You Got The Look

Hey Y'all. I'm often asked where can I find this top or that dress.  Usually I know or have an idea of where you can find a complimentary similar item. Starting today we'll discuss the look and go a step further to discuss which silhouette ( http://www.flowithstyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/rectangles-does-symmetry-exist.html)  can rock it off the meters!


Here's the look:
Its very fitting to begin with my wedding dress which was later worn by Fantasia to the Trumpet Awards.
The Dress: Lauren by Ralph Lauren 
I purchased my dress from Lord & Taylor on sale...its on sale now. :) This dress is perfect for the hourglass and rectangle silhouette.  The cinching on the side of  the dress creates or accentuates the waist for the symmetrical body.

Target

Neiman Marcus

Above are two examples of cinching at different price points.

Leggings here, leggings there...leggings everywhere
Leggings are available in any color, length and pattern...I'm addicted.  They are comfortable, the right pair will hold you in and the patterns just adds a touch of pizzaz. Perfect day wear when you're shopping, at the salon or at the airport. Leggings fall under my casual cute category and I can not get enough. A certain someone always has "something" to say when I'm getting dressed..."Let me guess, you're wearing leggings".  Not funny!
Below are a few pics of ladies rocking their leggings and info on where you can find them.

Available at www.floemporium.com

High waist leggings are fabulous.  If you have a small waist and a badunkadunk all you need is a cute cropped top, a fabulous pump, your jewelry and you are set! If your waist isn't your favorite attribute high waist leggings save you from crack (Read - Crack Kills). Instead of cropping it out, show a little shoulder with an awesome tunic.

Available at www.floemporium.com

Rocking the prints, everything else needs to be simple. Print leggings say so much but can also scream too much.

I've been asked numerous times about the jeans Tahiry wore on Love & Hip Hop.  American Apparel carries them.

F.I.T. (Fashion is Therapy) Tip: Changing your food intake? Craving sweets? Try Banana Ice Cream
Don't throw away your bananas once they change colors. Peel them, put them in a ziploc bag and freeze them.  When you want something sweet pull out the frozen bananas, throw them in the blender. The dessert is awesome! Add honey, vanilla extract and/or almond milk...you'll never want ice cream again. Yum!

Chat Later! :)
Happy Valentines Day!

5 Gifts for Your Boo that keeping on Giving to You.

Hi y'all.  I've been gone a short minute but I'm back. Newly married to my soul mate and feeling amazing. Respecting my Mom and Spirituality there were a few things I wouldn't discuss. But now in the eyes of God and my Mother its okay for me to discuss sex every now and then. I'll share some ideas to keep the loving spicy and connected. 
I've always understood the connection between sexuality, femininity and style(SFS). They are intertwined and are part of the components that make up the fabulous you.  Early in life my Mother began teaching me about SFS without using any of the vocab.  It was so important in her eyes for me to love and be comfortable expressing me. The level of comfort and love inside of me allowed me to explore life without fear. Life is great, I have fell on my face(figuratively and literally), cried, laughed, been naive all to create this ever evolving stylish feminine and fabulous person...ME.
There is a strong yearning inside of me that wants each of you ladies reading to appreciate and embrace your fabulousness. My passion is fashion, my purpose is being of service to you. I've seen the info I share in these blogs copied and used. I have hesitated sharing because of this but when you know your purpose you just gotta go with the FLO...and trust.
So...back to loving on your boo.
Valentines day is quickly approaching and its always nice to give a gift that keeps on giving. Here's a few suggestions:
1. Remote control vibrating panties. Ladies before you log out, continue reading. I bought this for my honey's birthday and that was one the best gifts I have ever given him.  The first time we used the panties was our day celebrating his birthday. So much fun! The nonverbal was amazing for me as well as him. The control he had with the remote and the feeling I had made us two happy campers. Try it.
2. The retractable portable stripper pole. Ladies I've been to a couple pole dancing bachlorette/birthday parties and the fun hanging out and learning new moves was great but the sore muscles I felt the next day were unbelievable. Everyone says make your workout fun, why not have fun practicing your moves with your boo as your audience.
3. A BBQ grill or the accessories. My honey bunny is amazing on the grill and I love BBQ. This summer I noticed he was missing a few utensils that would make his BBQ experience great. Men love to be on the grill and we can enjoying tasting his masterpiece. WINNING.
4. Picnic Backpack. As soon as the weather breaks we hit the festivals, outdoor concerts, movies and have picnics but I work his ever loving nerves because I want to make sure we have everything. This means more carrying for him.  I had to solve this or begin to leave a few things home, I don't like working my honey's nerves. This backpack is awesome because now he's hands free. :)
http://gifts.redenvelope.com/gifts/picnic-backpack-30000341?viewpos=8&trackingpgroup=rvfav
5. Mini fridge for his man cave stocked with all the necessities for his sports, card games and dominoes. Your man will love this and so will you. Isn't it nice to have a little me time while your man and his homies hang out in their section of the house without any interruption to you. Did you say calgon???

