As Dolly Parton says, “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.” For Lauren Conrad, it takes a lot of handlers, merchandising experts, and red carpet appearances. The reality starlet has big plans for herself, taking the path of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen in turning her TV fame into retail dollars. At least she’s not kidding herself: Most of her dollars come from endorsement deals, with guarantee an upfront fee and a cut of sales from whatever she’s pushing.

She’s on board with a toy company, a leather-goods maker and a cosmetics line. But her true passion is fashion, and it’s in that world she hopes to make a name for herself. Which is why Conrad, who you’d think will accept any cheque made out to her name, actually refused one retailer’s overtures to slap her name on a clothing line — because she wouldn’t have any creative input!

Those two months in Paris and interning for a TV version Teen Vogue will NOT be wasted, even if she can’t spell “beret.”