Some Music & Videos to Obsess Over

A little birdy, by the name of Kristina Wilson [read her blog, Wonders Will Never Cease, here], introduced me and some other pals to Grimes at our weekly Tuesday night dinner party. The videos make for some great watching and her ethereal voice makes for some great listening. Enjoy. 

Who is that dread locked, long talon-ed beauty? Brooke Candy! She's a female rapper from Brooklyn with that little something special... NSFW, ps.

What Not to Buy Me This Christmas: Flask Bangle

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I am the first person to tout the beauty and intrigue of the arm party. I love accessories more than the next person, but this interpretation is pretty literal. The Cynthia Rowley Flask Bangle is the "perfect gift for the party girl." Now, I don't know about you, BUT in this situation I am thinking party girl with alcohol compartment jewelry is a girl with a touch of a problem. Like this is the best gift for hot mess Lindsay Lohan? 

WhoWhatWear.com picked it as one of the objects they loved most for December. Here's what they had to say about that: 

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Cynthia Rowley Flask Bangle ($225)
As you may know, we love a unique fashion find, and this quirky bangle from Cynthia Rowley's S/S 13 collection certainly falls into that category. This chunky statement piece works overtime; not only is it a gorgeous bracelet but it's also a flask-a design detail that'll certainly claim the spotlight at your next bash.

Despite the fact that this screams alcoholics anonymous lets talk about the obvious drawbacks of this: 1) it is clearly going to be body temp, who wants vodka/whiskey/gin at 98 degrees? 2) It is probably weirdly heavy once it is full and on your wrist and not in that oh this? this is my new Hermes bangle set sort of way. 3) It looks smallish and those of you who know me know that these hands match this body aka they are meat hooks.

So, even if you have likened me to be the #partygirlwitheverything that def needs this please don't buy it for me. Thanks. 

 

Waris Ahluwalia is Amazing & Other Confessions

via sikhchic.com

Waris Ahluwalia is a total bad ass and I have been crushing on him and his wares for ages. His jewelry line aptly titled House of Waris first caught my eye way back in Vogue 2007. He also had made a cameo in Wes Anderson's Darjeeling Limited (probably my most favorite Wes Anderson movies of all time) and totally stole the show. 

His attention to detail and his eye for the unique yet timeless make all of his pieces instant heirloom material. It took the beauty of his creations to re-inspire my blogging. Forgive me for my absence, but I have been feeling generally unmotivated due to unforeseen stressers, both good and bad, in my life.

Let's just say at the beginning of each new season I always get really jazzed about the upcoming trends and new goodies to buy. But I undoubtedly run out of money and pizzazz for the entire lot and experience burn out in the form of writer's block. It also did not help that it has been in the 80s in Houston until today (ahem, Dec. 10!) and that my skinny-single girl frame has been replaced with the comfy-fatty frame of a girl settled into and monogamous, cohabiting relationship. There is no one to blame but myself and my love for foods and general lack of self discipline. It's a 2 year vicious cycle that is neither good for my moral or body. So, I am going to attempt to swing the pendelum back toward moderation and work out and eat healthy most days. Also, I have found tremendous motivation and too-easy-to-not-do workouts on the Muffin Top-Less blog (thanks for that little gift, Pinterest and the Universe). Thanks for letting me vent you are the best.

Without further ado, Waris Ahluwalia, the coolest man around.

via Design Boom

Design Boom writes:

the entitled punk-maharaja waris ahluwalia of house of waris at istanbul 74

ISTANBUL’74 hosts an exhibition of HOUSE OF WARIS, the fine jewelry collection designed by waris ahluwalia, on view until 9 th november in the ISTANBUL’74 gallery space in karakoy, istanbul. the punjab-born, brooklyn-raised waris ahluwalia (aka 'punk maharaja') creates fine jewelry pieces that are noted for their unique beauty and craftsmanship. coveted by fashion icons and sold at the most luxurious boutiques, they bring together old world techniques and marvelously modern designs. waris has spent the last seven years searching the world for the artisans (goldsmiths, stonecutters, ...) that approach their craft with passion and an innate understanding of raw materials. from rome to jaipur to bangkok to new york, he has worked with great talents, combining the old with the new.

