The Hills & The City Finale: Backstage

The Hills' Lauren "Lo" Bosworth, Stacie Hall, Kristin Cavallari, Brody Jenner, and Holly Montag.

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The City's Olivia Palermo, Whitney Port, Erin Kaplan, and Roxy Olin.

Credit: MTV

Erin Or Olivia: Who Should Joe Zee Choose?

From the moment Erin Kaplan and Olivia Palermo were first introduced, it was clear that office tension would be a reoccurring theme on The City. And after many attempts on both the girls' parts to work together harmoniously, the problem's only gotten worse, culminating in another broken record of a blowout during tonight's finale.

When all was said and done, Erin pulled the trigger and gave bossman Joe Zee an ultimatum: Olivia goes, or she does. Ballsy (but sorta necessary) move!

We've listened to Joe's quiet conundrum all season long -- Erin's a PR star and always gets the job done without a hitch, but Olivia has a superb eye for fashion and tons of contacts in the industry. So who stays? Who goes? Dude's got a tough decision ahead of him -- help make it easier by taking our poll!

Who should Joe Zee keep on staff at 'Elle'?
	Erin Kaplan
	Olivia Palermo

Credit: MTV Remote Control

Whitney Port & Erin Kaplan On Today Show

Whitney Port On Drama And Surviving 'The City'

Even when she was on “The Hills,” Whitney Port was an unlikely reality star. And in “The City,” she still seems a bit misplaced among her fellow castmates: the impulsive Roxy Olin, the ambitious Erin Kaplan and the mutinous Olivia Palermo.

“I was a normal 20-year-old student,” says Whitney Port, now 24. “Being on television definitely wasn’t impressive or a goal of mine. I went into it thinking this will help my fashion career, basically. I didn’t want my personal life on camera. I was very reserved and shy.”

Yet, despite her rather undramatic personality, Port shined even when conflict-prone Lauren Conrad was in the room and still does now among her rambunctious ‘City’ castmates. It’s in her own quiet way that she has gotten pretty much everything she ever wanted while, at the same time, inspiring those around her to help her do so. That’s what’s impressive about Whitney Port.

Recently, I spoke with Whitney about what it was like to work on her dream fashion line on-camera, what she thought about the other women on the show and the guys she encountered along the way.

In tonight’s finale, you get this huge opportunity to show your new line at Bergdorf Goodman, how’d that go? It was very scary for me, because there aren't a lot of designers who show their first collection to Bergdorf. I obviously was really, really nervous and didn’t know if I was prepared. I had faith in my line, but I wasn’t even sure the line was ready to show to them. I didn’t have my hopes set at a very high level, because of that. Basically they gave me a lot of constructive criticism. They thought my Los Angeles aesthetic shined through the line a little too much. It was a learning experience for me. It’s just difficult because it’s all being shown on-camera. I’m getting judgments and opinions by more people than the norm.

When I interviewed Kelly Cutrone, she told me that she warned you that you would have more critics than normal. So, she was right?
Yeah, I definitely do. I did show my line at Bryant Park, which is not in this season, but I knew that I had to really prove myself as a designer more than anybody else out there. There are so many celebrity lines and there are so many reality show lines, actually, that haven’t really done well and haven’t shown much design sense. So I had to prove myself even more, that I really did take this seriously. I think no one ever expected me to put so much heart and soul into it. I guess the verdict is still out regarding what they think of my talent.

I know that you’re really close to Kelly now, but doesn’t she still scare you a little?
The more I’ve gotten to know Kelly, the less scary she has become. She definitely still puts me in my place. I can be surprised at the things that she could say to me still today. But she is so smart and so knowledgeable in this industry and really knows what she’s doing that I trust her so, so, so much. I kind of need that personality in my life because I’m so mellow and easygoing. She lights a fire underneath me and makes sure I’m on the right track. She’s also very, very motherly. She has taken such good care of me that I know she just wants the best for me. She’s not trying to reprimand me just for the sake of reprimanding me.

Last week, we watched your “look book” shoot and Roxy nearly ruined it for you. Why do you give her so many chances?
I have a lot of faith in Roxy. As much as she can be a little bit out there and maybe sometimes a bit unfocused, she gets me and she gets my vision. And even though it may not be her vision, she really works as hard as she can to try to achieve what I ask of her. I also wanted to give Roxy the opportunity, because the only way that she’s going to learn is if she gets this responsibility. I don’t know how much Kelly wants to give her, so I thought maybe I could sort of guide her in the way that people have guided me.

