Beauty Insider Artistry

Color Blocking

2012-06-08T17:26:00.002-07:00

What I Wore:

Ribbed Tank - Charlotte Russe

Belt - Wet Seal

Skirt - Local Boutique

Shoes - Jessica Simpson

Link Bracelet - F21

Gold Bangles - H&M

Turquoise Onyx Angel Wing Bracelet - Firenze Bella (online store coming soon)

Coral Glam Bracelet - Firenze Bella (online store coming soon)

Watch - Michael Kors Boyfriend

************************

Hello Lovelies,

This my first attempt at color blocking. I was inspired by all the beautiful colors that embody spring and summer. Today was a beautiful day, the sun was shining brightly and we had a fun day away from work to celebrate our founders day and had some wonderful team building activities!

I'm excited about a new business venture that I am pursing, I will being launching an online accessory boutique really soon. It's been so much fun planning and putting everything together. I cannot wait!!! Stay tuned for more info on the launch of the site.

It's always important to have a little fun during the day! Laughter is food for the soul ;D

Lovely in Lace

2012-05-24T22:13:00.001-07:00

Hello Lovelies!

It's been a while since my last post and it has been difficult to stay consistent ;-[
I have been taking fashion photos faithfully, however I haven't had the time to upload them. Again, this will all change in the near future! I have been working on a few new projects and need your assistance with selecting a name!!! I'm really excited and cannot wait for the launch of my online accessory boutique. However, I need a name! I've been pondering on a few and I have grown quite fond of two of the choices. Would you be so kind to provide your input. Here are the three options I'm considering: F by Firenze; Firenze Bella; or Fluer-di-lis. Which name catches your ear and grasp your attention the most?

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you enjoyed the details of todays look. For more fashion updates follow me on Instagram @1BeautifulFlo and subscribe to my youtube channel @ www.youtube.com/1BeautifulFlo. Thank you in advance for your help in selecting a name! See you really soon!

Xoxoxo

I Wanna Be Where You Are

2012-04-25T22:27:00.001-07:00

Could it be I stayed away too long! OMG, I cannot believe how long it has been since I last seen you... Please do not be angry or upset, I did not forget about you... Life just has a way of taking over and making you lose focus. I've recently began a new chapter in my life with begining a new career and new ways to showcase my style (via youtube). I love blogging and find peace and serenity in sharing my thoughts.

I never intended to stay away so long, almost one year... I will not stay away that long ever again becasue I wanna be where you are! I hope you enjoy the details of this post. Thank you for your loyalty and continued support of my blog and my youtube channel (www.youtube.com/1BeautifulFlo)

What I'm Wearing:

Shirt - F21

Pants - NY & Co.

Bag - JustFab

Shoes - Shoedazzle

Watch - Michael Kors

Its a Jungle Out There!

2011-07-23T14:57:00.000-07:00

Jax had to make a cameo, lol!

Lose Your Self

2011-06-21T20:29:00.000-07:00

The other day I took Jackson out for a long walk through the neighborhood. As we were walking we passed the Calvary Chapel Christian School located near my home. It was the senior classes graduation day. I noticed the theme of the graduation was "Lose Your Self" and the scripture was Mark 8:35. The theme and scripture stayed with me for the rest of the walk and moved me to open my bible to the book of Mark. This message came at the perfect time because I was starting to question and doubt myself.

God sure knows how to answer your prayers and provide a message to confirm that. What I took from the passage and the theme were to let go and let God, hence "lose your self". Allow the Lord to direct your path and he will make a way out of no way. When worries and doubt begin to bring you down turn it over to the Lord and trust!!! This verse encouraged me to press on despite the circumstances and allow the Lord to lead the way... Hopefully it helped you also...

Blazer: H&M

Clutch: Aldo

Shoes: Material Girl Macy's

Accessories: Charlotte Russe

Watch: Michael Kors

Fab Accessory Haul - Fashion Blabber

2011-06-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

All White Now!!!

2011-06-02T20:12:00.000-07:00

Dress: Old | Floppy Hat: Target | Belt: Random | Watch: Toy | Shoes: Shoedazzle | Necklace: F21 | Bag: Vintage

~~OMGOSH!!!~~ So, it literally took me one month to complete this post. I took these pictures in anticipation of participating in a Blogger's Challenge - Blogger's Do It Better in White. I'm way late, they have had several new challenges since then, but I figure its better late than never. I was experiencing difficulty with my wireless Internet connection for weeks... I tried everything I knew to resolve the issue, however I was unsuccessful. I had just about given up on my Dell Studio when I located the user manual. To my surprise, the first page I flipped to provided me with the answer to my dilemma. Somehow the wireless radio was disabled. How did I fail to check this, with the simple press of the F2 button my Internet connection was back up and running. I was so ready to head to the apple store to purchase a Mac book...

