faqThe world was first introduced to Kristin Cavallari when she was a teenager with a fiery personality on Laguna Beach and later The Hills. Cavallari’s quick wit helped her capture fans’ hearts, and she continued to build her brand after her reality TV days while staying in the spotlight.
After launching her jewelry business, Uncommon James, in 2017, Cavallari starred on her own reality show, Very Cavallari. The reality series focused on her family, friends, business, and marriage to Jay Cutler. As her marriage fell apart, everyone wanted to know more about Cavallari’s past and how she had such a lavish lifestyle.
Who Is Kristin Cavallari?
Born in Denver, Colorado, Kristin Cavallari was the youngest of two children. Her parents, Judith Eifrig and Dennis Cavallari, got divorced when Cavallari was still young, and it broke up the family. While her brother, Michael, went to California with their father, Cavallari moved to Illinois with her mother.
She stayed with her mom until she was a junior in high school, deciding to move to Laguna Beach, California, to live with her dad and brother. As the pretty new girl, Cavallari quickly became well-known at Laguna Beach High School, especially when MTV cameras started following her for MTV’s Laguna Beach.
A Love Triangle
Cavallari was a junior when filming began for Season 1 of Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County. The show followed the lives of juniors and seniors at Laguna Beach High School, where Cavallari and her rival Lauren Conrad shared a love interest, Stephen Colletti. Things got more complicated when Cavallari and Colletti started dating.
Their on-and-off relationship ended when Colletti graduated from high school. During Cavallari’s senior year, she dated another Laguna Beach costar, Talan Torriero. Their teen romance and all the drama played out on the series until Cavallari graduated from high school in 2005 and left Laguna Beach.
Staying in the Entertainment Business
Shortly after Laguna Beach, Cavallari moved to Los Angeles to make a career in the entertainment industry. She was offered a hosting job for the series Get This Party Started, which only aired for two episodes. Although it was a flop, Cavallari didn’t give up her acting dreams.
She appeared on an episode of Veronica Mars, CSI: NY, The Middle, and Adventures in Hollywood. In 2006, Cavallari received the role of Crystal in the horror film Fingerprints. She also had a supporting role in Spring Breakdown. However, Cavallari was destined for reality TV and got another shot in 2009.
The Hills
After Lauren Conrad left The Hills, a spin-off of Laguna Beach, Cavallari took her spot during Season 5. She made a splash on her first episode at Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt’s wedding, where she caught the bouquet. She not only replaced Conrad as a main character but also took over as the show’s narrator.
The Hills boosted Cavallari into the spotlight, and she was the talk of the town. When she joined the show during Season 5, Cavallari signed on for two seasons, but the show ended after Season 6. Cavallari wasn’t worried because she had other opportunities lined up.
Destined for Luxury
While most teenagers were saving their allowances to buy a used car, Cavallari dropped a big chunk of change on her first designer purchase. Using her first reality TV checks, Cavallari bought a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. She was excited to have money to buy designer items.
Cavallari set the bar high for fashion standards and didn’t stop there. As soon as she came into some wealth from Laguna Beach, Cavallari purchased a BMW X5. Her parents probably thought it would be better to save the money, but she didn’t care.
She Had a Regular Job
Before she graced our TV screens, Cavallari’s first job was working at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point, California. She said it was a big deal for her to get the job at 15, and she only made $8 per hour. But money was money.
Cavallari only started making real money during Season 2 of Laguna Beach because she was more of a main character. She felt independent when she could buy things for herself and had enough in her bank account to feel comfortable.
Inspired by Charity
In 2010, Cavallari was named as an ambassador to the children’s charity OneKid OneWorld, traveling to El Salvador to rebuild schools in local communities. She was so inspired by the work she did with the organization and wanted to raise more money for them.
After another trip to Kenya in 2011, Cavallari dipped her toes into the fashion world by designing a line with ShoeDazzle. All the proceeds from the collaboration went to OneKid OneWorld. The shoe collection wouldn’t be her only venture into the fashion world.
Dating Around
Following her flings with her MTV castmates, Cavallari started dating Matt Leinart. He was the star quarterback at USC and later played for the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. Their relationship was short-lived because Cavallari moved on to a new man.