While I enjoy watching you develop your clothing line, did the producers pressure you to time its launch with the show’s shooting schedule?
Yes. Obviously, I have been doing this clothing line for longer than I’ve been filming “The City.” I tried to time it with the season, but at the same time this is my livelihood and as much as I wanted the show to coincide with the clothing line, I wanted to do what was best for the clothing line. Once this show is over, that’s pretty much all that I’ll have. So, yeah, I did hurry things a bit much, but I wanted to get it out there, and I wanted to show everybody what I was working so hard on.

On “The Hills,” you mostly limited your appearances to work situations. Did you set boundaries for “The City,” as well?
Basically, I decided I was going to take it day by day. I knew that if I decided to do “The City” that they were going to ask more of me than just going to work. I knew that if the show was going to be successful in this reality/soap opera arena, I was going to have to show a little bit more.

What happened with me, which really opened up my comfort zone, was meeting Jay [Lyon] when I first went to New York. We were actually filming for “The Hills.” I instantly felt so comfortable and confident with him. He was actually willing to do the show and that just made it OK to do it for some reason. He just made it seem so carefree.

OK, since you brought Jay up. I have friends in New York and they talk. According to them, you’re still seeing him. Is that true?
[Laughs] No, I’m not still dating Jay. I talk to Jay every couple weeks. We have a good friendship. I’m the kind of person who has stayed close friends with all of my boyfriends. We had a pretty amicable split. We are not dating, but we keep in touch.

You have the fashion line you’ve always wanted. You’re on a hit reality show. What’s next?
That’s a good question. I just want to continue working on my clothing line. That’s really so dear to me and really what I love to do at the end of the day. I’ll be doing that whether the show continues on or not. Other than that, I really don’t know. I feel that’s the only constant in my life right now, which is very, very scary for me. [She laughs.] Like I said, I’m just trying to take it day by day.

Credit: Jethro Nededog for L.A. Times

City Poll: Could YOU Work With Olivia Palermo?

After an bumpy start at Elle, Olivia Palermo's really turned it around, proving that she can shmooze designers, spot a fake Fendi a mile away and get the job done. So what's the problem?

Well, despite her fashion expertise, Roxy Olin called Olivia a total "nightmare" to work with, and know Erin's not exactly recommending her for Employee of the Month. Plus, while Olivia clearly knows how to network, we haven't seen her use that same charm to win over her colleagues -- either here at Elle, or back in her DVF days.

Would you have the patience to work with Olivia?
	Yes, of course. She's not so bad!
	Maybe .. But only if I had to.
	Never. Erin is a saint.

Credit: MTV Remote Control

The City's Erin Kaplan: I Don't Want To See Olivia Fail

So far this fall, we've seen wild house parties, half-naked fashion models and the inside of Jay Lyon's love nest on The City. But nothing's shocked us more than watching Olivia Palermo morph from above-it-all social to hardworking career gal, thanks in large part to her perma-disapproving Elle manager Erin Kaplan. So how does Erin (known for her constant smirks, frequent put-downs and awkwardness at parties) feel about coming across as a high fashion bully? In a word, misunderstood.

"If I’m portrayed as hard or a bitch on camera, that’s one thing," Erin said in an interview with OK! magazine, "but to portray me as somebody that doesn’t care about what’s best for the magazine is totally different, and that’s been the most frustrating thing."

And as for rooting for Olivia to fail? "The bottom line is I want what’s best for [Elle]," Erin said. "[A]nd if Olivia comes back and she does an amazing job, I’m going to tell her that."

Meanwhile, Erin took the opportunity to let City fans know she's not as super-serious as she comes across on TV. "I definitely think I smile more. I’m generally a happy person, and I don’t smirk as often as I do on the show!"
credit - mtv

Poll: Which City Girl Is Tressed To Kill?

Whether you watch The City for Erin's put-downs, Olivia's outbursts or Whitney's awkward pauses, one thing that keeps us all coming back is the girls' stealworthy style. Not only are we keep our eyes open for their fashion must-haves, but we're also taking notes on their stellar haircare. So which glossy goddess deserves to win for best tressed? Check 'em out, then vote for your fave fall 'do!

You tell us: Which City gal is tressed to kill?
	Olivia. Soft ringlets never looked so sleek!
	Whitney. Casual, yet classy, Whitney keeps it light, from root to tip.
	Erin. Love how those layered locks frame her face!
	Roxy. Her hair is dark, sexy and unpredictable. Just like her!

