Working Woman Wednesday: Jasmine Berry

Hey,  Hey, Heyyyy! 

It's Wednesday, barely....but hey(blame the weather <insert cough>)!!!! 

But wait...it's February! Doesn't it feel like we were just picking out those New Year's Eve outfits, right??? Time is fly-ing! Seriously! 

Welp, in an effort to keep these wonderful working women flowing, I present to you Ms. Jasmine Berry! 

Jasmine is a fellow blogger babe currently living in Dallas, TX. Jasmine is goofy, crazy and ambitious and thank God for that, because I met her at one of those networking

 events where I wasn't networking.....(insert side eye).

Jasmine does business under her childhood nickname, Spookieloo, which she says fits her brand because it's "Quirky, interesting and smart". While working on expanding and building her brand, Jasmine is living the post grad life  as well as working as a freelance online marketer and social media specialist (currently at a children's non profit; Carter's House). 

On spookieloo.com, Jasmine blogs about plus size fashion, body positivity, travel and inspiration. She started her business as a blogger 5 years ago, which stemmed from a visit from the Houston Fashion Bloggers group in her sophomore year of college. Jasmine said, "I knew I wanted to do something with writing and fashion/style, so my interest level raised 1000%. From that point on, I researched and eventually joined the group (member for 3 years). HFB was a huge part of my blog life and it propelled me to do what I love. To this day, I am friends with most of the members and appreciate all their help in getting me to this point."

Jasmine is motivated by life, saying " Every day that I am blessed with keeps me going. If I can inspire and reach one person with my blog, I've done my job.

Jasmine gets many requests and referrals for social media management consultations,She says, "I absolutely LOVE doing it! I'm helping someone else do what I love!"

What she does want to do over the next few years is, " Become a full-time paid fashion and lifestyle blogger, working with big-brand companies and also continuing my consulting services more. I would love to work with Dove Soap as a partner too, I'm speaking it into existence. I would also like to teach other young people on becoming an entrepreneur, I feel that my career is headed in that direction."

You can follow Jasmine on Instagram @Spookieloo28 and get to know more about her and the services she offers
Also, if you or any women you know would like to be featured please email me imjuscrysy@gmail.com

Until next time
Walk by faith, live in victory

-Crysy

The Bel Dam Beauty Box

 Hey ya'll hey!!!

It is definitely Working Woman Wednesday!!! We're going to do it a little different this week! I want to share something new with you from one of my fellow #girlboss !  

When blogger and influencer, Starr Howard initially contacted me to review her "Bel Dam Beauty Box", I was too excited. My 1st official product review as a blogger! I prayed for business increase, new associations and opportunities. Look a GOD!

The Bel Dam Beauty box is a quarterly (produced every quarter of a year/4 months) subscription box, that includes a variety of beauty, fashion, home and lifestyle products....products all from black businesses! How awesome is that!?

The idea of the Bel Dam beauty box was conceived after the creator, Starr completed a life changing mission trip to Haiti. Starr was inspired by her experience and the beauty of the Haitian women.

"Bel Dam", means beautiful lady in Haiti's native language, Creole.

With a variety of other subscription boxes available for purchase, Starr wanted to make products available to black women that catered specifically to their skin tones, hair types and cultural style. Also, in an effort to introduce small black owned business to consumers, the idea of the beauty box came about.

I am honored that I was chosen to sample and review the box and its contents!

It came its a nicely sized and packaged box with its name and web address on it, the gold tissue paper was super cute as well as the pink envelope with business cards and inserts from all included companies.

This box includes:

• A partial coverage head wrap from  Coily Girls head wraps. Super cute and colorful! Although I don't have coily hair, my mom does and she ROCKS it! Sorry, she doesn't like taking pics! I'll try to sneak one and share!


• 

  A "Jamaica Me Crazy"scented soy candle from Soyful Aromas that smells AWESOME!!! It literally had my apartment smelling like a tropical getaway! Get me to some blue water and white sand, please!


• 

  A 3 step skin care shaving set from Camellia Alise. I don't grow a lot of hair on my body. Not even to shave a leg, child. But I did try this system on my little fuzz and my legs were so smooth and soft after! 


• 

  A "Lemongrass"scented soap from Sew Forgiven that I used to wash my face. Had my skin feeling so soft and clean!


