Paris Fashion Week Lineup

I'm lowkey sad that I can't go to Paris anymore but the reason is because I just landed a new job!  Even though I won't be headed to the most romantic place in the world, that's not gonna stop me from keeping up with one of the most important events in fashion, Paris Fashion Week.  I am so excited to see the different collections and with that, I've compiled all of the designers who are to show their collections for S/S 16 (isn't the internet just great!).  Now because this list is extensive as hell I'll just give you guys a sneak peak, but the full list is available at Mode A Paris if you want to take a glance for yourself!

Tuesday Sept. 29th

Each X Other
Aalto
Nehera

Wednesday Sept. 30th

Rochas
Vionnet
Dries Van Noten

Thursday Oct. 1st

Balmain
Barbara Bui
Carven

Friday Oct. 2nd

Loewe
Julien David
Undercover

Saturday Oct. 3rd

Nina Ricci
Mugler
Acne Studio

Sunday Oct. 4th

Kenzo
Celine
Akris

Monday Oct. 5th

Hermes
Saint Laurent (YAY)
Sacai

Tuesday Oct. 6th

Chanel
Junko Shimada
Paul & Joe

Wednesday Oct. 7th

Louis Vuitton
Mui Mui
Allude

Blogging 101: Where to Start With An Editorial Calendar

There's something I've noticed when it comes to blogging.  Once you get "good" and get on a roll, chaos just sweeps you off of your feet.  You have so many post ideas you want everyone to hear about but trying to get them all published in a good time frame while creating good, authentic, quality content can be difficult at times.  And no matter how I seem to organize these ideas they still don't get published until I use what is infamously known in our community as an editorial calendar!

What's an editorial calendar?  It's kind of self explanatory, but an editorial calendar is a laid out timeline on when you will create posts, publish post, etc.  A lot of bloggers or companies who hire out other bloggers use this to show when a post has been assigned and when it's due, just like your calendar or planner you use in school or at work.  Here at #MOAF we have recently started to use this system since life is seeming to get the best of us once again, and so far it has really help us keep organize, here's our system:

Since we're hosted by Blogger, we use Google Calendar.  We try and schedule one topic a day not to overwhelm ourselves and then if we finish those topics we can add more to that week or begin the new week.  We have 5 categories that we talk about (fashion/style, health/beauty, LSR, Jaunts & Junkets, and Blogger Insight) on top of contributors posts as well, so with all of these different categories we color coordinate on the calendar and we have set days we try to stick to when it comes to posting in the above topics.  For example Mondays & Thursdays is for posting Fashion and Beauty related topics, Tuesdays & Fridays it's all about style posts, Wednesdays & Sundays we post about LSR and Blogger Insight, and Saturdays we save for Jaunts & Junkets.

It may seem like a lot, and it is, but that just makes my point even greater that at some point, sooner or later, you'll need the helpful services of an editorial calendar.  You can even use the planner you have now and simply schedule when you want certain posts to go live.  If I can't emphasize this enough, this system will help you stay on top of things, help you stay very much organized, and will put you well on track of structuring your blog as a business.

Do you use an editorial calendar?  What system (online or on paper) helps keep your posts organized and you on top of your game? Drop those comments below!

White Closet Inspiration

It has been a little while since my last post and I do apologize. I have been finding it hard to find some inspiration when it comes to outfits and style lately. For me that usually means it's time to update my wardrobe.

Updating my wardrobe has definitely led me to some closet/room inspiration! I love white hues for home decor, especially for a bedroom and closet. It is easier to find pieces in a soft white room and white is definitely a clean and chic look.

If anyone else out there is having trouble with inspiration lately like myself, try looking into some closet/room decor for inspiration. It will get you thinking about all the ways you'd love to decorate, including clothing pieces and shoes you would want to add into your closets!

For more inspiration, follow my pinterest.

Outfit Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43931895334/White-Closet-Inspiration

Disclaimer: Posts submitted from contributing authors are solely the reflection of their blog and the original published piece.  This article was not intended solely for Mind of a Fashionista and does not necessarily reflect the brand of Mind of a Fashionista.  If you have any questions, feel free to email us at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

Shoe Love: Schutz Juliana

I have here yet again another designer dupe to share with you all. 

