Hello, old friend!

(Nanette Lepore blouse, A|X skirt, Jeffrey Campbell platforms, Silence & Noise moto vest)

Don't you just love when you dig through your closet and unearth a piece of clothing you completely forgot you had? That's what happened with this old Armani Exchange skirt of mine, which I bought way back in high school. I still remember wearing it to class all the time during senior year! Paired with a lace-trimmed blouse (which, incidentally, appeared on Blair Waldorf in a recent Gossip Girl episode!) and motorcycle vest, it was as good as new. I'm so excited to wear the skirt again... and a little shocked that I can still squeeze into it!

One of my favorite places to eat in L.A., Yuri Japanese Cafe, recently revamped their menu, leaving lots of space on their chalkboard to doodle and write messages. It was the perfect opportunity to plug my blog while sipping on their newest specialty drink, a hot citrus yuzu tea! For all you Angelenos passing through Melrose, definitely drop by and mention that Tiff from Style Sophisticate sent you!

Out & About: Feathery fun

Who: Jessica Szohr

What: Attending the Lucky Guide to Mastering Any Style launch

Where: Los Angeles, California

Wearing: An Elizabeth & James tunic with feather detail and tight black leggings

When: October 2, 2008


I just recently blogged about Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr and how much I love her cheeky, slightly irreverent style, and she's already popped back up on my fashion radar yet again! I somehow missed her rocking this outfit at an event in early October, but I'm glad to see that she's a fan of Elizabeth & James as much as I am!

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

A twist on the classics

Club Monaco is simply spot on with this outfit on the left. First of all, it gives off some of that Gossip Girl and Blair Waldorf-inspired vibe, without seeming too uptight. A striped red turtleneck and high-neck white button down shirt are perfect for any girl attending the Constance Billiard School for Girls, while layered gold necklaces, a ruffled chiffon skirt, and patent leather belt offer a funky twist to the usual preppy basics. Leather gloves in matching red top off this perfectly accessorized outfit. I need to get myself to the nearest Club Monaco ASAP!

Carelessly chic

Some people may disagree with me, but I'm totally in love with Jessica Szohr's carefree style. Take this outfit she wore to the Fontainebleau Miami Beach grand opening just a few weeks ago--a sheer loose blouse tucked into low-rise, skinny dark jeans, a peek-a-boo black bra, a stack of bracelets shoved onto one wrist, and a feminine fedora hat. The Gossip Girl star embodies that whole aura of indifferent dressing: casual yet trendy, a tad sexy without looking trashy. And of course Jessica's fun attitude just completes the whole look! It's funny because even though I adore Leighton Meester's style, I also really like her costar's way of dressing, which is totally the opposite of Leighton's in real life and on Gossip Girl! It just goes to show that there's room for many different style aesthetics and you never have to limit yourself to one.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

A functional day dress

I was browsing through the racks at Cusp at the Century City mall last weekend, when I stumbled upon this black zip up jersey dress from Twenty8Twelve, Sienna Miller's clothing line with her sister. On the hanger it looked a little simple, but after trying it on, I completely fell in love! The zippers running up the sides can be adjusted however you wish and add a punky twist to the dress. And it's so easy to create different kinds of looks-- wear it with stockings and lace-up boots, with skinny jeans, or layered underneath a blazer. Gotta love a piece that's so functional and goes with pretty much anything!

Edit: I just spotted it last night on the latest episode of Gossip Girl, "It's a Wonderful Lie." Jenny Humphrey (aka Taylor Momsen) wears it at home when Vanessa is over visiting!

Dahlia's military coat

Although in sunny Los Angeles it's burning hot in mid-November (I spotted people in tanks, shorts, and flip flops this afternoon), in other parts of the world, it's officially wintertime. And there's no better time to search for the best cold weather coat you can find. While I'm still making do with last year's black-and-white Alice + Olivia find, this lovely Dahlia black military coat has caught my eye and strikes me as something Gossip Girl's Blair would wear with red tights and her signature flats. The coat is super feminine with flared sleeves and a full skirt, and clocks in at a fabulously affordable $119 (plus 20 cents to be exact, since we're converting from the British pound). The huge military buttons are such a great addition, and I can see this coat going anywhere from shopping in downtown to a great cover-up for your going-out dress at night!

