Are you F.I.T. for the Shift?

As the days get the longer, the temperature has me dreading my spring and summer wardrobe.
Here's my list of needs, hopefully it will be helpful to you too.
1. Strapless Bra - at the end of summer last year the wire in my strapless all of a sudden wanted to be seen. Quick fix: push the wire in, take needle and thread, sew it up...eventually the wire is gonna break through the hand stitch. I quick fixed it until the end of summer; its time for me to purchase a new good one.
2. Jeweled for days flat sandals - between picnics,bbq's, festivals and everything else the fabulous summer offers...I ran all my super cute jeweled sandals through the mud...literally. I don't spend a lot on this purchase because they'll be beat by the time summer is over.  I need a gold, silver or white and black flat sandal. Here's a few tips when buying on a budget: When buying your jeweled gold flat sandal it CAN NOT have clear stones...it screams cheap. The stones should be topaz, copper, bronze or multicolored. Look at the stitching, if the shoe is black the thread should be too. Black sandal or a gold with white thread screams cheap. Now there is a trend under the same guideline as the exposed zipper...the exposed thread but I think y'all kinda know how I feel about silly trends. Invisible zipper me please and keep my thread unnoticeable. Thanks. :)
3.I need wife beaters (that's what I call them) but if you prefer the politically correct term...I need fitted tanks. From my shorts, to my mini pencils, to my colorful jeans, to my long necklaces, they all deserve a blank canvas that doesn't take away from their beauty.
So far I've purchased from my checklist:
1. A spring jacket
2. Super cute ballet flats
3. White jeans
4. A few new dresses
5. Crossbody bag
These pieces added to the current mix should get me through the warm weather.

I'm praying my husband doesn't really read this list. LOL! I have a lot of warm weather needs and he constantly ask where are these things going. SMH at me. :)

F.I.T. Tip- While wearing your sleeveless tops and shorts, stay moisturized all day.  In a empty bottle mix 1/4 Vegetable Glycerin, 2/4 water and 1/4 your favorite natural oil or moisturizer(my preference coconut oil)...shake, shake, shake señora. Lol! Your moisturizer is ready and will have you soft with just the right amount of sheen to your skin.  FYI - Vegetable Glycerin soften natural hair(mix it with your regular natural hair oil) and is awesome for acne.  Vegetable Glycerin can be very sticky alone, be sure to mix it well.


What's new at FLO Emporium? Here's a few pics:

....So yesterday, I get a call to turn to BET, I do. There I find a dress I purchased for one of my favorite clients months ago.  She looks dynamic in the dress(right pic below), I always appreciate that she doesn't wait for media to believe in a style. I said all that to stay trust your style, take risk, don't wait till you've seen it in the media to believe in the look because sometimes what looks fab on one looks sad on the next. :)  Have a great weekend y'all! Love ya!

Studs, Hoops, Necklaces: What Should I Wear?

Hey Y'all. I'm a huge fan of jewelry and sometimes I'll wear tons. LOL! Let's dissect jewelry and the do's and don'ts:
1. Knockout, Fabulous and Unique Apparel = classic jewely...a simple hoop earring, a diamond stud and a cocktail ring. This is how I want you to think about jewelry, when you purchased the fabulous clothes didn't it speak for itself? That's why you bought it and be sure to allow the fabulous garment to remain the main idea.

2. Your LBD or any monotone look gives you the opportunity to chunk your jewelry on. Creative necklace with a cocktail ring or unique earrings with bracelets.
3. A big necklace that lays on your décolleté screams for a very simple small earring.  Allow the necklace to be the feature piece, the competition between the necklace and the large earring can look clownish.
4.  Lastly follow your instincts when you take the final look in the mirror. You know when you say "Is this too much?", remove a piece of jewelry, try the look with another piece(earring, necklace, bracelet, ring) that could be suitable in achieving your fabulous attire.



F.I.T. Tip - Love garlic bread? Preheat the oven to 400°F. Take your garlic bulb lay it in the center of a piece of aluminum foil drizzle the bulb with extra virgin olive oil. Wrap the bulb in the aluminum foil and roast for 30 minutes or until the bulb feels soft. Squeeze the inside of each clove on your toast. Delicious!

Clutch, wristlet or crossover handbag

Spring is near! Spice up your wardrobe with a few new pieces. Shop www.floemporium.com

The Black Women's Expo: Style At Every Age

Hey Y'all! The last day of The Black Women's Expo is here, the experience was phenomenal and every corner turned I experienced fabulous style!  Below are pictures of some of the gorgeous casual looks I was able to capture.