Happy Valentines All!

Love, love and keep on loving! Catch up with y'all later.

www.floemporium.com
 

Belts:Through thick and thin...a lady's best friend :)

Again...I want to say everything for sale isn't for everybody. My paternal side of the family blessed me with breast.  Quickly I had to learn how to make them work for me.  My Mother was a fashion maven( not just saying that because she's my Mom...Unbelievable style), but breast wasn't her challenging area...early on I noticed as we shopped she purchased more fitted tops and belts for me.  I would always think to myself...Mom, these watermelons are too big for fitted tops, Momma always knows best.  Blousie clothes add volume...I didn't need any volume(still don't :)). Wide belts are truly a lady's best friend, especially if your body type is an inverted triangle (see Let's Begin the Journey for the definition of inverted triangle).

Some other random thoughts running through my head...hope its helpful.

The neckline is a crucial area for voluptuous women.  Necklaces are awesome (no chokers...unless you want to look like She-Man:)), bows and ruffles are tricky, most times they give the illusion of more(idk about you...but I am pleased with mine, just the way they are).  Now bows and ruffles are awesome for women with smaller breast, especially if the blouse creates cleavage too. Just recently I wore a dress I bought two years ago at an outlet. I couldn't leave it in the store, it was super cute AND $12...come on now :) the only problem was the gargantuan bow that should've been tied at the neck.  I was being rushed out the store, so I bought the dress and it sat and sat and sat, I finally decided to wear the dress( hadn't quite decided what to do about the bow but figured I'd cross that road when it was time).  So again, I'm being rushed as I get dressed, in the time crunch situation I continued to play with the fabric until I achieved a look that felt perfect. That's me; left side, creme dress...its the end of the night (cocktail or two:)) so don't stare...lol! I added a wide belt to the dress, to cinch the waist and create shape.
I'm not keen on sharing pictures of myself but I think its important in helping you achieve your ultimate look.

Let's review:
1. Baggy clothes aren't slimming, they add volume.
2. Wide Belts, are your friend (they also help your posture).
3. Ruffles and bows on the decolletage, adds pounds.
4. Play with your clothes.
5. Chokers, aren't for everyone. 

Thanks for reading, questions and comments are always welcome.

For the latest in accessories and essentials, go to www.floemporium.com.



Pay attention to what influences you and make the right decision for you.  DO YOU.

LIVE, LAUGH, LOVE.

Color, Culture & Charm: Prepping Your Wardrobe for the Sun.

Spring is here and Summer is quickly approaching, this is the one time you don't want to be fashionably late?  Lol! Prepare your attire now, because you shouldn't need to run out on the 1st day of great weather looking for the perfect cool look.  Equip your closet with the right pieces.  Clean, Color, Culture and Charm are the four steps to have you right on time to glisten in the sun.

1. Clean.
Organize your clothes so that everything is visible, donate clothes you are no longer interested in wearing.  Once you have finished rearranging your wardrobe you can see what you need and want, to have a complete closet of interchangeable pieces. When  we are organized less money is spent because we don't buy duplicates or any unnecessary pieces.

                                
2. Color.

Vibrant hues are everywhere this year, color blocked as well as patterns...if you don't have much color its a simple affordable solution.  Accessories are key in making the most of your wardrobe, shoes, jewelry, belts and handbags can spice up and change any look.






3. Culture.

This season ethnic prints are appearing everywhere.  To add this cool trend to your attire on a dime,  bring solid colors into your life; patterned clothes lock you in (you wear it once, its remembered). Maximize and create a versatile closet, solid colors can go from day to night, can fit into most trends depending on cut and fabric and be used for layering pieces. So in achieving this look start with the base, solid colors and build from there...a cute print spring jacket over a sundress, patterned pumps for just a touch of pizazz.


4. Charm.

Femininity is finally being appreciated and sad to say its a trend...instead of the norm.  The androgynous trend is finally phasing out, leaving room for women to appreciate themselves. Bows, ruffles and dresses are appearing in all the stores and boutiques.  This trend needs no instructions, think of old Hollywood...gemstones, simple, chic, classic = Elegant Always, day to night. 




Thanks for reading, questions and comments are always welcome.

For the latest in accessories and essentials, go to www.floemporium.com.

LIVE, LAUGH and LOVE :)

Nickel and Dime Prices with the Pizazz of Luxury: Gifts that won't rob you blind:)

Christmas commercials here, decorations there and we're holly and jolly; giving little thought to the after effects on our pockets. I want to give you a few gift suggestions that might soften the damage.

