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| Lipstick Art via Paper Fashion |
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| Image via |
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Lipstick Queen Lorde
Need more lipstick info? Read these 12 Weird But True Facts on Byrdie here. Like, did you know both women and men wore lipstick in ancient Egypt?
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7.29.2014
TheWellSet's Top Picks for National Lipstick Day 2014
7.24.2014
7.19.2014
TheWellSet Closet Clean Out SALE!
In need of some designer wares at a fraction of the price? I am cleaning out my closet and being the uber-capitalist that I am I've listed the best-of-the-best on my Ebay store.
Click through you voyeur, you know you want to... #chanel #tomford#marcjacobs #houseofharlow #louboutins #donnakaran #bcbg #zara
7.18.2014
A Brand Strategy Consulting & LaurenStack.com: Who Says You Shouldn't Work with Friends?!
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| final website design for LaurenStack.com |
So excited to be able to share a much loved blog LaurenStack.com. Lauren is a childhood friend of mine and she has always had a pension for style and fashion. She has turned that love into a burgeoning career as a stylist doing fabulous things like working with Neiman Marcus and at New York Fashion Week.
Lauren contacted my marketing company, A Brand Strategy Consulting, about updating her blog to be as fabulous as she is. We had a blast picking out colors, headers, and fonts. It was really great to work with someone that shares the same passion for their work and is truly fearless about following her dreams. I am blessed to have clients like her and let's just say I try to keep the use of 'blessed' in check for when it's real. This is one of those times when it is totally real.
This is a great example of what you can do with a simple Blogger blog using the right tools. It doesn't cost a fortune either and makes a tremendous impact on your branding!
I love doing projects like this, so, if you know someone that has a passion for blogging and needs a little polish to give their blog that extra oomph please tell them to contact me today!
I have no doubt that Lauren's blog will be a huge success. Go ahead and put it on your Safari Reading List because it's going to be big!
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| Fabulous hot pink color vignette by Lauren on LaurenStack.com |
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| Couldn't agree with Amy Poehler more! One of Lauren's quotes from her Instagram @laurstack |
5.16.2014
Summer 2014 Must Have: The Maillot aka The Cool One Piece
ASOS Maillot 1 // J. Crew Panama Hat // Lisa Marie Fernandez Maillot 2 // Chloe Sandals // Mara Hoffman Maillot 3 // ASOS Tassel Necklace // J. Crew Rope Bracelet // ASOS Maillot 4 // Michael Kors Beach Bag
I am so happy to be able to select four gorgeous one pieces for you to wear this summer. The Maillot aka the cool one piece is pretty hot right now and I cannot be more pleased. B-Rad and I are headed to the white beaches of Cancun, Mexico in a few weeks for some much needed down time. I am looking forward to the relief of only needing a few items of clothing for the entire week we are there because nothing says true vacation like repeat outfits. Cancun holds a special place in our hearts because we spent a long weekend on a whim there very early in our relationship. Of course that time we stayed at a bargain resort and this time we are staying at a proper resort but it was still wonderful none the less. Forgive my inability to write interesting sentences... We went to a very fun party last night benefiting Houston's Hermann Park and really tied one on. Let's just say the night ended in the McDonald's drive thru - not proud, but hey it's the truth.
Any who, I leave you with some gorgeous beach images courtesy of Pinterest (follow me here!) along with what is sure to be the song of the Summer by Calvin Harris to get you in the mood.
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| CANCUN! via |
5.02.2014
What to Wear When: Spring 2014 Wedding Fashion Edit
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It's that wonderful time of year again: spring wedding season! Thankfully there are lots of seasonal fashions that will go perfectly in any spring setting whether outdoors or in.
I just love this Alice + Olivia silk dress with the y-back. It is so light and springy, but also not too clingy or revealing. I would wear a delicate gold necklace for a little something, but go big on the earrings. My two choices are the Eddie Borgo tassels (so dramatic!) and the other is a throwback pair of vintage Chanels (probably clip ons?). I paired the dress and earrings with a cute beaded clutch by Kotur and wedges by See by Chloe. The shoes are perfect for in-the-grass ceremonies and receptions (no sunken heels here!) plus they are super comfortable. I love the clutch in my favorite cognac leather. It will pair well through the summer with all things warm weather.
Quick life update - all is going well. 1 plus month into self employment and things are going great. Several meetings down with a few clients and I am pleased to report they are getting better and better. Happy to unveil the new logo for A Brand Strategy Consulting below!
