GOSSIP GIRL STYLE: Blair and Serena

To celebrate (or to mourn) the end of Gossip Girl's third season, Sophie's Closet is doing a spotlight on some of the fabulous jewelry worn by our favourite characters this season. These girls are our favourite trendsetters! In fact, we carry many accessories from the show and many similar ones, because we know what's in.

So let's start with Blair and Serena.

Blair and Serena are currently the most influential television characters when it comes to style, inspiring young women everywhere, as well as stylists and designers. Although very different, they are the ultimate NYC "IT" girls. Blair takes after her idol Audrey Hepburn, opting for very classic and feminine styles, while Serena takes the ultimate blonde bombshell to a whole new level by adding a sweet bohemian touch to her otherwise very sexy looks.

Blair went through a very trying time this season, losing her Queen Bee status by going to NYU and ultimately losing Chuck. Of course, all the heartache didn't stop Blair from dressing like the Queen of the Upper East Side (which she clearly is). For Blair, accessories truly make the outfit. This is the girl that singlehandedly resurrected headbands. While she may have put her headbands behind (although we hear that they may be coming back next season), Blair's accessories have remained very playful and girlie. Blair prefers pearls, pretty coloured jewels, and, of course, bows.

Blair is not afraid of colour when it comes to her statement pieces. At Sophie's Closet, we have two amazing pieces worn by Blair. She wore an amazing green glass and gold necklace to match her Grace Sun deep green dress over some croissants with her frenemy Vanessa. Blair knows that the true way to win any war is to look more stylish than anyone else.


EXACT MATCH: David Aubrey Vintage Glass Cabochon Necklace (AED 480)

Blair also knows the importance of accessorizing to match your other half. Her and Chuck are both avid fans of purple. His tie and her bracelet are an exact match! Blair paired her ElieTahari dress with a Bounkit purple cuff because she knows purple is a sure way to Chuck's heart. We only hope these lovebirds will find a way to get back together next season!


EXACT MATCH: Bounkit Faceted Amethyst Cuff (AED 2200)

Like Audrey Hepburn, Blair loves pearls. Other than diamonds, pearls are a girl's best friend. If Blair was shopping at Sophie's Closet, she would certainly buy both Jacques Fath's "Chez Maxim" and Joomi Lin's "Save the Queen" necklaces.


TRY: Jacques Fath "Chez MAXIM Rose" Necklace (AED 2500)


TRY: Joomi Lim "Save the Queen" Short Layered Necklace with Bijoux (AED 1800)

Of course, Blair has a soft spot for pretty gold bracelets with bows. She has been seen wearing Rachel Leigh's "Audrey" bow bracelet in previous seasons. We think she would also love Rachel Leigh's "Olivia" bow bracelet and Vita Fede's chain bracelet. They are exactly her style.


TRY: Rachel Leigh "Olivia" Snakeskin Bracelet (AED 350)


TRY: Vita Fede Large Original Chain Bracelet (AED 595)

She would also adore Rachel Leigh's crystal layer bracelet to go with her feminine a-line skirts and cardigans. Blair is a classic beauty.


TRY: Rachel Leigh Crystal Layer Bracelet (AED 520)


Blair's BFF Serena prefers darker colours to go with her femme fatale look. She loves body conscious dresses, skinny jeans and shy high heels - whatever drives the boys crazy (and she changes boys as often as she changes outfits)! When it comes to jewelry, Serena often wears a combination of gold and black, whether it's rings, bracelets or earrings.

Earlier in the season, Serena wore a large gold and black cocktail ring very similar to CC Skye's "Blossom" ring we have at Sophie's Closet.


TRY: CC Skye "Blossom" Ring, Blossom Ring (AED 925)

Serena is all about layering multiple pieces of jewelry. She often wears classic cocktail dresses paired with edgy jewelry. If she was shopping at Sophie's Closet, she would layer multiple CC Skye bracelets: the more, the merrier.


