When I stopped by Blockbuster earlier this week to drop off Eagle Eye and Stepbrothers (which, by the way, are both stellar movies), I happened to be on the prowl for a stylish St. Louisan. Lo and behold, I spotted Stella as she was browsing the new releases with her daughter. After chatting with her for a few minutes, I was even more impressed by what she had done with her look because she had pulled off her style by actually utilizing the gifts that her friends and relatives had given her for Christmas. Often, that horrible sweater that your mom gave you gets tucked away in a drawer until it makes its way to Goodwill, but not Stella's stylin' duds.

Here is what she was wearing (Because they were gifts, she's not sure where exactly everything was bought.):

Cape: Cashmere - present from friend
Purse: Coach - present from friend
Sweater: Chico's
Pin: present from aunt
Earrings: present from mom

See? Stella was literally workin' what her momma' gave her.

What Stella is concerned about - Comfort. It's what I dress for, and it's what I shop for.

What she likes wearing most - I love this cape because it's very comfortable and lightweight. It's easy to shop or do anything in, because I don't have to worry about carrying around a heavy coat.

Where she normally shops - Mainly Chico's and New York and Company

The trend she rocks - I love the animal print trend. (Notice her zebra-inspired sweater and faux fur trim on her cape.) I try to be pretty trendy.

The extreme temps of winter and summer can reek havoc on all skin types, and in some cases changing up your facial products isn't enough. Dry skin from indoor heating and outdoor cold snaps causes an increase in breakouts and clogged pores even for people blessed with smooth as a baby's butt skin the rest of the year.

We have all heard that aspirin is good for your heart, but it has recently become the buzz in DIY skincare. The oldest and most commonly used drug's anti-inflammatory properties calm red, stressed skin and it also contains Beta-Hydroxy Acid, an ingredient common in exfoliants. Translation: if you have acne you will see the redness and bumps go down, and if you have clogged pores and blackhead it will get rid of the dead, dry skin that is the cause.

Here are two different recipes for making an aspirin mask at home:

1. Simple Aspirin Face Mask (from Skin Care Recipes & Remedies.com)
   
   Dissolve 3-4 coated aspirin in a few drops of water, add more water until it becomes a paste that can be applied to your face. Apply and let sit for about 15 minutes or until mask starts flaking off. Rinse off with lukewarm water or a damp cloth.
   
   
2. Yogurt and Aspirin Face Mask (from Fig and Plum.com)
   
   Need: 5-6 coated aspirin, organic plain yogurt and organic honey
   
   Add a dollop of honey to three tablespoons of yogurt. Grind aspirin in a coffee grinder or with a mortar and pestle (one of those bowls and dowels that is in the Medicine Shoppe logo). Mix the aspirin into the yogurt and apply to skin. Leave on for 10-20 minutes then rinse with lukewarm water.

There are a lot of different recipes out there, but the simple mask and the masks with yogurt and honey are the most commonly used for treating and controlling pore clogging and breakouts. The yogurt and honey recipe is better for normal skin types while the simple aspiring mask tends to be a little more drying. I plan to try to yogurt mask as soon as possible

It isn't a secret that Crestwood Mall is dying a slow and painful death. During the holiday shopping season St. Louisans noticed that shopping Crestwood was like shopping in a ghost town since Dillard's, one of the mall's three major department store anchors, and many other retailers had begun to close up shop. This morning another blow came the shopping center's way when Macy's announced that they will be shuttering eleven stores nationwide, and the chain's Crestwood location is on that list.

Despite the depressing news that 176 St. Louisans may be without a job (the company says they are considering them for jobs at other locations) there is some good news here, too. First, this will be the only Missouri location being closed, and second: clearance sales! Remember when J.C. Penny's shuttered up and the awesome deals that were to be had on jewelry, coffee pots, and the like? Starting next week Macy's in Crestwood is going to be like that - but better, because they do carry higher end brands than old Penny's did. Time to finish off those towels, bedding sets, and snag some strands of pearls for next Christmas. Always look at the bright side of a sale...