• 

  A Strand By Strand hair detangling comb from Zayd's Naturally Natural Hair Studio . I used this on my son, who has naturally coily hair. He doesn't like to comb it because it's usually hard to...but this comb from Zayd's has him combing like he had long straight tresses! LOL


• 

  A pair of stud earrings from Adornments boutique, these earrings were super cute! I'm normally a big(no, huge) earring type of gal but these were small, yet still POPPIN how I like!


• 

  A small exfoliating sponge that I used with my lemongrass soap from Sew Forgiven. I usually don't use sponges BUT... I like this one!


• 

  A statement tee that says  "Joy comes in the morning". I love a good statement tee! It's black and white so you can play with this and dress it up or down with various fun colors! I styled it super cute too. I will definitely share!

This box is much needed in "Our" community! Full of items made especially for us, by US! Most subscription boxes are centered on type one product like makeup, hair, or jewelry(often times full of items WE can't really use)...BUT the variety offered in the Bel Dam Beauty box is awesome! I will say my fav items were the tee and the candle! I cant wait to share with you guys how I styled it! Ladies, make sure you are signed up to receive the next box! You don't wanna miss out! You can sign up here 

You can also purchase from each company individually! I have attached a link to each one. Shop with them and tag me in your pics!

Have a fab hump day!  

XoXo,

Crysy

Working Woman Wednesday - Ta Morrison

It's Wednesday!!!! You know what that means!? I have another fabulous working woman to share with you!!!

Ta(pronounced TY) Morrison.... what can I say about this BOSS!?
We have been friends on social media for years! When I say this lady is ALWAYS doing something??? Hosting trips, meet & greets, parties/events for different causes, drives, a fundraiser...you name it, she does it! I'm like low key living vicariously through her or whatever, LOL.

Ta boast that she is a HR professional by day and an entrepreneur 24/7. She is an ambitious country girl from the small town of Hearne, TX and after living in Dallas for about 20 years, she's has lived in Houston since 2009. She has a degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Human Resources. Ta loves to travel so she has owned and operated Star Class Travel Agency(accredited by IATA) for about 6 years. She actually started as a travel agent when her friends and family coming to her with travel inquiries and booking information. Star Class Entertainment focuses on events and entertainment, has been operating for 1.5 years. She manages music artists, groups also!

Star Class Travel is a well sought after travel agency, offering specialized trips and excursions! Really nice trips too! Party bus trips, trips to sporting events, cruises, girlfriend getaways, couples trips, domestic and international... you name it!!! "These trips are put together to give travelers a once in a life time experience. Plus I’m with them on the trip as well.", says Ta. I WILL go on one of these trips someday, ok??

Why do people love Star Class Travel? Ta boasts, "We treat everyone like they are family and we make everyone feel like a star."
Ta is motivated by achieving her goals or doing things she was told she couldn’t do. Besides being a uber boss chic, Ta is an advocate of self love as well as the Texas ambassador for National Curves Day!

When asked what inspires her, she replied, "Life. Life has been my biggest inspiration. Regardless how many obstacles I have faced each day I’m motivated to keep pushing."

In the future, Ta plans on her business growing in the private sector Travel and more Entertainment trips. She also wants to start a T-shirt Line, open a lounge and getting a helicopter for this Houston traffic. Ha!

"I’m a supportive, caring and loving person. I truly want everyone to win." says Ta.
Let's definitely support Ta and ALL of  her endeavors!!
Maybe a Crysy and crew themed trip in the future! (hmmmmmm)
Keep up with Ta and Star Class Entertainment  here

Star Class Travel here

That Crysy themed trip doesn't sound so bad, hunh??

Let's keep our sisters supported, encouraged and uplifted!

Until next time....

XoXo

Crysy

Working Woman Wednesday - Sarah Nicole

Hey hey heyyyyyyyyyyyyy

It's Wednesday! I know, ya'll have missed my little Wednesday dose of "Girl Power" and I apologize for neglecting you! I'm back though! And to make up for that, I have some awesome ladies to share with you guys! 

