The new look of the mini dress

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Natalie

Hello legs! If you haven’t noticed, ultra short minis are in style for summer. Both Beyonce and Alicia Keys wore versions at the BET awards on Sunday and other celebs have been spotted rocking the look lately. A few words of advice. If you’re going to show off that much leg your legs have to be in tip top shape! With these minis it is ALL about the legs. Second you have to find a silhouette that is flattering. When you are going that short you can’t have too much construction or detailing in your dress—the line has to be pretty simple for it to work. And the dress needs to have sleeves for balance. Third, be careful with layering a jacket over the dress because it can make you look top heavy. Fourth, to ensure your leg muscles are working overtime high heels are a must—they elongate the leg that much more and help them look sleeker. And finally, for ladies with full thighs you want to be really sure that hemline is not hitting you at your widest point—the effect will make your thighs look even wider!

I am going to critique a few celebs on their mini choices using few photos from www.instyle.com .

First up, Alicia Keys, who I think never looked better in this mini sheath dress from Jenny Packman. Its so short she can have worn the dress as a tunic and it would have been appropriate. And even though Keys has full thighs she looks fantastic—the dress drapes nicly over her curves, the beading detail gives her the glam factor and that curly hair balances her body so the overall effect is stunning. And I love that she wore nude tones shoes to keep her legs looking really long.

Beyonce also wore an ultra short printed mini for the BET awards. Not one to show that much leg in a dress (but with her new bare legged videos she has certainly gotten less modest) she looked edgier than usual. I wasn’t crazy about the print and I hated the green hoops which cheapened her look. On her I think the dress was a tad too short too—depending on the angle her thighs looked thicker than they needed to—see photo below. And it is SO short I wondered how she prevented peek-a -boo when seated? Beyonce has great legs but I don’t think this is a look she should replicate.

Leighten Meister sports a fab mini sheath dress from Thakoon. She looks young, fresh and lovely. Note again this is a print but with very simple construction. Just a draw string waist. And black strappy gladiators punctuate her look. Also note that all these dresses have ¾ length sleeves. If you’re showing a lot of one body part it is advisable to keep the rest covered so you don’t veer into trampy territory.

Bathing Suit Basics for all Bodies-part 2

Posted on June 24, 2009 by Natalie

Ladies, here is the much anticipated second installment of bathing suits for all bods. First, suits for the small busted woman.

Small breasts
There is hope small busted gals. The variety of push up padded bikini and tankini tops definitely help augment your bust line. Also look for tops with ruching or detailing in the top to give you more depth in that area. Avoid strapless swimsuits or those with high necklines which only emphasize your lack on top.

This bikini from Victoria’s Secret with the ruching on top is perfect for the small busted. The ruffles and texture from the varied ruching help add bulk where you need it the most.

This hot number gives you push up AND padding to maximize your breasts to their fullest potential. Trust me, these tops work. Get instant cleavage with a push up padded bikini bra top. Available @ Victoria’s Secret.

Here is a small bust Don’t. Kate Hudson, cute bod and all, is small busted and the bikini she sports here does nothing to augment her boobs–the tiny triangle emphasizes that she has none. She is as flat as a pancake on top–not too sexy. She could do WAY better.

Rectangle shapes
Women with few curves can create them in a couple of ways. One is looking at swimsuits with cut outs on the sides—there is a new silhouette called the monokini which is perfect for creating the illusion of curves. Another technique is looking for color blocking that creates curves. Or a cris cross design at the waist. Or even try for a belted hip.

The new monokini’s as they are called are great to create the illusion of curves which rectangular/boyish shapes need. The hallmark of a monokini is that it is a one piece but it shows so much skin especially around the waist it is almost a bikini. Personally I think it can be sexier for many shapes than a bikini. If you want curves, curves, curves then this style is perfect for you. Available @ Victoria’s Secret.

This number from Adidas is also great for boyish figures because the design also creates the illusion of more curve and indentation at the waist. If your tastes are more modest than the monokini suggests, then look for a design like this that works for your figure.

This suit from the Gap is a more modest version of the monokini. Very pretty colors, enough coverage for more modest tastes and still the cut outs at the sides to give a sexier silhouette. Love it!

Long Torsos
The Tankini is your friend! Love the tankini! And in the variety of styles those you with less than perfect 10 bodies for whom the bikini is not an option and neither in the one piece, the tankini my friend is for you!

Love this Tankini from Victoria’s Secret. Sexy cut, belted hip and playful print. Great for long torsos or those who are just not all that comfortable in a bikini or monokini but want the flexibility of two pieces. The tankini is a great look for plus sizes as well as it provides enough coverage once the tummy is not too pronouced.

This one piece from Nordstrom can be a great look for a long torso because of the deep plunge that draws the eye to the waist and the crisscrossing detail at the waist which breaks up some of the space in the torso. Sexy too!

