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.

The Perfect Tee

Many times we enter a big box store looking for anything but a tee, this is an essential.  Do you ever have those days and you say..."shoot I need a basic fitted tee"??? The perfect long sleeve tee is essential in the fall and winter, layer it under a blazer, sweater, cropped jacket or shrug. Basic elements such as the perfect tee are the finishing touch to your wardrobe.  I'm gonna give you a few tips on the perfect tee; body type, material and cut are few important components to remember in selecting your tees. (if you aren't familiar with your body type check out my older post they discuss all body shapes).

A Crew Neck Tee is usually what comes to mind when we think about fitted t-shirts. Crew neck tees are excellent for accentuating the bust, because there isn't any exposed skin and the shirt is slim fitting the eyes tend to land directly on the boobs. Whatever size chest you have, when wearing a crew neck tee your brassiere MUST BE ON POINT! Undergarments are always important but a crew neck tee will point out a non-supportive bra...not a good look. I saw young lady the other day with a horrible bra and a crew neck tee, the t-shirt looked extremely small as if it was choking her.  That leads me to my next point, crew neck tees need to be the right size...try it on.  Because everything is covered a too small crew neck will show every imperfection (rolls, smashed boobs, sagging boobs, you name it)...remember we're trying to accentuate the positive.

A Scoop Fitted Tee, is one of my favorites. There is a little exposed skin to show what some men say is the sexiest part of a woman's body, her decolletage. You have a lot of playing room with this tee and numerous ways to implement the shirt into your daily attire. I used the term playing room because you can wear the scoop tee to work with a suit, a statement necklace or running your errands, I usually throw my scoop tees on with some leggings and a blazer/jacket and I'm out the door(I buy extended length tees just to cover the dairy aire:)). Lastly, out on the town...I've been caught waiting to last minute to get dressed quite a few times; pair this tee with some skinnies or trousers(wider at the bottom and fitting correctly at the waist), pull out the sexiest pumps, grab your clutch and accessories...grab your boo and say I'm ready, sorry I took so long. :)

V-Neck Fitted Tees, have a funny relationship with me. Always one of my favorites but depending on the material it could go bad. My preference with the v-neck is 95% cotton and 5% spandex because it holds its shape the entire time your wearing it. 100% cotton tees lose the shape and this is extremely bad with a v-neck tee because shape is crucial with this tee. If a v-neck tee has no shape it creates a larger waist, the objective of the tee is to accentuate your cleavage...so now you have accentuated breast and the illusion of a larger midsection...I'll pass.

The Boat Neck Tee is tricky and can sometimes make your shoulders look broad and breast will appear large, just off the cut alone. Personally...I don't buy this shirt, my chest is on the larger side (broad shoulders and boobs don't go well together). If you must wear a boat neck tee balance the look of the broad shoulder with a wider bottom (jean, trouser), remember to always create balance.






Check out www.floemporium.com!!! Unique jewelry and essentials guaranteed to turn heads:)

The Leaves are Changing Colors...Should My Closet?

I woke up this morning in a complete tizzy...lol! Yes, I love all seasons but I had few summer pieces I didn't get a chance to rock.  Some would say "oh well...maybe next summer" and I say this is transition time.  Some of your summer pieces can transition nicely and become part of your Autumn wardrobe.

This tank dress is the perfect example, yes it was super cute this summer.  Pull that dress out depending on temp throw on some tights and a pump (tights and pumps need to be the same color/color family to lengthen the leg), a blazer, a cropped sweater, cardigan or denim jacket...depending on the occasion and accessorize however you choose; chunky necklace/small earrings or large earrings and a cocktail ring. You're set, take a look in your closet and pull those dresses to the front, because you're not done with them. LOL!

White...labor day has passed and some have removed white till next summer. I say pull your white to the front...whoever came up with that rule in the first place.  White can be tricky in the fall but if your confidence is on point you're there (its easy to locate a women who doesn't feel good in her outfit).  I'm gonna give a few tips to top off the confidence that's already turning heads. Pairing whites in the fall is a tab bit different than the summer.  Partnering colors should be brown, tan/camel, burnt orange, metallic and denim; I didn't say black because its expected...we've got to think out the box.

Finally, dressing should always, always, always look effortless and attractive. I have a uniform, not really a work uniform but a look I rock everyday while ripping and running. It's super sexy, functional, transitions into all seasons, easy to take off (I'm talking about in fitting rooms...lol. Y'all minds are in the gutter...smh). Leggings, a long cami, depending on temp my denim jacket/sweater/blazer/scarf and boots or ballerina flats with my silver hoop earrings. LOVE IT!!! I'll take a pic and share with you in the next blog. My little uniform has also transitioned from day to night most times with just the change of my accessories.

FLO with Style is very important to me because I notice soooooooo many women on a daily basis not taking a few extra seconds to look nice.... I'm telling you it will change your mood. I said all that to say, if you have a question don't hesitate asking... I LOVE fashion and I want all women to embrace the beauty inside and out.

FYI - the next few days you'll receive more post from me because I have so many things to discuss with you...the perfect tee, 5 important pieces for winter and game night cute.

Check out www.floemporium.com for all your accessories and essentials.

CIAO:)