Outfit of the Day: Winter White Not?

Reminiscent of morning frost, winter white is an outfit essential this season that I'm fully embracing.  This icy hue completes any outfit's color palette. 

Here I'm wearing a vintage Antik Batik tunic embellished with silver and bronze along the buttoned-down neckline.  I've layered on my gray fur scarf and JCrew's heather gray pixie pant to bring an element of warmth with my open cage heels from Forever 21 (you NEED these black patent shoes). The finishing touch is my winter white Calvin Klein coat with silver zipper details.

This outfit is comprised of two sentimental pieces which I collected from my time in London - only four months but priceless and life-changing.  The fur scarf I hunted down at the Portobello Market in Notting Hill after my co-worker at AT Showroom came in wearing a camel colored one.  As a parting gift, my darling German boss Alexa of AT Showroom gave me the stunning, cobalt tunic by Antik Batik.  I simultaneously strut in my outfit of the day and smile at the magical moments I shared with my fabulous flatmates and faithful God in the UK. 

Winter white Calvin Klein coat, gray fur scarf and JCrew pixie pant

Antik Batik tunic with its silver and bronze embellishment

Forever 21 open cage, black patent heels

I hope you're feeling inspired to layer and experiment with winter white!  Happy Friday!  xx

Sweet Tooth Sunday: Pumpkin Spice Doughnut Holes (Gluten-free & Dairy-free)

These pumpkin spice doughnut holes are an incredible dessert especially around the holidays to satisfy your sweet tooth cravings.  They would also be a delicious recipe to share Christmas morning with your family.  I wonder if these doughnut holes could be converted into cake pops...?

I made these (and an egg-free version) for Friendsgiving, and the crowd went wild!  I had several friends asking for the recipe so here it is:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

_________________________________________________________

Ingredients

For the doughnuts:

1 3/4 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend (I used Silvana Nardone's blend - it's the best!)

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum (omit if your flour blend already contains it like in Silvana's)

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

3/4 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

1/2 cup rice milk (or almond milk)

For the sugar coating:

1/2 cup (which equals 8 Tablespoons) soy-free Earth Balance 

2/3 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons cinnamon

__________________________________________________________

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350º, and spray a 24 count mini-muffin tin with gluten-free cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, spices and xanthan gum in a large bowl. Add the oil, brown sugar, egg, pumpkin puree and milk.  Whisk until smooth.

3. Using a small scoop or tablespoon, fill holes in pan about 3/4 full.  Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of one comes out clean.  Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes.  You will probably need to bake 2-3 batches, depending on how big your pan is.

4. Place half of the sugar and cinnamon blend in a large, zip-up bag and the other half in another bag.  Dip the doughnut holes on all side in the melted earth balance; then place one dozen in the first bag and the second dozen in the other bag (I actually had enough dough for three dozen so I doubled the blend and added a third bag). Seal each bag and shake to coat with sugar-cinnamon mixture.  Serve immediately or let cool like I did.  These are best when eaten the same day.

*** To make my second batch of pumpkin spice doughnuts egg-free, I replaced the egg with 2Tbsp. water, 1Tbsp. oil and 2 tsp. baking powder.***

Happy Holiday baking!  I hope you enjoy these pumpkin spice doughnut holes as much as my friends and I did! xx

Dipping the freshly baked doughnut holes in the melted soy-free Earth Balance. 

Sitting pretty in their sugar-cinnamon coating. 

Ready to taste test with a glass of yummy rice milk. 

Sub Santa's usual milk and cookies with these delicious pumpkin spice doughnut holes (that happen to be gluten-free and dairy-free, and there's even an egg-free option)!

Upcoming Events: Meredith College Fashion Show & Sola Coffee Cafe Pop-up Market

"Whirlwind" seems to be the word of the season.  October and November were gone in a flash, and now we're four days into December!  Whirlwind or not, I love Christmas time.  It's the season bustling with last minute shopping, home cooked meals, charity events and holiday markets for local designers!  

I'm thrilled to announce that my jewelry will be featured this Friday night at Meredith College's Charity Fashion Show: From All Catwalks of Life at Jimmy V's Restaurant in Raleigh!  This free event begins at 7pm, and all proceeds will go towards the Jimmy V Cancer Foundation.  Please come by to support an outstanding cause and to get a first look at The Culture of Design's newest collection (which will be available online here once the weekend is over if I have any items spared from holiday shoppers).

Another event that I'm so thankful to be a part of is Sola Coffee Cafe's second pop-up market and their first ever holiday one.  I along with other local artists will be showcasing my newest designs for holiday shoppers to peruse while enjoying live music and a delicious cup of coffee (or tea if you're a hot tea drinker like moi!).  Be sure to stop by this Saturday for quality creativity and coffee 10am until 2pm at Sola's in Raleigh!  I'd love to see you!

