Before Molly Sims ever modeled bikinis for Sports Illustrated, she collected vintage jewelry with her mother, who bought it by the box at estate auctions.

Early in her career, Sims used the necklaces, earrings and bracelets to build her outfits on the cheap. Jewelry became a defining part of her style, even after she hit the red carpet.

So when Sims decided to put her name on a product, jewelry was the obvious choice. The result: an affordable, vintage-inspired, retro line called Grayce by HSN, which debuts Friday.

Sims, 36, designed the pieces for every style, from the all-American white T-shirt and jeans to the jet-set bohemian long dress and flip-flops. Prices range from $29.95 to $119.95.

Sims came to town this week to celebrate the launch and host a grand opening party for the newly renovated Postcard Inn on the Beach on Saturday night. In an interview, she spoke about her jewelry and her secret for staying in shape.

Compared with a lot of celebrity lines, your jewelry is quite affordable. Was that a requirement?

Yes. Beauty shouldn’t be defined by price, but at the same time it has to be good quality. I hate really badly made things, whether it cost a dollar or a thousand dollars. I want people to be able to have it and wear it and not feel like they’re going to spend a fortune and can’t buy anything else.

Does the spelling of Grayce have any significance?

Honestly, no. I just wanted to be cool (laughs). My mom always taught me to dare to be different, but also have rules. She said every girl, no matter how old she is, should have a bit of grace.

Do you worry about spending too much time in the sun?

I wear a tinted moisturizer with 20 sunscreen every day. Yeah, I watch it, but I don’t obsess. If I want to go to the beach, I wear a hat.

How do you stay in such great shape?

Tracy Anderson (trainer to Gwyneth Paltrow and other stars). She’s transformed my body. Listen, I’m not going to lie to you. I work out really hard — an hour to 1 1/2 hours every day. I think that’s the biggest misconception and it kind of annoys me. People say, “Wow, you’re really in good shape.” Yes, because I work at it.

Your Funny or Die videos are hilarious, especially the one on Lashisse, a spoof on the eyelash growth treatment Latisse. Any flack from them?

No, and you want to know the funniest thing? No one knows this, but I actually use it. It’s fantastic.

From TampaBay.com