1. Coral and Mint green are major this spring. This young lady encompassed this season's trend impeccably. A dusty rose(light coral) sequin ballet flat with matching top and purse. The look was finished with ankle length denim slacks. Awesome!

http://doublestitchtwins.com/

2. Confidence was clear as twin sisters rocked their individual style and it seems the little one is following nicely in their footsteps.  It is important to let your children have some same so in their daily attire. Confidence and style are very synonymous!

3. Tamela Mann's voice and style is amazing! The pencil skirt paired with patterned fishnet hosiery...HOT! Her look was complete from head to toe!

 4. I enjoy mature women that take the time and appreciate now.  As I snapped the woman's picture, simple chic were the words that came to me. Skinny jeans and fringe aren't just for young adults, if worn properly you can rock trends at every age. Here's your proof! Love it!








F.I.T. Tip - Remember your words have power...that goes for your job, finances and the wonderful city where you reside. Be impeccable with your words!

The expo ends today at 7pm, you still have time!  Have a fabulous Sunday! Love ya!

Shop www.floemporium.com

Blossoming for Spring!

Hi All. Spring is trying very hard to blossom...lol!  Is your wardrobe ready for the shift? Spring cleaning can be awakening and closing to many details of our life. I'll just touch on the closet. Because fashion is embedded in my DNA I look at the closet totally different than the professional organizer. Most organizers believe if you haven't worn an item for so long it is time to eliminate it from your wardrobe.  I believe we sometimes forget about the best treasures, the ones that fit like a nice pair of gloves and hugs all the right curves. When cleaning your spring wardrobe, just remember when you say you love it to ask yourself a few questions and try your lovely garment on. Does it work? Is the F.I.T. right? Is it time appropriate? Time meaning where you are in your life(age appropriate, has your style changed, etc.). Lastly, look in the mirror and ask yourself is the love gone? Take the next step to make room for something new. LOL!

The Black Women's Expo
The seminars have really intrigued me and I'm excited to check out numerous speakers. There's a few of the seminars I want to check out.  The Black Women's Expo Website is excellent at giving the seminar schedule.  Here's some of the information I found on their website:

Friday April 5, 2013 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Where Do We Go From Here                    Room N228
Relationship Panel
Panelists: Steven James Dixon, Author: “Men Don’t Heal, We Ho”; Brandon Jackson, Christian Speaker, Writer and Relationship Expert; Da-Nay Macklin, Entrepreneur, Speaker, Certified Coach
Hear from relationship experts on what is and isn’t working in relationships between men and women today.  Get tips on how to make the best of what’s happening with your significant other.

Friday April 5, 2013 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Big Girls Don’t Cry                            Room N226
Speaker: Anita R. Johnson, CEO, Money Wisdom for Women, Financial Advisor
Everyone could use advice on ways to become financially savvy, while taking the emotion out of finances.  Regardless of your current economic situation, find out how you can make your money matter and get the most of your hard earned dollar.

Saturday April 6, 2013 12:00pm - 1:30pm
Proven Social Media Strategies to Drive People        Room N231
to Your Business
Speaker: Thomas Varghese, Social Media Expert
Discover how to increase Likes, Pins, and +l, and more.  Discover proven strategies to drive new customers to your business, get business leads and create a brand of raving fans and followers.

Saturday April 6, 2013 2:00pm – 3:30pm                            Room N228
Did You Buy the Love Lies?  Revelations to Transform You and Your Love Relationships
Speaker: Dabrena Jackson Gandy, two-time national best selling author, All the Joy You Can Stand, Sacred Pampering Principles, TV Host, International Speaker, Mentor and Coach
Join the conversation of how men and women have been socially programmed in this country to believe and behave in an inherently flawed manner.  This programming is a set-up for failure in the form of on-going frustration, irritation, and disappointment, as well as hurt, pain and conflict, not to mention the highest divorce rate of any other country, worldwide!


F.I.T. Tip - If you love tortilla chips, why not make your own. It's quick, tasty and saves major money. Buy a package of flour tortillas, cut them in eighths and fry them in oil for 5 minutes max. Then season the chips however you choose (salt&pepper, cajun, italian herb, lemon pepper). Use them while warm with your favorite dips, salsa or create wonderful nachos with all the fixings.



Have a wonderful day and don't forget to shop www.floemporium.com!

Happy Easter!

