnillo’s Asscher-cut engagement ring. “Vanessa was definitely looking for a ring to match her engagement ring,” Bader tells PEOPLE exclusively of the the Wipeout host’s platinum eternity band of Asscher-cut diamonds. As for Lachey, “I wanted something huskier and thicker,” the Sing-Off host says of his platinum band, which includes 24 square diamonds to complement his wife’s ring, plus a heartfelt message inscribed inside. “They both wanted a substantial looking ring with diamonds, but Nick wanted his to be masculine at the same time,” explains Bader. The final verdict? The couple couldn’t have been happier with their custom bands, and Bader says “they are two extremely easy people to work with. It was such a pleasure.” For more exclusive details on the couple’s island wedding, pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday. –Jennifer Garcia

SEE MORE SPARKLING GEMS IN ‘I REALLY LOVE MY …’

Jason Kempin/WireImage

Like every girl, Vanessa Minnillo is obsessed with shoes. So how many pairs does she have? “Too many,” she tells PEOPLE at the Reebok Shoe and Apparel event. “I don’t have any numbers, but I do know that my closet is overflowing — and now I have to put them in the guest room!” Vanessa defends a woman’s right to shoes as a way to express her personality. Her motto? Different shoes for different moods. And how does live-in boyfriend Nick Lachey feel about her obsession? The singer may be like just about every other guy when it comes to himself, owning only black and brown dress shoes and multiple pairs of sneakers. But when it comes to her, he definitely doesn’t mind high heels taking over their living quarters. Vanessa even calls on him sometimes when selecting her footwear, but that doesn’t mean she always follows his advice. “He will go, ‘I think that one’, but then I will go with the other one!” she laughs.

Jean Baptiste Lacroix/WireImage; Dean M/Gabo/Bauer-Griffin

We all know that Lauren Conrad and Audrina Patridge have enviable style — and we can’t stop drooling over their glossy Treesje bags. Lauren totes her black patent Asher Grande, $680, from coast to coast while traveling, and switches to the smaller black patent Metro Clutch , $340, for nights out on the town (we’ve spotted Lindsay Lohan and Vanessa Minnillo with the same style!) Audrina opts for the Divino Grande, $705, in black patent with a girly ruffle detail. We love Treesje’s vibrant colors and shiny patent finishes, and most styles can easily get you from day to night. Check out how to get the girls’ bags and check out our picks for Great Bags Under $100 for some similar — and way more affordable– looks.

Photo: Dara Kushner/INF

Can you please tell me who makes the black dress that Vanessa Minnillo was wearing at the opening of Atelier? Where can I find it? I love it. Thanks! –Kelly.

To celebrate the opening of the New York City apartment building that she and boyfriend Nick Lachey call home, Vanessa Minnillo kept it simple and classic in a little black dress by Catherine Malandrino. Vanessa’s scalloped halter dress is actually on sale for $245 (down from $326) at neimanmarcus.com. Or get the look for less with this black Issac Mizrahi for Target party dress, $25, at target.com.

Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

A far cry from her cute plaid shorts and casual L.A. look, Vanessa Minnillo turned city chic for a party at NYC’s trendy Big Drop Boutique thrown to celebrate her Lucky cover and new cosmetic line Flirt!. The ET correspondent, showed off her fabulous legs in a Laila Azhar silk jersey side cowl halter dress and Giuseppe Zanotti Design jeweled heels. Get Vanessa’s dress at bigdropnyc.com, $475, and be sure to check out our picks for her look at much more affordable prices.

Get the Look:
Jersey chain strap dress, $23, forever21.com

Strappy jeweled ankle strap sandal, $40, victoriassecret.com

Vince Flores / celebrity photo; London Entertainment/Splash News online

Staying stylish in the summer can be a challenge — less clothes can definitely translate into less effort. But shorts are always a great way of keeping cool, and adding in a dash of preppy plaid is just enough to take them from functional to fun. Pair them with a trendy summer scarf like Heroes‘ Tawny Cypress or with layered tanks like Vanessa Minnillo. Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:

Splurge with Joie “Little Thoughts” Plaid Shorts, $160 at bloomingdales.com or Vince Laundered Plaid Cuffed Shorts, $109 at shopbop.com.

Go straight to the preppy source with these Sconset Patchwork madras shorts, $58 at jcrew.com.

Get the look for a steal with these Madras Rollup Shorts, $35 at %20womens&productId=2331_3791″ target=”_blank”>ae.com, or these Plaid Shorts, $18 at forever21.com.

Sunset Photo and News

From the sand in the Bahamas to the streets of L.A., Vanessa Minnillo’s bright summer style has been catching our eye. We love how she dressed up a casual tank and denim bermuda shorts with girly heels and a big bright bag to match. The best part is Vanessa’s look doesn’t have to cost you a fortune — we’ve recreated her whole outfit for $101! Pair this sparkle stripe racer-back tank, $12, from urbanoutfitters.com with these denim capris, $22, at forever21.com. Don’t forget to accessorize with Mossimo’s red buckle tote, $25, at target.com and these comfy red wedge slides with bow by Unisa, on sale for $42 (from $69), at macys.com. How is that for bargain shopping?

Click here to see our Ultimate Guide to Summer Style. Everything you need to beat the heat — from the hottest shoes to the coolest shades and the sexiest bikinis!

We’ve had some issues with Vanessa Minnillo’s wardrobe in the past — too tight, too shiny, too sequined. But last night at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation Hot Pink Party in N.Y.C, Vanessa looked absolutely elegant, from her sideswept updo to her bib-front lace Monique Lhuiller gown to her Swarovski clutch. At the event, she told PEOPLE that she was moving on from TRL because she didn’t “want to be 48, saying, ‘Hey kids, now it’s Sean Preston Spears’s video,’” so maybe this heralds a new, more grown-up version of Vanessa. With her attention focused on her new makeup line for Flirt, which she calls “foolproof”, we hope to see Vanessa keep up the stylishly good work! Tell us: What do you think of Vanessa’s new look? Like it better or miss the old version?

