Thanks to her stint as Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl (as well as some of her own very memorable style moments), Leighton Meester has established a fairly indelible reputation as a fashionista. But in an intimate Q&A for Jimmy Choo (to go with the style diary she shot for the brand (remember Emma Roberts’s last year?), Meester shares that her everyday life is a lot less over-the-top stylish — and a lot more relatable — than you might think. Read on for a few of our favorite revelations from the star.
Courtesy Jimmy Choo
She’s inspired by very diverse women.
She cites Diane Keaton and Stevie Nicks as style inspirations. But if she had to walk in someone else’s shoes for the day, she’d pick Planed Parenthood president Cecile Richards, “who speaks up for all women and their right to health care.”
She’s not going to suffer for fashion.
“I like to experiment and change depending on mood, but comfort is most important to me,” she says, adding that her style has evolved since she first entered the spotlight. “Like anyone, I’ve gone through phases, but the biggest difference is that I’m less concerned with fashion for fashion’s sake. I find that I’m happiest when I’m comfortable in my favorite key items, so I just add or subtract from my tried and true items to create a certain look.”
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Courtesy Jimmy Choo
Her best beauty secret? It starts from within.
“The most important aspect of emotional well-being for me is getting enough rest. I go to sleep and wake up early, and rest when I need, which is important in staying healthy when you have a hectic schedule. Stretching, staying hydrated and keeping my body in motion, even with a relaxing walk, is very equalizing.”
And her purse isn’t overflowing with pricey lipsticks and fancy compacts.
Open up her handbag and you’ll find: “reusable stainless steel or glass water bottle, sunglasses, hand cream or cuticle oil, lip balm, hair clips and pins, and current reading material.” The cuticle oil and lip balm (along with SPF) are her three low-maintenance desert island must-haves, but she does get a little fancy when it comes to her favorite shades (they’re Jimmy Choo, of course!).
Courtesy Jimy Choo
And of course, she looks fly with a little help from her friends.
“I appreciate honesty so I would always ask a good friend for fashion advice, and I will give input but I have some very stylish friends!”
What do you think of her style? Loving the photos?
–Alex Apatoff
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