TheWellSet to Move to Houston in 2011

All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves; we must die to one life before we can enter another.  


~Anatole France

The Dancing Bird/Woman Might Be a Bit Much But the Music is Good.

Follow the Lights with Rihanna at about 7.20 is my fave song.

Something to Consider

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive

element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my

daily mood that makes the weather.

I possess tremendous power to make a life miserable or joyous. I can

be a tool of torture, or an instrument of inspiration.

I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.

In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis

will be escalated or de –escalated, and a person humanized or

dehumanized.

If we treat people as they are, we make them worse. If we treat people

as they ought to be, we help them become what they are capable of

becoming.

 

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

N.E.R.D. + Daft Punk = Heaven in Your Ear Holes

Download their new collaboration "Hypnotize U (Nero Remix)" HERE.

Obsession du Jour: Delish Pantsss

Who even needs an upper body when you could wear these luscious pants on your lower body?

I am OBSESSED. These camel pants from mango.com are all that and a bag of chips: camel, leather, trouser cut, high wasted. I want, I need.

Alas, they are sold out of all real women have curves sizes, but such is life.

If you are a tiiiiiny person then run, don't walk, to mango.com and get your hands on these pants sent from the heavens. They are all of $260ish and worth every penny.

Good suggestion for Santa as well. I want those boots too, but can't find them on the website. What a tease!

Katie Beal is Kinda a Big Deal

Michael Jordan's Reaction to Lebron: LIKE

What I am Buying Now

Sorry for the absence of posts - I've been in Argentina on a trip of a lifetime. I just wanted to write a quickie about some shoes I saw on a girl in Buenos Aires in the famous cemetery La Recoleta (Lots of pics to come soon).

Or course I'm in this most unbelievable location and I see this girl with these shoes and it was love at first sight. The only difference is that hers were made of suede but other than that these are pretty much a dead ringer. Hers were from some ambiguous boutique in London, too bad but I've found a match on Zappos.com And that price? - Perfecto. 

I LIKE:

Stud Muffin by
Not Rated

Cee Lo & Gwyneth Paltrow: A Cover Story

I cannot get enough of Cee Lo's new album, listen to it below and then buy it because it's great, but when I saw old Gwinney Patlrow covering his 'Forget You' (I prefer the other F word there, personally) I was at a loss for words. Last night was my first time to watch Glee and I was, eh, pleasantly contented with what I anticipated it to be like. Lots of good music, mediocre character building with some minor un-PC humor along the way (gay jokes anyone?). I might watch it a few more times, but probably won't record it. Can someone please explain the infatuation with this show to me? I know I am late to the party, but I don't really get it. Sorry.

Austin RiffRaff: MP3:: Download new Girl Talk album

Girl Talk's new album is up for free download today. The system is pretty sluggish but if you continue to try you can download the album as one seamless track or seperate mp3's. You can download it at Girl Talk: All Day

Get more Austin RiffRaff goodness here.

Prada is so Innovative

Marc Jacobs in Drag and He's HOT

[via bryanboy] Madam Jacobs was shot by Patrick Demarchelier and 
styled by Katie Grand.

You think I could get him to loan me that coat and those shoes? Love it.

The (Un)Domesticated Diva is Back! Permanent Marker Fix

The (Un)Domesticated Diva,
 Jacqueline Grisham

I genuinely like Halloween. I like to carve pumpkins, give candy out to trick or treaters (although the kids here ride around golf carts-lazy daisies), and I like to dress up in costume and guess what other people are as well. This year, I pondered many ideas on who to be- Lady Gaga or Snooki originally topped my list. While I do love a good leotard/tights combo, and definitely some major hairspray and a reason to purchase a bump-it would have been money, I decided to do something a little cleverer. Inspired by Aftony’s Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac combo two years ago during the financial meltdown, my husband and I brainstormed about all the recent news stories for inspiration. Somehow we decided on being the BP oil spill. 

In an effort to not look too political, I decided the details: blue shirt for him, blue dress for me both with something spilled on it. I wrote a “B” on mine (I thought it was ironic and funny to take the B) and he got the “P” (Again, the irony). It was all very witty until I wrote the “P” on one side of his shirt in permanent marker, flipped it over and wrote the “P” on the other side. I picked up the shirt and yikes, there is a giant “P” on my husband’s wooden kitchen table in black permanent marker. 