Petites
Bikinis can be great for petite if you have the body to rock it. If going for one piece, look for one that shows more skin than not—cutout styles can make the torso look longer.

These two suits from Victoria’s Secret, works with the petite small figure–not too much distraction in print/fabric or construction. The monokini above will make a short torso look more elongated. Petites and plus sizes should avoid any suit with horizontal stripes or design.

Enjoy looking sexy and feeling great in your swimsuit this summer!

I highly recommend picking up a copy of my book: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Full of tips, advice and motivation to look great regardless of your size and empowering you to Flaunt It. The secret? Confidence (and a few handy insider secrets that I share).

Natalie Jobity, professional image consultant, AKA The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Visit my Facebook Community page for ongoing tips, giveaways, and links to even more great (free!) stuff!

Figure Flattering Swimsuits for ALL Figure Types: Part 1

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Natalie

Its that time of the year ladies! When we bare our bods and belt to the beach. A scary prospect for so many gals though. But I am here bringing good tidings!! Perhaps more than other seasons, this summer I truly believe there are options aplenty for all shapes, sizes and level of modesty. So without further ado—here are some suits suited for you!

Perfect bodies
For the 15% of real women who have ‘perfect 10’ bodies they can wear the full gamut of styles and for most the bikini will be a no-brainer. For women who fall into this category just be sure to choose a pattern and color that really enhances. Too often I see women with great bodies wearing bathing suits in a color that actually takes away from their great look. So perfect body or not, think of the colors that put you in the best light.

A great example of using color and print to enhance a great body!

This is a celeb wearing a poor fitting bikini in a color/print that makes her look washed up. Don’t let this be you!

Full in the hips/thighs
For women who have a pear (triangle) shape, minimizing the hips and often rear is the challenge. An easy strategy is to use color blocking—wear a darker color on your bottom and a brighter/lighter one on top. Another alternative, the skirted suit or tankini in a straight to slight a line silhouette (not flared!). Boy shorts provide coverage in the rear. Also bring as much attention to your top half by details, accents, design to detract from your larger bottom half. Avoid horizontal stripes on your bottom half!

This suit from Norma Kamali is perfect for a pear shaped woman. The ruching all over minimizes and hides bulges, the dark colored bottom balances her shape out and the sexy white top brings the eye above the waist. Moreover the straight skirted suit camoflages the larger hip/thigh.

For pear figures that are not too exaggerated, the gradated color blocking in this suit from Victoria’s Secret from light to dark will do the trick. I also love the necklace collar which draws the eye up and away from the wider bottom.

Tummy
For gals with a tummy step away from the bikini! Too often I see ladies with their little paunches all hanging out and honestly they can do so much better. For you, I highly recommend the minimizing one pieces. Or a one piece suit with ruching at the waist/tummy which is an excellent camouflager. Or a suit with a wrap over style to minimize bulges. A high waist retro styled bikini bottom with high spandex content can work wonders for the mid section. The key theme in whichever suit you choose is a high percentage of spandex to hold in bulges.

This red hot sexy very ruched one piece from Victoria’s Secret is just what the stylist orders for those with mid section bulges. Love it! And cool that you can pull the skirted part up or down depending on your coverage needs.

Not crazy about the color of this swimsuit from Bloomigdales but the construction and design is PERFECT to hide numerous figure flaws most notably the tummy or thick waist. The ruching in the middle and panelling on the sides is very strategic and figure enhancing. And the modest cut of the panty also works for those needing to minimize hip bulge!

This really mod high waist bottom is great for those with a tummy but a great figure otherwise. The graphic print also helps detract. Kate Perry is wearing for style not function but this would really work on a woman with a little poof in the middle.

Large busts
Women with large breasts really need proper support. Bikinis are fine once the top has the proper underwire support to keep the bust lifted. With one pieces, you absolutely want to look at a deep V neck or wide U scoop necklines which enhance your bust. To avoid like the plague? Little itsy bitsy tops or stringy halters that look at odds with your proportion and provide zero support. Also any top that adds bulk to your breasts.

This very pretty bikini has great underwire support for fuller busts–from Shoshana @ Bloomingdales.

This bikini from Victoria’s Secret is cute on the model but would not be so cute on a full busted woman. The ruffles add bulk she doesn’t need and the strapless bandeau dsign provides little support. A ‘Don’t’.

This halter one piece can be great on the full busted because the molded cups provide great support while the substantial straps of the halter match her proportions. Available @ Victoria’s Secret.

Look for the rest of this post later this week! Want more tips on how to flatter your unique body and proportions? I highly recommend picking up a copy of my book: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Full of tips, advice and motivation to look great regardless of your size and empowering you to Flaunt It. The secret? Confidence (and a few handy insider secrets that I share).

Natalie Jobity, professional image consultant, AKA The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Visit my Facebook Community page for ongoing tips, giveaways, and links to even more great (free!) stuff!

