America loves a little bit of water cooler talk. So much, in fact, that the Gossip Girl cast took the April cover of New York Magazine under the headline “BEST. SHOW. EVER.” We’re scratching our heads. Really? While the adventures of Blair and Serena may currently be as popular as Batman and Robin, we refuse to believe that the infiltration of all things Upper East Side and preppie-luxe has staying power.
The interesting thing is that Gossip Girl had found a niche with an adult audience that loves high drama and black eyes even more than their black pumps. The biting humor that sprouts from characters like Park Avenue teen queen Blair Waldorf is unavoidably addictive (“Haven’t you heard? I’m the crazy bitch around here!”). Adults who love drama but cannot muster the courage to act like Prozac-thirsty princesses are tuning in every week to see the wardrobe changes of this motley crew of teenage Upper East Siders.
For those unfamiliar with trademark Gossip Girl fashion, one only needs look at the displays in stores from Kohl’s to Neiman Marcus, where the show’s fashion has invaded the shelves army-style. The female leads sport colored tights in shades from yellow to hunter green, with contrasting flats and occasional decorative socks. And the most vital piece of eccentricity is the superficially sweet headband.
We aren’t talking the Goody-brand type stored next to the pantyhose selection at CVS. These headbands pack punch on the Pantone scale, and come in motley colors and patterns. In the same way Jennifer Aniston’s haircut circa the mid-90′s sent Friends viewers out in droves to their hairstylists asking for “the Rachel,” the retail world is quickly responding to Gossip Girl’s accessories. Karen Fabbri, owner of Moxie boutique in Boston, is a mother of two and a diehard fan of the show.
“I pulled in some of the identical headbands from the show on a recent accessory buying trip,” Fabbri says.
Subtle versions of Gossip Girl-inspired outfits are popping up everywhere from nightclubs to office cubicles. Instead of pairing a bright headband with equally loud tights and shoes, adding a colorful piece to a black ensemble is a popular choice for the office. At night, a bright pair of heels adds sparkle without looking clownish.
As everyday women incorporate a headband, or a pair of brightly colored flats into their daily wardrobe, it’s obvious that pop culture has the power to influence our daily lives. And while you won’t catch me combining pastel tights with hot pink flats like the 14 year olds on Gossip Girl, I have to admit my own inventory of headbands has increased considerably since I started watching.