The design of the Juliana by Schutz is every strappy shoe lovers dream. They are such an updated and modern twist to the classic strappy heels. The Schutz design is priced at $190. Not the most expensive shoe but definitely pricey. I was on the hunt for an alternative to these beauties and I have found a very very similar match!

Public Desire created their version of the heels, called the Satine and for just under $50 I think this dupe is perfect!

Original Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43955250980/Shoe-Love-Saturday:-Schutz-Juliana

Disclaimer: Posts submitted from contributing authors are solely the reflection of their blog and the original published piece.  This article was not intended solely for Mind of a Fashionista and does not necessarily reflect the brand of Mind of a Fashionista.  If you have any questions, feel free to email us at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

5 Point Style Guide: Fringe Frenzy

It's Friday, and with that being said I am officially deeming Fridays "Fringe Fridays"!  Seriously though I have been on a fringe high these last few weeks, I love fringe, more so in the form of a handbag.  It adds a lot of flare to an outfit and for me dressing as bummy as I do it gives me the right amount of sexy so I don't have to do away with my sweatpants!  Check out this Friday's 5 Point Style Guide and also one of my favorite brands Bag Junki who has the most exclusive and trendy fringe bags there are!

A photo posted by Christina📐 (@shopbagjunki) on Aug 16, 2015 at 2:00pm PDT

A photo posted by Christina📐 (@shopbagjunki) on Aug 16, 2015 at 1:04pm PDT

Wooden Watch Review

The Ombre Effect

Hey there fellow lip lovers!

For those who know me, I am a collector of all things lipstick, at the current moment in time; I have over 90 plus tubes of lip products at my disposal (lipstick, lip balms, lip gloss).  I have almost every color of the rainbow with no end in sight.

With    that kind of collection, I am always asked the question of how I do my ombre lips, well here it is!!

The Ombre Effect!

~ One of the first things to always remember when applying lipstick is to always prep your lips. Weather you do a sugar scrub or using a lip balm or primer. Personally I choose to use an EOS balm, I like the smell and it helps to keep my lips moisturized for the whole day.

~After making sure my lips are softer than a feather, I start with my lip liners. Lip Liners are essential when doing an ombre look. The lip liners I am using is “Black Berry” by NYX (Black) & a jumbo eye pencil (which is a multi-purpose product) in the color “Milk by NYX.  When doing an ombre you always start with the lighter color first on the inner parts of the lip, in this case you would put “Milk” in that spot. From there you outline using your darker color, which is “Black Berry”.

~Once you have your liners mapped out you start the application of the lipstick. For the black lipstick I have “Chambord” by NYX that I am going to go over the black liner with to add more depth. For the lighter shade, which in this case is the white, you would normally add the lipstick for it, but since I haven’t found a white, I am going to substitute it for a loose pigment.  (Loose pigment in the color “White Pearl by NYX)

~You have finally come to the final step of your ombre look. Now this may sound kind of crazy but in order to mix your colors, you put you lips together and move them in a rolling motion back and forth, what this does is mixes them in a way that appears the colors morphed from one shade to the next.

There you have it! The Perfect ombre lip!

Later Babes!!

Peace, Love & Bargains!

Disclaimer: Posts submitted from contributing authors are solely the reflection of their blog and the original published piece.  This article was not intended solely for Mind of a Fashionista and does not necessarily reflect the brand of Mind of a Fashionista.  If you have any questions, feel free to email us at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

Blog Tour Coming To City Near You!

I have been seeing EVERRRRRYONE create their own blog tour and it seems like a lot of fun but also a great way to meet blogging friends outside of our "internet home", and with the production of our new conference Divergent Place (tickets go on sale Sept 4th!) we thought it was only fitting for us to jump on the bandwagon and go on our own tour!  From now until early 2016 we will be hitting the ATL, LA, Chi-Town, NY, and back to our hometown of St. Louis! We would love to see our fellow bloggers come, have a bite to eat or cup of coffee, and get some info on our conference all while sharing their own projects!  Our first stop is in Atlanta the weekend of November 20th as we will be heading to the Celebrity Fashionable Escape Runway Show hosted by Fashion Frenzy ATL.  Our second stop will be in January in LA as we hit the IMATS covention and get our glam on!