'there should be meaning in jewellery for men. it should be -my significant other gave me this- or -my dad gave me this-
or you're in a band. if you're in a band, all bets are off. wear whatever you want.' he says in an interview with GQ magazine.

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Pants Made of Dreams & the Perfect Song for Fall

Meet the track pants of my dreams. Buy here.

Track pants. Something that would normally be considered the opposite of high fashion. That is until Phillip Lim got his hands on them and voila high fashion and sports collide into a not too ridiculous pant. That is, of course, if you have an affinity for sequins and quirky leg ware. I happen to have both. While these $1,500 pants are fun to dream and blog about the question is where would you wear them? The answer: anywhere your dreams can take you. Namely, Vegas, NYC... Roak? JK.

Now for the band I have on repeat right now: Alt-J. Which when you type into your keyboard is a delta sign (aka the sign for change)... I'd do it right here for you in blogger, but alas it is not allowed so you will just have to take my word for it.

Trend I Love: Moto-Butch Booties

L-to-R: Chloe/ Givenchy/ See by Chloe/ Marc Jacobs/ Golden Goose (ok, these are brown - who cares?)

Something about the winter (or what we call winter in Texas - it's going to be 79 degrees today) makes me get really moto-butch. Like I really cannot get enough of the color black especially on leather goods. One glance into my closet and you will see what I mean. Black flat knee boots, black over the knee boots, black wedge slouchy boots, black heeled booties... You name it - if it is a black boot I probably have it. OR SO I THOUGHT... Until I was browsing SSENSE.com (ps their site is amazing? the never ending scroll is my favorite.) and came across a plethora of little black leather booties. And low and behold I purchased some. I can't wait to wear them with skinny jeans or with a dress/skirt combo for work. My toes will be warm, my feet will be comfortable and my legs won't be sweating (did I mention it's going to be nearly 80 today??). I picked out some of my faves above, but this bad boy by Belle Sigerson Morrison caught my eye the most... I just really love the suede and leather combo and the slits in the back of the boots - very Peter Pan-ish with a moto-butch edge. Perfection.

Black Combo Kirk Pixie Boots. Don't mind if I do.

Jordan! So dreamy!

A word to the wise: This look gets literal real fast so choose your booties carefully. Black flat combo boots without feminine details look real bad real fast and not in a good way. They are just one step away from the '90s Doc Martins (that are supposedly back in: NOT to me) you wanted so bad after seeing that episode of My So Called Life.

Go Buy Right Meow

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New Vampire Weekend!

[via Noisey] So handsome, so preppy. Even in their adorable skeleton makeup. 

YSL Pumps + Lady Gaga Inspo = MAGIC

Did I mention that the mirrored heel is also to die for and that I would accept these at any point as a gift? Mother Monster (aka Neiman Marcus) says buy them here. 

Help Those Devastated by Sandy

Pic from NYmag.com detailing the devastation and the New Normal by Joe Coscarelli.

DONATE to the Red Cross TODAY! It's as easy as clicking here or texting REDCROSS to the number 90999.

Happy Halloween!

Since Halloween is on a Wednesday it is not going to be the same rager that it usually is. At least not in public, what happens in the privacy of your own home does not count.

Xtina is really really frightening here. Maybe you could go as her? I'm a genie in a bottle ba-bay.

My boo and I as goths at my sister's Halloween party in conservative Wichita Fall,  TX. Some of her older friends asked if we "dressed like this all the time?" We didn't know them and they didn't know us, but that classically Southern woman's way of insulting you softly never-ever-ever gets old. We quickly flashed iPhone pics of our regular selves. 

Still without a costume? This little ditty by Daily Candy is both funny and useful. Who needs fancy-schmancy store bought costumes?

GOLD BELTS FOR EVERYONE!

