EXCLUSIVE: Designer Whitney Port Spills On Her Line, Secret Shopping Stops & Kelly Cutrone!

‘The City’ starlet and designer shares her spring/summer style tips, talks about the trends she wishes she could forget, tells you how to look good on a budget, and spills on her relationship with Kelly Cutrone!

Whitney Port may have her every move documented on MTV’s hit show, The City, but there’s more to this designer than you could imagine! We got to catch up with the hard-working, California native who opened up about what it was like to launch her line at Fashion Week in front of the cameras, what celebs she’s dying to see in her stuff, and what her relationship with Kelly Cutrone is really like. The talented designer also spilled on the top trends — and the ones she can’t believe she ever followed! Find out what inspires Whitney and learn more about her covetable collection, Whitney Eve— I recently previewed the fall line, which was full of girly, edgy pieces that reminded me of Whitney’s unique sense of style!

Where do you usually draw your inspiration from? What’s your inspiration behind the spring line you’re working on now?
“I draw all of my design inspiration from my life. I try to keep the easy and casual California girl in me, mixed with a New York City girl. So effortless, vibrant and empowering. When I was creating my Spring collection I wanted it to look like…Alice in Wonderland goes to a cocktail party…”

What was it like showing a line for the first time and going through the process in front of the cameras?
“It was crazy. I felt like I blacked out or something, like it just happened in an instant, and then it was over. You put in all this effort—you realize when you’re backstage that fashion isn’t just fun and games—and then you get to see all your hard work come to fruition. It was overwhelming and very emotional.”

You seemed anxious and stressed about whether or not you were ready to show your collection, what was your biggest fear?
“I was really nervous and I had worked so hard, that to put in all that work and show the collection in front of everyone at Bryant Park in addition to everyone watching MTV, was really overwhelming. Especially because it was my first collection. My biggest fear was that I was presenting so early in my career, I wanted to make a great first impression.”

What’s your relationship like with Kelly Cutrone? How has it grown/changed from when you first started working for her?
“Kelly and I are good friends. She and I have a relationship on a different level since I worked for her, she has evolved into a good friend and always offers great advice. I consider her a mentor.”

What was your first big purchase after being on The Hills?
“A Miu Miu purse.”

What are five things you think every girl should have in their closet this season?
“1. This season I think every girl should have a great pair of shorts. Shorts are so versatile; pair them with heels and a blazer for a night out, or wear them with a comfortable pair of ballet flats. Either way, you will look chic and can wear them tons of different ways. I have a great pair of shorts in the Whitney Eve collection that I wear all the time.”

“2. I also love stripes this season, you can pick up striped pieces anywhere from Intermix and Barneys to the Gap and American Apparel, so there is a broad price range.”

“3. An industrial/army style jacket is a popular trend this spring. With the NYC weather always changing, it’s smart to never leave home without one. This is a great way to add a touch of effortless style to your look and these jackets also range in price; Rag and Bone, Theory or JCrew, you can pick one up at any price point.”

“4. Bright and fun nail polish. Instantly liven up a simple white t-shirt and jeans. Bright nails are fun and are an easy way to be daring. Experiment with green and neon colors which are perfect for warm weather months.”

“5. This season, all girls need a great flirty dress in nude or watercolor tones that they can wear out at night or to work. You can always pair it with different accessories to create a new look every time.”

How would you describe your personal style?
“I mix high and low… play off of vintage pieces and update them with modern accessories. Don’t be afraid to mix and match patterns, textures, colors.”

What shopping advice would you offer to a girl who wants to look good on a budget?
“Make sure that anything you buy matches with many different things and can be worn many different ways- for example buy tops that can be dressed up or down, can be worn with jeans, black pants or a pencil skirt.”

What was your last purchase under $50? $30?
“Under $50- an American Apparel Tank Top. Under $30-Butterfly Hanky Pankys.”

Do you have any secret shopping stops in LA & NYC?
“In LA-Market and Feature in Brentwood, in NYC- Trash and Vaudeville on St Marks Place.”

What’s one trend you regret following?
“Pashminas.”

If there’s one celeb you would love to see wearing your collection, who is it and why?
“Ashley Olsen, Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, Kiera Knightley – they are so ahead of the trends, willing to take chances and rock everything they put on.”

Where do you see yourself in five years?
“Continuing to design and developing my clothing line.”

-Katrina Mitzeliotis