Blacke Lively is featured in the July 2012 issue of Marie Claire magazine photographed by Txema Yeste.

On not having a stylist: My assistant will call fashion houses for me, but I always pick the outfit, shoes, jewelry, and a lot of times I do my own hair and makeup for events. Sometimes I think, God, why do I do this to myself? It’s so much extra work!

On her reason why not: Because I love fashion. It’s such an expression of self. I often see people and they look great, but I can identify who styled them. Every stylist has a signature. Maybe it sounds jerky, but I’m lucky to be on such a fashion-centric show [Gossip Girl]. There’s no designer I don’t have access to.

On the public’s perception of her: People like to draw parallels between my life and the scandalous stories on Gossip Girl. I dress the same as my character, so they think, She lives this life on and off set. I recently shared how many boyfriends I’ve had [four], and people were like, “That’s impossible!” But it’s true. I’ve been with very few people. If I’m not with somebody who really excites or inspires me, then I’d rather be by myself.

Dress, Marios Schwab; bra, $140, Rituel by Carine Gilson; ring, Lorraine Schwartz.

Bodysuit, $445, Dolce&Gabbana; skirt, Calvin Klein Collection; necklace, Lorraine Schwartz.

Dress, $4,800, Jenny Packham; shoes, $1,295, Giuseppe Zanotti Design; ring & bracelet, Lorraine Schwartz.

[Photo Credit: Txema Yeste for marieclaire.com]