Credit: MTV Remote Control

The City Episode 16: It's All Who You Know

At Armani/Ristorante 5th Avenue, Joe Zee and Erin have lunch. Erin tells him that she and Olivia are working on their next big project, ELLE's Fall A to Zee, but she is worried about how it will turn out after Olivia's previous disappointing efforts. Erin says Olivia hasn't been receptive to her advice and Erin has had to fix Olivia's mistakes. Joe says he still feels Olivia is good for ELLE, but if she doesn't succeed at this, maybe her future isn't at their magazine.

Later, Olivia and Erin make their way to the Badgley Mischka showroom as Erin explains the Fall A to Zee feature. Each letter in the alphabet is assigned a corresponding Fall trend or accessory, so Olivia must find a total of 26 pieces. Erin says she will help look at accessories at Badgley Mischka, but after that Olivia is on her own. Olivia says she only has one other visit planned for the day. Erin chuckles and says she may want to start reaching out to more designers soon.

At People's Revolution, Whitney tells Roxy that she brought some of her sketches to show Kelly Cutrone. Roxy asks Whitney if she can see her designs. Whitney hesitates but shows them to her, asking only for constructive criticism. While Roxy is indifferent about a fabric choice for one of the pieces, she says she is impressed with most of the sketches and encourages Whitney to show them to Kelly.

Whitney takes Roxy's advice and goes to Kelly with 15 sketches that she envisions for a Spring 2010 line. Kelly says she is impressed with the quality of the sketches and gives her feedback. After Kelly says that a good first collection should have 26 to 31 looks, Whitney realizes that she'll need several more pieces. Kelly explains that the fashion industry is like a funnel -- lots go in, but only a little comes out. Kelly reiterates that she will help Whitney, but the sketches need work so she should not show them to anyone else yet.

At Badgley Mischka, Erin and Olivia meet with designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka who show them a dress and different accessories from their new holiday collection. Erin says she hopes Olivia has been taking notes because they'll have to report what they've found back to Joe. Olivia says she has been taking mental notes.

Meanwhile, Whitney, Samantha and Roxy meet for lunch at Blue Water Grill in Union Square. Whitney tells Samantha she showed Kelly her sketches and Kelly said there was potential. Roxy suggests that since Samantha works at Bergdorf Goodman, Whitney should show her sketches to Samantha's boss. Samantha says she would have to see if it was ok, but Whitney says she doesn't know if her designs are ready yet. Roxy says it could only help.

Olivia visits Roberta Freymann at her showroom on the Upper East Side. Roberta shows her necklaces and Olivia photographs the merchandise noting price points and turnaround time. They each say thank you and look forward to working together.

At Mood Fabric in the Garment District, Roxy accompanies Whitney as she collects fabric swatches. Roxy encourages Whitney to meet with Samantha's boss, but Whitney says she is scared of rejection. Roxy says if she can't show the sketches to Samantha's boss, she won't be able to show them to anyone. Roxy continues by saying Kelly is just a PR girl, and Whitney should hear from someone who actually buys clothes. Whitney says she has been struggling with the decision, but she thinks Roxy is right. She knows nothing will ever get done if she doesn't make a move.

Meanwhile, Rachel Roy greets Olivia as she arrives at her showroom. They chat about ELLE's Fall A to Zee feature and their fondness for Joe Zee. Rachel shows Olivia a few of her rings and necklaces and talks up their low price point. She asks Olivia how everything else at the magazine is going, and she says it has its ups and downs. Olivia says she is a believer in always helping people when they are new, but that isn't always the case in her life. Rachel reassures her that she can't make everyone happy, and Olivia should stay the refined, elegant, and the sweet person she knows.

At Bergdorf Goodman, Whitney waits for Samantha's boss, Sunni. She says she'll look at the sketches to get a feel for Whitney's overall design aesthetic. Sunni criticizes one of the dresses, but says she can see the designer in Whitney. She explains that photos are very helpful and Whitney still has a lot of work to do. Still, she sees many people who want to be designers, and Whitney's potential is really great. Sunni excuses herself and wishes Whitney good luck.

Back at People's Revolution, Whitney approaches a disappointed Kelly, who has received a phone call about Whitney's meeting at Bergdorf's. Whitney says she wasn't doing anything behind Kelly's back and explains Roxy's idea to show the sketches to Sunni. She thought she had nothing to lose in showing the sketches, but Kelly replies that her reputation is at stake, as no one in their right mind would go to Bergdorf Goodman with only a drawing.