Click here to discuss Vanessa’s style in Off the Rack.

Photo:Charles Sykes/Rex USA

Nothing like the first few warm days of spring to make you want to bust out all your cute, colorful dresses — and this Nanette Lepore number is already pretty popular with some of our favorite stars! Eva Longoria hit a taping of The View in her cute lime-green frock back in February, while Vanessa Minnillo stepped out in her vibrant dress a few weeks ago to a Bacardi-sponsored design competition in NYC. We don’t know if the dress is a good luck charm for the ladies, considering Eva’s engagement and Vanessa’s nesting with Nick, but we do know that both ladies look lovely in their dresses. But we have to ask: Who wears the Tracy Reese dress better? Eva Longoria or Vanessa Minnillo?

Click here to read more about Eva Longoria in Off the Rack, and click here for the scoop on Vanessa Minnillo.

Photo: Clark Samuels/startraks; Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

We already know she looks good in short-shorts, but at a recent SELF magazine event, Vanessa Minnillo confessed to PEOPLE that her real weakness is perfectly matched accessories. “I’ve gotten into purses and sunglasses like it’s my job,” the TRL host told us. “I have to match my purse with my outfit as well as a great pair of shades. Like if I have on gold hoops and gold in my bag I won’t wear silver rimmed sunglasses. I’ve been really, really OCD with that lately.” She does “love all fashion,” but singled out designer Tracy Reese (whose beaded cocktail dress she was wearing) as a current fave. “I’m a big fan of her. I just love the store and love everything she does.” Tell us: Do you feel the need to match all of your accessories? Does it matter if they are different metals?

Love Vanessa’s Tracy Reese Dress? Buy it at edressme.com, $550.

Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage

Vanessa Minnillo has been working very hard lately. Besides hosting TRL, being an ET correspondent, the new face of BONGO JEANS and flying around the world with her pop star boyfriend, the MTV beauty is now designing a makeup line for Flirt! cosmetics that will debut in August 2007 at all Kohl’s Department Stores. Of her new gig Vanessa says, “To me, makeup is all about trying out different looks and colors. Flirt! is the ideal platform to do that, as it allows me to have fun with makeup and experiment with color.” And what colors are her favorites? Expect Vanessa’s Flirt! line to deliver lots of reds and pinks for next fall. Would you wear makeup by Vanessa?

Photo: Theo Wargo/Wireimage

Forget the blinged out watches and medallions — the real sparkle on the red carpet came from the sequined metallic dresses that ruled the red carpet. From Vanessa’s silver sequins to Hilary’s sexy gold Dolce & Gabanna to Fergie’s shimmering steel Badgley Mischka, short and shiny was the major look of the night. Even for the ladies who didn’t wear it head to toe, metallic accents popped up on Nelly Furtado, Beyonce and many more. The key to making the look work? Keeping the hemlines above the knee and accessories to a minimum. Tell us: What do you think of the metallic dresses? Is this a trend you would try?

Click here to see who rocked in our Grammys Best Dressed gallery.

Photo:Frazer Harrison/Getty; HECTOR MATA/AFP/Getty; Matt Sayles/ap

Celebrity style often seems unattainable, but that’s what sales are for! This satin Tracy Reese dress that Vanessa Minnillo wore to a Hollywood event and that Eva Longoria slipped into for the New York City Dreamgirls premiere (how much more glamorous can you get?) is on sale at Standardstyle.com. Originally $495, it’s now marked down to $396 and it’s a fantastic frock for any parties, weddings, or if you’re lucky enough, any star-studded events you may have lined up this year.

For more great deals, check out our What’s On Sale page.

Photo: ZAK BRIAN/GAMMA

As the host of TRL, an ET correspondent and the girlfriend of a pop megastar, Vanessa Minnillo sure is a busy gal.  But when BONGO JEANS asked the former beauty queen to be the new face of BONGO for Spring 2007, the self-proclaimed denim addict (she owns hundreds of pairs!) couldn’t say no — especially when she saw some of the clothes she’d be wearing in her very own ad campaign. “These shorts are special,” she told me at her sexy BONGO photo shoot, where she tried on cropped cardigans and comfy soft knit tanks, skirts, and shorts—some really SHORT shorts.  “I have no bum, but these give you a nice little booty.”   Ok, Vanessa, but when it comes to those teeny tiny shorts, booty isn’t everything—how does she keep her legs so long and lean?  “I’m not gonna lie, I do go to the gym.  But honestly, you just have to find time to be active,” she told me. Then she picked up a downright adorable pair of canvas pumps with red patent leather heels.   “But if you want these legs in these shorts?  These heels will help,” she said.  Spoken like a true pitchwoman.  —Kristen Mascia

Check out more of our favorite denim in “Off The Rack”

Photo:bongo

Were all these stars taking our advice on wearing sequined dresses for New Year’s Eve, or do stylish minds just think alike? From Rihanna’s disco-ball silver spangles to Vanessa Minnillo’s 24-karat Blugirl gown to Britney’s shimmering black uber-mini, the stars turned out in sparkling dresses from coast to coast. And they weren’t the only ones shimmering as they shimmied the night away — we spotted Hilary Duff, Fergie, Nicole Richie and more rocking in the New Year in sequined dresses. Looks like this is one trend that is sticking around for 2007. Tell us: What do you think of the star’s sequined dresses? Would you wear them?

To read more about Britney Spears in Off the Rack, click here.

Photo: Bryan Bedder/DCP/Getty;roger wong/inf; Judy Eddy / WENN