“I grew up in California, so winter is this entirely new, exciting thing for me—I’ve already justified buying seven coats!�? says actress Blake Lively, who relocated to New York last summer to play Serena van der Woodsen on the CW’s massive hit Gossip Girl. At our photo shoot, the 20-year-old— who can also be seen later this year in the film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2—jubilantly played with the racks of clothes and accessories and chatted up the crew about everything from Manhattan shopping benders to the best places to get pie. “I’m having so much fun, but I’m trying to keep my head together too, stylewise. There are so many young women out there dressing like young girls; I want to be more ladylike and classic.�?

“Growing up, I was constantly borrowing clothes from my older sisters, or I’d pick out something from Urban Outfitters and my mom would tailor it to my size—I don’t think I ever dressed like a kid,�? she says. “Now that I’m on Gossip Girl, the wardrobe is so amazing and inspiring, it’s opened a whole new style gateway for me.�?