New York Observer

The New York Observer asked Amanda five questions about Dear:

How did this collaboration with Steve & Barry's come about?

I actually have wanted to be a fashion designer for a long time, but I never really thought it would happen. I've been drawing my whole life and I happened to get a call from Steve & Barry's when I was doing "Hairspray."

Where do you get the inspiration for your own style?

Just walk around the street in New York. It inspires me to, for instance, wear jeans tucked into my boots. To do those little things that take longer like tuck in my jeans or accessorize with a cool scarf. I'm lazy, so I would wear a robe outside. As far as celebrities go, Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker's character from "Sex and the City." She always looked really chic, but went for it and took risks.... I'm inspired by people that are out of the box.

Do you take any style ideas from the characters you play?

When I did "What a Girl Wants," before it was "in," the wardrobe designer suggested (I wear) a little men's blazer and put all these different pins on it. I would have never thought about it before.

Since you have a young fan base how important was it to you that your clothing line be affordable?

That's what I like about it. I wish more people would do inexpensive lines. I like it when celebrities design for places like H&M. I hate buying stuff that's so expensive. How can you justify spending $900 on a pair of shoes? (When I was growing up) I really thought Payless was the only shoe store in the world. ...I really wanted to create something so kids have options and can wear clothes that are fun.

Are you conscious of not making items too short, tight or skimpy?

Because I grew up on a kid's show ("All That" and "The Amanda Show") I do feel like I have young fans, but there are a lot of 30-year-olds and parents who say (to me), "I picked up your jeans." That's why I try to keep it classic combined with what young girls would like. My mom and sister wear it all the time. I like to keep it chic and use classic colors.