I consulted Moulay Yacoubi, a celebrity hair stylist at New York’s exclusive Pierre Michel salon who has worked with Gwyneth Paltrow, Uma Thurman, Elizabeth Hurley and Kate Moss.

Zuma Press

My goal? Easy tips for achieving a glamorous “messy braid” like the one Blake Lively wore at the Emmy’s. Turns out it’s quite possible!

1. After shampoo and conditioner, prep the hair with light mousse. This will help the hair hold the braid shape.

2. After combing and drying the hair, smooth it with a flat brush.

3. Make a very tight ponytail using a bungee ponytail holder (it should have a hook).

4. Use a shine serum (Phytolisse finishing serum works well) and smooth it over the top portion of the hair to create a sleek look.

5. Braid the ponytail and secure it with a small ponytail holder (matching the hair color)

6. Lightly “open up” the braid by tugging it gently in random portions. Don’t do the whole braid or it will lose its shape.

7. Spray the hair with a very light hairspray (L’Oreal Elnett is a great option.)

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Steal Blake’s Emmy Look

Whenever I watch the show (and I DVR it too!), I keep and eye out on the handbags the girls are carrying. Some of the handbags I’ve purchased over the last year has been due to seeing it (and falling in love with it) on the show.

So if you’re a handbag fanatic like myself, watch closely this season and you’ll see a couple of the characters in the show (Serena aka Blake Lively and someone’s new love interest!) carrying the popular Be & D Cosette Satchel.

Image: Be&D

The Cosette Satchel ($895) is a leather bag that is not only gorgeous but versatile as well. Carry this on your shoulder, on the crook of your arm or use the detachable chain strap and wear it as a shoulder bag.  The colour shown above is Navy and the gold hardware complements it quite well.

What I love most about this soft and slouchy bag? The texture!  I love the quilting detail of the leather and the ruched handles are another fun detail. This Be&D gem is definitely a bag I’d love to add to my collection and you guys already know how much I love satchels!  It’s something one can take to work and use as an every day bag.

If you love it too, you can purchase it online at the official Be&D website for $895. It’s such a beauty of a bag you can use now and forever.

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Gossip Girl Loves the Be&D Cosette Satchel

Zuma Press

The Michael Kors Cashroga Sheath Dress is a beautiful neon pink shade. It’s for the confident, stylish woman who isn’t afraid of a little colour!

(Image: Bergdorf Goodman)

The strapless dress is neon pink with a straight knee length skirt. It’s made of virgin wood, angora and cashmere. Totally luxe and super fun! This dress needs no accessories, just pair it with nude pumps or maybe silver or black and you’re good to go! Available at Bergdorf Goodman for $1595

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Michael Kors Cashorga Sheath Dress

Blake Lively, who plays Serena Van der Woodsen on CW’s Gossip Girl is shown here carrying the fabulous Miu Miu Nappa Patchwork Hobo bag. Her character is also very chic and this look is no exception. If you like the look and style of this Miu Miu bag you have the two options… You can ‘borrow’ the exact Miu Miu Patchwork Hobo via Bag Borrow or Steal for $250-$267 a month OR get yourself a similar Miu Miu bag.

The Miu Miu Nappa Patch Leather Bag is every bit as fabulous as the Nappa Patchwork Hobo, but it comes in this great neural rose colour. This bag has a twisted shoulder strap, zip fastening, small Miu Miu logo on the side and satin lined interor. It’s also on sale right now at Net-A-Porter for $867

(Images: Newscom, Net-A-Porter)

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Miu Miu Nappa Patch Leather Bag