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| www.abrandstrategy.com |
What do you think?!?
So, shoot me an email soon and let's schedule a meeting to get that website of yours up on the web, not to mention locatable by search engines (SEO), and fully pimped out with a full marketing strategy including social media. Nothing is better at attracting new business than a comprehensive marketing strategy and a strong web presence.
Music update - listen to this song, then record the VH1 Top 20 Countdown on Saturday mornings and thank me later. Talk soon!
4.15.2014
4.11.2014
TheWellSet.com Dream Birthday | Wish List Edition
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| 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 |
Why hello there,
I am excitedly planning my wardrobe for our annual birthday celebration in Las Vegas, Nevada (aka my favorite place ever). Plus it is our first trip back since our wedding last September. While I flip through all of April's fashion magazines I slowly but surely amassed a list of gorgeous items that I would love to receive any of which for my birthday. Hint hint. Any who, seeing as all of these delectable items are also very much new to the market and would look good on the likes of any of my faithful readers I wanted to share the love. So, happy shopping!
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| Via |
One of the non-tangible things I hope for on this day of birth is the strength and character to grow old with grace. As luck would have it this month's Harper's was the Age Issue and there was fabulous Charlotte Rampling looking more elegant and timeless as ever in her 60s (recognize her from Dexter?). So here is to a fabulous 27 and an even more fabulous 28! Don't worry friends my actually birthday is not until April 24th - you've not forgotten a thing. Over and out!
4.07.2014
TheWellSet's Spring 2014 Must Haves
Spring 2014 is here! For many of you up north this could not have happened any sooner. With as many as six snow days in north Texas and two ice days in Houston this winter has been brutal for us normally spoiled Texans. Especially for Brad and I living in our 100+ year old-new house with little to no insulation... Hello heating bills! It's been rough. But as the days get longer and warmer (of course, as I type this I am huddled in Wichita Falls with a wet 50 degree outside temp - curse you cold front!) our propensity for that seasonal wardrobe update grows.
I have pulled together a few of my faves for you to try out with your regular staples. I love to get a few things and wear them all season. These four items are no different. Some I spent money on and some I simply scooped up at Zara figuring that next year they won't be in and therefore do not merit the investment.
1. Large pearl necklace collar: Chanel RTW 2014 hit the runway with their chunky version of this. I love the more dainty version at Zara (buy here) and the Delfina Delettrez bracelet (buy here). Easy add on to any outfit for an instant style update.
2. #Uglypretty, normcore sandals: What is not to love about a trend that puts the comfort of the wearer first? Don't get me wrong I love heels, wedges, gladiators... You name it and I have a pair in my closet. BUT these bad boys - as unflattering and ordinary as they are - are easy slip on wonders of summer time joy. Not familiar with normcore? Read this article and laugh along with me as we dissect the overthinking of the fashion world. Har had har. My two fave pairs of normcore sandals are these by Gucci (buy here) and these by Isabel Marant (buy here).
3. Orange red, Rihanna nails: How fun (and impractical) would it be to go get some of these tallon-esque nails affixed to your digits? I'll tell you: really fun. Like role playing for your fingers. While I will probably never do this (too many bad memories of square acrylic nightmares in high school) I am still obsessed with the orange red polish perfect for the spring and summer. I especially love Revlon's Perfumerie China Flower polish. Not because of the scent (really cannot distinguish any scent from the smell of the polish?) but because of the adorable retro bottles. So amazing! And affordable. Basically the best combo. Buy them at your local pharmacy or if you a hermit order them online here.
4. Pastels: Last but not least the obvious selection for Spring (like florals) - pastels! Only these are more pale of sorts than their sibling 90s pastels of yore. I like the minty pastels the best. Especially the above blouse from Zara (buy it here). It looks great with wide leg trouser too, just saying.
I couldn't help but draw a parallel between this spring's pastel hues and the amazingly gorgeous pallet of Wes Anderson's latest cinematic feat the Grand Budapest Hotel. If you have not seen it then please GO NOW. You will love it and your brain will thank you for all of the symmetrical stimulation. Please join me in a moment of respect and admiration for the custom Prada luggage created for the film. Ahhh. Love. Speaking of symmetry, have you ever noticed how amazingly symmetrical Wes Anderson's films are? It's a wonder!Check out this video featuring a compilation of the most symmetrical scenes in Wes Anderson's films. Very good stuff.
Wes Anderson // Centered from kogonada on Vimeo.
