Gossip Girl: New York, I Love You XOXO

Part 2 of 3: Plus ça change, plus ç'est la même chose

Has anything really changed over the years? I mean, other than than the style of the clothes. Remember waaaay back when Eric was locked in the Ostroff Centre (now the Pedowitz Institute) and Lily's all, "I don't care if it's a Murakami...someone get me a drink." Well, minus the inconveniently suicidal child, Lily still has that attitude and style.

Gorgeous as always, but not really the picture of a woman who just lost her husband for the second time. Although, I guess on your fifth marriage it's more practical than about true love. She does know that she should wear a bit of black to indicate to the media that she cares about Bart's death. I love the black lace top and the giant black earrings. 

And as always, I love her hair.

I do not love anything happening on William vdW here. That coat is the colour of a potato and shaped like a sack. His exile from the UES has done him no favours. I honestly don't know what Lily and Ivy saw in him.

Poor Ivy. Despite being the jilted lover, she's looking all kinds of amazing in that red with the structured grey jacket and pattered tights.

But no matter how good she looks these days or how much money she has, she's just not ready for this crowd. Player got played on that one. I guess that explains the weird romance she had with William.

Although I'm not sure Georgina is buying that plot line.

Now there is a power couple if ever I saw one. I mean, really. Jack tried to ruin his nephew, was exiled and is now back (only because his brother is dead) to help his nephew get married to avoid the long arm of the law. 

And Georgina? Girlfriend personifies scheme.

It's probably ten in the morning and she's already in full body armour. Trusting a woman who dresses in all metallics, all the time, is kind of like trusting that dude with the face tattoos. He might stab you, she might stab you in the back. And you should have seen that coming.

How do you accessorize all those spikes and sequins?

Giant. Ass. Jewelry. That's how.

It's funny, we gave Vanessa such a hard time for overdoing it, but we're totally okay with Georgina. Maybe we just appreciate Georgina's moxie more.

Speaking of Vanessa, how is she doing these days?

Same old, same old boho self, plus one mid-century modern kitchen. Maybe one or two fewer necklaces, so I can only assume she's been reading YKYLF since leaving to go do whatever it is she did. I can't remember since Dan literally never speaks of his childhood BFF. 

On the subject of Brooklyn, when the news of Dan's online treachery broke, Rufus broke out his best trophy husband leftovers for a round of son-shaming.

The cowl neck! Oh how we didn't miss those sweaters. And so many patches! It's like he's going to go hunting with the cast of Downton Abbey. And as always, he accessorizes with a look of righteousness and judginess. 

Sage dressed like she's thinking of making a move to Brooklyn. Her brown plaid frumpy dress and chartreuse cardigan are equal parts Early Dan plus Girls hipster-adjacent style.

If the series hadn't come to an end, I'd want to send a note to Eric Daman about how we don't need this. Since the teenage troublemaker won't be a part of our lives anymore, I'll give her snaps for her outerwear - she's the winner of that catergory for this episode.

I love the plaid coat and the brown wedge boots. Well done, kiddo. You make your man-child boyfriend so much more interesting.

Something he can't do for himself.

Yep. That's Nate. Grey shirt, black tie, no clue. Best moment for him was when he thought it was a good idea to tell the cop his girlfriend is a minor. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: it's a good thing he's pretty.

As the truth came out about Gossip Girl, our friends on the UES needed a good, stiff drink.

And wasn't it about time that someone served Dorota?? I think we all enjoyed seeing her order from Jack. She knows who belongs and who doesn't.

But the Scooby Gang weren't the only ones surprised. Cameo upon cameo of former minor characters (Lola! Juliet! Agnes! Mayor Bloomberg!) expressed their shock. Our favourite was how Bell and Bilson took the news.

"Gossip Girl is real??" You bet your ass she is, Rachel.

Gossip Girl: New York, I Love You XOXO

Part 3 of 3: Ghosts of Christmas Past and Future

Forgive me if I get a little sentiment mixed into my snark. This is our last episode of Gossip Girl. I'm having a bit of a moment.  

