We’re not breaking out gloves quite yet, in fact, we’re not even wearing tights today.

But the cold is coming and until we find the nerve to buy leather pants, which after reading this quote from Stella McCartney we probably won’t, we’re going to lust after these from American Retro.

They’re the arm equivalent to thigh-high boots, reaching up almost in to your armpit (though not quite because that would be uncomfortable). The buttery black leather’s cut off at the end, so your fingers are free and you can wear them at all times and though they’re expensive, they’ll qualify as a classic in the right wardrobe.

We’d suggest pairing with something more like Garance’s MaxMara coat than the model’s Jenny Humphrey hair, but that’s just us.

“You’d think it would be enough to be the Queen of Constance, but then to have to be the queen of the Upper East Side, and then … ” Jenny trails off here, but allow us to finish. And then you have to be the queen of your college sorority. Then you have to be the queen of the Style.com set, and have Derek Blas blog about you. Then you have to be the queen of the trophy wives, and then you have to have the prettiest and smartest children. Then you have to be the queen of New York Social Diary, and the queen of Bill Cunningham’s page in “Styles,” and then you have to hope that when at last you get Alzheimer’s your children don’t turn against you and start selling your possessions and letting you live in squalor on a pee-stained sofa. And then you die, and even then, you can still lose, if everyone stops talking about you.” —From Daily Intel’s epic Gossip Girl recap.

There’s a strict division these days between Gossip Girl loyalists and those who’ve passionately abandoned all things Blair and Chuck.

If you’re still of the former, you’ll catch an appearance from the Plasticines on Monday. The French girl group pops up to play two songs at a very important, um, debut for Jenny Humphrey.

As for fashion, no word on which black number Jenny will wear under her raccoon eyes, but the Plasticines will don custom Alice & Olivia outfits. Looks like the partnership the band formed with designer Stacey Bendet at her SS10 presentation has led to even bigger things.

Will their set be silenced by the looming threesome? That, we can’t tell you.

Given our Gossip Girl obsession, I felt the need to weigh in on the situation that is NYC Prep, fashion news or not.

While I anxiously await Daily Intel’s highly specific (and sure to be hilarious) recap, I’ll just share a few quick thoughts.

I was obviously expecting an abundance of egregious behavior and inflated egos from these privileged youth…they were worse than expected. It was kind of nauseating to watch. Fictional romps on GG = good. Real kids acting like a-holes, not so much. Note: PC, sir, you are no Chuck Bass.

Plus, I was less than impressed by the clothing—which is supposed to be one of their “things”, yes? Personal shoppers do not a stylish girl (or boy) make. And Sebastian, really with the hair? We think Rolando could give you some serious advice.

Blair, Chuck, Serena, and even Little J would be so disappointed.

Fashion quote of the show for sure was from Jessie’s friend, Zoe: “I wear clothes that are less than $20 sometimes.” I don’t even have words…

Are these kids giving their private school counterparts across the country a bad name? Or just our fair city of New York? I, for one, have never been more proud of my public school diploma.

Yet, I know I will still watch every episode of this silly show. What does that say about me? Are you with me? Or are you a more culturally sound person?

Little J may have outlawed headbands on the final episode of Gossip Girl, but we’ve decided her decree applies to just the most Blair Waldorf-like bows.

Mostly because we’re obsessed with the Jennifer Behr rope head wrap on Rose Cordero in this month’s Teen Vogue.

But at $248, it’s a bit outside our accessory budget. So we decided to make our own.

YOU’LL NEED:
-1.5-2 yards of rope
-A thin, plastic headband
-Superglue
-Optional: tea

STEPS:

1. If you’d like your rope to look a little weathered, dip it into a cup of black tea that you’ve let steep until the color’s what you’d prefer. Let dry overnight.

Well, Leighton Meester finally landed an ad campaign.

It’s not Marc, it’s not Miu Miu, in fact it’s nothing we really care about which is painful since we really care about Leighton.

She’s the new face of Reebok.

And not the way Agyness was the new face of Reebok, not just a passerby at a party who happens to be wearing Reeboks, there’s proof this time.

She shot the ads in New York on Saturday morning, with short brown hair and an outfit that would make Blair Waldorf cringe and Jenny Humphrey jump for joy.

The funny thing is, no one on Gossip Girl actually wears sneakers.

“If Abigail Lorick’s the designer behind Eleanor’s line, who designs Little J’s? Because I’m pretty sure it’s Avril Lavigne.” - Kyle, on J Humphrey Designs, from you know what.

Let’s talk about Jenny’s outfits from last night, shall we? Because, in a very true to life manner, Jenny’s turned 15, picked up a huge attitude in the process, and is diligently reflecting her newfound not quite a woman self with over-the-top outfits and almost as much eyeliner as Jodie Harsh.

Her new look? A cross between Betsey Johnson, to channel that young designer vibe, and 80’s Madonna via gobs of wannabe Gothic jewelry and a new don’t-mess-with-me walk.

We love that Eric Daman goes so out of his way to reflect what the characters are up to sartorially (got to love Blair’s Communion Day white socks in thigh-high form for Chuck seduction), but gray, fishnet knee-highs? In public? At work?

Quite a jump from her polka-dot socks / headbanded curly hair / big bag swinging from her elbow days, no? But maybe, since she’s in high school, that’s what makes it so real.