That's all I have for now friends. Sorry for the month+ hiatus. I am in the middle of working something out in myself that is both tremendously exciting and tremendously frightening. How those two things can be simultaneous I am not sure, but I know that when they are combined it is exhausting. Let's just say that A Brand Strategy Consulting (check it out here) is going to go from a part time gig to help friends to a full time gig (well my new definition of full time, more on that later) to help loads of new friends that I've not met yet (please introduce me?). I've filed my LLC, requested a tax ID, downloaded Quickbooks, have a graphic designer getting my logo straight and a handful of clients I am praying stay happy. So, thanks for cutting me some slack as I do the business equivalent of giving birth. It's rough, but great. Fingers crossed for an official launch later this month,
Over and out!
2.20.2014
Fall 2014 Ready to Wear + Pharrell Williams + Life News = Happy
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| You can thank Pinterest for this gem. |
Big life changes coming down the pike. For reals this time too. Not ready just yet to divulge, but let's just say it is BIG. NO, no, no, I am not pregnant, but it feels like it because I am so full of joy and excitement I could nearly BURST (but not literally).
Life has been crazy-busy (I know, isn't it always?) but it has picked up in the kind of way that you hope it will. It is time to reclaim some much needed me time and reach out to people that inspire me. You've been warned people. Expect a call/email soon from yours truly.
Musical Musings time - yes, I have seen Despicable Me 2, don't judge me:
I have been enjoying the eye-soul-fashion-medicine that is the FW2014 RTW showcase on The Cut (all images via). Here's some of my TOP TOP TOP picks from the fancy pants runways of NYC, London, and Milan. Le sigh... That saying makes me cringe, but I know no other way to express how these clothes make me feel.
Prada
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| It's like a red Big Bird coat/dress! |
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| Miuccia Prada! I love you. Will you be my best friend/mentor/personal style inspiration for life? |
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| She's a beautiful beige crayon! |
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| If I lived in a proper cold climate, this would be my go to |
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| This is probably gray wool, but it looks like sweatshirt material and I like it. |
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| Oh Carla, those brows! That attitude. That monogram throw/blanket/shawl. Can I please get on with my initials? |
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| Scarf under belt action? Interesting... Not sure If I have it in me, but maybe worth trying. Easy enough wardrobe update. |
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| hey girl hey |
Temperley London
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| The one dimensional embellishment on this is really making me feel good. I also love the scarf layer - so regal. |
2.11.2014
NYFW Street Style: Get the Look - Winter Military Chic
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| Image by YoungJun Koo/YoungJun Koo/I'M KOO via NYMag // Rick Owens Jacket // ASOS Skirt // Louboutin Boots // Fendi Bag |
Who is Sarah Rutson you ask? In addition to being a fashion forward, attractive woman she is also a total badass. Sarah Rutson is the Fashion Director for the Hong Kong-based retailer Lane Crawford. Here's what she said in her interview with Into the Gloss last August:
"I’m the Fashion Director at Lane Crawford and I live in Hong Kong. I came back to the company nine years ago, because it wanted to rebrand itself—fashion is about change and evolution, not about staying still, but it’s also about staying true to who you are. Lane Crawford was much more traditional before I came on board. But any business, to survive and stay relevant, needs to evolve. So my job has been about repositioning, and rebuilding—really, from scratch—a wonderful heritage brand, by making it relevant for who the customer is today and to be cognizant, enough, smart enough, and ahead of the curve to not rest on your laurels."Pretty wise words. Wish she could be my fashion mentor! Sorry, nerded out there for a sec.
2.10.2014
2.06.2014
Style Guide: Peter Pilotto for Target
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| Peter Pilotto for Target Price info and pictures here |
The Clothes
[left to right]
Outfit 1 aka Date Night: Peter Pilotto for Target top, KJL necklace, Maria Black ring, Zara skirt, Nicolas Kirkwood electric blue flats
Outfit 2 aka Werk Day: Peter Pilotto for Target jacket, Zara wool trousers, Zara sandals
Purse aka The Keeper: Fendi 3Jours medium textured-leather shopper
Outfit 3 aka Lunch with the Cool Mentor: Peter Pilotto for Target top, KJL cuff, Zara white pencil skirt, Louboutins, Kotur clutch
Outfit 4 aka Mimosa-Museum Brunch Date: Zara semi-see through polo, Peter Pilotto for Target skirt, Nike Air Max shoes
Bonus Buy: Peter Pilotto for Target kicks (just like all the fancy, net-a-porter ones here)
Who's Peter Pilotto? Great question, here's a picture of his Spring 2013 line and according the his website:
Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos are the designers behind the PETER PILOTTO label. Pilotto is half-Austrian, half-Italian and De Vos is half-Belgian, half-Peruvian. They met whilst studying at Antwerp’s prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in the year 2000.
