Planning a Viewing Party

The Oscars are coming up on Sunday, and Gossip Girl is back on Monday. What better time to plan a little viewing party for your friends or yourself? Epicurious has a detailed entertaining guide for everyone who’s a planner. It’s a little too detailed for my personal tastes, but I’m basically a fly by the seat of my pants entertainer. I’ll have themes picked out for months, but wait until the day of to throw everything together, including costumes, food and music, which keeps me from getting too perfectionist-y about it.

But sometimes I like to plan a little in advance, especially where food is concerned. It’s not a secret that Gossip Girl is my favorite night to eat snacks and vegetate, a joy that will soon be taken from me once my Hip-Hop class starts. But I still have three weeks to enjoy the last snackfests of this season.

What am I thinking about eating?

There’s always the classic Strawberries and Champagne—classy and delicious, just like these two events!

It’s pretty hard to go wrong with veggies and dips—instead of ranch or blue cheese, there are a million other options. One of my favorites is salsa (even more veggies!) or artichoke parmesan dip-- something I only eat at parties. I can’t have it in my house without gaining five pounds, hahahaha.

For the Oscars, cute little bags of parmesan pepper popcorn sound like just the ticket. Or if you want to get even more movie themed, Epicurious has a list of menus and recipes based on the best picture nominees here.

For Gossip Girl snacktime, there’s always the infamous truffle grilled cheese from the Gossip Girl pilot. But even more themed? Brunch food! Time to bust out the waffle irons, it’s waffle time. Josh Schwartz has always had a thing for breakfast food in his shows, and right now our waffle love is coinciding. Melted cheese and fruit on waffles? Yes please! Maybe even some cinnamon and other spices? Yes!

Although, knowing myself, I’ll probably just make some sushi.

Do you like viewing parties? Or are you all viewing partied out after the Superbowl and the Olympics?

Image from youknowyouloveme.org.

Things for Spring

It’s been atrociously warm here the past week for February, and I got spoiled with three great days of sunshine and shorts weather. It made me long for spring, and even the renewed rain isn’t dampening my springthinglust. Here are some of the things I’m digging for this:

Waffles! A cute waffle place just opened up down the street from my work, and my friends and I are loving up on it. Sweet waffles, savory waffles, it’s all amazing. Yes, savory waffles—It’s like a sandwich on a waffle and it’s amazing.

Quinoa- nothing is beating fresh quinoa salad for me lately, I love it! And Self just published a recipe for Quinoa stir fry in their Feb issue that I can’t wait to test out.

Gossip Girl- March 8th, save the date! It’s been long awaited in these parts. Gossip Girl is the only show I live-watch anymore, given the craziness of my schedule. I love setting aside some snacks and a nice glass of wine and settling in for an hour of tv. Can’t wait for my little dorky Gossip Girl viewing parties again.

Rainboots and Dresses by kitkati

Seasonal weather—I want the rain and the sun and the balmy temperatures. I love getting up and puzzling out an outfit based on the weather. Rainboots and little dresses, yes please!


Yoga- I have some back issues right now which are improving, but I’m not at my prior level of fitness yet. (Don’t look for me to be taking up roller derby anytime soon!) I’m kind of like Payson in Make It or Break It—yeah, I’m cleared for exercise as long as I don’t push it too hard, but getting back on those uneven bars (or weights and dancing, in my case) and possibly re-injuring myself is kind of terrifying. Thank god for yoga. It doesn’t tweak my back, and it actually helps soothe it, while I’m getting a mild workout. My abs are ridiculous right now. Side benefit—I’m more focused in all aspects of my life (hence this return from the dead post! Let’s keep it up, yoga!)

What’s everyone looking forward to this spring? Or are you still hoping for more winter weather for your snowboarding and winter Olympics?

images from polyvore.com and periodicstyle.blogspot.com

NYFW iPhone Photo Drop - Day Five

Tuesday in the tents and around town...

I caught up with Michelle of All Lacquered Up behind the tents, where we spotted a certain make-up artist chilling with her crew before the Tibi show. Michelle was also kind enough to let me swatch the new Lancome Pout-a-Porter lipstick, Chris & Tell. As someone who has three of the four previous P-a-P lipsticks (only missing Behnaz Red, of course), I had to try it and see if I need it...


