Goodbye, Columbia - Part 1 of 3, The Best Friends

Episode Synopsis: We FINALLY see an ACTUAL campus. I was beginning to think that these kids didn't really attend school.  Thus, typical of a college campus, a rumor spreads that Serena has been...ahem...spreading something too much and has contracted a not-so-nice disease. Which leads to drama-rama between Dan, Vanessa, Nate, and Juliet and apparently a great organizational chart that details the incestuous relationships of the gang. Meanwhile, Blair and Chuck begin the war of the century; and Chuck enrolls in Columbia...? Well, just so he can strike revenge more easily on Blair. 

This dress (or is it a skirt and top?) seems a little out of Blair's normal comfort zone; thus, I don't know what to make of it.  I'm reading this as way too "summery," but I am a fan of this mixture of prints. 

Then looking at her outfit sandwiched between her minions, I honestly like the way they are blending. 

But then again, the fit of this on Blair is not the best. I know, Blair, that you have a small chest...but seriously go to a tailor...

She has reverted to her "politician's wife" phase. Need I say more? 

I'm in LOVE with dress. The detail, the color, the length, Blair's choice of accessories (take note Vanessa) are all divine. 

This isn't the greatest pic of the back, but you can see the exposed zipper which makes it even more parfait!

Just a close-up of the scrumptious ruching, pleating, and the like of the front. 

It appears that Serena has finally washed her hair.  Thank god. Last episode it was pretty greasy and way too bed-head looking. Now if only she could get her whole wardrobe thing figured out. The concept of the outfit is there, but the execution is lost. Shorts and a tank for class. Perfect. But wait, wait, wait...this IS Serena van der Woodsen we're talking about here. So of course, if I were her, I would pick a slightly too short top (which is really more like a vest), and a pair of oddly fitting shorts. 

Let's just say the bags take over the episode again this week. 

Electric blue carry-all with practical side pockets. Done. 

I think Serena's little bow-esque hair clip is just too darn cute, as well as her hairstyle in general. 

I mean, really? I've always thought "if you've got, flaunt it." But at least make it look like you're trying to flaunt it. Her vest/top/shirt thing just plain looks too small! 

I hadn't really noticed, but apparently Serena and Vanessa have been spending WAY too much time together. They're sharing jewelry. 

Once again, Serena's bag is the best thing about her outfit. 

Did Serena go shopping in Vanessa's closet? Oversize tunic, oversize jewelry. The peep-toe booties are uber-cute, however and almost...almost makes it work.

I almost missed the huge, chunky ring!

BEST HAIR & MAKE-UP LOOK EVER! 

Paired with perhaps, the worst front of a dress ever.  For once, the shape and fit is very flattering.  But the little keyholes just look like Serena is busting out of that thing. 

If we could have just viewed the back, that would have been totally fine.  The length of the back is the most appropriate thing we've seen Serena wear in a long time, and the heels (although I can't really tell what color they are) add the right dose of color. 

Goodbye, Columbia - Part 2 of 3, The (Almost) Best Friends

Vanessa sure has found a lot of clothing recently that already has embellishment of its own on it.  What she has apparently not learned yet is that it means you DON'T wear extra jewelry on top of it! It is hard to see with her arms folded across her chest, but yes, she does has on several layer of necklaces...and a very chunky bangle. 

Notice the sleeve of this top has the same embellishment of the neckline...duh, of course it does.  Don't forget the oversize cocktail ring. 

Vanessa has that Monet thing going on that Lesley-Anne talked about last week.  From this view, Vanessa is doing great. Simpler jewelry and a neutral bag and heels to balance out the wild print of the dress. 

But then, umm...she's got a whole "Pocahontas" vibe happening. I have no words. 

Vanessa finally wears a solid color and limited accessories (I had no idea she knew what that meant) but it looks like she purchased this from some tacky clubwear shop. It may not seem that way in this picture, but up close it is way too tight. So really, it's another Monet. I would have posted another pic of it, but to be honest--I don't want to keep looking at it!

So here is Vanessa's "I had to leave the party and move out of my boyfriend's apartment" outfit.  I would say pretty standard for almost anyone. But the thing that really gets me is that she CHANGED her accessories. Matching overly large necklace and earrings...of course I would just throw those on when I'm moving.

Ahh, Juliet. What another refreshing color of taupe.  At least someone on this show does jewlery right. 

She nails the handbag department too...what a surprisingly nice pop of color for our taupe queen. 

Drum roll please. MORE TAUPE. Seriously? There are other colors out there. That's why they call it a color...WHEEL, meaning more than one color. And what is with the back of this dress? She must be channeling Serena and wearing night-wear for day-wear. Juliet also went shopping with Vanessa at the discount clubwear store. This dress looks like another Project Runway project gone bad...

Whaddya know...more blandness. ::sigh:: C'mon Juliet at least get some interesting shoes...

Lucky for Nate, she does have the whole sexy lingerie thing down. 

Goodbye, Columbia - Part 3 of 3, The Blah Blah Bland Band of Boys (well minus Chuck)

Just when we thought Dan couldn't get any sloppier...he is wearing cut-off sweatpants.  Congratulations Dan: you've reached a new low. 

BTW: Since when does Dan work out?

This is not plaid and has some interesting detail.  Definitely an improvement, and definitely worthy of a little commendation. 

Look closely at Dan's neck and chest. It's a little hard to tell, but that chest hair is STILL creeping up his neck AND his hair is growing longer. He really must be trying to be Tom Selleck. What's next? A mustache? Just say no, Dan - just say no. 

Nate doesn't really have any interesting looks this episode...not that he ever really does, but what I'm noticing here is his hair. It's too messy. While I'm all for the Nate bed-head look, it's just starting to look a little like a bird's nest up there. No good. 

Twins much? Nate and Dan literally are wearing the same shirt and suit combo.

This needs no explanation.  Just enjoy and stare at as long as necessary.  Feel free to make it your screensaver, as I am considering. 

Oh Chuck, ne'er was such a well-dressed gent. The almost-lime green flower contrasts very nicely with the gray of his suit.

Again, dashing...

Hands-down Chuck wins the award for best-dressed male, but is it wrong I'm starting to want Chuck to mix it up a little? 

I wasn't going to include Rufus because this is obviously so drab, but I don't recall seeing Rufus in a polo...is he finally fully morphed into Mr. Lily van der Woodsen? 

Mini Recap: Goodbye, Columbia

No.  You can't make me like this episode.

...but I'll mini-recap it anyway, because I'm nice and I love our readers.

Best Line
Chuck: "I almost forgot how much I used to enjoy your pie..."

Best Outfit
The back of Serena's Hamilton House reception dress, along with her gorgeous updo and makeup.

Headshaker
The front of Serena's Hamilton House reception dress.  No, not this outfit pictured, but a different one I couldn't find a picture of.  Just trust.

I'm sure Kate will post a pic of it in her recap, coming this Thursday!