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When I’m in the vicinity of a celebrity, I am not at all cool; I don’t even pretend to be.

I latched onto Kevin Richardson’s arm for so long while front row at a Backstreet Boys concert, my sister had to tell me to “Let go!”; I “accidentally” ran into Michelle Williams (the actress, not the Destiny’s Child) while shopping at Opening Ceremony during New York Fashion Week (Spring/Summer 09) and, while in L.A. for a photo shoot, I practically cried when I found out that Jennifer Aniston was partying poolside at the Viceroy on the same night as me and no one told me; maybe out of fear that I’d embarrass them, looking back.

So, when asked if I’d like to interview Paris Hilton this past weekend (she was at Macy’s in Fairview Heights promoting her new fragrance, Fairy Dust), I- of course- leapt at the chance (they had no idea who they were dealing with!).

No, I didn’t scream or freak out or try to snatch a strand of her hair; but I did wear my “I Met Paris Hilton at Macy’s” button for the remainder of the day–and nothing says “cool” like oversized flair…

JM: Tell me about Fairy Dust.
PH: Well, I am really excited to be here at Fairview today to launch it. I love it; it’s one of my favorite fragrances that I have done so far. I think it has a really magical smell. I have always been obsessed with Tinker Bell and fairies and wings and glitter and all that. I thought it would be a really fun thing for a fragrance.

JM: I love it! It smells so yummy!
PH: Wherever I walk when I wear it, girls and guys say, “Oh my gosh, I love your perfume. What are you wearing?” And I say, “ Fairy Dust, by me!” Then they go and buy it.

JM: In the name of Saint Louis Fashion Week happening next week, let’s talk fashion. What are you wearing?
PH: It’s from Beverly Hills, a store called Harmony Lane. I bought a bunch of different outfits there, but I don’t know the designer.

JM: I quote you all the time when people ask me what to wear to an event; I’m always, “As Paris Hilton says, ‘When in doubt, overdress!’” I read that somewhere. Do you have any other fashion-related mottos or tips for dressing?
PH: I just like to have fun with the way I dress; I don’t like to copy anyone’s style. I like to stand out and wear something that’s unique… and pink.

JM: Do you have a style icon?
PH: I love Marilyn Monroe; she’s always been my style icon.

JM: Are there any specific designers you love?
PH: I love me as a designer; and my sister; and Dolce & Gabbana.

JM: My sister and I are both into fashion, but have very different styles. How would you say you and your sister differ when it comes to fashion?
PH: We are total opposites in every way, almost. Nicky is a lot more reserved in the way she dresses. She is more high-fashiony and New York, and I am more L.A., I think; more fun. Nicky would not wear the things that I wear. I dress really pink and real girly and she’s not really into that look.

JM: Do you have a favorite store?
PH: Macy’s! Macy’s and Kitson.

JM: Do you have a favorite trend coming out for Spring?
PH: I love headbands. I am coming out with an accessories line and I am obsessed with the hippie headbands and Swarovski crystal-covered ones; and feather earrings. I love that style.

JM: What’s your fashion faux pas?
PH: I hate when girls think it’s cool to rip up their nylons; they wear black nylons and they rip little holes and shreds. It doesn’t look good!

JM: What’s one thing people don’t know about you?
PH: I am an amazing cook. And I played ice hockey for a couple of years; I was a Forward. And I am a very hard worker.

JM: What are some projects that you’re excited about?
PH: Yesterday, I started shooting Season Two of “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF”, and we are all going to Vegas tomorrow to start shooting the show. And I’m just finishing up my new album and am working on my various product lines, clothing lines, sunglasses, shoes, purses, everything. I am very busy; I am loving life!

Available at all Macy’s locations and www.macys.com.