I wonder sometime if her Blair Waldorf looks have given us unrealistic expectations...I mean, even if you don't care for her Gossip Girl UES/Prep look, it
is very impressive in it's scope and creativity! Although I must admit Leighton herself could do better on many occasions; heaven knows she has all the necessary looks and personality, it just seems to not be put together very well...
Blair's wardrobe is nothing new. It's an updated, Americanized version of Princess Diana's. From the ruffles to the minimalism, one can see the influence through and through. (Although Eric Damen, being as ignorant as he is, doesn't realize that is exactly who Blair's wardrobe reflects.) And, yes, it's a nice wardrobe, but it's not perfect all the time. Hell, it's supposed to be inspired by Anna Wintour and even Wintour is WAY more adventurous than Blair has been these last two seasons. Nor is Wintour half as matchy-matchy as Blair is.
As for Leighton, she's not Blair. She doesn't identify with the UES woman she plays, wardrobe or personality-wise. She talks about being a geek, about being a musician. Her wardrobe reflects that. And, while I agree she isn't aways "put together very well," at least she takes fashion risks. And has her own personal style. And there is "scope and creativity" in Leighton's style: you just don't see it because you don't like it that she doesn't want to be Blair in real life, style-wise.
I guess I just don't understand why some Leighton fans insist on trying to shoehorn her into Blair's style persona, when she's isn't Blair: she just plays Blair. And she's had many roles before Blair, and hopefully will have many after GG goes off air.
And, besides, she's a 20something Hollywood actress! Most actresses her age have to use clothing to get attention and substainability. Leighton's is one of a very few who gets attention for her ~acting~ and not her style, personal life, scandals.