While growing up, did you borrow clothes from your mother (Susan Lucci, Erica, AMC)? "She gets a lot of great stuff, but her closet is also a black hole. What's b een going on for the past few years - which makes me the luckiest girl in the world - is that she has a bench that's the 'Mom doesn't want this anymore before it goes to Goodwill' stuff. I think on day I walked away with two pairs of Chanel shoes, three Yves St. Laurent skirts, four cashmere sweaters and a Gucci handbag. She was always very generoud to me as a little girl and bought me pretty things."

What was you view on designer items? "I thought they were too expensive - and I still think they're too expensive. Even now that I make my own money, I try not to spend money on clothes. Every now and then I go to Ralph Lauren, but I like to do the more inexpensive shopping and try to save money to keep a roof over my head."

Where do you shop?" "Guess? and bebe. And I know Ralph Lauren isn't cheap, but I love it. I spend a lot of money on trips and life experience; I love to travel."

Did your mother give you makeup or fashion advice growing up? "Growing up with her is a lesson in style. She always looks impeccible going to the grocery store, without even trying. The most important advice she gave me is to stand up straight."

Do you get dressed up to go to the grocery store? "No. My mother and I are such a dichotomy at this point. If I'm running to the grocery store, I'll be fresh from a dog bath with my hair in a ponytail. But I always have lip gloss on [laughs]!"

Do you do your own makeup for weddings and parties? "I always do my own makeup, because my mother - except for, like, the Emmys - has done her own makeup. Usually you can do yourself better than anyone else can. You have a much lighter hand. I've always been one to - because I know what looks best on me - say, 'X, Y and Z colors aren't the best and I don't really like too much eyeliner.' I think they want to know their parameters 'cause you know better than they do."