Welcome to Flaunting It with The Image Diva!

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Posted on September 28, 2011 by Natalie

Do you need expert fashion advice on looking polished, pulled together and stylish without spending a fortune so you too can Flaunt It? For image tips, wardrobe advice, style ideas, resources, super cool giveaways, and more, you’re in the right place! The goal of Flaunting It with the Image Diva is to keep you informed and up-to-date on all things fashion and help you to look fabulous of course! My blog has over 4 years of content, so kick back, relax and knock yourself out absorbing all the tips and advice and having fun entering our blog giveaways. And please do post your comments on the blog. I love hearing from you!

For more detailed style advice, be sure to pick up your copy of my Amazon bestselling book Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style.

For more information on all the ways I can help you elevate your look, visit Elan Image Management’s Services.

Dare to be Fabulous!

What does an Image Consultant Do?

Featured

Posted on October 24, 2012 by Natalie

I am often amazed that given the preponderance of TV makeover shows in the past few years, that many women still don’t know what an image consultant is and how they can be served by one. Or, I meet women who understand what I do as an image consultant but who say to me things like, “well I’m sure you only work with very rich women”, or “I am sure I can’t afford you”, which is actually not true, at least not in my case.

As a practicing image consultant for over 6 years, it’s astounding to me how little has changed regarding the public’s awareness of this field of image consulting. As with any profession, image consultants wear a variety of hats, depending on their skills, interest and target client. I have worked with men and women over the years but my ideal client is a woman. Often she is a professional woman, who places a lot of value on how she is perceived by others and who understands that her image is a critical part of her professional success. And sometimes I’ve had clients who come to me to help them with their personal image—maybe it’s a woman who is trying to attract a mate, or a woman who wants to improve her look for her own sense of self-worth and esteem. There can be many reasons, but the underlying theme is that anyone who desires a change, boost, overhaul, or refinement to their image/look/style in any way, can benefit from the expertise of an image consultant.

My services support my clients in a number of ways:

Making sure their first impressions are positively memorable
Helping them craft or refine their unique personal brand
Selecting outfits for special events
Revamping, tweaking or developing their own signature style
Helping them dress to enhance their figure
Ensuring their body language and non-verbal cues support their overall image intent
Shopping with or for them so they can build a wardrobe of clothing that reflects their goals and preferences
Showing them the colors that give them the greatest impact
Optimizing their wardrobes so they have outfits they love, that work for their bodies and lifestyle and which make them feel amazing
Coordinating and building outfits for them so dressing each day is more effortless
And so much more

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Packing for a Weekend Beach Getaway With One Bag

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

The last thing packing for a long weekend should be is stressful! Leaving room in your weekend bag means less to keep track of and more space for souvenirs. Though it can seem impossible to pack light for a vacation, we’ve got some great tips to relieve you of mundane packing duties. Here are three things to keep in mind, so you think less about checking and lugging bags and more about sun and sand:

1. Feather-Light Layers

Although layering may not be the first thing that comes to mind in the summer heat, light layers add depth and breeziness to your ensembles and pack easily into a tote. Get into vacation mode by heading to the airport in easy palazzo pants and paper-thin camisoles. Invest in a pair of versatile, neutral-colored sandals to wear all weekend.

2. Fun Swimwear and a Versatile Cover-Up

Not only are neon shades everywhere this year, they’re flattering on most skin tones as well. The ruching on this Norma Kamali number hides a tummy, and the side seams create or emphasize an hourglass shape. Pack a cotton tunic to use as a cover-up, and throw on shorts with it after the pool.

3. A Dress That Sails From Day to Night

Fun heels (or wedges) and a cotton dress that can be taken from the boardwalk to the bar should be the last thing you squeeze into your weekender. Use a coordinating clutch as your wallet for the weekend so you don’t have to carry your tote to a nice dinner, and carry small accessories (like thin belts, one neutral and one mint) to change up a simple dress. Avoid chiffon or silk, as those wrinkle easily, and aim for a cotton or jersey dress that you can hang in a steamy shower (make sure to point the head away from the dress!) to erase wrinkles.

Be sure to visit Elan Image Management’s website for more style tips. If you find yourself struggling with how to coordinate your summer wardrobe Contact Us to explore how we can help you with one of our image consulting services. Are you subscribing to the blog feed to get weekly updates in your inbox? Do so Here.

Personal Branding Tips to Steal from the First Lady

Posted on June 5, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

Michelle Obama is an archetypal example of effective personal branding. In addition, to her warm, feminine, engaging, down to earth and confident demeanor, it is crystal clear what she values; family and healthy living. Plus, she is consistent in her application and expression of her personal brand. She is poised, personable, and positively scandal-proof.

While it’s obvious that having killer style is an important component of a put-together appearance, clothing can only do so much. Michelle’s likability goes past her wardrobe and into her skilled self-presentation. From the boardroom to cocktail parties, we can all pick up some personal branding tips from the FLOTUS. When building your personal brand, keep these three “image makers” in mind:

1. Make Your Mark With A Signature

Much like first lady and fashion icon Jackie Onassis’ oversized sunglasses and preppy popped collars, Michelle’s style can be detected from miles away. She knows that keeping her look consistent shows discipline and individuality, and she isn’t afraid to play favorites. Her preferred designers/brands range from the high end (Oscar de la Renta and Tracy Reese) to more accessible brands (J. Crew and even Target). These choices are all in synch with her image as a role model for women across the globe: “she is one of us.”