Now that I've found the user guide maybe I can figure this video and picture editing thing out to provide you all with better quality post. Any suggestions?

Hey Mama

2011-05-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

Mother of Mine

How do I tell you, from this daughter

Oh mother of mine, who couldn't have worked harder

To make my life, as best as could be

How much your loved, for loving me

Things you wanted, so many times

You put aside, to help me and mine

Even when I was growing up

A back you never turned, a door you never shut

How do I tell you, how much this means

Oh mother of mine, who always beams

With a loving heart, with open arms

Caring for all, with all your charms

You made life, so very good

For me you did, all you could

You cared for me, through all bad times

Your loved so much, oh mother of mine

~ Betty Halverson, 2003 ~

Happy Mother's Day!

This To Shall Pass

2011-04-18T23:19:00.000-07:00

Top: New York & Co. | Belt: Express | Tights: New York & Co. | Boots: Aldo

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and

believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and

an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement:

My purpose is_______________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a “thank you walk.” It

will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are think

optimistically about where you are going.

5. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a

college kid with a maxed out charge card.

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Focus on learning, loving, growing and serving.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things

to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues

of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead

invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What

are the three most important things I need to do today that will help

me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions

and focus on these actions.

14. Implement thewww.NoComplainingRule.com. Complaining is like

vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels

sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2010. I happen to know of a few

good ones. :)

16. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a double latte.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to

do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.

Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the

most of it and enjoy it.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-01T15:34:00.000-08:00

Poncho: The Rave | Leggings: Target | Boots: Cathy Jeans | Bag: Guess Marciano | Accessories: H & M

Happy 2011!!! I say good-bye to 2010 and look forward to all the new beginnings to come. I'm really excited about the new year and will be focused and dedicated to achieving my goals!!! Do you have any goals that you want to accomplish? Have you made a plan? I have, and I'm overjoyed seeing all the possibility that the future holds! Be blessed and allow the Lord to direct your path...

Sisters Are The Best

2010-12-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

Today my little sister was my photographer for my "blog-shoot," it was too funny. I enjoyed posing to the sound of my little sister's encouraging words, "work it, now strut, strut, strut..." LOL, it was too cute! I'm not sure what she has been watching lately or if its just her unique character but it was a great experience. She actually has a good eye for photography being she is only 9 years old.

Check out my channel @ www.youtube.com/1BeautifulFlo

Subscribe to my blog at http://www.beautyinsiderartistry.blogspot.com/

What I Wore:

Top - Mossimo

Vest - New York & Co.

Belt - Wet Seal

Watch - Toy Watch

Boots - Steve Madden

The Good Life

2010-10-04T22:41:00.000-07:00

Life is for Living

Loving

Laughter

Joy

Peace

Freedom

Happiness

What I Wore:

Ghana African Sundress

Bamboo Studded Sandals

Jessica Simpson Messenger Bag

Woman Work

2010-09-13T23:16:00.000-07:00

Woman Work

I've got the children to tend

The clothes to mend

The floor to mop

The food to shop

Then the chicken to fry

Then baby to dry

I got company to feed

The garden to weed

I've got the shirts to press

The tots to dress

The cane to be cut

I gotta clean up this hut

Then see about the sick

And the cotton to pick.

Shine on me, sunshine

Rain on me, rain

Fall softly, dewdrops

And cool my brow again.

Storm, blow me from here

With your fiercest winds

Let me float across the sky

'Tis I can rest again.

Fall gently, snowflakes

Cover me with white

Cold icy kisses and

Let me rest tonight.

Sun, rain, curving sky

Mountain, oceans, leaf and stone

Star shine, moon glow

You're all that I can call my own

~ Maya Angelou ~

What I wore:

H&M: Shirt
Maxi Dress: Forever 21
Clogs: Jessica Simpson
Wooden Bangles: Charlotte Russe
African Beads: Ghana
Stone Necklace: Wet Seal
Weaved Belt: Nobody Jones

Fall Must Haves

2010-09-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

Now is the time to revamp your wardrobe and give your beauty routine a mini-makeover. Sultry smokey eyes, bold cheeks and deep red lips are back. These are a few of falls must haves! Check out the list below for more:

Sexy hair is big hair - Go big or go home!
Snake accessories
Statement stone jewelry
Corduroy shorts
Leather knee high boots
Structured leather jackets
Knitted infinity scarf/ scarves
Leopard prints
Military Inspired pieces
Skinny's and Jeggings

Don't be afraid to play with different textures and patterns when putting together your look.

