bella's anatomy: Leighton Meester, July inspiration

This month we've chosen one of our favourite Gossip Girl stars Leighton Meester as our beauty and fashion inspiration! We loved her style at the MTV Movie Awards earlier this year and think it is the perfect look to emulate for a fun night out on the town with the ladies! And whilst it is the end of the financial year and our wallets aren't loving our prior fashion and beauty splurges, a girl's still got to have a little fun right? Read on for our picks to get her look, all on a budget, whilst still looking beauty and fashion forward...

Ever since starring as the bold, finicky, often flawed but fashion forward Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl, Leighton Meester has really become noticed for her immaculate sense of style, which never shys away form being fun, frivolous and flirty. Whilst on screen as Blair, she has a slightly prim and rigid wardrobe, Leighton is more daring off screen with her very own fashion choices. Often pushing the boundaries beauty and fashion wise, she is the perfect girl to style steal from if you are on a budget. After all, you don't want to drop a whole pay packet on trend based fashion for only a couple of wears and there are plenty of great places to shop up a storm with limited funds! Of course, here at bb we also cater to every budget. Check out our beauty and fashion picks for Leighton's look...

Beauty

Leighton chose a fresh faced beauty look to complement her fresh white outfit at the MTV Movie Awards. To get this look, starting with a great base is an essential! The MeMeMe Seventh Heaven Enriched Face Base is a rich, lightweight moisturising formula that works to brighten, smooth and even out skin tone to prime and create the perfect base for make-up application! At just $34.95, it is a steal considering it acts as a brightener, moisturiser and primer in one! Plus it can also be worn alone or with makeup. Hello hardworking beauty product! Just what we love here at bb.

Moving up to the eyes, keep your shadow light with a touch of shimmer for bright peepers and the perfect liquid liner canvas. Try B by Bloom Col.lecta Eyeshadow in Sahara for Leighton's look. Did I mention each shadow is only $9.95? Winner!

Follow with a smooth lining of Glamourous Minerals Gel Eyeliner, for a dramatic eye edge that will last and last. Drying waterproof and smudge proof and also coming in at under $30, this product will last you a long time and get you plenty of compliments to boot!

Finish with a touch of colour on the lips to lift the whole look from pretty to perfection! We can't recommend the Savoir Faire range of mini lipsticks enough! With the same creamy texture and light vanilla scent of the full size product, these little babies come in a great range of shades and are only $7.50! What a steal. Choose the orangey/red Grace shade for the same colour as Leighton!

Fashion

We can't get enough of this look. Fresh, and modern but definitely classy, Leighton kicked some major fashion goals with this outfit choice! Start with a great white vest. These can be pricey, but when in doubt (and when your credit card is in meltdown mode!) you can't go past eBay. We found the white one below going for only $19.99! As any savvy shopper knows, be sure to only conduct transactions with sellers you trust, and use PayPal to back yourself up!

White Vest from Ebay

Next, you'll need a vibrant, digital print top to layer underneath your white vest. You can't go past Asos for the fashion steals of the century. This Paprika Photographic Top is now down to $18.71!  That is less than the price of a dinner out! What are you waiting for? Get clicking!

Next on the fashion list? Your white shorts of course! Don't forget about Aussie style steal hot spot Supré for home grown bargains. And remember, basics are the biggest sneaks of the shopping world - it is harder to tell if they were cheap or pricey! These white shorts from Supré are only $18.00!

Now over to accessories, which we all know are the makers or breakers of an outfit, especially if it is trend based! Plus, they can often be the cheapest elements, but still the icing on the sartorial cake! Who doesn't love shoes? Wait. I should rephrase. Who doesn't love shoes that are on sale? These nude Therapy pumps will see your through winter, into summer, will work for day and night, weddings, the office and everywhere in between. And of course, they are ON SALE! $29.95 to be precise. Just click here to head to Style Tread and check them out.

We love new store on the online scene, The Iconic. They seem to have everything in one place. Handy for online shoppers on the go (or on their lunch breaks!) We found three of our accessories for stealing Leighton's look here. Check them out...

10 Bells Rectangle Round Earrings for only $12.95

And while you are there check out this 10 Bells Snake Clutch for only $33.95!

Lastly, put a little bling on your wrist with these interconnected Bangles from Majique Jewellery for just $36.00.

And, voilà! You are practically Leighton Meester. Don't be surprised if people stop you on the street thinking that you are her. Simply sign autographs for them and feel amazing in the knowledge that you've aced some seriously good Hollywood style for next to nothing!

Do you love Leighton Meester and this look too? Which style steal are you craving the most? I am loving the clutch. And the vest... and the that face base (it smells amazing!) At least I can afford all of these bargains though!  - Lauren

(pictures courtesy of usmagazine.com, zimbio.com)