Runway caught up with Storms on the set of the popular ABC soap opera General Hospital, where she portrays the mischievous Maxie-a role that garnered her an Emmy nomination in 2009. The busy soap star took time out of her hectic filming schedule to chat with us during her lunch break about her new E! reality show and many other things.

Runway: You do a wonderful job portraying Maxie on General Hospital. Are there any similarities between you and your character?

Kirsten Storms: Yeah, there are a few. I’m not going to try to claim too many similarities between Maxie and me because she’s a little crazy. I try to put little quirks in her that I would like to be able to have. But in the real world, a lot of the things she says and does aren’t politically correct. She’s a fun character to play and there are a few things we have in common, but I try to stay a little more level-headed.

R: Do you ever run into overzealous fans who identify you as Maxie?

KS: Yes. Fans who approach me generally call me Maxie and relate to me as if I am the character. I get excited when I actually meet someone who knows my name. That’s always a plus. However, it’s understandable because we’re on television every single weekday. We’re in people’s living rooms so they feel they know us when they meet us, and that’s always very interesting.

R: You’ve been acting since the age of 5. Have you ever pondered another career choice?

KS: I don’t know if I’ve necessarily ever thought about doing anything else. It wasn’t something I planned on considering, but now that I’m getting older, I’m definitely thinking about that kind of stuff. Fortunately, for now, I don’t have to worry about that. I wouldn’t mind going back to school. Going to college. Finishing my education is something I always regretted not doing.

R: We all go through puberty and so many different things in our lives-and as a young Disney star, you had your life play out in the public eye. How was that for you and your family?

KS: It was difficult as a teenager because you already go through so much peer pressure. Then you add the pressure of doing Disney movies and handling jealousy with girls and weird situations with boys. I didn’t have a dating life at all. It’s harder to trust people when you’re a teenager in the business. I think that was difficult to get used to and I think it probably affected my siblings as well. It kind of changed the way they grew up and how their friends acted around them.

R: What do you see as your dream role?

KS: I’ve always been into Jane Austen novels so I wouldn’t mind doing a period piece, but I would definitely have to work on my British accent. But something like that, really romantic and whimsical.

R: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

KS: Maybe with a family and settled down a little more. Not working as much. Hopefully someplace just as wonderful as where I am now.

R: How do you feel about soap operas starting to go off the air?

KS: It’s sad. I grew up watching soaps with my mom. She watched The Bold and the Beautiful. I’m hoping that with soaps moving online, soap fans will still want to watch. But it’s like the end of an era. We’re keeping our fingers crossed that General Hospital stays around for a while.

R: We hear you’re shooting a new reality TV show for E! called Dirty Soap. How are you adapting to cameras following you around?

KS: It takes a little getting used to. I’ve been doing soaps for 12 years, so I’m really used to the schedule and how things work on our set. So I think it’s just about getting used to different schedules. It’s a small adjustment, but I can handle it.

R: Tell us a little more about the show.

KS: The cast includes Kelly Monaco, who’s a really good friend of mine; Nadia Bjorlin; her live-in boyfriend, Brandon Beemer; Farah Fath-she and I used to be roommates; her boyfriend, John-Paul Lavoisier; and me. The show basically chronicles the lives of soap actors. It’s such a different genre of television than anyone has seen before. I don’t think people really know how much we work and all of the stuff that we do. It should be really interesting.

R: Can you give our readers an idea of your personal style?

KS: I’m a casual, trendy person. I have five things that I love in my wardrobe that I mix and match with other things. I don’t dress up a lot. It’s very rare that you’ll catch me in a dress to go out. I’m into skinny jeans and heels.

R: Any favorite designers?

KS: I love Chanel. I love the story of Coco Chanel. I remember my mom wearing her perfume growing up.

R: How do you stay fit?

KS: Working a lot, I’m constantly doing stuff.

R: What is your daily beauty regimen?

KS: I’m trying to get more into skincare. I’m dabbling in skincare products I like. I’m pretty big on the Clinique All About Eyes Serum.