After cursing the spirits of Halloween, I tried everything I could think of: nail polish remover, old-fashioned soap and water, anti-dandruff shampoo (hey, it gets rid of sunspots on your skin!), alcohol, witches hazel (what the heck is that for anyways?), but none of them worked. Finally, I googled to see if I could find another solution. Desperate, I quickly dabbed toothpaste all along the “P” and let it sit for about an hour. Voila!  Good as new! It should work for any kind of pen, sharpie, and marker stain on anything wood. Happy Arts and Crafts time this Holiday Season!

My Newest Blog-Crush: The Man Repeller

Thanks to my friend Selia 'Slacks' Straus I now have a new blog obsession and I think you should too. The Man Repeller is everything I am not when it comes to style blogging: unencumbered by full time employment, over flowing with lack of inhibition and, last but not least, she's got someone to photograph her (ah, the life of the single lady - if only Figs had thumbs!). I am obsessed with her snarky tone and her topical posts like how to be photographed by a street style blogger and how to rock birth control glasses. I mean, it's only my one wish to be in the 'Do' section of some major publication...  Let's just say that I generally agree that girls (I think when your friends start turning 25, you are no longer girls - love you guys) women dress for other women and that fashion is not always translatable to the male sex. The Man Repeller takes that philosophy to the next level and owns it. One of her posts that I am most obsessed with is how to make your own turband. I will be doing this soon (once I get the guts/have dirty enough hair... I'm thinking this wknd in Vegas will be a perfect spot for this trial - family criticism be damned!).

Check it out below and make sure to check out The Man Repeller soon. It's the tits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a self-proclaimed expert in the field of man repelling, I thought it useful to start including photo-heavy tutorials that will document the exciting prospect of DIYing your very own sartorial cock blocks. This week, we'll start with the TURBAND. Sure, you can buy one (cue: Pixie Market, The Nasty Gal) but think of it like this: when you're buying say... a salad for lunch, don't you prefer owning the power to include your favorite ingredients and to make sure it is exactly what you want? No surprise craisins. 

Yeah, so turband. DIY.

Before we start I'll just say, this DIY took place in the comfort of my own bedroom. In real life, people don't DIY while overlooking the High Line and wearing sequined mini dresses and cat eye sunnies. I'm trying to bring an element of realness to your computer screen. NOW...

 1                                    2                                     3

Step 1: Locate a square scarf. I stole mine from my mom. She is fancy so it is Hermes. 

Step 2: Take opposite corners from said scarf and fold them together. This should leave you with a triangle shaped piece o'fabric. If you want, you can tie it around your head and pretend you're a female extra in Fiddler on The Roof."Match maker, match maker make me a match. Find me a find, catch me a catch." Anyone? Anyone? K, bye.

Step 3: Keep folding.

 4

Step 4: Tie the folded scarf around your head and pretend you're a ninja. This is also an optional step though highly recommended.

5                                    6                                   7

Step 5: Tie the folded scarf around your head so that you have bunny ears. Knot it once.

Step 6: Knot it again and start laughing because you're only two steps away from anti-mating! 

Step 7: Take the bunny ears you've created and bring them toward the back of your head. Knot again.

8

Step 8: Put on patent leather booties, pose like a douche bag and voila, male genital deterring continues.

I do want this...

WTF Trend: The Backwards Blazer

Zara's version

Backwards blazers are all the rage these days with versions coming out from just about everyone. I am going to bring back a little segment I like to call the WTF Trend: the backwards blazer; why not to wear it...

I like Philip Lim's version the
best bc it fits.

1. It can't be flattering - talk about line backer shoulders! I've already been genetically blessed with those and don't need to further accentuate them. 

2. It can't be comfortable - imagine wearing that bad boy and sitting down for dinner. There is a reasons buttons belong in the front.