Here's a recap of this weekend's events:

What:   From All Catwalks of Life
            Brought to you by Meredith College's Visual Merchandising class
When:  Friday, December 6, 2013

Where: Jimmy V's Osteria & Bar 
            420 Fayetteville St Raleigh, NC 27601 

Time:   7pm

****FREE ADMISSION****

Why:    Eligible for awesome door prizes with donation! 
            All proceeds will go to Jimmy V's Cancer Research Foundation!
_____________________________________________________________


What:   Holiday Pop-up Market
When:  Saturday, December 7, 2013

Where: Sola Coffee Cafe
             7705 Lead Mine Rd Raleigh, NC 27615

Time:   10am-2pm

****Free event - open to the public****

Why:     Supports local artists/designers and therefore the local economy!
             Hosted by a premium coffee shop with an amazing atmosphere!
______________________________________________________________


Who's going to attend one or both of these events?  I hope to see you there, but...

If this weekend turns out to be a whirlwind, you can always stop by and see me here at www.thecultureofdesign.com!  Stay tuned for new styling posts... Happy Hump Day! xx

Jewelry of the Day: Pink Pearl Jam

My jewelry of the day is essentially a pink pearl jam from Ziabird's selective array of quality designs from fine artisans.  Here I'm wearing the sought-after, Southport-native Beth Zink's cascading pink pearl and gold necklace.  My wrist is sprinkled with two space age bangles featuring white and pink pearls by Candy Shop Vintage also available at Ziabird.  Pearls are a Southern girl's best friend, and these pink pearls take the meaning of arm candy and neck candy to a whole 'nother level!  

Ziabird is stocked with luminous new jewelry designs like Beth Zink and Candy Shop Vintage online here and in store at Lumina Station, tucked between Island Passage and Monkees.  Are you loving the pink pearl jam?

Here's a closer shot of Beth Zink's luxe pink pearl necklace.  Have you ever seen anything more beautiful?  This would be an unbeatable holiday present (hint...hint...).  ;)

I love how my French Connection top (also styled as my outfit of the day here) draws out the various pink and lavender hues of the pearls laced along this feminine, gold chain.

What jewelry are you rocking today? xx

Follow The Culture of Design on Tumblr!

If you haven't gotten the memo, now you know - The Culture of Design is on Tumblr!  I've now updated it with photographs of stunning outfits, mouthwatering treats and luxe interiors.  Click here to feast your eyes, and feel free to follow!  For kicks, I've included below the YouTube video "Touch My Body (Tuts My Barreh) / Karaoke Fail (English subtitles)" that I find hysterical. 

I'm passionate about quality fashion, interiors and food, but don't take me too seriously!  I love to laugh.  This one goes out to all of my Asian sisters whom I miss SO much...

How do you like The Culture of Design's Tumblr page (click here for a peek)?  Happy Weekend! xx

Outfit of the Day: How to Put Your Best Foot Forward with Oxfords

If you haven't snagged a pair of Oxfords yet now is the time!  This on-trend shoe transitions your shorts, boyfriend jeans, dress (you name it!) into a Winter-friendly outfit for those fashionable and on the go.  Here my outfit of the day along with some celebrity style ideas are sure to inspire you on how to put your best Oxford donning foot forward.  Enjoy! xx

Here's a bird's eye view of my best foot forward in these caramel and navy Oxfords by Restricted. 

After neglecting my to-do list for far too long, I've finally been going through my great aunt's hope chest.  If you don't know, I'll let you in on a little secret...I'm obsessed with fur, and I love vintage!  Boy, have I hit the jackpot in stumbling upon this gorgeous fur collar!  Thanks to my great aunt Laurah, it's a great addition to this oversized oatmeal sweater.

Next, I layer on a printed scarf with shades of oxblood, navy, caramel and oatmeal to provide visual interest and unity to my outfit of the day.

Lastly, my cranberry leather purse by Hobo (from Island Passage) reinforces the Autumnal tones and grounds this menswear inspired ensemble.


Celebrity Inspiration: now we move onto how the celebs are rocking Oxfords/Brogues...

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift balances the masculinity of her leather Oxfords with the femininity of her purple fishnet hose and striped dress.  How adorable!

Pixie Lott

Pixie Lott streamlines her fantastic minidress with black and white Oxfords and a quilted Chanel clutch.

Alexa Chung

Alexa Chung ought to be knighted Queen of the Oxford for frequenting the menswear shoe in various styles and silhouettes. Here she is donning her black Oxfords with cropped trousers and a silk, printed turtle neck.

