Hayden Panettiere Turns Dominatrix

Hayden Panettiere should make up her mind already. I have no idea what this (barely legal) hottie is playing at, but I'm beginning to feel confused. I mean, one day she's this totally demure, clever girl who appears reasonably mature for her age and seems to have both feet on the ground and not be too carried away with her celebrity status. Then the next day, we see her pole dancing, smoking and acting like she's best friends in the whole wide world with Paris Hilton, a lady who is not famed for being too clever or for having too much decency and common sense. Then again, we see her acting nice - and now this: Hayden steps out in a suit made up of black thigh-high boots, mini dress and black coat. Zexy!

So, is Hayden turning into a sex symbol with her Pretty Woman-inspired outfit? I must remind you that Julia Roberts played a hooker in that movie - so maybe the comparison is not too inspired, but I couldn't think of anything better. Then, there's the whole issue of Hayden making a statement through her clothes. Seeing how she's been held up as some sort of teen (fashion and not only) icon so far, I'd say that we're witnessing a slow, gradual and well-thought out passage to a more mature, sexually explicit look. She is 18, after all - barely - and allowed to cause a stir in the ranks of the male population.

Only trouble is, there's a far cry from her dominatrix-style boots to the demure girl who wears jeans and T-shirts and seems to be the very essence of teen perfection. However, Hayden wants to prove to us that she's no Vanessa Hudgens. No, I'm not talking about the naked photo scandal, I'm talking about the conservative line the "High School Musical" protagonist is forced to toe - which Hayden, it would seem, is not ready to accept. Maybe it's her own personal style speaking, maybe her own personality is beginning to come out and express itself, or maybe she's just got a very good manager and fashion advisor. Either way, Hayden seems intent on expanding her fan base - and by the looks of those boots, she's doing a pretty good job of it.