"Music and fashion are two of the ways I really get to express myself," says actress-singer Selena Gomez.

The young brunette beauty is helping Sears kick off the back-to-school shopping season by appearing in the retailer's Fall '09 ad campaign -- she rocks everything from skater gear to pop star-inspired separates.

On the music-fashion connection, Gomez explains, "How I am feeling on any given day really influences the type of music I listen to and how I dress and that's one of the reasons I am working with Sears, because they have such a wide variety of different fashions, you can always find the styles that fit your own personal look."


Best known for her role as Alex Russo on the Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place," Gomez has clearly added trendsetter to her already impressive resume.

"For teens and tweens, fashion says a lot about their personalities," says Melanie Henson, chief marketing officer of Sears.

The Dallas-born starlet will also be hosting the Sears Arrive Air Band Casting Call. The retailer has already cast four band members and is looking for a fifth.

Sears has partnered with MTV to hold online and in-person -- at participating malls in 10 select cities -- auditions for aspiring rock stars from now until August 11.

The winner will be announced by the end of August, then fast-tracked to rock stardom when the complete Arrive Air Band performs at MTV's "Video Music Awards" on Sept. 13. How's that for overnight fame?