Once the YKYLF staff got done fangirling over the wedding and the shock of who Gossip Girl is, we reveled in the flashbacks. We've come so far since Serena rode into Grand Central Station to the sounds of Peter, Bjorn and John. 

Flashback Serena is actually a lot like current Serena in her sequins, but with a flip phone. And look how young Pilot Episode Serena was! That jacket! With the stripes! I think I started watching the show because of that outfit (and started my spiral into nautical stripes).

The flashback filmed for this episode shows how much has been forgotten about S and B. 

I know we're comparing party wear to Constance wear, but I think we can see the inconsistencies. Blair's red lace is lovely, but it's not the over-the-top lovely she used to go for. And that headband? Weaksauce. 

But the flashbacks made it easy to see why we fell in love and stayed along for the ride, no matter how ridonk the ride got.

Flashback Nate's got a delightful single argyle going on. Still a lot of blue, but different blues. I wish Future Nate would embrace some sweater wear, but as we'll soon see, this is unlikey. He's accessorized it here with a joint, as Young Nate was wont to do.

Lonely Boy's big difference? The hair of course. Hello, buzzcut!

Also, I don't know that Li'l Lonely Boy would have worn a blazer a la Present Day Dan. He'd have gone cardigan or something a little more interesting (like when he had a military inspired jacket moment). He may not have been cool at school, but his style was definitely Brooklyn cool. 

And Chuck. Oh Chuck of Christmas Past!

Flashback Chuck almost nails it. The blue popped collar is all wrong, but the artful mixing and matching of patterns, right down to the signature scarf, is the Chuck that won us over. Even in pastels, early season Chuck knew how to mix things up. 

Also in the past, we can't forget Little J or the minions.

It was like a cotton candy explosion back then. Totally not the style today, but I still loved their jackets and outerwear and clear disregard for authority since they never really bothered to follow uniform dress codes. 

But how does it all end? With misty water coloured memories of the way things used to be? Oh hells no. 

Flash forward bitches! To the land of so many incoceivable things!

For starters - the NY Spectator isn't a failing newspaper that no one cares about.

And who is aboard that privately owned plane? 

Whaaaa? 

I think he thinks he's a spy with that metal briefcase. Except. Apparently in the future, Nate is poised to become the youngest mayor of New York City.

I can only assume he's slept with everyone to make this happen. Because as our readers Chloe and Lauren pointed out, there is no way Nate rubbed enough clues together to make it this far in politics or got past his past legal troubles and his tendancy to sleep with EVERYONE (Blair, Serena, Vanessa, Ivy, Jenny, Sage the minor...should I continue?). As Cyrus might say:

Oh, but that's not all. Blair and Chuck got busy faster than you can say Kate Middleton. Because this kid exists.

Unsurprisingly, Wee Henry Bass is a dapper fellow. And marriage to Blair/real death of Bart has gotten Chuck off the double breasted grey suit and brought back the ascot.

The future does look good on Blair though.

I love it a lot. It's grown up, but still pretty. 

Maybe not for a wedding, but definitely for New Year's. 

Future Lily is as lovely as ever, but there's something about Eric that isn't right.

It's as if he's spending all his time in a dive bar in Montauk instead of Sarah Lawrence.

Little has changed with Little J in five years. 

The eye makeup isn't as bad, but she's still working super hard to be edgy.

Yeah, I'm not buying this is Future Jenny and Eric. How about you? 

The Future Rufus, however... now that is a future Humphrey I buy. 

Super Hipster Rufus! Love the glasses though and the jacket. Rufus should have gotten into this look five years ago. I guess marriage to Lisa Loeb is what did it.

No, we don't understand how that happened either. No, they didn't explain. This is what happens in the GG writers rooms these days. #randomness

But they can't hold a candle to my favorite Future Couple - Jackgina! Georgack?

Either way, I see Georgie hasn't let go of sartorial tendancies, what with this Robert Rodriguez dress full body armour.

So why are all these Future Selves gathered in the Future Brownstone? 

Looking good in formal grey Dan. And you've tamed the mane of hair. Why so dressed up?

What in the what now? They're headed out of the house, right?

No?

Hells bells, Serena. Gold lamé Georges Chakra for a living room wedding? 

