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!

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!

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)

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!

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!

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!