R: With such an intense schedule, how do you handle stress?

KS: I handle stress by resting, spending time with my friends, taking alone time and taking one day at a time.

R: Any advice for those interested in following your path and becoming an actor?

KS: I’d say if this is something you’re interested in and you’re passionate about it, go for it. Try to have some idea of something else you’d like to pursue as well. I wouldn’t think that it’s necessarily the best idea for kids to get into the business so young. I think it changed the course of my life quite a bit. I would have liked to maybe go to high school and see other options I had. That would be my advice, especially for parents putting their kids into the business-make sure the kids have other things in their lives that they’re interested in.

R: Who would be your ideal type of guy?

KS: A normal guy. Not an actor. If I look at a guy and it looks like he took longer to get ready than I did, then I wouldn’t be interested.

R: What else would you like our readers to know about you?

KS: I don’t want to be perceived as someone who has it all figured out. I certainly don’t feel entitled or like I’m a superstar. I’m still growing, learning and figuring things out. I want to experience the ups and downs of life.

Runway: What initially attracted you to the role of Kirsten on Death Valley?

Caity Lotz: I liked that it would be an opportunity for me to use my martial arts training along with my acting, and the producers said they’d let me do my own stunts. I also grew up watching MTV and was excited to be a part of their scripted movement.

R: We know you already had an interest in martial arts and stunts before you joined the show, but were you interested in horror or science fiction as well?

CL: Science fiction, yes. Horror, no. I don’t like being scared and I have a very active imagination. Every time I watch a horror flick I’m seeing ghosts and checking under my bed for weeks. Even when we were shooting I’d be scared, but I think I’m starting to come around…and with sci-fi, I love to explore the possibilities of our world and that one day we might find out that some of the ideas aren’t so fictitious after all. Plus, who doesn’t wonder about aliens and technology?

R: Aside from an active imagination, what characteristics do you have in common with Kirsten?

CL: We definitely have some similarities, just different degrees of the characteristics, I think. One thing I really like about her is that she never feels bad about her naiveté-she’s not embarrassed, just curious, open and honest.

R: In the areas that are difficult to identify with, how do you stay in character?

CL: The way Kirsten reacts to situations is pretty different than how I would. I always make sure I have clear choices on how she would feel about everything in a scene, so my gut reaction is in tune with her.

R: Was any research or training required of you before filming started?

CL: Luckily I’d had previous training in fight choreography and different martial arts before, so that was there. I did talk to all my local cops, asking them a bunch of questions about what it’s like to be a cop. I also went to a shooting range, so I could see how to hold a gun and how it feels to shoot.

R: Is your personal style similar to your onscreen wardrobe?

CL: I usually don’t roll around in a cop uniform, so that’s a big difference! The belts and tactical vests we have to wear are so heavy and uncomfortable. I have no idea how cops chase after people with that extra 25 pounds on-it’s not the donuts, it’s the gear! And my “civilian” clothes on the show are different from my style because they’re less edgy, more sweet.

R: Who are some of the designers you wear the most or gravitate toward?

CL: I like Anna Sui, Alexander McQueen and anyone who can make comfy, grungy clothes look edgy and fabulous.

R: We like your style! In the future, do you see yourself proceeding in this type of comedy/horror role or are there other genres you’d like to pursue?

CL: I had a great time working on Death Valley, but I usually prefer drama to comedy. It’s always good to mix it up. I also hope to get more opportunities to do more character work, playing roles more outside of myself. A challenge is always fun. Right now I’m filming a thriller called The Pact playing a very dark and troubled young girl-a nice change from my bubbly Death Valley character.

R: We hear you’re a painter, among your other talents. Do you have a certain artistic style or favorite subject?

CL: Everything I paint is more abstract, and I love to do mixed-media stuff. It’s never really been about making something perfect-just another form of expression.

