Blake Lively Pictures and Quotes in US Marie Claire Magazine

Blake Lively is on the cover of July 2012's US Marie Claire, and inside the issue, she chats about her new movie, Savages. The role in Oliver Stone's thriller is a racy one for Blake, who's best known for her work as Serena van der Woodsen on the small screen in Gossip Girl. The series ends next year, and Blake has her sights on more movie work. Blake was quick to draw distinctions between her real self and Serena, especially in the dating department, though she didn't touch on boyfriend Ryan Reynolds. Blake also spoke about her love of fashion, and what was hardest about prepping to work with Oliver Stone. Here are highlights from Blake in Marie Claire:

• On not being like Serena: "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."
• On the hardest part of training for Savages: "I went to the gun range and learned how to shoot a gun for the first time. It was awful. I asked myself, 'Why were these things ever invented?' But I did feel good that my first three shots were straight to the heart. It's good to know — don't mess with me in a gun battle."
• On not having a stylist: "My assistant will call fashion houses for me, but I always pick the outfit, shoes, jewellery, 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!'"