Please Welcome Ms. Jovanhanna To The #MOAF Team!

With life getting the best, and I mean the best of us, I can admit that we've been slacking lately.  I've been searching for months to add someone to the team that holds the same values, fashion and blogging wise, as we do, and I am happy to say we've found her!  Jovanhanna Kristina is her name, and she is our new blogger, yay!  Based out of North Carolina, Jovanhanna is a mother of two, soon to be wife (congrats!), and also a budding blogger herself.  Currently, she works in enterprise communications and holds degrees in medical adminstration and healthcare management.  She loves blogging for the simple fact that it allows her to connect and inspire others near and far, and gives her the platform to write about various topics she's interested in such as beauty, and tech!  She's a dreamer, laugher, healer, Naturalista, with her own sense of style.  She is and will forever be authentically & unapologetically, which is what we're all about at Mind of a Fashionista.

Please welcome her to our blog and be checking around for some of her amazing posts!

Can I Be A Guy Just For This?

I have to be honest; I envy guys just a bit. It is so easy for them to get dressed without even trying. Shirt, pants, shoes and they're good. It's all so effortless and that is just the kind of look that I like for my style. Effortless, tailored, and clean.  As I was browsing the internet, I came across a really great company and website offering a service that makes it all the more easier for men out there to look their best without even trying, seriously. I promise this is in no way a sponsored post at all, I just thought the idea was really cool and it would only be fair to share with you all. 

Bombfell.com is a site providing online styling services for men. You tell them about yourself including your body characteristics, style type, interests, and even what you're specifically looking for (if you are) and your very own personal stylist will hand pick items they think will be great for you. Kind of like services like JustFab.com or Shoedazzle.com. The best part about Bombfell's service is that they have a 10-day try on period and within this period, your card does not get charged! Decide if you like what your stylist has chosen for you in those 10 days and if not then just send back what you don't without being charged and exchange them if you'd like.  

Most of their items average about $69 which is great pricing for Men's clothing if you ask me and they don't charge monthly, only when you decide to purchase and only pay for what you keep. 

If there are any guy readers out there, if you decide to try this service out let me know what you think! This would also make a great gift for any guys that you may know as well for a birthday, holidays, or just because.  I think I have an idea for a service of my own. Maybe I should contact Bombfell about collaborating on something for women...

Original Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43893979942/Can-I-Be-A-Guy-Just-For-This

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.

Fall 2015 Trend Report

Hello everyone! It has been awhile since my last post (please forgive me). Today I have a very bittersweet topic to discuss. Summer is beginning to leave us and Fall is soon on its way. It is sad to see the warm weather and sunshine go soon but a new season means new trends!  

On the runways of many fashion weeks, there were an overwhelmingly amount of new trends for this Fall 2015 season including car wash pleats, Victorian inspired clothing, and fur shoes but I have sifted through them all to show you the best! (in my opinion at least) Here are my favorites of the Fall 2015 Fashion Trends that I am most excited for... 

50 Shades of Gray 

No not the movie, and if you know me, for some reason I am slightly obsessed with that film, but I am also obsessed with the color gray. It is absolutely my favorite color and I am so glad to see it get its well-deserved shine this Fall. The trend can be seen in all different shades and monochromatic looks, especially in a tailored suit, which I feel is the best way to rock it.  

Over The Knee Boots 

Shoes are awesome but strappy and lace up shoes are even better. Being able to wear them in the Fall can be tricky when it starts to get a bit colder but in an over-the-knee-boot form, they are perfect. Pairing these shoes with slouchy oversized knits and sweaters make simple and chic statements.  

Turtlenecks 

These librarian-esque tops make a chic statement this season. In a loose fitted cable knit or a snug fitting basic sweater, these tops remind me of Victoria Beckham and being "posh". I love wearing these with a middle part low ponytail and natural looking make-up, leaving a fresh face as the focus.

Flared Trousers 

Along with the 70's inspired trend that has been seen all over this year, flared denim has been a highlight. This Fall, the flared silhouette can be seen in more than just denim but also in a work-wear trouser. These shapes of pants are great because they definitely elongate your legs. 

Cream 

The "No White After Labor Day" rule has long been extinct in my eyes and this trend makes it apparent. Although it is not pure white, shades of cream are sure to be the "it" color for the season and a play on the winter whites. The color looks great when paired with nude, beige, or camel colors for a monochromatic combination. 

Fur 

Fur is always a Fall essential and this season, rather than a fur vest, the new staple is a fur stole. This lux looking material's updated look has a modern classic feel. 

Strapless 

90's minimalism is back and tube shaped dresses and tunics in a loose fit and flowy material may seem like Spring/Summer, but it is sure to be seen this Fall as well. Paired with a long duster coat, skinny jeans, and pointed toe heels is the perfect go-to casual outfit with an effortless appeal.  

