Kelly Killoren Bensimon says she loves Long Island

Kelly Killoren Bensimon may be a former member of the "Real Housewives of New York City," but the author, model and mom of two says Long Island is where her heart is.

"New York is where I work, but the Hamptons is where I live," she said Sunday at the presentation of the Catherine Malandrino line during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,  adding that she will continue to spend weekends on the Island even now that Labor Day has passed.

"I really, really love the Island," she said. "I love the North Shore; I love the South Shore. I have a lot of fun there. I've been going to the Hamptons since I was 16, so it's a big part of my life."

When she's not paddle boarding in Montauk or hitting the beach in East Hampton, Bensimon said she loves to shop at Target off  Exit 60, Ronkonkoma Avenue, on the Long Island Expressway.

Bensimon said she chooses Target because she can find anything she needs for her daughters, and she especially loves the beauty products and sheets.

"My bed is my sanctuary, so I always have to have a beautiful bed," she said.

Surprised this staple on the Manhattan fashion scene shops at such a practical store? Wait until you hear what's in her closet.

"I have, like, so many Converse sneakers, and I have high-tops," she said. "I don't think anyone would ever imagine me in high-tops, but I love them."

Bensimon's must-have item for fall, however, is a bit more high-end.

"The Phantom Celine bag in blue suede is probably the most gorgeous bag on the planet," she said, "but only in a fun color. You can't just get it in black."

Photo: Kelly Killoren Bensimon attends the Jill Stuart spring 2013 show Saturday at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. (Sept. 8, 2012)