What Would Blair Wear? Tripp Vanderbilt's Inauguration

For Tripp's swearing-in ceremony, Blair wouldn't be able to resist playing to a patriotic theme in her favorite shades of red, white, and blue. Her sculptural dress with origami pleating echoes the texture of her silver clutch, while claret Louboutins add sex appeal and diamond earrings show the Vanderbilts that Miss Waldorf has no need for their family jewels.

Gilt Groupe Sales

Gilt Groupe has Kate Spade today and Tory Burch on Wednesday, so it's the perfect time to score those preppy accessories! Here's the M-Th line-up... if you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, November 30: The Spa at Equinox, kate spade new york, Erin Fetherston, Miriam Salat Jewelry, Delman, Leslie Greene Jewelry, Jan Leslie Cufflinks for Him

Tuesday, December 1: Zero + Maria Cornejo, Fendi Watches, Furla, M.C.L. Matthew Campbell Laurenza Jewelry, Jay Godfrey

Wednesday, December 2: Geren Ford, Tory Burch, l'Autre Chose and Catherine Rapetti Sale, Lisa Perry, Portolano Women's, Damiani Jewelry

Thursday, December 3: VBH, Beauty Essentials, Eva Solo, Burberry Shoes, Dana Rebecca Jewelry

Kate Spade Holiday 2008

This image from last year's Kate Spade winter campaign is basically a holiday dream look for me. The skirt is by Kate Spade, and I wish I bought it when it went on sale. Ah well--I recreated the look with a Banana Republic red cashmere tee, a black wool full skirt, and substituted my dyed plum Kate Spade satin Karolina heels for the cobalt blue Keeden pumps shown here.

Leifsdottir Florene Blouse

The Florene blouse by Leifsdottir popped back up in my size and on sale, so I ordered it hoping it would be a disappointment in real life. I'm not sure why I do this to myself, because I always end up loving the order and then keep it. The top has tonal white stripes, a bow accent, and a peplum hem. I especially like that it's a true white--it seems that most stores have been featuring some variation on winter white or ivory this year, and I find that traditional white looks best with my skin tone. The back features a sassy exposed zip, but I'm planning to make it work-appropriate with a red v-neck cardigan and a dark gray pencil skirt.

Milly Rhinestone Collar Dress

I bought this Milly rhinestone collar dress at Nordstrom Rack, although my version has 3/4-length sleeves. It was a little big and missing a few rhinestones, but I had it repaired and tailored. This is a dress that can look a touch severe, so I wore my hair curled in a half-up/half-down style with red lip tint. I felt very Blair Waldorf with the Colony Club, even though I debuted my dress at a family dinner, a far more forgiving crowd.

Kate Spade Bow Hair Pins

There's something so deliciously corny about these bow hair pins from Kate Spade, and I like the idea of tucking them into swept-up hair in a wink to the holiday season. After years of only silver, gold seems fresh and new with a shine that you just can't get from good ol' Ag.

Nicely Done: Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon ran errands in this great little combination of pieces. The styling is great here, and the wrapped belt and knee-high boots add a bit of spice to her cashmere v-neck cardigan, tank, and jeans.

Acquire It: Rachel Pally Desiree Dress

Rachel Pally Desiree dress, $192 at Nordstrom 

Admire It: Zac Posen Pleated Knit Tank Dress

Zac Posen pleated knit tank dress, $950 at Nordstrom

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.10: The Last Days of Disco Stick)

Blair is literally costumed for the entire episode, first in a drama-themed outfit to fit in with the kids at Tisch. She wears a dark charcoal plaid cape-style Nivalis jacket by Theory with what appear to be black leggings--oh, B, lest you forgot, leggings are not pants! She finished the look with red peep-toes, a black-and-white Chanel tote, black beret, and a strange drama mask necklace.

She's similarly attired here, wearing a black silk long-sleeve blouse.
For the Lady Gaga version of Snow White, B plays the evil queen in an Alice + Olivia embellished party dress, a short black cape with magenta lining, black gloves, and the tiara to end all tiaras.

