New Designs

Afros Rock! Small Pouch (front and back view)

I Have A Dream - Small Pouch (front and back view)

All items can be purchased in my Etsy Shop

Design Showcase: Renovated 300 year old Farmhouse makes for a Stunning Living Space

Renovated 300 year old farmhouse Casa Olivi, located near
the town of Treia in the Le Marche region of Italy.
Burned to the ground years ago, the extensively renovated farmhouse
is the project of  Swiss architects Markus Wespi and Jérôme de Meuron.

Is this not the most fabulous place you've ever seen?  

Casa Olivi, the epitome of Cultural Chic.

All imagery courtesy of Freshome Design & Archictecture

Cultural Chic: Showcasing My Style

Here at Cultural Chic, I try to showcase the cultural diversity of the fashion and design industries by featuring the work of other artists and designers both locally and from around the globe.  Early on, I featured some of my own paintings and drawings but I was determined not to have this blog be exclusive to just my creations.  Because of this, I research on a daily basis fashion and design entrepreneurs that I would like to introduce or present to my readers.

But today, I'm excited about the work I've been doing as a handbag designer.  So in this post, I am giving you a glimpse into my style.  Let me know what you think.  There will be more of my own designs showcased here as time goes on and I'll also feature interviews from more artists/designers, both emerging and established.

So stay tuned and I promise to tickle your fashion and design hungry fancy.
(Please forgive the fuzziness of  the pics, I took them with my cell phone.)

Bridgette-Black and White Clutch Handpainted, hand sewn with faux leather trim

Amanda-Red and Eggplant Clutch with tan leather trim and beads

African Flair at the Oscars

In a rare instance of cultural infusion, the Red Carpet received a taste of global style.

Actress Rachel Mwanza, star of best foreign language film, War Witch looked stunning in a high-low gown in colorful African fabric.

Kudos for Rachel Mwanza, the epitome of Cultural Chic. Stunning!
Caio, Bellas!

Photo Courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter

Cultural Chic Icon: Solange Knowles, Natural Beauty

What I love about Solange Knowles is that she is determined not to live in the shadow of her famous sister. Her sense of individual style and retro fashion savvy are an inspiration to those of us who would rather set trends instead of merely following them.

Solange Knowles.  The epitome of Cultural Chic.

Photo courtesy of Essence.com

LONDON FASHION WEEK: Color Blast-London Designers Embrace Color, Prints & Patterns

I'm loving all things London. Even before London Fashion Week, I've been enamored with the funky style of Londoners on the street. And now, for a colorist such as myself, the runways are a feast for my color hungry senses. From Holly Fulton to Tom Ford, big bold patterns with splashes of color, animal and floral prints are featured on the catwalks.

London Fashion Week.  The epitome of Cultural Chic.

Tom Ford 2013 Ready-to-Wear

 Holly Fulton 2013 Ready-to-Wear

 Louise Gray Fall 2013 Ready-to-Wear












































Photos courtesy of Style.com

The Epitome of Cultural Chic: Monique of Motor City Moxie

Cultural Chic is all about exploring the cultural aspect of beauty and style.  Having said this, I am constantly on the look out for interesting, stylish people and places. What better place to find what I’m looking for than the ever expanding blogosphere? 

Enter Motor City Moxie, brainchild of Monique, lifestyle coach, promoter of “Feminine Allure,” and author of the Moxie Manifesto, a publication that inspires women to enjoy who God made them to be and to "Be Good, Look Good, Do Better!"

Her blog is chock full of stylish and useful tidbits on how us purveyors of urban Chic can become our best selves.  She offers character building with a twist; her posts and video logs are insightful, informative and fun to boot. So much so, that I thought her post “Urban Beauty: How to Become One” was worth repeating.  Read on and enjoy.

Urban Beauty: How to Become One
Re-posted from Motor City Moxie






 Do you consider yourself an urban beauty? Want to become one?

Below is my Top 10 list for becoming an urban beauty!

 
 --Flannel shirt-Target, Pants- H&M; Boots- Target 

1.   Urban beauties give back. 

Become involved by committing to a public service initiative, and participate regularly. In some communities, urban beauties are like unicorns, you only hear about them, but really, they don’t exist. So when serving in the community, “show up, be smart, and make a good impression.”

2.  Urban beauties invest in their growth and themselves. 

Acquire more skills, maintain a kempt appearance, exercise, prepare your own meals, etc.

3.  Urban beauties are amusing. 

Memorize a good joke. Great jokes are good ice-breakers for socially awkward situations.

4.  Urban beauties are go-getters. 

Nuff said!

5.  Urban beauties are cool.

Do something nostalgic and share it. Return to your favorite childhood spot, prepare your favorite childhood meal, play your favorite childhood game, and invite someone to join you. 

6.  Urban beauties are into the arts.

Add a new a artist from a different genre to your iPod, attend the symphony or a local play, paint, color, write!

7.  Urban beauties travel and explore.

You don’t have to be an international jet-setter, just go to that side of town where you rarely go, find a cool spot, and chill.

8.  Urban beauties are intelligent.

Try to read one book per quarter, that’s four (4) books per year. Besides my school books, so far, I’ve read three leisure books: Think Big and Kick Ass, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, and The Help.

9.  Urban beauties create.

I started a blog. What have you been thinking of creating? Do it!

10. Urban beauties add value.

Don’t be stingy. Share your information, don’t just sit on it!

 

Side note: Yesterday, I took a study break and a conducted a mini-photo shoot of the urban landscape (sort of) with the help of a classmate and friend.

These Frye Harness boot look-a-likes were a steal at Target for about $50. They’re my go-to boots in the Fall season. I love their ruggedness!

Enjoy the rest of your week and challenge yourself to…

…Be Good. Look Good. Do Better!