Gossip Girl Style, Part 4 of 4: Blair Waldorf

All hail Queen B! We decided to save the best for last to complete our Gossip Girl style look book. Blair's look is classic and sexy, with plenty of ruffles, frills, and bows. She is always dressed to impress, and we admire how she can take conservative collars and Victorian styles look so intriguing. Here are some looks that we think reflect the epitome of Upper East Side royalty, Blair Waldorf.

Blair Waldorf knows how to wear a little black dress. This chic pencil dress from Karen Millen is a knockout with its embellished neckline, jeweled sleeves, and cinched waist. Add an oversized pair of sunglasses, and you're ready to plot, scheme, and bring down anyone who dares to take your throne.

Everyone on Gossip Girl always has the cutest little coats to go with every outfit, and Blair is no exception. This short and classy coat available at Anthropologie has a classy, Victorian look that is just made for royalty, a la Queen B. 

But you can't be Queen without your headband of power! Even though Queen B has relinquished her throne, the headband is still a Waldorf staple. This satin, oversized bow by Tasha is a symbol of royalty in the Upper East Side (and in this case, is also the color of royalty!) Just be careful, looking this good you might get you a nairtini in the face.

 Plaid skirts aren't just for schoolgirls. This skirt from ModCloth is a chic, grown up version of the Gossip Girl staple, plus it has Blair's signature bow! With a well-fitted v-neck or button down, you are sure to rule the school (or office).

Spotted: B eyeing up this ultra femme lace and pearl bib necklace by AllThingsTinsel.  It's called "I'm the Queen"...how fitting!  This seller also has a great bow necklace and other items that our girl Blair would go Gaga over!

We can't help but envy how polished Blair looks all the time. Even when she's just lounging in her room reading Vogue, she is so put together. This two-piece dress by BCBG is exactly what we are talking about -- very sophisticated, classy, and sexy, just like our Queen B.

 And of course Manhattan socialite would not be complete without the perfect pair of preppy pumps by Gabriella Rocha.  Strap these babies on and you're set to stomp on the dreams of young Manhattan socialites everywhere. 





XOXO,

Jen & Saira

A Guide to Wearing Headbands

It may seem unthinkable now, but back in the late 1990s the headband was rare. You had your Chris Gatlings or your Clifford Robinsons, but that was about it. However, at the turn of the century a courageous group of players broke through the vaunted headband barrier to bring personal expression to a whole new level. That group: the Portland TrailBlazers. Those players: Brian Grant, Rasheed Wallace, Bonzi Wells, Scottie Pippen, Greg Anthony.

The Blowtorch salutes those brave souls. In their honor, please consult the following guide whenever you decide to wear a headband.

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THE STANDARD

Style: The Standard (formerly "the Cliff") is the most commonly seen headband style in today's NBA. Bisecting the player's forehead, the band is worn just above the ears and nestles under the protuberance on the back of the skull.

Currrent Practitioners: Rajon Rondo, Boobie Gibson, Brad Miller

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THE WAYBACK

Stule: The Wayback is worn high on the head, possibly to disguise the unfortunately high "fivehead" that a player might have. While the player may look normal while wearing the headband, once the band is removed their movie screen-esque forehead is prominently displayed.

Current Practitioners: LeBron James, Vince Carter

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THE OLD-TIMER

Style: While the Wayback is worn to disguise a grotesque physical anomaly, the Pierce is worn to combat a receding hairline. The Pierce is typically worn lower on the back part of the head in order to allow for coverage up front. Players who sport the Pierce generally appear slovenly.

Current Practitioners: Paul Pierce, Corey Maggette, Rasheed Wallace

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THE LOW-RIDER

Style: The Low-Rider is worn very low across the forehead, almost covering the eyebrows. It is assumed that this style originated from the wearing of low-slung fitted baseball caps.

Current Practitioners: Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Jason Terry

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THE JUST A BIT OFF

Style: The Just A Bit Off is worn pushed back on the head in an almost yarmulke-like fashion. This style is generally worn by the player who is goofy, dangerous, crazy, or insane, hence the name.

Current Practitioners: Steven Jackson (circa Brawl), Michael Beasley, Gerald Green

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THE EARMUFF

Style: In general, the Earmuff is worn by an older player who is out of touch with current style trends. Off the court, an Earmuff wearer can often be seen sporting hideous outfits that no sane human would be seen in. Of course, hipsters have co-opted this look.

Current Practitioners: Derek Fisher, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire

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THE GENIE Style: The Genie is a rarely seen headband style that takes both the Low-Rider and the Earmuff to the extreme. The band is worn low on the head, covering both the ears and the eyebrows. While this style is extremely rare, it has been captured by cameras on one occasion.
Current Practitioners: Julian Wright