We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her favorite ways to wear cutouts.

Cutouts sometimes get a bad rap. And understandably so. When worn with 7-inch Lucite heels and a zebra print micro skirt, there's nothing chic about them. However, when done right, I really love the trend. I particularly love cutouts in unexpected places such as the collarbone area, the shoulders, at the hips of a modest dress or the back of a pretty tunic. In fact, cutouts were a noteworthy trend on the Spring 2012 runways. Designers including Stella McCartney, Proenza Schouler and Roland Mouret featured the scissor happy statement on their catwalks solidifying the piecemeal look as a key trend for 2012.

Related: Photo Diary: Summer Shenanigans

Read on for all of Lauren's cutout shopping picks.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her Summer essentials.

The sun is shining and poolside piña coladas are calling… Summer is in full force and I love it! During this prime beachy season I like to stock up on a few summer style essentials to keep my look fresh for whatever spontaneous summertime activity may come my way. From spur of the moment beach trips to backyard barbeques, this it-list will have you covered—come sand, sangria or sunshine!

Related: Operation Organize: Get Color-Coded

Without further ado, here is my summer must-haves style list for 2012:

1. What would summer be without a chic, new pair of sunnies? While wayfarers, rounds, and cat eyes are trending, don't be afraid to stick with the shape that works best for you. Check out my LC Lauren Conrad collection line of sunglasses—there's something for everyone. And for more tips on picking the right pair for your face shape, check out my sunglasses guide.
2. A killer swimsuit is a major must. I especially love this classic striped bikini by ViX. (Don't they always have the best swimsuits?)

Keep reading to see the rest of Lauren's Summer must-haves after the break.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her Summer work wardrobe shopping picks.

During the hot and sticky summer months, layering is key when it comes to office attire. While the idea of buying an entirely new wardrobe is tempting, there’s no need to splurge. To be honest, there are only a few basic pieces you actually need to give your wardrobe an updated, summery feel without resorting to crop tops and cutoffs and maxing out your credit card.

Related: Photo Diary: Organizing, Karaoke & Sushi Dates

Without further ado, here are my five summer must-haves for all you working (or interning) ladies out there:

1. Put some pep in your step. Add a trendy staple such as a peplum top to your repertoire. Wear it with a swingy skirt, straight legs or even cropped pants for a playful yet professional look.
2. Crop and print. Combine two of the summer’s hottest trends by snagging a pair of printed, cropped trousers. Pair them with pointed pumps for the ultimate summery-chic update to your 9 to 5 uniform.
3. Sharpen your pencil (skirt). Turn this traditional office garb on its head by opting for its colorful counterpart. I especially love the neon coral tweed version included in the collage above; wear it with a simple striped top and dainty heels for an HR-approved summer ensemble.

Read on for the rest of Lauren Conrad's Summer office attire tips.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her peplum-trend shopping picks.

While my recent closet cravings include ladylike tanks, plenty of ruffles and tulle along with pleated pieces and conversational prints, one spring trend stands out amongst the rest: Peplums! If you're unfamiliar with this term, a peplum is basically a short, flared strip of fabric that is attached at the waist of a jacket, dress or blouse.

Related: Tuesday Ten: Father's Day Gifts

Even though designers such as Celine, Giambattista Valli, Jason Wu and Christian Dior paraded them down their spring 2012 runways, peplums are anything but new. The cut was popularized in the 1800s and resurfaced in the 1940s as well as the '80s. That said, they are back . . . and with vengeance! Put it this way: Vogue dedicated 6 pages to the trend in their January 2012 issue in a spread called, "Dare to Flare."

Keep reading for the rest of peplum styling tips and shopping picks

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her swimsuit picks.

Now that we are all getting in tip-top shape with my Bikini Boot Camp Plan, it's time to start actually shopping for the perfect swimsuit. I usually like to snag a new suit before Memorial Day since I almost always end up on the beach or at the pool… What about you?

Related: Tuesday Ten: Add a Touch of Tango

But before you shop, make sure you check out my swimwear guide on how to pick the right swimsuit for your body. That way you will have a better idea as to which cuts work best with your shape. Once you've pinpointed a style that works, get shopping!

Here are 10 of my favorite swimsuits for summer 2012:

Keep reading to find out where to shop Lauren's picks.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her dress picks for prom.

If you're in high school, there is only one thing on your mind right now: Prom! It's one of the quintessential high school experiences that will stick with you for a lifetime. For most of us, it's the first time you really get to dress up like a princess for a night. And because it is such a special night, it calls for a very special dress.

Related: Tuesday Ten: Mother's Day Gifts

Back when I was in school, gowns were the go-to dress of choice. (Let me tell you, gowns can get pretty pricey.) Thankfully, prom trends have broadened and shorter hemlines have been embraced.

Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite looks for prom along with my top picks for each look listed below . . .

Alice + Olivia Tibby Petal Dress
LC Lauren Conrad Ruffle Chiffon Dress
Paper Crown Wilde Tiered Mini

For all of Lauren's perfect prom picks, keep reading

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her Coachella photo diary.

I survived my very first Coachella! I had heard so many things about the music festival that I wasn't sure what to think. But as soon as I arrived, I understood. Coachella is all about having fun, being free, and enjoying good friends and good music.

Related: Kohl's Craving: Ladylike Tanks

The week before we headed out, we heard it was supposed to pour on Friday. Luckily, it just drizzled and the rest of the weekend turned out to be pretty nice. Anyway, here are some photos I snapped during my trip:

On the way out, I didn't feel great about the weather . . .

See more of Lauren's Coachella photos after the break.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her festival fashion picks.

It's that time of year… festival season! Over the next few months, hipsters, trendsetters and music-lovers alike will be flocking to various music festivals all over the country. And as a matter of fact, I will be going to Coachella this year! I'm really excited. And to be honest, I cannot wait to dress up like a flower child for three days in a row... While I'm looking forward to the music, the number one thing on my mind right now is fashion. Or more accurately, what I am going to wear.

Related: Style Guide: 6 Essential Festival Accessories

If you ask me, there are four major must-haves when packing for a fashionable festival getaway: shorts (short skirts can be dangerous), lightweight tops (it's hot), comfortable (but stylish) footwear and a few breezy dresses. Seeing as my team has already shared their expert picks for festival flair, I thought I'd spotlight my wardrobe essentials for the big weekend…

Without further ado, here are my must-pack fashion picks for Coachella:

Fabulous, breezy tops are essential . . .

KAIN silk tank, Paper Crown Metallic Knit Top, Topshop crochet vest, Textile Elizabeth & James Zuma Tank

See all of Lauren's picks after the break.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her Paper Crown lookbook for Fall 2012.

I'm excited to give you the very first, exclusive look at the Paper Crown Fall 2012 Lookbook! Even though the collection won't hit stores until late August 2012, I thought it would be fun to share the lookbook photos . . .

Related: Tuesday Ten: The Little Pink Dress

Keep reading to see the rest of the adorable Paper Crown lookbook.

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her styling tips for every girls' night out scenario.

While Take Out Tuesdays are great, sometimes us girls just need to get out (and more often than not, dance!) . . . So leave the boys at home (they’ll want you even more when they know you’re having fun without them) and plan a girls’ night out!

It’s often said that women dress for other women. And I couldn’t agree more. We all know girls pay more attention to clothes and accessories, so putting together the perfect “girls' night out” look is essential. Below are seven of my favorite looks for ladies' night that will have you covered from casual dinners and movie nights to drinks at the hottest club in town . . .

The Chic City Slicker

All Saints Herero Jacket, ASOS Chunky Link Bracelet, Splendid Cowl-neck Dress, SM Luxe Dare Edge Bootie, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick

The Casual Chick

mark Get in Line Eyeliner, LC Lauren Conrad Platform Sandals, Topshop Unlined Blazer, 7 For All Mankind Roxanne Jean, Send the Trend Aileen Smooth Gold Bangles, LC Lauren Conrad Floral Ruffle Camisole, Lauren Conrad Flower Stud Earrings

Related: Why Not . . . Do Take Out Tuesday

The Sleek Sophisticate

Urban Outfitters Rhinestone Bib Necklace, Benefit Benetint, Elizabeth & James Laurette Blouse, Topshop Glitter Double Clutch, Jimmy Choo Private Sandals, Paper Crown Serena Pant

Keep reading for the rest of Lauren's super cute outfits!

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her favorite open-shouldered tops.

I’ve been slightly obsessed with cold shoulder tops lately. Cut out shoulders transform an otherwise simple piece into something a little sexier, a little edgier. The peek-a-boo shoulder adds a fun and flirty feel without showing too much. It’s subtle, but sexy. The look was initially introduced in the nineties when Donna Karan debuted her iconic “cold shoulder” dress on Hillary Rodham Clinton who wore the dress to the inaugural ball. When asked about the gown, Karan said that no matter what women think about their bodies, they never complain about their shoulders. And she’s right! The trend regained momentum more recently during spring 2012 fashion week when designers like Richard Chai LOVE, 3.1 Phillip Lim and BCBG Max Azria rolled out various interpretations of the shoulder splice.

Needless to say, I’m a big fan of the look. When it came to designing my spring collection for my LC Lauren Conrad collection for Kohl’s I was inspired to create a few easy-to-wear flirty blouses. And Donna’s famed cold shoulder made the cut.

