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• Leighton Gossips About Fashion

  posted by Matt Whitfield - Fri Nov 6 2009, 8:11 AM PST

  celebs: Ed Westwick | Leighton Meester
  topics: Hotties

  A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to chat with television's best baddie and one of my favorite fashionistas: Leighton Meester. My time with the uber talented 23-year-old was limited, but it was a total treat nonetheless. After discussing the imminent release of her Universal Records debut album (cannot wait!), her new music video "Somebody To Love" (watch it on Yahoo! Music on 11/11!), and upcoming episodes of "Gossip Girl" (craziness ensues!), our talk quickly turned to fashion.

  Frazer Harrison/Getty Image

  Have you always been a fashionista, or did your role in "Gossip Girl push you in that direction?
  "I've always definitely loved art, and I think that [fashion] is a form of expression, a form of art ... the same way music and acting are. Obviously when you have the means to express yourself that way, it's nicer. So, now I can definitely have a few more shoes in my closet and it's nice. [laughs]
  
  You can never have too many shoes.
  "I know, right? It's really funny; every single time I buy a pair of shoes I'm like, 'These are the best shoes ever!' "
  
  Do you see yourself eventually working in the fashion industry? Doing a line, a fragrance, or something along those lines?
  "Eventually. I definitely think that would be something I'd like to do. But, I have a lot on my plate right now. As long as it's fun and creative, absolutely."
  
  Who are your favorite designers? Which labels do you gravitate toward?
  "I love Proenza Schouler. I love Stella McCartney, Louis Vuitton, Azzedine Alaia, Givenchy."
  
  Who inspires your look?
  "Of course I have influences, but I think that each look is influenced differently. I go by my moods. I love experimenting."
  
  Speaking of that, you have been known to take serious fashion risks on the red carpet. Some have paid off and others haven't. Can you talk about being a trailblazer on the red carpet?
  "I just have fun. That's what I want to do. If you're going to express yourself it should be for the sake of fun. I think that red carpets can be kind of stuffy sometimes, and it's not the most fun part of the job, to be perfectly honest. It is very fun getting ready and wearing the clothes, but it is kind of silly to go and stand on a red carpet and get your picture taken. But, it's nice to wear these amazing clothes and to express yourself."
  
  Do you have a stylist that works with you, or do you make all of those decisions yourself?
  "Yes. I work with a stylist who's amazing, and it's really good because we have such a wonderful relationship. He is totally into taking risks as well and we have a lot of fun together. He knows my taste, and I know his. A lot of it's him ... and his ideas and abilities and my willingness. So, it's a really good relationship."
  
  Does your stylist work with you on Gossip Girl, or do you only work with the costumers?
  "I work with Eric Daman, the stylist, just for the show."

  Leighton and her "Gossip Girl" co-star, Ed Westwick, strike a pose on the NYC streets. Jose Perez/Splash News Their characters, Blair and Chuck, may very well be the most fashionable couple on TV. Mejia/Asadorian/Splash New

  
  
  Do you have a say when it comes to Blair's wardrobe, or do they just throw stuff at you?
  "Oh no, I definitely have a say. Usually what they show me is very character specific, and I love it."
  
  Do you get to keep anything?
  "Usually not. Every once in awhile I get to keep something. [phone rings] There's my stylist right now! [laughs] That's so funny. He's calling me. I bet you he knew I was talking to you. Anyway, I occasionally get to keep something that I wore on the show. Sometimes they'll send shoes. But, a lot of it is borrowed directly from designers and they have to send it back. And, to be perfectly honest ... it would be pretty funny if I walked around in a Blair outfit.
  
  Time for the rapid fire.
  "OK."
  
  What's the most fashionable city in the world?
  "Ummm ... that's not a good question." [laughs]
  
  Unfortunately, you need to pick one.
  "I love New York ... but I also adore Paris!"
  
  Fine, I'll let you get away with two. Favorite shopping spot in New York?
  "I love Jeffrey." [Located at 449 W. 14th Street]
  
  What article of clothing can you not live without?
  "Well, I just got the most amazing coat in Paris, this Alaia trench coat. It's just so beautiful and beautifully fitted, and it's so well made. I love it."
  
  What do you spend way too much money on?
  "Shoes!"
  
  Do you have a favorite pair?
  "Yeah, these ridiculous Balenciagas that are light pink with velcro that I can't ever take off my feet. I also just bought these incredible Alaia zippered boots and another pair of Alaia brown boots with laces. I can't even name them all. I love them!"
  
  Do you happen to have a pair of the YSL Trib Two platform pumps? Every female celebrity seems to have them, and they never seem to go out of style.
  "I just got a pair of YSLs, but they're not pumps. They're strappy. I'm very rarely a pump kind of girl." [laughs]
  
  So, would you say that shoes are the most important accessory?
  "I mean ... I think that it definitely changes your feeling about an outfit. If you add an amazing pair of heels to an outfit, you're going to love it all the more. And, they can definitely make just a plan black pair of jeans and a t-shirt look amazing ... if you wear incredible boots or something."

  Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage.com Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

  Do you have a favorite handbag?
  "I love the Proenza Schouler PS1 bag or anything Nina Ricci. Their bags are beautiful."
  
  Is there anything you wouldn't be caught dead in?
  "Ummm ..."
  
  Acid wash jeans? Scrunchies?
  "I probably wouldn't wear a tube top. [laughs] But, it's really hard to say. You never know!"
  
  Whats the biggest fashion mistake one can make?
  "I think you just have to feel comfortable in your own skin and you have to love what you're wearing."
  
  Final question: when you aren't on the red carpet, when you aren't being chased by paparazzi and aren't fabulously dressed, do you ever just kick back in sweatpants and flip flops?
  "I so wish that I had time to relax, but it's very, very rare. But when I'm just hanging around my house, I obviously don't wear heels. And, it is nice to put on a pair flats every once and awhile!"
  
  Thank you so much for your time. Everyone here at omg! is looking forward to your new album, the 'Somebody To Love' music video, more 'Gossip Girl' hotness, and your upcoming film, 'The Roommate.' We can't wait!"
  "Amazing! I can't wait for you to see my video; it's really hot. Fashion. Like, you are going to die!
  
  
  Isn't she amazing?!
  
  Anyway, don't miss Leighton as she delivers the drama every Monday night at 9 p.m. ET on "Gossip Girl," and make sure to check out her "Somebody To Love" video on Yahoo! Music this Wednesday!
  
  XOXO,
  
  Matt

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