Disney darling Tisdale dishes on her personal style

The star of "High School Musical" is breaking away from her Sharpay and Maddie roles to sing and dress her way.

By Sara Glassman, Special to the Star Tribune

Last update: October 31, 2007 - 5:34 PM

Earlier this week, Ashley Tisdale's tour bus stopped at the Mall of America. On her first visit to Minnesota, the "High School Musical" star sang three songs from her new album, "Headstrong," including "He Said, She Said" -- also a popular YouTube video that has been played more than 2.5 million times (youtube.com/user/ashleytisdale).

Her live rendition of the song was 13-year-old Melissa Anderson's favorite part of the show.

"She's really pretty. She has lots of energy when the fans scream," she added.

Anderson and others will get to relive the mall tour when a new behind-the-scenes DVD is released Nov. 13.

Now on the road to her next mall tour stop in Kansas City, 22-year-old Tisdale e-mailed us with some insights on her personal style (and answered one question sent by a Star Tribune reader).

Q How do your personal style and music go together?

A With acting I have so many different characters and they don't really dress like I do. My music and style go together because they're personal and they show who I really am.

Q How are your stage clothes different from your everyday wear?

A Usually I like to perform in shorts, high knee socks, high tops, a wife beater [a tank-style underwear shirt] and a vest, more urban and funky type clothes. On days off, I usually wear sweats. If I go out then I wear something cute and fun, and maybe not as urban as what I would wear on stage ... heels instead of hightops.

Q What did you wear for the performance at the Mall of America?

A Knee-high socks by Pink by Victoria's Secret and a Miss Sixty denim dress. I also wore a hot-pink tank, turquoise bra, black gloves and gold-studded belt.

Q What makeup do you carry in your purse?

A I always have Stila lip gloss, lip plumping formula ... in any color! I have a lot. I like everything named with a fruit! Armani foundation 5.5 and 8, I wear them together, and Armani powder in 3.

Q Who do you like to shop with?

A I love to shop with Torsten [Witte], my makeup artist and hair stylist [from Margaret Maldonado Agency]. He has been with me on the road and he's amazing!

Q Favorite brands?

A Diesel, Miss Sixty, Marc Jacobs and Abercrombie & Fitch.

Q Your style obsessions?

A Designer purses and designer shoes. I'm also obsessed with Victoria's Secret Pink collection sweats.

Q Do you get nervous when you perform? (Submitted by Becca Rasmussen, age 9, from Shoreview.)

A Yes! Of course ...

Sara Glassman is a Minneapolis-based fashion writer. Her blog is at startribune.com/stylepoints.