Infatuated with a Physchological Addiction...

Euphoria. Infatuation. An obsession. Psychological dependence. Recurring compulsion to engage in something to maintain individual health, lifestyle or a certain mental state. Constant feelings of withdrawal. Whether you're racing to the nearest Starbucks for that daily caffeine fix, popping pills to take off the edge, ease your mood, stifle hunger or throwing back a cocktail or two after a long day, everyday- we all have our thing(s). It is amazing to think about all the things in life that we have the tendency to abuse without consciously abusing them. What starts as a small obsession, turns into a lifestyle and ultimately becomes an addiction.

Questionable, although interesting, how one becomes so infatuated with one thing while another would barely blink twice at the thought. Is it the mass marketing of a simple logo, take Starbucks for example, that has some how managed to become an international must have? Or the plethora of skinny-ass models who dominate the runway, magazine covers and the media? How about the easy access to prescription drugs that become next to impossible to live without after what was suppose to "A" prescription. Then of course there is society's love for alcohol, which is merely an innate desire to experience an altered state of mind. Exploring this concept deeper brings up a simplistic idea: people love euphoria. A part of our human culture, it is purely human nature. The idea of a euphoric way of life and the yearning to fill a personal void that is believed to result in perfection, but, really, can be a continuous cycle turning into an unsatisfied way of life.

I know there are things in my world that seem simultaneously attainable yet realistically unattainable. We live to achieve a certain image whether it be physical or emotional and is unsettling to think about how obsessed we can get with the little things or the big. A want becomes a need which becomes a must have and so on and so forth.

Take a moment and think about all the things in life that you could not be without and then slap on all things you desire about your physical state and way of life, finally close your eyes and define your own euphoric state of being...Is it attainable? Is it you?

Maybe we take our own individuality for granted and therefore can ultimately not appreciate the amazing-ness that each has to offer. That life has evolved into an obsession-filled, money making, perfection seeking, addiction crazed, living for the good, the bad and unnecessary that we've let simplicity fade away. We have let our culture, as a whole, turn into an individual journey of make believe. It is those nights alone [at home] that a glimpse of simplicity is brought back, a sort of sneak peak, until the first glass of wine is poured. Not to be confused with the natural, healthy desire for personal euphoria but the blurry vision that has become of natural human entities.

The simple life, although also not entirely attainable, should not be overlooked. We all have purpose and desires, passions and fears, reasons for the way we live and regrets for what may have been. Life should be embraced and allow oneself to be conscious of all the little things (and big) that have made us who we are. There is nothing wrong with the desire for a euphoric state, an altered state of mind, that daily caffeine fix, or whatever your thing(s) may be. Lets just not forget that there is value in pure individuality and at the end of the day embrace it and make sure to embrace YOU....... and every once in awhile without that glass of wine.

As the mind finally clears and any leftover haziness has passed...it is a perfect time to just be. 
To reflect on the basics of the past and what is going to be. To scan over ever the so calculated, yet somewhat dramatic, resolutions made and just smile. Smile because you know deep down inside not all of them will be fulfilled and some have not even surfaced. Smirk because there is a small piece of you that yearns to inhale the smoke of a cigarette or savor one last moundful of cake...and laugh because as hard as we try, or want to be, we are not perfect nor ever will be. It is the imperfections in life that help create who were are, center ourselves and lead us in a direction we are meant to travel. Embracing each imperfection helps to make changes never thought possible. Without the downfall of what was, what is would never be. I strive to continue on a path that embraces the imperfect while perfecting what is...as long as there is faith, love and laughter the rest will come. 


I read the quote above and was so intrigued - Take a chance...because you never know how absolutely perfect something could turn out to be. Being on the path of change, it is amazing to reflect that change comes with chance...the chances we take are what bring about change. Scary- yes but not being scared only delays a change and cradles what is. So just as we start to see change evolve is when the focus is shifted to chance(s) which is what we really never take enough of. 


Happy 2012...challenge your limits. Take a chance. Do something that was never expected- whether it's a splash of red, thin line of blue or going nuts, creating an entirely new masterpiece morphed from the drops of color left behind. It is the beginning of another new year, a clean slate, and now more then ever it is time to stop reflecting and start exploring. Happy 2012- Make it count. Make it last. Make it UN-fucking believable!

(500) Days of _________.

