Finds of the week:

• High: YSL's Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner Pen, $32
• Low: Maybelline's Eye Studio Felt Tip Eyeliner, $8

Off the wire:

• Karl Lagerfeld once owned (and wore) a mankini. Photo evidence because it happened.
• Max Azria only works five hours a day. Redesigning the same bandage dress can't be that difficult.
• Betsey Johnson files for Chapter 11, but the reality show is still on.

Smart reads:

• LOFT Summer 2012 Lookbook - The Budget Babe
• I'm Powerless Against a J.Crew/Pamela Love Collaboration - Eye4Style
• It's Like Going On Vacation, But Not - Miss Whoever You Are

If you look closely, you'll likely notice that the great creatives - think Tom Ford, Betsey Johnson, DVF, Rachel Zoe, and Jonathan Adler to name a few - have established a unique design aesthetic that runs through every element of their life. Thanks to the voyeuristic nature of our society (and the internet, natch) we're blessed with sites like StyleLikeU that allow us to get a sneak peek (albeit an edited version) into these very personal spaces.

As I've gotten older, I've noticed a fundamental shift in the way that I think about money. Perhaps it's a generational change, however the conservative Arkansas in me never would have shelled out for a Chanel handbag. In fact, she would have likely carried a fake and hoped that no one called her out (seriously, the secret shame is intense). Maybe it's a sign of maturity, but every time I make a purchase, down to the coffee mug I desperately cling to in the morning, I think how it fits into my vision of my life. Would it look out of place in a photo of my desk?

Taking inspiration from many of the creative geniuses that I named above, I think about the impact my potential purchase might make within my apartment, my wardrobe or my every day life. For me, finding the balance between price, functionality and appearance is a struggle.  For example, when you pack for a vacation, do you pick a theme for your daily outfits and build upon that? Might one of your goals be to have matching luggage?

Granted, it's much easier to make these decisions when money is no object, but I'm so curious about the approach you take when adding a new piece to your life. What is your thought process?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below!

My interest in Mercedes Benz Swim Fashion Week is back, piqued by the braided looks seen on the Betsey Johnson Swim 2011 runway.

Ryan Suhr, the lead stylist for the show from Cutler Salon felt that Betsey Johnson's cheeky & cherry prints could benefit from the juxtaposition of a more editorial hairstyle.

To recreate the "edgy and editorial braids", follow Ryan's recommended steps:

1: Spray Cutler Volumizing Spray onto damp, clean hair

2: Section hair into two asymmetrical sections, brushing the top half into a tight ponytail at the right recession of the hairline, and repeating at the bottom half by brushing it into a tight ponytail at the bottom left of the nape

3: At the top section, create two fishtail braids, loosening the braids by lightly pulling at the sides, then wrapping the braids around each other and pin, replicating the look of a flower

4: Repeat Step 3 with the bottom section

5: Finish the look with Redken 23 Forceful Super Strength Finishing Spray

For more information on Cutler Salon, please visit http://www.cutlersalon.com/.

 This season, backstage at Betsey Johnson was as much fun as the show itself! The music was blaring and the scene was full of energy and spunk- much like the designer herself. 

I spoke to Sarah Lucero who did the makeup for Stila cosmetics. The inspiration was Brigitte Bardot in a 1960s French cowboy film Betsey loved in which Bardot was work in and a little dusty. "She's been busy and she's not checking her makeup", says Lucero. To create the look, Lucero and her team used Stila's One Step Makeup, which creates beautiful complexion that's matte and has a powder finish. The eyes are very blacked out and in the movie, under Bardot's eyes were very dark and it's that effect the makeup team tried to recreate. There was a little less makeup on the upper lid (she used Stila's Java, Espresso and Ebony eye shadows) and Stila's Dune eye shadow in the center to almost remove the dark shadows used. Eyes were lined with Kajal Eye Liner in Onyx. On the lashes Lucero used NYX lashes and cut the curl off to create straight, spokey lash (think a porcelain doll when she blinks).

Smooth Convertible Color in Gerbera onto cheeks and lips to finish. The lips were a peachy nude color- a first for Betsey Johnson who normally has glossy or red or very pink lips. 

NYFW coverage proudly sponsored by IGIG.

Save 20% on orders now through March 10, 2010 by using code styleit at checkout.

Happy shopping!

The pages of September's Vogue become interactive with ShopVogue.TV.  Go behind the scenes of the Roberto Coin ad with Christy Turlington, or purchase items directly from the latest Gucci ad.

Warning:  ShopVogue has the potential to become very, very addictive.

With all the versions of Top Model these days, it can be difficult to remember a time when real top models ruled the world. Fortunately, Forbes has compiled a list of the world's top earning models.

At number one, it's no surprise to see Gisele Bundchen top the list. She has earned an estimated $33 million, and is currently the face of Dolce & Gabbana's latest fragrance.

#2: Kate Moss, $9 million

#3: Heidi Klum, $8 million

#4: Adriana Lima, $6 million

#5: Alessandra Ambrosio, $6 million

#6: Carolyn Murphy, $5 million

#7: Natalia Vodianova, $4.5 million

#8: Karolina Kurkova, $3.5 million

#9: Daria Werbowy, $3.5 million

#10: Gemma Ward, $3 million

#11: Liya Kebede, $2.5 million

#12: Hilary Rhoda, $2 million

#13: Shalom Harlow, $2 million

#14: Doutzen Kroes, $1.5 million

#15: Jessica Stam, $1.5 million

Did your favorite model make the cut? Where is Naomi Campbell? Questions to ponder while you count your grapes for your morning meal.