 

ASOS/ Nicholas/ ASOS/ DVF/ Mettle

I LOVE this look. Like love love love love can't get enough of it in pictures or on my body. Those of you that know my style know that it mainly consists of lots of gold jewelry, blacks and a few turquoise pieces (to throw back to my New Mexico roots, ya'll). The black and gold street style image is so legit - even the coral and gold image is perfect althrough prett-ay spring-ay. I think the secret on this is to get a gold belt that is both wide and shiny. The second ASOS belt above probably doesn't fit the bill but I included it anyway because it's an A for effort.

Enjoy my new favorite song:

So Many Wonderful Things

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[CLUTCH]in' on a Photograph - Grouplove, sort of.

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Nothing says fancy party more like a boxy little bag that holds very few belongings. These pretty little things are the perfect accessory to hold a) credit card, b) cell phone {notice how they are all iPhone friendly}, c) a single key. Lipstick may be and usually is pushing it. I have made the mistake many a times of squeezing as much as I can into my little sparkly bag only to have to wrestle it closed all night long. It's best just to avoid that if possible and stick to the essentials. Plus, that is what your boo's pockets were made for - lipstick! gum! keys! That's why he's  your boo after all. 

For those of you that love to have one of your hands occupied all night long you are in luck. This trend has crossed over to the day time variety. However, I tend to carry more than the above three items in my bag on any given day so, my chosen solution is to carry a giant bag stuffed with said belongings and then place my dainty clutch inside of it so that when I head to lunch I can fake that I actually carried it all day. Oh, look at me so fabulous and low maintenance! Ah-ah. Yeah right.

I purchased the Zara version and carry it often (did you hear they have a home collection - online? it's zamazing). It fancies up any ensemble and with that price tag what is there to lose! Major bonus: it has a little gold chain so that you can actually use that other hand of yours and sling that bad boy over your shoulder. 

Yes, I am still obsessin' over this group[love] - pun intended.

Bieber Fever: It Got ME!

My Drug Store Beauty Staples

It isn't every day that I can trek up to Neiman's to purchase one of my staples (thanks a lot traffic and full time job). So, I decided to test out some staples that are just as good and a million times more convenient (also, 1/10 of the cost?!) - and I am hooked! These are my daily go-to's and I am pumped to share them with you:
 
1. Essie polish in Wicked: Almost as good as Chanel Vamp. - $8
2. Pssssst! Dry Shampoo: I used Oscar Blondi for YEARS and this works just as well or better without that annoying lemon scent. - $3.99
3. Essie polish in Good as Gold: Almost as good as Chanel Gold Fiction. - $8
4. 24 Hour Body hairspray by Tresemme: The benefits of hairspray without the stickiness or weight. - $5.50
5. Avalon Organics daily moisture: Organic and oil free! - $21.49
6. Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Berry Smoothie: Light like Chapstick and just as cheap. - $6.49
7. Burt's Bees body lotion: Once they added the pump I was hooked. - $12.99
8. Revlon PhotoReady foundation: Spread on like face lotion for light all over coverage. - $14.49

Skulls and BONES!

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Ferocious Fur Goods

Kelly Wearstler Red Fox Jacket & Proenza Schouler Chieko Bags

 

 

 

It's going to be 90 degrees again in Houston today, but that didn't stop me from perusing the fur that is all over the internet. I am dying over those Proenza Schouler Chieko bags! I have one of those hides on my floor from my boo's hunting trip - how the heck can I make it into a bag - who does that? And that Kelly Wearstler coat... Zamazing. Makes me think of Katniss Everdean? Well friends, I am off to Dallas for the TX OU game. Hook 'em!

Ps. It's going to be in the 80's there too. FML. Where are you fall?!

Grouplove at House of Blues Tonight & What I am Wearing

Really excited to see Grouplove tonight at Houston's House of Blues. What will I be wearing you ask? I was just wondering that myself...  

 jacket/ boots/ belt/ bag

Miu Miu Loafer Love for Fall 2012

Get them here and here.