Love, more and more, is mistakenly, yet unintentionally confused with lust and by the end of the day, week, month, year these two words have been intertwined so tight that makes it almost impossible to undo. Life is by no means a fairytale and although waking up to your prince charming lingering over you with his sparkling blue eyes, luscious lips, perfect smile is a nice thought it can be almost destructive to reality.

Incredibly fun, lacking those cliches and stereotypes, a glimpse of real life, emotion and why love doesn't always have to last...


(500) Days of Summer is just that. Sometimes what we think is love is purely lust and hell, what is wrong with that? A story of boy meets girl. Boy finds the one, while girl clearly did not. This movie was all too perfect, jumping back and forth in time, by day 67 , they've become an item when "poof" sex aside they should be just friends.

Young adults, with two entirely different outlooks on love, lust and all things related the chemistry between these two is classic. A perfect depiction of two people who have a connection. A liking for one another that cannot be ignored but then again does not necessarily mean love is in the air only to lead to an intense and complicated dilemma of what's next? The best relationships can stem from that unique connection, a bond between two people that forms from pure fun, common ground, laughing and just living life with the amazing company of the other. Screaming penis in the park, louder and louder, trying to out-due the other without a care of whom may hear or might be around. An intriguing take on falling in "love" right from the beginning, when things are quirky, frivolous and all things new to that gut in the stomach that equates to unexpected heartbreak.

Youth is a gift that cannot be repeated and would be a shame if wasted on sadness and despair. More then I want the cliche I want to be silly, crazy, wild, able to run free with few limitations, leaving the practical for another time. It is when you meet someone to run wild with is when you have found your own cliche instead of the idea of finding that someone to stand still with.

All too often we look too hard for the stereotype thinking that is key to a self-fulfilling lifestyle of happiness and pleasure. In fact it is the exception that may bring true pleasure, a genuine connection with all inhibitions put to rest, that so-called front dissolves and allows for life to be had. Nothing really changes except putting down a wall and allowing for what was lacking- a bond. A connection with someone that reminds you of a frighteningly similar version of thy self. And it all makes perfect sense, unless we love ourselves how can one possibly connect and love another? Because in end maybe love evolves from a connection so easy and effortless that the love just happened. It is the lust we need to enjoy, embrace and maybe lust is what we need in order to realize the one thing that may have been missing...that common thread to always fall back on; a joke, moment, smile, frown, each unique and each its own. It is when I can say I Love Me is when I am ready to say I Love You.

Embrace(ing) Change

Sometimes it is essential and beyond necessary to make a change. Whether it be a change in pattern, lifestyle, job, wardrobe...really anything. There are always changes to be made in life and with them come new experiences, which can be relatively frightening when looking back and thinking- what if I didn't take that leap...?


Currently I am embracing change and for the first time I am accepting it and alleviating the negative...all the toxins and built up frustrations, anger and regret. Life is about living, not being pushed so far into a corner that you can no longer breathe, making each breath harder and harder to catch that it ultimately becomes impossible to just be. We have to first acknowledge our passions and set goals in order to achieve happiness, to achieve the feeling of self-fulfillment and love... for our self and others. Drastic changes do not happen overnight or without the right attitude and amount of work . For me my change(s) stem from inspiration and taking that extra step each day to inspire myself and be inspired by others. To take an extra moment to look deeper into the everyday sites and listen more closely to the surrounding sounds. When I think about my true passion for fashion, for vintage finds and thrift-ed treasures it motivates me to allow for change, welcome and accept it. Then, when least expected, a new window opens, another pathway prevails and another challenge is overcome.

For more about my passion for fashion, vintage finds and thrift-ed treasures LIKE me on facebook and FOLLOW me on twitter.

For specific requests email me at michelle@chelsells.com and visit http://chelsells.com for all of the above.

Once Again...Happy Friday!!

New Year, New Outlook, "Same" Slate

This year, 2010, challenge your limits. Take a chance. Do something that was never expected- whether it's a splash of red, thin line of blue or going nuts, creating an entirely new masterpiece morphed from the drops of color left behind. It is the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, and now more then ever it is time to stop reflecting and start exploring. Happy 2010- Make it count. Make it last. Make it UN-fucking believable! - January 2010

Here is to 2011! Before starting the first post of the new year, I took a minute to reflect on the things I've done, accomplished, attempted and expected from the beginning of last year till now. Above is a summary of my first post of 2010 and it is amazing to reflect on all that has changed since. At first, one is so quick to think that they have not done all that was wanted to be done when really it turns out you have soared above and beyond. Given that I have up routed my life from a place that I was not all together happy with, both geographically and professionally, to the sunny skies of California and the realization of what my true passion really is.

