Monthly Archives: June 2007

DC Fashionista event

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Dear Readers,

This Sunday I had a blast attending a fashion event hosted by the DC Fashionista group at Lima in DC sponsored by Inspired Artists. I had the opportunity to style models, choosing accessories and adjusting dresses for a proper fit. It was a departure from my work with my clients who are not in the fashion world. But it was fulfilling and special in its own way and I look forward to doing much more in this area. One model I worked on, Michelle, wore a dress completely designed from black fabric and I swear it looked like a black wedding dress! That thing was pinned, taped, patched up and buckled in–  but no one would know it was not an actual sewn dress. As proof , here is one of the pictures of Michelle–the bustle (poof) at the back of the dress was my creative input into the design as well as transforming the design from a skirt to a dress. Here is Michelle in all her glory:

 

L’ Shandi,  the line by designer Lara Akinsanya, one of the main designers showcased at the event had beautiful dreses for the models. Two of these are in the background of the first picture above. But my favorite is this one modeled by Robin who looked stunning in her blue, black with red accented number:

The highlight of the evening was the transformation of model Ana Marie in front of the audiences’  very eyes–everything– from makeup, hair and clothing, start to finish. Here is Ana Maria (who just got awarded a spot in NY fashion week and many more high profile bookings) after uber Fashionista, makeup artist and designer Abigail Cassanova (in yellow) worked her magic:

 

The event was a great hit and I am so glad to have had the chance to participate. More to come from the DC Fashionistas group from the Diva Fashionista herself!

Natalie Jobity

Elan Image Management

Apperances Count!

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Dear Readers,

Whether we like it or not, we are all judged by our appearance.

Appearances count even when we are the only ones to see ourselves. One study found that Americans have the chance to see their own reflection or image up to 55 times each day (in mirrors, windows, elevator doors etc.). This equates to 55 chances to feel empowered, confident, great, indifferent or even negative about your own self image.

Your image transmits a message about you everyday whether you like it or not. You cannot erase those impressions others form about you. Your image is your own personal brand—your number 1 marketing tool in the professional arena. Because before you even open your mouth, your image is ‘selling’ you. Make sure your image is communicating the impact you desire.

My image consulting services are designed to make sure the people you interact with make the best possible judgments about you. When you look good and are dressed in ways that flatter you, there are so many benefits:

  • You feel more confident
  • You are treated with more respect
  • You are judged favorably by others
  • You can more easily accomplish your goals
  • People automatically assume you are smart and savvy
  • People are naturally drawn and attracted to you

Make sure your appearance is conveying the most favorable impression about who you are and how you wish to be perceived.

Natalie Jobity

Élan Image Management

The Power of Savoir Faire

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Seeing a woman with fashion ‘savoir faire’ is a sight to behold. Those of you who diligently read my posts know that I have a penchant for French words and phrases—they just seem so apropos, je ne sais pas? Anyway, I digress. I recently laid eyes on a woman who was completely pulled together and I instantly thought, ‘that woman has power.’ It’s the kind of power that an effective image and presence commands. You know, you immediately think she is intelligent, financially independent (OK affluent), totally together and confident. This is the power of “Presence”. Expressing a certain ‘savoir faire’ in one’s dress presents a message of– I know who I am, what I am about and I am completely in control of any situation. This woman has style, panache, élan, even (there I go with the French again). She is at one with herself and her surroundings. She commands attention. Eyes are drawn to her. People think, ‘who IS she? It’s as if she has cast a spell on all who set eyes on her.

How does a woman who is ‘working it’ this way work it? It may seem effortless but it is not. It takes time, energy, passion and financial investment. But more importantly, women like these either have a natural gift of knowing how to present an image that turns heads or they consult with an expert. And by expert, I am of course referring to an image or fashion consultant.

In case you don’t understand what I am talking about, here is a visual: hair perfectly coiffed, makeup that enhances and that is not obvious or overdone, clothes that fit, flatter and are oh so ‘o la la’ , accessories that coordinate and pull together her entire ensemble. She may be wearing something as basic as a white blouse with a black pencil skirt. But what differentiates her from the masses is how she works that simple outfit. It’s not just any white blouse, but a white blouse in the right shade of white to highlight and frame her face, hair and eyes. The blouse might have some inherent flair in its design  or be made of a material like chiffon or silk that  immediately conveys the impression that it must be a designer creation (it may not be!). The skirt fits to perfection—not too snug to be seen as overtly sexy but hugging her curves gracefully so you have no doubt that it is a woman’s body . The waist might be cinched into further enhance her figure. And the length is ideal so that her silhouette is  proportioned for her height and size. What clinches the deal? Her accessories. Shoes are a knockout red, high heels, of highest quality. But she does not stop there (as red shoes alone without a red coordinate above is a fashion faux pas), she brings our attention back from her spectacular shoes to her face because her lips are red and she may even be wearing a red necklace. But this is all about what she is wearing. What is equally as important is her manner, poise, grace, sense of command.   This woman does not have to be beautiful (in the traditional sense) to pull all this off, even though these traits and her mode of dress conveys beauty. She just needs to possess….savoir faire.

Natalie Jobity

Élan Image Management

Your space: a refection of your self image

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So often we care about the image of ourselves that people ‘see’—the designer clothes, the cool ride, the house in the ‘right’ neighborhood. But what about the aspects of our image that others don’t get to see? The food we eat, the time we take to care for ourselves, the insides of our homes? If people saw our bedrooms, or our closets—those rooms that only those closest to us ever get access to—what would they think? Would they see an extension of you or something completely different? Something that diminishes your self image?

Our image is a holistic expression of who we are and what we believe about ourselves. It is not just about how we look, but how we speak, what we put inside our bodies, whether we keep fit and look after our health, and how we present ALL aspects of ourselves. This is especially important about our homes. Other than our workplace, for most of us, our homes are where we spend the most of our time. It’s a reflection of our lifestyle, tastes, sophistication and self image. Yes, ‘self’ image. When we really care about ourselves we invest in the things that surround us and reflect us. Just as you would wear your best outfit to impress someone influential, so you should invest in your personal space—to ensure it is a refection of your best self. But this is more than about impressing others. It’s really about the value you place on yourself, when no one else is watching. Continue reading →