Many of you know that I have quite the penchant for men's wear menswear. There is just something about the cut of a tuxedo jacket on my broad shoulders that screams sexay-laday. Loafers are no different. Femme them up and lookie there you are a lady-boy androgynous super star.I have one pair and have just about worn them out. Time for an upgrade! No one could provide a better upgrade than Miuccia Prada. Mui Mui is my MOST FAVORITE brand. For example, my two best friends were getting married, trying on dresses and how did I treat myself on that non-engaged day? With some vewry-vewry expensive Mui Mui wedges. It was dream. We've been soul mates ever since (pun intended).

The Wisdom of Neon Signs

That is true until you snap from too much pressure. What does the diamond have to do with anything?

Curse you mid-to-late twenties!

Any of my friends would tell you that this is my give it up to the universe saying.

Failure mostly, but also living an unfulfilled life. Plus, spiders?

Ah, the credo of the young and the restless. This also, like the pressure one above, is good until you nose dive into exhaustion.

Must Have for Fall 2012: BOOTS

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Not all boots are created equally - some are a million dollars and some aren't - click through to see. I particularly like these boots because they clearly say, "hey, I can totally kick your ass like a super hero, but still do my desk job with extremely warm shins and kneecaps." 

Ah, fashion I love you so.

Bracelets + Shoes + Poultry = Less Case of the Mondays?

Bracelet/ Shoes/ Luxury Chicks by Peter Lippman

Happy Friday!

1. GREEK FEST: Yesterday marked the first day of the 46th annual Houston Greek Fest. This was one of my first and most favorite events when I moved to Houston last year. Gyros + wine by the bottle + Greek dancing = One amazing block party! See you there?

2. NEW HAIRCUT: In 1 hour and 6 minutes I will be walking into a salon and cutting my hair into what I hope resembles the above. I am nervous and excited all at the same time, but mostly excited. My inspiration was found on Into the Gloss (the most amazing product/hair/makeup blog that I am now OBSESSED with) and I hope that the cut will also make me resemble her? Even just a little...

3. UT FOOTBALL: Tomorrow morning my boo and I are getting up bright and early to make the trek to Austin, TX to hang with old friends and attend the WVU/TX game tomorrow night. He was raised an Aggie so this for sure is going to get weird. Let's just say there is also a high percent chance I will buy him a burnt orange shirt and guilt him into wearing it. Also, did you see that the high is like in the low 70s tomorrow? GO F-A-L-L!

4. LEATHER JACKETS: Speaking of fall, I cannot wait to break out my amazing leather jacket. It's the perfect weight for the faux Texas winter plue it makes me feel like a total rock star. This amazing Chanel jacket was spotted on the streets of FW, but let me be the first to say that the ones from ASOS.com look just as amazing (p.s. that is where mine is from). 

5. PAPER BAGS: Although I am not into this look, but thought it deserved mentioning as a WTF Trend (remember those?). The Jil Sander version is a whopping 300 bones and it is literally paper. The Celine version debuted this week on the runway of Celine and all I can say is... At least it's leather? But is still real-real ugly? And not practical? Like a mangled clutch? Don't do it friends. Unless you are going for that hobo look in which case go for it. At your own risk, of course.

My Latest Obsessions: Fashion, People, Things, Etc.

1. Did you Lena Dunham has a fashion spread for ASOS.com? It is truly adorbs, but the best part is that she is totes a normal girl (that kinda makes me gag bc it is code for a lil chubs?). Check out the five pick spread here.

2. Kan-yeazy-so-sleazy at Paris Fashion Week. This guy really has the charisma/confidence/something (yes, that includes his asshole-ishness) that makes him irresistible to the camera and white girls that love rap all over the US (just like me).

3. This shark tooth necklace from Brooklyn designer, Brash Cat, just shot to the top of my Christmas (in October?) list. Buy it here.

4. No need to explain, just Channing Tatum for GQ looking all abs-y.

5. What is cooler than a black disco ball? Very little. Can you buy it? Does it glisten in the dance floor spot light? TBD. Here's where it's from.