Gilt Groupe Sales

Gilt Groupe is gearing up with deals--I wonder if they'll do something special for Black Friday. Here's the M-F line-up... if you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, November 23: Alexander McQueen, Inhabit, Armand Diradourian Scarves, Y-3 Accessories

Tuesday, November 24: Elizabeth & James, Marc Jacobs Collection, Calvin Klein Collection, Tumi, Locman Watches

Wednesday, November 25: Valentino Pret-a-Porter, Jewelry by Isharya, Jonathan Kelsey

Thursday, November 26: Chan Luu Jewelry, Vanessa Noel, Stella McCartney

Because I Said So

It's not a cinematic masterpiece, but Mandy Moore wears some delightful clothes in Because I Said So that have a definite Anthropologie vibe. This red-and-white polka dot dress with a thin patent leather bow belt was created for the film, but Milly did a line of delightful dotted pieces last fall and it probably won't be too difficult to find a similar dress.

Since her character is a chef, Mandy spends the bulk of the movie in charming aprons like this one, layered over sweetly patterned silk blouses.

This jacquard ivory coat with jeans is so chic, and it could easily be replicated with any textured snow-colored topper.

If I'm remembering correctly, this swoonworthy cream silk dress is 3.1 Philip Lim. The buttons down the bodice and the flowing skirt is beautiful. This is one of the first items I saw from Lim and I seriously considered shelling out the $$$ for it, but managed to restrain myself.

The chevron beading at the waist is exquisite--this would be lovely for a summer evening in Paris or a City Hall wedding.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Camisole Bow Top

I ordered this MbMJ camisole during theoutnet's free shipping promotion, mostly because of the genius styling above. I love the idea of layering it over a classic ribbed tank with a boyfriend blazer on top, finished off with a chain strap bag, skinny jeans, and flats. I'd also like to try it with a long sleeve black tissue tee and a denim pencil skirt.

Steven by Steve Madden Intyce Boots

There's something innately powerful about a tall boot. A length of leather on the leg instantly lends edge to the sweetest of skirts or gives an equestrian aesthetic to jeans and a wool blazer. Endless is running a great sale with an additional promotion on these Steven by Steve Madden Intyce boots, and the low wedge and soft almond-shaped toe recall the Loeffer Randall Mathildes with a more recession-friendly price. The cognac color is also great, but I can't resist basic black. I've been wearing them with skinnies and long cashmere cardigans, but I wore them out this week with a flippy miniskirt and a sweater set to add some zest to preppy basics.

J.Crew Ribbed Wool Glittens

Though I love my iPhone, the touchscreen is definitely not Chicago winter-friendly and I hate having to take off my gloves whenever I need to answer a call. Enter glittens, the glove/mitten hybrid that lets me tap on the phone screen without having to remove the wooly goodness from my hands. I ripped off the plain white buttons and sewed on sweet little pearls for a little more style, and these will definitely be a winter staple this year.

Nicely Done: Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson paired chic black and white basics for lunch out with a friend. The cropped length shows off her Ferragamo grey peep-toe shoes with metal heels, and her pants have pleats! Pleats! That are chic! Nicely done indeed.

Acquire It: Kate Spade Harper Sequin Flat

Kate Spade Harper sequin flat, $275 at Nordstrom

Admire It: Salvatore Ferragamo Varina Glam Ballet Flat

Salvatore Ferragamo Varina glam ballet flat, $490 at Neiman Marcus

Gilt Groupe Sales

Oh, Gilt is getting dangerous this week with Nanette Lepore and Trina Turk...if you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, November 16: Carolina Herrera, Nanette Lepore, Gail DeLoach, Eugenia Kim and Heidi Weisel Cold Weather Sale

Tuesday, November 17: Halston, AG Jeans, Bally, Bill Blass, Costume National Accessories, Bric's, Maurice Lacroix Watches

Wednesday, November 18: Just Cavalli, Oscar de la Renta, Just Cavalli Accessories, TSE, John Hardy Jewelry, Baby Quasar

Thursday, November 19: CNC Handbags, Trina Turk, Gianfranco Ferre, Votivo Candles, Michele Siegel Jewelry,Vilebrequin

Friday, November 20: White + Warren, Zac Posen, Olivia Harris, Mary Louise Designs Jewelry, Steven Alan, Links of London, Jewelry by Paul Morelli, Anna Ruth Henriques and Tito Pedrini

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.09: They Shoot Humphreys, Don't They?)

I think this is another of B's glamorous robe-and-nightgown sets, and she is perfect coiffed as always while lounging in Chuck's suite.

