It is about time I actually wrote about something that phenomenally influences the flow of creativity and often inspires certain clothing choices. Yes it is a TV show and yes it is fabulous. I think you know what I am talking about, not Sex in the City that show had it's day in the flash bulbs, I am talking about Gossip Girl. Funnily though, it's current stylist once assisted Patricia Fielding of SATC fame. The mere mention of this show sets my heart a flutter, I love, love, love it. I love it the way a twelve year old girl loves a boy band, pathetically, desperately and blindly. I want my life to be like the utterly unrealistic, fictional fantastical characters. I want to saunter into luxury boutiques at 18 years old and purchase designer goods with reckless abandon, sip cocktails at exclusive bars underage and rapidly work my way through my entire male friendship group, again with reckless abandon! Most of all I want to wear those meticulously (especially if you're Blair) put together ensembles and meander the stylish streets of Manhattan. Sigh.

While sourcing the link for this blog I inadvertently caught myself watching the spoiler for the latest episode in the US and I squealed. I actually squealed. What did I tell you? Twelve year old. The story line is so outrageous and luring the way a good soap should be and I am hooked. Each personality is defined exactly by Eric Daman, the show's stylist. He has been able to give the character's a style that is so intrinsically them it is scary.

Chuck Bass - eccentric, daring, bold male style as befits his entrepreneurial, egotistical and ambitious profile. Blair Waldorf - preppy, posh, perfectly put together in a way that says rich, spoilt blackmailing bitch! Serena Vanderwoodsen - blond bombshell, short skirts and dresses, obvious mainstream choices for the barbie-esque, rich party girl. Nate Vanderbilt - preppy, conservative and safe just like him always trying to please, ever the diplomat. Dear Dan Humphrey - homegrown, jeans, tees varying brown shades and potentially some op shops threads says 'I am the boy from the other side of the bridge,' nerdy in a cool uni student kinda way. Now we move onto Jenny Humphrey - she started so sweet and innocent but has evolved to a dark, edgy, emo child, typical of her late teen rebellion and need to prove she is more than just Jenny from the block(!), Brooklyn. Finally Vanessa Abrams - she embraces colour, gypsy themes reinforcing her hippy, ethical and mildly alternative views. Mind you it wouldn't be at all hard to appear remotely moral beside the aforementioned characters.

So how does all this influence personal clothing choices? As a child dressing up was a favourite activity, one that I may not have grown out of. Each of these characters has something to offer in terms of being easy to replicate and add parts of their style to your own depen ding on what might be on for that day and the tyoe of mood you're in. For example in keeping with the rainy day gloom of this weekend, black nail polish, mini boots, high waisted black jeans and an oversized tee might be in order, a la Jenny Humphrey.

Tomorrow my work outfit will need to be a little more conservative, I am thinking the classic black and white combination, white shirt, fitted pencil skirt, high black heels and pearls, if I can I'll throw in a bow somewhere. Blair would be proud, apart from the fact that not one piece will be designer! Serena doesn't do much for me but if I looked like her I would wear an array of short, tight dresses. For a big night out she can provide inspiration, great heels and a well fitting dress can't fail, can they? Vanessa provides much of the insight during Summer months, with that Boho vibe, light kaftans, sandals and large intricate silver earrings.

For the boys I recently recommended the Bass handkerchief in the front blazer pocket to a lovely chap who got a few comments on it during his foray at a function. A hankie or scarf that brings out a colour in the shirt underneath can look superb, thought it is trickier to find the variety of colours in local stores. Also a fan of the Nate 'aren't I squeaky clean' button down cardigan over tee or shirt and jeans combo. From Dan it has to be the across the body satchel. If you'll excuse me am off the members club in my finest for the remainder of the afternoon. Yup the local pub in my jeans and tee for some afternoon brews!