A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.

I have been following Blake Lively/ Serena Vanderwoodsen since I began watching gossip girl. I have not been inspired like this since Carrie Bradshaw and while Serena's style is in no way similar, I find it even more inspiring due to the fact it is so wearable (okay, expect backless dresses in the workplace)

Before Serena, I would have never dared to wear a blazer or a vest-- but she has demonstrated a way to make it look so undeniably cool . I am drawn to the bohemian feel with the added embellishments and sparkle and most of all daringly short hemlines

I am always looking for ways to adapt my look to Serena's style, however it is not always possible to own the exact looks on the show. For one, some of these pieces featured on the show cost a fortune, not to mention they sell out before Monday at 10:00, and I want to focus on the show not shop online. It is probably the only time during the week that I DONT want to shop online.

I would like to share some of my favorite looks from the show......(in no particular order).....

This is officially where the obsession began, season one Chinese Laundry "Strate" boot. Now that several years have passed it has become exceedingly easy to find a pair of boots like these. However, at the time I searched EVERYWHERE for these, after much effort and anxiety I found them. I still wear them non-stop I even have a back up pair gray and also own them in black and purple as well.

Here is Boho-style Serena, in a loose fitting tye-dye -esque easy to wear dress. I had my eye on this dress before it appeared on the episode as I had discovered it on the DVF website. Shortly after the episode aired I saw the strapless dress in woodbury commons, but thought I would hold off for Serena's dress instead. While, naturally it sold out but the strapless verion below is still available, maybe I should have purchased it at woodbury commons after all it costs much more on the website.

Nanette Lepore symphony cardigan! This was season one, however, to this day I am still seeing similar cardigans everywhere. I was trying to hold out for this exact one for quite some time, however, I finally gave up on finding this exact one. What I like about it is the long length and relaxed fit . I have spent several hours trying to find a similar cardigan, and havent had much luck finding one under $500.00.


I think I may settle with this Eddie Bauer for only $89.00



I cant afford the average haute hippie item much less this umimaginably fantastic beaded jacket for over $900.00


This jacket from Victoria's Secret has the same proportions and a similar color palate for only $178.00:



I really do love jeggins, I have purchased two pairs and have not worn regular jeans since. Serena's bright blue ones are still my favorite, but of course unavailable. Anyhow, they are Victoria Beckham and I have a strict rule against celebrity clothing lines no matter how much I may like an item




I personally own this pair from Urban Outfitters in 70s blue and while not exactly the same shade of blue they have satisfied my need for this look and are only $24.99

I wouldnt have guessed to see Serena in these pink pants, but I ADORE them ! They remind me of melon sorbet, perfect for summer. I had never heard of "Suno" prior to researching these pants, but I took at look at their 2010 spring ready to wear line and it is just as refreshing as these pants. Not surprisingly, I havent been able to find another pair of pants remotely comparatble.



Serena is wearing the Georges Chakra Cage Dress, this is a couture dress covered in Swarovski crystals and costs $48,000. Yes that is correct. It goes without saying that most of us dont have the money for this dress. However, even is this dress was 1% of that price, most of dont have an event to wear such a dress. (okay, I would find a place wear it)

This LaRox weekend warrior tank has the same "cage" feel and can be incorporated into the everyday wardrobe, for only 138.00 at shopbop.com







My Moschino ho, my Versace hottie

Blair will be covered in another post, but I cannot mention this season's first episode in Paris, without mentioning this Moschino dress. Biggie first taught me how to properly pronounce Moschino back when I had only seen this name printed in Vogue magazine, I have been enjoying saying it ever since, as many times as possible. At first, I thought this look was separates and became immediately amazed at creativity of combining these two prints, but it is an entire dress. Either way, it is still fabulous!

I totally want to put on this dress and eat a cupcake, then carry around some balloons.





This Zuhair Murad dress is simply breathtaking, I dont know the price much less where to even buy a Zuhair Murad dress in the first place. I am loving lace and what intrigues me the most about this look is that the arms and legs are covered in lace. Serena proves you can't have too much lace!




Remember that show The Look for Less? with the incredibly annoying and naseuating Elizabeth Hasselback? I always hated that show because they never even came close to re-creating the runway. I would always watch it to see if they could possibly even on one occasion surprise me and not come out with a pathetic outfit, it never happened. However, I do realize that some looks cannot completely be re-created and probably shouldnt be.


Sometimes you have to take pieces of the look that inspire you. Like this lace dress or the cage dress, to find knock off version of these dresses would probably be a cheap and pathetic attempt, youre better off buying the original look if you can afford it.



I prefer to re-create the look with a focus on the lace long selves and lace tights. I bought this lace button down shirt in three colors from target, I have mostly worn it with jeggins, but my intention in buying them was to pair them on top of a dress with lace tights of a similar pattern. Depending on how this works out, I will post a pic.



This amazing Tibi skirt was sold out before the show even aired. It is still available in a blue color on the Tibi, website but it is just not the same and is styled so horribly that it looks unattractive. Tibi should take a cue from Serena, and style the blue one more along these lines











I love the byzantine print of the Tibi skirt and just recently ordered these tights from Hue to celebrate Serena's look in my own way. However, I would have been more than willing to pay the $320.00 for the skirt Serena is wearing, I like it that much. Truth be told I am considering the blue version of this skirt as I write this.


Wouldnt you know it but I have been on the hunt for a pair of new houndstooth tights ever since I put a hole in my Betsey Johnson pair that I had received so many compliments on. I found a DKNY pair a few weeks ago at the Nordstrom website, looks like Serena is also a fan of houndstooth tights






















Nanette Lepore coats are frequently featured on gossip girl Serena, Blair, Jenny all have worn them. Serena is wearing the Party Girl coat from last season, but Nanette Lepore is offering a similar coat, "From Russia" which just recently went on sale. I am pretty much obsessed with studded clothing and accessories and as such this coat is on my wish list eventhough I already have a wool coat this same color.

...many more favorite looks to come