I have had the chance to attend a few events in the past few months and I must say.... There are some AWESOME women in the Houston area!!! So many women with different missions, goals and from various walks of life. I gotta share these ladies with you! I don't want my WWW posts to be limited to the Houston area though! I have some great women friends and followers on social media from all over the world, as well! Let's connect, inspire, empower and SUPPORT each other!!!

This week, I bring to you Sarah Nicole; Model and Motivational Speaker. Sarah is a native Houstonian that makes her mark by motivating and encouraging people through her love for fashion, speaking and hosting. You can catch this fashionista speaking, hosting and motivating at various events and happenings.

About 2 years ago, she began to get a vision of what type of business she wanted to create. It wasn't until she began to step out and make moves about 6 months ago, that things began to take off! She has had a variety of speaking engagements as well as modeled in fashion shows, photo shoots and more! Make sure you're paying attention to Ms Sarah Nicole!

Growing up in a single parent home, watching her hard working mother, Sarah knew that she wanted more out of life. Currently perusing her MBA, she believes "There are absolutely no limits to the things that I want to accomplish professionally and I'm truly excited to have all my followers on this journey with me."

She prides herself as well as her brand on being unique because it's pure, transparent, and full of love.

Sarah stated, "My motivation has always been to build a platform where I can use my experiences and voice to motivate others to be great at whatever they do. Pushing through all limitations and arresting their destiny."

In the future, she sees herself on more of a global platform, having an impact on millions of people through fashion, mentoring, & faith. Teaching women and men that living for yourself is the first step to success."

One of the things that Sarah wants her audience to know is, "I'm real just like them. I know what it is to not come from the best of the best, to hurt, to be used & disappointed. However I let those things make me not break me because that's how you see who they see today."

Let's keep up up with Sarah Nicole and support her in any way we can!
Follow Sarah Nicole here
**Make sure you read my previous WWW entries and support those sisters as well!**


Also, if you would like to be featured or know of a woman that should be; email me @ imjuscrysy@gmail.com  

Until next time!!
XoXo
Crysy

NYFW Experience Days 1& 2

Wishing Fabulous Friday to you all!
At last!!!! I can share my experience of New York Fashion week with you guys! I have been super busy since I returned from NYC and am glad I can finally share with you guys! Sorry to have kept you waiting!

So lets dig in! This was my first NYFW, so I was a tad nervous and wasn't sure what to expect. I did go with a fabulous group of bloggers from Houston, so they were a huge help all around. Over all I REALLY enjoyed myself! I didn't network as much as I wanted to, but I did ok for my first go round. Definitely didn't shop as much as I wanted, but I do enough of that at home! Had to stay focused! I DO plan to go next September, yes ma'am! I'll skip February all together for Fall Fashion because I can certainly pass on a the NY cold!!! I doubt if I can bare it! As much walking as I did, I cant even imagine doing that in the dead of Winter! Tuh!

Day 1: 9/8/2016

After I landed in NYC, I was ready to roll! I went and picked up my media credentials for the shows for Style fashion week, window shopped a bit and grabbed a bite to eat.
I started my evening off with drinks at the Monarch rooftop bar of our hotel with some of the ladies. Super cute and New York-ish! No...Sex in The City-ish! Beautiful view and fabulous people! After wards, I attended a show sponsored by Fashion Gallery (#FGNYFW) for Antinoo menswear. A new emerging line, created by a beautiful female designer, Lily Montes from Colombia! Although her offerings were super simple, I loved the colors! Great for Spring/Summer and just enough to make a statement! The line featured button down tops, blazers as well as slacks and board shorts. I liked the collection overall. It wasn't over the top or "too much"...It was just right! I absolutely loved that ombre like blazer! The show venue was small but cute; The Prince George Gallery. Not room for a huge runway and rows of seat like I imagined but it was still a nice setting and actually made way for more meeting other show goers and networking. My girls and I SLAYED(per the other show attendees, lol)! Everyone wanted our pics! Yass for the first night!!!

Waiting on the show with my girls

Antinoo menswear line

Antinoo models on the runway

Day 2: 9/9/2016

More shows! Started off at The Prince George Gallery with another Fashion Gallery show, this time designer Vivienne Pash. Pash is Jamaican born, now based in NYC. Her designs are modern,  ready to wear designs. I absolutely loved that beautiful red dress! What I didn't like about the FGNYFW shows was that there would be a show at 6pm.... For less than 10 minutes and that was it!! Next show like 2 hours later. I want to say that towards the end of NYFW, the location changed and they had more designers with longer shows. 