If you plan on joining us in one of the cities, or a few of them because you love us so much just fill out the form below so we know a general estimate of who to expect!  Always if you have questions you can drop a comment below, and I cannot wait to see everyone in ATL!

Why To Consider Your Blog A Business In Order To Be Successful

I've touched on this briefly but I really want to focus on it today.  I am not going to say I am an "expert", there are too many of those running around, especially in the blogging community and I don't want to be considered one.  Simply what I want to pass on to other bloggers in my shoes is that if you are looking to make your blog your business, you have to start treating it like the business you hope it turns out to be.  What does that mean?  It means putting in hours as if you were clocking in, gaining those contacts, creating quality content, promotion on social media, and investing in the development of your brand.  I will admit, it sometimes feels like a second job if done right, but the benefits are so worth it.  And with anything you do in life, you get what you put in, so if you hope for your blog to grow at a rapid pace then that means you have to put in the same amount of work to equal the growth you want to see, it all goes hand in hand.  I just don't see how people think they can make the "big bucks" in one night by blogging like it's just that easy, and when you're starting out it's not.  Other bloggers might not tell you that or the "experts" will charge you a fee to, but I'm here to tell you straight up the real facts, for free.

One concrete tip I can suggest starting with is building a goal list of what you want to accomplish for your blog/business within a given time frame (3 months, 6 months, 1 year, etc).  These goals can be anything from increasing your page views, monthly unique visitors, gaining new followers on social media, getting paid to create content for other sites, or even creating your own event under your blog's name.  Whatever the goal may be make it attainable and something you know you will work for.  By doing this you put yourself in the "business" mind frame of growing your blog to reach a goal you set for yourself, and once you make that goal it feels DAMN good!

What other tips can you think of when it comes to building your blog a a business? Drop them comments below and let us know!

5 Point Style Guide: Style Is Eternal

Classic and timeless, Yves Saint Laurent has been one of those brands that's on the top of everyone's list, so it's no surprise that YSL has decided to return to couture after 13 years (their last couture show was in 2002).  In addition to the exciting news about new couture features, The Bowes Museum and the Fondation Pierre Bergé are collabing with the well known and loved brand to create Yves Saint Laurent: Style is Eternal, which will be presenting a comprehensive display of the French fashion designer’s work and life. The YSL show will highlight the defining elements of his vision, and the significant influence it has had on fashion and the way we understand womenswear. 

The exhibition will present fifty garments, including some iconic pieces from the Russian Collection, the Mondrian dresses and the Tuxedo. The show will also open up a dialogue with The Bowes Museum’s collection, creating a unique sense of narrative around the history of fashion. It will inhabit much of the Museum's first floor, including the award-winning Fashion & Textiles Gallery, which has hosted high profile fashion exhibitions such as Vivienne Westwood Shoes, Stephen Jones Hats, Henry Poole & Co Tailoring, a retrospective of Laura Ashley and most recently 'Birds of Paradise: Plumes & Feathers in Fashion.  So in anticipation of this exciting collaboration and the new couture pieces, take a look with me at an all new 5 Point Style Guide featuring nothing by Yves Saint Laurent's most timeless and classic pieces because as he said “Fashion fades, style is eternal” and that's what this guide is all about.

The center of this set is this BEAUTIFUL iconic smoking jacket.  It's constructed as if it was for a man, but it gives such a sexy feeling to the women's silhouette.

Because I wanted to keep this set very classic, I incorporated Saint Laurent's classic t shirt, which has a loose fit and straight hem line, and these tailored shorts. It's a mix of "I want to be casual but daring at the same time".

Another reason why I chose the tailored shorts is because I wanted to pair them with these SEXAYYYY knee high boots. Knee high boots have been on trend even in the summer months, rocking them with a dress, skirt, or similar shorts and go great for a fashion soiree or meet up in the city.