You said it, Cyrus. If Serena was going to wear that to the sounds of Florence + the Machine, she's going to do it in the biggest venue with the most people. No matter what Serena says, she's a girl who loves an audience. On the upside, she's got fantastic hair and earrings.

I still don't believe she'd marry Future Dan, but she looks happy, so I'll leave her be.

And is Gossip Girl really dead? Or is she haunting a future gang as they navigate the UES?

Well, that's a secret she'll never tell.

xoxo

YKYLF

Gossip Girl: It's Really Complicated

Part 1 of 2 - The Failures

It's turkey time again, which on the UES is synonymous with eating disorders, alcoholism, backstabbing, delusion, and of course, an extra helping of drama. Serena and Dan host their first ever co-dinner, which is either a great idea or a terrible one, depending on the RSVP list. Naturally, S invites her ex, Steven, in a moment of ill-conceived sympathy while grocery shopping, and Steven proves he's totally lame by acting like a mooning high schooler. Meanwhile Dan invites his ex, Blair, who drags along a semi-comotose, mostly-despondent Chuck, who's retreated to the comforts of booze and strippers. At least this time, it's Blair moonlighting as a Pocahontas stripper. Oh wait, that was horrible. Moving on. Sage has concocted some half-baked scheme with Blair to win Nate back, Blair's still scheming to help bring down Bart, and Chuck decides they don't need real evidence, just enough evidence to convince Lily, because her hatred will totally ruin his dad's life. Right. The most important question, though, is whether Dan is still Sweet Lonely Boy or if he's become Bad Boy in Disguise. The less nice "Serena" chapter for Vanity Fair gets published during dinner, which ruins Thanksgiving for everyone and sends him packing to Brooklyn.

As I watched the episode last night, I realized that out of the six Thanksgiving episodes that Gossip Girl has aired, I've written four recaps for YKYLF. I think that must be some kind of record, and as the newly instituted Expert of GG Thanksgiving, it's time to check in and judge their fall fashions. Let's start with the failures because let's face it, those are a hell of a lot more fun.



Rufus, you haven't changed. Or rather, you changed, then you changed back to the exact same aging rocker stick in the mud you were before Lily made you a House Husband. You think she would ever let him wear this god awful black western shirt with snaps and red embroidered roses? Even better, this is one of Rufus' old shirts.  Yes, there is photographic evidence. He wore it back in season one, episode seventeen, "Women on the Verge." Go ahead, check it out. I'll wait.

Another Humphrey with problems of a Van der Woodsen variety is Dan. Yes, he's supposedly cooler and hipper than he used to be, but he's not dressing the part.



The artistically floppy curls are a marginal improvement from the small, angry animal last season, but the crawling chest hair is a major problem. Maybe he should go to Chuck's groomer, as hes eems to have that situation under control. Otherwise, the simple faded red sweater and sport coat aren't a terrible look. Maybe it's me, but he looks just sloppy and uncaring. If you're going to be the new hipster-adjacent writer from Brookly, you've got to dress the part. My theory on all this is he's developed some sort of psychotic personality disorder and this explains his bizarre, un-Lonely Boy behavior. Why else publish that true (but horrible) Serena article, then claim he still loves her? That's got to be it, right? I mean, it's not like we're totally playing in the realm of possible with these kids anymore. 

Georgina, on the other hand, is refreshingly predictable. Never change, you crazy diamond.



You keep your giant sunnies and studded evil ways. The world would not be complete without your particular brand of batshit crazy, which those sunglasses only emphasize. I'm kind of surprised you didn't get mugged in the park for that cray-cray necklace, even if it is fake. I'm sure some other bored yummy mummy would have tried to take you down for that plastic.

The exaggerated bug-eye sunglasses do come off sometimes, which makes Georgina look less crazy.  

Unfortunately, even in her slightly improved beaded dress, she acts just as nuts as ever.  This might have even been a high point for her, except the beading is so much.  I could have done without the additional beaded cuffs on the sleeves or the cell phone sized ring, but I have to admit she does look pretty here.

Okay, so Nate's not shirtless, but. . .



You're welcome, anyway. The gun show is almost enough. 

