Monthly Archives: May 2008

It’s all about Sex baby (and the city of course!)

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Readers,

No cast showcases beautiful women over 35, each with their own unique stellar signature style than the much missed series Sex and The City. Cashmere Mafia, Lipstick Jungle,  and other series have tried to copycat that formula and failed. SATC never disappointed and Sunday nights have never been the same since the series ended.  I am going to be among the many people who will be lined up to see the movie. Gossip Girl is decent for my fashionista TV fix , but really, can I really wear those teen inspired designer get ups? Ah no. At least with SATC I can dream. These are my cohorts after all. Now that the fab four are back, so is their unique and enviable style. I will be eating it up.

In celebration of the movie release, in this post I share my take on some of the styles shown in the movie. I know these pictures have been on every fashion blog since last year but I have waited until now to have my say. So without further ado, some of my favorite pics from the movie with short commentary.

First the ubiquitious group shot. I am loving Kim C in that red number –what a siren! And Cynthia looks lovely in her platinum dress–so girly and feminine.

Next up SJP, back as uber  fashionista and Vogue columnist Carrie Bradshaw. Here she sporrts her signature gigantic flower accent (this one really huge!) and some rockin gladiator sandals (which can be purchaeed online as we speak BTW). For Carrie it works. For real life, not so much.

I much prefer this green print ensemble. It’s unconventional but it totally works. She is mixing two green prints here but with the edgy black belt, shoes (and I think those are the same Dior sandals from above, no?) and funky ‘Eiffel Tower’ purse it’s a thumbs up for me.

A major scene in the movie is Carrie’s wedding. Here is a shot of her running  through the streets of Manhattan in a Vivienne Westwood wedding gown topped with a green feather-festooned veil. There has been much talk about the feather. Honestly I could do without it–Sarah has a long angular face and that feather sticking out of her head simply is not flattering, I don’t care how artistically inspired. The dress, jaw droppingingly beautiful  and I love the rose bouquet.

The bridesmaids? Charlotte shows off a dramatic  Zac Posen bridesmaid’s dress in black and looks fabulous!

Cynthia Nixon has never looked better—like a fine wine she looks more radiant and beautiful as she ages.  Her brilliant blue bridesmaid dress  (also a Zac Posen) makes her red hair ‘pop’ even more. She looks amazing.

Sam (Kim C) wears power red for her bridesmaid dress (but of course!), here seen before the shoot before she has time to change into her real shoes. Red is definitely a great hue on her.

I love Sam in primary colors. Only she can rock a yellow jacket with shoulder pads—very 80’s!

Or this white, haute and gold suit ensemble. Love the peplum cut of the jacket with the gold accessories. Sophisticated, fine, and sexy.

Prints and more print! in this photo. So fab! Cynthia’s bold black and white ensemble is smoking hot!! I gotta say she takes the spotlight in this shot. I love how her belt, shoes and handbag match and are neutral, the perfect backdrop for her bold print dress and red hair. Love it I have seen another shot of Carrie in that red dress (it is a bubble with a fitted skirt underneath!) and  all I can say is that it is a tad over the top—she is petite after all and there is only so much that can go on in one ensemble. Don’t like it. Charlotte looks pretty.

How did the gals bring it to their after party from the premiere in NY? All glitz and glam. I thought Sarah Jessica looked radiant in these photos–the right color, proportions and silhouette for her frame. Love it. She looks like the star and diva she is.After all, this is her movie! Can’t wait.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

The Long and Short of the Maxi

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Readers,

The maxi dress is en vogue but the jury is out on whether this dress trend has legs (pun intended). The style has been fully embraced by expectant celebs including Angelina Jolie, Gwen Stephanie and Jessica Alba which makes sense as it is an easy breezy summer style that pretty much covers and camouflages the body. One feature in the trend this season is that the maxis are usually in some type of print fabric whether floral, ikat or abstract which makes it all the better to camouflage a baby bump. But this benefit is the exact reason why I don’t think the trend will be popular by the majority of women. It simply isn’t cute enough, sexy enough or chic enough to draw throngs of shoppers. And unless you are of average height or taller and on the slim side, this design in a dress is quite unflattering.