Michelle loves rich jewel tones

She favors jewel tones, pearls, and gloves if the weather calls for them. A signature look gives people something to associate with you, making you more memorable. Although a signature is a crucial part of image-branding, it’s equally important to remember to…

2. Keep it Fresh

Trying new things shows a sense of adventure, both in your fashion sense and in your personality. Keeping the same look for decades not only comes off as dated, but it can also show a tendency to be old-fashioned and set in your ways. The first lady knows this, as evidenced by her choice to switch up her haircut. She kept her signature medium-length bob but changed it up slightly with fashionable bangs. Check out the FLOTUS’s first and second term portraits for the sake of comparison:

Her second term portrait shows a freshness and personality that wouldn’t have come through if she’d kept the same look for the four years straight. While a timeless fragrance (Mrs. Obama prefers Creed’s Love in White) is a great signature move, keeping the same haircut for years probably isn’t.

Artistic Colour’s “Vogue” makes a splash at the DNC.

The unconventional nail color that she wore to the 2012 DNC was a great example of this, and is also a great reminder that…

3. Authenticity is Key

When Michelle became a household name, she got a lot of flak for her arm-baring dresses and tops. Michelle knew when to pick her battles, and chose not to respond to criticism of her clothing choices. Although she has an enviable sense of style, she chooses to draw attention to her more significant achievements like her charity work and nationwide health initiatives. Whether it’s regarding your industry or social circle, people will talk when you put yourself in the public eye. It’s up to you to choose what to respond to, and to decide what you want others to focus on. This is why personal branding is so critical: it allows you choose how you would like to be perceived by others.

Carina Drakes for Elan Image Management

Be Fabulously You!

Hillary Clinton: The Evolution of a Personal Brand

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Natalie

A client reminded me recently how personal brands evolve over time (especially with the help of personal stylists!). She was inspired by Hillary Clinton’s image transformation when she became First Lady into one that was more poised, polished, and confident than before. She wore bold colored suits, cut her “frumpy” shoulder length hair into a modern layered bob, wore more forgiving makeup, added lovely necklaces that became part of her signature and rocked those pantsuits.

As Secretary of State, her brand changed again into a more practical/functional image that kept the pace of her busy travel schedule. Gone was the well coiffed bob, replaced now by longer hair she could pull back into a pony-tail or chignon. She wore less makeup (sometimes none at all). and was less concerned about her wardrobe choices. She rocked bright colors less frequently, and opted instead for grey and other neutral toned suits. Not being as much in the spotlight, and being by nature a more low maintenance type of woman, this second personal brand transformation made sense and I believe is more authentic to Hillary’s true style.

What I admire most about Hillary’s personal brand is her fearless approach to her image and fashion. At one point the media made fun of her colored pantsuits but Hillary wore them unabashedly. They made fun of her pony-tail, her lack of make-up, her uncurled hair but she defended her choices: she had to be practical given her hectic schedule as Secretary of State.

And that is true of any personal brand–at the end of the day it has to be authentically you.

View more photos in this Huffington Post slideshow. What do you think of Hillary’s style evolution?

Be Fabulously You!

Polished-casual Outfits for the Holiday Weekend

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

Ladies it is time to break out the LWD (Little White Dress)! Memorial Day is around the corner, and with that comes a calendar filled with fun outdoor events. It can be difficult to stand out in a sea of white sundresses, but with a single statement piece for each look, you’ll be the belle of the barbecue, while showcasing your personal style. Check out our three must-have pieces for summer looks, and how we style them. Use these looks as inspiration.

1. A Show-Stopping Hat

White sundresses are a Memorial Weekend essential, and far be it from us to stop anyone from pulling out their favorite from their closet; by accenting with an oversized sunhat (which is both fun and functional) in a fun color, you can update your standard summer look entirely.

2. An Ethereal Maxi

A maxi skirt is a fabulous way to Flaunt an elegantly casual look. While we don’t think this is appropriate for the office, it is perfect for social occasions. A coral-colored maxi skirt and metallic sandals lend a regal touch to your look yet still keeps you appropriate for your weekend activities. Keep the elegant skirt casual with a simple cotton t-shirt, aviators, and a slouchy satchel. Add a long necklace for even more pizzazz.

3. Bold Printed Platforms

These Kate Spade sandals are an unexpected and refreshing twist from the season’s ubiquitous rubber flip flop. Draw attention to chunky floral shoes with a slightly color-coordinated skirt, and keep the rest of the look casual with a simple straw bag.

Be Fabulously You!

Smart Business Casual With Spring Trends

Posted on April 29, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

For most professional women, looking polished is crucial. Even on casual Friday it’s important to avoid looking too comfortable, as you can risk looking unprofessional. Though business casual looks are necessary, they don’t have to be boring. Check out our 3 daring ways to rock business casual while letting your unique style shine through:

1. De-Frump Your Slacks

Slacks are a business casual staple, but you don’t have to get lost in a sea of beige. Add some cool to your khakis with a chambray shirt and a neon statement necklace.

2. Go Monochrome

Monochromatic looks are everywhere this season, and they’re an easy way to make a statement in the boardroom. Choose a flattering hue (don’t worry too much about matching shades perfectly, just make sure they’re in the same family) and rock it! You’ll love the confidence that comes with rocking your power color head to toe. Make sure your pieces are clean and tailored, as this is a bold look that leaves no room for sloppy lines.

3. Swap Your Sportcoat for a Trendy Topper

Bootcut jeans with a blazer is a foolproof way to do business casual, but try losing your plain black blazer for a trendier alternative. We show you how to do it with this season’s ubiquitous military-style jacket, but there are countless jackets out there; floral, pastel, and mint blazers look just as chic.

Which spring trend are you most likely to rock at the office?

Be sure to visit Elan Image Management’s website for more style tips. If you find yourself struggling with how to coordinate your spring wardrobe Contact Us to explore how we can help you with one of our image consulting services. Are you subscribing to the blog feed to get weekly updates in your inbox? Do so Here.

Be Fabulously You!