Born in 1980 during a frigid Russian winter, Trebunskaya started dancing when she was just six years old, winning her first title at the age of seven-very fitting, since her parents owned a dance studio. At the age of 17, she moved to the U.S., bringing her knowledge and passion for dance, various cultures and fashion. Now, nearly 15 years later, Trebunskaya is known as a Russian professional ballroom and Latin dancer, as well as a teacher. She works out six days a week doing Pilates, ballet and yoga, and has made a name for herself in the dance industry with such titles as International Grand Ball Champion and Blackpool Rising Star Latin Finalist. But that’s just the technical side of her lifestyle.

Most people know her from the hit show Dancing With the Stars, where the auburn-haired beauty excels in Latin-style dance moves and has completed three seasons. And with that comes a long list of impressive dance partners. In the second season, she danced with NFL great Jerry Rice and came in second place; in season 5, she finished 11th with model Albert Reed, and in season 9, she and UFC fighter Chuck Liddell came in sixth place. Other notable partners include NFL quarterback Kurt Warner, actor Steve Guttenberg, Olympic gold medal figure skater Evan Lysacek and boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Oh, and did we mention she married another DWTS alum, Jonathan Roberts?

Now residing in Los Angeles, Trebunskaya talks to Runway about the differences between fashion in Russia and the U.S., why she loves men in pink shirts, the best fashion advice she ever received and her top designer picks.

Runway: What do you like best about working on the show Dancing With the Stars?

Anna Trebunskaya: I love the creativity that surrounds DWTS. I feel very blessed to meet all the amazingly talented and accomplished people.

R: You’ve been paired with such celebs as Jerry Rice and Chuck Liddell. What has been your favorite season to date?

AT: I’ve loved something about every season, and I’ve had unforgettable experiences and learned new things with each celebrity. Of course, with Jerry Rice and Evan Lysacek, I got to go to the Finals-that was amazing. But it was fascinating to see the transformations of Chuck Liddell, Sugar Ray Leonard and Kurt Warner into dancers. I also became friends with their families and felt their support every second of the journey.

R: What is one of your favorite fashions for the dance floor?

AT: Old Hollywood glamour. It’s a style that makes everybody look gorgeous.

R: What’s your “go-to” casual outfit in your closet? And what about for when you feel like glamming it up?

AT: My go-to casual look would be a long summery dress. And a little cocktail dress with classy pumps for a dressy look.

R: Who are some of your favorite fashion designers? Are there any who create clothing that you wear on the dance floor?

AT: Diane Von Furstenberg has phenomenal prints and dresses that are a staple. Sue Wong has exciting cocktail dresses and gowns-never boring. I get inspiration from many-too many to name-haute couture designers for my dance costumes.

R: What trend are you most excited about for the upcoming fall and winter season?

AT: I love the color olive right now, and it’s appearing in clothing and accessories for Fall/Winter 2011-2012. And the other day, I saw a lady wearing a blue dress with a red purse and nude patent leather pumps-wow, I’m in love!

R: How does fashion in Russia differ from the U.S.?

AT: I feel in Russia, women are experimental with colors and dress more flashy. On the other hand, guys dress more fashionably and dressy in the U.S.

R: What surprising trend do you like when it comes to men’s fashion? What outfit should a guy wear to impress you?

AT: I love men in pink shirts. It’s such a soft color, but it looks amazing on some men. If you want to impress me, show me your personality, but a nice suit is a good start!

R: What can DWTS fans expect from you in the future?

AT: I love playing dress-up on DWTS and having a completely different look for each dance. My fans can expect that.

R: What’s the best fashion advice you ever received?

AT: “Dress your body to make it look the best” was advice that stuck. It’s not about the newest trend you are wearing, but how it complements you.

In selecting our list of the most influential women of 2011, we looked for women whose lives and work have had a major impact on American society. The group we chose demonstrates the wide range of women’s influence in government, business and popular culture. These remarkable ladies are role models who inspire every woman to live with conviction and purpose.