TRY LAYERING: CC SKYE Pave Stud Bracelet Gold (AED 1100) & CC SKYE Single Wrap Bracelet (AED 870)

Of course, we love Bounkit as much as Serena! We love how she paired this multi-strand cuff with her body con Hereve Leger dress. A statement bracelet is often all Serena needs because we already know her decolletage is her favourite accessory. We can't blame her for that.


EXACT MATCH: Bounkit Bracelet (AED 4200)


TRY: "Fasino" Triple Natural Snakeskin Cuff (AED 495)

During her more demure days (yes, they do happen), Serena often opts for a simple gold cuff. We think she would adore CC Skye's "Dynasty" cuff that we have at Sophie's Closet.


TRY: CC Skye Dynasty Multi Chain Cuff (AED 555)

Nothing accentuates Serena's flawless skin more than a pair of dangling earrings. She prefers dark stones in contrast with her blonde long hair. Serena (and other girls on Gossip Girl) loves designer Siman Tu. We love how she paired Siman Tu's chandelier earrings with her lace Stella McCartney lace dress. It's quintessentially Serena: femme fatale with a romantic twist.


TRY: Bounkit Earrings with Citrine, Smoky Quartz, and Amethyst (AED 1700)


SIMILAR MATCH: Siman Tu Smoky Quartz Chandelier Earrings (AED 1430)


We can't wait to see the fabulous outfits Blair and Serena will sport when the series continues in Paris! And we sincerely hope everything will be okay with Chuck.

Of course, we didn't forget Vanessa, Jenny and Lily. We adore them too! Check back next week to see what they love to wear.

www.shopatsophiescloset.com

RACHEL LEIGH

Rachel Leigh launched in 2004 by former Yves Saint Laurent publicist Rachel Blumenthal. Drawing inspirations from runway trends, Rachel Leigh jewelry is designed for a girl who is chic, modern and versatile, who can transform from a quirky girlie-girl to an urban sophisticate to an edgy, glamourous princess from day to night. The type of girl who is adventurous and loves playing with accessories to achieve different looks.

In just a couple of years, Rachel Leigh had become a favourite among fashion editors, stylists, and young Hollywood celebrities. Her pieces had been prominently featured in Vogue, In Style, and on the very stylish Upper East Sider Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl.

Rachel Leigh jewelry is unique and, most importantly, accessible. Pieces from each season can easily be carried over to the next, mixing and matching bright colours and textures. Whether it’s a brightly coloured “Audrey” bow bracelet or an edgy chain cuff, Rachel Leigh jewelry always evokes a fun and lively attitude.

The “Audrey” enamel bow bracelet is a girlie-girl’s dream; yes, girls love bows. It’s no surprise that Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf owns two. She wore the gold “Audrey” with a cute floral summer dress and the blue ice “Audrey” with a sophisticated day dress.


Blair wears "Audrey" in gold


"Audrey" Enamel Bracelet in Gold (AED 320)


Blair wears "Audrey" in ice blue


"Audrey" Enamel Bracelet in Ice Blue (AED 320)


Katie Perry wears "Audrey" in blackberry (Nylon, March 2010)

Equally feminine is the “Olivia” bow bracelet. One can never have enough bows, right? A little bit more classic with the addition of snakeskin, “Olivia” is a perfect little compliment to any chic ensemble.


Rachel Leigh "Olivia" Snakeskin Bracelet (AED 350)


Cocktail rings are a must all year round, and having a brightly coloured ring is sometimes all the colour one needs. Rachel Leigh “Gumball” rings are surely a favourite among stylists because they have been featured in almost every fashion magazine in existence. Pumpkin coloured “Gumball” ring makes a splash in a tropical setting in Vogue magazine, while a turquoise “Gumball” compliments supermodel Karlie Kloss' brightly coloured outfit in the NY Times magazine.