Kelly asks how the meeting went, and Whitney says Sunni told her the same things as Kelly. Kelly says she told Whitney not to show the sketches because she loves and believes in her, but if she wants to listen to Roxy, don't do it with her relationships on her time. She says Whitney has paid her dues and is about to move up, while Roxy has just started in New York. Kelly doesn't think Roxy always has Whitney's best interests in mind, and when it comes to her career, maybe she shouldn't listen to anything Roxy has to say.

At ELLE, Joe and Erin talk about the latest progress on Fall A to Zee. Erin says Olivia wasn't taking notes while they looked at accessories, and if she comes in with nothing, it's going to be a major problem. Olivia arrives with photos of a variety of accessories from different designers. Olivia tells Joe and Erin about the tribal trend she noticed, and shows necklaces and bags at the right price points. Erin discounts a belt, which was far from their price point, but Joe says it is ok to have a couple expensive items, especially when the accessory is so unique. Joe tells Olivia he thinks the pieces she selected will photograph well and is very impressed with her work.

Credit: MTV

Erin Kaplan Interview With Cupcake Mag

You all know Erin Kaplan from MTV's The City and if you don't well, your missing out. She is the ELLE "It" girl we all have come to know & love. Erin, has done amazing things at 26 - making her the youngest Director of Public Relations ever at Elle Magazine.

How did you get started at Elle?

I started at ELLE about 4 ½ yrs ago as a Marketing assistant and worked my way up.

What advice can you give about working in the fashion industry?

My best piece of advice would be to find a job that you’re passionate about. In any industry, really loving what you do will keep you motivated and inspired to do the best job you can.

What is your go-to outfit?

Anything black. When I moved to NY from CA I didn't own a single piece of black clothing…now; it’s almost all I wear! While I’m pretty basic when it comes to clothes I have a weakness for incredible shoes. I have definitely spent far more than I should on a great pair, but consider them all excellent investments!

What is it like walking a day in Erin's stilettos?

Ever-changing. The great thing about doing PR for a magazine, and especially for ELLE, is that every day is completely different than the one before. One day I’m focusing on the celebrity covergirl, the next fashion, beauty or features--sometimes everything at once. I also work closely with the editors on segments and interviews or events we’re throwing. Each day is never the same and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

How has your life changed now that you’re on The City? (especially knowing that everyone is TEAM ERIN!)

Is everyone Team Erin?! That’s so nice but I always feel as though it changes week to week…I definitely appreciate and am very grateful for the support! My life really hasn’t changed too drastically. My number one priority is and always will be doing the best job I can at ELLE. Everything else is secondary, so as long as I stay focused on my work I don’t think my life will change too much!

What is up next for you? Can we hope for another season of The City?

I’m not sure…I never in a million years thought that I would be on a television show so as much of a control freak as I am, I’ve really tried to embrace whatever comes next and expect the unexpected. As for another season of The City?...I hope so! 

5 Things You Don't Know About Erin

1.) I have three brothers who never let me get away with much (anything!)—I definitely developed a thick skin early on.

2.) I interned at Saturday Night Live for two semesters in college—and still remember Jimmy Fallon’s coffee order.

3.) I knew that I wanted to live in New York City since I was in the 6^th grade. Once I moved here for college, I never looked back.

4.) Contrary to what you see on the show, I am a pretty non-confrontational person.

5.) I read seven newspapers every single morning before work. Always in print, never online (NY Times, WSJ, NY Post, Daily News, USA Today, Newsday, WWD)

Love Erin's style? Check out Elle.com on just how to get her uber-chic yet effortless look. Shop The City: Erin Kaplan Style on ELLE here. And don't forget to stay up-to-date with Erin by following her on Twitter.

Credit: Cupcake Mag

Roxy Olin Hates Olivia Palermo, Loves Her Style

Roxy Olin is NOT BFFs with Olivia Palermo when not being filmed! We interviewed  her July 1, to get the real deal on MTV’s hit reality show! Obviously we had to ask her right off the bat … are you friends with Olivia, even just a little?

“No, no, no, we are not friends!” she tells us adamantly.

“What you see is how she is. Olivia is very cold to us, me and her clash. I don’t like the way she treats others,” says Roxy. “I really don’t like her.”

But it wasn’t all total dislike for Olivia, Roxy did admit, “She has the ultimate style.”

“Whitney is like my best friend and that hasn’t changed,” reveals Roxy. “We live together and sh*t hits the fan obviously, but we are okay.”

Roxy also commented on Erin Kaplan, the Public Relations Director at Elle Magazine and Olivia’s co-worker. “I love Erin, she is the best! She’s ambitious and she is a work horse. Erin works like crazy hours and is nothing but nice and cool,” says Roxy. “We don’t film a ton together, but I really like her.”

