By Melody Nazarian
Lauren Conrad has SoCal written all over her . . . but more beach bunny than Hollywood party girl. From her famous braids to her at-ease style, she exudes a sweet confidence that has helped put her on the map.
But these days, the LA gal is far from her reality show drama and now designing a clothing collection, Paper Crown, that LA fashionistas will love. "I wanted it to have an overall chic look that felt effortless," Lauren told me. "Both the fabrics and colors are soft and pretty. Comfort plays a big role in my own wardrobe and I wanted that to translate into this collection." You can pick up her designs at some of these hot LA retailers: Ron Herman, Chelsea Brentwood, Magenta in Koreatown, Sienna Brown in Newport Beach, and A.sweeT.
PSLA: When you’re not working, where do you like to eat and what do you recommend from each place?LC: My kitchen! When I am not too busy, I love to cook. It's my favorite place to eat in LA. If I want to go out to dinner for the night, I usually go for sushi. Katsuya (6300 Hollywood Blvd., 323-871-8777) is always amazing. Their baked crab hand roll in soy paper is my favorite thing on the menu and their watermelon mojitos are delicious. For more traditional sushi, I just tried Sugar Fish (11640 W. San Vicente Blvd., 310 820-4477; 600 W. 7th St., Ste. 150, 213 627-3000; 1345 2nd St., Santa Monica, 310-393-3338) for the first time and it was wonderful. The fish there is so fresh, and I suggest any of their sashimi.
PSLA: There are so many cool neighborhoods in LA, but which is your favorite?LC: It depends what I'm doing but, I think my favorite neighborhood in all of LA is West Hollywood. There are lots of great shops, restaurants, and bars in that area.
PSLA: Where are a few places every LA gal should go to get pampered?I love Kate Somerville (8428 Melrose Pl., Ste. C, West Hollywood, 323-655-7546). I get a few different treatments there — facials, laser treatments, body wraps. Everyone there is so wonderful, and the decor is amazing.
PSLA: In your opinion, which are LA’s most standout boutiques, and what makes them so cool?LC: To be honest, most of my shopping these days is done online. When I do venture out to boutiques, it is normally to Intermix (110 Robertson Blvd., 310-860-0113), Planet Blue (3835 Cross Creek Rd., Malibu, 310-317-9975), or Bleu (454 S. La Brea Ave., 323-939-2228). They all have a great selection of brands and friendly service.