This year is about execution, executing all that was set up and positioned just so perfectly that has not, until now, been ready to surge forward with. This year is about fulfilling goals and taking the ideas that were scribbled on paper to an actual reality. I never expected to actually pack it up and move across country without looking back. Having always been spontaneous and needing drastic change rather than baby steps to get from point a to point b, I am proud that I did what i set my mind to do...started my masterpiece. Although not nearly close to complete it is one hell of a start and a journey to be had. Mixing all the right colors and getting just the right paintbrush(s) to precisely create my own perfect picture.

Let's cheers to 2011, it is and will be all that you make it. No one can hold our hands but they can guide us... No one is going to do it for you but can encourage and most important no one can put in the energy to make things happen except for us, so set goals high and strive to reach higher. What was once exploration is now adventure and only a smile and that positive energy make it all that much easier. A certain lifestyle is a choice and this year it is about the changes that are necessary to fulfill. Happy 2011- don't be afraid, don't get discouraged and do not look back...

It's What Makes the World Go Round

Ever wake up and feel inspired? Or see something in passing that truly sparks an interest of some sort but you dont know what to do about or with it? Lately I find myself stopped, dead in my tracks, at a dead end... as if my imagination has lead me so far and now the options of what is next are so far in between. A color, symbol, word or phrase...a picture that strikes a mood or experience that sparks an idea...its something that everyday brings and when one doesn't execute their greatest inspirations they soon after dwindle away to be forgotten forever.

*Be inspired daily *

If I Had a Million Dollars...

Nostalgic it is, going back to a time when working was fun and fun was amazingly eventful and altogether a part of the everyday routine. It seems that those days are a mere blur of the past and the present is none other then a racetrack to be kept up with. Keeping up with those next to us, around us and even those who are a figure of the imagination. As if earnings are the ultimate fuel to a lifestyle most desired and everything else comes as a trickling effect thereafter.

Although some live to work, I cannot accept this as a calling of mine and continue to keep an open frame of mind and remember to work to live. Open to the idea that money may not necessarily be the key to happiness and there is more to live for then the unlimited ability to swipe, swipe, swipe. With so many passions buried deep inside, dying to be recognized and explored there is the same barrier that continues to take persistence. It cannot be ignored... and when realized that ones passion is the priority is when true happiness is reached and success is defined only by oneself.

Do You Remember the Time...

Not everyday do we get to take a trip down memory lane, unexpected, but when the opportunity presents itself it feels quite refreshing. It seems as time goes by, faster and faster, we tend to get further and further away from the past. Instead of simply reminiscing, I always try to make a conscious effort to pause and reflect on some of those most special moments with some of the most special people. It cannot be taken for granted the people in your world, those who have helped evolve the you that you've become today. Without those most influential it is not known, but can be assumed, that we would not be who we are. It saddens me to think of those who lack those so special and are influenced negatively when all so the opposite is so close by.

Since I made the move and replanted myself in the "City of Angels" it seems, more and more, I am reconnected with my past. Whether it be an old friend, acquaintance, visitor or phone call I am beginning to have de-ja-vu more times then none. It makes me think that life, in a way, is a constant cycle where the past meets the present that leads us to the future. It is when you indulge in the most fondest memories they will none other that be re-visited just when most missed. Always when a vision becomes a blur is the exact instant when that vision re-appears, impecable timing, to say the least.

A little birdie landed on my doorstep and instantly my past met the present and I could not be more ecstatic. Soothing to re-connect and as if nothing has changed which is the beauty of friendship and maintaining those most important. In this 'lil thing we call life it is most important to not let your past slip away, to not be consumed in the future that the past is altogether forgotten. Although we grow everyday, times change and people evolve, it can never be ignored how we became who we are today and allow ourselves to re-embrace what was once with the people who always will be. Here is to friendship and to those that have slipped away are really none other than a phone call away...

California Dreamin'

It is official, two weeks and counting, I am back in California. Surreal it may be, I am expecting to wake up and literally have been "California Dreaming", not this time. In efforts to get the ball rolling I thought I should welcome myself, along with chelsells.com, to this sunny state and stay up to date with the developments of Chel's Everything Thrift/Anything Vintage (www.chelsells.com).