I also had to get a New York cupcake, which I picked up at Crumbs, conveeeeniently located across the street from Bryant Park. Let me just say -- I tried to put up a valiant battle, but I was a. without a napkin and b. that cupcake is actually pretty giant. It defeated me.


After attempting to stand-by for the Tibi show, I had some time to kill before I needed to be at the Chictopia party. And so I listened to my inner Blair Waldorf and went to Henri Bendel.


While I was there, I managed to find B.'s favorite part of the store... the headband section.


I'm taking it easy today -- tomorrow's going to be the craziest day of NYFW for me!

images from periodicstyle.blogspot.com

Rose tint my world - colorful glasses frames!

As a glasses-wearin' lady, it's almost time for me to go in and get my eyes checked out and my prescription updated. And what that means is that I'm already starting to think about new frames.

I'm pretty satisfied with the look I've been working for the past two years, which is a soft rectangular tortoiseshell, but taking some style cues from Miss Karen as well as Gossip Girl's Nelly Yuki (Nelly Yuki! Nelly Yuki!) and their vast wardrobes of fun frames, I've been thinking a lot more about doing something a little more fun and colorful, especially since it's coming up on spring. (Granted, I'd be wearing these glasses for longer than spring, but colored glasses are fun to think about!)

I had a pair of l.a. eyeworks glasses for four years (!) until it was time to replace them -- they were tortoiseshell (of course), but the interior side of the frame was a smart purple. Fun! And so I've picked three of their colorful frames that I'd be interested in checking out, just so I can get away from my "but does it come in tortoiseshell?" crutch...


The Peak frames have a fun two-tone double-dipped look, and I can't help but think that the cheery pink would help brighten up tired eyes.

My only non-tortoise/reddish brown glasses that I had, back in Ye Olde High School days, were purple, and so these Concord Grape Mason frames would be a fun update. Plus, purple makes my eyes super-green. Hmmmm!

While it's not typically a shape I go for, since I like the more rectangular look, the curvy apple-green Code frames are a lot of fun with their purple temple bars. It's definitely a pair I'd have to try on to see how I feel.

After I get my new glasses checked out, though, I'm definitely thinking about getting another pair of prescription sunglasses. I love mine, but I'm still thinking about something bright and colorful for summer.

I know everyone and their mom is wearing Ray Ban Wayfarers again, but they're classic for a reason. I'd probably go with classic black if I were to get a pair, but that turquoise is super-cute.

Juicy Couture (I know! I know!) also has their own version in pink, which is so girly I kind of adore it despite Karen's dismay. I'm just not sure that the pink lenses would be very flattering, though. I could always change to a different color when I took the glasses in for my prescription, though.

But if I still want my big celeb-in-hiding-style frames, then the big blue Juicy Couture sunglasses might also be a fun choice. (They also come in white, but they have a giant ol' logo on the temple bar. Hmm.)

All right, all you spectacled-ladies, I know you're out there -- what style of glasses do you tend to gravitate to when you pick new frames, or are you someone who loves to experiment and try new shapes and colors all the time? Do you have one pair of frames that you wear all day every day for all occasions (like me), or do you have different pairs for different situations/outfits? Let's hear all about it!

images from laeyeworks.com and framesdirect.com

Mad Girl and Gossip Men

Gossip Girl fans, I'd like to introduce you to the Mad Men fans. Mad Men fans, meet the Gossip Girl fans.

Jezebel has been running posts on Mad Men on Monday mornings, since MM airs on Sundays, and Tracie, Jezebel editor, has made the excellent point that "Mad Men is Gossip Girl for grown-ups". And, well, it's true. There's enough overlap between the two shows that there should be more audience overlap as well.

First off, there's no denying the fashion influence of both Gossip Girl and Mad Men. Whether it's walking down the runways or walking down the street, we as viewers and consumers are drawn to these looks -- and we want to recreate them ourselves. And fashion designers are taking note.

But beyond the fact that both shows are really really pretty to look at, they have a lot of thematic similarities. The basic gist of Gossip Girl is that these four -- Serena, Blair, Nate, and Chuck -- are always on display and trying to keep their private lives out of the public eye of Gossip Girl herself. They have their secrets and their pasts and, especially in the case of Blair, the desire to maintain control over their own image. With Mad Men, everyone's got to maintain appearances and their own secrets, whether it's Don's affairs as well as his past, Betty's domestic unhappiness, or Peggy's denial of her present. (I am trying so hard not to spoil everyone, you guys!) In both shows, it's all about how you present yourself in public and how that collides with the people who know -- or should know -- who you really are.

