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BABY'S GOT STYLE! SMASH HITS MAGAZINE OCTOBER 1999

Britney Spears is one of the trendiest chicks in the world. But how does pop's dancing diva get her fashion fix? Smash spent 24 hours with the teen queen, to find out! Here's what we discovered.

It's nearly time to hit the shops! But before we set out on a fashion frenzy with music's grooviest girl, it's time for a chat..

People have been talking about your clothes ever since you appeared in a school uniform in ...Baby one More Time.
I know. I had no idea that outfit was going to get such a response! It was my idea to wear the uniform like that because I think every person who wears a school uniform tries to change it to make it sexier. That's what I did. My mum was a bit worried but it looked cool.

So is that how you wear your uniform?
No! Never!

What clothes do you like wearing the most?
I love to wear sweat pants when I'm not working. And a big baggy T-shirt- you can really slob out in them, can't you? I love to let it all hang out.

What clothes do you think guys like girls to wear?
I really think guys like it when girls look natural. I think guys find it difficult to talk to someone who is obviously being false.

Have you ever worn an outfit you regret?
Yeah, when I was little. I would run around in jeans that were too small and tops that were too big! I looked like a tomboy. Then one time I was singing onstage with this headset and microphone taped to my body. Suddenly I turned around and the whole thing fell off. It was so embarrassing. I've never worn a headset like that again.

Do you love to dress up?
Yeah. In my job I get to do it a lot, and the best thing that I have make-up arists and stylists sorting it all out for me. All I have to do is sit there and smile. I love my stage clothes but I wouldn't want to look like that every day. I like looking girly when I go out for a special occasion. I have worn an outfit that made me look like a princess.

Do you enjoy shopping?
Yes, absolutely. I love clothes from an American store called Bi-Bi. The clothes are really cute, especially if I'm going out. But believe it or not, I'm a real T-shirt and jeans person. The way I look on stage is not me. I'm a slob at heart- honest! I love my jeans, T-shirts and sneakers.

Do your stylists go shopping with you?
No, I usually shop on my own because I know exactly what looks good on me and what doesn't. I prefer it if I can spend ages going from shop to shop.

How much money do you spend on clothes?
About $300 per month.

Do you have more money to spend now you are famous?
I spend exactly what I always did- my mum makes sure of that.

Where do you shop?
Just in the local mall in Kentwood, near where I live. I love mall shopping with my friends. I see them about every five weeks so we save up our shopping allowance to go together. There's a shop in America called Abercrombie and Fitch which we love. We spend ages in there looking at the clothes.

You're in the Tommy Hilfiger ads at the moment. What is that like?
It's fantastic. It's so much fun. I get to wear great clothes and see what it's like to be a real model.

Do you get given lots of free clothes?
Yeah! But I haven't gone too mad, I don't want to seem greedy.

Whose celebrity style do you admire?
I love the way Jennifer Aniston dresses. Every time you see her she has a fantastic outfit on and people are always talking about her. She looks really pretty. I also like Gwyneth Paltrow. I thought she looked beautiful at the Oscars. I love Natalie Imbruglia and Katie Holmes, they're soo petite.

Which famous men do you fancy?
Brad Pitt is still my favourite. I live Ben Affleck too. I'm not always sure about his dress sense buit he's sooo handsome.

What about Justin from N Sync? We've heard rumours that you're seeing him.
I wouldn't say we are seeing each other, I'd just say we're great friends. I've known him since I was 11. When I first met him and JC from 'N Sync I expected them to be too cool for me. But they're the same sweet funny guys they always were. The thing you have to remember that I'm still a teenager and if I'm lucky enough to date a boy, don't pick on me because I feel really self-conscious about it.

Would you like to get serious with Justin?
I'm too busy to get serious with anyone. Everyone's building me and Justin into this massive relationship and it's not like that. My mum would kill me if she thought it was!

What's it like to see posters of yourself?
It's weird. You always hate pictures of yourself don't you? I'm no exception. I hate looking at myself sometimes. Basically, all the insecurities you all have, I have too.

You will appearing in our fave TV show Dawson's Creek. How do you feel about it?
It's one of my favourite shows, so it will be amazing. I'll turn up on my first day and I know I won't say a word to anyone!

Describe your perfect night in.
I'd have a bath with caramel-scented bubble bath because it's just like relaxing into a bar of candy. I'd listen to my Natalie Imbruglia CD- I love her- and I'd eat vegetable soup in the bath. I'm always so tired at the moment so having a bath and a night in is absolute perfection for me.

Style tips from Britney
* If you're wearing one really bright colour, wear white or black with it. It makes the colour ultra cool.
* I love the sensible gone a little mad look, so I'll wear a really conservative shirt with a pair of shorts to liven it up.
* Never wear too much make up. I love lipsalve because it's cheap and it looks like lip gloss.
* I hate accessories. You'll never see me with big earrings and a chunky necklace, I think it looks really trashy on me.

Brit's faves
* Her fave author is romance queen Danielle Steel
* She adores munching on Ben & Jerry's Cookie Dough ice cream
* Her fave song in the whole world is Wonderful Tonight by crinkly cronner Eric Clayton - it makes her blub!
* She was gutted when she wasn't invited to her end-of-year school prom.