Outfit of the Day: Business Chic

Happy Monday! My outfit of the day is business chic, featuring a black peplum dress with spicy orange heels and a classy, vintage necklace available on my Etsy shop (click here to explore my designs). The understated peplum is the right dose of sass to this smart-looking ensemble. Here, I'm hoping to inspire your business wardrobe to fit the bill for the office, but please know that there is so much more to business than dressing the part.

Recently, I've been exploring the whole concept of "business". What is it really? It's just a multitude of relationships. Whether business to business, business to consumer or business to government, it revolves around the connection. It's a professional structure of how I can give to someone something that he or she is needing, a service, a product or an experience. He or she in turn has something that will fulfill my need whatever it may be. For this reason, customer service oriented roles such as PR, HR and marketing are so important. I've seen firsthand as a sales associate and manager that my success has come not from being a pushy sales-driven employee but from being a person who genuinely cares. I am able to communicate value of the product for sale while communicating value to the consumer (when most people don't know how valuable they truly are! It's time for that to change). 

I want to encourage you today in your relationships whether in your career or your personal life to demonstrate with your actions the value you hold for your relationships and the worth you have for those individuals or businesses. It might mean a simple coffee date or mani/pedi outing where you intentionally describe your appreciation for that person. Maybe it entails writing your senator a "thank you" letter for serving your state, or it could possibly mean genuinely thanking a sales person for helping you over the years and asking what their dreams are. John Wooden has the recipe for success in all relationships (business to business, business to consumer or business to government) in this simple statement: "consider the rights of others before your own feelings and the feelings of others before your own rights." Ultimately, if you dress the part but don't have the heart, you will only get so far. 

Here I am in my black peplum dress with spicy orange heels (mmm, pumpkin spice latte, anyone?). All I need is my iPad with my leopard print Nicole Miller case, and I'm ready to hit the office.

 I'm swirling over the cut-out back of this dress. Another flare of fun for this structured business look.

Here's a close-up of my gold bling. I'm rocking a few knuckle rings, a paper airplane ring and a chic necklace featuring a vintage broach and pearls.

 I'm putting my best foot forward in these spicy orange Calvin Klein heels which I purchased at Belks.

Are you feeling inspired to dress for success? I hope you have a wonderful week at work whether from the office or the comfort of your own home! xx

Happy National Coffee Day! Here's a Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe from Life Glimpsed

Does anyone know what Sunday, September 29th is!?? It's National Coffee Day!! Although I'm not a coffee (or much of a caffeine) drinker, I figured that I'd help spread the news that retailers like Dunkin' Donuts, IKEA, Krispy Kreme, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Starbucks are all offering promotional perks to celebrate (please scroll to the bottom for more details)!

For those who prefer a healthier, homemade option, I recommend trying the Paleo Pumpkin Spice Latte recipe by my friend Ashley of Life Glimpsed. She substitutes the cow's milk and refined sugar syrups (with which most cafés douse their drinks) with coconut milk and coconut sugar, softening the glycemic blow. Take a look at her recipe by clicking here and giving it a try! Ashley is an incredibly gifted and inspiring health coach. She equips health-interested folks like yourself through her health classes (get more info by contacting her; just click here). Why not check out her blog and give her a follow? 

The infamous Pumpkin Spice Latte by Starbucks. PTL for PSL!

The new Ethiopia coffee that Starbucks is now offering. Stop in on National Coffee Day for a free sip!

Dunkin' Donuts: You'll want to download the Dunkin' Donuts mobile app for a free small hot coffee or iced coffee. After downloading, click on the freebie coupon under "offers". If you're a tad techie challenged, don't stress! I'm sure a Dunkin' Donuts employee would be willing to help you download the mobile app onto your phone. On National Coffee Day, they are also offering their 16-ounce packaged coffee at the discounted price of $5.99. Make sure you get there before they sell out!

Krispy Kreme: Why not grab a mouthwatering doughnut from Krispy Kreme with a free 12-ounce cup of coffee on National Coffee Day? The deal doesn't end there! You can even grab a 12-ounce latte, mocha or Pumpkin Spice Latte among other specialty drinks for only $1! This is an hard-to-resist offer.

Starbucks: Stop into Starbucks for a free sip of Ethiopia their new medium, roast coffee. With the purchase of a one-pound bag of their Ethiopia coffee on National Coffee Day, wou'll walk away with a free ceramic cup! That's not too shabby, eh?