There's also a common character in both shows -- New York City, but a New York City that most of us can never or will never know. I'm never going to be a high school student on the Upper East Side (and thank goodness, because I'm so done with high school!), and I'll never be a woman in the 1960s (another HUGE thank goodness here). And so while there is a form of escapism present in both shows, it's pretty clear that where they are is not so great. None of the GG characters are happy, and things aren't so great for the women or minorities of MM (to put it extremely lightly).

An interesting thought I had is -- where would Blair go in Mad Men? How would she fit in? Obviously, the direct connection is with Joan; Blair rules her group of underclassmen with an iron fist and a tight smile, while Joan, the head secretary, runs the entire corps of secretaries at Sterling Cooper much the same. I think they would either get along really well... or destroy each other in the process. Then again, I can also see Blair as Trudy Campbell, the well-to-do wife of Pete Campbell. Considering that that's basically what her mother and Nate's parents wanted for her in Season One, there's a good fit there. (Plus you know Trudy would be able to go toe-to-toe with someone like Joan or Blair if needed.) But Blair could also go the path of Betty Draper, of the overbearing mother, who's achieved exactly what she wanted: to be beautiful, to have the husband and the children, to have the perfect life... and found it to be something other than she expected. So that's just something that's been rolling around my mind lately.

Finally, both shows need you to watch. For all of the buzz and the awards and the blogs (you know, like us) talking about these two shows, they're both struggling to get actual viewers. Mad Men averaged less than a million viewers during its first season. Gossip Girl does a little better, but is still in the 3 million viewer range. Sure, you can factor in that a lot of us are watching online or waiting until the DVDs come out, but networks are in the business of putting shows on television, not online or on DVD, and if they don't think the viewers are there, they very well could kill the show...

So: there's my argument. If you like Mad Men, Gossip Girl might surprise you. And if you like Gossip Girl, you should be checking out Mad Men.

Do you watch either? Or do you watch both? What do you think?

images from amctv.com and youknowyouloveme.org

More Tea Talk

Man, I don't know about you all, but we three here are super-busy lately. All three of us are now working full-time (and for Kati, sometimes overtime). I know that I was trying to enjoy the last of the summer, but now it's coming into fall... and I'm falling behind. Sorry!

Anyway, while I get to work on writing up some stuff both here and on PBR, here are some more jumping off points to discuss in the comments:

- Did anyone else notice the little pendants on our favorite Gossip Girls this week? Blair was wearing her little diamond "bw" charms from Alex Woo Jewelry during the brunch scene, and Serena, who was on her way to the jitney, was wearing the gold "Mischa" wishbone necklace from Dogeared Jewelry. I, being a fan of little pendants, want both.

- What's with the hating on Posh's new pixie? (Please, please don't let the term "Poxie" catch on.) I think it really shows off her face. (But then, I am biased.) Also adorable: Sam Ronson's new hair. Everyone's been saying the pixie's going to be the big haircut for a couple of years now, but with Posh doing it, will it really happen?

- I've more or less given up soda since I was in college (soda's expensive, water's free!), and right now I'm planning on introducing more vitamins and things like that into my daily routine. I'm always curious to find out what other people are doing, whether it's Mindy Kaling or you! So tell me: what have you given up (or won't give up), and what (if anything) is in your routine?

Anything else you want to discuss? Anything you want my opinion on? Just comment away!

You know you love me -- Gossip Girl on DVD tomorrow!

At last! Tomorrow is GG-Day -- the day that Gossip Girl finally comes out on DVD!! So if you've been wondering -- and waiting -- what all the fuss is about, there's enough time to snag the first season, sit down, and watch the whole fun first season before Season Two starts two weeks from today (!!).

It's pretty clear that everyone's looking for inspiration from the Upper East Side girls, whether it's Blair, Serena, or Jenny, Kati, and Iz. (Don't forget Miss Georgina Sparks or Vanessa Abrams, either!) And what's kind of hilarious is how brands are responding.