At Lily's party, Blair wears a gray silk dress with black trim, a pleated bodice, and a full skirt.
One of my favorite pieces of the season is Blair's Red Valentino trench coat with flat-pressed ruffle trim.
She tutors her new project in a gold brocade dress and beaded gold necklace.
B+S=friends forever (again), even though B is totally outstyling S in this scene. Her red Marchesa side-bow dress is set off with a black beaded necklace and strappy black platform heels.

Lady Gaga in Bad Romance

Lady Gaga in the lobster claw McQueens. Heaven.

Anthropologie Inverness Trench

Now that it's getting colder in the city, I had to put away the Inverness trench until spring. I've been wearing this coat almost every day since I purchased it in September, and the swingy skirt never fails to make me feel like spinning pirouettes. It has a decidedly girl detective sort of vibe with the menswear plaid and peaked collar, yet the bow-trimmed pockets and accent on the back belt are unexpected touches. I especially loved wearing it with short skirts on nights out for a take on the trenchcoat-and-heels classic.

J.Crew Dream Cadet Funnelneck Sweater

This cardigan doesn't look like much in the stock picture, but it's more of a sweater-jacket (swacket?) in person and looks great as a layering topper. The shoulder epaulets and gold-crested buttons are a nice way to experiment with the military-inspired trend without overdoing it. I'll pair it with a miniskirt and my Matt Bernson moto boots to add a bit more edge.

J.Crew Leaf Pointelle-Stitch Tights

I threw in these J.Crew leaf pointelle-stitch tights as a ride-along for free shipping and ended up loving them. They don't lay completely straight as shown in the photo, but that might be because my calves aren't as teeny as the model's. Regardless, they have a sort of pin-up appeal and I definitely felt a little bit Dita wearing them with my black skirt and gray J.Crew Maya cardigan. I'm also planning to pair them with a tucked-in black oxford, black pencil skirt, and sky-high heels.

J.Crew Jeweled Garland Necklace

I received this necklace as a gift, and wore it for the first time last week over a black cashmere crewneck sweater. What you can't tell from the stock picture is that it has some texture, so it's not completely flat against your skin and it definitely makes it look a little more modern. I'm also going to try it with a rosy-beige silk top and a black skirt, and think it could also work with a blousy white tank.

Nicely Done: Kristen Bell

The low-backed Tibi dress donned by Kristen Bell is the kind of dress I'd love to find--I love the graphic black-and-white print and the short sleeves, plus I'm always a fan of clothes with a secret, like this scandalous back or an exposed zipped or a finely edged underskirt. Wisely, she accessorizes with classic Christian Louboutin pumps and red lips.

Jayma Mays in Glee (Episode 1.10: Ballad)

Will goes to see Emma to discuss how to handle Rachel's schoolgirl crush on him. Emma, unsurprisingly, is busy cleaning and is wearing her trusty blue J.Crew bow-front pencil skirt with a white tie-neck blouse, Leifsdottir faux pearl pointelle cardigan , and a white enamel bangle bracelet. (I have this cardigan and it's lovely--it's completely lined in teal silk and is a great evening piece.)

She advises Will to communicate to Rachel through song that he's not interested. Unfortunately, his performance just intensifies the crush, and even Emma can't resist. She looks adorable in her J.Crew cashmere tee, watercolor pencil skirt, and Mary Janes. Her jewelry is also fantastic, and she wears a large pendant necklace, chain bracelet with floral detail, and a J.Crew cluster ring.

Acquire It: Wool Herringbone Funnel Neck Coat

Wool herringbone funnel neck coat, $158 at Urban Outfitters

Admire It: Malene Birger Justinas Jacket

Martine Birger Justinas jacket, $648 at 25 Park

Gilt Groupe Sales

I'm still trying to avoid the call of Gilt, but if you need an invitation, click here to join.

Monday, November 9: Fendi Accessories, Fendi RTW, Lizzie Scheck Jewelry

Tuesday, November 10: Y Yigal, Beryll, Bedat & Co, Michael Kors, Me&Ro Jewelry, Isabella Fiore

Wednesday, November 11: Luminess Air: Airbrush Makeup, Alberta Ferretti, Jacob & Co Jewelry, Yohji Yamamoto, Elizabeth Cole Jewelry, Who What Wear

Thursday, November 12: Mario Badescu Skincare, Rock & Republic, Magaschoni, Raymond Weil Watches, H2 Hammerman Jewelry, Emanuel Ungaro

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.08: The Grandfather Part II)

Blair struts through the hallways at NYU in a Red Valentino gold brocade coat, Oscar de la Renta metallic jacquard dress, Alexandre Birman booties, and a Chanel bag.