Happy Easter Everyone! Lately I've noticed the downward facing cross on clothes and it concerned me tremendously. I didn't know the meaning, so I did my research. I want to tell you to do the same before you begin wearing this apparel. Please be mindful of what your clothes are representing and if you're not sure take a quick second to do the research.

F.I.T. Tip: As a child, the night before Easter my Mother and I would make sugar eggs. I loved making these every year. We would fill them with the Easter grass and the chocolates we made. I never had an Easter basket and always thought making the sugar egg molds was so exclusive and chic.  Hindsight now tells me my Mother saved megabucks but never allowed me to feel as we couldn't afford an Easter basket. She was awesome at psyching my mind. Lol!
So if there is someone stressed that they can not buy their child an Easter basket today, here's a craft recipe that your child/children will enjoy doing. And psych their mind like FLO(my Mom) did me...honey you couldn't tell me sugar egg molds wasn't the thing to do.

1 plastic egg mold ( your local craft shop or use the egg from the Reese's Easter egg candy)
1 egg white
food coloring
3.5 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Whisk the egg white until it starts to be frothy. If you would like to color your egg, add food coloring to the egg white and mix well. Note that you will be adding a lot of sugar to the egg white, so it’s a good idea to dye the white a darker color than your desired final product.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated and powdered sugars so they’re evenly mixed. Pour the egg white into the sugars and begin stirring. At first it will seem like there’s not enough liquid, but keep stirring! Gradually the sugar will become more moist. Eventually the sugar will have the consistency of damp sand. You want the sugar to clump together if you squeeze it in your hand, but avoid adding additional liquid and making it too wet—that will just increase the drying time.

3. Once your sugar mixture is ready, start filling your egg mold. Scoop the sugar into the hollows of the mold and pat firmly down, packing it in. You want the egg to be smooth, so press down on the sugar to prevent any small gaps or cracks from forming. If you have excess sugar and want to make more eggs, keep it in a bowl and place a damp paper towel directly over the sugar to prevent it from drying out. If you are using an egg base mold, fill it at this time.

4. Use a bench scraper, metal spatula, or the top of a large knife to carefully scrape across the top of the mold, removing any excess sugar. Your eggs should have a smooth, even top that is the same level as the mold when you are finished. Do the same for your egg base, if you are using one.

5. Place a stiff piece of cardboard directly on the top of the mold. Bracing one hand on the cardboard and the other underneath the mold, quickly flip it upside-down so that the egg halves are now resting on the cardboard. Quickly remove the mold—you now have two beautiful sugar egg halves. Do the same with another piece of cardboard and your egg base, if you are using one.

6. At this point, the egg halves need to dry out a little before you can use them. You can let them sit at room temperature for about an hour, or you can put them in a very low oven. I recommend setting your oven to 200 degrees and leaving them in for about 25 minutes.

7. Once the eggs have started to set, they need to be hollowed out. It is important to do this when the outside is set enough to hold up, but the insides are still soft. Once the egg has fully set, it cannot be reshaped! Pick up the egg half without the flat panoramic panel. Hold it in the palm of one hand and use a spoon to scrape out the moist sugar. If you are saving your sugar to make another egg, you can add this sugar to the bowl and re-use it later. Continue to scrape the interior of the egg until you have a sugar shell that is about 1/2-inch thick. You want it to be as thin as possible, while still being sturdy enough to hold together.

8. Scrape out the interior of the other egg half. Assuming you have a panoramic egg mold, you will have a flat panel on the front that should be removed entirely. Use a small, sharp knife and carefully poke a hole through the front. Be careful not to apply too much pressure and cause the egg to collapse or crack. Continue to gently whittle away to front of the egg until you have removed all of the sugar from the flat portion. You will be left with one egg half that is completely round, and one egg half that has a “window” cut into the side. Note that if you do not have a panoramic egg mold you can still create this effect by free handily carving a window into one of your halves—I recommend drawing a circle onto the egg to guide your knife.

9. At this point the eggs need to dry out further before they can be completed. You can leave them for another 2-3 hours at room temperature, or place them back in the 200 degree oven for about 45 minutes. Place them on their backs this time to let the inside portion dry.

10. Once dry, fill your sugar eggs however you choose. :)


Have a wonderful day! Love ya!

Tomorrow we will detail some of the exciting Black Women's Expo events. The expo is quickly approaching (check the ticker). Have you purchased your ticket???

The Hound EVERYWHERE!

www.floemporium.com

www.floemporium.com

Hey Y'all. I don't know if we're acting like we don't see it or we're simply not offended by all the B**** jewelry and apparel.  Pay attention. Don't forget words have power!

