In September, Perry made the rounds at New York Fashion Week, taking in Erin Fetherston, BCBG Max Azria and Preen, among others. She was thrilled to see one of her favorite items, the onesie, of which she owns at least five, get more play on the runways.

As far as her stage persona is concerned, Perry has two major influences: "I'm very inspired by Freddie Mercury and how flamboyant and theatrical he was," she says. "And my sense of humor is a little off in a Lucille Ball way. She's cute and sweet, but she's always kind of f--king up." Such big-personality influences demand high-drama clothes. Thus, Perry likens her performance look to that of a Vegas showgirl. "Not revealing like that, but very glittery," she says. "I used to go to the costume houses in L.A. like Warner Brothers and pull from the cancan or the cheerleading section. I would pose as a stylist but I'd really be styling myself."

Indeed, image-wise, Perry's a girl who knows what she wants. In an effort to prep for this story, she put together a look book on Style.com that included everything from Miu Miu to L.A.M.B. and sent it to her publicist, the writer and the stylist involved with this story. "I'm superparticular," Perry says. She's equally picky when it comes to her promo materials. In the past, Perry persuaded her label to enlist hip fashion photographers Terry Richardson and Ellen von Unwerth. And, most recently, hipster party photographer Mark "the Cobrasnake" Hunter, who's known for capturing downtown girls in various states of revelry, shot Perry and friends in a fountain near L.A.'s 5 freeway. Not exactly the stuff of her good-girl beginnings.

So, what do her devout parents think of their daughter's decidedly secular lifestyle? "My parents love me and want the best for me," says Perry. "They don't care what I do just as long as I remember who I am, have some integrity and respect and don't end up like, well, it sounds like Shmitney Shmeers."