It's Beginning to Feel a lot Like Christmas

I am more than ready for Christmas 2009. I don't know about you, but Fall 2009 has really taken a toll on me and I am more than ready for some cool weather and some much needed R&R. Sorry for the lack of posts; I've had a seriously busy last couple of weeks. Think 3 stops in my 5 day Thanksgiving vacay (Tulsa + Plano + Wichita Falls = Jealous?).

So, to brighten up your post holiday blues I've decided to give you some real gems to brighten your day in the name of Christmas, sort of:

Hot pink is not a 'slimming’ color, especially if it is cutting off circulation to the rest of your body. The blue shoes are a nice offset aren't they?. If you look closely, you can see what I hope is underwear crammed up in there. (Didn't want you to miss that)

Cabbage Patch Man comes complete with a birth certificate, & application for adoption.

Hey look, it's your mom!

Technorati is Making Me

9NG3Q8NFETY2

Daily Dose's Music Pick: k-os

"With his fourth album, Canadian rapper k-os continues to blur genre lines, working with everyone from Saukrates to Metric’s Emily Haines.

The affirmatively titled Yes! is strong on positivity, blending hip-hop, soul, folk, and rock in the artist’s inimitable potpourri style..."

Read more and listen to their entire album here.

Yes, I know what you are thinking- there are rappers in and from Canada and I think this one is pretty decent. Thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

...Thank you disillusionment...

I Need Some Feedback: Hot or Not?

Please leave me some comments...

Oh Crap. My Parents Joined Facebook. Happened to The.Well.Set

Yes, the below is really from Addie's dad. Read some of her LA based movie reviews here.

Then go to MyParentsJoinedFaceBook.com, it's no FML, but it'll do for the Tuesday before Thanksgiving when you know you aren't actually working anyway.

Feed the Animals

The Animal Rescue site is having trouble getting enough people to click on it daily so they can meet their quota of getting FREE FOOD donated every day to abused and neglected animals.

It takes less than a minute (about 15 seconds) to go to their site and click on the purple box 'fund food for animals for free'. This doesn't cost you a thing.

Their corporate sponsors/advertisers use the number of daily visits to donate food to abandoned/neglected animals in exchange for advertising.

Here's the web site, please pass it along to people you know:
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/

New York, New York, Newww Yorrrrkkkkk

One word: O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D.

The Genuine Gentleman's View on, ahem, Running Water

Dear Genuine Gentleman, do we need to run the water while using the restroom?

Well readers this might be a funny question to some of you but it is an actual question from one of my favorite readers. Stacey Deal, from Houston, wanted to know a man’s opinion on this topic and because she herself is a water runner. (All names have been changed to protect the innocent)

The first thing I think of when the water start’s running immediately is wow, wonder how that’s gonna go!

Ok, now let’s get down to it. There was a Japanese book imported to the United States in 1993 titled Everyone Poops and guess what guys, Every Woman does. That does not mean that we need to ge

t into a discussion about the make up of the deposit but it does raise the question, “do we want to hear it?”

The answer is obviously no, but does the water trick work? Yes, yes it does, unless there is some kind of PA system broadcasting from the bathroom the water trick works. Even though we know what is going on in there we don’t need to experience all the details. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

This wonderful maneuver has kept men everywhere debating whether or not hot girls poop and thanks to all the water runners out there we may never know the actual answer.

Keep the articles coming ladies!

It’s Southern Rock ‘n’ Roll but I Like It

By Elizabeth Roley, Austin, Texas

Noble Dog, founded only a couple years ago by Taylor Burns and Preston Wimberly, has already become a regular on the Austin music scene. Burns’ vocals, belted out with a southern drawl, make for an entertaining performance as his passion for the music shows through every lyric. Stage left, on lead guitar Wimberly’s talented strumming wows fans. The music is complimented by Mike Bernal on the drums and Aaron Hatmaker on bass, which makes for a soulful quartet. Their new album, Let’s Go Home, dropped November 5^th and you can buy it now on iTunes and for under $6 bucks, you won’t regret it.

Noble Dog’s next big gig is at Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room (upstairs) on December 4^th at 11 p.m. That’s a Friday night, so there is no excuse to miss out! It’s easy, get there at 10:30 and meet the band, then grab a beer and get ready to groove to the sounds of some down home rock and roll.