Elan Image Management on TV!

Posted on June 11, 2009 by Natalie

Even though it’s 6 weeks old I’ve finally uploaded my interview on ION Media Network’s Metro Magazine feature with host Tanya Dallas Lewis. I am very proud of this interview. The 20 minute segment highlights Elan Image Management’s mission and passion for empowering women: from the Mogul on the make to the Mom needing a remake.The interview shares my thoughts on the importance of image in influencing perceptions as we are constantly sending silent signals about ourselves based on our image. I share how I work with my clients, my target market and all the many services Elan Image Management offers. I loved talking about some of the women I see as great fashion influencers such as the First Lady, Michelle Obama who I do have a strong point of view about. So watch the video to hear about it!!

Thanks to Tanya and ION Media networks for giving me the opportunity to share with viewers what I do!

Video accessible here: www.elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-at-work/metromagazine.shtml Enjoy and do send me your feedback!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Ladies got their ‘(she)ic’ Tweaked on Sunday!

Posted on June 9, 2009 by Natalie

For women in attendance, Sunday June 7th, 2009 was their ‘(she)ic’ day to revamp, rejuvenate and recharge while supporting a great local cause. Thanks to all of you who came out to ‘Tweak your (she)ic’ Image & Beauty Lounge to help raise awareness and support Suited for Change! We hope you enjoyed your ‘My (she)ic has been Tweaked’ goodie bags!! And for all the MANY lucky woman who won door prizes, your smiles and delight said it all! Just a sampling…

Loudres a VIP guest who was one of first toi arrive and last to leave (and won TWO door prizes!). This one a beautiful necklace from Evelyn Brooks Designs. Yay Loudres!

Door prize giveaway of flowers from Darlene Proctor of part ystyle

This winner was SO happy to receive this stunning dress from L~Shandi designs!

My new friend Michelle winning a gift cert for a makeup application from Summark Faces

All the many other door prizes from generous donors

All the ‘Tweakers “ at the event were wonderful (more pics on them in an upcoming post!) so women left feeling pampered, polished, beautiful and empowered:

Wardrobe, Styling and Fashion Trends: Élan Image Management
Bra fittings and lingerie advice: Coup de Foudre Lingerie
Skincare & facial massage: Be You Bi Yu Spa
Mini mani/pedis and nail care: Nail Taxi
Hair styling, brows & lashes : PR at Partners, Metro center
Seated Massages: Lunar Massage DC
Makeup application and consult: Summark Faces
Custom Clothier: The Marilyn Johnson Sewing & Design Studio
Relationship Life Coach: Heartmind Connection
Personal Training: Jajuan Reed
And our Glamor Shot Guru Chrystopher Robinson: Chrystopher Robinson Photography

Event sponsor Elan Image Management

Group of happy ladies!

Ladies taking a moment with their ‘Tweak’ SWAGs!

Elan Image Management station manned superbly by Monifa and Kimberly (not in photo)

More happy ladies!

Ladies checking out Glamor shot station

Natalie (Elan) with Tyna director of Suited for Change

Natalie styling a client for her glamor shot!

Natalie consulting with a client at her booth

Glamor shots were a hit!
Chrystopher Robinson–photographer extraordinaire, was the professional on-site Glamor Shot photographer stationed near the entrance against the event back wall to take glamor shots. Chrystopher was phenomenal, getting ladies to smile and making them feel at ease in their photos and even lending a hand styling them. And boy did ladies get glammed!! This was their moment to shine and get styled professionally by Natalie (President, Elan Image Management and event sponsor) or take an ‘after’ shot after they had visited all the beauty stations at the event. Either way all the ladies looked gorg! We had props aplenty on hand to ‘(she)ic’ everyone up. Even better women got to take their photos home with them-that’s right, instant gratification!

A Glamor shot photo after styling by moi–love this photo!

Another Glamor shot after being accessorized by me and polished by other "Tweakers"

Accessory Swap rocked!
We all have those accessories that we bought on impulse or that were given to us as gifts that we know we will never use. So with the Accessory Swap ladies got to trade them in for items they liked better! This activity was meant to be fun and fruitful and what a treat! Guests left adorned with lovely accessories they snagged–The axiom, one woman’s trash is another one’s treasure’ definitely ruled. Any accessories not swapped at the end of the event were donated to Suited for Change.

Diann & Joan manning accessory swap table

Thanks to Pronto Image for taking photos of the event and On Tap for swinging by and snapping a few..

And a heartfelt thanks to all my Super Awesome volunteers who I cannot thank enough: Monifa, Kimberly, Darlene, Terri, Dejha, Diann, Joan and Jessica. Thank you ladies for your amazing support! I could not have done this without you! And thanks to my Mom, my sister Leisel and friends Lara, Maurice and Larry who could not physically be there but were absolutely there in spirit and all throughout the process.