Don’t worry fans! We’ve been assured you can catch more of this cast’s drama next season, and despite rumors circulating, the show has not been cancelled!

Credit: Hollywood Life

The City (Season 2) Ep 7 'The British Are Coming'

Olivia puts her job on the line when she fails to interview Marc Jacobs backstage as promised and then has Louise step in for her when she's late to the Badgley Mischka show. Meanwhile, Roxy impresses Kelly at work when she helps run a fashion show and Whitney pursues new business opportunities with Maybelline, who is interested in showing her line at Miami Fashion Week.

Roxy's nerves are on edge when assigns her to help run a fashion and threatens to fire her if she messes it up.

Whitney listens to Kelly's fashion show etiquette advice and agrees to go for inspiration.

Olivia promises Joe she can get a backstage interview with Marc Jacobs at his show. At the same meeting, Erin suggest using Louise Roe as an ELLE.com contributor, in front of Olivia. 

Whitney attends the Charlotte Ronson show with Samantha but the girls are distracted when they see Louise - who is rumored to be Freddie Fackelmayer's (Whitney's ex) girlfriend. Whitney and Samantha meet Louise back stage and confirm she used to date Freddie.

Whitney meets with Maybelline and the cosmetics giant suggests a possible joint fashion show in Miami.

Joe and Olivia attend the Marc Jacobs show where Joe puts the pressure on Olivia to deliver an interview.

Erin and Joe run in to Louise at the David Delfin show Roxy is putting on.

As the show starts, Kelly tells Roxy it's not the time to be scared, but to have courage.

Olivia goes back stage at Marc Jacobs but doesn't bring her camera crew with her.

Joe and Erin aren't pleased when Olivia is late to the Badgley Mischka show after failing to interview Marc Jacobs.

With Olivia a no-show, Joe asks Louise to pinch hit for ELLE.com and interview Badgley Mischka in her place.

Louise is a hit, and the camera loves her, as do Joe and Erin.

Olivia shows up late (she overslept) and watches Louise shine from the sidelines.

Kelly congratulates Roxy on a job well done and tells Whitney that Maybelline selected Whitney Eve to show at Miami Fashion Week.

Roxy and Whitney are elated to hear the news but are surprised to hear Kelly won't be going with them.

Erin meets with ELLE's Editor-In-Chief, Robbie Myers, to tell her about Olivia's Marc Jacobs debacle and push Louise as a replacement.

Robbie seems to be on board with Erin's plan and promises to "make a call."

Credit: MTV

The City (Season 2): Ep. 5 'The Belle of Elle'

Whitney doesn't follow Kelly's advice and brings Roxy along to a Glamour magazine shoot, and it almost ends in disaster. Erin and Olivia compete to be featured in New York's biggest gossip column.

Kelly tells Whitney she'll be in a Glamour Magazine feature but discourages her from bringing Roxy to the meeting.

Whitney is excited to hear about Glamour but insists she wants Roxy there with her.

Whitney has a great initial meeting with Glamour and tells them Roxy will join her on the follow-up meeting to help pull the look.

Joe brings Olivia to the Eric Daman party (the costume designer on the TV show 'Gossip Girl').

Erin has drinks with Neel, a reporter for the popular New York City gossip column, Page Six, and critiques Olivia's performance at work.

Erin tells Neel about how Olivia bailed on her assigned interview with Whitney.

Erin chats with Robbie's assistant, Seth, about Olivia's party schmoozing.

Olivia accepts another invitation from Joe to attend a party for designer Elie Tahari and the department store, Bergdorf Goodman.

Whitney asks Roxy to go with her to the Glamour Magazine meeting despite Kelly's objections.

At the Elie Tahari party, Olivia poses with Tahari, and ELLE Editor-in-Chief, Robbie Myers.

Whitney and Samantha celebrate Whit's successful networking with Bergdorf buyers and gossip about Olivia at the Tahari party.

Neel goes straight to Olivia and Joe at the party to get some gossip for his article.

Roxy shows up late to the Glamour meeting and makes matters worse when she likens one of Whitney's looks to that of a 'hooker.'

Whitney is embarrassed following Roxy's foot-in-mouth actions at the meeting.

Erin and Olivia attend an ELLE meeting and find out the magazine got a mention in Page Six, but not for the gossip Erin started.

Roxy and Whitney are called in to Kelly's office who chastises Roxy for her comments at Glamour.

Whitney tells Roxy that her choice of words weren't cool, and put her reputation at risk.

Roxy stays true to her comments and refuses to apologize to Whitney.

Credit: MTV