Clothes designed to be loved article/interview

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http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/c...NES_S1.article

By Stephanie Kohl Special to the Courier News
With a couple television shows behind her, a string of hit movies in her past, Hairspray in theaters now and Sydney White scheduled for release next month, Amanda Bynes decided she wasn't yet wearing enough hats.

The 21-year-old actress/comedian debuted her clothing line, dear, at Steve & Barry's stores across the country Thursday, Aug. 16, just in time for back to school.

Dear stands for three things, according to promotional posters throughout the store. Dear is of great value, of great worth, and beloved and cherished. These clothes are designed to be loved and held dear to your heart.

With clothing and accessories all priced $19.98 or less, girls and teens can get clothes for school and still be able to splurge on lunch with their friends.
"For me, I feel like the world doesn't need another celebrity designer that is selling another $300 dress," Bynes said in a phone interview prior to the line's release.

The clothes are inspired by apparel found in Bynes' own wardrobe, like skinny jeans, waffle-type shirts, printed hoodies and funky T-shirts. Each season, fans can expect more looks. Bynes is already designing for next spring.

"I want clothes that girls can love to wear and can buy a bunch of and I just want girls to feel cute when they're in school," Bynes said.

Jacquelin Leonard, 13, and mother Sandy, both of Algonquin, were at Steve & Barry's in West Dundee for the line's premiere. Jacquelin has been a Bynes fan for about four years and was shopping for back to school and birthday clothes.

"I wanted to see what she came up with for the whole line," Jacquelin said.

Immediately drawn to the jeans, Jacquelin took a stack of them into the fitting room to find the right pair. After finding a couple pairs she liked, she moved on to tops and accessories. Picking out a white hoodie with black music notes all over it and a few other tops as well as jewelry, she continued to pick her way through the clothes, admiring the layered looks displayed on the mannequins.

Jacquelin was impressed with the quality of the clothes and able to find a pretty heavy armful of items she wanted to purchase.

Colleen Warhol of Algonquin also was shopping at Steve & Barry's with her four daughters. Although they were unaware it was the debut of Bynes' line, 10-year-old Madison was drawn to the clothes, her eyes immediately drawn to the wide silver-and-gold woven belts.

Madison said the clothes were really cute and definitely what the kids wear at school. She excitedly picked out some jeans and tops as her younger sisters joined her.

For those wishing to meet the young celebrity, Bynes will be at the Steve & Barry's store in the Chicago Ridge Mall, 444 Chicago Ridge Mall, signing autographs and meeting fans at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as previous signings have had a large turnout, said Heather Dratzler, public relations manager of Steve & Barry's.

People continued to pass in and out of the dear section at the West Dundee store commenting on how cute the clothes were with an occasional squeal of excitement, and the morning had just begun.

"I just wanted stuff that was cute and it's all been working so well," Bynes said. "I love it."