• Trends and fashions come and go, and with them "hot" colors wax and wane. Pantone, a group you can kind of think of as the Nostradamous of the design industry, forecasts that "Mimosa" is the color of the year for 2009. Kind of like calling brown khaki - mimosa is another word for the color yellow. Expect to see warm and sunny shades of yellow paired with shades of gray, brown and white not just in clothing but all over the housewares department at Targét, too.

  



• According to FashionTrendsetter.com (a little black book of what's to come with clothes) like many springs before it, women's fashion will be full of feminine ruffles and frilly petticoats paired with the clean lines of items like swing jackets, simple cropped jackets, and symmetrical prints. There will also be a lot of boxy and over sized styles and pieces including tunics, shift dresses, and draping kimono shouldered tees. Funky graphic prints and tees will be still be around through spring, too.
  

  



• Guys will find their side of the store filled with slim polos, vintage bermudas, tarred denim, and more screen printing. Track jackets and other "shiny" fabrics will be featured in a lot of lines as well. It is also looking like deep v-neck tops will be making another appearance.

  

That's the fashion word on the streets as they say. I can't wait to start putting back on the bright prints, fun shoes, and flirty accessories that come with warmer weather, can you?

I caught up with Evan, a theater major at Stevens College, while she was hunting around the mall for some post holiday deals. Her fun use of accessories and her comfortable, yet very pulled together, look were what caught my eye. Evan told me a little about her shopping philosophy and how she pulls together her looks each day.

Top: Dillard's
Leggings: Wal-Mart
Boots: Wal-Mart
Scarf: Wal-Mart
Hat: Her Grandma's closet
Purse: Target

Looking Good Doesn't Mean Going Broke: I don't buy anything full price.

On Getting Dressed For A Day Shopping: I just felt good this morning, and I just put on whatever. I like the shirt I have on, and I thought [it] would be cute with the leggings, and then I just put on my boots. Then my hair is a little messy, so I threw on the hat. So it just happened to come together.

Evan's Style Icons: I like all kinds of stuff; I like Beyonce's style. I really like to make stuff my own.

Her Daily Fashion Philosophy: You know, you have your dressy days and you have your casual days. You just switch it up. I just put stuff together.

It just depends on what I want to wear. Some days I'll wanna wear a hat, so I'm like ok, so what can I put together with this hat. So I start off with one piece. Today I wanted to wear this shirt, so I said, "What will go with this?" Some days I'll start off with a purse. It's just whatever I feel like wearing for the day.

While grabbing a couple of odds and ends in K-Mart recently, I made an attempt to do my weekly "Style on the Streets." But after a few minutes of observing the people in my vicinity, I soon realized that it would be far more appropriate to do an "Unstylish on the Streets" this time around.

So for an hour, I staked out K-Mart. Yes, I literally snuck around K-Mart in stealth mode with my camera in my attempt to catch some of the most unstylish shoppers on film. (I guess my digital cam isn't exactly film, but I digress.) My unstylish finds were seemingly endless, so I'm sharing my top-five - excluding the two stellar mullets I saw but couldn't photograph - with you. Keep in mind that I was trying to be subtle, which is why the quality of the pics isn't my finest work ever. (I also caught them mainly from the backsides so that they wouldn't be identified or want to kick my butt.)

The Scrunchie - This was the best of the two scrunchies that I saw at Big-K. Both were red, so I can at least give them credit for being seasonal, but someone needs to introduce this woman to a hair-rubber band. Scrunchies were stylin' when I was in 2nd grade, but I'm pretty sure we're well past that.

PJ Pants in Public - I get it; she wanted to be comfortable while running errands, and she certainly wasn't expecting me to spy on her, but that's as far as the excuses go. It's simple - what you wear to bed, especially when it's flannel and cutesy printed, is never acceptable attire for when you're in a public place. The bright white tennis shoes sure didn't help her blend in either.

NOTE: This style rule does not apply to Cornbread.

Indoor Sunglasses - Sunglasses seems to be pretty self explanatory. Sun + glasses = glasses for the sun. So why the heck to people feel the need to sport them indoors? This man shopped for quite awhile, and the glasses didn't budge the entire time. Please learn from his mistake people; nobody is cool enough to pull of indoor sunglasses. You look ridiculous, I promise.

