Leighton Crush

My inner fan emerged briefly this morning just before noon. That was when Leighton Meester walked right past me at Lady Foot Locker on 34th Street and smiled. I got all "OMG" inside then remembered I don't get celeb crushes. Yes, once a very young Chris Cornell crowd surfed next to me and I may have blacked out. Then there was the mesmerizing hour I spent watching Layne Staley stomp around the parking lot of Hammerjack's scaring metal girls.

But why Leighton? Her perfect skin? Her infectious smile? Her terrific, evil character Blair on Gossip Girl? Her really cute Phillip Lim outfit? Her ability to look adorable in a dress, leather jacket, and black Reebok Top Downs? Yes, yes, yes, yes, and yes.

My favorite photo. Cute braid.















Best outfit shot. I think the shoes totally suit her and now I want the pink and black.

















Signing autographs: lots of parents w/kids in tow, and Leighton posed for pictures with all of them.









Here I get distracted by her ring, and then her assistant's Fendi.















I think she was there for a good hour.












Leighton charmed everyone. Well, except for maybe a couple unruly photogs, whom she gracefully ignored as she personalized each autograph and took time to speak with everyone who had waited in line. She gave the photographers a few poses, but it was clear Leighton was there for her fans. Smart girl.

Video to be posted on Monday.

Update: Leighton Vid! See, is Blair not charming?!



Lady Foot Locker, 120 W. 34th btwn Broadway & 7th