When she was 18, Cavallari started dating Brody Jenner before their on-screen relationship on The Hills. The two made a beautiful couple, but their romance fizzled out after nearly a year of dating. She was too busy with work and didn’t have time for their relationship.
Did They, or Didn’t They?
When her relationship with Jenner ended, Cavallari was rumored to be dating Nick Lachey. He had just gotten out of a long relationship with Jessica Simpson, and everyone said he was not ready to date anyone. However, he and Cavallari were spotted hanging out.
They met when Lachey was at dinner with his family and Cavallari was with friends at the same place. The two started talking, but they said it was extremely casual. She also told People magazine, “He’s a nice guy, but I’d have to say we’re just friends.”
Dancing Is Not Her Strong Suit
While she may be pretty and has good taste in clothes, dancing is not Cavallari’s strong suit. In 2011, she landed a spot on Dancing With the Stars, where she partnered with pro dancer Mark Ballas. Her partner might have been a two-time winner, but they didn’t last long.
The pair competed for a few short weeks before they were the third duo to be eliminated. Cavallari told Jimmy Kimmel, “I thought I improved as the three weeks went on. It wasn’t that big amount of time, but compared to the first week, I definitely got better.”
Putting It in Ink
When Cavallari dated What I Like About You alum Nick Zano, she was infatuated with him. She thought their relationship would last, so she got his initials tattooed on her wrist. A year later, they ended their relationship, and she moved on to bigger and stronger men.
In 2008, Cavallari was rumored to be dating Chris Evans. The Captain America star reportedly hooked up with Cavallari in Miami, but she claimed they were just friends. She said, “I’ve known Chris for a while, just through mutual friends.”
A Showmance
While it appeared that Cavallari and Jenner reunited on The Hills, she admitted that the relationship was fake. Everyone thought she was dating Jenner, but she was secretly dating the cameraman, Miguel Medina, in 2010. She shocked everyone when she revealed the truth.
Cavallari told Audrina Patridge and Heidi Montag, “We dated for a few months, and nobody knew. I was dating Brody on the show, and meanwhile, Miguel was filming it.” It further revealed how fake some “reality” shows were in the early 2000s.
Starting Her Business
The reality TV star had always been interested in fashion, creating a shoe line with Chinese Laundry in 2012. Cavallari’s true passion was jewelry, so she collaborated with GLAMboutique to create a jewelry line in 2013. She wanted to do more, leading Cavallari to start her own business.
In 2014, she co-founded a jewelry line with her friend Chelsea Bulte, Emerald Duv. However, Cavallari had a different vision, so she left to start her own company in 2016. She launched her company, Uncommon James, in 2017. It started as a jewelry line and expanded over time.
Set Up by a Friend
In late 2010, Cavallari began dating the then-Chicago Bears quarterback, Jay Cutler. The two were set up by their friend, Guiliana Rancic. They hit it off quickly, and their relationship moved fast. Within eight months of dating, Cavallari and Cutler were engaged.
Cutler proposed over Easter weekend, and Cavallari had no idea he was going to pop the question. While they seemed happy, the couple broke off their engagement after three months. Cavallari and Cutler still loved each other and didn’t want to be apart.
An Expensive First Date
Cavallari and Cutler’s relationship didn’t start in a “normal” way. Unlike a typical first date, the two took a private jet from Chicago to Nashville. She was living in LA, so she flew to meet him in Chicago, where he played football, and they jetted off to Nashville together.
The two spent the weekend in Nashville, and she tweeted, “This has been one of the best weekends of my life.” They must have loved their time in the city because they later made it their full-time home.
They Got Back Together
After just a few months apart, Cutler and Cavallari got back together. They announced their engagement, saying, “This time, it’s official. Jay and I are engaged again.” Two months later, the couple said they were expecting their first child. She was excited to be a mom.
The couple decided to postpone their wedding until Cavallari gave birth. In February 2012, she told Celebuzz, “I’m not even looking for a wedding dress right now. I’m pregnant! I’m not going to try on wedding dresses.” Cavallari’s main focus was preparing for their child.