Fur Coats in K-Mart - It's not that it wasn't a stylish fur coat, because it was. It was the fact that this woman was sporting an elaborate, puffy fur coat while browsing the isles of this budget retail store. Unless there is an after-hours ball at the Big-K near you, wearing lush fur is just not appropriate here.

Curtains as Clothing - This poor, unsuspecting woman thought that making a skirt out of her old curtains was somehow a stellar idea. And while it worked in The Sound of Music, it's something that only Julie Andrews and co. should ever attempt. It even looked musty...

The style mavens have been calling since the fall for everyone to layer, layer, layer. Girls and guys alike are piling on textures, colors, and patterns this year and making cold weather statements indoors and out. I ran into Carlos at the St. Louis Galleria while he was coat shopping and stopped him for this week's style on the streets. Carlos, an aspiring clothing designer, told me about the look he had pulled together for the day, his many layers (he had on a total of four), and what he thinks is the key to looking sharp.

Here are some of the highlights from Carlos' look:

Layer 1 (Hoodie): Mark Ecco
Layer 2 (Cardigan): American Eagle
Layer 3 (Vest With Embroidered Emblems): Boutique in Delmar Loop
Shoes: Converse All Stars

Carlos On Pulling A Look Together: I try not to think so much about the clothes. I don't care if it matches as long as it fits me and I feel confident.

What Draws His Attention When Shopping: Something like how a jacket is cut - I pay attention to that. I like the cut.

Do You Consider Yourself A "Fashionista"?: Kind of, I'm kind of working on my own fashion label right now. It's a sketchbook right now but its different ideas and clothing designs that I like.

Carlos' Advice For Guys Getting Dressed For a Business Casual Day: Make sure you have clothes that fit you. Find out what your size is and wear what your size is. Never try to wear a different size. If you're a medium, wear a medium and if you're a large wear a large.

Carlos' Style Icons: Mark Ecco, Puff Daddy, Ralph Lauren and those guys.

It looks like I am not alone in my desire to have these puppies back on my shoe rack. The coveted title of "newest trend in footwear" appears to be going to one Doctor Martin.

Yep, they're back (both the eight and fourteen eye variety), and it's kind of fun that they aren't just in black. According to WWD Fashion News, the trend started resurfacing last year, but I am just starting to notice them on the feets of St. Louis.  I haven't seen them in any of the ten colors that are available, though... just black. What's your opinion: is the made in color line too hot, too cold, or just right?

Before we get to this week's fashionista, I would like to tell you a story. This story involves a desperate ToastedRaver (yours truly) combing the streets for hours in search of someone with a fun, quirky style. I went to two malls, Target, a sushi place, three gas stations, Walmart, a hair salon and everywhere in between, and I finally lost all hope. Don't get me wrong, boring jeans and sweaters, shoppers in pajamas and 40-year-old women dressed like teenagers were all in plentiful supply, but nobody wants a photo spread of that, do they? Just as I was thinking about how to dress up my mom and take photos of her, I ran into Kristi. Before we get to her story, I would like to make a plea to all of you stylish St. Louisans out there. Please stay stylish this season. If you think you qualify and I just didn't find you, shoot me an e-mail at audrey@toastedrav.com, because I have faith that you're out there somewhere. And now back to our regularly scheduled posting.

I found Kristi at a Mobil on the Run in Chesterfield Valley. She came straight from a performance as an annoying secretary from the Bronx in this Christmas play, which explains her over-the-top makeup.

Here is what she was wearing:

Headband: H&M
Scarf: Vintage Hand-Me-Down
Knee-Length Jean Shorts: Old Navy
Gold Undershirt: Target
Boots: Online
Metalic Bomber Jacket: Target
Starry Top: Forever 21

Kristi on her own style - I always feel like a gypsy. I guess you could say that I'm inspired by them. I'm usually random because I can't decide what matches, so I don't even attempt. I'm spontaneous and eclectic.

Where she shops - Everywhere I have clothes on from now. Also, a lot of my clothes are from thrift stores.

The story behind her scarf - It's "vintage." It's my mom's from the 60s, and she let me have it. I dig through all of her old stuff because she used to be a hippy.

Her stylish passion - I'm really into jewelry and I usually wear a lot of it. I actually make my own (she wasn't wearing any because of the play). If you're interested in seeing what I make, email me at kristihargas@yahoo.com. It's called Funk Junk.

