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)

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)

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)

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)

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!

Glorious Galliano

Yesterday, John Galliano unveiled his 2009 cruise collection for Dior and I loved the statement pieces shown on the runway made to look like a faux swimming pool. The bright colors--citrus, magenta, flashy gold, porcelain white, lime green--complemented the sixties-style tunics, ruffled dresses and floaty caftans. The clothes were bejeweled, printed, embroidered, and paired with massive sombreros and bold jewelry to create a splash of retro glamor. I can see these clothes working well while lounging poolside in St. Tropez.

My favorite Gossip Girl cast member, Leighton Meester, showed up in a spring green Dior dress.

(Image of Leighton from Getty Images)

Breaking News: I Bought It!

I bought the Pencey dress!!! With the 20% discount, it came out to $308. Thank goodness Shopbop offers free ground shipping. I can't wait till it arrives. I loved how the dress looked on Leighton Meester (simple, unadorned, & hot!) and I'm looking forward to putting my own spin on it!

(Photo from Getty Images)

Pining for Pencey

Gee, thanks a lot Leighton. As if you don't already make me spend hard-earned money on the fabulous clothes you wear as Gossip Girl's Blair Waldorf, now I want to buy YOUR own clothes as well! Leighton Meester was spotted at the Tribeca Film Festival in a hot and very un-Blair-like dress. I love how Leighton was bold enough to wear this Pencey dress that flaunts her curves and long legs! The outfit was certainly a refreshing change from Blair's patterned tights and preppy cardigans.

With distinctive bustier detail and a pleated cummerbund, this Pencey dress is divine on Leighton. I want it but at $380, I may not be able to afford any Starbucks for several months (plus, I need to hit up the gym in order to pull off this skintight silhouette). While Leighton looks marvelous in the olive green and white color combo, the dress also comes in blush pink. Find the dress at Shopbop.

(Image of Leighton from Getty Images)