the rest is still unwritten.

I've recently acquired a appetite for The Hills.

Yeah, I know. I'm judging me, too.

But here's the thing. Lauren Conrad is a classy freaking dame. I don't know how this girl managed to go from a shallow little girl on Laguna Beach to a legitimate businesswoman, but this girl has got her act together. She's written a 3 book YA Lit series, has TWO clothing lines, a style book, and runs a really successful online hair and make up tutorial website. And, yeah, she says 'like' a lot and still had two reality shows on MTV, but she's definitely gone above and beyond the call.

Especially when you compare her to her onscreen BFF, Heidi Montag. Now THAT'S a sad story. Heidi started out as a sweet, if a little ditzy, party girl who had a big heart and a spark that lit up any room. That is, until she met the evil Spencer Pratt who not only broke her spirit, he might as well have broken her face. She got one of the most drastic and tragic full body make overs in the history of plastic surgery, and she was still recovering a full year after.

So what lesson can we learn here, children? Be a Lauren, not a Heidi. And how exactly do we go about that?

Even back in Laguna Beach, Lauren was careful about who she represented. A lot of companies approached her to be a spokesperson for their products, but she knew that she would be a role model for a lot of young people, and that she had to be selective. Because of her discretion as a teenager, she's taken much more seriously now than some of her fellow MTV alumni.

Lauren has always had a signature look. Even if you don't know the shows, you know her as that that girl who started the side bang braid trend, or one of the first stars to rock the ombre hair ♥ . Her style has often been called a mix of classic and trendy. But the one thing she isn't is trashy. One of her cardinal rules is to pick one part of your body to show off. For LC it's usually her legs, so she'll pair a mini with a high neckline and long sleeves, or jeans, flip flops, and a tank to show of her arms. Find your best feature and run with it! (Within reason. We are at SVU.)

One of LC's most famous quotes is 'I can't sing or act or dance, all I can do is be myself.' And look where that got her! So what if you don't have 'normal' talents? She's not a big actress, or a musician, but she throws what she knows (which is more than we can say for Heidi, the poor girl has a musical career almost as tragic as her post-op nose). If you've got a passion for cooking, make that your thing! You're secretly awesome at chess, or tying bow ties, or break dancing? Go for it! Show the world what you have to offer, even if you think they won't appreciate it. You'd be surprised how excited a group of college kids can get about someone who can make balloon animals.

Live as if life is a movie and you're the star. Speak as if someone you respect is listening. Always dress sharp, like you wouldn't mind if you did run into a herd of paparazzi. Take a few minutes to yourself every day, even for something as simple as taking a breath and meditating. When you're in college, it's really easy to get caught up in the crazy day to day stuff and forget the bigger picture. In the words of one of my personal heroes, Clinton Kelly, "Your fabulousness makes the world a better place -- unlike Pajama Jeans, which, as we all know, are a sign of the Apocalypse."



So that's what's up, folks. Don't hate on my girl LC, and embrace the awesome. Back to my marathon.

Cass vs. Buddy Holly

So, Washington DC, you really have a lot going for you. I mean it! There's that nation's capital thing, and the not 120 degrees (usually) and the pretty green, and A+ on all those monuments. I've really loved spending my summer with you!

But listen, DC. Where I'm from we have cacti and In-N-Out, and you know what else we have?

HIPSTERS.

I hail from a nice little place called Tempe, Arizona. Some know it as the valley of the sundress and the low rise jean, but not me. To me, Tempe is a magical land where everywhere you look, it's skinny jeans and rompers. You can't throw a stick without hitting an English or Political Science major. And you know what else is great about Tempe, Arizona?

These bad boys.

That's right. In our valley, we understand that you are only as good as your best pair of fake glasses. It's a trend that I'm convinced was started by my girl Jess way back our sophomore year of high school, but it's not just us anymore.

See? Even Jennifer Aniston is on board. And when I can find a picture of Rachel Bilson rocking the fake nerd glasses, you'd best believe I'll be posting it.

So here's the deal, Mr. Washington if that is your real name. I won't hold it against you that you're a bit behind the times. I like you anyway!

But if I keep getting these sideways glances at Target while I'm picking up more Covergirl Lip Sensation, we're gonna have words.