I visited my local Bebe store lately and they were pushing the print maxi dress hard—it was prominently displayed in the store front and in the front real estate in the store. What was interesting is that as soon as I stepped in, a saleswoman pretty much pounced on me and said, ‘wow you’re so tall you’ll look great in one of these dresses.” I quickly dismissed the idea saying I really wasn’t lovin it and she still prodded, ‘what about this one or that one..’ until she pretty much pointed at every maxi dress in the window after my repeated protests that it was just not a style I liked. I must admit, it really got annoying.  Here are a couple of the ones I saw and picture this dress on the average size 10-12 woman.

 

My guess is that sales of the dresses are poor so they see a 6 foot, seemingly slim woman and they try to pawn it off knowing that it won’t flatter the average Jill. So I get it. But as much as I do like dresses, even long ones (and of course gowns!), and I totally rock a bohemian vibe when the mood strikes, I cannot get on board with  this fashion trend. If it is anything, it is bohemian and I’ll go so far as saying it is effortless. But maybe it’s the fact that it can easily look like more schlepy bohemian than sexy bohemian that bugs me. Or maybe it is seeing all the pregnant celebs in the dress—and while they look great—they’re pregnant, so minimizing any weight gain or a growing belly is always the order of the day. I am not dressing with this goal in mine and neither are my non-pregnant peers. I mean its summer and I don’t want to hide my legs I want to show them off! Why would I wear a floor sweeping dress during the day when I’m trying to be chic and pulled together as I go about my business of the day. It’s just not an intuitive choice nor really practical quite frankly. And unless it looks more like a gown than a day dress, (like this selection below) it really doesn’t quite work for evening wear.

 

Cyrus in a Roberto Cavalli dress that straddles evening gown and maxi dress

So my prediction? They will be grabbed by the trendy fashionistas (who must have EVERY trend of course), those who are  pregnant or  soon to be pregnant and completely ignored by the rest. Pregnant or not though, the best way to wear this look is the way the celebs do—with great accessories (bangles or earrings) and cute sandals so that you underscore the bohemian energy. And it won’t hurt to cinch the waist if you’re not pregnant to enhance your silhoutte like this ensemble from Bebe.

Here are some great maxi dress looks from the A listers.

Jolie in Nicole Miller and Richie in Diane Von Furstenburg

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management 

Your New Spring Fling? Summer Dresses

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Readers,

Designers seemed to have been struck by Cupid’s arrow as they looked for their muse’s for Spring 2008 fashions. Romance is in the air and it’s a full force gale! Perusing this season’s fashion you can’t help but yearn to bring out the lovely lady in you. “Feel like a Woman. Wear a dress”. So says designer of all things feline, Diane Von Furstenberg, and I could not agree more.

Flowers are a big theme this spring which jives with the romantic tone of the season. Large or small, bold or muted, in trim or as print, flowers are blossoming on every dress. Another big trend: citrusy bright colors. Did anyone see Victoria Beckham at the Project Runway Bryant park showing? She embraced her bold orange dress wholeheartedly and the result was authentic and ‘fierce’. She ‘worked it out’ with cool coordinating shoes to boot! Citrusy hues rule this season: tangerine, lemon yellow, cantaloupe, granny apple green. The infusion of such saturated color is invigorating on the wearer and are meant to be unabashedly bold and prominent. No shrinking violets please! Fashion tip: Don’t pair a spring bright with dark stockings—you will look like a ‘hot mess’ if you do.

The easy breezy loveliness of chiffon coupled with designs that use bows, ruffles or frill is another take on the feminine trend that is really hot this season. What woman does not want to radiate the ethereal mysteriousness that those design elements convey? Very Cate Blanchett in ‘Lord Of The Rings.’ 

This season is an exciting time to be a woman with designs that celebrate exuberance, flourish, romance, color and most of all the feminine spirit. Wohoo! Bring it on! In this spirit, it is hands down about the dress. So put a spring in your step with these lovely dresses of the season.

This season if you go floral you’ve got to bloom like you mean it. No shrinking violets here! Flowers on dresses this season are lavish and bold, like these pretty, print, floral dresses from Dolce & Gabbana and Shoshanna. 

D&G dress @ Neiman Marcus

Shoshana belted dress @ Neiman marcus

In  both, the flowers take center stage so keep accessories to a minimum but your make-up dramatic to compete for the attention.  Want a more demure take on the trend? Then this ‘pretty in pink’ floral lace trim dress by Lilly Pulitzer hits the mark.

