The Empire Strikes Jack, 1 of 3 - Jenny, Agnes, and Vanessa

Episode Synopsis: Jenny tries - and fails - at being a normal teen. Vanessa seeks advice from her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend on how to get out of a rut (didn't Dan and Vanessa just get together?). Jack's back in the picture stirring up drama, and Elizabeth is not Chuck's mother...or is she? 

Once again, Jenny is a major part of the plot line, which makes me wonder...where is Erik?? But to get to the matter at hand - Jenny must have become friends with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen during her time being grounded.  Observe the oversize baggy coat, chunky scarf, beanie, and all in neutral gray colors, no less! Kind of like an upscale homeless person...

The coat comes off and what we see isn't much better. There is just way too much going on here. I hate to say it, but I do kinda love all the pieces SEPARATELY. The sweater has some great sequin detailing and come on - who doesn't love a short plaid skirt?! But together it's too much...and while I am a fan of layering jewelry, Jenny's necklaces don't go together at all! 

Oh and then...you see her legs.

I should also mention that this is the same outfit Jenny wears the ENTIRE episode.  While painfully realistic, Gossip Girl usually provides many costume changes. Maybe the budget is still shrinking and cutting out belts (as earlier this season on many of the gentlemen) is not enough?

Coinciding with Jenny's return to the fashion world, Agnes reappears wearing an outfit that is equally "model-like" and age-appropriate.

And I must admit...I love it. The off-the-should sweater with ripped skinnies=perfection. 

Oh Vanessa...is it that now that you're with Dan, you're starting to throw away your bohemian ways and join the lumberjack club? Or maybe you borrowed this from Dan? Whatever it is, I'm not a fan. This jacket, while looking like a very warm one (being a Midwest girl, I can truly appreciate that), makes Vanessa look like a football player with his chest pads still on. If it was slimmer, however, I'm pretty sure I would L-O-V-E it. You can't go wrong with a shearling lining. 

No, Vanessa has not lost her bohemian ways, but she has certainly toned them down. She hasn't completely learned her lesson - the earrings and necklaces are a little much, but for our girl it's a giant leap in the right direction. And I adore her top and sweater. Actually, I'm really coveting that sweater. I need to find it...

To dig themselves of the so-called "rut," Vanessa tries on a new look. Her outfit isn't anything too special, so I just want to focus on her accessories. She should definitely try pearls more often. Hair and make-up are lovely, too - so pretty on her! 

Drum roll please: Vanessa is wearing the most normal outfit I have ever seen. I'm not sure if these are exactly her PJs or if they're just lounging clothes, but they are cute and look comfy. I'm pretty sure I've seen college kids wearing something similar to class (unfortunately). 

The Empire Strikes Jack, 2 of 3 - Blair, Serena, and Elizabeth

Blair always look so polished. Classic upon first glance, yet looking closely, we see she's also right on trend. She mixed her prints here very well. Not loving the hat, but then again, there is usually something of Blair's I'm not a fan of. 

Here is a nice shot of Blair's blouse. It has great detailing around the wrists, which we couldn't see with her coat on. 

Fashion show time. I hadn't really decided my stance on Blair's dress. At first I thought it was a little too "day-time" for a fashion show. Then it kinda grew on me when I saw her cuff...

Then it really grew on me when I saw her shoes...hot damn! 

Is it a coincidence that Chuck's mother dresses a lot like Blair? 

Lately, we've seen mostly really great clothes on Elizabeth but I can't stand this coat. The shape is awful and the beads or...pearls or...whatever they're supposed to be just look tacky. I feel like this is more appropriate on either an eighty-year old or an eight year old. Sorry Elizabeth, this one gets two thumbs down. 

Serena was (very) surprisingly covered up in the ENTIRE episode. Has the cold weather finally caught up to her? Or did she finally realize it is important to wear a bra? While still not something I would throw on for brunch, Serena won't have any other spillage than the rogue grape.

I just want to make note of the fact that Serena's hair is practically straight and bed-head free. She and Nate too tired to anything more than sleep these days? 

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this dress (or shirt? I never did get a good look at the bottom)! Serena is covered up front and back, the necklace is amazing, and just enough skin is showing. Shoulders are always sexy. Perfect 10. 

The Empire Strikes Jack, 3 of 3 - The Boys

I almost didn't want to include the guys. I'm pretty sure not any of them changed clothes once. Well, Chuck changed from robe to suit, but that's hardly a costume change.

"Nothing says luxury quite like your own personal army." Well I think nothing says luxury quite like a pocket square in your bathrobe.

Chuck's suit for the day was nothing out of the ordinary for him. Tailored. Perfect. So I'm going straight to his overcoat. His clothes are always tailored to perfection. This coat looks absolutely, positively...dashing. 

By the way: such a cute pic of Chuck and his mom. The backdrop is gorgeous. 

Dan. I don't know what to say. He looks nice, but kind of blah...

Nate. Yum. Chambray is totally your color. Love you.

Nate to the rescue...you can rescue me any day :)