Instant evening looks: Liquid liner, wine colored lip gloss

What does a stylist do? Rachel Zoe, Jessica Paster, Lisa Cooper and Philip Bloch all respectively helped create or "brand" so we say, Nicole Richie, Jessica Simpson, Rhianna and Christie Brinkley. But really what do they do? It's a nebulous fuzzy area and a job description that's hard to grasp. Are they personal shoppers? No. And although they transform appearances they aren't plastic surgeons, but perhaps the next best thing.

No, I guess the best way to describe a stylist is as the diplomats of the clothing world, subtly suggesting better options for their clients until the client thinks they are making the choice's independently. Rachel Zoe was so effective with her styling diplomacy that she was famously fired from her position by Nicole Richie after transforming her "Simple Life" persona to well what you see today. Like proper nutrition, good fashion is about consuming less and making better choices.

Here are a few tips on quick "instant evening looks" for the holiday's

1. Liquid eye liner, MAC cosmetics Fluidline in Blacktrack $18. is an easy way to achieve a sexy, dramatic eye.
2. Red Wine drinkers, carry Desire, Moistly or Decorative lip gloss by MAC cosmetics at $16.50 to mask wine stained lips.
3. Gold Highlighting Powder or a shimmer skin finish with add sparkle and shine. Channel for $75 and Mac for under $30.
4. A classic black dress. Available from Old Navy for $30. or Holt Renfrew for a limitless budget
5. Fishnet and black tights. From Wolfords or The Bay
6. An all season snug, pasmina, shawl - whatever terminology you prefer but get one.
7. Red lips in the right shade for you, MAC launched the "Red She Said" collection for christmas 2008.
8. Nude and Black patent pumps, will elongate your leg and Nine West works to achieve the same affect as Christian Louboutin for a lot less money.
9. Bangle bracelets or a gold cuff from either Aldo Accessories or Tiffany's - budget dependant
10. A sequined dress or top for sparkle and shine from Le Chateau or Vera Wang

During the holiday's follow stylist rules strictly since potential for fashion disasters is on par with potential for weight gain. The list of "must have's" works for generous and tight shopping budgets in exactly the same way. So be cautious and stick to the rules.

If you can afford to hire a reputable styist do so and if not pick up a copy of Style: A to Zoe; The Art of Fashion Beauty and Everything Glamour by Rachel Zoe . the confidence the you will have making quick and instant fashion and choices is well worth the $24.99 at Chapters.