Monthly Archives: December 2007

Jewels for Hair

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Break in the New Year with hair adornments that give a nod to old world glamour. Using hair as a backdrop for bejeweled and unique accents (as seen in the hit movie ‘Atonement’)  highlight this burgeoning trend. Crystals are an affordable way to wear hair jewels without spending a fortune. Like this pretty headband made of crystals from Swarovski—a look oh so restrainedly regal.


One caution: To successfully wear bejeweled  hair accessories, they need to be used as an accent, otherwise you risk looking like you’re trying to be royalty or worse, a beauty queen (No tiaras please!) This pretty pin  also from Swarovski is effective and would look stunning on an updo, for that special occasion.

 

Hair accessories can be couture, if you find a unique, signature piece like this gorgeous gold lattice hairpin from designer Colette Malouf who creates works of art in gold and silver and other semi precious gems. Check them out at http://colettemalouf.com/collections_4/main.html

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

False eyelashes—a Diva’s secret makeup weapon

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We’ve all seen them. Those celebs with the Bambie eyes, posing demurely for the paparazzi. What’s their secret? Falsies! As in fake eyelashes. When professionally done using human hair, the effect is stunning and we are all left wondering how starlet so and so always manages to look so darn gorgeous.

Well you don’t have to be in the limelight to get the same look. And it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either. Drug stores are filled with fake eyelash options, most under $10 and of decent quality, especially if you opt for human hair. Ardell is a popular brand and one I use myself. They come in short, medium or long and in different colors to. All you have to do is experiment with applying them yourself, which does take practice.

If you want to splurge, you can opt to have lash extensions professionally applied. The cost is generally around $250 -$350 and they last at least a month. Totally worth it if you have a special event or need to be in the public eye often. Stars like Beyonce, Drew, Scarlett, and Tyra Banks are typically shot adorned with lash extensions—in fact, chances are if a celeb is on the cover of a magazine, she’s  wearing fake lashes.

Once you’ve seen how amazing your eyes look with some help you’ll be addicted. I highly recommend false eyelashes to revamp your makeup and ensure you are the star in your own life.

Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management

Happy Holidays

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Dear Readers,

Have a fantastic and ridiculously fabulous holiday!!

A few tips to glam up your look during your holiday festivities:

o Gold is a great color for a festive and bright look. But the more your dress sparkles the more you need to downplay your jewelry.  When wearing a glitzy dress, less is more.
o Otherwise, sparkly and shiny jewelry, whether diamonds, gold or semi precious stones are a must. Earrings and necklaces draw the eye to the face and are very important additions that can have a great impact. Chandelier type earrings and choker style necklaces will instantly raise your outfit up a notch. Multilayered chains are very fresh this year.
o Sequins, beading, or satin in accessories such as belts, scarves, purses, headbands, shoes, can add instant ‘oomph’. But don’t color match accessories to your holiday outfit—you want to avoid looking ‘overdone’.
o Makeup—Red lips are always in vogue and also add more interest to the face. Gold or shimmery eye shadow also adds extra punch and ensures your face remains the focal point.
o Spice up a basic black dress with lacey stockings and show stopping shoes.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

On Aging Gracefully

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Dear Readers,

I believe in aging gracefully. And I believe that a woman can actually look more attractive as she ages. How do I know that? Because I’m living proof of it! The older I get the younger I feel and the better I look because I’m ‘glowing’ from the inside out. Yes, that’s right, I’m glowing. Why? Because I am contented with my life, I have the wisdom that comes from life experiences, I am taking better care of my body than I ever have (this year I joined a gym for the first time in my life and seeing my body harden and tighten is such an ego boost!), and I walk tall and proud and self possessed because I know who I am and I own that woman. I can own her because I accept her and love her. This takes time, but as I have found, the more you continue to work on yourself the more momentum you continue to build and before you know it, voila, you are a changed person.

I am happy! In less than two days I will be a year older. And am I scared and wishing the hands of time will rewind? Hell no! I’m thinking, bring it on! Natalie can do this, she can age and get betterer and betterer (to quote Tyler Perry), like fine wine. I will be celebrating my birthday and filled with excitement about the amazing possibilities that are sure to open in my life in 2008.