She Took Time Off
After welcoming their son Camden in August 2012, Cavallari took some time off to focus on being a mom. She stepped out of the spotlight to settle into the couple’s new home while caring for their newborn son. Cavallari and Cutler bought a home in Tennessee for $5.3 million.
Cavallari also wanted to take time away from the public eye to rest. She said, “I would just be with my baby in my own little world. And then once I started getting more energy and wasn’t so tired, then I would hit the gym.”
A Small Wedding
In June 2013, Cavallari and Cutler married in an intimate ceremony in Nashville. They invited their closest family and friends because they didn’t want a huge wedding. Although it was small, the couple didn’t skimp on the finer details, sparing no costs to have the perfect wedding.
Their son Camden was the ring bearer, and they exchanged vows in front of 150 guests at the Woodmont Christian Church. The couple decided to get married in Nashville because they moved there in 2012, and Cutler went to college in Tennessee, so it always felt like home.
She Wanted Fine China
Like most couples, Cavallari and Cutler registered with several stores before tying the knot. Cavallari’s expensive taste was revealed when The Knot came across her registry at Williams-Sonoma and Crate & Barrel. She registered for $14,500 worth of items.
The list included $8,000 worth of wedding china, nearly $4,000 was just for the dessert plates. Cavallari must have been getting ready to throw some lavish dinner parties. We wonder which one of her wedding guests purchased this expensive gift for the newlyweds.
From Runway to Wedding
Although she didn’t have a massive Hollywood wedding, Cavallari still had a lavish gown. She wore a Monique Lhullier strapless dress straight off the runway. Cavallari looked stunning in her expensive dress, pairing it with a long veil and a big white bouquet.
Cavallari has always had impeccable style, but she flaunted her love of high fashion for her wedding. Since the couture dress was right off the runway, we can only imagine how much it cost. One could guess that it was much more expensive than the average person’s wedding dress.
They Grew Their Family Quickly
A few months after their wedding, Cavallari and Cutler announced that they were expecting their second child. They welcomed their second son, Jaxon, in August 2014, and less than a year later, the couple was already expecting their third child.
Cavallari said, “We’re at it again! Thrilled to announce baby number three is on the way. The Cutler crew just keeps on growin’.” The two were thrilled to have three children, welcoming their daughter Saylor in November 2015. The couple decided that three children were more than enough.
Sharing Marriage Advice
With three children, Cavallari and Cutler had a lot to juggle, making it hard to get time alone with each other. She shared her marriage advice saying, “It’s so important to make time for each other, even if it’s just waiting to eat dinner after the kids go to bed.”
Cutler wasn’t always around because of his football schedule, so Cavallari tried to make the most of their quality time when he was home. She said it’s important to connect emotionally and physically, so she tried to put in a little extra effort.
A Devastating Loss
Just days after giving birth to her daughter, Cavallari found out her brother was missing. His car was found abandoned on a highway in Utah in November 2015. He had been arrested a week earlier for having a loaded gun near a city hall in California.
Cavallari’s brother, Michael reportedly left on a road trip a few days later. He was allegedly “troubled,” and authorities found his body in early December. He died from hypothermia, but no one knew why he was in Utah or why he had left his car.
Mourning Her Brother
After his disappearance, Cavallari posted a photo on Instagram with the caption, “I appreciate all the concern, thoughts, and prayers that have been extended to me and my family. We remain hopeful, and I will share any news I receive.”
She and her brother were only two years apart and were close growing up. When Michael was found dead, Cavallari was devastated by the news. She said it took her a while to come to terms with the fact that he was gone. Cavallari also revealed that her brother had struggled with drugs and alcohol.
She Wrote a Book
In 2016, Cavallari wrote her first book, a lifestyle-oriented autobiography called Balancing in Heels. She wrote about many personal things, including why she and Cutler called off their engagement the first time. She said, “A that moment, something wasn’t right.”
Cavallari revealed, “A few things needed to change, and I knew the only way Jay would see how serious I was, was if I ended the relationship.” She wanted to share her story to show the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of her journey from reality stardom to real life.