Listen to the album here: http://www.nobledogmusic.com/album.html

oh, this song brings it

You Are Going to Love These Sites

By Jennifer Sullivan, Austin, Texas

I don't know about the rest of you...but there are some days at work when the internet just doesn't have anything to offer. I have checked twitter, facebook, my usual blogs, perused the news and pandora is playing the same song for the 500th time this month. Thank goodness my 19 year old brother is looking out for me in this crazy post collegiate world....he introduced me to 2 websites this week that truly have changed my afternoons at work.

stumbleupon.com

This website is the best waste of time on the internet, in a good way. You check off a few categories that interest you, like art and humor, and you start stumbling. I have learned some great useless facts, found some new blogs and seen some crazy talented (and talentless) people strut their stuff.

fratmusic.com

If you ever miss those great late night dance parties...this is the place to go. Playlists range from 80's to classic rock to throwback rap. It's all free and a great alternative to Pandora.

Jordan's Obsession du Jour

Surprisingly, This is NOT a Dirty Picture

Baby got back...fat.
Get more of this, ahem, goodness here.

Make a Difference Today: Dish For A Dish

All you have to do is write a review on the Dishola website and they will donate a dish to Meals on Wheels for the holidays.

What better way to spread holiday cheer??

Go to www.dishola.com to spread some cheer today!

Our C3 Insider Kelly Leonard Suggests...

WHAT: Gil Mantera’s Party Dream w/ Auto Body

WHERE: Emo’s Inside

WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 19, Doors at 10p.m.

Get ready for the party of your DREAMS this Thursday night at Emo’s Inside. Opening up is The.Well.Set favorite, Auto Body—this duo is guaranteed to set the tone for the night of a lifetime. And as for Gil Mantera, here’s a sneak peek of the awesomeness:

Get your tix thru www.ticketweb.com

See y’all there!

Ah, the power of the internets

Sea of Shoes J. Aldridge's Chloe Inspired Must Have Boots

One can only aspire to such glamourosity (that's right, say it with me now, glamour-osity) as has been attained by young fashion blogger J. Aldridge (pictured at left). Her long standing style blog SeaofShoes.com has brought her a lot of fame because of her whimsical sense of style and frankly just how long it has been around the blogosphere. There are urban legends about her mother being some famous fashion magazine editor, but a few things are for sure, she is from Dallas, has impeccable taste, unlimited funds and has had unprecedented access to the fashion world.

Which now includes a line of shoes at Urban Outfitters that I must say has some pretty solid choices at recession-chic prices.

My most favorite pair are these Chloe inspired (see our l'obsession with Hannah McGibbon's debut fall RTW line here in our inaugural post) lace up wedges and at $128 with free returns and exchanges you probably can't go wrong (right).

Compared to the Chloe original pair at $695 they look just about the same at a fraction of the price (left).

The Genuine Gentleman On Brains

Attention Well Set Readers: You’re not stupid so stop acting like it.

You graduated from high school, college, and now you have a good job. Chances are if I were to see you running around on a Friday or Saturday night I will probably hear some of the most intellectually void conversations ever. I am not a mental giant myself but my god, what are you doing?

In what dating advice book does it tell you to act as if you have not one single brain cell in your head? Do me a favor, no do all

mankind a favor, and stop acting like an idiot and start acting like the intelligent, beautiful woman you are.

Brains are cool, brains are attractive, so if you have big brains then show it off!

The bigger the better, just like boobs!

If There Was One Thing That You Could Buy Right Meow This Should be It

Red Valentino

Bow Tie Tee, $195

The most fantastic tee shirt ever... RED Valentino gets in the holiday spirit with this simple white jersey tee (the jersey is nicer than your basic tee shirt knit) that looks like it’s been wrapped up like a present with an enormous bow.

Pair this with black jeans, red lipstick and embellished flats to really make an entrance at any holiday gathering

If You Are Going to Be in Austin for Thanksgiving Then You Should Go to This Show

WOXY Series Kickoff- Neon Indian w/ Tunnels @ Stubb's Jr
Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
Doors @ 9 p.m.
Tix on-sale thru stubbs.frontgatetickets.com

Get more info and RSVP on FB here.

Read Jordan Jeffus' review of Neon Indian here.

Is That a Cabbage Patch Kid or a Real Life Red Headed Step Child?

Sorry Kate, this kid-o really stole the show.

The BeeHive, Austin, TX

If you haven't been to the BeeHive yet, then you need to do yourself a favor and make a bee-line (pun intended) there.

Located off of Bee Cave Rd. & Walsh Tarletan near Randall's the BeeHive is home to some genuinely stylish picks at all price points.