Last but certainly not least to tie this outfit all together, my favorite at this, is this small monogrammed YSL lambskin chained clutch.  Another reason why I decided to leave this outfit minimalistic is because I wanted to showcase the color blast and detailing of this clutch, it's the right pop of color as far as shade and the amount that makes any outfit go from 0-100!

I'm so excited to see what YSL has in store in regards to new couture for the seasons to come, whether that's resuming runway shows or just select pieces for the few lucky celebs, I'm sure any creation will be dropped dead gorgeous!

*this post was sponsored by Farfetch.com   

How Blogging Has Shown Me Who's Really Down For The Cause

Let's just say when you start being passionate about something, you eventually see who's your "ride or die" so to speak, meaning of your family and friends you see who really supports you and who really could care less, and becoming a full fledged blogger is no different.  When I became a blogger and actually started to take it seriously I only had a handful of people from close family to only a few friends take interest to it.  Not that I was mad or hurt, but more so annoyed and saw it was time to cut ties.  Just like with any passionate business or project you have to have a very supportive group of people there to uplift you when you feel like punching the wall and praise you when you've completed years worth of work that finally paid off, and sometimes that doesn't include who you think are you're friends.  I have had more support from my blogging friends than people who I've grew up with, known for years, and who I thought we're like sisters and brothers to me, I don't know has anyone else felt this way?  Weigh in and let me know your thoughts below!

Jaunts & Junkets: Business in the CWE

I always feel inspired and motivated to get some shit off the ground when I'm somewhere that's vibrant, which is why we chose to hit up the Central West End for our weekend business meeting.  If you're from St. Louis than you know that the CWE is a place to find every type of character there is, from the flamboyant hair dresser, to the fashion enthusiast, and back around to the anxious, educated bookworm.  Extending blocks and blocks down the road, CWE is a place filled with tasty treats, jumpin' clubs, coffee houses on every corner, liquor, laughter, and just fun.

Join Us on Periscope TONIGHT!

I know you all know about Periscope and are probably on Periscope.  So if you are make sure to follow us too @mindofafashionista, @akjapbae, and @rar3_st0n3.  Tonight we will be doing our Blogger Check In, letting you guys know what we're working on and seeing what you guys have going on too!  See you tonight at 7!

A photo posted by Mind Of A Fashionista (@mindofafashionista) on Aug 9, 2015 at 3:55pm PDT

Blogger Insight: Divergent Place

I've noticed something within the blogging community that I'm not too...happy about.  We seem to only gravitate and network with our own kind, with people in our own niche.  Makes sense, because these are the people who we would turn to first for help or collaborations, but what about the other bloggers out there?  No matter what type of blogger you are, blogging is blogging.  When it comes down to it, every blogger has the same issues when starting and can relate on so many different levels when it comes to developing said blog.  So why not have a place where many different types of bloggers can come together, more so learn together?  Well I'm happy to announce that we here at Mind of a Fashionista along with Aziza-Lynn of TheBargainBeauty will hold Divergent Place Blogging Conference, a place of diversity to create creativity.  The first ever blogging conference of its kind (especially to be held in St. Louis), Divergent Place is geared towards being an all inclusive space where those of like minds can create, inspire, and thrive from each other...a diverse creative space.  This conference is open to ANY AND ALL bloggers from ANY NICHE.  This is also open to creative writers who are on the fence of becoming a blogger.  We hope we can be that outlet that helps you decide your blogging fate!  This will be a two day conference filled with heavy networking, panal discussion and breakout sessions, and an all inclusive, interactive blogger party!  Topics that will be thoroughly discussed are:

Blogging 101

Netwotking 101

Buliding your brand

Knowing your niche and the essence of being authentic

Bulding partnetships (with companies and bloggers)

Taking the plunge as a full time blogger

How to overcome barriers in the blogging industry

SEO Tips

"Covering your ass"-the legal side of the blogging business

Tickets will go on sale soon (announcement will be made in a week, and you will be able to purchase tickets through this post once available) so make sure to stay tuned for that.  I am really excited to get this going, this is going to be a ground breaking event, we're putting it in the air right now!  If you have any, and I mean ANY questions regarding this event or would like to be apart in any way in regards to being a panelist or a vendor, please email me personally at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com or us at divergentplace@hotmail.com!