Relationships Are Hard Work
One thing Cavallari was very candid about was her relationship with Cutler. She said it was hard work and the two consistently went to therapy to maintain their relationship. Cavallari even said that counseling saved their marriage because the first few years were hard.
Cavallari shared that they have learned a lot from therapy. She said, “When you’re fighting, you should never place blame on your partner. You should say how those actions make you feel. It goes a long way.” She has been honest that they don’t have the perfect relationship.
Very Cavallari
In 2018, Cavallari announced that she would be starring in her own reality series called Very Cavallari. The show aimed to focus on Cavallari running her business, Uncommon James, and showcase the ups and downs of her marriage. It revealed the cracks in their relationship.
The show ran for three seasons, ending in 2020. Cavallari announced that the series would not continue after the third season because she wanted to start a new chapter in her life. Fans enjoyed watching her, but Cavallari went through a tough time and wanted to be private.
Trouble in Paradise
Cavallari had been open about her marriage and how the relationship wasn’t perfect. But a Season 2 episode of Very Cavallari revealed that there was trouble in paradise. While having dinner with friends, she and Cutler got into a heated argument while he appeared to be drunk.
Cutler told the entire table that Cavallari was not the breadwinner but the “breadspender,” wasting their money. Cavallari said his remarks were embarrassing. In Season 3, there were infidelity rumors about Cutler sleeping with Cavallari’s friend, which all parties have denied.
They Called It Quits
After ten years together, Cavallari and Cutler announced their separation in April 2020. They had been having problems for a while, and the relationship didn’t work anymore. According to friends, Cutler would make her cry during the production of her show and belittled her.
Cavallari couldn’t take it anymore, so they decided to go their separate ways. In her announcement, she wrote, “This is just a situation of two people growing apart.” While she claimed they had “nothing but love and respect for one another,” things started to get messy.
A Messy Divorce
Cutler and Cavallari battled over custody and property a month after their separation during their first round of divorce documents. They agreed that they would equally split time with their children, and Cavallari’s funds were unfrozen so she could buy a new home.
While things appeared to be fine on paper, their relationship was tense. She tried to keep things civil by posting a Father’s Day picture in honor of Cutler, saying they were figuring out how to co-parent. But she had more to say about the past.
They Had a Lavish Life
During their ten-year relationship, Cavallari and Cutler lived a comfortable life. He supported them with his football career while she was a stay-at-home mom, and then she built her business when he retired. The couple also shared a stunning mansion in Nashville.
Their home included two living rooms, a library, a movie theater, and an outdoor terrace. They put their not-so-humble abode on the market in 2018, but no one wanted to buy the 25-bedroom home. They had to lower the price from $7.9 million to $4.95 million in January 2020.
She Lost Herself
After the divorce, Cavallari admitted that she lost herself during their marriage. She said, “This is the first time in a very long time that I feel like I can take a breath. I’m enjoying things slowed down and having more time to focus on what really matters in life.”
She shared that the decision to separate didn’t happen overnight. They tried to make things work for many years, but Cavallari felt like she was “drowning.” Divorcing allowed her to focus on herself and being a mom.
He Fought for Her Company
While the couple appeared to be on good terms for a year, things got rocky again in May 2021. Cutler reportedly wanted half of Cavallari’s company because she launched it while they were married. However, Cavallari fought back because she built this business on her own.
Cavallari said she did not agree with Cutler because she funded the business with her own money. She claimed Cutler did not put any money into the company, which she started in 2017. She was frustrated because this came after a year of being on good terms.
Who Is Kristin Cavallari Dating?
Following her divorce, Cavallari moved on with other men. In October 2020, she was linked to comedian Jeff Dye, but it was just a casual relationship. More recently, Cavallari has been spotted with Bachelor Nation’s Tyler Cameron. The two shared some PDA in April 2022.
While Cavallari claims she only hired Cameron to play her love interest in a campaign video, the two would make a cute couple. Cavallari hasn’t been in a serious relationship since her divorce from Cutler because they only settled things in June 2022.
