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