Before Lauren Conrad became a reality TV star on MTV’s series Laguna Beach, she was interested in studying fashion and becoming a fashion designer. She realized that goal while appearing on the Laguna Beach spin-off, The Hills, which followed her move to Los Angeles where she participated in the Merchandise Product Development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM).

Conrad has used the exposure afforded by The Hills to further pursue her interest in fashion. She started a popular blog call The Beauty Department in collaboration with Kristin Ess, her hair stylist, and Amy Nadine, her makeup artist. The blog features tutorials and expert tips on hair, makeup, and other beauty topics. The site was designed by Bri Emery, another FIDM alumnus.

“Growing up, I never really learned how to do my hair and makeup correctly and the results weren’t always great,” she admits. “Our goal with The Beauty Department is to provide girls and young women with basic how-to of simplified versions of popular trends and styles that they can create themselves.”

Inspired by her blog’s success, Conrad has announced she is now planning to launch a new product of women’s fashion clothing line to join The Lauren Conrad Collection clothing line, which she debuted in 2007, and LC Lauren Conrad, a 2009 venture sold exclusively at Kohl’s.

Conrad is also a successful author. She has written two best-selling novels, L.A. Candy and Sweet Little Lies, and has also written Lauren Conrad Style, a guide geared for young women. Not surprisingly, Conrad says promoting beauty is her main passion and the product line will reflect her desire to help all women, young and old, feel good about themselves.

The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising is a co-ed, private college that specializes in Fashion, Graphics, Interior Design, and Entertainment. Considered by many to be one of the top fashion design schools in the United States, FIDM also offers curriculum in graphic design and digital media. For more information, visit www.fidm.edu.