Monthly Archives: November 2007

Suits for Tiki

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Dear Readers,

We’re into Episode 3 of  Project Runway and it still hasn’t gotten really exciting for me, design wise. I think the challenges are cool but somehow the catwalk thus far has just not been giving off the ‘wow’ factor. And maybe I’m biased, because menswear does not personally excite me, but this episode fell pretty flat for me. Quite honestly the best part of the show lately is hearing the judges take on the best and worst designs. Heidi seems more unabashed about cutting right to the chase with her critique (don’t let that sweet smile fool you), and it’s so entertaining. Michael comparing Carmen’s design to something out of boogie nights (funny!) You would think these quick witted responses were scripted.

But ultimately the show is about fashion and so far that aspect has fallen short of my expectations. I am waiting  for an outfit like Michael’s hot pink short shorts (Season 3—who can forget it!) to walk down that runway. I want to see cutting edge fashion. Wow me! Entertain me. Seeing all those varying imitations of a bad suit walk down the catwalk last night really is not cutting it.

My take regardless? Carmen deserved to go. Her’s was by far the worse and truly a disaster. If I were her I would not have shown it. Everything was so wrong and trying to fake a shirt with the cloth was just bad!! This poor model—he must be dying!!! But  I loved what SHE wore—thought it all worked, bold necklace, dress, bag (wonder if it was her design?). 

Sweet P’s challenges made for some good comedic relief. And at least her model’s  pants had a good fit. I liked Jack’s outfit but it was SO safe (AKA boring). Surprised that was the winning piece but then again, no, because it was totally wearable and that Tiki (5’9” challenged as he is) loves those vertical stripes. I thought Kevin should have won based on execution, creating 3 wearable pieces and creativity.  It was the only ensemble that had any element of wow for me. Loved the bold color choice and the vest was cute. I didn’t think Ricky’s was as bad as they made it compared to Carmen’s and Sweet P’s. And I didn’t care for Kit’s (so very blah to me). I actually liked Jillian’s,  Elise’s and even Rami’s outfits more but the latter two were not appropriate for a TV personality to wear on air. And that WAS the point of the challenge.

So all in all episode 3 a dud for me. I think the male models provided great eye candy but even that could not save this show. We all have high expectations for this season. So hopefully its just off to a slow start and next week we’ll all be at the edge of our seats in awe of the amazing talent and behind the scenes drama of this great reality TV show. And can I just say, kudos that they chose to air Jack talking about being HIV+.  I guess that’s what so great about reality TV—you would never find a sitcom character with that profile!

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

 

Dresses for the Holidays

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Dear Readers,

The festive season is almost upon us, giving you multiple occasions to dress up, look fabulous and express your personal style and flair. Are you prepared?  A great resource for finding the perfect party dress is available on instyle.com (http://shopping.instyle.com/browse/dresses). Here you can literally search thousands of dresses and refine your search by brand, price point, size or retailer. It’s fantastic because they have really culled all the top retailers and brands in one place. I typically start my search working within my budget and then I refine further by size. I love this site.

Here are a few of my favorite party dresses for this season.

Black always looks sleek and chic. If you’re unsure of color, opt for a black ensemble with lace, velvet, satin, silk, taffeta or chiffon.  This dress from Ann Taylor hits the mark—very sassy and festive!

 Ann Taylor jacquard peony dress

Nobody does fun and flirty better than Betsy Johnson. Here her red silk charmeuse dress says ‘party’ all over. Red says end of year cheer more than any other color and will ensure you get noticed among the sea of black ensembles. This dress is for  the woman not afraid to wear red (how festive and sexy) and who wants to be the center of attention.

  Betsy Johnson red silk charmeuse dress @ Neiman Marcus

A more conservative red dress is OK as well. This silk shift dress is all about the sleevesI and the crimnson color. A perfect choice for the woman who doesn’t want to bare all but still wants to exude confidence and look fashionable.

  ABS by Allen Schwartz silk dress at Nordstrom

f you aiming for the unconventional, you might want to try a dress with a print. For prints with a dash of feline allure I turn to one of my favorites dress designers, Nicole Miller. Her prints are stunning and her silhouettes always emphasize the feminine form in all its glory. This dresses’ strapless empire waisted slim silhouette is so appealing.  And the border print makes it not too overpowering. The dash of red suggests holiday glam Love it!

 Nicole Miller strapless silk print sheath-available at Nordstrom

This dress is the perfect “Little black dress”. The material (Taffeta) and the beading on the empire waist glams it up and takes it up several notches. Couple those details with the dramatic ¾ bell sleeves and the unconventional square neckline and you have a winner. As icing on the cake, it comes with a sash that can be tied in a bow (or not) in the back, side or front. 