Found: Jessica's LaROK frock

Leave it to Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr to wear one of the dresses I'd been absolutely dying to try on in the store! While shopping for appropriate wedding attire over the weekend, I kept spotting this lovely LaROK dress on the racks. With a square neckline and poufy, heavy short skirt, I knew right away this was not a dress that just any girl could pull off. It's so whimsical and girly, yet the dark colors--somber charcoal gray and black--restrain the cutesy factor from overwhelming it all. Jessica pulls the dress off well, rounding out the look with black Mary Jane shoes, tousled hair, and minimal accessories. I'm eager to get back to Bloomingdale's and rush into the nearest dressing room!

(Photo Credit to Getty Images)

Out & About: Black and white

Who: Gossip Girl favorite, Leighton Meester, and Tommy Hilfiger

What: Speaking onstage during the Conde Nast Media Group's Fifth Annual Fashion Rocks

Where: Radio City Music Hall in New York City

Wearing: Supertight black jeans, a V-neck white tee, a cropped tuxedo jacket, and fierce peep-toe sandals

When: September 5, 2008


Leighton usually goes for pretty party frocks when she makes appearances, but I love how she chose to mix it up with this blazer-and-pants combo. The shoes are a great choice, plus slicked back hair makes the outfit stand out more and focuses attention on the stark black-and-white color scheme. She rocks this minimalist look, which is so un-Blair Waldorf that I'm loving it for a change!

(Photo Credit: GettyImages.Com)

Out & About: Flat-out fabulous

Who: Model Jessica Stam

What: Dior Beauty's cocktail party celebrating Tinsley Mortimer's cameo on Gossip Girl

Where: Empire Hotel Rooftop in New York City

Wearing: A pastel-colored minidress, a shrunken biker jacket, gold bracelets, and black flats

When: September 3, 2008


I'm digging her look. How many supermodels would wear flat shoes to a swanky cocktail soiree? She's also working a very feminine-masculine look with the silk dress and tough black jacket.

(Photo Credit to JustJared.Com)

Snapping up Szohr's simple style

Though I'm a huge devotee of clothes with ruffles, embellishments, and lace, I'll always respect simplicity, especially when a celeb like Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr can pull the look off so well. While attending a recent movie screening of "The House Bunny," gorgeous Jessica pulled on a simple white tee and fitted blue jeans...and I think she looks amazing! Of course she topped off her outfit with a few fierce accessories, like pointy black pumps, a black clutch, bracelets, and her outstanding gush of long dark hair. I'm itching to get down to the basics and try out Jess's ensemble. The foundation of her laidback 'fit is definitely that semi-sheer white tee--fitted but comfortable. For a high quality plain tee, I'd rely on James Perse. The brand's vintage V-neck tee in supersoft cotton is a great buy and will give me a headstart on Jessica's uncomplicated style.

(Photo credit to Getty Images)

Another fantastic fall blazer

As I'm clearly a sucker for any kind of beautiful blazer, this LaRok jacket is just next in a line of many blazers I hope to acquire this fall. This one has obvious Gossip Girl connotations (side note: the show's second season starts on September 1!), such as a metal shield brooch pinned to the lapel and stylish contrasting white trim. But the scrunched up sleeves, cropped cut, and front pockets give it a decidedly modern feel, reminding me of Serena van der Woodsen's hastily-thrown-together-yet-still-preppy looks for school. Everyone knows Blair is my fashion fave on the show, but I know I could definitely take a tip or two from Serena. After all, the show's costume designer modeled her looks after Kate Moss' style! Come fall, I'd love to wear this blazer with jeans, an untucked white shirt, and messy hair, just to give off that careless, yet oh-so-fashionable vibe we all want to achieve!

