Fashiona is writing for Tyra's Type F

So Miss Fashiona is moving up the  fashion "expert" ladder and has started writing for Tyra Banks's new website Type F. 

typeF.com is a groundbreaking fashion and beauty platform that offers women the personalized style know-how they are looking for, when and where they want it, at home or on the go. Inspired by Tyra Banks and her mission to redefine beauty, typeF.com is a community built on the celebration of diversity and the ideal of empowering women to be their very best.

~From Type F's about page

Her first article is about trends in sunglasses:

No matter what the trends dictate, sunglasses never go out of style and look chic with any ensemble. Style expert Alicia Edwards shares some of the best celebrity sunglasses looks and tells us how we can achieve star style. Please click here to read the rest of her commentary...

Tipster Thursday: Nyssa Green, founder of The Green give make-up tips

FashionGLAMATL will be held on September 18 at The Gate Millennium in Atlantic Station:  Lucky Fashiona had a phone interview with the hostess, Nyssa Green, make-up artist and founder of The Green Agency.

Nyssa Green

Alicia "aka" Fashiona: Is the name Green Agency a play on the Green room that TV studios have?

Nyssa: Yes, my last name is Green and I couldn't resist the word play on "The Green Room" that is traditionally a waiting room for performers in theaters and studios.

Alicia "aka" Fashiona: Let's talk make-up. How is TV or movie make-up different from everyday glam?


Nyssa:  80% of TV and movies are shot in high def and it can show the good, the bad and the ugly.  Especially under those revealing cameras, the key is get the right color foundation.  With the right foundation, you can minimize the layers of make-up and avoid the claymation look.  Colors are more intense under those lights so you have to make those adjustments. 

Alicia "aka" Fashiona: Who gets it right in the make-up world in terms of having adequate shades for all complexions?

Nyssa:  It is remarkable to me that even in 2010  SOME major make-up brands are still ignoring brown and black complexions.  Bobbi Brown, Kevyn Aucoin and Iman  are doing a great job of advertising and providing quality make-products flattering from the most ivory to the most ebony of complexions.

Alicia "aka" Fashiona:  What is the biggest make-up mistake that women make?

Nyssa: I see it time and again across all ethnic groups...women choosing the wrong foundation.  To be fair, make-up counters at stores are under tough fluorescent lights and the sales people have quotes to fill.  I advise women when buying their make-up to also check their new shade under sunlight before purchasing.  Yes, it can take longer this way but your face  and your wallet will thank you later.

Alicia "aka" Fashiona:   We are recovering from a recession and most of my readers don't have a make-up artist on speed dial.  What are the top three products that all women should have?

Nyssa: That's easy:

1. Mascara
2. Lip gloss
3. Bronzer

Bronzer can be used as a blush and eye color and provide an all over glow. 3 coats of mascara can really make you eyes pop. Just let each coat dry before applying another.  Lip gloss always give you that polished look.  You can really put on a face with those three products.

Alicia "aka"  Fashiona:  Well I have all three so I guess I am in good shape.  Can't to see you on September 18.

~Read the rest her interview on Nyssa on Examiner.com~

Fashiona is honored to be a featured blogger for FashionGLAMATL on September 18.  The shopping event is truly a "Fashion with a purpose event"  and the admission will be donated to AGC and The Millennium Gate.  Fashiona will be tweeting during the event and blogging later...

Get your tickets at http://www.fashionglamevents.com/.

Tipster Thursday: Photographer Blue Franswa shares the virtues of girdles

Fashiona interviewed Haiti born photographer Blue Franswa earlier this month about his upcoming celebrity calendar to raise money for Haiti and the last question she asked him was:

Every girl wants to look GOOD in photos! What are your two top tips for helping ordinary women have better photographic moments?


Blue:  

1. My best tips for women would be having a great makeup artist who knows how to contour, accentuating facial features and hiding flaws.
2. Girdles I think most women who are size 8 or bigger should wear girdles...at photo shoots only because the camera adds 10 pounds. The girdle helps to smooth the body out. Beyoncé wears them all the time.

Photo Credit: Studio X

Beyoncé performing Sweet Dreams at the VMAs in 2009

Take it from a photographer and B ladies...cameras don't lie.

Read the rest of the interview with Blue at Examiner.com

Tipster Thursday: Little White Dresses

Every fashion writer, stylist and designer worth her stilettos will advise a fashion challenged client to have a few little black dresses "aka" LBDs in their closet.  Wedding planners will happily assist you with picking a long white dress to walk down the aisle. But if you need a little WHITE dress... available credible advice is somewhat lacking.


Fashiona admits that wearing all white can be tricky.  So as the Summer winds down and the last of the All White Parties generally end around Labor Day...Fashiona has this advice.