Nate has given up the ghost and finally admitted defeat in his war against blue.  



It was too much for him to handle. Bless his heart, so much is. I think we've probably seen a version of this sweater, but unlike Rufus, he escapes detection because his sweater isn't so ugly I can remember it three years later. At least Nate pairs it with a button-up that has some contrast to the unrelenting blue.

Considering this is my last Gossip Girl recap ever, I suppose it's unsurprising that I feel speechless after coming face to face with Serena's Thanksgiving prep outfit.

She had me until the poofy, leather skirt. And your eyes do not decieve you, that is indeed a slip (a Josie Natori Saran Chemise to be exact) underneath. I'm all for fashion experimentation, but I am truly lost here. None of these pieces seem to go together at all, from the cream sweater, to the blue embroidered tank, to the aforementioned skirt. Taken individually, they're nice enough. The sweater and chemise top in particular would have been brilliant with a pair of skinny jeans and boots. But Serena has never been known for brillance.

More Josie Natori...

This recap would not be complete with a shot of Serena shopping in a grocery store, a sight I'm sure none of us expected to ever see in our lifetimes.

We always assumed that Serena thought food magically came from a caterer. We had no idea she even knew what a grocery store is, let alone how to find one and buy food to be prepared.

Also, that heavy looking scarf is:
1. Not enough to actually keep her warm during winter in NYC.
2. Not long enough to cover up that leather montrosity.

For dinner, Serena sticks to the sweater theme, donning a short, flared sweaterdress with intricate embroidery.



We at YKYLF have harped on Serena for six seasons now, complaining about her ever-shrinking hemlines. So I won't even bother to point out how short her skirt really is, because you already know all about that. Instead, I will mention how beautiful the detailing is. The pattern's a little busy, but the colors are so gorgeous and so gorgeous on Serena. For a change, she really looks lovely.

And because we can't miss a shot of Serena in this Anthropologie apron, another first:



Wouldn't want to muss up her pretty dress. Oh wait, Serena doesn't actually cook. We can only assume this is for show, or else her guests are in for a nasty surprise. 

Gossip Girl: Save The Last Chance

Part 2 of 2: Really?!

Evidentially, Bart hid damning evidence about illegal oil deals in the back of Lily's Richard Phillips painting Spectrum.  Bart went all "Library of Congress" on us and stored his scans on microfilm instead of a digital option. The world changed while Bart was pretending to be dead and it doesn't look like he caught up. I bet he still has a first generation iPod. (By the by, how do you mastermind your fake death, but can't hide some frigging microfilm? Really, Bart? Really?)

Anyway. Ivy Dickens! I curse the day you entered the UES! All of your schemes and odd plots twists have exhausted me. I just want to lie down in this nice cozy bed (adorned with graphic black and white needlepoint Jonathan Adler pillows) and avoid processing all of this ridiculousness. 

For weeks we have known that Ivy was in cahoots with someone. It appears that someone is William Van der Woodsen, with whom Ivy is having a secret love affair. These two are trying to take down Lily at the request of their silent partner Lola. I'm just going on record as saying that I think this is completely, officially wackadoo. William can't really love Ivy and be trying to publicly humiliate the mother of his children… right? And how could Ivy be sick of eating waffles every day? It just doesn't add up. 

Although she is grating on my nerves, I do like Ivy's jacket. The shawl collar is on trend and the warm grey color works with her skin tone. The rest of this scene leaves me cold (as does the slight hint of a pinky ring on William's left hand). 

While Ivy is trying to persuade Bart and Chuck to turn on Lily, sensible (and potentially drunk) Lily decides to go another route. She heads over to see Rufus and convince him to give her the microfilm. Their conversation is about as boring as their ensembles. This is one big blah blob of brown and beige. It's sad when the cheeriest thing in the photo is a paper coffee cup. 

The scene reminds me of this past episode- in which Team Beige goes to Cafe Boulud. 

Being cunning is good for Ivy's hair. Her tresses look quite shiny and smooth this week! I also approve of the patterned Torn by Ronny Kobo top. 