1. Think of  things you always hear your friend complaining about. Sometimes the least expensive items we really want are overlooked because necessities must be purchased first. Manicures, pedicures, car washes(a package) are great gift certificates, wine glasses,  cooking knives, a warm cute kit( knee or thigh high socks and a cutesy fitted tee packed in a simple throw with a bow) are great inexpensive ideas that show you were listening.  :)

2. Marshall's, Loehmann's and Stein Mart are my favorite places.  Around the holiday season they have wonderful trinkets around the cashier...check them out and make a gift bag.  Last year a few of my friends received a cutesy mug, with some flavored hot chocolate, chocolate stirring candies a miniature bottle of Baileys all packed inside the mug and finished with wrapping paper and a bow.  Everything except for the Bailey's came from Marshall's, I made five gifts and spent $30.  I have friends still asking about that delicious hot chocolate.




3. Having a party and you want your guest to leave with a little something something?  Classic is always great, last year each of the ladies at my holiday party received faux pearl earrings, THEY LOVED THEM and the guys.... hilarious, they got little "Nut Dream" chocolates.  I promise that was the name of the candy and a hit, the guys couldn't stop talking about it.  Guess what...Marshall's too, check out the discount stores they're filled with treasures.

4.  If money is super tight get in the kitchen, every year for Easter my Mother would have me in the kitchen making my own basket, sugar egg, chocolate molds, melting chocolate. So much fun!!!!! I didn't realize until just now (light bulb just went off and getting teary eyed over the memory) she was saving money. As a single parent she didn't want me to miss the experience so she figured out how to make the most out of a tight spot. WOW! :) Christmas molds are super cheap and the chocolates taste so good.

5.  Last year my cousin in college wanted to get her honey bunny a gift, she did the cutest thing...I might use her idea this year, lol! She created a booklet of coupons offering a massage, to clean up his house/apt, a home pedicure/manicure and other things:)...be creative.





Checkout www.floemporium.com free shipping until 1/1/2012.

Stay Fab!

Nothing to Wear in a Closet Full of Everything

Either its morning and you are rushing to work or an evening out that began 20 minutes ago but you're still at home clueless and nude trying to figure things out.  In both scenarios the common factor is time, most often the hustle and bustle of life has created a think on your feet approach to everything (figure it out and fast). I love when my friends call " Girl, he's on his way what should I wear" not so much fun for them so today I'm giving you three tips that will have you ready and stress free.

1. Organize and Realize what's Inside, I can't tell you how many times I've heard "OMGoodness I forgot all about this".  Beautiful clothes mixed in the chaos called the closet, just collecting dust.  When organizing I prefer a color/garment layout, this just means all of your slacks are hung together from the darkest to the lightest shade; continue the same pattern with dresses, tops and skirts. Removing the clutter will allow most of us to see how much we really have or realize the key components missing in our wardrobe. An organized closet can add up to 15 minutes to your rest time, quality time and/or party time, think about how great it would be...no stress, just get dressed.

2. Play dress up, I know time is of the essence but those free moments when every one in your home is asleep and you have a minute of quiet time have fun in your closet to make your exit out the house smooth as possible. Instead of wondering how an outfit looks, you'll already know and eliminate the frustration of the unknown ( I'm sure we've all been there before...lol).
3. Start with the Essentials, I can't say it enough and you're probably tired of hearing it and accomplished closet must start with the fundamentals. A gorgeous Blouse, missing the pencil skirt...wonderful shoe(sitting for months now) because your closet is missing those interchangeable garments that create a template for all those unique and to die for pieces. Make sense??? Go back to the title closet full of everything; wonderful belts, shirts, sweaters, boots but because your closet is missing the Five for Fall (checkout the blog created on 10/11/11) those HOT garments aren't being worn to their full potential.

Have wonderful week and continue to be FAB inside and out:)

www.floemporium.com...free shipping until the holidays (shhhhh, that's our little secret...lol).

Five for Fall

Yes, its mid-October already and we've discussed transitioning our closet for fall but there are a few essential pieces that will help you stay fresh, fly and fabulous the entire season.

1. A Tailored Blazer, it can be used as outerwear and interchangeable with slacks/jeans, a dress, skirt and used as a top/blouse (just the blazer) for evening attire.

2. A great pair of jeans with a little stretch not too much because you want them to keep their shape (dark preferably because they're easier to transition from day to night- light jeans most times are more casual)

3. A white button down blouse...a crisp new one every fall, this blouse is sexy classy. Throw it on for day or night.

4. A pencil dress(neutral color) - don't be afraid of it, throw on some spanx, the perfect jewelry, blazer optional and go.

5. A classic pump - this shoe is a necessity whichever heel height you prefer because it lengthens the leg and goes with everything.

Interchange these 5 pieces with scarfs (color please:)), jewelry and handbags or a clutch.

Any questions??? Please ask, I enjoy discussing and sharing tips with you:)

Oh! :) Don't forget to check out www.floemporium.com for all your accessories and essentials.