Owner Claire Fields studied fashion merchandising at UT and put in time managing another boutique in Austin after college. After deciding that she was better suited to give clients what they were actually looking for (because she essentially is her demographic- young, hip and trendy) she opened the BeeHive and her inventory has been flying off the shelves ever since.

It's as if she has improved your regular boutique selection with her own blend of current trends and her unique style that is a hybrid of vintage-urban chic which is one hundred percent on par with what's fashionably relevant today.

Here are some of Claire's picks for Fall & Winter 2009:

- Power Shoulders

- Boyfriend Blazers (read the do's and don'ts of the boyfriend blazer here)

- Vest (from furry to menswear inspired)

- Lace

- Fringe

- Zippers

Above Claire shows how you can wear a gorgeous dress three different ways:

1. Beaded Vest, $38

2. Monoreno Jacket, $65

3. Corey Lynn Calter Dress, $198

Here Claire pairs two big trends of the season for one seamlessly stylish look:

4. Fringe Black Top, $38 & Love Stitch Open Front Cardigan $45

5. Shoulder Pad Sweater by Double Zero, $40

Some of the hottest jackets of the season:

6. bb dakota Military Blazer, $78

7. Audrey Boyfriends Blazer, $65

8. Pink Joy Joy Peacoat, $170

9. Pink Tunic Amanda Uprichard, $190 & Funky Fur Vest, contact store for price

10. AVK & Co. Black Zipper Shift, $48

11. Metallic Power Shoulder Sweater Dress, $40

12. The BeeHive carries all variety of tres cool jewelry to round off your look.

13. Strapless Little Black Dress, contact store for price

Lost Cat?

Earlier this week, we’ve seen clearer images of the Rodarte for Target pieces featured in Marie Claire. Teen Vogue and Glamour magazines also featured one piece each, the Lace Halter Dress ($45) in their new issue with Dakota Fanning on the cover (what a grown up!) and the Nude Lace Dress ($40), respectively.

Mark your calendars: The collection is slated to launch on December 20, 2009.

We are loving what we've seen so far! Are you?

Tonight @ La Zona Rosa, Doors @ 8 p.m., Tickets $23

Buy tickets here.

My Not So New Obsession: L.A.T.F.H.

“What are you staring at? Oh, let me guess. You probably expect me to wear a Sega Game Gear around my neck, because it has ‘color.’ Get away from me, you racist.”

Look at This F-ing Hipster is an instant favorite of mine. It documents the silly-ness that is the hipster lifestyle. I would recommend adding it to your favorites and looking at it every time you are feeling blue about growing up and getting a real job thus abandoning your cooler, yet completely unrealistic college lifestyle. Listen, I am as guilty of anyone of taking ridiculous pictures of myself in hipster garb (see mustached photo above right), BUT let's just say it's not who I am...

These pictures could be you. So. Be glad they aren't.

Check out more here.

WHO.WHAT.WEAR

If you don't already get the daily Who What Wear emails then you definitly should. Especially if you like my daily fashion rants. The ladies that write these are legit. Most of the emails are full of people to get style inspiration from as well as the up and coming trends explained (ahem, velvet?), however there is quite a bit of advertising (JC Penny) so, just go ahead and delete those.

Here's a sample explaination of the above lovely lady in black and red:

"A few red accents add interest to a neutral outfit.Becca, 24, from New York, is an ideal candidate to launch us into cocktail season. Her black and white ensemble is all-occasion appropriate, yet her choice of strategically placed color makes said outfit all her own. We love her oversized floral purse that is both cheeky and ladylike and adds some whimsy to her prim-and-proper look. Plus, the addition of a vibrant lip color and nail polish also livens up her ensemble and makes it youthful and fun. Grab a bag akin to Becca's by opting for Valentino's Petale Satchel ($2495), or go for Steve Madden's Bruffle Bag ($88) for a dose of raspberry-colored ruffle that's less of an investment. As for her eye-catching pout, we recommend shu uemura's Rouge Unlimited Supreme Shine Lip Color ($30) in Rd165 for its bold color and sleek clutch-ready capsule. Finally, we'd hand our lovely manicure over to the experts at Sephora by OPI and opt for Nail Colour ($9) in Madame President, a perfect, primary red."

Sign up for the e-newsletter here.

Well Set Readers Meet Fernancey...

Poleci, Versace, Linda Asaf and Alexandra King for Saturday's 2nd annual Runway to Heaven Charity Fashion Show at the Austonian

By MARQUES G. HARPER: STYLE & SUBSTANCE
of the Statesman
click here to read more

'What does it take to be a major fashion designer these days?" I asked Jeffrey Chow on the phone (pictured right).