Gotta Have That Llama
While filming Very Cavallari, the reality star always kept fans guessing about what she would do next. She once brought home a massive llama to keep as a pet, catching Cutler off guard. She didn’t seem concerned by the high cost of owning a llama and didn’t run it by her husband.
A llama can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000, and they need regular upkeep, food, and fencing. It could be a few thousand per year, but Cavallari didn’t seem worried about the financial commitment. Maybe it was just a stunt for the show.
The Queen of Party Favors
Celebrity parties look like a lot of fun, and Cavallari makes sure her guests don’t go home empty-handed. When she had her first baby shower in 2012, her guests left with a full bag of expensive products. Just because it was her party doesn’t mean the guests don’t get gifts too.
The gift bags included $26 massage oil, a $16 lipstick, and other pricey items Cavallari hand-picked. Each gift bag was worth around $150. She never throws a party without some party favors for her guests, and she doesn’t skimp on the costs.
Vacationing All Around the World
Cavallari has lived a luxurious life so far, and her vacations are on another level. In 2017, she went to Mexico with Cutler, and her pictures were envy-inducing. She stays at the top resorts and travels often. She also loves colder vacations like Aspen, Colorado.
She always shows off her picturesque getaways, which aren’t for the average person. Cavallari’s everyday life is glamorous, so her vacations have to match that. When you scroll through her Instagram, you can see all the amazing places she has visited over the years.
Sitting Front Row
The reality star is not only a fashion designer for her accessory and apparel line but she is also considered a fashion guru. For many years, Cavallari has sat front row at some of the biggest fashion shows in the world.
In 2010, Cavallari went from Zac Posen’s show to the Montblanc showcase and Catherine Malandrino’s presentation. In recent years, she has attended high fashion shows like Naeen Khan and The Blonds. Most people dream of attending these runways, but she is always on the guest list.
A Cookbook Author
Just because she isn’t on TV anymore doesn’t mean Cavallari has stopped working. The businesswoman-turned-author wrote a cookbook in 2018 titled True Roots. It was a best-seller in its first week. She made a good chunk of change for someone who isn’t a chef.
Her cookbook showed people how to improve their eating habits by switching to clean and toxin-free recipes. Cavallari said she learned the hard way that dieting can be unhealthy, and the key is to live a clean lifestyle. The recipes include mostly organic products.
She Knows What She Wants
Cavallari has been in the spotlight since the early 2000s, and she has used many stylists to help her look amazing every time she steps out of the house. She said she worked with several stylists because she didn’t know her own style, so she just went with whatever people put her in.
Over the years, Cavallari has figured out what kind of fashion she likes, which helped her find a go-to stylist that could match her needs. She has a strong fashion sense, so Cavallari knows what she wants to wear.
Her Business Has Grown
Since launching Uncommon James in 2017, the business has grown immensely. Not only does the business earn over $20 million per year, but it also has over 100 employees. Owning her own business was a dream for Cavallari because it meant financial independence.
Cavallari said she never wanted to have to ask someone for money. Having a business has allowed her to be independent and successful. She loves designing jewelry and lifestyle pieces because it’s stuff she would actually wear. Luckily, her business keeps growing.
Reuniting on The Hills
When The Hills returned for a reboot, Cavallari didn’t sign up to be a full-time cast member, but she made two appearances. She reunited with old castmates like Brody Jenner, sparking romance rumors. However, Cavallari said nothing was going on between them.
Cavallari has remained friends with her former castmates like Heidi Montag and Audrina Patridge. They appeared on Very Cavallari and The Hills. While she is best known for being on reality TV shows, we probably won’t see Cavallari back on TV anytime soon.
How Much Is Kristin Cavallari Worth?
As of 2022, Cavallari is worth a reported $30 million. She has racked up a nice net worth between her business and past TV appearances. When she appeared on The Hills in 2009, Cavallari took home $90,000 per episode. She also charges $20,00 to $25,000 per public appearance.
Her business, Uncommon James, has done well and keeps growing. Her company earns over $20 million yearly, giving Cavallari financial security. Cavallari also bought a $5 million home, which could increase in value if she does renovations, only adding to her net worth.