This dress is perfect for a Spring wedding or formal function

Met this fab div-o hosting the FG shows

Couture Fashion Week was fab! A real show setup! Yay! Held at the Crown Plaza Times Square, they had shows each night at 4/6/8 with about 3 designers in each show. There was a designated "press pit" with all media, which was great as far as getting a good view of everything. Great for pics and footage. It was a tad crowded though, which made it a bit difficult. My favorite designer this night was Sushma Patel. She had 2 lines! A more modern Americanized line, as well as a traditional East Indian themed line. Loved all the beautiful designs and vibrant colors of the Indian line! The modern line was beautiful as well but y'all know I love color! They also featured 2 other designers, Play Buffalo By Becki Bitternose and Tishynah Buffalo. They are both Native American designers with lines that are more tribal/native themed. Beautiful designs!

In the press pit

Modern Designs by Sushma Patel

Sushma Patel's East Indian inspired design

Becki Biternose and her designs/models

One of Tishynah Buffalo's designs and models

Style Fashion Week was my favorite! Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan is where Style FW was located. Same as Couture FW, Style has multiple designer shows, 3-4 times each day. I loved Style FW because of the energy there! Everything was so ...about FASHION! The set up was awesome, and even though everything was SO busy...everything ran smoothly. Beautiful designs and people....just like the fabulous fashions shows and events you see on t.v! Showing this night were Mario De La Torre, David Tupaz and BBTC Nation(which I missed). Mario had simple but very detailed designs. He used great colors for Spring/Summer. Not your normal orange or hot pink, ya know? The beautiful dresses and pantsuits were my fav!
Ok and besides prints and bold colors, I LOVE black and white stripes! So you KNOW Davis Tupaz's collection was EVERYTHING to me! What I loved is that he created a variety of styles. From cute day time event wear to Kentucky Derby like. Loved, loved, loved OK?

Designer Mario De La Torre and models after his show

These Stripes though!!

Overall, I had an AWESOME experience. I am so thankful and blessed that I was able to go. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I'm so glad that I did. Met some awesome new people and experienced some great new things! Just one move in the right direction! Everything after that fell into place! I didn't think that I would be able to do the majority of the things I did while there. What I did was stopped my "stinking thinking" and just MADE A MOVE! And Crysy went to NYFW! Thank God for that!

 I think next year I will recap while I'm actually in NYC. I didn't anticipate taking THIS long to post! Def learned a few things on this first go round! I hope you guys enjoyed reading! Let me get to working on this 3rd and 4th day post!

XoXo

-Crysy

Brunch and Slay: NARS cosmetics Fall preview event

Hey guys!

I attended my first Brunch and Slay event and I'm so excited to share with you guys!!!

According to their website, "Brunch and Slay is a Lifestyle Event series, created to connect, inspire and entertain women who have an undeniable passion for Self, Health, and Wealth."

I'm glad that I finally had a chance to attend an event hosted by Ameerah of Brunch and Slay! I had an awesome time!

This past Thursday night (8/25/16), she hosted "Celebration of Self", a Fall make up preview at NARS cosmetics at their River Oaks Location. Ameerah is an awesome host! She was so warm and welcoming. Even though the event was PACKED, she greeted each attendee with a smile and conversation. My girl Kim and I came in, she greeted us, got us wine, and entered us in a raffle. Usually you go to events and the host is too busy and you probably get little to no personal interaction with them. She chatted with us, took pics, answered our questions and everything. She worked that event honey! Kuddos to her and her crew!