Happy National Coffee Day, everyone! xx 

Rick Owens has Revolutionized Paris Fashion Week with Racial & Body Diversity

Every September, the bloggers, forecasters, journalists, trendsetters and retailers of the fashion industry have all eyes on the grand finale of fashion weeks around the world - Paris Fashion Week. Paris is the fashion capital of the world and for good reason. The most progressive, exquisite and unparalleled designs come from this romantic European city. Something so innovative happened this week that has never been previously done in the world of fashion. Designer Rick Owens beautifully shocked the pulse of fashion and concept of beauty with his choice of "models" and presentation. Instead of having models with the standard size and shape, prancing down the runway, he showcased his Spring 2014 RTW collection with shapely minorities, all performing a step dance! All eyes are now on designer Rick Owens for his courage in celebrating racial and body diversity and simultaneously communicating the new concept of beauty. Please read more about it and watch the amazing video (click here for the Huffington Post) of the catwalk at Rick Owens, fashion designer and now reformer at Paris Fashion Week.

Rick Owens S/S 2014 RTW

Rick Owens S/S 2014 RTW

Rick Owens S/S 2014 RTW

Rick Owens S/S 2014 RTW

Thank you, Rick Owen, for bringing racial and body diversity to the fashion industry and for pursuing inclusion for anyone no matter their color or shape! What do you think of Owen's bold move on the catwalk, foregoing the cookie cutter model for a more realistic and diverse representation of the world's population? Happy Friday! xx

Gluten-free, Refined Sugar-free, Grain-free and Vegan Blondie Recipe

Happy Hump Day! This guilt-free "sugar" high, perfect for getting you through the mid-week slump, happens to be free of countless allergens (thanks to my friend Rachael for passing it on to me). It's gluten-free, refined sugar-free, grain-free, vegan, dairy-free and egg-free! Shwooh, so much freedom in one dessert. Now, let's get to baking that Blondie recipe!

**Please see my modifications to this recipe at the bottom of this blogpost.**

You're going to need the ingredients listed below for this delectable, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, grain-free and vegan Blondie recipe. Make a grocery list, and hit your local health food store! For those of you who prefer pictures to lists, just keep scrolling.

Ingredients:

15 ounces cooked chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans)

1/2 cup raw almond butter (*I substituted mine for organic cashew butter*)

1/3 cup honey, maple syrup or blue agave (*I substituted 1/4 cup blue agave plus 1 TBSP xylitol*)

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

a pinch of salt

1/3 cup gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chips (Your local health food store should carry Chocolate Dream's gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chips)

(Just a heads up: you'll combine everything in the food processor except for the chocolate chips which you'll fold in after blending!)

The list in picture form for all of you visual bakers...

Here are those gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chips by Chocolate Dream I mentioned above. They are a great sweet treat, but don't go too wild. Those little chips disappear fast!

Remember to cook your chickpeas (garbanzo beans) and strain them before tossing into the food processor.

Once you've cooked the chickpeas, throw everything (but the chocolate chips) into the food processor.

Voila! This recipe forms such a beautiful consistency for baking.

Don't forget to blend everything into the food processor but the chocolate chips. You'll want to fold those into the "dough".

After folding in the gluten-free, dairy-free chocolate chips into the chickpea and cashew butter dough, spread into a brownie-friendly dish that is lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350º.

Once your Blondies are all baked and golden, pull them out of the oven, and let cool. Then indulge!

I baked mine for 24 minutes to perfection, and these Blondies are disappearing daily!

My Modifications:

This is my second time making this dessert. "Why?", you ask. Well, truth be told - I messed up the first time by blending in the chocolate chips rather than folding them into the chickpea and cashew butter "dough". My second time making these Blondies, I made sure to avoid making that mistake again. However, what I discovered is that I actually like the recipe more with the chocolate chips blended rather than folded into the dough. Blending the chocolate chips provides the dough with an overall sweeter taste and a consistency that is slightly more moist. My mistake turned into a successful (and preferred) option! 

Also, if you are accustomed to sweet desserts, I recommend using honey or maple syrup (and maybe a 1/2 cup rather than 1/3 cup) to sweeten up this recipe to your liking. Lastly, I substituted almond butter with organic cashew butter because I prefer the consistency, sweetness and overall flavor of cashew butter. If you're looking for an exceptionally delicious brownie recipe that leaves people in disbelief over it being gluten-free and dairy-free, I strongly suggest trying the one found in Cooking for Isaiah by Silvana Nardone of Silvana's Kitchen! Bon Appétit! xx

Tuesday Huesday: Think Pink for Fall/Winter 2013/2014

Often debuting in the warmer Spring months, pink is bursting out of the color box into Fall and Winter this season. From powder to rose hues, it's the catwalk color essential for your wardrobe as seen on the runways of Celiné, Chloé and Simone Rocha. Even JCrew and Topshop are offering this feminine shade to budget-friendly fashionistas. I'm thrilled to see this delicate pink tone in fashion and find it quite refreshing against all of the grunge and androgynous looks (both trends of which I'm personally not a fan) that have been popular in recent seasons. Think pink this season as you shop for your next winter coat or holiday sweater. Peruse below to see all that fashion's top designers have in store!