All Over Knits 

Who doesn't love comfort in their wardrobe? Rather than wearing sweat suits, an allover knit outfit provides comfort and warmth while remaining stylish and chic. 

Tailored Suits 

Last but not least, tailored suits are on the list of my favorites for this Fall. Menswear inspired clothing is still among us and there is just something so appealing about a tailored look in a pants suit for women. Thank you Chanel for allowing this to be possible. 

For more style inspiration, follow my pinterest. 

Original Post: http://jinamichele.com/blog/43844517423/FALL-2015-TREND-REPORT:-My-Favorites

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.

Blogger Insight: Affordable Stock Photos? YES FINALLY!

If you're not an amazing photographer or don't own a camera, it's hard getting quality photos that pertain to your blog post.  Phone camera images can sometimes be distorted, and by using images from Google, you run the risk of copyright infringement.  So the simple answer would be to purchase stock photos right?  Ehhhhhhhhhhh.....if you have loads of money sure!  Most stock image companies like Getty charge a damn arm and a leg for one photo that you'll probably only use once, and most free stock image companies have really crappy photos, I mean REALLLLLLLY CRAPPY.  What is a blogger to do?  Well thanks to Createherstock.com, we don't have to worry any longer!

Createherstock.com was envisioned and executed by a fellow blogging buddy of mine Neosha Gee, who simply wanted to create a resource for other female African American bloggers to have AFFORDABLE stock photos on top of other amazing features and services.

As you can see you get a great amount of perks with the free membership, including 5 pics a month, features on the site, and listed in their blog/biz directory, but what's even more exciting is for just $7 a month, you get unlimited photos, UNLIMITED, advertising, exclusive videos to use, and access to partner discounts!

We recently opted-in for the VIP package and I am very impressed with the pictures that are available for use.  Not only are they clear and high quality, but there's a variety, not pertaining to one blog niche.  It also takes the pressure and stress off of me to take pictures every week, which saves me time!

Createherstock.com is a great tool to add on your blogging resource list, and it's only the beginning, so just imagine what else they can offer after growing over time.  So make sure to visit Createherstock.com, get you some bangin' photos, and also follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Fashion Pieces Great For The Work Place!

You guys remember me telling you I got a new job?! Well if I didn't then I'm telling you now!  Having this new career is so exciting but it has brought me into reality that I actually have to dress up.  At my old job we could wear whatever we wanted, even pajamas, so this is such a new world for me as far as dressing for the work place.  Getting my creative juices flowing, I came up with a 5 point style guide that is sure to be fashionable enough for work but function-able so you won't stumble throughout the cubicle!  Enjoy and drop your comments below!

Print Your Clothes?

While 3D printing technology is not new, it is new to the world of fashion and beauty. The technology itself dates back to 1984 and allows you to create a 3 dimensional object from a digital file. One of the first companies to print 3D clothing was Continuum. Taking a peek at their website I was amazed. They showcase very interesting and innovative designs. Here is one of their 3D shoe designs. Quite nifty and very modern. 

Beauty and 3D brings Grace Choi to mind. She invented the Mink 3D, a makeup printer. This allows you to print makeup such as eyeshadow using powder and special ink. The machine is priced well enough that I would consider purchasing it. It’s under $300 and I would LOVE to get my hands on one. A step further is the MODA, a digital MUA, that prints makeup on your face! 

The ability to print makeup from home or have it applied directly with a digital makeup artist would open the door for regular chicks like me who aren’t crushing the makeup game to step it up a notch. 

3D printers are available for personal use. Cubify has printers that are available for personal use that start around $1300.  They also sell 3D printed fashions.  In their store you will find many things from jewelry to picture frames. Plastic like fibers are used to create these 3D fashions. A new textile was developed called TPU 92A-1 that is flexible and durable enough to print fashions. 

However it’s not quite that simple, at least not yet.   

The application of this technology in the fashion industry is clear. Designers have clothing, shoes, jewelry, and even home décor being printed using 3D technology. The beauty industry has the potential to follow suit as well. Once these 3D printers reach the masses, 3D printing will become the norm. Right now this technology is in the early stages and is making waves on the scene. It will be great to watch as this technology continues to evolve the world of beauty and fashion. 

Imagine being able to print the latest fashions from the comfort of your own home. Tailored to your size and colored to your liking! Could I actually make a foundation that matches my skin tone 100%? For that alone I would invest in a Mink! Let’s not forget about lippies and eyeshadows. 

The fashion and beauty industry is undergoing a revolution and we have a front row view. 

Do you see use for this technology in your personal life? 

photo credit: http://www.continuumfashion.com/3D-printed-shoes-2014.php