What’s the opposite of gatekeeping? Welcome to “Payment Processing,” in which we ask stylish, generally cool people who’ve tried it all about their favorite fashion and beauty buys.

Kelly Bishop is not just one of the titular “girls” in “Gilmore Girls,” she’s also that girl. At 81, she’s nowhere near finished making her mark on culture.

In addition to her iconic portrayal of Emily Gilmore (on what happens to be my favorite TV series of all time), the actor and former professional dancer’s indelible roles also include Sheila Bryant in the original Broadway production of “A Chorus Line” and Baby’s mom Marjorie Houseman in “Dirty Dancing”. (See also: “Bunheads,” her arc as a lawyer in “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” and the canceled-far-too-soon “Étoile.”)

Bishop is also a feminist force: She’s been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, abortion access and the simple (yet somehow still revolutionary) fact that not all women aspire to motherhood. The multi-hyphenate is also now an author: If you haven’t already read her 2024 memoir, “The Third Gilmore Girl,” (or listened to the audio version, read by Bishop herself in her signature deep “Barbara Stanwyck”-y voice), do I have a recommendation for you.

Recently, Bishop also added “beauty campaign star” to that list: Bliss tapped her to promote its “Gilmore Girls” collab, which honors the show’s 25th anniversary and dropped this week. We took the opportunity to ask the actor all about her favorite beauty and fashion items. (She’s already been asked several hundred times too many which “team” she’s on, after all.)

Via email, the legend shared her favorite place to shop in New York City, the surprising style must-have she got from Lauren Graham and her go-to beauty staples. Read on.

What’s a luxury beauty item you’re loving right now?

I’ve been eyeing the Westman Atelier Petite Brush Collection. It’s such a beautifully made set, practical but luxurious. I travel quite a bit, and I like the idea of having professional-quality makeup brushes in a smaller size that can come with me without weighing down my bag. They feel like the sort of tools you’d have for years, which I appreciate.

What’s a mass-market beauty item you’re eyeing right now?

I like when a product is accessible, yet reliable. My favorite lip product right now is the ‘Gilmore Girls’ x Bliss Pumpkin Powerhouse Soothing and Exfoliating Lip Mask. It has real pumpkin enzymes to help exfoliate your lips but keep them soft and moisturized, too. It doubles as an overnight lip mask as well.

What’s a beauty staple you love so much you’ve bought multiples?

Lipstick! Always lipstick. It’s one of the few pieces of ‘makeup jewelry’ I carry with me. The right shade becomes part of your identity. I have stashed duplicates in purses, drawers, pockets, all over the place!

What’s an accessory you’re eyeing right now?

Way back in the day we used to wear these scarves, and I think they are coming back in style. I’m particularly drawn to the J.Crew Printed Silk Scarves. They bring a softness and whisper of color to any look, and it’s that kind of detail Emily would quietly approve of.

What pair of shoes do you want to buy?

Since I outgrew my Stuart Weitzman pumps, I love a good flat with a bit of a heel to give me some extra height. Naturalizer is a brand that I constantly go back to, and I’ve been eyeing these Mary Jane Slingbacks.

What’s a luxury fashion item you’re lusting after?

A beautifully tailored, timeless trench coat. It’s one piece that makes presence before words are spoken. I love the classic Burberry Trench Coats — simple yet beautiful, structured and worthy of many autumns and beyond.

What’s an affordable fashion item you’re wanting right now?

Something that feels more expensive than it is. For instance, a silk blouse or a fine belt. I’d pick one I see in a boutique or even vintage.

What’s a wardrobe staple you love so much you’ve bought multiples?

Crisp white button-downs or turtlenecks. They’re endlessly adaptable and can be worn under a blazer, alone or open over a tee. I reach for them often.

What’s the last product/item a friend influenced you to buy, and what is great about it?

A friend told me I should try a facial mist. Initially I didn’t understand the excitement around it, but this summer it has actually become a great way to refresh myself and cool down without affecting my makeup. Right now I am loving the Laura Geller Spackle Mist Boost with Electrolytes. It strengthens your complexion with ingredients like magnesium, zinc and copper, and it also sets your makeup.

What’s the last item an influencer or celebrity inspired you to buy?

I’m not usually one to follow trends — Emily Gilmore would have raised an eyebrow. But I saw the site Easy Plant on a few different occasions on the internet, and I was so curious about it. I love to have a few beautiful plants in my home; it really livens up any space. But with the constant traveling I do, it’s hard to keep plants alive. These plants water themselves with the water reservoir that you only need to fill about once a month.

What’s something one of your “Gilmore Girls” co-stars influenced you to purchase?

Recently I’ve been doing so much traveling and filming, so I was looking for a wardrobe stylist. I called Lauren Graham and she lent me her stylist! That’s not a purchase, it’s a person, does that count?

What’s an item you would have stolen from Emily Gilmore’s wardrobe?

When I was doing the show, I had all of these really beautiful St. John Knits. I think that women with any figure look so beautiful in these jackets. I’d never steal anything from the set, but I was lucky enough to be gifted a few of these St. John items from the costume designers after the show ended.

In your opinion, what’s a must-have piece for a dancer’s wardrobe?

A perfectly fitting pair of ballet flats or dance shoes with great support. Also convertible tights, you can do footed or footless. They offer flexibility and grace in transitions and they are super easy to wear.

You lived in New York City for many years. What’s your favorite place to shop in the city?

Bergdorf Goodman. It embodies a kind of New York elegance I adore and you always feel as though you’ve entered a different era, but the fashions are so curated that it’s still relevant today. 

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