Exciting as it is, there are a lot of little, non-exciting, pieces of the puzzle that need to fit in order to get chelsells.com up and running. It seems that as much as one would want to jump into all the fun stuff, it is the rough edges that need to be carefully placed first. That being said, my number one priority is shaving down those edges in order to get and maintain a perfect fit, I think that's fair. Stay tuned for updates on the status of the site and the constant developments that shall be coming shortly. In the meantime, I would also like to welcome back my true voice, outlet and stomping grounds of expression- my blog. A collection of self-expression, animation, arousal and inspiration...what was once je m'appelle chel has now collaborated with chel's in efforts to join the two in one. A combination of my writing and self-expression with my passion for fashion, a work in progress, and a canvas for my future...chelsells.blogspot.com

"Inspire Me"

Inspired- to be... aroused, animated, or imbued with the spirit to do something, by or as if by supernatural or divine influence. I am inspired everyday. I would like to think that all the small things in life that "inspire" me; my personality, style, thoughts, self-expression, what makes me tick... all wrapped up and tied with a bow is "my bright light" and just what I need to make things happen.

Looking back on this past year I am amazed at the obstacles, both good and bad, I have endured and overcome. When things seemed insanely ironic and just "not fair" it was inevitably time to make things happen. Time to turn a dream into a reality and a passion into a lifestyle. It was time to find the strength to move forward and not look back, not even for a moment, because the moment you look back is when you take the chance on missing what is ahead. For me, my passion was my light and although not too far off it has been a journey to truly see the "brighter" side of things. As I embark on my next adventure, I will continue to embrace and believe, allowing an open path for inspiration to follow.

Chelsells.com- A collection of the thrift and trendy, authentic vintage and everything in between. Bright colors, fabulous finds, signature looks and priceless treasures all hand-picked with love and a true passion for Everything Thrift/ Anything Vintage.

Hello 2010, so nice to finally meet you...

Welcome 2010 and can I just say I am glad you're here. A last minute decision changed my entire perspective on things and how I would like to spend this year moving forward. I am not used to responsibility and it's hard to shed a light on frivolous fun when always thinking about the small stuff or actually "sweating" it. I am an adult but doesn't mean I always act like one. Of course, not saying, by any means, I am going to snap my fingers or click my heels and morph into one of those uptight, pain in the ass "adults". You know, the ones with wrinkles and dark circles under the eyes, so stressed out because of... well whatever. By adult I mean having the ability to make ones own decisions and when a decision is made, stand by it without even a blink of an eye. Being mature enough to say and do whatever you want because your heart desires it.

Faced with a decision, I made my choice solely based on what I wanted and thought would be most beneficial. As children, we are held responsible for our decisions when clearly they are not made independently, but, off course, by the whisper of mommy's voice or echoing daddy's holler. Sometimes influenced by judgmental friends that taunt or torment on the playground. Either way as we grow older we have the opportunity to do what is best for ourselves and, to be honest, sometimes that's most important. Important to think about the personal consequences of our actions and how we can fulfill our own hopes and dreams.

I am me, and who you are is dictated by daily actions both from the past and present. As if we care so much about what others think or how our own actions will be perceived or effect others, that more and more we are living to satisfy this idea of right and shy from wrong. I cannot be anymore clear when I say life is your own canvas, to be enhanced at ones own dismay. There is no right and wrong, because what is right to one may be wrong to another. As we grow that canvas gets bigger and bigger allowing more and more freedom to self-express, explore, rebel and do what you absolutely, positively never expected. Because it is those choices, the ones that are just made on a whim, that challenge your fate and create a path that can take you away, to a place of utter, personal perfection.

This year, 2010, challenge your limits. Take a chance. Do something that was never expected- whether it's a splash of red, thin line of blue or going nuts, creating an entirely new masterpiece morphed from the drops of color left behind. It is the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, and now more then ever it is time to stop reflecting and start exploring. Happy 2010- Make it count. Make it last. Make it UN-fucking believable!

When all is said and done, looking back on things, this has been one hell of a year. I have sort of a love/hate relationship with 2009, a sense of sadness that it is over but then again I am ecstatic about it nearing end. The new year is always so fresh, a canvas that is completely blank, allowing one to do whatever they like to begin what may or may not be a masterpiece. With a million colors, styles, emotions, shapes and sizes to consider before making that first move in developing a glorified life-like "portrait".