Leighton's LBD

Looks like all the young celebs are favoring little black dresses nowadays. My favorite Gossip Girl star, Leighton Meester, was spotted at Longchamp's 60th anniversary celebration earlier this week in a form-fitting LBD from BCBG Max Azria. While the high scoop neckline is conservative, Leighton shows off her long (and nicely tanned) legs with a short hemline and hip-hugging silhouette. I combed the BCBG website for her dress, but only came up with this LBD which looks very similar but lacks the sparkly embellishment of Leighton's. The Gossip Girl star shows us how simple and sexy works best with her streamlined LBD, scarlet lips, and black and white Dior pumps.

(Photo credit to Getty Images)

Victoria's Secret preppy blazer

I never thought I'd want to buy outerwear from the Victoria's Secret Pink collection, but their new prep blazer is so Gossip Girl and prep school-inspired, I can't help but fall in love. In soft, comfy, almost PJ-like cotton, the two-button blazer comes in gray or navy with sharp contrasting trim. The decorative crest on the front pocket and double stripes on one arm make it so collegiate, and you can easily take the blazer from the bedroom (flannel PJ pants, T-shirt) to the great outdoors (dark jeans, scarf). You can't beat the price at $58...and you will absolutely love how cozy this feels!

Jovonna's nautical-inspired cardigan

Jovonna's nautical cardigan is no everyday cardigan. With its tantalizingly low V-neck and retro bell sleeves, the sweater can transform from sexy (pair it with blue jeans and don't wear anything else underneath) to preppy (think floaty white skirt and ballet flats). In navy with thick white trim, this cardigan reminds me of something Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf might wear with her signature red tights and headbands. I'm completely in love with this look, both as a cover up for breezy summer nights or a layering piece when the crisp fall weather comes round!

LaROK's studded miniskirt

Though LaROK's designs have always featured embellishments and sequins, this studded miniskirt has got to take the cake! Its audacity lies not in the length (or lack thereof) but in all those sparkling silver studs! I'm enraptured with the possibilities--a simple, sheer black top and the right shoes could transform this skirt into a stunning outfit without much effort. Take the way Blake Lively of Gossip Girl fame was styled in a Nylon magazine photoshoot. I love that the simplicity of her tank top, cardigan, and long necklace balances out the sexiness of the skirt. I'd prefer a shorter hem on top for the purpose of showing off those studs, perhaps a tissue thin, tucked-in black sweater and a rock and roll clutch would complete the look!

(Photo Credit to Nylon Magazine)

Alice + Olivia's garden party dress from Gossip Girl

Now that I've already watched all the Gossip Girl episodes from season one countless times, I've graduated to combing the Internet for pictures from the upcoming second season. With the cast currently filming in the Hamptons, I expected some signature, ultra fashionable outfits and I was not disappointed. Leighton Meester, in character as Blair, was spotted wearing this summery Alice + Olivia garden frock. She accessorized with a wide pink belt, a sky blue headband (of course!), and cute floral flats--a very Blair-esque ensemble fit for the hot Hamptons weather! The dress also comes in a silk blouse with blouson sleeves and a bubble hem. The playful, multicolored print is really what makes this garden party dress so special. You can mix and match with a variety of colors (orange or lemon yellow instantly come to mind) and the classic silhouette (very Audrey Hepburn-ish) will never go out of style.

(Credit to Getty Images)

Designer Spotlight: Made in Shoreditch Somewhere headbands

Like so many other viewers, I'm getting anxious waiting for the next season of Gossip Girl to begin. So I started watching reruns of the show and was reminded of how much I had admired Blair Waldorf's headband in one of the episodes--an enormous red bow headband by Valentino that only the Queen Bee herself could pull off! As Valentino's version is probably costly (and unavailable to boot) and I haven't been able to find a decent similar version, I was thrilled when I came upon a label called Made in Shoreditch Somewhere.