Check out just a few of the items we found with the names "Blair" or "Serena":

- Zoya Nail Polish in "Blair" is a gorgeous cranberry red, which we can totally see Miss Waldorf wearing. (I kind of want this too. And not just because it's named "Blair".)

- While we couldn't find it at Sephora.com or Stilacosmetics.com, Beauty.com has Stila High Shine lip color in "Serena". You know the Upper East Side's Golden Girl probably has this in her bag, right? (Right next to her favorite lip gloss from the books...)

- Perhaps the funniest use of the names "Blair" and "Serena" to name products comes from Oh Deer! shoes (who make a lot of money off of their Faux-boutins). These shoes are basically the same except for the colors (taupe and navy for Blair, orange and black for Serena) location of the detailing: Blair gets a cap toe, and Serena gets a fancy heel. I totally see it.

- Steve Madden pays tribute to Serena with this slouchy Serena bag that wouldn't be out of place on her arm.

- Naturally we pulled things from Etsy for our two shopping guides, so we wanted to see what else we could find for B and S. Serena gets a lovely crystal necklace, while Blair is more of an inspiration than a namesake with this vintage rhinestone headband. (Of course it's a headband!)

With that, we have some predictions for Season Two of Gossip Girl:

- Bart Bass dies in the Season Two finale because he looks like Caleb Nichol. (The important question is, will they play "Hallelujah" when he does? My guess would be YES.)
- Chuck's mom comes back from "the dead"; ideally she will be played by Melinda Clarke.
- Little J gets (gasp!) a REAL boyfriend. ...or drops off the face of the earth, because Eleanor Waldorf eats her for lunch.
- The girls go to Fashion Week. Wooooo.
- We find out what Lily actually does all day besides Rufus Humphrey.
- Chuck will have amusing sartorial choices.
- Blair will continue to gift-wrap her head with ribbons and other headband finery.
- Serena and Dan get back together... and break up again. Ad nauseum.
- Nate has a slut spiral.
- Vanessa continues to not be as cool as book!Vanessa.
- Blair gets a sibling! It's Rachel Bilson! (Or not. But she'll probably show up at some point. At least, we hope so.)

Are you looking forward to the return of Gossip Girl as much as we are? Or have you been waiting to sit down and absorb it all in one go?

It's like I always say: too much of a good thing is even better... so enjoy! xoxo!

image from amazon.com

Periodic Style Exclusive: Interview with Julie Teel, NYC Make-Up Artist, Part I

Isn't it amazing what a little Googling can do? While researching Gossip Girl beauty, I thought, why not go to the source? I looked at the make-up artists listed on the IMDb page for Gossip Girl and got to Googling.

And that's how I found Julie Teel, a New York-based make-up artist who's worked not only on Gossip Girl, but some other amazing projects as well.

Julie was kind enough to answer some of my questions about being a make-up artist, some of her projects, and to give us some great advice to share with our readers; thank you, Julie!

How do you typically get an artist job for a TV show/film? Is it based on networking, your portfolio, etc.? Is there an interview process?

Once you've "gotten into the circle", it's a small matter of networking and mostly hard work. Proving that you've got the skills and the ability to follow through on the requirements of the particular job is the trick to maintaining your presence. Interviews do happen when new projects start up. It's fairly harmless... meeting with some of the higher-ups and other established creatives on the team, ie: the producer/s, director, costume designer... making sure there is a chemistry. It may be required to show a body of work via portfolio or reel, so it is always a good thing to keep it up-to-date. Other jobs are attained through re-hiring... being brought on via producer/director or actor request. This happens a lot. Loyalty is quite rampant, which is a good thing!

Have you noticed a difference in what's required of you since the rise of HD for film/TV? Does this change the products used, the techniques, etc.?

Personally, this change doesn't affect me. I have a fine arts background & started out in fashion, doing photoshoots & model portfolios -- I am very detail oriented, and my style of make-up is clean and wearable for everyday even if it is dramatic. I like to show skin or, at the very least, make it look as if my client/actor is not wearing lots even if it is the contrary, so blending and matching skin tone is very important. There has been a push for using airbrush but I don't think it's the end all be all, only for certain fantasy looks, special effects and body make-up. Plus, there have been great improvements in the cosmetic industry. I'm always looking at what's new but I always seem to go back to many of the products I've used for years. So, it's all in the wrist! Making the most of what you have and BLENDING BLENDING BLENDING.

