Her TV character isn't exactly a fan favorite - even the author of the Gossip Girl book series hates on her - but we love this young actress (and the new straight hair)!

Gossip Girl star Jessica Szohr (a.k.a. the much-maligned Vanessa Abrams) was in good spirits as she tried on clothes Tuesday at a French Connection store in New York...

SZOHR THING: Gossip Girl's Jessica Szohr looks fab in that dress!

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.