6. Many on you know my obsession with Mui Mui shoes. Mainly because they fit (these wide feet) and also because they are comfortable - truly. These are the right color for fall and just seem serious enough for a workplace (if that workplace happens to be at my office, Laura U, Inc.). Buy them here.

7. Something about Balenciaga's jewelry that always has me going. I still dream about the giant shark tooth necklace (and late night search for it on the internets) and wish that it was mine. This S/S 2013 multi-finger ring is no different. See the entire show here.

8. This street fashion picture from the Milan Fashion Week has me completely hypnotized. That guy? Those old ladies? The hair? The cigarette? The accessories? Amazing. Photo by Jerome Sessini.

9. This shirt was spotted at NYC Fashion Week on a tres stylist fashion show goer (almost typed street walker - true, but not entirely). I want it, but it is SOLD OUT. Hate those words. Wait for it to maybe become available here. Have a sewing machine? Learn how to make your own here.

10. Last, but definitely not least, is this hilarious photo of my dad on the verge of a solid brown out following a show that he invested in in Vegas with his best buds. Let's just say his text message from that night is still pretty legendary on Instagram (don't forget to follow me today: @AftonyBalogna). Out-of-town Gary is the best!

Per the Usual, Dries Van Noten KILLS IT

You like to mix and match patterns you say? Well Dries just out did you.

 See it here.

Case of the Mondays? Words to Consider to Get You Through

Diana Vreeland's Quotes

 “There’s only one very good life and that’s the life you know you want and you make it yourself,” 

-Diana Vreeland  

Diana Vreeland was the creative force behind Harper’s Bazaar (1936-1962), Vogue (1962-1971)  and also revolutionized the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute (1971-1989). She is also famous for having quite an opinion about everything. Thankfully, Into the Gloss did all the dirty work and mined her memoirs for her 50 best quotes. Here are some of my favorites:

7 “You know the greatest thing is passion, without it what have you got? I mean if you love someone you can love them as much as you can love them but if it isn’t a passion, it isn’t burning, it isn’t on fire, you haven’t lived.”

10 “Style—all who have it share one thing: originality.”

16 “I think when you’re young you should be a lot with yourself and your sufferings. Then one day you get out where the sun shines and the rain rains and the snow snows and it all comes together.” 
 
20 “I adore artifice. I always have.”

Read the rest of her quotes here on Into the Gloss. 

See the film Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel in NY and LA, if you are so lucky as to live in one of those cities. The documentary chronicles her wild, inspiring life full of vim, vigor, and what D.V. called “Faction” (as in both fact and fiction, because, as she once explained, “why not make a story more interesting?”). 

Can't Stop Loving... Rachel Comey Sweater and Purty Ring's "Fine Shrine"

Buy this 470 bones sweater here.

And I have this on repeat, of course...

Haters Gonna Hate

Monogrammimg: More than Just Some Trend

Moon and Lola Acrylic Monogram Necklace

Any person who has ever been in a wedding or graduated from high school (at least from Midland, Texas or UT Austin grads) knows the value of a monogram on everything. There are two parts to this story: 1) For those presenting the said monogrammed item it is a safe bet that the person will hold onto the item for some time because it has their name on it. 2)For the person receiving the gift it screams 'this is all about me' and therefore you will love it forever. Oh, narcissism. Or, in the case of my newly married friends, at least until your name changes and you are forced to discard the item out of reverence to your new initials. 

Lucky for the rest of the non-preppy fashion world monogramming is not just for us WASPs anymore. Check out Clare Vivier's monogrammed clutch. It comes in lots of colors and its only going to cost you about $184 bones. Not too bad in the word of $2K purses that are in this season and out the next. Remember, your initials emblazoned on an item is classic because they are your initials and you rule.

Stella McCartney's pre-fall took consumers by storm with the full on embrace of multiple monograms everywhere.  In multiple colors and styles the monograms took the place of the polka dot in terms of layout and size. I like this, but am partial to my own three letters so will probably pass on the full body monogram and stick just to the single monogram that's all about me. Check out more monogram-able items here on the Who.What.Wear post from last week.