For Gossip Girl, are the make-up looks based more on characterization (for example, heavier eyeliner for former-bad-girl Serena) or on what flatters the actresses? Are the looks sketched out in advance on face charts, or adapted as the actress is being worked on?

Looks are designed based on character and the changes that that character may go through. Also, the comfort level (working with their personal requirements to feel camera ready... seasoned actors will know what works for them since the camera can change their proportions and features they will have learned the TWEAKING TRICKS for these quirks that are not immediately visible upon meeting) of the actor is taken into consideration and the approval of the director and other higher-ups may be required (so it can be a bit of a battle and artistic differences may be had).

Some looks are sketched out beforehand, especially if it more fantasy or special effects related . Also, there is usually a camera test to determine and get closer to finalizing the look of the character. And in that, it may still take a few episodes to really finalize it.

What are some of the products/brands used for some of the looks for Blair and Serena in Gossip Girl? (Particularly in regards to lips and eyes, but blush/bronzer too!)

Because I have only worked on 2 episodes and as an additional (no credit), I have not done those particular actors' make-up (it would be the key make-up or second who would do the Principle actors from scratch -- I was working on Canterbury's Law so I was only available for a few episodes toward the end, before the writers strike... bleh.), only touch-ups... and I don't even remember what was in their bags! So I suppose my answer to that is N/A, sorry... Although, the products I have seen floating around the set are definitely available and easily accessed by the public.

Would you consider those products easy for a regular girl with a regular budget to get access to (for example, brands that are available at Sephora or department stores)? If not, what would be your suggestions for recreating these looks?

Definitely accessible. You can even recreate looks via products purchased from the drugstore and other department stores, ie: Target, Wal-mart... etc. Pick and choose what is the most important item and spend your money accordingly.

Check back next week for Julie's list of must-have beauty products, and don't forget to check out Julie's portfolio at JulieTMakeup.com!!

More Gossip Girl Style: Shopping Guide

This season of Gossip Girl may be over, but it doesn't mean we're over Gossip Girl style. We just keep finding new accessories to love!

Spotted: J + K buying colored tights from Welovecolors.com. Careful, girls, save some for the rest of us.

I have been looking for specific colors of tights for a long time, and most places do not have pink tights, let alone turquoise. Mmm, just look at this color guide-- it makes my mouth water just looking at it. Anyway, I bought five pairs of their cheap colored tights, and if I like them, I may be going back to check out their thicker microfiber tights.

For those of you wanting a little slice of Gossip Girl's hugs and kisses, check out these xo earrings and necklaces from Kathryn Riechert on etsy: XO Necklace-- Les Petites (perfect for Little J and her new bestie, Little E,) XO Teeny Domed Necklace and XOXO stud earrings.
You know you love them (and me.)

FredFlare's done Serena the honor of naming some sunglasses after her: check out their aviator Serena Sunglasses. We always knew cute-aholics like us had good sense... and taste.

And if you aren't sick of me talking about headbands yet, here's an adorable kanzashi headband from PeachyPan, a sweet little shop from down under. She also has darling candy heart necklaces that look good enough to eat-- I think I know what's going to be my early Valentine's Day present to myself!

Looking for the perfect gift for your bestie on Valentine's Day? Go Old School and give her a bestie necklace set.
Are you a good B or a bad B?

And here's a little FYI, from me to all you beauty-lovers out there: keep your eyes on this space for something exclusive. Let's just say that others can give their best suggestions, but we've got the real deal in the works...

images from youknowyouloveme.org and acme.com/heartmaker/

Fashion of Gossip Girl Part Four: Shopping Guide

hey people!

Gossip Girl here with some tips, tricks, and suggestions for grabbing a little UES -- that's Upper East Style.







For B.:
The Pearl and Moonstone Cluster Necklace from Dasha Boutique is reminiscent of Blair's birthday necklace from Chuck (the one she wore to her debutante ball!), while this Regal Prussian asymmetrical necklace from t8designs on etsy would look great with one of Blair's blazers and buns looks. The Asymmetrical pearl necklace from mcfarland designs on etsy are (vegan) pearls with a bit of an edge, just like Blair. We can definitely see Blair rocking these large glass beads from the MoMA Store with one of her high necked dresses and some colored tights, and this great Golden Floral Drop from divinerose on etsy would look great with Blair's Thanksgiving dress.

