Welcome to Flaunting It with The Image Diva!

Featured

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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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 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.

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!

Brand Snapshot: Sex sells. But does it place a wholesome brand at risk?

Posted on April 22, 2013 by Natalie

When you have a super-charged brand that is undeniable effective, why would you mess with it? As an image and brand consultant, this is the question I ask myself after seeing the (faux) nipple baring bodysuits Beyonce wears on stage during her current tour. It is pushing the envelope in a way that goes against her squeaky clean, wholesome image which her brand has been so steadfastly built upon. This, too, after her very sexually charged Super Bowl half-time show performance earlier this year which had tongues all a wag.

For a mega star who has worked hard to protect and maintain her image, I am confused by her recent blatant attempts to dial up her sex appeal. It’s not like Beyonce doesn’t already have an innate subtle sex appeal that both sexes can appreciate. It’s not like she isn’t seen as one of the most beautiful women in the public eye. It isn’t even because she hasn’t been able to nab high profile gig after high profile gig in quick succession without breaking a sweat. Endorsements: She’s got them. So why this sudden raunchier sex persona?

The nipple baring bodysuit (fake or not) is the type of outfit we would expect from Lady Gaga, whose brand it is to excite, titillate and surprise with shock value. This isn’t Beyonce’s shtick… at least it wasn’t. This costume is flirting very close to “vulgar” which isn’t part of Beyonce’s usual repertoire. Beyonce’s feminine, classy, subtly alluring brand persona has been a huge success. She is a role model to millions of young girls. Why taint this wholesome image? For what? More male fans???? Different endorsement deals? It’s confusing and regretful that with all the sexy girl images in the media these days, that a successful star like Beyonce feels a need to validate her own sexuality by being more overtly so. Or is it more like showing off? Either way it is not a positive association for a stellar brand, whose underlying premise is one female strength and empowerment.

If I could take her aside, to advise her, this is what I’d say: “B, you’re sexy as you are. You don’t have to try that hard. Sex sells for those who have much less going on and who are far less talented. You’ve worked hard to get to the top. Be true to you and your brand and continue to be a model for young girls who desperately need positive female icons to aspire to. Get rid of the darn nipples for heaven’s sake! “

What do you think?

Be sure to visit Elan Image Management’s website for more information on our style/branding services. 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!

Made for Walking: Comfortable Spring Shoes

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

Warmer weather usually calls for more walking, and while sky-high heels are always a fashion favorite, they can take a toll on even the most dedicated fashionista after a while. Don’t equate comfortable footwear with frumpiness–there are countless options out there for ouch-free shoes. We’ve chosen our favorite pairs and styled them into some fabulous spring looks. Check out our definitive guide to comfy spring footwear:

Loafers

Why you’ll love them: These are not your typical school uniform staples; this season loafers get a modern makeover when fun elements like animal print, candy colors and patent leather are brought into the mix.

They look great with: Brightly-hued ankle pants, preppy shirtdresses, dark washed skinnies

Wedges

Why you’ll love them: They offer the height and glamour of stilettos but none of the strain and pain. Platforms in the front offer more support and evenly distribute your weight.

They look great with: Mid-length skirts, flared and boot-cut jeans, polished sundresses

Strappy Flats

Why you’ll love them: The ankle strap is flattering and sexy, and are a refreshing change from plain ballet skimmers.

They look great with: Breezy tunics, slightly-dressy shifts, white denim

Which shoe do you think nails it for both comfort and style?

Be Fabulously You!

Go With the Flow: Styling Loose, Flowy Blouses

Posted on April 8, 2013 by Natalie & Carina

Loose-fitting blouses have been cropping up everywhere for spring, and with good reason: the gauzy material is perfect for warmer weather and a welcome break from thick wool sweaters. While styling a baggy top without it looking frumpy may seem difficult, it’s easy to do with a few pointers. Try one of our favorite ways to style a loose top:

1. Happy Hour

The easiest way to rock a loose top is with form-fitting bottoms. Slimming black cigarette pants balance out the silhouette (looser bottoms with this top would look dowdy). Keep the long lines going with black pumps or wedges. The all-black bottom half lengthens legs, making this an ideal look for petite frames and heights. Throw in a bold statement necklace to complete the ensemble.

2. Weekend Brunch

An unexpected way to style a loose top is to replace your light jacket with it. Energize an old sundress by topping it with a chiffon blouse and pulling it all together with a gold belt. Placing the belt over both the top and the dress accentuates an hour-glass figure and keeps the look polished, not sloppy. A citrus-colored bag adds a pop of color to the neutral-heavy look.

3. Office

Flowy blouses can easily be adapted for the office; the key is to pair it with a structured bottom (preferably in a spring color!). Tailored trousers and or a vibrant pencil skirt offset the playfulness of a chiffon bow blouse.

Be Fabulously You!