Fine. Flyy! Fresh 💅🏾

H&M, Zara, Ann Taylor, Windsor, and yes even Forever 21! These are some of my fav places to shop!! When I am searching for a new piece to add to my closet, I keep in mind a few things:

·         PRICE

·         Versatility

·         Quality

I’m certainly at that awkward stage in life where you are transitioning out of dressing like a 25yr old and an actual 30 year woman. To be honest, I still love crop tops and graphic tees lol. But they make me look every bit of 18 and it can become quite annoying on the wrong day! 🙄

I’ve gone from rocking Bebe and Von Dutch in High School to wearing what’s affordable yet cute now! It’s an interesting change of pace and perspective. Back in high school, I was extremely insecure about my shape and complexion! I was the dark skinned SKINNY girl! I knew I was pretty but lacked any type of confidence. However, I found an outlet in name brands! Yep, I was that girl, I even won class “Best Dressed” because of it LOL. I lived at the mall and carefully picked out my ensembles every single day! It was a part-time job SMH! But ultimately it was my way of feeling better about myself. It’s hard to think about now but it’s my truth.

Fast forward to 2004-2012, I’d finally let go of the idea of “brands” and started to really experiment with my STYLE. I would play with colors, patterns, hairstyles, and make-up. I was finally starting to develop a sense of who I was and my image was a reflection!! This may seem like such a trivial topic, but it is such an issue with the Black Community!

Our babies are STILL growing up finding confidence and solace in name brands and images! It’s absolutely terrible. I want young ladies and young men to realize their worth extends beyond a piece of material hanging on your body. I’ve seen some stunningly beautiful people look hideous in some pieces, and it was all because of their attitude!

This issue extend deeper than what my post can allow! I’ll touch on it, but save it for another individual topic next week. Just as we were and the generations before and ahead of us, we are taught that MONEY and MATERIAL THINGS make us! If you ain’t ballin’ out of control or buying every Jordan put out, you ain’t %@!$. We obsess over things we can’t afford like expensive cars, jewelry, gadgets and more! And guess who is watching us? The next generation! They repeat the cycle and only continue to place their WORTH in things! It’s one thing to desire nice things and plan for them, but it’s a whole different story when your confidence and worth are interlocked with it! It’s sad and I wish we talked about it more! (I will at a later date).

I’m sure I sound real cliché by now, but who cares! Beauty and self-confidence start within! ✨✨My clothes don’t make me! They help me present myself to the world, but at the end of it all, it’s my personality and energy that set the tone. I don’t ever want people to remember me for what I had on, but for how I made them feel or something positive I said. 

Ok, so back to my initial thought LOL. My style now is based on what my pockets can afford and how many ways I can wear it! A great blouse that can be worn to work, church and out is a winner for me! A dress that can be dressed up or down is a keeper! 

That’s why I love the stores mentioned above. Some may be a bit more pricey than others, but they give me what I need. 

True style comes from within, and reflects the person on the inside. I love my style, it’s classy and regal at times, and spunky or earthy at times. It’s a reflection of me!

How do you define style? What works for YOU?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Be sure to comment below!!! 😊😘

XOXO 

Cryslove 💋

MOTIVATION

We live in a world full of demands. Time seems to zoom by without any regard of how I feel or what I want to do. It’s STRESSFUL! 😩😩

I literally have to write things down into my calendar or else I won’t remember. Being 30 comes with its own demands as well. I’m an actual GROWN WOMAN out here trying to maintain a fairly balanced life. Work, family, writing, acting, working out, social events, weddings, funerals, birthdays, parties, BILLS, boyfriend, and so much more! I’m tired already lol.

What motivates me to keep going tho? What actually gets me out of the bed every single day?

For me, it’s a sense of independence that I refuse to lose. If I don’t work, I don’t EAT! I can’t pay for my apartment, utilities, car, personal upkeep, etc. But ultimately, it’s God and ME! I motivate myself!

I’m super blessed to have a supportive family and friends but at the end of the day, it’s ME that gets my behind moving! Everyone can’t say the same. I’m sure this will change once I have children one day.

Who motivates you? 

It’s important to ask yourself these types of questions! Why?!

 I’ll tell you why…if you don’t recognize where your motivation stems from, you will forever be UNMOTIVATED! You will not be able to understand why you have no interest in doing better or changing your situation.

Motivate yourself today! Take the time to realize what it is you desire and find the motivation to make it happen! 

Then, go out and motivate someone else! Help someone find their zeal! Finish a project! ✨✨✨✨

GO WORK OUT! (I’m talking to myself here LOL) 

Make things happen for yourself today and while you’re at it, help someone else!

MOTIVATION!!!

XOXO 

Cryslove

Shining Shining Shining Yeah!!!!

🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Spring has finally arrived! All I can say is thank God I got a pedicure 😩

Change of seasons are always symbolic for me! Over the years, I have realized that I am affected by the lack of sun and gloomy weather. I would always hear people refer to this issue and think to myself, how sway?! You allowing the rain to keep you mad? Or the snow ruin your day? Get outta here with that!

But, I get it and I experience those changes. Does that make me crazy? Nah, not at all! There are actual scientific reasonings for  such disorders as Seasonal Affective Disorder! It's a real thing! However, for ME, it's more spiritual! Everyone interprets what is "going on" with them differently. I strongly believe that I am more receptive to God when everything aligns, including the sun. I'm simply in my happy place when it's warm out. I need the SON and the SUN!