Celiné Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 featuring powder pink on the runway

Simone Rocha Pink Spongey Mesh dress.          JCrew Collection Pink Wool and Silk-blend Mini Skirt 

  

   Valentino Garavani Rockstud Pumps in Powder Pink.             JCrew Crystal Fan Necklace.

                       Christian Dior                             Miu Miu                                 Carven

 Rocha Fall/Winter 2013/2014

LALA BERLIN by Leyla Piedayesh Autumn-Winter 2013-2014 

LALA BERLIN by Leyla Piedayesh Autumn-Winter 2013-2014

LALA BERLIN by Leyla Piedayesh Autumn-Winter 2013-2014 (I'm loving this whole collection)

Pink is also making an appearance in the world of home interiors this Fall/Winter season and will be remaining through Spring. Scroll below for home inspiration as you look to update your house from a wall color to a headboard to a lamp shade. Pink is the in style choice, and it's lovelier than ever!

Changing the wall color to pink is an instant way to update a space.

 This room exudes femininity with its powder pink walls and adds a touch of playfulness to its traditional and antique elements.

 The bubble gum walls bling a tasteful flare to this chic space.

Here are a few party ideas in powder to rose ombre hues - so lovely!

Have you found your fashion essentials for the cool Fall days and chilly Winter nights yet? If not, be sure to think pink as you shop! Happy Tuesday Huesday! xx

Outfit of the Day: Lions & Leather

Thrift store meets trend score in my outfit of the day, comprised of lions and leather. Rawr! Nothing says queen of the jungle quite like this black vip-front vest adorned with gold lions. This thrift store wonder (found here) boasts a high neckline (that hints at the orient) and a gold lion zipper clasp. Paired with my new H&M black, vegan leather skater skirt, I crown my fashionable outfit of the day with these magnificent ankle boots recently purchased from Return Passage. The buffalo brown and gold hardware of my fresh ankle boots and my stacked, gold arm candy help ground the outfit while tastefully marrying this outfit's thrifty with trendy. 

My outfit of the day packed with lions and leather gracefully marries thrift store with trend score as seen here.

Need another idea on how to lead the pack in this season's skater skirt fashion trend? Click here to get those outfit inspiration wheels a'turning!

Avoid losing your figure in the full proportions of the skater skirt
by matching it with a slim-fitting top like this vest.

Form-fitting top: check. Vegan leather skater skirt: check. Ankle boots with
gold hardware: check. Now you're one of the big cats in fashion this season!

Here's a close-up of my thrift store vest with its black and gold lion covered fabric and
its gold lion zipper detail (notice the long blonde hair clingy to my vest? Yeah, I planned that. Not.). 

This thrift store wonder has a chic surprise at every angle - from lions in the front
to black and gold stripes in the back. Everything is so well done!

Here I'm strutting my ankle boots from Return Passage.

I'm obsessed with the gold hardware on these buffalo brown ankle boots! Aren't you?

You've got to acquire a pair of ankle boots for this Fall/Winter 2013/2014.
It's a fashion essential, and I highly recommend these from Return Passage!

Feeling outfit inspired, or is it just too early? Go ahead and make a run for your Monday morning pumpkin spice latte. You got to have your fuel. Plus, it's a must-have on the second day of Fall. Man, how time flies! Thanksgiving will be here before we know it. Until then, keep checking in at The Culture of Design for adorable outfit ideas and fashion trend reports! xx

America's Mart: My Week in Atlanta at Market

Happy first day of Fall, everyone!

Shwew, it's been a BUSY week between hopping showrooms at America's Mart in Atlanta, flexing my visual display muscles by helping decorate a wedding that I also attended and thirdly hosting a lingerie shower. Talk about getting a work out! I finally have a moment to sit down and recap my wonderful week at market.

My friends Becky and Mary Katherine who were buying for MK's store Katherine Beck in Oxford, Mississippi, brought me along for the market experience. I'm so thankful for their including and inviting me to learn so much about what happens behind the scenes between retailers and wholesalers. Also, I loved being in my element as a visual merchandiser, enjoying and taking in all of the highly creative visually displays of the various showrooms like Two's Company and Rifle Paper Co. I've included a few photos here of my favorite showroom displays. Between the permanent and temporary showrooms, I was able to gather a generous jewelry loot for my upcoming designs. Scroll below to catch a glimpse of the beautiful things to come this Fall and Winter at The Culture of Design!

The next two photos are of the incredibly tasteful Two's Company. Gotta love them and their visual displays!

Rifle Paper Co. had a precious European-influenced display with retro personality. Such a great marriage between Euro chic and retro vintage - adorable!

Some of the components I picked up at America's Mart in Atlanta - gold, green and purple among other colors and textures.

Check out my friend's lovely gifts and home boutique Katherine Beck by clicking here, and enjoy this lovely first day of Fall! xx