• Black is slimming and white...well is not. If you are even the least bit curvy PLEASE  avoid thin white jersey dresses.  They reveal nooks and crannies that you would rather not share with your Facebook friends.
• White dresses that are structured are MUCH more  camera friendly. Consider the event, linen and cotton are good for pool parties and BBQs.   Satin and silk are better choices for dressier events.
• Avoid too much lace in a short white dress...it can look too lingerie like.
• Wearing white shoes with white dress can  read too "bridal" or can resemble a little girl's Easter outfit. Considering wearing a pop color shoe if you want to make a statement or black  or a nude heel if you want to keep it simple.
• And some good news an  A-line white dress looks good on just about every woman.

Photo Credit: Bluefly.com

Carmen Marc Valvo

white jacquard beaded scoopneck dress

Photo Credit: Elle Macpherson

Elle Macpherson

Photo Credit: Huffington Post

Scarlett Johansson

Queen Latifah wearing white at the People's Choice Awards

Edition by Georges Chakra Spring 2010 gown

Fashiona's Hair, Skin and Nail Beauty Tips

There is a reason that manufacturers cater to women with products that improve hair, skin and nails. Women are always trying to improve their appearance. Healthy hair, clear youthful skin and shapely nails are much sought after traits....certainly vain Fashiona seeks these as well.

Any health professional will tell you that a well balanced diet will enhance your physical and emotional well being.  They also suggest lots of water, fruits and veggies.  Fashiona's favorite holistic doctor...DocNicole suggests Juice Plus since it is hard to get in 7 servings of fruits and veggies a day.

Fashiona is lucky to have healthy hair regardless of what she does or doesn't do but her more temperamental skin and nails have shown vast improvement...even her bestie Topaz has marveled at the transformation.

Her secret...for the past 6 months she had been taking Nature's Bounty Hair, Skin and Nails vitamins...tough to swallow but no pain no gain.

For her nails...Fashiona has been using Sally Hansen for years but found a miracle serum that keeps her nails naturally resilient.  Lately she has preferred the natural look...no polish at all.

Tipster Thursday: Fashiona's Summer Beauty Tips

Fashiona and Music Man are going to a water park tomorrow...she is looking forward to their outing and she will be armed with among other necessities: a sturdy one-piece, a cover-up and  waterproof sunscreen.

So before she packs she will share the highlights of her summer beauty tips:

1. Yes..sunscreen is a necessity for all people of all colors and is the most economical anti-aging product you can have. Fashiona cautions that most expensive wrinkle cream is a complete waste of money...if you are not applying sunscreen of at least SPF 15 daily.  Fashiona swears by Aveeno...great for people with sensitive skin.  She will be applying sunscreen every few hours starting 30 minutes before the sun hits her...Music Man will be subject to this treatment also...yes he already read the memo.

2.  A fashionable one-piece....Fashiona like many other fashionistas have two types of swimsuits...ones to actually swim in and some to... umm lounge in. Poor Fashiona is still traumatized by her last visit to a waterpark when she was 14 and she lost her top in the pool.  This visit she is wearing a sturdy one-piece as to not appear in any unsavory You-tube videos etc.   Bluefly.com has a one whole category dedicated to one-pieces...tankinis are also a good alternative if you really prefer two pieces.

Photo Credit: Bluefly.com

Badgley Mischka Platinum Label

3. A cover-up...Fashiona is pretty secure about her shape but not enough to saunter around the park in just her swimsuit alone.  Victoria Secret has a lovely selection of cover-ups from skirts to beach dresses.

Photo Credit: Victoria Secret.com

 

4. Waterproof mascara...Mascara is to Fashiona what lip gloss is to most girls...she feels naked without it.  Now Fashiona lives in Hotlanta where some desperate girls wear false lashes even to the gym...proudly Fashiona is not one of these girls...applause please!  Tomorrow she is rocking some waterproof mascara, tinted moisturizer and some chapstick with SPF.  

5.  And did Fashiona mention sunscreen?

 

Tipster Thursday: Be Perfectly Nude with My Skins

Summer is here in Hotlanta and women are keeping cool by wearing white.  But alas with more women wearing white so are  the number of unsightly visible panty lines sightings...

In the past,  women were limited to wearing thongs...going commando or wearing the one color of nude underwear that seems to match no one on earth.

This year...Fashiona should be giving out less Fashion Tickets because My Skins now has 27... yes 27 skin matching colors.

Photo Credits: Myskins.com

My Skins offer these tips for using their color system:

"To color match for the panty we recommend using your upper thigh or hip area. Remember, good natural light is your best source for lighting. Your overall skin tone color should allow for choosing a single color choice for both your bra and panty."

My Skins has a full line of nude bras, panties on-line and includes care instructions on their website.

Although Fashiona wishes that model's  six-pack stomach was on sale too...

