When Laguna Beach first aired in 2004, viewers were introduced to a group of students from Laguna Beach High School and soon fell into a world of friendships, romance, and rivalries. The students that fans got to know best were Lauren Conrad, Stephen Colletti, Lo Bosworth, Talan Torriero, and Kristin Cavallari. Between the first two seasons of the series, the main cast had all graduated and moved on.
The Hills, a spin-off series, followed Conrad through her internship at Teen Vogue with Whitney Port, who became a close friend to Lauren. The series also introduced fans to Heidi Montag and Audrina Patridge, more close friends of Lauren's and a slew of their other friends in the area.
Friendships and romances were again tested. One of the most intense falling-outs on reality television was between Lauren and Heidi as Heidi's relationship with now-husband, Spencer Pratt, caused a rift between the friends.
While the falling out between Lauren and Heidi was a pivotal one, it wasn't Lauren's first taste of drama in her televised life. Her relationship with Kristin Cavallari was a highlight on Laguna Beach and not because the pair were close. In fact, they shared feelings for the same guy, Stephen Colletti, and it caused some serious drama between them.
So, where do they stand now? What have each of them moved on to do in their personal lives, and who has the highest net worth -- and why is that a topic of discussion lately? Let's find out.
Updated November 2024: This article has been updated to reflect the most recent information regarding Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari and who is the most successful.
8 Where The Drama Began For Lauren Conrad And Kristin Cavallari
Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari both liked Stephen Colletti, causing a love triangle and drama between the three
Lauren and Kristin were first seen on MTV's Laguna Beach, where they both had eyes for the same guy, Stephen Colletti. It seemed that Stephen had feelings for both of them, although he and Kristin had more of an official relationship.
The love triangle between the three was a focus for the series, and it certainly made it easy for Lauren and Kristin to have a growing disdain for one another.
7 Kristin Cavallari's Business Ventures
Kristin Cavallari has multiple business ventures, all of which have been very successful
Kristin Cavallari has a well-known jewelry brand, Uncommon James, but that's not her only business venture. The brands that Kristin started and owns include:
- Uncommon Beauty
- Little James
- Uncommon James Home
- Dry Farm Wines
Additionally, Kristin has written books, including a cookbook, and starred in Very Cavallari -- a reality television series about her life in Tennessee and career with Uncommon James.
Kristin has three children and was married to Jay Cutler. The two announced they were divorcing in 2020. Kristin and Jay were officially divorced with everything was finalized in 2022.
6 Lauren Conrad's Business Ventures
Lauren Conrad has a number of business ventures that have helped her grow her net worth
Lauren Conrad has a well-known clothing line through Kohls, among other business ventures. Lauren started and owns several businesses, which include:
- Paper Crown
- The Little Market
- LC Lauren Conrad
- Lauren Conrad Beauty
Lauren also has a partnership with Kristin Ess, and Amy Nadine called "The Beauty Department," as well.
Additionally, Lauren has also written several books, L.A. Candy, Lauren Conrad Beauty, and Starstruck, to name a few.
Lauren is married to William Tell, and the pair have two children.
5 Lauren Conrad WasThe Girl Who Didn't Go To Paris
Lauren Conrad could have gone to Paris to further her fashion career but she chose to stay behind with her boyfriend instead
One of the staple moments in Lauren Conrad's time on the series hung on a single moment, a choice she had to make between her career and love. Lisa Love, West Coast Director of Teen Vogue, gave her the chance to go to Paris, but Lauren wanted to try again with her boyfriend. Lisa told Lauren she'd always be known as the girl who didn't go to Paris.
The series brought that storyline back around when Lisa asked Lauren if she regretted turning down the trip and asked if her summer worked out. Lauren couldn't even put the emotions into words.
4 'The Hills' Cast Brings New Friends And Drama
Lauren Conrad's new show, The Hills, brought in new personalities and even more drama
As Lauren Conrad moved away from Laguna Beach and starred in the new MTV series, The Hills, new game players were introduced.
Of course, a new series allowed for blossoming friendships and romances. On the other hand, it also led to new drama.
Lauren's closest friend, Heidi Montag, was at her side all the time until she met her boyfriend, Spencer Pratt.
3 The Spencer Pratt/Heidi Montag and Lauren Conrad Drama
Lauren Conrad did not think Spencer Pratt was good enough for Heidi Montag and spoke her mind, signaling the beginning of the end of their friendship
Lauren Conrad didn't think Spencer Pratt was the right guy for Heidi, and after some shady things, there came a moment in their friendship where Lauren had to separate from Heidi if she continued seeing Spencer.
The goodbye between Lauren and Heidi on the series was one that is still discussed to this day.
While it was certainly dramatic for television, and they both felt betrayed and wronged by the situation in their own ways, it was clear that not being friends was painful for both Lauren and Heidi, especially with how things ended.
Unfortunately, there has been continued drama since the series' end.
2 Heidi Montag Commented On Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari's Success
Heidi Montag believes that Lauren Conrad could have been more successful had she done things differently, and Kristin Cavallari is the more successful of the two
In a podcast episode of Call Her Daddy, Heidi mentioned that Lauren 'should' be doing better financially and should have ended up on top. Heidi said Lauren should have done tutorials and ended up like 'Kylie'; she said her clothing line is great and all, but she should be worth way more. Heidi says she should be so rich.
To ignite old feuds, Heidi continued on, stirring the pot.
"Kristin [Cavallari], let’s be honest, is the most successful. I feel like Lauren didn’t make it like she should have."
Heidi also mentioned that she'll always appreciate Lauren but feels like she was treated like a dog. To wrap it up, Heidi said that their friendship didn't have to go the way it did and that Heidi will always have a love for Conrad.
1 Does Lauren Conrad Or Kristin Cavallari Have A Higher Net Worth?
Lauren Conrad has a higher net worth than Kristin Cavallari, with $40 million versus $30 million
In an attempt to determine who is the more "successful" between Kristin Cavallari and Lauren Conrad, a quick look at net worth is all it takes.
Lauren has a net worth of $40 million. Kristin has a net worth of $30 million.
Based just on numbers alone, Lauren is the more successful one between herself and Kristin. While this can always change in the future, for now, Lauren is the most successful of the bunch to come out of Laguna Beach and The Hills.