I adore this blouse (pictured above) because I’m a sucker for floral prints and chiffon. When I designed it I wanted to create something feminine that would turn heads, which is why the shoulder splice was the perfect finishing touch. I love wearing this blouse over a camisole with dark wash jeans.

What do you think about the cold shoulder look? How would you wear the Floral Chiffon Top?

XO Lauren

More stories from LaurenConrad.com:
Chic Peek: My Birthday Photo Diary
Ladylike Laws: Restaurant Dining
Chic of the Week: Amanda’s Storage Solution
ID Me: My Vegas Birthday Look
My Week in Photos: Writing in the City

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her favorite belted coats.

It’s easy to look frumpy during the Winter when you’re hidden beneath layers upon layers of clothing. But you don’t have to be a fashion victim just because the mercury dropped. Instead, take a cue from Burberry Prorsum and Diane von Furstenberg and belt that bulky coat of yours! Defined waists are coming back in a major way for 2012, which makes belted coats the perfect transitional piece for this trend. I love the belted look because I think it’s a nice way to create a waist when it’s cold. And I love the understated femininity of the look as well. As a matter of fact, I even designed one for an upcoming Paper Crown collection (stay tuned!).

The belted look can be achieved a couple of ways: Simply cinch your coat or jacket at the waist with your favorite belt or buy a pre-belted (or waist-tie) coat/jacket. You can even work this trend with a closed blazer and cute belt, too. The belted coat works for all body types. It’s universally flattering and adds the ultimate chic-factor to drab Winter wear. The best part? It’s a cinch!

Here are a few of my favorite belted coats:

• Topshop Military Belted Coat
• Urban Outfitters BB Dakota Romain Belted Coat
• Vanessa Bruno Camel Belted Coat

Which one is your favorite?

Also, how do you feel about the belted coat look?

XO Lauren

P.S. Want to see what the original cover concept looked like for the first L.A. Candy book? Click here to see the sketch I did (and just found)!

More stories from LaurenConrad.com:
Tuesday Ten: Everyday Accessories
Chic of the Week: Amanda's Storage Solution
Style Guide: Birthday Outfits 101
L.A. Candy: Behind the Cover
Inspired Idea: Twinkle Twinkle

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her ingredients for a perfect Winter wardrobe.

Topshop Metallic Midi Skirt, Equipment Darkest Spruce Blouse, Topshop Madison Leopard Print Loafers, Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag, H&M Black Tights, Adam Chunky Knit Sweater, Paper Crown Serena Leggings, LC Lauren Conrad Tiered Chiffon Dress, Michael Kors Bromley Flat Boots, Karen Walker Perfect Day Sunglasses, Topshop Faux Fur Stole, J.Crew Resin Colorblock Bracelet, Cashca Chunky Scarf, Marc by Marc Jacobs Double-Breasted Coat, Deborah Lippmann Glitter Nail Polish, Romwe Retro Peter Pan Collar Apricot Dress

Winter fashion is truly a study in textures and layering. Now that the season is in full swing, I thought I'd share my favorite fashion picks for winter with you. Here are my 16 style staples of the season…

1. Midi skirt.
2. Silk button up.
3. Leopard print flats.
4. Black bag.
5. Tights!
6. Crewneck sweater.
7. Faux leather leggings.
8. Flowy frock (for layering).
9. Flat black boots.
10. Tortoise shell sunnies.
11. Faux fur stole.
12. Chunky baubles.
13. Cable knit scarf.
14. Black coat.
15. Sparkly polish.
16. Anything with peter pan collars.

What are your top 3 winter must-haves?

XO Lauren

P.S. If you're still looking for a beautiful winter coat, click here to check out my coat guide!

More stories from LaurenConrad.com:

Deals & Steals: Our Favorite Sales Sites

How to Wear: Midi Skirts

Style Guide: My Favorite Workout Wear

Do or Don't: Tights With Open Toed Shoes?

Shape Up: My 7 Days to Skinny Jeans Plan

We are thrilled to share this story from Lauren Conrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven has started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her holiday wish list.

Dear Santa,

While a partridge and a pear tree sound nice, I would love any one of the following items, too . . .

Michael Kors Rose Gold Round Watch

Keep reading . . .

We are thrilled to share this story from LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, she's sharing her favorite Fall dresses.

Just because the Fall foliage continues to turn shades of crimson, mustard, and rust doesn’t mean you have to shun dresses from your Autumn wardrobe. Instead, rock your favorite Fall frocks all season long by layering on tights, coats, and scarves. Below are 10 of my favorite dresses of the season:

1. Layer a draped camel trench over this sweet silk-crepe Marc by Marc Jacobs dress:

Keep reading . . .

We are thrilled to share this story from LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This week, we talk closet cleaning for a cause.