If you don't already know, events and networking is NOT one of my stronger attributes. It's a tad(nah...a LOT) overwhelming for me. I was glad that Kim was able to go with me, but the vibe at the event helped as well. The MUA's at NARS were very helpful. They were able to answer all questions, gave demonstrations as well as gave suggestions and samples of the new Fall products. They have some very pretty lip colors as well as eye shadows and nail colors coming for the Fall! Ya'll know I love color! The other ladies there were super nice, whether they were a part of the Brunch and Slay crew or an attendee. Every one was so nice and engaging! They also had light bites and drinks. Oh, how can I forget; I tried macaroons for the first time! AND it was my fav, cookies & cream! Talk about DE-LISH! I have never tried them because they look like they are dry and flaky like a "wafer". Boy, was I wrong! Man! Ok...I had a total "snackie" moment! Lol
They also had an artist painting each guest! Mine came out soooo cute, I'm gonna frame it!
The #1 goal of Brunch and Slay is, That the guest enjoy themselves. Welp, I did! Mission accomplished!
Ammerah did say that she has a whole year of happening and events planned, so I'm definitely looking forward to my next B&S event! I can't make the next one, which is a session at Soul Cycle! Ugh! I've been wanting to try that out! If you can, you should attend! You can get more info about it here .

Also, make sure you LIKE the Brunch and Slay page on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/brunchandslay/?fref=ts

They are also on Instagram @brunchandslay

Hope to see you guys at a Brunch and Slay event!

XoXo
Crysy

Kim, Ameerah and Myself at the event

Packed House! Great vibes and fabulous women!

NARS foundation/concealer/blush offerings

NARS Lip and Eye products

NARS has a good variety of Fall nail colors!

NARS offers a variety of shades!

That face u make the MUA makes your blush POP! lol

Exhibit A and Taj Mahal were the 2 the MUA used. Loved em!!!  

Kim getting tips from the wonderful MUA

My painting! How cute

❤Welcoming Year 33❤

Hey guys!

Hope all is well with you on this fabulous Friday! Recently, I celebrated turning 33. I can't believe I am 33! Really! What a blessing to be alive and well. I'm so grateful!

Year 32 was definitely a year of reflection, self discovery, realization, change and just trying to fix my life(without Iyanla), ya know?? God is still working on me, but I am definitely trying to be a better Crysy.

The rapper Drake has a new song("Pop Style") with the line, "Turn my birthday into a lifestyle". In an effort to do and be different, I thought I'd have a pop up shop to celebrate my new year! (For those of you that don't know, I have an online vintage clothing boutique-www.iamcrysycouture.com ; as well as create unique accessories.) I decided to do the pop up because I anticipate a new year of various events, pop ups, networking, and building my brand! LEGGO!

My pop up was a success! I had a great turn out! Most of the people I didn't even know! Plus, old coworkers, classmates and of course my girls! The most humbling part, were the customers that said they follow me on social media, love my items and outfit posts and came to see what they could find. I HAVE A FOLLOWING! Yea, I know...I have followers on IG and FB...but a FOLLOWING is different! These are people that actually WANT see what I'm posting, talking about and suggesting!
This is a portion of what I pray for and the greatness that I know God has in store for me. A following!
My mom was also there, selling the African print belts and skirts she has created. They were a hit! People are still requesting them! I'm happy about that because fashion is my mom's THING! I get it from her! I'm glad that I get to give it back to her and make a way for her to "get back out there" and do her thing!
I definitely want to do A LOT more this year. I want to continue to build my "following" as well as my social media presence and brand.
I plan to do a lot more networking and making new associations and acquaintances. Change your circle change your life, right???
And I'm all about change at this point. Besides brand building, I want to be a better person all around! Mother, daughter, friend, mate, employee, no...BOSS ... but you get it! Sometimes I get discouraged and fearful....but those are things I am definitely working on. (praying about that) What's for me, is for ME and NO ONE can block that...BUT ME!
What I want this year is EVERYTHING God has in store for me.
Hey 33! I see you girl! Let's rock it out!
XoXo
-Crysy


Outfit Deets:
Top: Asos here
Skirt: Vintage Crysy Couture
Belt: H&M; no longer available
Necklace: Rainbow; similar one here
Shoes: Call It Spring; no longer available

 

Suggesting pieces to  customer

My mom and I showing a customer

how to wear one of her belts

My girl Kim came thru with her earring she

purchased from me years ago AND she got a belt!



Snatched waist...Denim and Prints!

Happy Saturday Peeps!!!

