Fashion Mixology: One Top - Five Outfits

Need some outfit ideas? Look no further! I'm here to help you out.

I don't know about you, but there are some days where I wake up, look in my closet and literally say to myself, "I have nothing to wear!"

This can't be true, right? After all the countless shopping weekends with my mum and cousins or my fashion savvy girlfriends, this simply cannot be right. The truth is I've lost my inspiration! Sure, we all "need" another item or two from time to time, but what we really need is to get creative with what we do have. For those of you stuck in the rut of your current wardrobe, check out The Culture of Design's Fashion Mixology posts (I got the term of Fashion Mixology from the lovely ladies of A Beautiful Mess). Here I'm offering you fashion inspiration to recreate your look with your current clothing choices!

While putting this post together, I'm listening to Emile Sandé (scroll to the bottom of this post to play one of my favorite songs of hers - Heaven) and rolling in laughter at some of my facial expressions and poses. Though I love fashion, my modeling skills are hilariously lacking.

The art of layering makes fashion math easy!

This is a great basic: dark denim tucked into gray boots with a gray fur scarf.
Simply throw on your peacoat or leather jacket for the chilly winter air.

You can't go wrong with a slimming black cape topped with a leopard scarf plus camel ankle boots.

I can't tell you how much I love this cape! It's just so chic.

A black skirt with subtle sequins is a must! Pairing it over black tights and ankle boots is great for work. My favorite detail is the gold collar necklace tucked under the collar of the blouse. 

Simply grab your blazer and iPad, and you are all set for the workday ahead.

Want to make this work friendly outfit transition into evening? Adding this gray fur scarf and these black velvet toed silver heels gives it the glam it needs for dinner and drinks. 

What do you think about these fashion outfit ideas? Do you feel inspired? I hope you do, and please spread the word about The Culture of Design. We don't want to keep all this fashion advice to ourselves. Sharing is caring! xx

Golden Globes 2012 Fashion: Best Dressed

Though the Golden Globes is an annual event held by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA) to honor the best in film and television, I mainly tune in for the killer fashion. This year marked the 70th Golden Globes which called for stunning styles donned by actors, actresses and producers. Scroll down to see a few of my favorites. 

I found this amazing photograph of the best dressed from Fashion Magazine's blog. I couldn't agree with their top picks more!

This rich ruby red gown by Zac Posen hints at last season's oxblood trend as covered here and reminisces of the popular open back style as featured here, both by The Culture of Design.

Zuhair Murad did right by Jennifer Lopez, flattering her curves with such elegant lace detailing. The mermaid tail design seemed to be a theme among Hollywood's stars at the Globes. 

Julianne Moore looks stunning in this open back dress by Tom  Ford. It's column silhouette in black and white exude elegance.

Kerry Washington is a vision in this feminine and frosted number by Mui Mui, showing just enough skin to be sexy and classy. This is one of my favorite Golden Globes looks.

Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen is leaving me starstruck. The gold against the black highlights her frame perfectly. Oh how I wish I could borrow this one!

Here are more celebrities in haute couture for this hott Hollywood event!

Trend summary: The main colors of the evening were various shades of red, rich black and classic white. Texture was created with silver, gold, diamond or lace details. The mermaid tail along with leg-peeking slits were popular as well. Be expecting hints of these in future fashion trends!

Who wore your favorite look of the evening? Happy Fashion everyone! xx

DIY Chalkboard Tray

Looking for a fun & easy do-it-yourself craft? I'll show you how to make this adorable chalkboard tray for yourself or for a friend! It would even be a precious gift for a teacher for Valentine's Day. This is the perfect way to showcase your favorite quote, display your dinner menu or visually remind yourself to run a few errands. 

Learn how to make this adorable DIY Chalkboard Tray by scrolling down to the directions below.