Olivia Palermo

Oliva Palermo models three ways to wear these stunning silver Oxfords. Here she boasts them with a black leather skirt, muted leopard print tank and overcoat. 

Next, we see her boasting them with a simple white skirt and striped top. Simply throw on a plum scarf and dark trench coat for these cooler Autumn days.

Thirdly, Olivia Palermo pairs her silver Oxfords with these leather leggings, long white top and white vest. How chic!

Do you feel like you have a solid grasp on the Oxford shoe trend? How do you plan on fashionably putting your best foot forward this season?

Outfit of the Day: Fighting Hunger Fashionista

My outfit of the day is featuring HalfUnited's The Jude in gold and mint.  This fighting hunger fashionista is boasting current trends and transforming lives simultaneously.  How can you become the fashionable solution to world hunger?  It's simple.  Buy a necklace!  This great company invests half of its profits into the wellbeing of those less fortunate around the world when you purchase one of their designs. 

Whenever I wear this necklace, the following lyrics from Brooke Fraser's song Flags comes to mind:

"You who mourn will be comforted

You who hunger will hunger no more

All the last shall be first

Of this I am sure"

My hope is that this will be the reality of our world someday soon, that no tear will fall and that starvation will be a distant memory.  I chose to follow the wise advice of Mother Teresa: "If you can't feed a hundred people, feed just one."  I wear my HalfUnited necklace with immense joy and honor for the hungry people I've fed and the lives I've transformed.

These must-have ankle boots and my spike gold bracelet are each from Forever 21. This darling purse is by French Connection and this adorable top is by Ya, both from Island Passage. This caramel colored skater skirt is a score from Ann Taylor Loft, and I adore its quality and versatility!

 My other necklace with its vintage, feminine touch is also from Island Passage.

Outfit of the Day: Fall into Powder Pink

As we've learned from Tuesday Huesday: Think Pink for Fall/Winter 2013/2014, powder pink is the hue to fall into this season and the inspiration for my outfit of the day. Here I'm spotlighting a lovely powder pink blouse by French Connection that acts as the perfect blank canvas for my Missoni-esque, chevron scarf (from Anthropologie) and eclectic necklace (made by yours truly and available for purchase here). I simply throw on a pair of dark denim tucked into these gold hardware adorned ankle boots (from Return Passage) before hitting the street. Don't just stop and smell the roses; wear them! ;)

Here's a happy close-up of my powder pink French Connection blouse, chevron Anthropologie scarf and this homemade, one-of-a-kind necklace available on my Etsy shop. Are you thinking pink this Fall?

Remember, whether you're into wearing your roses "and regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it." (Colossians 3:14) xx

Outfit of the Day: Posh in Purple

For my outfit of the day, I'm channeling inspiration from last week's *Tuesday Huesday: Get in with the Purple Trend*.  I'm wearing layers of lavender and plum with my boyfriend jeans and cut-out platforms.  My handmade gold necklace with its violet stone (see more of my designs here) completes the poshness of this ensemble.  This is a simple yet fashion forward Fall outfit that you can effortlessly recreate any day. All you need to achieve this posh in purple look is the following recipe: a top with the purple hue of your choice, a chic scarf in a deeper tone to reinforce this trendy color, a cozy pair of boyfriend jeans and sassy cut-out heels.

Are you feeling prepared to boast the posh in purple look this Fall? xx

Tuesday Huesday: Get in with the Purple Trend

Happy Tuesday Huesday!  This week I am highlighting the mesmerizing color purple.  From fuchsia to plum, purple is all the rage this season!  The varying shades of this feminine hue are bound to flatter you.  Here are a few ideas on how to get in with the purple trend.

Tuesday Huesday: Get in with the Purple Trend by anderson-mary-h featuring h&m hats

Emilio Pucci F/W 2013/2014

Emilio Pucci F/W 2013/2014

J Crew Tweed Coat, Knit Wool Sweater & Jacquard Pant all in shades of purple for Fall 2013

J Crew Purple & Fuchsia Silk Pant for Fall 2013

                            Forever 21 Disco Baseball Cap             Daniele Michetti Studded Fuchsia Flats for Fall 2013          

 Pierre Hardy Multi-colored High Heel Sandal               Diane von Furstenberg Black & Fuchsia Heel Pumps 

Elie Saab F/W 2013/2014

Elie Saab F/W 2013/2014

Elie Saab F/W 2013/2014

Now that you've had a taste of its many shades from fuchsia to plum, do you plan on getting in with the purple trend this season? Happy Tuesday Huesday! xx