“Sorry J, but in the real world, you can’t take a note to the principal when the drunken model eats your homework.” - Gossip Girl, after model Agyness (we can play) leaves wearing the design Jenny’s given up to Eleanor.

 
This just in:

Another bit to add to Wednesday night’s Little J revelations -

Once again, after the jump, so no crying if you click to regret it.

We know something you don’t know.

But since everyone knows how touchy things can get when Gossip Girl spoilers are strewn about right on homepages, we’re keeping this one safe from regretful eyes, after the jump.

Just one carrot: It does have to do with fashion…

“Duh nuh nuh NUH nuh…” - Jenny’s cell phone ring whenever her boss from Eleanor Waldorf calls, on Gossip Girl - The same ringtone as Andrea’s in The Devil Wears Prada.

“What is that? … Oh, lace. Ugh.” - Jenny’s internship advisor on the dress she made for her, on last night’s Gossip Girl.

We’re assuming that, like us, you stayed up to watch the women’s all-around gymnastics face-off, and already know that Texan (via Russia) babe Nastia Liukin took the Gold.

Since she’s the next big female athlete, endorsement-wise, and happens to also be beautiful in an incredibly swanlike kind of way, PLAY: The New York Times Sports Magazine is already wondering whether she’ll go beyond her current commercials, like AT&T, to something more “adult”.

Nastia’s already done some smiling for Cover Girl, but other than that, it’s been pretty non-girly so far. But we’re pretty sure we know the next best thing for her:

Wouldn’t she make the most adorable Neutrogena girl ever? It’s age-appropriate, it fits her target audience, and we could totally see her talking about how it’s the only thing she’ll use, or whatever.

In fact, we think she’s more perfect for it than Taylor.

“Even you should know that jealousy clashes with L.L. Bean pants” - Jenny to Dan, on last night’s Gossip Girl, the Greatest Hour of Our Time.

Dear New York City Bars,

Why don’t you show Gossip Girl on your screens?

I spent yesterday evening happily watching Lost in a silent bar full of revelers swigging their free shots every time someone suggested Jack might die - imagine the possibilities with GG.

Free shots each time Dan caresses Serena’s face? Or, every time Blair and Chuck exchange death stares? How about every time a bow appears?

See, I don’t have a TV, and it’s absolutely impossible to leave my house on a Tuesday morning and not know every detail of the previous night’s episode before 11 am. Forget the plot, I’m talking about the color of Chuck’s socks, the length of Serena’s hair, the brightness of Jenny’s shoes - people want to tell me everything.

Not to mention, it’s already been widely discussed that a lot of GG’s viewers used to catch the show online - but now they’re not allowing that, so what are we supposed to do? Wait til Saturday, when we can already recite the plot by heart thanks to our annoying friends on AIM? I don’t think so.

In fact, Beauty Bar, if you’re listening, this would be perfect for you.

Thanks,

Fashionista

A good friend of ours, like any good PR girl who knows about our teensy tiny Gossip Girl fixation, sent us some info on Kimberly Baker.

Maybe you’ve never heard that name before, but you will soon - her jewelry’s been all over your TV sets, subliminally seeping onto wish lists everywhere courtesy of Serena, Blair, Jenny, and even Vanessa - you can also see Mary-Kate sporting her Wolfette ring on her January NYLON cover.

Considering at least one Kimberly Baker piece has been spotted on literally every female GG character, we’re just waiting to see a throw-down between Georgina and, well, anybody, involving Kim’s Bianca Ring, at left (our favorite).

Ok - I will now return to moderating the ongoing battle for official “Chuck’s Girlfriend” title here in the office.

— JAZZI McGILBERT

Last week, we got about a million messages asking us to post about Gossip Girl which, as you all know, returns tonight.

We assume you’ve all read the interview in NYLON and know all about the coming yogurt fiasco on the steps of the Met.

But here’s a little more info courtesy Natalie’s HD Player: Tonight’s episode is called “The Blair Bitch Project.”

And here’s a little taste of what happens: “Blair hesitantly returns to school after being dethroned as Queen Bee; Serena struggles to adjust to living with her future stepbrother, Chuck, and receives disturbing packages from an unknown sender; Jenny’s drive to be popular hits a high.”

Who else thinks the packages come from Georgina? Discuss!

Ok! T-10 hours…

We’re getting a little Gossip Girl crazy around here.

The sun is out, we’re eating Sour Skittles, and there are only 5 days left until “The Greatest Show of Our Time” returns, (we’re obsessed with NY Mag’s running commentary and look forward to it almost as much as we look forward to the show itself).

Fred Flare’s thrilled too.

Their “What’s New” section boasts a Canvas Jenny Tote and a Blair baby doll dress. The tote’s kind of eh but the Blair dress comes complete with a bib, buttons and ruffle - she’d totally wear it with white tights and patent pumps.

We searched for a Chuck grandpa cardigan or a brightly colored Serena scarf but no luck yet. We’ll be checking back for more inspired titles.

(Editor’s Note: Please enjoy this shot of Chuck at SubMercer courtesy of photog extraordinare Faran. Britt’s to the RIGHT, but she didn’t think her beauty could hold up next to Mr. Bass. Check out that ripped jersey and exposed dog tags, ladies!)