Supplies You'll Need:

1. Foam paint brushes

2. Chalkboard paint from your local Lowe's or Home Depot (I used Valspar Chalkboard paint 203261 Black)

3. Silver trays from the Dollar Tree

4. Chalk

5. Ribbon 

6. Hot glue + hot glue gun

7. Black wooden tray stand

8. Painter's tape (optional)

Directions:

1. If you'd like to use painter's tape for a clean edge, go ahead and tape your tray (confession: I simply used my finger nails to keep the edge straight).

2. Begin painting the first coat and let dry for 2-3 hours (you'll want to remove the tape before it dries; otherwise, the whole layer of paint will come off with the tape. Reapply the tape before painting the next layer).

3. Paint another layer and let dry for 2-3 hours.

4. Repeat until there are no exposed or uneven areas in the paint.

5. Once the tray is nice and dry, create a lovely bow out of the ribbon of your choice.

6. Hot glue the back of the bow so it'll keep its form.

7. Then hot glue it to the top and center of the tray.

8. Lastly, using your chalk personalize the tray with the message or quote you prefer and enjoy! xx

Once I was done with all of my trays, I decorated an old mug with some left over paint. Now I can add a cute message or draw a funny mustache for kicks! Chalkboard paint is a fun way to personalize just about anything. From walls to canvases to message boards, its use is endless.

Fashion Inspiration: Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain, the red carpet's new sensation, shows us that chic outfits aren't reserved for evening outs only. Here she pairs her vintage glam blouse with black skinny jeans, an oxblood drawstring purse, and sassy black leather boots. To complete the look, she layers on elegance with her black tuxedo-esque trench. Look to her for prima outfit ideas like this one.... 

Fashion Inspiration: Jessica Chastain by anderson-mary-h featuring skinny leg jeans

...And I anticipate more outstanding performances from her like her role as Celia in The Help (for which she won the 2012 Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. Scroll below to see the movie's trailer and a clip of Jessica in her element. This dancer turned actress is personally one of my favorites! I look forward to more of her in 
Hollywood and in theatre. x

Gluten Free & Dairy Free Pound Cake

I hope you had a wonderful, stress-free (as stress-free as it can be) Hanukah, Christmas and New Years! I'm sorry I've been so MIA over the holidays, but I'm back after some wonderful time with family and friends (Scroll down to see photos of some of my vintage Christmas decorations). 

I want to share a gluten free and dairy free pound cake recipe that was a huge Christmas hit! 

I snagged this yummy recipe from my cousins Matt and Catherine (thank you both!). Everyone went wild over it - even the gluten eaters! They kept saying how this gluten free and dairy free pound cake tasted like the real deal. In other words, you've got to try it! It's my new favorite dessert, and it's a versatile one. Can't you see it topped with raspberries for a vintage Valentine's Day party or decorated with flower petals and colored candy eggs for Easter? The possibilities go on, and please read on for the tasty how-to. I hope you like! xx

All that you need to create! 

Ingredients:

3 cups of flour mix from "Cooking for Isaiah" by Silvana Nardone (included here)

3 cups of sugar

5 eggs

2 sticks of butter flavored Crisco (the butter flavor is derived from plants and it is completely dairy-free)

1 cup of almond milk

1 tsp. pure lemon flavoring

1 tsp. pure vanilla flavoring

Directions:

1. Start in a COLD oven.

2. Cream the Crisco and sugar in a mixing bowl.

3. Add the eggs one at a time and beat for 2 minutes at high speed.

4. Reduce beating speed and slowly add in the flour mix.

5. Then add in the almond milk along with the flavorings and beat well.

6. Pour the newly mixed dough into a large round, tube pan that has been greased and floured (If you don't have a round, tube pan, then use 2 loaf pans).

7. Place it in the oven.

8. Turn oven on at 300º F for 1 hr and 50 minutes (The original recipe read 1 hr and 45 minutes, but mine needed more time so be sure to stick your cake to make sure it's done!).

The cake you crave!

This jeweled color vintage village is precious on my coffee table

In my more formal living room, these are the decorations over my piano.

This vintage winter wonderland makes me smile!