Kristi on her most recent online snag - They're my favorite thing that I'm wearing. These are actually mud boots. I just ordered them online, and I wear them with everything, even when it's not raining. I like that they're really tall and I can prance around in them. They're not very warm though.

What got me thinking about all this newfangled beauty gear was Rimmel's After Dark Lip Gloss (photo above). This lip gloss not only comes with a mirror so that you can avoid any mishaps while applying the shimmery stuff, but it also comes with a light. That's right, a light. When you click the button on the cap, a little light comes on, so even when you're applying in a dark room or while out on the town at night, you can still see where you're sticking that gloss. I couldn't resist snagging "In the Limelight."

Call me crazy (not literally), but I'm amazed by Almay's Smart Shade Makeup, especially this foundation. I don't know how they do it, but when you first put a dab of this stuff in your hand, it's completely white. But as soon as you smooth it on your face, it magically changes color to blend in with your skin tone. Pretty darn fabulous, and hopefully it will help some ladies out there avoid having their face 3 shades different than the rest of their body.

Sure, this might be for those ladies (or mascara-wearing dudes) who are too lazy to actually move their arm up and down to apply a coat of mascara to their own lashes, but I still think the SpinLash is pretty cool. The brush rotates 360-degrees for full, even lashes, and I have to say, it certainly has a pretty large following of glossy beauty magazines.

This high tech item is also a mascara. Cover Girl, my personal tried-and-true drug store makeup brand, has come out with Exact Eyelights. Tiny pigments of color are infused in the makeup, and they're in a color that is supposed to compliment either blue, green, brown or hazel eyes (the "high tech" part). I use the one designated for green eyes, and I honestly can see a huge difference.

Finally, in honor of the little kid in me that still thoroughly enjoys Bonne Bell, I present to you, Skittles Lip Smacker. In my opinion, there's nothing more high tech than exactly duplicating a well known and distinctive smell, and turning it all into a handy, affordable chapstick. It comes in original, tropical and berry trios.

But today, my friends, I ran across not one or two, but three different items that made me feel like I just don't get it. Is my fashion sense moving into its golden years, or are these new fashion trends kind of ugly? You can be the judge.

I present to you Exhibit A: Sequin Bomber Jacket from Miu-Miu. Price tag: $3,135

For your consideration I would like to present Exhibit B: Lace "Booties" from Nine West. Price Tag: $109

And finally, Exhibit C: Fringe Cutout Boot by Christian Louboutin. Price Tag: $1,795

That last one kills me because I am such a fan of Christian Louboutin shoes. Though I don't own a pair I may consider selling a pet or first born to buy some if the offer is sweet enough.

I added the prices to further illustrate that no only are these little wardrobe pieces considered high fashion, but fashionistas are laying down some serious cash for them. What's the verdict? Should I be heading to the fashion retirement home or is there something to my distaste?

It is a wise man who appreciates dressing well and being fashionable. An even wiser man knows accessories are really the way to make you stand out from the Abercrombie and Hollister set. While browsing the mall Jason's casual yet fashionable style caught my eye. Jason, a men's shoe designer for Rocket Dog, was combing the stores at West County Mall sizing up the latest trends in men's footwear when he took the time to chat with me about his personal style. First, what he was wearing:

Hat: H&M London
Cardigan: Top Shop in London
Scarf: Top Shop in London
Blazer: Boutique in Cologne
Jeans: Jon Varavatos
Shoes: His own design from Rocket Dog

Noticing a trend here? Jason prefers to do most of his shopping across the pond, and his duds are a mix of tres expensive and thrifty items. Jason gave us some insight on his style preferences and some advice for the mens among us who are looking to pull together a look that gets them noticed.

On His Personal Style: "Its an eclectic mix of vintage and new. Taking basic things and adding my own twist to it." Jason will pair vintage tops with designer jeans to add personality.

Jason's Style Motto: He strives for his style to have, "personality, so I don't look like page 2 out of an American Eagle catalog."

Style Advice: Jason's says fellas should, "Try to find something to make their look uniquely their own. Not to neccessarily follow whats popular and mainstream." To pull this off he suggests keeping that favorite t-shirt or beat up sneakers and mixing it in with your look. In a word to, "keep personality and selves into it."