Lily Pulitzer Bestsy lace trim dress @ Neiman Marcus

But honestly, why go demure when there are so many bold, colorful and statement making pieces to choose from?

Bright, ‘citrusy’ colors are everywhere this spring. This lemon yellow satin bodice dress with an olive-green African wax print full skirted bottom from emerging  DC designer L~Shandi is oh so girlie and on trend. The fab find packs many trends in one power punch: citrus hue, cinched waist, full skirt, puff sleeve, and ethnic/global. And so pretty, with just the right dose of sass to get your flirt on. You gotta love it!

L~Shandi satin/wax print dress @ www.Caramelfashion.com

This vibrant tangerine orange shirtdress from Kay Unger is another winner as is this hot pink number from Tadashi.

 

Kay Unger shirtdress @ Neiman Marcus

Tadashi Silk dance dress @ Bloomindales

Or this stunning purple silk dress from Ralph Lauren.

 

Ralph Lauren Black Label Nicolette Dress @ Ralph Lauen.com

Did you say you want bright? Then look no further than this very bright canary yellow ruffled dress from Tracey Reese. This hue is sure to stop traffic or lure a swarm of birds.

Tracey Reese scalloped slip dress @ eluxury.com

Bold, Dramatic, Daring are key words associated with this trend. The bright color trend is for the woman who commands attention and who is willing to commit to the color all the way.

Romance sure is in the air this spring. Accents such as bows, ruffles, lace and fabrics like floaty chiffon imbue this sentiment. This gorgeous silk chiffon ruffled gown in a floral print by Michael Kors is the epitome of this trend—all feminine, airy and romantic.

 

Michael Kors silk Monet floral Tiered gown @ Neiman Marcus

This classy LBD from Dior with its strategic bow at the neckline is a classic interpretation of the trend.

Dior Chiffon Bow dress @ Saks

For a more ethereal romantic appeal, this grey mini halter dress from Derek Lam has it all—the bow, ruffles, chiffon—so subtle yet so alluring.  You gotta feel it and revel in it.

Derek lam bow front mini @ net-a-porter.com

Also subtly sexy are sheer, flowy looks that are so cool (as in temperature) yet hot (as in sexy). Sheer fabrics are mysterious and can be alluring without being overtly sexy, like this ‘light as air’ silk mini from Roberto Cavalli in muted lilac. So soft, so carefree, so feminine.

 

Roberto Cavalli Lilac print mini @ Saks

The simple shift dresses that was so popular in the fall is still a strong trend this spring. Want to be a rebel with a cause? This militant inspired shift from Marc by Marc Jacobs is a creative twist on the trend. Part trench with it’s double breasted and belted front, this shift rocks a serious yet playful vibe. And because it is a mini it is still a head turner.

Marc Jacobs double breasted shift @ net-a-porter.com

For a more conventional shift, look to DKNY’s magenta shift with floral appliqué at the hem.

DKNY sleeveless shift @ Neiman Marcus

This season it really is all about the dress and the woman in all her glory. With all the variety in design, fabric, color and accents, every fashionista is sure to blossom in her favorite designs.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

What NOT to Wear on Your Summer Vacation

Posted on by
Reply

Hi folks,

So I’ve had two tropical vacays in the past few weeks giving me ample time to observe the dressing habits of vacationers to sunny locales. And I have to say, it’s not a very pretty sight! The things people wear on vacation! OMG do you think just because you are a tourist in South Florida or the Caribbean you have a license to strut around in your Hawaiian shirts? This is as cliched as fashion gets. Please people, you don’t want to be singled out as ‘the tourist’ on vacation do you? Because, trust me, it is not a compliment. Here are a few fashion Don’ts to bear in mind as you pack for your summer trips:

  •  A fanny pack is a dead giveaway (as in there goes a tourist!) and an unsightly accessory. Carry a nice straw bag or something else. There is just no place on the body that makes a fanny pack attractive.
  • Just as bad as the Hawaiian shirts are the 80′s inspired tie dyed T’s. This one is for guys. Guys, its REALLY not cool to rock a tie dye T shirt unless you’re gardening or something. Really!
  •  I hate to admit it but I do see vacationers wearing the dreaded combo: Birkenstocks and socks! This is not a good look. Socks paired with any type of sandal is a big DON’T. And Birkenstocks are very comfortable, yes I know, but unless you’re hiking or walking for miles can’t we don a pair of cuter sandals instead especially when wearing a dress or skirt? Birkenstocks are really meant for shorts ladies.
  • Speaking of shorts, this is another problem area. Ladies (and men) if you’re going to be walking around a beautiful island in shorts at least wear one that fits you in a flattering way. I see so many women wearing poorly fitting shorts. Shorts ARE hard to fit so choose and wear wisely.
  • Capris are another pet peeve of mine. There is a reason why fashion makeover shows call them ‘mommy pants’. They are comfortable yes, and cool in hot temps but on many women they are simply not flattering. Do you ever see runway models in capris? Capris essentially chop your leg up making it look shorter and unless you’re long legged, it is going to make you look squat. The only exceptions are ankle length capris which are long enough on most women to not commit the ‘shortening of the leg’ crime.  A smarter alternative in my opinion? A cute knee length skirt or even a skort. Or regular length  pants quite frankly.
  • Let’s face it. Not everyone looks like Hale Berry in a bikini. When ocean or poolside it is vital that you wear a bathing suit that flatters you. This means cut, color and fit. Tankini’s are a wonderful innovation in swimwear that more women need to take advantage of. Yes you want to tan and with a tankini you can do that and look great if you pick the right one to enhance your curves. Bikinis are meant for women with definable waists and flat stomachs which rules out 85% of the adult population. I am a big proponent of the tankini. There are also sexy one piece suits too that can camouflage and trim and even make you a size smaller. Yes a size smaller! So stop with the bikinis and find a suit in a cut AND color that makes you look great!
  • For men, I must address the Speedo issue. It is very difficult to take a grown man seriously in a Speedo who does not look like a male model. Guys, wear board shorts or regular swim trunks. Anything but those darned Speedos!! They are not cute! (unless you are young, trim or a male model).

So what to wear on a tropical vacation? For ladies, beautiful day dresses, cute skirts paired with even cuter tops, linen slacks and a breezy tunic or kimono top. For really casual days shorts or skorts are fine if they fit and flatter paired with a fitted T (the operative word here is fitted ladies. No baggy, big sleeved sloppy T’s for you!) There are options galore that have nothing to do with shorts and a baggy T shirt! For men, smart cargos with short sleeve shirts, or long linen pants with a nicer dress shirt. And guys can wear a great pair of shorts with a T as long as it’s not tie-dyed!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

In Celebration of Mothers!

Posted on by
Reply

Dear Readers,

I love the month of May. It marks the beginning of the summer season which means sunshine, flowers in full bloom, lots of time outdoors doing fun things and great skin baring fashion. Finally I can get rid of coats, scarves and socks and show off my orange pedicured feet and newly toned arms (I’ve been working 12 months on this people!) in cute and feminine flippy skirts or summer dresses which I own aplenty. And May is also the month we celebrate Mothers of course!

I want to take a moment to acknowledge and express my heartfelt gratitude to my own Mother for blessing me with the gifts of creativity, artistic flair, knowledge of fabrics and clothing construction and my strong fashion sense which serves me so well in my career as an image consultant. My Mother has many gifts but one that stands out is her natural artistic/creative talent. When I was a young girl I often watched her hurriedly create new outfits from scratch for this or that event and many times she had to alter or custom make my own clothing because of my unusual lengthy proportions. And she was always buying fabric with us in tow. My Mother still owns yards of fabric over 20 years old for that ‘one day’ when she will design the perfect outfit for it.

My Mom sews, is a gifted artist in her own right, designs beautiful floral arrangements, designs and makes wedding cakes, dabbles in needlepoint, leather craft and quilting, taught me how to crochet and tie dye clothing when I was a teen, built from scratch two ottomans that are in my home today, batiks and paints, and has experimented with almost every artistic craft known to woman. She has spent her many years in retirement continuing to create and enjoy the crafts that bring her pleasure. And it my experience of her doing all these things and my exposure through her to color, texture, line, print, construction, draping and being creatively resourceful that have made me primed for this career.  Thank you Mummy!

Happy Mother’s Day to all my women readers!

Natalie Jobity