What I Wore:

Old Navy Vest
Wet Seal Ribbed Tank
Old Navy Jeggings
Charlotte Russe Belt
Jessica Simpson Bag
Jessica Simpson Gladiators
Wooden Bangles Charlotte Russe
Necklace African Beads ~ Ghana

Beauty 101

2010-08-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Its Important to Stay Ready so you don't have to get ready. In this post I'm providing you with a few beauty rituals or trends that you can easily incorporate into your daily schedule to always stay fresh, beautiful, chic and ready!

Well Groomed ~ Keep brows cleaned and defined. (check out my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/1BeautifulFlo for the perfect brow tutorial)

Bronze ~ Be a bronzed beauty all year round. Find the perfect hue for you! Don't overdo it, your face and neck should match. (I picked a beautiful blush in format by MAC - this is a great bronzer for all skin types so I would definitely check it out if you've been searching for the right bronzer).

Keep an eyeshadow compact handy that includes earthy nudes and browns. These colors will work with any color scheme.

Use a color gloss once per month to add shine to your hair! Semi permanent colors are great to add shine and to liven up dull locks.

Use hair accessories that suit your style. Headbands are great for summer because they keep your hair pulled back out of your face.

For lips go with a subtle gloss to keep your look pulled together throughout the day. My favorite gloss is Viva Glam VI from MAC I love the color of this gloss!!

Flirt with color! Be adventurous, don't be afraid to try bright vibrant hues on your nails and toes. Blues, nudes and reds are popular colors at the moment.

What I Wore:

H&M Military Khaki Jacket
DIY Cutoffs ~ Seven All Mankind
Jessica Simpson Clogs
Louis Vuitton Speedy 35

I Won't Complain

2010-08-19T21:28:00.000-07:00

I've had some good days

I've had some hills to climb

I've had some weary days

And some sleepless nights

But when I look around

And I think things over

All of my good days

Outweigh my bad days

I won't complain

Sometimes the clouds are low

I can hardly see the road

I ask a question, Lord

Lord, why so much pain?

But he knows what's best for me

Although my weary eyes

They can't see

So I'll just say thank you Lord

I won't complain

The Lord

Has been so good to me

He's been good to me

More than this old world or you could ever be

He's been so good

To me

He dried all of my tears away

Turned my midnights into day

So I'll just say thank you Lord

I've been lied on

But thank you Lord

I've been talked about

But thank you Lord

I've been misunderstood

But thank you Lord

You might be sick

Body reeking with pain

But thank you Lord

The bills are due

Don't know where the money coming from

But thank you Lord

Thank you Lord

I want

I want to thank God

God

Has been so good to me

He's been good to me

More than this old world or you could ever be

He's been so good

So good

To me

He dried all of my tears away

Turned my midnight into day

~ Paul Jones Lyrics - I Won't Complain ~

~ Exodus 15: 22-25 ~

So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them.

No matter what your circumstances don't give up, don't complain! Simply let go and let God have his way!! He is in Control. It is important to be thankful rather than sit around and murmur. The Lord is faithful; He is trustworthy; He is a provider; therefore be THANKFUL!!!

What I wore:

Romper: Soho find
Belt: Soho find
Gladiators/Caged In: Jessica Simpson

Check out my youtube channel at www.youtube.com/user/1BeautifulFlo

Hide the Leather

2010-08-12T23:19:00.000-07:00

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

So it happened again and I went ballistic!!! Jackson chewed up my brand new, only worn once Jessica Simpson Gladiators. My feelings were so hurt. HE MUST GO!!! I couldn't believe my eyes as I entered the room.

Jackson took off scared for his lift, rightfully so; and maintenance found him and turned him into the front office. I got a message that my puppy was located in the main office and the human society was called. My first thoughts were Let them take him!

I work too hard for this dog to tear my belongings up.

So I went to Macy's and explained the situation and the representative was cool enough to exchange them as a defective shoe. I LOVE MACY's!!!

Thank you for taking care of me and allowing Jackson to have a place to stay.

Just a forewarning, If you have dogs of any sort be sure to HIDE the LEATHER!!!