Chuck decided to make a faux deal with Ivy. He plans to trick her into giving him the microfilm and using it to hurt Bart. I'm more intrigued by his impressive posture and dapper attire than his machinations against his father. 

While Chuck is focusing on taking down Bart, Bart is working on destroying Nate. In an out of the blue plot twist, we learned that Nate has been cooking The Spectator's books and is under water on his loan. I'm no accountant, but that doesn't sound good. It turns out that Bart backed Nate's loan and wants to use Nate to hurt Chuck. What the Bass family lacks in familial loyalty, they make up for in ability to blackmail. 

I'd comment on their attire, but neither of these gentlemen are wearing anything too exciting. 

Unlike the blackmail plot that has yet to reveal itsefl fully, their boring outfits surprise no one.

Although his world is falling apart, Chuck made a quick appearance at Blair's fashion debut. While he always looks perfectly put together, I think we can see his stress. He is in so much anguish that he has forgotten his signature pop of color. 

Get this man to the men's furnishings and tie department at Barney's! I think a purple pocket square and a shot of whiskey are in order. 

Eventually both Bart and Chuck end up in a room with Ivy who ends up in a polka dot bra (really? Nothing sexier for photos to convince Lily her back from the dead husband is cheating on her?). All three of them fail in their scheming. The real winner is Lily, who gets the microfilm from Rufus and then burns it.

Poor Chuck! He was unsuccessful in his quest to ruin his dad. Poor Nate! He is wearing a hideous shirt and tie combination and is being blackmailed. 

While this entire story line leaves me dazed and confused, my real upset is over Chuck and Blair. I just don't understand why they can't be together. Really GG writers?! You would do that to us? 

Sigh. With only a few episodes left, they better get this figured out. Although with so many new twists to work through, we don't expect a resolution until the last minute. 

Gossip Girl: Where the Vile Things Are

Part 2 of 2: Rivalries and Investigations

Most men limit themselves to one shade of purple, but Chuck goes for all fifty. (Also: what's with the pom-pom? Did he steal one from Serena's dress?)

This is what happens when you spend too much time in Brooklyn with Rufus. You start wearing his plaid and your hair looks like straw. It might be something in the water.

I love Ivy's leather jacket and silk Hemut Lang top. But this hair is just cray. Is this her, "Look at me now, bitches, I'm richer than all y'all" hair? 

Because it says, "I just stepped off the Greyhound and into a fortune" to us. Also, Rufus, are we going hunting when we're done buying all the art? 

Back to that hair - when she put it up I thought it was a second head.

You're not fooling anyone Ivy. You reek of nouveau riche and that's why Lily will win. 

Speaking of Lily, this is what happens when you divorce Rufus. Shiny, glowing, gorgeous hair.

Adding Bass back to your list of names suits you, Lily Rhodes Van der Woodsen Mueller Bass Humphrey Bass. 

Fittingly enough, Lily's Pucci dress could be on the walls of the gallery. And that golf-ball ring could work it in any geology museum display.

Our favourite accessory though? Her look of utter disapproval. She wears it so well and it goes with just about everything. 

She had reason to wear that look. Her art party was hijacked by what is probably the most diverse and un-Lily group of people you will ever meet. Dreads, outfits made of old blankets, cheap suit, and shades.

But mostly, we're wondering about the series of phone calls that led to Fab 5 Freddy having a cameo on a show like Gossip Girl.

Chuck's still wearing the pompom, Lily's dress is ridiculously bejewelled (it probably comes with a warning: do not board a boat), but is so pretty and so very Lily. And despite the small animal attached to the back of her head, I like Ivy's intergalactic space warrior-y dress. 

If you're going to hatch a secret evil plot against Lily, Rufus, Chuck and Chuck's awful hair, you should dress like an evil space warrior. That's how we know you're stylishly up to no good.

I used to think Nate looked good in everything. Until I saw Nate in sweats. (YKYLF Pro Tip: shirtless is always a good look).

I guess it's a change from wearing the exact same damn suit every episode. 

"I'm sorry, I only own the one suit, ok?"

Nate, we really hope you turn the Spectator around and earn some money to buy new suits. Maybe Chuck can float you a loan.