Remember, girls -- handmade means no one else can have it.

As far as headbands go, Erin Fetherston did a simple and chic white headband for Target (go target!), while those of you looking for something a little sassier should check out this necktie hairband or this hairband with floral accent from Nancy Gamon on etsy. And of course, this adorable fascinator from cottoncandycorsage on etsy is perfect for Blair.


For S.:
Black Flat Boots from Chinese Laundry-- these are the black version of the grey pair Serena wears in Poison Ivy and I just bought myself a pair. Whoops! There are also these Braveone and Buckup from Nine West-- cute black low heeled knee boots, definitely up Serena's alley.

Flat so you don't trip on your way out of somebody's bedroom window.

For J., K., and I.:

Deux pointelle Beret from Urban Outfitters looks like something Blair would wear(pretty and classic, while this Leopord Mohair Beret (also from Urban Outfitters) suits Jenny's younger trendy side. And these cute cable knit berets from Anthropologie come in three different colors for bestie matching potential! Also, if you can knit, this beret pattern from ysolda is absolutely adorable and comes in three different styles -- definitely easy to do a matching (but not too matchy) look with your bestie that way.

And as far as tams go, Hector Russel has a great selection. They've got a tartan search, where you can look up various tartans, and there's even a tartan called Blair!, which you can get in a tam over at the Scotland Yard.

My pick? Black Watch. Always classy, always watching.

Miscellaneous picks:
Sockdreams.com has the best selection of socks, thigh highs and tights to recreate any of the girl's hosiery looks, and American Apparel has Blair's red tights from Hi Society.

Dogeared has the golden wishbone wishbone "Mischa" necklace (and is just a great place to shop for lucky charms and everyday necklaces-- Jeanne and I both have tiny pendants from there that we wear constantly!), which is a great pick for Jenny, who loves all things golden and pendant-y. Although if Jenny were to actually wear Marissa's necklace, then my theory that Nate is the Man-rissa of the show might have to be revised. (Chuck clearly is the new Julie Cooper; we're just waiting for him to start running the male prostitution ring out of the burlesque club.)

Check out FredFlare.com for some of Jenny, Kati and Is's accessories! Kati and Is wore these earrings in Seventeen Candles, and these sunglasses in Poison Ivy. Jenny's been rocking their bags in three separate episodes too! (they've sold out though, sad!) FredFlare also has free shipping this week only, enter the code: staffpicks.07 at checkout for 7.95 off shipping on your order!

And if you're looking for something a little more fun, something a little more MY style, check out this necklace. Ring ring ring, it's Gossip Girl on the line.

And for more on the fashion of Gossip Girl, Stiletto Jungle's and Fab Sugar's Gossip Girl tags have a lot of great posts detailing the actual items worn on the show, as well as recreating some of the looks for us. Love it! For more general style posts, check out Ykfashionblog, the fashion blog for youknowyouloveme.org! They've discussed the masquerade ball outfits and the ivy week look so far on their blog. She Finds details some of the fashions from the pilot, and Gala Darling shares our love of Chuck's power suit and anything Blair in her Gossip Girl Style post.

That's all for today! You know you love us, XOXO!

screencap from youknowyouloveme.org.

Fashion of Gossip Girl Part Three: Jenny, Kati, and Isabel

Happy Friday everyone! It's time for part three of our Gossip Girl style guide. Today I want to talk about the rest the ladies of Gossip Girl: Jenny, Kati, and Isabel.

Jenny, being the youngest gossip girl has the most accessible style. She generally keeps it simple, although occasionally she'll go a little over the top, like any other 15 year old girl. She's rocking all the latest trends, and hasn't defined her own personal style as much as Serena or Blair.

Kati and Isabel, on the other hand, definitely have their own personal style: Whatever their friends are wearing. They're often seen in adorable complimentary outfits, ones that often pull from what Blair or Serena is wearing.


Exhibit One: Keeping it on Trend

Top Left: Wild Brunch, Bottom Left: Blair Waldorf Must Pie, Right: Daredevil.
With these three outfits, Jenny's displaying an admirable grasp on this season's trends. With the outfit from The Wild Brunch, she's rocking the mini-dress and the random belt trend. Not sure how I feel about the belt OVER the cardigan, but the dress is definitely cute enough to make up for it.