Ladies and gentleman, we don’t have to fight growing older kicking and screaming along the way. We can choose to accept this unchangeable aspect of life and work on continuous self improvement. And learn and grow from our life experiences so that we become better people on the inside. That is the beauty of aging—you have all these years of experience under your belt and hopefully you become ‘seasoned’ and can transcend the old mistakes of the past and keep trekking forward. It’s the journey of life—that forward momentum. Don’t let yourself get stuck. Use your years to your advantage.

I have always loved my birthday. But this year it will be extra special because I just had a year of exponential growth. Yeah, I’m moving forward alright, and there just ain’t no stopping this babe! And yes, if it seems like I’m looking younger than ever, that’s cause I’m glowing.

  Me glowing this Summer

Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management

Maximize your Personal Brand

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On November 30th, Elan Image Management presented a seminar titled, "Maximize your Personal Brand: Working your Image for Maximum Impact" to a group of independent market researchers who are members of the DC chapter of QRCA (Qualitative Research Consultants Association). The two and a half hour seminar was fun, informative and interactive. It was a pleasure presenting to this particular group becuse I could relate to them so well–having been a  market researcher for 15+ years myself. I understand the industry and the particular challenges they face as independent research consultants.

Audrey Burke  President of the DC chapter and President of Burke consulting Group, chaired the meeting.

 Me with Audrey Burke, DC Chapter President

Maritza Mattheus founder of Matheus Marketing took notes. Here is her summary of my presentation which is also accessible on their website www.qrca.org.

As a QRC, have you ever given thought to what your “professional presence” quotient is? I am not qualified to tell you what your quotient is, but here are a few questions presented by certified image consultant Natalie Jobity to the Washington, DC, chapter members in November. The accuracy of your answers may provide you insights on your professional presence awareness.

True or False
1. The person you most want to honor is always mentioned first in an introduction.
2. Taking notes at a meeting is rude because you must break eye contact to do it.
3. Recapping information for latecomers is the considerate thing to do.
4. At a meeting, make eye contact with each person until you have determined the color of their eyes.
5. The only time to privately call attention to someone’s appearance or mistake is when they can do something about it.

Answers:
1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True

First impressions are lasting impressions. In fact, it only takes 60 seconds to form an impression and the work required to change that impression is enormous. So take time now to assess your appearance and your objectives on how you would like to be perceived. In order to enhance your image, just like corporations conduct a corporate branding analysis, conduct your own personal brand analysis and strategize on how best to achieve that personal brand. Image is important and it is a fact that cannot be ignored.

According to Natalie, “a strong, purposeful appearance is the hallmark of an effective image presence.” Below is a summary of the 12 steps Natalie presented to immediately enhance your image.
1. Pay attention to the way you look, from your hair down to your shoes.
2. How is your posture? Good posture can take 10 pounds off your appearance.
3. Use accessories, from jewelry to belts to glasses.
4. Pay attention to your undergarments – if you don’t feel comfortable with your “innerwear,” you won’t feel comfortable in your clothes.
5. Say your “thank you’s,” “good morning’s,” “please’s” whenever warranted. Image can be undermined if one is perceived as rude.
6. Don’t be afraid of color. Color has so much power and many people don’t use color to their advantage.
7. When shaking hands, make sure your grip is firm and you make eye contact upon shaking.
8. Pay attention to details. Tags that show on accessories or clothing look sloppy, as do missing buttons and ripped seams.
9. Try new clothes, new accessories and new colors.
10. Have fashion-fun days. Spend time “playing” with the clothes you currently own. See what new looks and new combinations you can create.
11. Know your body and accept its shape. Get rid of clothes in your closet that no longer serve you.
12. Natalie’s special tip: make sure the presence you communicate has a presence.

If you are not sure about your professional (or social) presence, Natalie can help. She has over 15 years of experience in marketing research, most recently working as a VP of research in the financial services sector for Harris Interactive. Coupled with her styling and image training, Natalie assists clients in enhancing their images. For more information, contact Natalie at www.Elanimagemanagement.com.