Transition has been key for me this year, engaging in life lessons daily and learning more about myself then ever before. Sometimes it is so easy to slack off, allow others to pick up after you and be the key motivation in your daily adventures. I on the other hand learned that I am in total control over my world and for the first time I am confidently in control. I will be the one to make things happen and it is not going to be anyone else that gets me where I yearn to be.

Passion for life experiences is what makes me tick. The constant curiosity about what may be around the corner or on the other side of the fence. Not to say it would be better or worse, but merely the curiosity that motivates my fascination for exploration. Looking back I have acknowledged some of my ultimate goals and passions in life. I have distinguished what I love and what I am really good at, as well as what I thought was of interest or what I, in all honesty, really suck at. This year was really all about self-exploration, concentrating more on my surroundings and ambitions then anything else. I gained a new kind of confidence that I think I was lacking in my college life to adult hood transition. It is so easy to stay stuck in a bubble, the bubble that seemed instantly pop the day I got my college degree. As if a diploma was a ticket to the real world and there was no time to get situated for this unknown, unfamiliar ride ahead.

Here's to 2010. Here's to a year of discoveries, adventure, lessons and love. Another year of true friendship, laughs and the occasional tear. ...and most important thank you 2009, which without would not give us the opportunity for something fresh and brand spanking new.

Tis the Season to Look Absolutly Stunning

Who ever said it was okay to toss in the towel and act like a complete animal this holiday season was clearly delirious. By ...like an animal, what I really mean is ...like a pig. Now, if that still doesn't make my point crystal clear, I am merely talking about over indulging at the 5 million holiday parties/dinners you may or may not attend. It is almost like an oxy-moron, so many amazingly stunning looks to explore, try and conquer only to come face to face with crab cakes, pumpkin this, pumpkin that and whole lot of egg nog. I am not saying you cannot have a taste of that scrumptious red velvet cupcake paired with a peppermint martini but please chocolate frosting does not pair well with satin ruffles.

The holidays are a time to look fabulous, period. A time to indulge and feel stunningly gorgeous, just like a princess, all month long. With all the festivities happening simultaneously, it is almost hard to keep it all together while consistently looking effortlessly \perfect. The only solution is to plan ahead, think ahead, know what the hell is going on...ahead. I found myself salivating yesterday as I browsed the various holiday dress collections, embroidered tights, purses, hair clips, statement necklaces...right down to the gorgeous lace lingerie. Everything screamed at me- you need me, want me, how can you be without me...? Cocky? Yes. Mistaken? Not at all.

So although the holidays are about giving, no one said it wasn't okay to give yourself a phenomenal look this holiday season. Indulge in accessories, favor your figure, nourish your wish list and most important have a glorious time.

The heat turned up just enough, a window cracked the slightest bit, a blanket, glass of wine and a movie perfectly describes a priceless winter night. In efforts to stay warm, staying inside is really the only option here in Chicago. I found myself in a euphoric state, sipping my favorite Sauvignon Blanc while watching Sideways. A movie about two men who embark on a week long journey in California's beautiful wine country- In search of wine. In search of women. In search of themselves.

Remarkable how a journey can help ignite the unexpected causing one to learn and embrace more then just their surroundings. This movie proved this all so well, depicting the lives of two middle aged men who realize they have little to show in their lives and ultimately find themselves in search of true identity.

Director Alexander Payne does not disappoint, creating characters you can't help but feel compassion for, mixing comedy with drama, love with lust and a plethora of wine. As if I was magically riding along side these two, sipping my own glass and learning more about myself then ever expected. A visual treat, Sideways takes a step back and to the left from most movies we see and acknowledges the brilliance of a fantastic viewing experience . Forcing its audience to hold up appreciation for good wine, company and adventure. As if we have gotten so caught up with special effects, sexy faces and trivial dialogue that we lose sight of a really good flick.

A simple plot, yet kept me intrigued, constantly fighting with my own emotions. Acquiring a love/hate relationship for the characters all due to their mixed up and mindless behaviors. In efforts to keep from spoiling the movie all together, I would just like to say this movie rocks. It takes you on a journey and uncovers the hidden desires of human nature, those that we hate to admit and camouflage so well. Sideways truly possesses a unique twist and originality much like a vintage red, while leaving a charming and unexpected after affect, just like a cheap, yet tasteful glass of white.