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Blogger Insight: Networking Part 3-The Art of Your Business Card

A big part of networking is making a good first impression during the initial interaction, and almost always that includes the exchange of business cards.  Business cards are an extension of your brand, yourself, and your personality so it's important that these cards give off the right message.  So with that being said, what all goes in to creating a bangin' business card?

First, I would suggest when creating your business cards to consider the various types of business card there are to create.  For example, there are vertical and horizontal cards, square and sticker form, and many others.  Once you figure out what kind of card you want to use, then you need to figure out the information you want to put on your business card.  You're not going to be able to put everything you want on these cards, space just wont allow it.  So with that being said, start by choosing important factors such as:

Business Name

Name & Title

Phone Number

Email address

3 Main Social Media Accounts

Website

If you have more room I would also include things such as a motto or slogan, multiple numbers or multiple social media accounts.  After you figured out the info you feel most important to include on your new business cards, it's time to make them perrrrty!  Different websites have different pre loaded themes such as Vistaprint and MOO.  But what we did was use the helpful services of Zazzle to create our business cards.  I've used Zazzle for affordable stationary and invitation needs, but I recently found out that they offer business cards as well.

A photo posted by Ak Brown (@akjapbae) on Jul 29, 2015 at 6:01pm PDT

 With Zazzle I was able to upload our own logo as the front of our business card which contains our blog's name and slogan, and on the back I included my name, my position(s), email, phone number, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and our website.  For under $20 I was able to get enough business cards to last me for all of my events and conference I may go to!

I believe the most important thing when designing and structuring your business cards is to be consistent and not overwhelm the card itself.  Inconsistent design can throw off the eye, and inconsistent information just messes up potential relationships.  I don't know how many times I've tried locating people with the information they put on their business cards and it's invalid.  Don't be that person.

Are there certain things you cannot do without when designing your business cards? Or a company you always go to when ordering your cards? Well drop a comment below and let us know what you think!

Wooden Watch Review

Fashion & Style: 5 Point Style Guide=Eye of the Beholder

This is why I love blogging communities, you find out things that you didn't know of, especially great products.  Long story short, that is how I stumbled upon Polette, the most perfect, magical place ever! It might sound like I'm exaggerating but I'm not.  If you're like me, then you know glasses rule your way of life, you need them to see, read, and be a functioning citizen.  And to not look like a grandma in your 20's, you strive to get a chic pair of glasses that won't make you go broke, as if you already weren't.  I've found a few sites that let you get a cute pair of glasses but they aren't extraordinary or that much of "fashion forward" frames.  Well when it comes to Polette, I've been blown away.

Artisan crafted frames, Polette delivers unique, fashion forward frames that no other company has.  Take it from me, someone who needs glasses as a necessity, Polette let's me be fashionable without looking like...well, and old ass lady, which is why it's only right to include a few of my favorites of Polette's frames in today's 5 Point Style Guide.

Whether you like settle animal prints, 70's vintage flare, over sized lenses, professor allusion, or a color blast, Polette has you covered.  And as you can see, I've taken to Polette with my new pair of frames which so happens to be one of our featured frames shown above:

A photo posted by Ak Brown (@akjapbae) on Jul 30, 2015 at 3:29pm PDT

I will admit, because of past experiences I've had with online glasses, I was skeptical.  But as soon as I opened the box and put these on, BABY! I was taking selfies left and right. Long story short I love my glasses from Polette, and for literally half of what I paid anywhere else, I will continue to purchase my glasses from Polette, they are my one stop shop!

Wooden Watch Review

Fashion & Style: Shoe Love-Aquazzura Wild Thing

I can't help but obssess over a beautiful shoe. The Aquazzura Wild Thing 105 Sandals have been on my radar for months now. They are every bloggers dream, and you've probably seen them on every fashion blog. The $750 price tag and the fact that they are sold out just about everywhere puts me in the category of bloggers that actually don't own a pair.

