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

Red Carpet Style - Glamour 2008 Women Of The Year

I realize I'm a wee bit late in posting these pics but better late than never, esp. when it comes to these women, who in my opinion were the best dressed of the evening:



America Ferrera, my favorite all the way in what I believe is an Oscar de la Renta extravaganza.



Kate Bosworth looking polished to perfection - not sure who the designer is but I like it.



Natalie Portman always looks stunning on the red carpet. I love the sequin panel and unusual hemline.



Taylor Swift looking fabulous in basic black, this dress looks so comfy you could probably sleep in it.



Tyra works her curves brilliantly. Looks like Donna Karan or Ralph Lauren, anyone know for sure?

And I can't resist throwing in a couple of duds:



Everyone raved about Nicole Kidman's dress which to me looks like some cheap bridal number from Penneys. Seriously, what's with the organza bow on her arm?



Oof, frumpalicious. Both of them.

(photos via The Fashion Time)

Keep The Winter Blues Away -- Go Green!

If you haven't already experienced the soft yummy goodness of bamboo knits then I invite you to consider Doie Designs as your introduction to sustainable style.

Designer Sara Kirsner loves fashion and it shows: feminine silhouettes that are comfortable and easy to wear with just the right touch of pattern and contrast.

Shop now and get 25% off current collection items, while pieces from previous seasons are marked down 60%.

Use code eco8 at checkout.

Get Lucky.

The time: Winter 2008
The place: Yours
The gift: Romea d'Ameor Collection

I can't think of a better feel good gift for the holidays. Luckyscent is offering this exclusive line, the final masterworks of retired perfumer Pierre Bourdon (Frederic Malle’s Iris Poudre and French Lover, Davidoff’s Cool Water, Shiseido’s Féminité du Bois, Yves Saint Laurent’s Kouros, etc.).

The collection is based on "real women throughout the ages who have touched history in tangible ways…women with distinct personalities who lived very different lives surrounded by the scents of their time, for whom each paid a fragrant tribute."

The entire collection sounds absolutely delicious...take a look here to see what I mean.

Not sure which one to choose? Complete your Fragrance Profile to find out!

Michelle's Bling

I find it very amusing that people are STILL talking about Michelle Obama's Election Victory rally dress one week later.

I mean even my guy friends are discussing the issue with such passion it's disconcerting.

Most folks seem to disagree with my assessment but please do tell...if you hated the dress...what about these fabulously regal yet rock and roll Loree Rodkin earrings?

Anyone?

Oh Christian Louboutin - Why?

At the risk of losing what little style cred I have I'd like to go on record as saying, "What the blank...Loubie?"

I just don't get it. Fringe - good. Suede - better. Louboutin - great.

This thing? Not so much.

Those who disagree kindly explain why I should plunk down $1800 for these?

Born To Be Wild, Newport News Style

I'm always blown away by the amazing deals on Newport News. This jewel-toned motorcycle jacket is no exception.

It's available in black, red, purple, and a stunning emerald green.

Best of all, it's only $39 so I can actually afford it too -- yippeeeee!

Trends Report: Eye Love Beauty - Age Appropriate Eye Makeup Application

When Mom told you to “act your age,” she left out the bit about not looking it. When it comes to eye makeup, there are some key tips to remember for dazzling eyes that don’t reveal how many candles decorate your cake.

Teens/20s. At this age you can really go out on a trendy limb: go for glittery shadows in bold colors and exotic color combinations. Keep it chic by passing on eyeliner and opt for a lash-lengthening mascara to frame the eye.

30s. Create a dramatic impact with a liquid liner applied to the upper lash line that extends to the outer corners in a delicate wing. Cream shadows are a good choice for a natural look, and for a little more pop, apply a bit of shimmer under the brow and at the inner corners.

40s/50s. Focus on your brows, which tend to get sparse with age. Apply a brow powder with a stiff, angled brush, using feather-like strokes for the most natural look. Use a pearly shadow below the brow bone to highlight.

60s plus. Creating a flawless eye starts with the right foundation – always use a primer to even out skin tone. Set with powder and line the upper lashes with a liquid liner, and top off with a waterproof mascara in your best shade.

Paula Dorf Eye Primer Paula Dorf.com

Makeup Forever Brow Set Sephora

N.Y.C. Liquid Eyeliner New York Color

Taking Care Of Business

I'm fortunate that my job doesn't require a traditional Working Girl wardrobe. Coming of age in this heady time of shoulder pads, big hair, and Reeboks with scrunchy socks over your L'Eggs pantyhose, I can't help but cringe a little whenever I walk by the career section of my local department store.

But like everything else from the '80s career wear has gone chic...and cheap too. If you're like many out there pounding the pavement for a new job you'll need a interview outfit that means business. I found these options at Smart Bargains all for just $75!

(Suits by Jones New York, Sharango, & Anne Klein just leave the suntan L'Eggs at home please)

Help Me Decide: DIY Fendi, Hot or Not?

Don't get me wrong...I love a DIY project as much as the next gal but something just doesn't sit right with me on this one.

Behold, the Paint Your Own Fendi Baguette from eLuxury. Yes folks, for $1300 smackers you too can get a coated canvas bag and a set of 10 Pantone Universe markers to scribble your way for all fashionable posterity.

$1300 bucks really? Are there socialites out there who become so unhinged by the thought of setting foot in a craft or thrift store that they need to spring for a homemade Fendi to flaunt their mad art skills?

Actually, the funniest part about this is the disclaimer on the ad: "only returnable in original condition." Yeah, I suppose "I Heart Dexter" in scripty curly-que font and glitter accents has a very limited audience.

Please help me decide, the DIY Fendi Baguette, hot or not?

Holiday Gift Guide: My Budget Pick Of The Day

Sure, I've still got a jar of Halloween candy corn calcifying on my desk right now but it's never too early to start thinking about shopping for holidays.

With this season being a particular tough financial time for many folks setting a budget is paramount. As a result, you're going to start seeing lots of wallet-friendly alternatives coming from yours truly to help prevent credit card statement hangovers (you're on your own for the supermarket eggnog induced varieties sweetie pies).

When this book landed on my desk I knew instantly that it was a keeper.

Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide To Looking Gorgeous is a Must-Have reference for all of the beauty addicts in your life. It's beautifully illustrated and chock full of tips and insider tricks for getting gorgeous. My personal favorite is the section of home spa treatments: I still needs to get pampered, dagnabit, yet save some dough in the process - mission accomplished with the easy recipes included.

It retails for $19.95 but Amazon has them available for $12.49 - at that price you can't afford not to buy a copy for your best pal and yourself too!

What I Want Right Now - Denim of Virtue @ 30% Off

Though I own roughly a kajillion pair of jeans I can't help but lust over these Grace Loop Pocket Flare Jeans from Denim of Virtue.

The L.A. based brand were the first to jump on the colored jean bandwagon and have graced the backsides of Fergie, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Alba to name a few.

I love the classic blue rinse of this pair, and even at the full price of $190 it's a worthwhile investment to get my caboose looking this good. Fortunately, Couture Candy has made them one of their discounts of the day (along with Walter, Autumn Cashmere, and Seven For All Mankind) so it's a no-brainer.

Get 30% off with code 30Day at checkout - but hurry - this discount expires at Midnight tonight.