PETER PILOTTO’s vision of womenswear embraces both new and classic perspectives on elegance. Otherworldly prints combine with soft sculptural shapes to form the handwriting of the design duo, something which evolves and is explored each season as opposed to being reactionary.
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| image via |
My favorite part of this collection is the items that are black and white focused. This trend is really hot right now but also incredibly timeless. I also really covet that structured, color block blazer. What a great staple. It reminds me a lot of old school Alexander Wang.
Things have been crazy here. Life used to throw me one or two major, pivotal moments a year. Now I feel like I get one or two a month... Not sure how to describe it, but I think the Universe is trying to tell me something? Time to start listening. I will share more when I can. Please send me some vibes. XO. Over and out.
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| image via |
His 'Uncool' scene in Almost Famous was one of the first scenes that resonated with me as a film discovering adolescent. His performance transcends the stereotypes in the film and taps into the collective consciousness. The need to be cool. To fit in. To be loved.
We must remember to be good to one another. It's all there is in the end.
Please pin, comment on, or share this post online if you like it! I love to hear your feedback. Very validating.
2.03.2014
Laugh it Off Mondays: Kitties vs. Kiddies
Does it seem weird that none of these parents are not more concerned? I don't have kids so maybe it's totally normal to not worry when your kids are getting their faces scratched off... Maybe they are all 2nd children? Enjoy!
1.31.2014
Musical Musings: the 2014 Grammys
I haven't watched the Grammys in years. It was always something I watched with my parents and something I could never remember to catch as an adult. But I do have fond memories of them because some of my first exposure to alternative/rap/rock music was via the Grammys winner CDs from the 90s. So, naturally when we were at my parent's last weekend we watched the Grammys and lets just say the show has changed since I last watched it 10 years ago...
This performance elevated Imagine Dragons to a new level of rock n' roll. Kendrick Lamar's performance intertwined with their song Radioactive was the best performance at this year's Grammys. Who would have thought they were so legit? The song is aggressive, but the mashup fits perfectly.
The other best mashup of the night was between Carole King and Sara Bareilles. It made my heart grow two sizes, left me teary eyed, and inspired. What a great performance! Music that is uplifting is a gift from the Universe.
Sorry for the delay on these posts. Between taking a vacation, Houston having a 'snow' day Tuesday (it was a trace?), and my parents visiting last night I have been swamped. I've got some goods in the works so come back soon.
PS. Need a laugh? Watch this.
This performance elevated Imagine Dragons to a new level of rock n' roll. Kendrick Lamar's performance intertwined with their song Radioactive was the best performance at this year's Grammys. Who would have thought they were so legit? The song is aggressive
The other best mashup of the night was between Carole King and Sara Bareilles. It made my heart grow two sizes, left me teary eyed, and inspired. What a great performance! Music that is uplifting is a gift from the Universe.
Sorry for the delay on these posts. Between taking a vacation, Houston having a 'snow' day Tuesday (it was a trace?), and my parents visiting last night I have been swamped. I've got some goods in the works so come back soon.
PS. Need a laugh? Watch this.
1.26.2014
Pinterest is Calling: Pretty Pics n' Stuff
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| image via jamieshop.com |
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| image via TVatemywardrobe.com |
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| image via WWD.com |
1.23.2014
Skication + Gucci + Beyonce = Bye for Now, K?
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| image via |
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| image via |
1.21.2014
Art Talk: This is Your Brain and This is Your Brain on Drugs
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| Caffeine |
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| Crystal Meth |
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| Cocaine |
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| Heroine |
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| Adrenaline |
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| Speed |
Depending on if you are a user of illicit substances or not you definitely have some expectations and presuppositions of what those drugs do to you because of your exposure to the media's portrayal in films, music, and TV. Sarah Schoenfield's work is interesting because it examines drugs on a different level entirely: it's not what it makes you do, but what it is does to you - specifically your brain cells and blood stream.
To me these images are a reflection into what the chemical nature of these drugs do to your insides. Plus, even more hauntingly, they all seem to reflect how I would draw or paint the way they make people feel. Kind of like doing your moods on a color scale. Not a scientific portrayal, but a visceral one... It is as if they are all exactly what I would expect to see: as they truly are on a molecular-emotional-basis. Cool, huh?
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