The Puffed Sleeve dress from Blair Waldorf Must Pie is just adorable in general, but it's the puffed sleeves that give it the edge. I must say I'm a fan of puffed sleeves; most likely it's from reading Anne of Green Gables too many times as a kid.

And Jenny rocks the indiekid hipster look in this outfit from Daredevil. It is only fitting since the Humphrey's are from Brooklyn, after all. Skinny jeans, basic black flats, and the layering of the cute tops with a simple necklace for accessorizing. Jenny's got this season's trends mastered.


Exhibit Two: Dress I Covet!

Polka Dot Dress from the Handmaiden's Tale

Adorable! The jacket is very cute too, and the bag keeps it from getting too old (because seriously, I would wear that jacket/dress combo out any day of the week.) If I was seven years younger, I'd be rocking that bag too.

(Also, how much does Taylor Momsen resemble the actress that plays her mom in the second shot? Well done, casting department!)


Exhibit Three: Tams and Berets


At Left: Jenny in an adorable little crocheted beret from upcoming episode.
Top Right: Kati and Isabel rock matching Tams in Victor, Victrola.
Bottom Left: Jenny is in a Tam from Hi, Society.

If I had to pick one thing I love about being a knitter, it's the current ability of the knitting community at large to pick out upcoming trends a year before the malls get ahold of it. Last year I knit myself a little knitted beret, and loads of patterns had the adorable puffed sleeves, and voila! This year, it's all about the berets and puffed sleeves. Love it!

And it's not just berets that are in this winter! Tams, with their jaunty poms on top are in too! Personally, I feel a little silly wearing a tam, so I'm sticking with berets; but tams are great for anyone who doesn't look seven years younger than their actual age. (Seriously. I get asked what high school I go to all the time by actual high schoolers and carded at R-rated movies. It's a little bit pathetic, and I think I'd look about ten years younger than I actually am if I wore a tam.) But tams are definitely fun for those of you who look around your age. They're youthful and the poms make me happy every time I see one.

Exhibit Four: Matching Your Best Friend.

How many of us have ever gone out and ended up wearing pretty much identical outfits as our friends? I know my roommate and I used to do that all the time, because after all, great minds think alike. But Kati and Isabel take it to a whole new level.

Oh, Kati, I may have to love you two because we share a name (if not a pronunciation,) but I also kind of love you for your commitment to the best friend theme. You guys dress like twins, and it is always hilarious. Do you call each other every day to coordinate outfits? It is new levels of codependency and it is so over the top that I love it.

Also how much do I want Serena and Blair to do this again, but with actual clothing they own, rather than with stolen clothing that doesn't look right with their coloring? A lot.

Stay tuned for Part Four: our shopping guide. We're combing the net for ways to get the look for less, pointing out some other Gossip Girl Style Guides, and picking out some pieces we think the girls would wear.

screencaps from youknowyouloveme.org

Fashion of Gossip Girl Part Two: Serena van der Woodsen

Hello, I am a glamazon from the Upper East Side. Love me and my perfect hair!

Why hello Serena! We do love you and your perfect hair, not to mention your adorable 70s style, and your ability to transform yourself from an insufferable book character into a fantastic screen goddess. And her 70s-free-spirit-cum-rockstar inspired fashion sense displays an awesome contrast to Blair's old school aesthetic. Well played, my UES lady, well played.

Exhibit one: Mini-dresses

Rocking the mini-dresses in Daredevil, Seventeen Candles, and Blair Waldorf Must Pie.

Serena proves that the mini-dress can be used for any occasion: On a date, to a friend's birthday party, and for holiday dinners. She looks fantastic, and mini-dresses are pretty much effortless: throw one on and add in some tights and cute shoes and you're good to go.

That and the Black Mini-Dress looks almost exactly like one Heidi Klum wore on Project Runway this season (another leggy blonde who has also been rocking the mini-dress look lately-love it!) I hope this dress isn't something that only looks good on tall gorgy blondes, because lord, do I want a similar dress, and I'm not sure that growing four inches overnight is an option.


