Reality star Kristin Cavallari soaks up the sun in a barely-there bikini

When attempting to establish an acting career, what better way to get noticed than show off your figure in a skimpy bikini?

Aspiring actress Kristin Cavallari, who found fame as a rich teen on MTV reality show Laguna Beach, made waves in Miami Beach with her turquoise bikini.

The 21-year-old blonde joined a host of celebrities in the popular Florida holiday spot to enjoy the many New Year's Eve parties at the resort.

Beach babe: Kristin Cavallari shows off her slender figure on the beach in Miami

The single star welcomed in 2009 with a gaggle of girlfriends in the sunny resort.

In preparation for her night on the town, Kristin spent the last day of 2008 soaking up the rays to top her tan.

Wearing Ray Bans, a bikini and matching turquoise bracelet, Kristin showed off her svelte figure as she sunbathed and frolicked in the sea.

Later that day, she joined former Sopranos actor Robert Iler and Twilight star Kellan Klutz at the trendy Shore Club's Skybar to toast the New Year.

Bouncing down the beach: Kristin speeds down the sand to the sea

Also in Miami for the new year were Lindsay Lohan, Samantha Ronson, Sean 'P Diddy' Combs, John Legend, Busta Rhymes and Chloe Sevigny.

2009 is set to be a busy year for the young starlet, who is hoping to establish her film career.

After small roles in TV show Veronica Mars and CSI: NY, Kristin starred in low-key volleyball comedy Green Flash last year, which debuted at the Feel Good Film Festival in August, but is yet to secure a release date.

This year, Kristin is hoping for further success with a small role in comedy Spring Breakdown, starring Saturday Night Live comediennes Amy Poehler and Rachel Dratch, and Van Wilder 3.

Back to turquoise: Kristin showed off her svelte figure in the surf

Colorado-born Kristin found fame in 2004 as one of the youngest cast members in Laguna Beach, a reality show about a group of affluent teenagers living in the exclusive California community.

Kristin's on/off relationship with high school heart-throb Stephen Colletti and her rivalry with his best friend Lauren 'LC' Conrad made for compulsive viewing.

After leaving the show in 2005, Kristin moved to Hollywood in the hope of becoming an actress.

Meanwhile, her rival Lauren had continued on primetime TV starring in reality show The Hills, depicting her life as a fashion intern at Teen Vogue and life in Los Angeles.

Starting off: Kristin (second left) as a 17-year-old reality star alongside ex Stephen Colletti (far left) and rival Lauren Conrad (far right) in Laguna Beach