I'm learning the meaning behind "To each his own". What I feel won't always match what you think to be right. People will always try to read you or tell you about yourself! That's why it's so important to know who you are. The good, the ugly, the struggle areas and the special ingredients that make you unique in this world.

I absolutely do not have the answers or the wherewithal to judge a soul. However, I do have experience and an open mind. I believe that each of us hold the power to be Amazing! Whether you are moody, angry, talk too much, messy, a liar or a drunk! We all can be GREAT! But it starts with us. Stop looking at the next person and comparing yourself. Try this out...it's working for me 👇🏾

• Examine yourself 1st ( Ask yourself what's wrong and how you feel)
• Realize what areas you need to work on (your temper, attitude, negative thoughts)
• Acknowledge your triggers (work, spouse, money...)
• Pray on it ( Talk to GOD!)
• Act on it (counseling, taking a leap of faith, reading more, etc)
• Continue to work on it and LIVE!!!

Hey, the sun is shining!! No better time to start than TODAY ✨✨✨

Xoxo Cryslove

Who Cares?!

Every two weeks I get my hair washed and straightened, a fill-in at the nail salon, and groom the forest on my legs.

Every month I'd like to get a pedicure...this does NOT happen! Ha!

Every 3 months I get a Brazilian wax down under. (I still don't know why I subject myself to such pain.)

And every blue moon, I get my eyebrows arched (they grow slower than most).

____________________________________________________________________________


Who the heck has the time or the money for all this upkeep?

Clearly every woman I have encountered that takes pride in how she looks, wants to present herself well to the world or has a man LOL. Some women are more extreme than others, spending $300-400 on bundles and the install, getting their nails manicured weekly and changing the shape (let's not forget that extra $5 charge for coffin shape smh) or get lashes installed.

I for one, can't afford it but it still gets done! Why? Because I like to feel pretty! I enjoy getting pampered from time to time at my OWN expense!

What does your personal upkeep look like? Do you receive flak for it?


If so, tell them to kick rocks! This goes for the fellas too!

Honestly, who cares?

I'm learning to not care so much about what people think about ME! The bible tells me that I am fearfully and wonderfully made! Honey, I'm already FINE, but if I choose to spruce myself up from time to time, it's my business.

I feel as if so many people are subjected to feeling guilty about the things they take pride in for themselves. I believe truly well-rounded people don't have time to worry about such trivial things. You do YOU and I will do ME! It's really that simple.

Accept people for who they are and where they are in life! (That's a WHOLE POST right there!!)

I appreciate the people in my life that have allowed me to be a girly girl and not judge me for it. I also appreciate those who have never placed me in a BOX and judge me if I decide to venture out and try something new that isn't expected of me.

• What do you do to make you happy?
• Do you enjoy the weekly outer maintenance?
• Are you a naturalist that takes pride in all things natural?

Doesn't matter how you answer those questions! Honestly who cares? It's for YOU, so the one that matters most, already cares :)

Self-care is the best care! Remember that!

_____________________________________________________________________________

Lastly, when I have a special occasion, I like to utilize the services of the individuals listed below. They are professional and highly skilled! Check out their pages, and tag someone who may be looking for a new stylist, makeup artist, etc!

XOXO
Cryslove



HAIR: @sesedidit 

MAKEUP: @beautyispaynemakeup 

MAKEUP: @makeup_monstar

HAIR: @_michael_david

SELF CARE (local women's group): @herdetroit

WAXING: @huevine

What the hell is going ON???

First of all, sorry for the language ma! I know you'll probably read this first lol.

Welcome to my blog! Join me on this crazy ride called MY LIFE! I will discuss a lot of topics such as fashion, beauty, depression, love, GOD, corporate issues and much more! This will simply be a prelude to my book I am currently writing. So Let's start here...

I'm worn out! Mentally, emotionally and physically. I'm absolutely miserable with the state I am in, but I refuse to sit and sulk over it any longer. I want more out of life and from what people tell me, my life is just starting at 30 😏

Have you ever sat in the car, at your desk, in the grocery store, at a friends house and just wondered, What the hell is going on?! When did I get here? When did I allow myself to feel this low? Why are you so mad? Sad? Confused? (I'm really sounding CRAZY now!!) What the hell are you going to do about it? This is where I am right now...literally!

So I'm taking charge of my life starting today. I'm not much of a "talker" but I'm never ashamed to share how I'm feeling. I know I'm not the only one who is at this state in their life where they are feeling worn out and overwhelmed by LIFE. It happens to the best of us! I'd like to consider myself one of the BEST at everything I do, so yes this includes me! And guess what? It's O.K.

I just told myself to stop beating ME up. Stop allowing your job, finances and people to control your happiness and you take CONTROL of your LIFE. I'm talking to myself but hoping YOU are listening while reading :)

Whether you're 30, 40, 15 or 62. With the help of God, you control YOU! Sounds simple right? Most days it's not for me, but I'm taking it one day at a time and pushing through! As my mama tells me all the time, I never QUIT and I'm a FIGHTER! So this blog is my way of fighting away my fears and pressing towards my goals.

I got this! And you do too!

Trust me, all my blogs won't be this mushy but it will be REAL and YOU WILL RELATE!

Pass this along, share share share! I'll post weekly and if something really thrilling happens, I'll post again!

Thanks for reading and I pray you take control of your LIFE today and do something for YOU! Assess your LIFE and recognize what is really going on around you and in you! Be aware and work on you!

XOXO
-Cryslove