Street Beat: Apricot Tea, West Coast Style

Our next stop in the style universe takes us to Los Angeles where Ev'Yan, better known as Apricot Tea to her blogging buds, proves that understated elegance doesn’t have to mean classic and dull. She describes herself as frugal, old-fashioned and fashion-oriented. We say she gives the notion of thrift a much-needed update: from sensible to sensational.

The artist and writer favors a palette of neutrals accented with eye-catching accessories: a graphic scarf, a multi-tiered chain, retro fabulous Rayban Wayfarers. We adore her pixie hair cut and chic makeup -- she's the ultimate girly sophisticate.

Our final word? Follow Ev'Yan's lead: to learn more about how to get more wardrobe mileage from your neutral basics, login to complete your Personal Profiles.

photos courtesy: Ev'Yan

Wendy Mink Jet Pendant Double Strand Necklace Bluefly.com

Diane Von Furstenberg Floral Print Scarf Net-A-Porter.com

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses OnlySunglasses.com

Rain, Rain Please Stay.

The rain continues here in the Big Apple, and yours truly is without a slicker, umbrella, or wellies, natch.

I trolled the web for some chic options and was surprisingly pleased with what I found:



I like the Kelly Green color and retro preppy vibe of this Priorities Phoebe rain jacket. You can find it on sale at Shop Intuition.



I trekked out to the Target in Brooklyn this weekend to ogle the new Richard Chai collection and was disappointed to find most of the racks picked clean. I did find the dress in this pattern but I think I like the trench even better. Order it online before it sells out.




Part of me thinks that a short sleeved raincoat is as useful as flip flops in the snow but this Guess trench is so chic and wearable that I think I could overlook it in this case. Get it online here.



The "Bond Girl" trench from Yoana Baraschi is just that: sleek, suave, and sophisticated. Plus it totally feeds my rock star fantasy. Get it at Bluefly.

Golden Girl: Rihanna

(photo: Just Jared)

Rihanna is a rare bird. What I mean by this is she's a member of the young Hollywood elite -- and surprisingly, her style doesn't make me want to hurl (Lindsay, Paris, Heidi: I'm talking to you ladies, and I use that term loosely).

Just take a look at her loveliness above...the makeup, hair, dress, and don't even get me started on those fab necklaces...she just glows. Of course RiRi could make a Hefty trash bag look like couture but I'm willing to bet many of you can pull off an equally sexy look.

These two might do the trick, plus they're both on sale at the moment:



Fluid liquid gold by Vivienne Tam. Get it at DJ Premium.



From the eternally flirty Betsey Johnson. Get it at Bluefly.

Put on quite a show in either of these numbers and get ready to take a bow.