"Gumball" ring in pumpkin orange (Vogue, December 2009)


"Gumball" Ring in Pumpkin (AED 350)


Karlie Kloss wears "Gumball" ring in turquoise
(NY Times magazine, March 2010)


"Gumball" Ring in Turquoise (AED 350)


For those looking for a light and casual bracelet this summer, there is no better option than Rachel Leigh’s “Cabana” wrap bracelet. Made from Japanese satin with a delicate crystal and fringe detail, “Cabana” is a perfect addition to a cute summer dress or a pool-side ensemble.


"Cabana" Wrap Bracelet in Aubergine (AED 320)


Of course, there is something for the edgy glamour girls too. Both the crystal braided bracelet and the chain cuffs are statement making pieces. While the braided bracelet is for a classic and sophisticated girl, the chain cuffs are going to speak to the girl with a little bit of a rock edge.


Crystal Braided Bracelet (AED 580)


Suede Chain Cuff (AED 590, available in silver/black only)

www.shopatsophiescloset.com

ROCK CHIC... from runways to Sophie's Closet

On the runway...


Balmain, Prada, Balenciaga

For what was once street style, rock chic seems to get reinterpreted every year in high end fashion. Most recently, Christophe Decarnin of Balmain has transformed the look into a "new rock meets Parisian sophistication," spawning many celebrity fans, most notably Rihanna and Victoria Beckham.

Dolce & Gabbana, Balmain, Chanel

Although the trend has been going on for awhile, it was once reserved for a full-on look that only rock stars could pull off. The new, updated look mixes feminine fashions with rock hard street edge. Chains, studs, spikes and leather details are becoming everyday accessories. Even the ultimate feminine house of Chanel is introducing some studs and chains and mixing them with very delicate garments made of silk and lace.


Balmain, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander Wang


Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel, Vionnet


As Chanel knows, accessories are the best way to bring out one’s hard edge. This season, many shoe and bag trends focus on metal detailing like studs, chains and zippers. Balmain mixed soft pinks, gold chain mesh and metal studs to their summer sandals while Christian Louboutin introduced large metal spikes to his soft pleated suede bags.


In Sophie’s Closet...

Sophie’s Closet has it all: chains, studs, spikes, and black leather!


CHAINS


Vita Fede 'Vero' Black Snakeskin Zipper Bracelet (AED 800)


Vita Fede "Fasino" Triple White Bracelet, 24 carat gold plated (AED 495)


Vita Fede "Fasino" Triple Natural Snakeskin Bracelet (AED 495)


Rachel Leigh Suede Chain Cuff (AED 590, available in silver/black)

Chain detailing can be both feminine and classic and tough and edgy. Vita Fede’s ‘Vero’ chain and zipper bracelet is very rock cool while ‘Fasino’ is a little more on the feminine side, especially with its use of white and snakeskin leather. Rachel Leigh’s suede and multi-chain cuff is a great “meet in the middle” alternative.

STUDS & SPIKES


Vita Fede 'DO' Ring (AED 760)


Joomi Lim Single Spike Bangle (AED 420) & Double Spike Bangle (AED 470)


Joomi Lim 'Love Hurts' Bracelet (AED 930)


CC Skye Black 'Rosary' Bracelet with Stud (AED 250)

Of course nothing says rock ‘n roll and punk like studs and spikes. Whether minimalist and classic or mixed with pearls for a touch of femininity, this look is a staple of rock chic. Vita Fede’s ‘DO’ stud ring and Joomi Lim’s spike bangle are classic and clean-cut ways to add a little ‘punk’ to your wardrobe. Sometimes elegance can be found in the simplicity of design. For Joomi Lim’s ‘Love Hurts’ bracelet and CC Skye’s ‘Rosary,’ spikes are mixed with pearls for a more lady-like take


LEATHER


CC Skye Leather Heart and Spike Necklace (AED 550)


CC Skye Screw Bracelet (AED 420)


CC Skye Single Wrap Bracelet, 18K Gold Plated (AED 870)