 

 Donna Morgan Tafeta bubble sleeve dress @ Nordstrom

This dress is for the stylish woman who has to attend a black tie event but still wants to express her own unique style and flair. In this dress she can capture the chic style and elegance of her favorite celebrity. This dress features feminine details and florish that makes it completely unforgettable.

 Faviana black ruffle dress from edressme.com

These are just ideas to get you started. Have fun shopping!

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

A new innovation in jeanswear-Hip-T

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Dear Readers,

I stumbled across this site: http://www.myhip-t.com, and I have to admit I was more than a bit curious about the product that promised to banish thong exposure and plumbers crack when wearing jeans.  From the site, this is the description: “hip-T noun: stretch fabric hip wrap worn over your jeans, and under your shirt: create sassy layers without the t-shirt tangle and prevent rear view sneak peaks.”

Why HipT? Well it’s actually quite inventive. It’s essentially a solution to all the fashion problems low rise jeans created including:

  1. peek-a-boo undies
  2. The Plumber’s crack
  3. The Dreaded "Muffin Top"

Hip-T creators say the ‘tube’ has these benefits:

• Hip-T’scomfy and flattering—adds a layer without the layers
• Fits smoothly over jeans, pants or skirts.
• Protects against rear view exposure
• Easy to put on—just shimmy into it over your pants or skirt. Place over your hips and under top
• Has spandex so it adds some control

I am so curious about this garment I ordered one—they retail at $19.95 and I figure it’s worth the risk to try it out. I’ll definitely report back. Because, in spite of high waist pants’ being in vogue,  low rise jeans are here to stay and I for one do not want to continue to be its victim. If this hip-T can help me feel more confident in my jeans with these extra 10 pounds I’ve been carrying, I’ll be a happy fashionista.

Will definitely keep you posted.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

‘Carrieing’ down on the Runway

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Challenge: Design a high end sportswear look for the everyday American woman at a $40 price point for Sarah Jessica Parker’s Bitten  line. What? This was a tough challenge not only because designers had a measly $15 budget to work with, but also because they had to try to impress none other than fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker who can easily be confused with her larger than life alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw the fashion forward Manolo Blahnik wearing fashionista herself. How to compartmentalize the two? And how to design a low-end line for a high end fashion consumer cum Project Runway judge? It was confusing . Coupled with Parker’s  astute statement that “fashion should not be a luxury and price should not be a privilege,” as good as it sounded in theory, how could a would be designer execute against it?

I know for sure Christian (one of the winning 6 designers who had to pair with one of their peers) had NO idea what he was supposed to be doing with the 80’s inspired fitted jacket and snug jersey dress outfit he designed , that didn’t even look that great on the size 2 model who wore it far less a ‘real’ woman. Most of the designers seemed so star struck designing on behalf of Sarah Jessica Parker that in their heads they had to be thinking they were designing for her and not for the average American woman.

  Christian & Kevin’s retro design (yuk)

So what catwalked down the runway on Episode 2 was a mixed bag—high end wanna be looks with cheap fabrics on one hand and avant garde designs that had nothing to do with the Bitten consumer.  It was no surprise that Christian’s and Carmen’s design (vintage 80’s?) and the ill-fated medieval get-up designed by Marion and Steven were in the bottom two. Picking the winner must have been tough though. The outfit I really liked was Rami’s and Gillian’s. I loved that red peasant dress paired with boots and black belt. But I could see why Victorya and Kevin won because their design was definitely more fashionable and unique—that racer back vest? Genius!

 

Rami & Gillian’s and Victorya & Kevin’s designs

But I gotta say it was really cool seeing Sarah Jessica Parker as a guest judge. She as so thoughtful and sensitive with her comments to the emerging designers. You could see she felt awful bearing bad news especially to Christian who looked thoroughly PO’d by the whole business.  I read an interview with her sharing her experience on the show and she admitted having a really hard time being critical and potentially hurting contestants’ feelings or ambitions. She is obviously very much aware of the power of her words in a fashion context. She is genuinely such a nice person. Whether playing Carrie or herself I love them both!

But  I’m ready for some really creative and wearable designs on episode 3. I’m sure we’ll all be tuning in.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

Elan Image Management featured in in8you.com

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Dear Readers,

If you want to get the inside scoop on DC metro area fashion look no further than on the web at www.in8you.com. Founder Larissa Spruill is really passionate about promoting local design talent and highlighting all the happens’ in this emerging style city. Yes we agree that DC will never be a NY but slowly the city is developing its own unique fashion personality. And in8you is all about that and much more, including featuring hip new looks and trends from across the country and celebrity profiles. This is a site you’ll visit often. And, oh, when you stop by, be sure to check out my ’7 tips to revamp your image’  or click on the link: http://www.in8you.com/style-nov07/2007/11/20/fabulous-faces-natalie-jobity-style-expert.html

 

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management