What I Wore:

Shirt: JCPenny
Belt: Nobody Jones
Shorts: Seven for all Mankind
Clogs: Jessica Simpson

Subscribe to my new youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/1BeautifulFlo

Phenomenal Woman

2010-08-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

Phenomenal Woman

Pretty woman wonder where m secret lies.

I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size

But when I start to tell them,

They think I'm telling lies.

I say,

It's in the reach of my arms,

The span of my lips

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

I walk into a room

just as cool as you please,

And to a man,

he fellows stand or

Fall down on their knees.

Then they swarm around me,

A hive of honey bees

I say,

It's the fire in my eyes,

And the flash of my teeth,

The swing in my waist,

And the joy in my feet.

I'm a woman.

Phenomenally,

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Men themselves have wondered

What they see in me.

They try so much

But they can't touch

My inner mystery.

When i try to show them

They say they still can't see.

I say,

it's in the arch of my back,

The sun of my smile,

The ride of by breasts,

The grace of my style,

I'm a woman

Phenomenally.

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

Now you understand

just why my head's not bowed.

i don't shout or jump about

Or have to talk real loud.

When you see me passing

It ought to make you proud.

I say,

It's the click of my heals,

the bend of my hair,

the palm of my hand,

The need for my care.

'Cause I'm a woman

Phenomenally

Phenomenal woman,

That's me.

~ Maya Angelou

The quality of my first outfit of the day video didn't come out too great shot from my camera. I will use the webcam next time. I hope you guys enjoyed this post. Leave me a comment and let me know what your thoughts are. Also check out my channel on youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/1BeautifulFlo

Blazer: Ann Taylor
Clutch: Aldo
Booties: Steve Madden

African Princess

2010-08-11T00:49:00.000-07:00

Africa

Thus she had lain

sugar cane sweet

deserts her hair

golden her feet

mountains her breasts

two Niles her tears

Thus she has lain

Black through the years.

Over the white seas

rime white and cold

brigands ungentled

icicle bold

took her young daughters

sold her strong sons

churched her with Jesus

bled her with guns.

Thus she has lain.

Now she is rising

remember her pain

remember her losses

her screams loud and vein

remember her riches

her history slain

now she is striding

although she had lain.

~ Maya Angelou

Where are you from?! This is a question that I have been posed with frequently these last few weeks. I recently met a gentleman from the Republic of Ghana and he swears that I am from the Fante tribe. Its funny because we went out the other night to Asia de Cuba, an exquisite restaurant in Hollywood. As the hostess was seating us she asked me, so where are you guys from, lol! With a chuckle I replied, "I'm from LA and he is from Ghana." Now Americans are mistaking me for a foreigner. What do you think?

I suppose the African beads that I wore that evening contributed to her assumptions.

Blazer/Bag: H&M
Dress: Marciano
Heels: Steve Madden
Accessories: Ghana African Beads

Missing In Action

2010-08-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Mayday, Mayday!!! I've been missing in action for the last few weeks consumed by work... It has been a major bummer because I have missed all of you and I've been thinking of all sorts of ideas for my blog...

This is a quick post to let you know that I did not fall off. I need to reevaluate my time management because life if for living and I want to be free....

Until next time...

Cardigan: New York & Co.
Cami: Macy's
Skirt: Brass Plum, Nordy
Bag: Bebe
Necklace/bracelet: Ghana Beads

California Girl ~ I Love LA

2010-08-09T10:03:00.000-07:00

I love LA! While traveling on the east coast I noticed that everyone goes hard for their city. Walking through the streets I noticed several people wearing I love NY shirts and local DJ's put on for their cities only playing local artist. Its funny, I didn't hear any west coast artist.

After returning home it dawned on me, I LOVE LA! Although I get frustrated with traffic and pollution it wouldn't be LA without those factors. I'm a Cali girl at heart, I enjoy visiting other cities but LA is where my heart is.

I Love driving down the street enjoying the view, watching the palms blow in the fresh afternoon air as the sun shines on my face through the sunroof. Cali, I'm here to stay...

Blazer/ Top/ Bag: H&M
Skirt: House of Dereon
Shoes: Carlos Santana
Aviators: Soho find

Chivalry Is Dead

2010-07-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Is chivalry gone with the wind?!!! It seems like a lot of men have forgotten how to treat a lady. For example, while traveling in NYC my friends and I were banged on by a guy that cut us off as we were entering a restaurant. I opened the door to enter as he was walking toward the exit. As a result he grabbed the door and allowed the people following to proceed in. Next thing I know dude is going off, "Damn you can't say thank you?!!"