The Justices

For most of our nation’s history, the Supreme Court was occupied exclusively by men. It wasn’t until 1981 that Sandra Day O’Connor broke through the glass ceiling to become the first woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. In 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court entered a new era. Now, for the first time, three of the nine justices are women.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan are all highly qualified for their positions, with degrees from the best Ivy League schools in the country. Each has gained years of legal experience in courtrooms and classrooms and is prepared to bring a female perspective to the Supreme Court’s rulings.

Ruth Bader Ginsburg became the second woman to sit on the bench of the Supreme Court following nomination by President Bill Clinton in 1993. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1933, she attended law school at Harvard and Columbia as a young mother. Despite an outstanding academic record, she had difficulty finding a job in the male-dominated field of law. She worked as a law clerk and then became a law professor at Columbia, where she was the first tenured female law professor. In the 1970s, Justice Bader Ginsburg headed the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project and argued several gender equality cases before the Supreme Court. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals. As a judge, she is known as a moderate who continues to promote gender equality as well as the rights of workers.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s rise to the highest court in the nation started from humble beginnings. She was born in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1954. Following the death of her father, her mother raised her and her brother by working as a nurse, instilling in her children a belief in the power of education. Justice Sotomayor graduated from Princeton University and Yale Law School. Before entering private practice, she worked as an assistant district attorney in New York City. In 1992, President George H. W. Bush nominated her to the U.S. District Court, where she served until being nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1998 by President Clinton. President Barack Obama nominated her to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2009. She brings to her role as Supreme Court Justice a wide variety of experience in the judicial system. Of Puerto Rican descent, she is the first Hispanic member of the Supreme Court. She is an active volunteer, mentoring young students from troubled neighborhoods and conducting law workshops for inner city youth.

Justice Elena Kagan was born in New York City in 1960. She attended Princeton, Oxford and Harvard Law School. Her legal experience includes time spent as White House counsel and policy advisor under President Clinton. She was a professor at Harvard Law School and the first woman to hold the position of dean. Justice Kagan was nominated to the Supreme Court by President Obama in 2010, becoming the fourth female justice in America’s history.

The Entertainment Mogul

Oprah Winfrey’s triumph over racism and poverty to become the first African-American female billionaire is the stuff of legend. Her media empire encompasses television, movies, magazines, books, radio and the Internet, making her what CNN calls “arguably the most influential woman in the world.” Her charitable works, philanthropic organizations and political actions have touched countless lives.

Winfrey was born into poverty in rural Mississippi in 1954. She has disclosed that she was raped at age 9 and gave birth at age 14 to a son who died in infancy. She began her broadcasting career working as a news radio anchor while still in high school, later moving from local news to anchoring a talk show. In 1984 she moved to Chicago to host the low-rated AM Chicago morning talk show. Within months her ratings had surpassed those of longtime Chicago host Phil Donahue, and in 1986 she launched the nationally syndicated Oprah Winfrey Show. She became a leader in the white-male-dominated talk show field by introducing a new hosting style that was more personal. Winfrey invested her interviews with empathy and enthusiasm, and wasn’t afraid to share details about her own problems with her audience.

The Oprah Winfrey Show evolved over the years from a tabloid format to become a source of information on health, world politics, human rights, spirituality and a variety of social issues, mixed with celebrity interviews and promotional giveaways. Along the way, Winfrey became an actress, author, producer and head of her own media company. Her philanthropic organization, Oprah’s Angel Network, has raised more than $80 million for charitable projects throughout the world.

This has been a landmark year for Oprah, marked by her decision to retire from her daily television show and concentrate on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and other projects. The final episodes of The Oprah Winfrey Show were a celebration of this amazing woman’s accomplishments and legacy. There is little doubt that whatever she does next, she will continue to be a major player in entertainment, media and business.

The Pop Phenomenon

In three short years, Lady Gaga has become a true pop phenomenon. Since coming into prominence in 2008, three chart-topping albums and two sold-out world tours have earned her multiple music awards and turned her into an internationally famous star. The singer-songwriter’s outrageous sense of personal style, inspired in part by Madonna, David Bowie and Donatella Versace, has turned her into a new fashion icon. One of her most famous outfits, the “meat dress” that she wore to the MTV 2010 Video Music Awards, was named as Time magazine’s Fashion Statement of 2010. Lady Gaga has brought fashion creativity and performance art into the mainstream, and in the process has landed on everyone’s lists of the most influential people of the decade.