The dress featured an interesting colorblocked bodies with a pleated fold-over detail--all the little touches you get when you spend nearly $2,300 on a single dress.

At Trip's party, B wears a black currant Diane von Furstenberg Thane stretch-wool dress and completes the outfit with a rhinestone necklace, black lace stockings, and black heels.
When the night doesn't go as planned, Blair retreats to Chuck's suite and gets comfortable in a plush white hotel robe.

Black Sheep Style from The Sartorialist

I stopped short when I saw this stunning photo from The Sartorialist. From the lovely composition to the way her red lipstick echos the red coat in the background, it's an amazing shot. Her chic haircut complements her striking features, and the whimsical sheep sweater is perfect with a long strand of pearls.

J.Crew Cotton Check Shirt

Sometimes I have this desire to wrap myself up in patterns favored by farmers, and this J.Crew check shirt has that comfy appeal with a tailored, feminine fit. I'm planning to wear it with a navy schoolboy blazer and am thinking about trying it with a navy turtleneck. I know... navy with navy, so daring and crazy, right?

Anthropologie Wavelet Blouse

This Anthropologie Wavelet blouse was a total score and I am already looking forward to wearing it in spring 2010. I used the white J.Crew Jackie cardigan in an attempt to winterize it, but it really deserves to be the star of the show. I found it ran true-to-size, and the fit is very flattering. I like simple styling with this top, either with a pair of jeans or a charcoal gray pencil skirt.

Calvin Klein Baylor

I picked up these low wedges for a steal, and they're very comfortable and chic thanks to a low vamp that shows the tiniest bit of toe. They're not forever shoes--the snakeskin tends to fray at the very edges of the soles--but I'm happy with them for under $20. I also like that they are office-friendly walking shoes, and I wear them on days when I have lunches out of office.

Nicely Done: Kate Walsh

I had this old photo of Kate Walsh saved--it's back from her early Grey's Anatomy days, and I love how she pushed up the sleeves of her brown leather jacket. The open blouse and plunging necklace add some sex appeal, and her red hair is a great shade. This would make a great first date look, especially with the tactile sensation of soft leather.

Acquire It: By Malene Birger UNICEF Bow Tee

By Malene Birger UNICEF bow tee, $120.00 at Les Nouvelles

Admire It: Dolce & Gabbana Bow Tee

Dolce & Gabbana bow tee, $360 at Neiman Marcus

Gilt Groupe Sales

Catherine Malandrino on Thursday, yes! I'm still searching for this amazing zipper dress I missed at the Neiman Marcus sale. If you need an invitation for Gilt Groupe, click here to join.

Monday, November 2: Alexander Wang, Carlos Falchi Microfiber, Moschino Cheap & Chic, KEP Jewelry

Tuesday, November 3: Cole Haan Shoes, Gryphon, Cole Haan Handbags, D&G Watches and Jewelry, Body Wellness: Glowelle & Yogamatic Mats

Wednesday, November 4: La Fiorentina, Malo, Vivienne Tam, Loree Rodkin Jewelry, NuFace: Facial Toning Device

Thursday, November 5: Calvin Klein Collection, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Rowley and More, PRPS, Exhibitionist Jewelry by Michael Spirito, DDF Skincare

What Did Blair Wear? (Episode 3.07: How To Succeed In Bassness)

Blair lounges in Serena's ridiculous office in a Milly chain-edged cream cardigan layered over a Milly patterned silk combo dress. She also wears red round-toe high-heeled booties.

For her next office visit, B wears Evelyn Begonia ruffle top by Milly, a coral Catherine Malandrino pencil skirt with a matching thin belt, a coral CC Skye Carson cuff bracelet, and a pale pink and black houndstooth purse.

After a fight with Chuck, B mopes at home in a midnight blue satin robe with a gray sash and gray piping.
However, our royal couple finally reunites in C's new bar with Blair looking stunning in a fringed Alberta Ferretti flapper dress and a variety of necklaces, including the St. Petersburg necklace by Suzanna Dai.