3. Your back would get coldddd. 

An ill fitting version by
 Boy of Band of Outsiders

4. If your backward blazer isn't fitted directly to your body it is going to look even worse and since none of us have personal tailors on staff, I bet it would be a no go in most instances.  No doubt about it - just look at how badly the Boy by Band of Outsiders version pulls, N.G.: not good. 

5. You might end up on the worst dressed list -  anyone else remember Celine Dion's satin backwards suit by Armani? She was and will forever be a don't here. Sorry Celine. I was a wee babe when this thing walked the red carpet in '99 and even at 13 I knew that this was straight fugly.

My heart will not go on for this.

Proceed with caution here WellSet readers. This could be a fashion don't in a matter of seconds. 

Givenchy's version

by Jill Sander

Would you wear a backwards blazer?

I just threw up in my mouth a little.

Witch
Unimaginative gals

Sexy witch
Unimaginative gals looking to get laid

Dracula
Unimaginative men who hear chicks are into vampires or something

Sexy Dracula
More desperate version of above

Ghost
Unimaginative people of all genders with body image issues

Sexy ghost
Unimaginative people of all genders who are frankly kind of confused about how much skin they should be showing

Pumpkin
Babies with unimaginative and/or lazy parents

Pirate
People who are living in 2005

Ninja
People who are living in 2003

Princess
Girls who cried when the car they got for their Sweet 16 wasn’t expensive enough

Gorilla
Dudes who want to mess stuff up without being recognized

Zombie
People who want an excuse to get totally wasted and bang into stuff

Devil
People who confuse rebellion with evil

Sexy devil
People who confuse promiscuity with evil

Angel
People whose sense of irony is just beginning to develop

Sexy angel
Lapsed Catholics, deeply conflicted Christians

Cat
Girls who make purring sounds at inopportune moments

Banana
The bro whose picture appears in the (slang) dictionary next to the definition of “dealbreaker”

Fairy
Manic pixie dream girl wannabes

Werewolf
Lazy beardos

DYING over this Wes Anderson Save the Date

Of course they are from Austin. Love it.

Something to Consider

"There is no more fashion because there is too much fashion," Pierre Cardin said last night. "There is no longer a separation between one year and the next. We can't make fashion every six months, perhaps fashion manifests itself every ten years, but, in reality, people have to work and the stores have to sell."  [HuffPo/theCut]

Controversial Lebron James Nike Commercial

Closet Clean Out TIME

the Clampetts

I've always been a lover of shopping, but lately it's been really obvious that I don't wear about 80% of my closet. And since I am still in that awkward mid-20s never going to stay in a place over a year phase it seems silly that I keep carting this stuff around. I know what you are thinking: I spent so much money on that! I really loved it! I might wear it someday! 

I just love this picture.

While these are all really valid points they seem a little silly because you know that once you get paid on the first (ahem, ladies) you will head to the mall/outlets/Last Call (my personal fave - they just keep sending my 40% off coupons! it's not my fault & they are online now: trying to hop on the Gilt bandwagon...) and buy yourself a little something nice. Because that's what we do as a culture: we consume and it's ok, just as long as you don't end up like those sad folks on Hoarders who can't keep it in perspective. 

Before

They say your inner state of consciousness is indicated by your outer state, so let's get some closet harmony flowing folks! Here are my closet clean out tips:

1. A good rule of thumbs is if you buy something new you have to give something old away... I don't necessarily agree with this (especially in the world of accessories because those are investment pieces); I do agree with this in terms of more expendable items: jeans, t-shirts, anything that is ripped and or discolored from over wear and can't be salvaged. 

Get rid of wire hangers - they ruin your clothes!
Take them to your dry cleaners and donate them instead.

2. Tim Gunn says that if you haven't worn it in a year then give it to someone who needs it more... I think 1.5 to 2 years is more realistic. Especially in this world of revolving trends (and you know I lurve me some trends) what goes around comes around. Also, this tip is void if you are referring to a formal dress that still fits and you know that you will wear it again coming wedding season (hey, this is the South and the girls got the feva)... As long as it is in good condition and it fits then this is ok by me. 