I thought to myself, "fool, I opened the door for myself." Another guy was getting really aggressive with my friend. I guess he was feeling her swag, however there are better ways to show that you are attracted/interested in a person rather than grabbing and pulling at them. I couldn't believe the type of treatment we were receiving. And East Coast Men are supposed to be more refined, as if!

Ladies don't get down on yourself, there are still some good men out there. The other day I struggled with two hands full of grocery trying to make it to my apartment without making a second trip to the car. All the while I was praying that nothing dropped or spilled out of my hand when one of the maintenance workers in my apartment offered a helping hand. the maintenance guys are very nice and typically offer assistance whenever they see me carrying anything. Normally I decline, but this time I had to take them up on the offer and it brought a smile to my face to know that men still know a woman's worth.

Travel & Leisure

2010-07-25T22:55:00.000-07:00

I recently took a trip to New York, The Empire State to celebrate a friends birthday! Its amazing how different things are on the east coast. I had a blast and enjoyed myself on the mini vaca for the most part. My travel buddies and I experienced a few bumps in the road with scheduling and getting lost in the city where dreams are made of.

As a result of limited time and other factors we were not able to participate in all the activities that were originally planned. This got me to thinking, how can you travel with others and appease everyone at the same time staying on schedule with a small amount of time. Or would it be better to roll solo?

I traveled to Cancun, Mexico a few years ago and had a ball! I had an itinerary of activities and really immersed myself in the culture. I suppose this can be done in a group which is better for travel especially in a foreign country. So ladies and gents, the next time you are planning a get away with friends I suggest you come up with an itinerary for activities that everyone can agree with and a strict schedule that must be kept!!!

Leave me a comment letting me know your thoughts on group travel when working with a limited amount of time.

The Bluest Eye

2010-07-24T01:36:00.000-07:00

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only goes skin deep. Nonetheless, different societies have different standards of beauty. For instance in Iran the perfect nose is an ideal one, in parts of Africa fat is considered pleasing to the eye. However for some beauty becomes an obsession! Americans obsess over being thin and "perfect" through having multiple plastic surgeries.

In Southeast Asia fair skin is associated with wealth, beauty and social status. This also appears to be true in many black communities as well. It reminds me of author Tony Morrison's book, The Bluest Eye. The novel highlights a young girls life in 1941 and her upbringing in a poor black family.

Pecola and the Breedloves see themselves as ugly because they have dark-skin and "nappy" hair. As a result of their low self image they are perceived as ugly by others. As the story progresses Pecola becomes intrigued by Maureen Peel a pretty "high-yellow girl" that everyone from teachers to the boys are smitten by. In the book, Pecola and others place a high emphasis and praise on having fair skin.

Self image is a very strong factor in others perception of beauty. Although society places high standards on image/beauty its important to know who you are and to stay true to your self at all times.

Brown Skin... You know I Love Your Brown Skin...

The Dating Scene

2010-07-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Single Ladies in 2010!

I am a single lady in the dating game, however I had to take some time off for myself. While dating I encountred several men that were unsure on what they wanted because they would play games and date multiple women at the same time. This behavior lead to a lot of uncessarry drama that could have been avoided if people were honest with themselves first; as well as with one another. I feel that in this stage of my life I am too old for games and men that are unavailable.

I'm More Than Just An Option!!!

I was recently approached, typically I would brush him off; I don't take kindly to bad pick-up lines.

However this time I entertained the thought of getting to know this person. My schedule is always super busy and my personal time is very valuable! I exchanged numbers with this person because he appeared to be a gentlemen and I was feeling his swag.

Our first conversation started off on a good note. Of course I didn't get a call on the first day I provided him with my number; not sure if this is another game men play hm! During the conversation it was asked, "Why are you single?" I simply explained that I don't have time for games and men who like to date multiple women at the same time. This guy replies, "Are you not confident in yourself that you know you are the one even though a guy dates other women?" HUH?!! Pump the breaks...

Refuse to be forgotten!!!

So, is this what single ladies have to look forward to in the 2010 Dating Game?! If so, I'm good!! I low-key (lol, sometimes I wonder why people use this phrase but it fit with my mood for lack of a better term) wanted to end the conversation at that moment.

All my single Ladies, what is a girl to do?...

Is this what one should expect as a single lady in the 2010 dating game

I don't think so! Leave me a comment and let me know your thoughts on the matter.

Until next time...