Rock n’ roll and leather go way back. So it’s no wonder that CC Skye has capitalized on the edgy girl’s love of leather with beautiful compositions of black leather and gold. The leather heart necklace makes for a sweet take on the edgy look, but not too sweet because a true rock n’ roll girl never gets too girly. CC Skye’s black leather bracelets are made luxurious with the mix of gold studs and chains: classic ‘rock chic’ accessories that can be worn with almost anything.

www.shopatsophiescloset.com

SUMMER BRIGHTS... from runways to Sophie’s Closet

There is no better time to add bright colours to one's wardrobe than in heat of summer. While colour, is, of course, always 'in', it should be taken to the next level during the summer months: the brighter, the better! The hottest colours for spring and summer 2010 are greens, hot pink, and the quintessential summer must-have, turquoise.


GOING GREEN

On the runway...


Nicole Farhi, Zac Posen, Louis Vuitton

This season many designers embraced green in many shades, from deep green to bright lime green, like the accessories from Louis Vuitton. Green is making a big statement this summer.


In Sophie's Closet...


Rachel Leigh 'Audrey' Enamel Bracelets in Citron, Kelly, and Cabana (AED 320 each)

Rachel Leigh's 'Audrey' bracelets are a perfect way to add a little pop of colour to one's wardrobe. This cheerful little bow bracelet is just the perfect companion to a breezy summer dress.


Bounkit Huge Opulent Green Agate Earrings (AED 1670)

Bounkit's green drop earrings are a perfect way to add a bit of old Hollywood glamour. They would compliment a gorgeous cocktail dress or an evening gown flawlessly.


Bounkit Necklace with a Four Petal Green Aventurine Flower (AED 5900)


Also from Bounkit is this stunning emerald green statement necklace. Statement necklaces can add that special something to any ensemble, whether it's a simple v-neck sweater, a blouse or a gorgeous dress. This one is a sure show-stopper. It comes with another great perk: the flower is a removable brooch.



PRETTY IN HOT PINK


On the runway...


DKNY, Christian Dior, Nicholas Kirkwood

Both Donna Karan and John Galliano embraced head-to-toe hot pink looks for their spring collections. This colour is popping up everywhere from make-up, accessories, bags, and shoes.

In Sophie's Closet...


CC Skye Neon Pink Cuff (AED 290)

Head-to-toe hot pink can be a little daunting, so accessorizing in this bright shade is a safer alternative to embrace this look. CC Skye's cuff is an elegant but punchy hot pink option.


Jacques Fath 'Ches MAXIM Rose' Long Earrings (AED 1500)


Jacques Fath 'Chez MAXIM Rose' Necklace (AED 2500)

Jacques Fath's 'Chez MAXIM' earrings and necklace are a sure way to be noticed. Made in Paris, it is unmistakably Parisian chic. A lot of drama and a little bit of boudoir, these pieces are sophisticated but with a flirty and a sexy edge. Très chic.


SEEING TURQUOISE

On the runway:


Versace, Derek Lam, Burberry

The truth is: turquoise is the quintessential summer colour. No summer season goes without it and 2010 is bursting with it. From summer dresses to glamorously amazonian Versace gowns - it's the colour to be seen in. Designers like Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, and Burberry all focused on bright turquoise handbags for their spring collections.


In Sophie's Closet...


Jacques Fath "Croisette" Earring (AED 760)


Bounkit Turquoise 24K Gold Plated Earrings (AED 1490)

Often only a little hint of turquoise is all that is needed to radiate summer glamour. Both Jacques Fath and Bounkit's earrings are just sheer turquoise perfection.



Siman Tu Aqua Glass Necklace (AED 2995)

Another statement necklace is Simon Tu's aqua glass necklace in a turquoise-like shade. It would look absolutely exquisite with an amazing maxi-dress for that highly coveted boho chic, or with a little black dress for a polished evening look.

www.shopatsophiescloset.com