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)

Natalie at Cannes

Natalie Portman turned up at the Cannes Film Festival, where she is serving on the jury, in a gorgeous strapless purple number from Lanvin's Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection. The black belt around her waist gives her figure a more defined shape, while the dramatic ruffles down the front are an appropriately romantic touch. And the color-- an intense deep violet shade--is absolutely stunning!

Perhaps Natalie wanted to look extra good at the festival because she knew she'd run into ex Gael Garcia Bernal! Then again, she always looks effortlessly beautiful. She's now dating Venezuelan folk singer Devendra Barnhart.

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)

The Summer Dress

Every summer I'm focused on finding the perfect summer dress, the kind that transports you to the beach of some exotic island just by wearing it! I'm always on the lookout for a dress that is unfussy, elegant and versatile. When I flipped through the pages of bebe's summer catalog, I was immediately attracted to the Sexy Fit Minidress. A simple, curve-hugging silhouette is accented by a deep ruffled V-neck and hemline without exaggerated frou frou. At $129, the dress comes in summer cocoa, tropical punch and white. I can totally see myself wearing this summery frock paired with the appropriate accessories (I'm thinking gladiator sandals, a long necklace, and sparkly wristlet, perfect for dancing the night away somewhere in the Maldives)!

Shopbop Discount

Get 20% off any regular-priced, contemporary merchandise on Shopbop.com with code MYDAY08 at checkout!

I'm still debating on the Pencey dress, but I'm going to have to decide very soon, as the code is only valid until midnight PST!

Searching for: A New Pair of Earrings

When I was a senior in college, I was obsessed with huge earrings. On a whim, I bought a pair of large, hammered gold Kimberly Baker hoops and haven't taken them off since. I've worn my "lucky earrings" everywhere--while taking final exams, going clubbing with the girls, studying at Starbucks, or catching a midnight movie. But now that I've moved onto the next phase of my life, I feel like it's time for a new pair. What better place to look than Kimberly Baker Jewelry of course?

After surfing through her online collection of amazing jewelry, I think I've found my new lucky pair-- "Roxanne." Here's the description from the website: If the road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom Roxanne must be one smart cookie. She can drink like a sailor and dance until dawn, so it takes some serious jewelry to stand up to her personality. That’s what drew Roxy to her new earrings. A chain-mail arrangement of ten Maltese crosses they’re wild enough to match her minute for minute. They’re also wild enough to match the tattoo on her…oh, never mind.

I can tell right away I'll love wearing them every minute. These eye-catching earrings will add glamor and high drama to any outfit. I'll buy the $250.00 18kt gold vermeil over sterling silver pair. Sure, this purchase may drain my wallet, but these earrings are going to last for years and--hopefully--bring luck during my next career phase!

A Sexy Cashmere Dress

There's no fabric more luxurious than cashmere, and rather than humdrum cashmere sweaters or scarves, Karoo by Mark Eisen brings us a black cashmere dress for the ultimate feel-good extravagance. South Africa native Mark Eisen is an expert in sleek, sensual style for women. The clean, minimalist lines of this dress caught my eye immediately, while the halter-style neckline is a sexy way to show off shoulders and arms. But when I found out the material was 100% cashmere, I was definitely sold. The dress lets you enjoy wearing cashmere in the summer, and easily adapts for cooler weather with a pair of intricately patterned tights, slim leather boots and a fitted blazer or coat. I love the concept of a summery, skin-baring dress made of such luxurious fabric.

Splurge on the dress at Revolve Clothing for $308.00. Not a terrible price, considering some simpler cashmere pieces retail for nearly the same amount!

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)

Style Inspiration: Ashley Olsen

Ashley Olsen's outfit at the Met's Costume Institute Gala this year exudes sexy minimalist chic. Always the trendsetter, the twin walked the red carpet in a sleek Diane von Furstenberg dress with cut-out keyholes on the side. Combined with fresh-faced makeup and simple hair parted down the middle, Ashley was definitely going for a subtle, understated look last night.

Her look inspired me to search for a similar dress more suited to my lifestyle (unfortunately, I won't be attending the Costume Institute Gala anytime in the near future). I found one lookalike LBD by Black Halo called the Cut-Out Jackie O Dress. With a shorter hemline and curve-hugging body-conscious fit, this dress is perfect for dinner and drinks on the town. But the best part lies in the bare back and side cut-outs for just a hint of raciness!


(Image of Ashley Olsen from Getty Images)

A Little Too Late for National Poetry Month, But...

April was National Poetry Month and what better way to celebrate a love for poetry than by wearing it?

Okay, so I'm a few days late. But as a great fan of personalized gifts (who wants to receive a plain old towel when it could be a monogrammed towel?) and all kinds of poetry, I recently stumbled upon a true gem--Jeanine Payer jewelry based in San Francisco. She crafts beautiful pieces of jewelry engraved with selected lines from the poems of contemporary and ancient poets.

The pendant on this sterling silver necklace would be a pretty touch to any outfit, but it's the engraved poem by Kate Richey that makes it truly special: The sky begins singing/ a broken psalm/ and the heart feels/ a new and joyous moment/ saying,/ You are only as much / as you can be.

Now if that doesn't make you fall in love with poetry, I'm not sure what will! Jeanine Payer also accepts custom engraving for silver pieces (say, if you want to engrave your own lines of poetry) as long as you're willing to cough up an extra 15% charge. Several of her exquisite pieces are also sold on RedEnvelope.Com and various other sites.