Whether you love her or hate her, no one can deny the inimitable attraction to Blake Lively. Not in that train-wreck, Paris Hilton kind of way – more of a, “wow, you are so genetically blessed” type of inspired awe. She is enviably gorgeous with those coltish limbs, gold-spun tresses, cheeky smile and come hither-ish eyes. And lest we forget her fabulous sense of style.

Born August 25 1987 into one of those Californian showbiz families, Blake began what will surely become an illustrious career at the ripe old age of 13, before making her big break as ‘Bridget’ in the feel-good friendship flick of 2005, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (a film that tragically, but undeniably epitomised my early teenage years).

However, it is her starring role in the TV series Gossip Girl as Serena van der Woodsen that has really catapulted her to stardom. It is hard, in all fairness, not to covet the lifestyle of this spawn-of-the-upper-east-side-elite as they go about their dramatic, privileged and often sordid, days. And while Blake herself appears about as far from the sordid and elitist that one can be, she radiates such poise and grace (sorry, had to throw in a cliché), coupled with a wardrobe to die for, that it some how separates her from the pack. And let’s face it: leaves the rest of us with a touch of the, “dammit, I wish I was her”.

Looking regal in cropped blue trousers and a tailored gold jacket.

 Totally rocking tangerine in this amazing leather dress.

With Anna Wintour runway-side in a strapless yellow and blue tribal-inspired frock.

Making the most of those sky-high pins in a leather mini and nude heels.

Stunning in silver at Chanel.

A fresh take on the 1920s flapper dress.

We can’t all be Blake Lively, but we can totally steal her style. I’m loving her bright blue pants and tangerine dress, which coincidentally are colours that are trending right now. You don’t have to jump into a full on leather dress to get the buzz, just inject a burst of orange into an outfit with this yummy Zambesi wrap belt or go all out with this Stolen Girlfriends Club Ruffle Dress in Tropic.

Incidentally, either of these would make a great Chrissy present for your sister… Or a sneaky wee pressie for yourself.

Until next time…

Ciao mes chéries!

Hx

Betty Catroux, fashion icon and bona fide muse to the likes of Yves Saint Laurent and Tom Ford, is the epitome of French glamour. Dubbed YSL’s “twin sister” by the man himself, Catroux has been hugely influential on the fashion scene since the 1960s.

Famous for her androgynous look and killer pins, this former Chanel model sure knows how to make a power suit look good. True to Parisian style, Catroux has worked total black (and sometimes white) since forever, proving that finding what works for you will stand the test of time through any fashion fad.

Luckily for us, minimalism is in – so if you don’t feel like wearing black for a good half century, you can take a leaf out of this muse’s lookbook and just give the minimalist approach a whirl this season. Go for clean lines and simple structures, such as tailored trousers and power dresses; and keep colours similar from top to toe – nudes, whites and greys are a fab alternative to drenching yourself in black.

We’re fending off October’s evening chills with this 100% Italian merino jumper by twenty seven names

Keep it easy in this sweet as Zambesi drop shoulder knit dress – slouch factor = amazing

Plain Jane never looked so hot.