Blake Lively Covers Marie Claire South Africa September 2012

She's back to work on "Gossip Girl" and Blake Lively gained extra exposure by covering the September 2012 issue of Marie Claire South Africa magazine.

The 24-year-old actress looks stunning in a Gucci dress for the Txema Yeste shot front page while dishing about everything from her celebrity obsessions to her ex-boyfriends.

Highlights from Miss Lively's interview are as follows. For more, be sure to pay a visit to Marie Claire South Africa!

On her fashion:
"My assistant will call style houses for me, but I pick the outfit, shoes and jewelry, and I often do my own hair and make-up for events. Sometimes I think, “Why do I do this to myself? It’s so much extra work.’”

On her current celebrity obsession:
“I love Florence Welch. She’s pure magic. I always admire people who make really strong choices. When you do something bold, it’s usually because you feel really good in it.”

On what all her boyfriends have in common:
“They all like to eat! To be around me, you must love food or I’m the most obnoxious person you’ve ever met. I’m in a big cooking phase. That’s all I talk about.”