Wit from Whitney Port

On "The Hills," Whitney Port was introduced as a fashion closet-mate of Lauren Conrad at Teen Vogue's. When Port took her ambitions to New York on "The City," her own television and fashion industry career took off, first at Diane von Furstenberg, then at a public relations company and finally with her own line, Whitney Eve. In her new book, "True Whit," Port is letting the world in on her own story and offering advice for those who wish to follow in her high-heel footsteps. She called in from Los Angeles with a preview.Q Describe your style.

A My personal style is pretty eclectic. In Los Angeles, it's different. If I'm just going into work [at Whitney Eve], I wear jeans, a T-shirt and some Converse.

Q Why a book?

A I decided to do it because I get so many questions from girls out there. It's for what my mom likes to call the quarter-life crisis, and we don't know where we fit in the world.

Q What five pieces does every girl need in her wardrobe now?

A A leather motorcycle jacket, a great pair of jeans, a pair of platform wedges, a nice yummy cashmere scarf that could travel throughout the season and a flirty tribal-print dress.

Q What's your all-time favorite outfit?

Q Any outfits you're embarrassed about?

A There's a chapter in my book about that! It's inevitable. We go through so many different stages in life. There was an orange dress that stands out as a bad one. It was not becoming.

Q Do you have any shopping advice?

A Don't be afraid of vintage shopping. It's a really good way to save money. You are getting such great pieces at affordable prices and what you're wearing is never going to be seen on anyone else. A lot of fashion is really inspired by vintage and it's the forefront of fashion. You just have to be patient.

Whitney Port book signing, 1 to 3 p.m. Sat., West Market Square, Mall of America, Bloomington.

Another shopping opportunity for modern romantics will be the Big Bad Valentine Show (5 to 9 p.m. Thu., Northrup King Building, 1500 NE. Jackson St., Studio 288, Mpls.). Local lines Karin Jacobson Design jewelry and Hungry Dog Designs paper doll greeting cards will team up for the event. And they're offering a new twist for those who have a hard time putting their feelings into words: Writer Sarah Sawyer will offer tips for scripting a perfect love letter.

Vertical and horizontal stripes were spotted on the runways of many designers for spring. Stripes (in either direction) pair well with a wear-it-now merino wool sweater by Madewell or jeans and boots. The look will transition into spring with a jacket, skirt and sandals.

Galleria's Selection sale: This sale gets its name because only "select" stores are participating. Shoppers will find the season's lowest prices, including 70 to 80 percent off at Arafina, up to 80 percent off at Melly, and 70 percent off at Pumpz & Co. That means you'll be able to find fall and winter clothing, accessories, home decor and jewelry for a steal.

Through Sat., Galleria, 3510 W. 70th St., Edina.

Wear Red Sale at Macy's: If you wear anything red to Macy's (lipstick counts!), you'll receive a special 20 percent discount on a wide assortment of merchandise and a 10 percent discount on sale and clearance jewelry and watches. In honor of National Wear Red Day, you can also shop a selection of special Go Red merchandise, including a dress ($99) designed by Project Runway winner Irina Shabayeva and T-shirts ($30 each) from Tommy Hilfiger and Ellen Tracy with 5 to 10 percent of sales from these items going to the American Heart Association.

Rocco Altobelli deal: Purchase a gift card of $50 or more and receive a "Pucker Up" lip gloss tote with three Rocco Altobelli Lip Plumping Glosses (worth $36).

Through Feb. 14, available at eight Rocco Altobelli Salons, including Tamarack Village, 8390 Tamarack Village, Woodbury, 651-730-7077, www.roccoaltobelli.com.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 •

sglassman@startribune.com