Exhibit two: Serena's Boots

Here's an awesome look from an upcoming episode:
How much do I love her coat and her boots (and her boyfriend?) A lot. The boots look perfect for winter- (i.e. water resistant and tall to keep everything warm and dry!) and the coat! Oh the coat! Giant pockets and double breasted and oh!

And her boot collection in general? Let's just say that out of all the characters on the show, I want her shoe collection the most.



(Black moccasins from The Wild Brunch, over the knee grey slouch in Poison Ivy, black knee slouch from an upcoming episode. )

Exhibit three: Possibly the most adorable dress in the entire world


Dress from Bad News Blair.

Adorable cut, good colors, and enough interest with the print to keep it from being boring. Love it. It's definitely on the sweet side of what Serena wears, but I can't help it. I still love it on her.





Exhibit four: Headscarves!

Head scarves from Poison Ivy and Bad News Blair.

Now you might be saying, "dude, didn't we just talk about hair stuff with Blair? What's the difference?" I love head scarves just as much as I love headbands, but they do say completely different things. Headscarves are definitely more bohemian than a headband, and thus it makes perfect sense to see Serena rocking them. She's Blair's counterpart and foil in so many ways, and I love the subtle ways it gets pointed out in everything the girls do, say, and wear.

Exhibit five: Rocking the Uniform.

And finally, more than anything, I love knee socks, cute cardigans, schoolgirl skirts and loose ties, so combining all three into one adorable school uniform? I love you Serena. (Victor, Victrola)



Stay tuned for Part Three: Jenny, Kati, and Isabel, and then Part Four: Our shopping guide!

screencaps from youknowyouloveme.org.

The Fashion of Gossip Girl Part One: Blair Waldorf

Oh Gossip Girl! You continue to delight me with your delightfulness. Every week is full of good/appropriate music, cute clothing, and DRAMA. Since these are three of the things I like the best, it's no surprise that this is my new favorite show. Leighton Meester is absolutely amazing as Blair, and she carries off the old-timey over the top fashions they put her in without blinking.

Exhibit one: Blair gussies up her school uniform in Victor, Victola.

There is so much going on here! I adore the red headband/bow (and headbands and pearls are definitely Blair's signature pieces. I've posted before about my love for headbands, is it any surprise I love Blair so much?) and the striped blouse is cute. The blazer is over-the-top, but somehow it works on her. (Plus, Chuck's business formal suit? Smoking. They look so much like a power couple here I cannot stand it.)



Exhibit two: Veil to Sunglasses in Seventeen Candles


Again with the adorable headbands. Only Blair would (and could) wear a tiny veil on a headband to confessional. But her power suit blends effortlessly for a confessional veil to a sunglasses power walk to the jewelers. And the the shoes! Oh the shoes! Leighton Meester is hardly short at 5'4" (imdb.com) but these shoes put her at eye level with Chuck and the rest of the amazonian ladies of Gossip Girl. And Hello, they are adorable.

Exhibit three: Flashback Blair's Thanksgiving Dress in Blair Waldorf Must Pie!


Blair had style, even at barely 16. When I'd just turned 16, I was running around in over-sized teeshirts and cutoffs. Granted, I was studying abroad on a tropical island during mid-summer, but still. Adorable dress here on Blair, and shows that Blair can still look fab in a simple outfit without a ton of accessories. I seriously covet the dress.





Exhibit four: Blair's tights

In order: White patterned tights from Victor, Victola, red from Hi, Society, black patterned tights from Blair Waldorf Must Pie!, blue from an upcoming episode, black patterned tights from Seventeen Candles.

Nothing can spice up an otherwise boring outfit faster than fun tights. I love the brightly colored ones for an instant punch, and the patterned ones are a subtle way to spice up an otherwise plain jane outfit.



Exhibit five: matching lips to clothing

White, black and pink dress and pink lips from Bad News Blair and red and white floral and red lips from Poison Ivy.

Normally I'm not a huge fan of matchy matchy, but Blair is matching her lips to one of the colors in her printed dresses and it is working so well. And the adorable red clutch and studded bracelet to young it up a tiny bit? Delightful.



Blair Waldorf: My kind of girl, accessorizing with headbands and coffee cups.

Stay tuned for part two next week, when we discuss everyone's favorite blonde glamazon, Serena.




screencaps from youknowyouloveme.org.