Marissa Cooper lives on

People often ask me who my style influences are. ... I'm kidding. No one has ever asked me that. But if they WERE to, Mischa Barton's character on The OC would definitely be among the people I'd name.

I lived for The OC in it's heyday. I was never allowed to watch 90210 during it's original run (I've fallen in love with the series through syndication), so The OC was kind of like my revenge. Lest we all remember that I had a mad crush on Adam Brody long before he landed the role of Seth Cohen. But this 60 second promo was all it took for me to fall in love (all over again).


(The amazing song in the background is Spin by Lifehouse, in case anyone is wondering. One of my favorites.)

Josh Schwartz created this wonderful world of Jews and Wasps and wealth and sex and lies and love and I wanted every minute of it. The lead female character, Marissa Cooper, was the epitome of cool. Everything about her screamed confidence and chic. That body! That hair! THE ENDLESS CHANEL! I wanted it all. She has inspired my style time and time again. She bounced between a look that was preppy and fresh and one that was strictly couture, and she wore both seamlessly.





Hands down, my favorite aspect of Marissa Cooper's style was her shoes. She wore flats with EVERYTHING, even cocktail dresses. I have always loved flats and wear them with more outfits than I ever would have because of her. I honestly think the costumer did this because she's tall. Benjamin McKenzie is about her height and I suppose they didn't want the leading lady towering over her man. Either way, it worked.


I look forward to the day that I am able to call this $1495 Chanel glass pearl necklace that Marissa wore to the "Sno C" school dance my own.

In conclusion, though these photos don't do Marissa Cooper the justice she deserves, take my word if you've never seen the show. While Mischa's style in real life is far too bohemian for my taste, her each and every ensemble on the show inspired my own wardrobe countless times. I know girls these days think the fashion on Gossip Girl is bar none, but I personally miss the far more sophisticated, effortless, laid back California style on The OC.

Also, when I searched Google Images for photos, the results included Mischa Barton's mug shots from jail. So, there are two morals of the story here. First, don't be afraid to wear ballet flats with your prom dress. Second, DON'T DO DRUGS.