If you have read my book Style then you know what I think when it comes to cleaning out your closet: if you can’t see it, you won’t wear it. The solution? Overhaul your closet, and get organized. (Check out Chapter 4 of Style for helpful tips on editing and arranging your closet.) So what do you do with all of the pieces you want to ditch? Pay it forward. And no, I don’t mean watch the movie.

Think of it this way: as your unused homecoming dress sits in the deep dark depths of your closet, there is someone out there who is looking for, or needing, that very dress. They don’t say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” for nothing. Instead of tossing or selling closet rejects, donate them — but do it wisely. Certain organizations specialize in distributing specific clothing items. To inspire you to make smarter donation decisions, I have put together a list of helpful suggestions on disposing your closet castoffs:

Shoes. If you are tossing a pair of shoes, give them to someone who really needs them. I recently learned about Soles4Souls, which is an organization that collects shoes and gets them to those in need. In many countries, children cannot attend school or church unless they have a pair of shoes, and Soles4Shoes makes this possible.

Keeping reading . . .

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This month, Lauren's got the perfect answer to your business dress code questions.

To kick off my Dress Coding series, today I’ll be cracking the code behind “business professional” dress, also known as “business formal.”
If you’re a fashionable girl working in a buttoned-up, ultra conservative world, dressing professionally is an absolute must. Unfortunately, professional settings are not exactly friendly to the fashion forward. Luckily, you can maintain a level of style by working in fashionable elements through subtle accessories and chic silhouettes.
Business professional attire for women is very similar to what men are expected to wear: The Power Suit. No, this doesn’t mean you have to wear a boxy jacket, pinstripe pants and a tie… Instead, opt for a slim cut pantsuit, a skit and jacket combination, or a structured (and modest) dress.
Keep reading . . .

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. This month, Lauren's got the perfect answer to your wedding attire questions.

Last weekend I went to a lovely wedding on the beach (above is a photograph of me and my besties; I’m wearing a dress by Hoss Intropia). It was a beautiful ceremony, and all of the guests in attendance looked just as nice. In light of "wedding season" (and the all-too-familiar mystery of "What do I wear to ____?"), I thought I’d put together a post on wedding attire.
While it’s exciting to be invited to a wedding, decoding the difference between "formal," "semiformal," "cocktail," and "casual" attire as requested by the invitation can leave you wanting to reply, "I don’t." You may be wondering, "What does 'casual' mean anyway? Surely flip-flops and frocks cannot be appropriate . . . " (And you would be right!) Well, ladies, wonder no more . . . Below, I’ve decoded the puzzling meanings of wedding dress codes.

If the invitation says . . .

Black Tie. Black tie (or "formal" attire) is the most formal of all wedding dress codes. Most often, black tie weddings are in the evenings, so turn up the glamour and bring on the beads and sequins! I suggest wearing an evening gown (such as the Clementine Gown by Paper Crown, pictured above) or an elegant cocktail dress. Dramatic jewelry is welcome, and coiffed hair is a must.

Keep Reading . . .

We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with LaurenConrad! The TV personality, writer, designer, and style maven started LaurenConrad.com, a social networking site that features daily posts by Lauren on all of our favorite topics — fashion, beauty, food, party planning — and Lauren will be sharing her latest fashion finds with Fab every month. First up? We get the skinny on Lauren's beach day basics.

The sun is shining and the seagulls are singing (or more accurately, combing the beach for your sandy leftovers)—it’s summertime! You may have your swimsuit du jour squared away along with the perfect pair of sunnies, but the question remains: Are you really ready to hit the beach?

In addition to my door side “go” bag (see In the Bag: Prepped & Ready for all the details), there are a few key fashion items I keep around for hanging beachside…

Classic Cut Offs
Every gal needs a good old pair of cut off jean shorts. For me, denim cutoffs will always be a summer staple. They are as timeless as they are California cool. Lately, I’ve been wearing Levi’s because I like the looser fit and higher set waist. The Levi’s 501 cut works well with most body types. Other cute cut offs I found online include Madewell’s cuffed Midi Shorts or Urban Outfitter’s Urban Renewal Shorts.

Neutral Sandals
I cannot stress how important it is to have a great pair of neutral sandals. Your wardrobe choices are exponentially multiplied when you’ve got a pair of shoes that go with almost everything in your closet. A few of my favorites are the sandals I designed for my LC Lauren Conrad line for Kohl’s, Tory Burch’s Emmy Flats, Topshop’s Hoopa Sandals, and Aldo’s Dauster Flats. And for those of you who plan on treading into the sand, I suggest keeping a pair of Havaianas Slim Flip Flops handy (I like the sand grey and light golden color combo).

Keeping reading . . .