We first met Whitney as the quintessential BFF and lilty voice of reason to Lauren’s drama-filled adventures on
The Hills but ever since she left LA for New York’s big city lights, Whitney’s fans have seen her star in a drama of her own complete with the standard repertoire of new and rotating frenemies, awkward dates, celebrity cameos and being told off by Kelly Cutrone (natch). But beyond the same-old-same-old reality fare, fashion lovers have also gotten a rare glimpse into the making of an up-and-coming fashion designer. “I think it’s so awesome to finally have a show like this that shows motivation and aspiration and really reveals to a lot of girls how they can make this happen on their own,” says Whitney.

Her line, Whitney Eve, is fun, youthful, feminine and urban, not unlike the designer herself. “It may sound a little narcissistic, but I really feel like I’m designing for my own demographic—career girls who want to wear something fashion-forward to work and then dress it up and accessorize it for night time,” she says.

In the new season of
The City, which airs Wednesdays at 10pm on MTV, Whitney focuses on fighting the odds to make it as a designer…while we all watch. “Any mistake you make or any negative opinion someone might have about you is clearly shown and possibly even magnified,” says Whitney. “But you kinda just have to take the good with the bad!”

Read on for more on the good, the bad and the drama in the life of a reality TV star turned real life designer.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being with family.

What do you consider your worst trait?

Impatience.

If you could choose an occupation other than your own what would it be?

A ballerina. I studied dance all my life but I got seriously into it in high school.

Who is your style icon?

Princess Diana. I just think she’s so empowering—she wasn’t afraid to take chances and she didn’t care how anybody else viewed her. I think that’s a really important trait in a fashion trendsetter.

If you had to choose one designer to fill your wardrobe, who would it be?

Valentino. Everything he designs is so glamorous and gorgeous and intricate—I would love to get my hands on anything he made.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“I’m just saying,” and “Oh my god.” Being on television, you end up analyzing every little move you make and word you say. It’s not the best thing.

What is your most treasured possession?

A bracelet my mom gave me that was my great grandma’s.

What’s your usual?

Champagne.

Whitney’s beauty secrets on the next page …

Find out what makes supermodel Coco Rocha tick here

Any tattoos?

No. I get sick of things really easily so I don’t know that I could commit to a tattoo.

What’s your guilty pleasure? Are you a secret Jersey Shore addict?

-laughs- I watch that but I wouldn’t call it a guilty pleasure. I would say 90210.

Latest beauty discovery?

Fresh makes a bronzer called High Noon Freshface Glow—it’s like a tinted moisturizer that basically evens out your skin so you don’t need any foundation. I highly recommend it.

Fashion trend you wish would disappear?

Fedoras.

How would you describe your personal style?

Eclectic, just because it changes every day! Depending on my mood and where I am, I think I just adapt to my environment. I take a lot of inspiration from vintage patterns and pieces.

What are your five key wardrobe pieces?

Tees by Alexander Wang, skinny jeans, a leather jacket, Converse and… let’s see, what else do I wear all the time? Cashmere sweaters.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Showing my line at Bryant Park.

It looks the claws are coming out this season—should we expect to see a different side of Whitney?

I wouldn’t say that but basically it came down to me not wanting to be walked all over, you know? I got to a point where enough was enough and I needed to stand up for myself. I think growing up and just becoming more confident, I realized that I’m the only person that can speak up for myself.

Do you have any regrets from your reality TV history?

Just one. And I don’t know that I would necessarily take it back because I think I learned so much about myself from it, but I regret living out a relationship on camera. I never did that on
The Hills—I made a conscious point not to because I just think a relationship is something so secret and personal and its not meant to be seen by all these people, but when I got to New York I basically met Jay on camera, and there was kind of no hiding him.

Even though you’re not on The Hills anymore, are you a little sad that it’s coming to an end?

It is a little bit bittersweet in that it was the root of my career and its something that has been so entertaining for so many people, but I think its good that its ending on this kind of a note, you know that people are still interested in watching it. I think it’s a good legacy to leave.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned this past year?

To not be afraid how people are going to judge you and follow your dream regardless of other people’s opinions.

What do you most value in your friends?

Loyalty and honesty.

What is your Twitter policy?

I like to be in touch with people so I guess I see it as a way of communicating with the people that support you. It’s not necessarily just to update useless tidbits of information.

twitter.com/whitneyeveport

What will you do when you retire?

Oh my god, that’s so far away! I have no idea. I intend to be working for a really long time…and not necessarily on television!

Finish this sentence:

“People think I’m
quiet but I’m really
assertive.”

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