To my surprise, after a lot of searching, I've found a dupe for these beauties! Here Jessica Buurman's online store created a dupe of the shoes and they are a perfect match. You can hardly even tell that they're not Aquazzura. Round of applause to Jessica Buurman for creating such a great designer dupe!

Original Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43256795354/Shoe-Love-Saturday:-Aquazzura-Wild-Thing-105

Disclaimer: Posts submitted from contributing authors are solely the reflection of their blog and the original published piece.  This article was not intended solely for Mind of a Fashionista and does not necessarily reflect the brand of Mind of a Fashionista.  If you have any questions, feel free to email us at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com.  Thank you.

Fashion & Style: Be A #LinerLover and Take Back Control Of Your Outfits

Am I the only one who hates to dress up on their period? Like, I feel so uncomfortable from the fear of leakage to the actual pad itself that I just go safe and wear something not nearly as cute.  Even when I attempt to wear liners, I still don't feel protected. Liners that I've tried are worthless and piss me off frankly, so I haven't even bothered with them, until now when I discovered U by Kotex's Curvy Liners.

U by Kotex's Curvy Liners have no doubt restored my confidence in wearing liners all together as they not only fit my body for the much need protection I want, they've also been designed with bright, bold colors to escape the boring period pad look and feel.  Don't believe me? Well try for yourself! Free samples are available for redemption on bringcomfyback.com including 2 U by Kotex Curves® Liners and 2 U by Kotex® Lightdays® Liners.

So why not give them a try like I did! Drop a comment and let us know what you think about U by Kotex Liners. If you like them enough enter the #BringComfyBack contest, where you take a selfie of your uncomfy face and upload it! You could win a gift card to Urban Outfitters, Sephora, or even a trip to LA! Make sure to use the hashtag #BringComfyBack and we'll be sure to retweet!

Fashion & Style: How to Dress Like You: Personal Style

I am a huge advocate for personal style. I feel it is important to be yourself and wear genuine outfits that can express who you are as well. Knowing the differences between fashion and style will help you dress like you.

FASHION VS. STYLE

Fashion can be defined as a popular trend especially in ways of dressing, ornament, and behavior. Style is defined as a consistent and comfortable mode of existence. Anyone can be fashionable by becoming a slave to the newest trends but style is something that one must possess, and becoming aware of your own personal style sets you apart from the rest.

Many famous fashion designers have been quoted for their thoughts on the subject as well. Yves Saint Laurent says, "Fashions fade, style is eternal." Ralph Lauren says, "Style is very personal. It has nothing to do with fashion. Fashion is over quickly. Style is forever." Rachel Zoe also says, "Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak."

WEAR WHAT YOU WANT

As simple as it sounds is as simple as it is. Become aware of your personal interests and what inspires you and don't be afraid to experiment and wear what you want. That is my biggest tip here. Wear what you want. Don't let the opinion's of others affect what you like. Remember, there are no real rules when it comes to this. Wear white after Labor Day because you love the way you look in white. Wear thigh high boots because you think they're awesome. Find your signature go-to pieces and get them in every color if you want. You make the rules!

NO ONE KNOWS YOU BETTER THAN YOU

At the end of the day, you are in charge of what you wear. All the advice from fashion magazines, celebrity stylists, and bloggers like myself are just suggestions and helpful tools. No one knows you better than yourself and knowing who you are is the biggest step into knowing who you want to become. Or in this case, knowing how you want to dress! Wear what YOU feel most comfortable in.

Have fun creating a wardrobe that speaks for you!

Original Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43073959408/How-to-Dress-Like-You:-Personal-Style

Disclaimer: Posts submitted from contributing authors are solely the reflection of their blog and the original published piece.  This article was not intended solely for Mind of a Fashionista and does not necessarily reflect the brand of Mind of a Fashionista.  If you have any questions, feel free to email us at mindofafashionista@hotmail.com.  Thank you.