Hope you all have an awesome, fashion filled weekend and I'm sending positive vibes your way! 😘

As you know, I absolutely LOVE funky prints...and denim! Vintage clothing is my thing and I absolutely LOVE to make it a part of my every day style. Your whole outfit does not have to come from 1982..a piece or 2 is fine! Just mix it in! I honestly put this outfit together by chance....this vintage stone washed denim flare skirt that I have had for MONTHS, ok?? I had no idea what I wanted to put with it! I just knew I had to have it when I saw it...yea, one of those buys. I do that A LOT, which is why I will probably need a shopping intervention one day, lol.

I told ya'll why I love flare and A-line skirts, right?? In case you missed it, refer back to this (<-- tap here)blog entry. But flare and A-line skirts are like my fashion bff...bodycon skirts and dresses are like my arch enemy and will NOT let me be great! Gee wiz😒

Any time I wear a these type of skirts I always get, "Are you losing weight?" or "Girl, you're slimming down!" or something of that nature....Nope! Still yummy with a tummy! I just know how to camouflage it!

Yasssss🙌🙌🙌

Notice in the pics, how my waist is  semi "snatched"? That's that skirt!

I added a super cute, super funky obi sash belt, created just for me by my mom! Isn't it cayuteeee!?

She has been trying to make me one for years. I love it. I'm sure it's because of the print. Well it's actually a few different African Ankara prints on this belt. After posting it, the response has been great and they will be available online SOON! You guys will be the first to know! 🎉

My cute little off the shoulder crop came from ASOS(it's no longer available, sorry!). It was like $6 on clearance! Yes for the sale! They ALWAYS have good items for super cheap. Check them out at www.asos.com

The necklace I got from Eloquii a few months ago. It's no longer available.

The shoes I picked up at a local Ross store. I know, I know...you hate Ross! Baby, ya'll sleeping on Ross! Find a store in a nice area of town or even the outskirts of your city/town. In Houston, I like the locations in the Heights(there are 2) as well as on Bissonet and Weslayn. Also, the one in Katy i10/Fry Rd exit. I'm sure there are more good locations that aren't always junky with some ladies bad kids running around.

Ross has some good name brand shoes, man! Give it a try!

Let me know how it goes ok?

Tag me on social media and let me know what you buy, ok?

IG: @crysycouture

FB: Crysy Couture

XoXo ❤

Crysy

A better pic of the obi sash/belt...and ME!

Fashionable Friday/OOTD

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh my infamous African Ankara fabric skirt! I absolutely LOVE this outfit!!! I wore it this past weekend to the Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA. When I tell you I got SO many compliments and inboxes/texts on this skirt! Left and freeking right, man! I needed a bottom to wear with this super cute wrap top I got from Rue107. I just knew I needed a patterned skirt! Ya'll know how I feel about patterns! The skirt....I had to have my mom make me one! Yes! My mom made it!!! She made it exactly how I wanted; the right length, gathered at the waist, side zipper and with a waist band. People are into pockets these days, but I didn't have to have them. It's super comfy and the material is lightweight. Good news is; she'll make you one. Bad news is; I have to share her with you guys! I love this skirt man. If I could wear it every day, I would. I'll definitely be getting her to make me more and in other lengths too. Moms is super creative and so talented. She's where I get it from!
She can do all sorts of things! She has been sewing, painting and creating for decades!

 

Now the top...I saw this baby on the Rue107 website and had to have it! I'm leery of purchasing from new online companies but, my fav social media ladies seem to love the brand so I gave it a try! I'm glad I did! This top is great! I love the material, which is a nice stretchy material. It fits perfectly, not too tight. They have some super cute pieces at Rue107, I will def be purchasing more! I did also purchase this same top in hot pink(while at the festival); can't wait to wear it!

Side note: I met the woman behind the Rue107 brand, Marie Jean-Baptiste at her Essence festival booth. She was SO nice and pleasant! Of course she recognized her design that I was wearing and we actually had a convo. I've never met a designer/creator at a busy festival that would actually take the time to actually get to know her customer(s). PLUS the Rue107 brand  is created by a black woman, so I must support!

 

I love these little sandals I got from Forever 21. They have a 80's vintage look, I'm sure I had some similar when I was a kid. They are so comfy and can be dressed up or down. I have them in black too. Love!

 

Have a fashionable Friday!

XoXo

-Crysy

 

Purchase the top from Rue107 here

Contact my mother about purchasing a skirt here

Forever 21 sandals here