Leighton Meester covers the August 2011 issue of Candy Phillipines.

The 25-year-old Gossip Girl actress chatted about being in the eye of the fashion police every time she steps outside.

“I think it’s fine if you’re expecting to be judged. I completely close my eyes to all of that – I just wear whatever I like. Living in New York has influenced my style and made me braver and more aware of fashion,” Leighton shared.

She also dished about keeping her real friends around her: “I surround myself with people who know me for me and not from any show. They don’t judge me based on anything but how I act, and they tell me if I’m being an ass, for sure.”