Lady Gaga began life as Stefani Germanotta in Yonkers, N.Y., in 1986. She attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and was part of the music scene on New York’s Lower East Side. In 2007, while working at Interscope Records, she was discovered by R&B singer Akon and signed to his Kon Live label. Her debut album, Fame, was released a year later-and the rest, as they say, is history.

We resisted the temptation to label Lady Gaga as a “diva” because of the negative connotations that come with the title. At this stage in her young career, she puts her fans first. She is credited with being a self-esteem booster and an advocate for the gay, lesbian and transgender communities. She avoids the tantrums and scenes that often come with celebrity and is an excellent role model for her legions of fans.

The Reality Star

The biggest news in television entertainment over the past decade has been the explosion in the popularity of reality shows. For the first time, the genre began to replace scripted comedy and drama as many people’s favorite type of TV entertainment. The Bravo network’s Real Housewives series is one of the most popular reality show franchises, following the lives of affluent “housewives” and professional women in major American cities and suburbs.

Adrienne Maloof became a celebrity in 2010 as part of the cast of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which won a 2011 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Reality Series. A businesswoman and the wife of a celebrity plastic surgeon (her husband, Dr. Paul Nassif, has appeared on Dr. 90210), Maloof was born in New Mexico in 1961. She earned a degree in political science from the University of New Mexico and is now co-owner of Maloof Companies. The family business was founded by her late father, billionaire entrepreneur George J. Maloof, Sr., and includes the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, the Sacramento Kings, Maloof Productions and Maloof Music. In addition to being the mother of three sons, Maloof has focused on marketing operations for Maloof Companies for the past several years. She is also involved in several philanthropic organizations, including Schools on Wheels and the SPCA.

The Real Housewives series is known for the intense rivalries and bitter feuds that often erupt between cast members, but Maloof managed to stay above the fray in the show’s first season. She is one of its most popular cast members, and has built a loyal fan base by giving the public a chance to sneak a peek at her privileged lifestyle while never forgetting that she’s a lady.

The Technologist

If you’ve ever used Google (and who hasn’t?), then you’ve experienced firsthand the influence of Marissa Mayer, former VP of search product and user experience and now the head of location-based and local services for the giant search engine company. Each day more than 400 million searches are performed using Google’s bright, streamlined user interface. Millions of people also use Gmail and Google Earth on a daily basis. Mayer, who has been with Google for more than a decade, spent years leading the team that designs the look and feel of these and dozens of other Google applications; in her new role, she is overseeing geolocation and local services and is part of the company’s operating committee.

With a model’s looks and a taste for Armani and Oscar de la Renta, Mayer hardly fits the stereotype of a tech geek. Yet she has all the right credentials for her job. Born in Wausau, Wis., in 1975, she showed an early interest in science and technology. She earned BS and MS degrees from Stanford University, where she specialized in the computer science field of artificial intelligence. In 2009, she received an honorary doctorate degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology for her trailblazing work in the area of computer searches.

Mayer joined Google in 1999 as the company’s first female engineer. Fortune magazine named her as one of the 50 most powerful women in the world (she was the youngest woman on the list). She was also named by Fast Company as one of 2011’s Most Influential Women in Technology. Now that Mayer is one of the world’s top technology executives, her goal is to remove the stigmas that keep women from seeking jobs in the industry. She wants to spread the message that you can be a tech geek and still embrace your feminine side.

Are you excited about Breaking Dawn coming out? What was your favorite experience on set?

Of course I am. Now that the premiere is just around the corner I am getting super hyped about it. 🙂

Are you friends with Chaske Spencer who plays your love interest, Sam Uley?

Everyone in the wolf pack group is friends with each other. We’re like a big family. I always say, what you see on the screen is pretty much how we are together in real life.