He didn't hesitate with his answer. Chow, no stranger to industry buzz, got Vogue editor Anna Wintour's stamp of approval seasons ago.

"It's a little bit harder than 20 or 30 years ago to do a brand," said Chow, who now designs the line Poleci. "You have to be much more show-show. It's much harder to do it from scratch. People are buying less, and (they are) more demanding about what goes into a garment and design. It's our job to give them a reason to buy."

Certainly, we learned the tough lessons of the fashion business from the revealing documentary "Valentino: The Last Emperor," and we know fashion designers and design houses have gone to great lengths during the recession to stay relevant and keep costs down while trying to make sure their voices are heard.

Perhaps that's one reason Chow and Poleci executive Jean Claude Huon will make an appearance in Austin this week for Saturday's Runway to Heaven Charity Fashion Show at the Austonian (200 Congress Ave.). Doors for the event open at 6:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Poleci will share the runway with Austin designer Linda Asaf, emerging designer Alexandra King and heavy-hitter Versace, which is going through its own shake-up during this economic decline. Hair and makeup for the show will be done by a team from the popular Australian-based Kevin Murphy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Austin Children's Shelter and Dell Children's Medical Center.'

Looks from Poleci's Spring 2010 Line
Photos courtesy Luis Banuelos Arechiga

2nd Street District Holiday Give & Get

Every Friday afternoon in November, 2nd Street District businesses are rolling out the holiday cheer with the first-ever 2nd Street District Holiday Give & Get.

Come into participating 2ND Street District businesses any Friday afternoon in November from noon-5p.m. (free validated parking in City Hall).

Just $25 gets you special VIP savings, free gifts, a chance to win holiday spending money and the opportunity to support one of four much-loved Austin non-profits: Art Alliance Austin, Austin Dog Rescue, Bikes for Kids or Capital Area Food Bank. $20 goes directly to the charity of your choice and $5 will go toward a raffle including holiday spending money and hundreds of dollars in gift certificates to 2ND Street District businesses. The raffle will be drawn on Thursday, December 3—the night when most 2ND Street District businesses will officially celebrate the holidays with parties, trunk shows and other special events.

In Honor of My Trip to San Francisco Tomorrow...

Buy a Shirt, Feed a Child for a Month

Buy a cool shirt for $38 and feed a child in Africa for a month.

There are dozens of designs; get one or two here. Great for Christmas gifts!

Watch Al Roker Get Real Awkward

Beth Ditto & the Gossip

I know, I know, I'm a little behind the times, but my friends just went to this show last week and said it was amazing. I am jealous I didn't go, therefore I want to share one of their hit songs with you so that you too do not miss out on Beth Ditto and the Gossip's insane performance when they are in your area...

For a list of their concert dates go here.

Be There or Be Square, This Thursday: RSVP MEOW

RSVP here

Scarf-sanity: The Top 4 Ways to Rock Neck Candy

According to StuffWhitePeopleLike.com:

"White People’s body temperatures do not operate on logical or consistent levels, and because of this white people are often forced to wear clothing combinations that might seem strange or illogical...

...During winter months, it’s no surprise to find white people all bundled up with scarves around their neck – it just makes sense. But even as the weather warms up and the other layers start to fall off, the scarf remains...

...It is not uncommon to see a white person in jeans, a sweater and a scarf. In fact, it’s not a rare occurance to see a white person in a t-shirt, jeans, and a scarf. Thats right. A thin cotton t-shirt paired with a scarf to enable maximum temperature control in bars and places with air conditioning."

1. The No-Tie Tie. Just drape it around your neck for that 'I'm so cool, I don't even tie my scarf" look.

2. The Backwards Wrap Tie. Drape your scarf backwards around your neck, so that the center is flush against your throat and the tails fall down your back. Take the tail falling over your right shoulder blade and bring it across your back and over your left shoulder so it falls down the left side of your chest, and repeat with the opposite side. This way says, "I can't wait to become an ex-pat, I'm so cool."

2. The Backwards Wrap + Knot Tie. Complete look # 3, then tie the tails. Presto Scarf-o! When to do it: Under a buttoned up blazer with the tails hanging out past the hem, when your scarf is super long. When you want your neck to be extra cozy.

4. Button-Hole Tie. Fold your scarf in half (making it half as long) and drape it around your neck so that you have both tails hanging over one shoulder and the folded center over the other. Open up the folded center a bit to create a button-hole, and thread the the tails through the hole.