The designer, Jennie, originally hails from Brooklyn but now resides in London and creates the most amazing hair accessories, wristcuffs, and brooches. One in particular that caught my eye was a giant bow headband in fuschia pink, the closest to Blair's I've found yet. Browse through her selection of headbands and you'll find unique blends of lace, charms, beading, chains, and other fanciful embellishments that give off a fun, whimsical, rock and roll vibe. The designer handcrafts each piece with a heavy emphasis on quality and detail.

There's no online store just yet, but I'm hoping they sell and ship to the United States somehow because I am definitely a fan!

Spotlight On: The High-Waisted Pencil Skirt

It's a well-known fact that every girl should have a high-waisted pencil skirt in her closet. But not all of us can afford one by L'Wren Scott, such as this streamlined beauty that sells for a whopping £785, which translates into...well, knowing the exchange rate nowadays, a lot of US dollars. Sigh. Thankfully, Rebecca Taylor comes to the rescue with a classic knee-length pencil skirt. With sexy seam detail down the front and a buckle, the skirt is designed to give a trendy twist on a classic look. Plus, the camel color matches just about anything!

Abigail Lorick (known as the designer behind Gossip Girl's Eleanor Waldorf Designs) makes a high-waisted feminine skirt in yellow and black. Though this one is probably a challenge to color coordinate, its whimsical pattern and flattering silhouette are too difficult to ignore. And big plus, it's on sale!

I love that the pencil skirt breathes some style into workplace outfits. I usually pair mine with a ruffled shirt, like this cool sleeveless one by Geren Ford, for an ultra-feminine style. How do you wear yours?

FOUND: Jessica Szohr's Dresses

Two of Jessica Szohr's red carpet looks weren't difficult to track down as both of them are from American Apparel.

On the right, Jessica looks lovely at the Entertainment Weekly/Vavoom Upfront party. She's wearing AA's Cotton Spandex Jersey Double U-Neck Dress. Paired with Jessica's tan, gorgeous hair, and heels, the $30 dress looks amazing! Find it in all colors of the rainbow, including cranberry, purple, asphalt, creme, and raspberry.

At another event, pictured with Gossip Girl co-stars Chace Crawford and Taylor Momsen, Jessica is wearing the Sheer Jersey Long Sleeve Henley Dress. At $36, the form-fitting dress is a steal and comes in colors like sangria, coral, mauve, light aqua, and forest.

Looks like Jessica has taken some fashion cues from the Gossip Girl character she plays, Vanessa, by working some very affordable outfits and making them her own!

(Images from Getty Images)

Szohr's Streamlined Style

I always talk about how much I love Gossip Girl's Leighton Meester, but when I saw the latest photos of Jessica Szohr, who plays Vanessa on the show, I couldn't help but sit up and take notice. She has a sexy, streamlined style that manages to bare skin without ever looking overexposed. For example, she cleverly paired a plunging black top with loose-fitting jeans and a blazer, avoiding a scandalous ensemble that would have landed her on some "worst dressed" lists.

Fashionista also mentioned that Jessica was the most beautiful Gossip Girl cast member they've seen in person (however, they've never met Leighton so the jury is out!).

My favorite look is her black scoop-neck minidress paired with a long necklace, black and white heels, and gorgeous hair, which she wore to last night's Entertainment Weekly and Vavoom annual upfront party. The outfit is easily replicable and totally stunning with the right accessories. Jessica reminds me of Cameron Diaz in the way she uses her body as the greatest fashion accessory, flaunting long legs and a tan to complement her casual but chic clothing choices.

I love her more conservative outfits as well, like the T-shirt, skinny jeans, scarf, red heels and pulled back hair she threw on for a clothing launch at Kitson last December. At the recent debut of Rogan for Target at Barneys, Jessica looked comfortable in an oatmeal-colored cowl neck dress and soft boots.

Sounds like Leighton definitely has a contender for my Gossip Girl affections!