Tipster Thursday: Trés Sleek shapewear for curvy gals

Fashiona has been sharing the virtues of  shapewear for years...anything that "lifts and separates" she is all for... 

This past Monday when she went to the opening of Plush, Atlanta's newest plus size boutique, she was introduced to Trés Sleek...shapewear for plus size gals. Wendy Brown, the owner of Plush, a plus sized woman herself takes care to outfit the curvy woman from head to toe. That includes having plus size mannequins, larger sized jewelry, jeans, shoes and Trés Sleek.

Photo Credit: Sal Photography

From left to right: Wendy and her husband; Tami from Talking with Tami

Photo Credit: TrésSleek.com

Deux Arm Shaper Sleeve

 Trés Sleek's  Arm Shaper Sleeve does the following:

• Attaches to Bra Strap
• Backless
• Nylon/Spandex/Microfiber Blend
• Lightweight & Seamless under clothing
• Reduces Biceps/Triceps by ½ to 3 inches on average

Check out Trés Sleek and the other fabulous plus size fashions at Plush.  Plush is located in Atlanta's historic Castleberry district...home to The Glam Bar and others.

*Courtsey of the Garner Circle*

Tipster Thursday: Uncovering your best brow shape

Last week's Fashiona top mission was doing her taxes...completed April 14 mid afternoon. That is one whole day before the deadline...she will have you know.

THIS week she was on the hunt for  her "perfect"  brow shape and a great red lipstick.  Brows perfectly groomed as of yesterday and red lipstick found just this afternoon. Truth be told Fashiona is more of a lip gloss wearer but she does  like a bolder lip color especially at night.

Photo Credit:Sal Photography

Alicia "aka" Fashiona in her new red lipstick at the 2010 Macks Miracle's All-Star Weekend kick-off event: Sky Grey Luxury Lounge.

Brows first...Fashiona showed you how to get Janelle Monae's full brow but that IS an unique look and not for everybody.  Many women prefer a more shapely brow. Fashiona happens to like the look of a classic arched brow but LOOKS better in a  rounder shape.  

Now Fashiona has been known over-pluck (in the past) so to prevent any mishaps this time,  she went with Ardell stencils.  There are 4 in the pack, available at most drugstores and the best part is they are super easy to clean and of course  reusable.  Fashiona's shape  "Delicate"...result best brow shape to date.  

Fashiona's Bonus Tip:

Once you chose a brow shape, actually take the time to draw the shape out with eyeliner...on both sides before you pluck.  Just like when you cut your hair...you can always pluck or cut more but you can't glue it back on.

Read her Examiner.com column to discover how she found her perfect shade of RED lipstick.

Style Tips: Get singer Janelle Monáe's Look

Earlier this week, Monday to be exact, Fashiona went to see the dynamic singer Janelle Monáe at "The ArchAndroid" Listening Lounge in Atlanta (Courtesy of The Garner Circle)...and  Janelle is as Vogue describes her "Tiny and Mighty."  Standing just 5 feet tall in her riding boots, Ms. Monáe fills up any room with her stage presence.

Photo Credit: Steven Klein/Vogue.com

Singer Janelle Monáe may be five feet tall, but everything else—the look, the hair, the talent—is larger than life.

Janelle, a budding style icon without being a slave to fashion is featured in Vogue...again.  She favors pant suits, particular black tuxedos, tall riding boots, full brows, and an Afro updo. 

Adore her look... Fashiona has the following tips for you.

Photo Credit: Sal Photography

 

 1. Full brows:  As petite as Janelle is...she wears a full brow...well groomed but full.  Conventional wisdom says that if  you have a long or a square shaped face...a full brow is most flattering but Fashiona says that brow shape like most beauty decisions are personal. This look can take patience,at least a few weeks, depending on how "tweezer happy" you have been in the past.  Fashiona swears by Anastasia Brow Enhancer to repair her over plucking moments. 

2. Crisp White Shirts:  Janelle loves them and buys them in bulk.  White shirts are at every price point from Ralph Lauren to JCrew. Fit is essential...aim for close-fitting rather than tight.  T-shirts and jeans should be tight...most other things should hug the body.

 Photo: John Springer Collection/CORBIS

Never a slave to fashion, movie star Marlene Dietrich paves the way for androgynous style at a Paris nightclub in the 1950s.

3. Tuxedos: Women have been wearing tuxedos since Marlene Dietrich and they are still as classic on Janelle Monáe. A full tuxedo can be hard to pull off  everyday but a tuxedo jacket can certainly take you a long way...to the office, to dinner, with jeans or over a dress.  Definitely an investment piece to add to your closet.

BCBG black wool shirt inset tuxedo jacket at Bluefly.com

Janelle's great voice and dancing ability...umm great genes and lots of hard work.