But before I start on one of my tangents, lets discuss the spring closet and 5 must haves to transition you from casual cute to fabulously chic.
1. An awesome spring jacket - spring is the mid ground and the most overlooked purchased item for our spring wardrobe. Your spring jacket will become your go to; keep it neutral and the metals on the jacket should be in the family of your favorite jewelry. You love silver jewelry, a double breasted jacket with antique silver grommets works. Always keep in mind your tried and trues and shop with those in mind.
2. Denim jeans(not leggings or jeggings) from wide leg to straight leg. The perfect denim can transition from your ballet flat to your pump flawlessly. (Please remember the FIT)
3. A sexy comfortable flat, that almost sounds like a contradiction. Lol! Sexy flats do exist. (a) try it on and look in the mirror. If it doesn't look right on your foot don't talk yourself into the shoe just because the style is nice.  (b) a pointy toe flat is dressier than a round, so keep that in mind and also remember with pointy toes to try on a half size up.
4. Bracelets - our wrist will soon be exposed as the weather warms. A few bracelets in your wardrobe will add dimensions to your classics.
5. A crossbody bag is perfect for spring as you shop for summer clothes, go to the grocery store and take care of your daily business...your hands our free.

F.I.T. Tip...nothing to do with those bottles of Moscato/Merlot guest conveniently bring to your house...make sangria. 1 bottle of Merlot, 1 bottle of Moscato, 8oz. of brandy, 8oz of sprite or crangrape juice(honestly its whatever I have in my house to add a bit of sweetness), slice oranges and squeeze a few as you add them and drop some frozen strawberries in your pitcher. Delicious!
FYI - it always taste better the day after it was made.

Have you checked out the countdown for The Black Women's Expo(click here)? The event is quickly approaching and filled with awesome seminars. The seminars will inform and uplift. Some of the seminars are World Class Etiquette, Power That Sharpens The Women’s Soul,  No Sugar Coating: Debunking the Myths About Sugar and Diabetes and many more (The Black Women's Expo Seminar Schedule). 

Remember Walgreen's has half price tickets.
Have an awesome week! Love ya!

Walk With Me

A day of walking, don't reach for the clunky gym shoes...live a little. Your casual cute look requires shoes to match.  Here's 5 suggestions to keep your feet comfy:

1. Flat as a pancake - no need to buy new shoes, purchase gel insoles. We've seen the ads, why not invest in your comfort and health...you deserve it. Here's a promo code for drugstore.com 6E5918C4, available this month($5.00 off $40.00, you might find something else you need).
2. Magic Shop - the shoe repair shop has always been a jewel. If they were once your favorite cozy shoe's, why not fix them instead of wasting time looking for something new. Until you find your next favorite, take what you have to the shoe doctor. Voilà!
3. Treat Yourself - sometimes the solution is right at your feet...literally. Get a pedicure, don't want to spend the money; you tube has tons of how to videos. A little pampering for your soles can make a world of difference in the fit of your shoes.
4. Heel Discomfort - this personally is a problem for me, the friction between the shoe and the heel is extremely painful...thinking about that feeling makes me cringe.  Now days every shoe store, drug store and drugstore.com(use your promo code) carries heel grips.
5. Be sure - As we change our bodies change and so does our shoe.  Take a moment before purchasing news shoes to be sure you're estimating the right size and width. I know this may sound basic, but it can change your life and the comfort of your feet. For me if my feet are cold or in pain everything shuts down. Comfort is important.


The Black Women's Expo FLO(biweekly updates on the fabulous event)

Did you know half price tickets for adults are available at Walgreen's?

Can't make it to Chicago for The Black Women's Expo? Watch your favorite speakers live on-line, just click here and have your front row seat via the internet.

This year's expo is packed with amazing entertainers. The diversity of the weekend is sure to cover every woman's interest. Just to name a few...Dick Gregory, Faith Evans, Tamela Mann, Dr. Ian K. Smith. The line up is wonderful, learn something new, watch great performances and vendors to help your shopping need. :)

Drum-roll.........the ticker is working, take a look below.

F.I.T. Tip - hug someone today, preferably a woman.  We've got to get back to loving and encouraging one another.  Believe it or not ladies, we are the foundation and as my Grandfather would say while gardening if the root is destroyed the plant can't grow.

Love ya!

A couple outerwear  pieces arrived...check it out www.floemporium.com. :)




















The Black Women's Expo is coming!