Co-owner Walt Johnson brought in a sneaker expert from Chicago and teamed him with a St. Louis sneaker aficionado to manage the sneaker and clothing store, which features shoes from the likes of ALife, limited edition New Balances, and supreme Nikes. There are only a few stores in the area that support sneaker culture and I Am... Sneaky saw an opportunity to support the city's growing sneaker community by carrying shoes and brands that local sneaker collectors previously could only purchase and keep up with sneaker culture through online sneaker sites like HypeBeast and High Snobiety or the one of the two, far-flung, shops in the area. The edition of I Am... Sneaky and the expertise the management brings is a sign that St. Louis's sneaker culture is growing and is here to stay.

What makes these sneakers so special and how does one start becoming a part of the local sneaker scene? Check out [tab:trav_video] to see at what sneaker heads are craving and wearing and to learn more about our local sneaker scene.

BOUTIQUE OF THE WEEK::IVE HILL!

A new and ohhh so fabu boutique has just opened its door in the CWE area. IVY HILL! Owner Hillary Dutcher has just return to St. Louis after developing her unique fashion sense in Boston. With much encouragement from friends and family, she decided to use her vision of fashion and see where it takes her. It lead her to 304 North Euclid in the heart of the best boutique shopping in St. Louis... AKA the CWE! Opened for about a month, Ivy Hill is chalked full of great gifts ideas for any woman you may know. Nick and Nack, Brick and Brack abound throughout the country kitch store. Don't let the laid back environment fool you. Ivy Hill's inventory is fashion forward chic. I probed Hillary for her must have great gift items during the holiday season.

Featured above is the steal of the century. The Malia recycled racing bag wallets! All of the are priced at $50.00 or less. 

Another stylish gift for the trendy at heart are these "Pistachio by Marisa Danielle" headbands. Made from vintage fabrics and adorned by vintage brooches! All can be found priced at $100.00 or less. 

Remember, gifting is the tricky attempt of shopping for someone with the idea of buying them something they might like. Style is always a hard thing to gift to someone. I always suggest buying something cute, little and unique for the holiday season. It reflects more personally to both the giver and the receiver. 

Don't forget that if you have a dying fashion question you can always comment in my Fashion Feedback column and I will help in solving your fashion query!

Happy Holidays

DSly the Style Guy!

IVY HILL:: 304 North Euclid Ave, Saint Louis, MO, 63108,:: 314 367 7004 

Many times when I'm shopping, I casually glance at the people around me for inspiration. While I was on my weekly run to Target, I spotted Leann, a 26-year-old from Webster Groves who works at Stages St. Louis Theater. Her cute red beret caught me attention first, which I thought was ironic, because like many others, I like to pronounce the store's name with a French accent.

What she's wearing:

Coat: Tommy Hilfiger from Macy's
Purse: The Limited
Scarf: Old Navy
Hat: Hat shop in Florida
Shoes: Dillards
Slacks: The Limited
Blouse: The Limited
Sweater Vest: The Limited

Who Leann turns to for style inspiration - Sex and the City. I also love Stacy London from "What Not to Wear."

Leann on her own style - I like things that are retro, especially from the late 50s and early 60s. I like lots of bright color and unique shapes. I like to be feminine, but not too girly. I don't do lace or bows, but I like soft fabrics and things that are flowy.

Why The Limited is her favorite place to shop - They have clothes that are stylish and age appropriate. Their clothes are dressy, classy and won't go out of style. Personally, for me, their clothes are really lady-like, and there's lots of fun shapes, styles and fabrics to choose from. Did you know that they hem your pants for you if you buy them there? That's great for me since I'm short.

A horrid trend she won't be trying this season - I've seen a lot of gold lame fabric around. Those metallic tights and leggings are not for me.

The story behind her hat - I got it at a little hat store while I was on vacation in Florida. A little red hat is always so fun.

What she was doing at Target - I had to get plastic bags and gloves, then I scored some shoes on clearance. I like Target because they have cute clothes, and they also carry non-toxic cleaning supplies.

Editor's Note: I love that when she takes off the coat and scarf, her outfit has a completely different look. Anyone who can pull off a sweater vest and a beret at the same time gets my respect!