Prince or Mick Jagger, who has a better style and why?

Hmmmm. Tough one. I’d say Mick Jagger, just cause I’m more into the classic rock style, which I think he is more of then Prince. Still love Prince’s creativity with clothing though.

Do you prefer an edgy look, or do you lean towards a classic style? Why?

More of a classic look. I’d like to look back at my pictures in the future and not be too embarrassed. (Laughs)

How do you describe your personal style?

Classic with an eclectic flare.

Who are your favorite designers and why?

L.A.M.B by Gwen Stefani cause she does “punky” in a sophisticated. Also I love Sue Wong dresses. She has this Old Hollywood feel to her gowns. But I’m still growing as a fashionista, so I’m sure I’ll be adding to my list very soon.

Who is your fashion icon favorite and why?

Gwen Stefani, because she remains true to her old rocker style but she does it in a age appropriate way. She always puts things together that I think no one else could pull off, but she makes it look so effortless. She creates a style; not just wears one.

What do you prefer: buying shoes, purse or jewelry and why?

Jewelry. I’m all about jewelry, not diamonds (unless they’re conflict free), but I’m into beaded stuff, stones, or artistic pieces.

Follower her on tiwtter: @tinselkorey

Montreal based rock band ERA 9 is making quite the noise for their genre bending antics, hard-charging rhythms and captivating live performances. In May, the band released their self-titled debut album to a sold-out crowd at Plaza Theater. Not to mention, their first single and music video off the album “Goodnight” generated positive reviews from a steadily growing fan-base. Now with their second music video “Calling Out” on the rise, having already been featured on Musique Plus, ERA 9 is considered one of the breakout bands of the year.

We sat down with the Canadian show-stoppers to discuss their self-titled debut album, rocker fashion, and the clothing items ERA 9 would never be caught dead wearing…

Tell us about your self-titled debut album?

To us, our debut album absolutely had to be self-titled. It’s the first time the world was going to have a chance to hear what we had to say and that gave us the opportunity to emphasize who we are. When listening to the album, you can hear a progression of song-writing, genre influences and style. It’s kind of normal considering that the 10 tracks were roughly written over a three year span by 5 guys with different musical backgrounds. We also had great help from our producer Pierre Pineault who really solidified many of the song structures. Overall, we benefited and learned from his experience which all translated into ERA 9’s debut album.

Is there a specific story behind how you came up with the unique name ERA 9?

We wanted to choose a band name that didn’t necessarily have a clear meaning to it. We wanted our music, our sound and our words to define what ERA 9 meant. Ironically, it just so happens that we are, according to certain historians, living within the “Big Era Nine” as they call it. We would definitely love to take a crack at defining the rock music of our generation! (Laugh)

How would you describe the bands overall style? Jeans/t-shirt or more fashion forward?

Overall I’d say we go for the jeans, t-shirt, leather jacket and Ray-Bans look. Each member has their own personal favorite accessories whether it be necklaces, bracelets or watches. On the other hand, we don’t shy away from a more formal look like a buttoned shirt or V-neck under blazer with jeans, still keeping the accessories on. Also, loving those checkered & plaid patterns!

Do you believe fashion and music are reflective of one another?

Fashion and music are both forms of self expression and we’re blessed with the ability to do both. Some of our favorite artists (like Lady Gaga) are not only breaking boundaries with their music but with their fashion choices as well. As far as we’re concerned, they are both art forms.

What are some of the bands favorite designers?

We like designers/brands such as Guess, Diesel, Michael Kors, American Apparel, Jack and Jones, Calvin Klein & Zara. Basically, we wear anything that we feel good in. We’re pretty open-minded.

What item of clothing or trend will you never see ERA 9 wearing?

If we are not attending an all-white party I doubt we would be wearing white shoes or belts (laugh), we don’t know how to make those items look good with our wardrobes. Also, none of us wear hats; although, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be a possibility in the future. We would NEVER wear latex or leather pants, zebra print or some other funky weird design. It’s just not our style.