3. If something doesn't fit, like really doesn't fit: get rid of it... I am guilty of holding onto skinny jeans, etc. And if these items are literally fitting but just a little snug (the key is a little snug) then I will keep them, but if you have to lay down to zip them up, then forgetaboutit. Donate them. Or, in the case of an item that's too big - get it altered. Make sure to price it out first and be sure it's worth it to you.

4. Organize the effort: have boxes/bags marked Goodwill, Trash, Resale, Alterations and Sentimental Value. Go with your gut here - if you agonize for 10 minutes you don't really want it. Worst case scenario put it in your Sentimental Value box and then revisit it in 2 days and see how you feel. 

5. Sell you stuff on Ebay or at Buffalo Exchange/Cupid's Closet... Making dough is good, but Ebay is not so simple. The folks that buy your bargain goods will not always be upstanding citizens and may complain or demand a refund (this happened to me over a $5 pair of shoes. The shipping cost more! I was like lady, they were $5, what did you expect?!). Unless you have nothing better to do than track down their payments and ship items, I wouldn't recommend it. It takes a lot of time. Do the consignment store road instead. You'll get less money but for a lot less hassle.

Figaro is super helpful.

After

6. Organize those accessories! It will make finding the right clutch or scarf so much easier. Donate those kitschy items from Forever21- you only bought them because they were $9.99 anyway.

7. Organize in terms of style and not color...That way if I want a sweater I can choose from that section and get more creative. It's easier for me then by color and it let's me express myself more.

Work shirts, blouses, sweaters, blazers, pants, and vests. 

Summer clothes in the coat closet to de-clutter
your fall/winter look.

As far as updating my look, I've decided to completely embrace the Annie Hall style that I love. That means: skinny jeans, high wasted belted trousers, vests, blazers, cardigans with my own flare. For now I'll be packing away my flowy tops and summer patterned items (That's what my coat closet is for anyways.) for a more sophisticated look that I can take from day to night with a swipe of red lipstick, quick change to heels and some sweet earrings/necklace to top it all off. 

His Knees Look Like Biscuits and He's Ready to Party

What I'm Desperately Wanting Now: Camel Booties

CHLOÉ

Leather ankle boots

$850

 

SCHOLL

Ankle boots

YOOX Collection: Fall-Winter

$128

GIVENCHY

Ankle bootsYOOX Collection: Fall-Winter

$588

The.Well.Set: A Stream of Consciousness or Something More?

Is anyone out there?

It's been brought to my attention by several readers that I tend to misspell stuff, use poor grammar, repeat words, etc. And all I can say is - please tell me! When you read my little mistakes just shoot me an email at afton@thewellset.com. Because as you can imagine, this is not my paying job. This is something I do for fun when my paying job is slow. Or as you can tell lately, my paying job's been really busy, therefore I can't post anything because I'm slammed and am nervous about said errors. Well folks, I don't have time to quadruple checks for errors and most shockingly I try but can't seem to see them - what a bad writer stereotype. Sigh, I am not the world's best writer. 

Oh, Lindsey Lohan.

On a funny side note, one time I wrote my step dad (who I love) this really long emotional letter about how grateful I was to have him in my life, etc. Let's just say it was touching, but my mom later called me to see if I wrote it when I was drunk. No Mom, I was NOT drunk writing! I just get to writing and all hell breaks loose. No grammar, no spelling, no brain. I swear I am above average smart-wise, but don't prioritize these things like I should. Like anyone with a problem: I'll try to do better.

If she can do it, I def can.

Therefore, I am taking a stand for this blog and saying outright that this is not a glossed up web publication (although, I am sure you all thought it was because my severe addiction to amateur hour code writing - also, not my forte) but a working stream of consciousness that gives me a creative outlet. My job is pretty legit but it does nothing for me creatively. So, I took a leap of faith and have put myself out there. It's made me feel pretty vulnerable at times but overall the feedback is solid. 

Hamburger bed anyone?

So, if you'll please keep reading my rantings and ravings, while excusing/emailing me about the errors, I'll keep writing. This bad boy has been up for over a year (1 year last September!) and I am pleased to keep it up. Please keep sending me your fashion questions and I'll keep posting the best jams, stupid videos, recipes, etc. I can find. Thanks for your support.

Lurve,

Aftony Balogna