Monthly Archives: April 2011

Elan Image Management, in Cinematique! Film Inspired Fashion sponsored by The Art Institute of Washington

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I was delighted to participate in the Cinematique (film inspired fashion) gallery exhibit, presented by the Art Institute of Washington, created to help celebrate female film fashion icons by creating a contemporary look inspired by one of their iconic style scene stealers.  Stylists chose classic film icons like Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady to more recent stars like Angelina Jolie in Salt, providing a diverse and eclectic perspective of fashion in film.

All exhibits were displayed on dress forms with associated accessories and props with posters and profiles of the film and leading lady and a bio of the stylist/designer’s inspiration  prominently displayed on each wall. The presentation is superb and views like any museum class exhibit. I only wished there was more space to feature even more designs.

Natalie Portman/ Black Swan

As the most experienced professional stylist participating in the exhibit I created two looks:  The first from perhaps one of the most leading film fashion icons of all time, Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey as  Holly is the epitome of classic elegance. I played with the idea of using the many black dresses she wears in the film as my muse. But instead of an LBD I wanted to do two pieces, a skirt and a top that gives the illusion of one piece. I also wanted to make it more dramatic while still keeping it sophisticated by playing with the idea of varying textures.

Audrey Hepburn/ Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management

The top here is intricate, with a ribbed texture and a peplum like silhouette that upps the glam factor. The skirt is a pencil skirt with a fluted back and  I styled the outfit with the skirt worn reversed so there was more drama in the front . Again there is the play on texture, this time with an African lace fabric. The skirt is a collaborative creation by L~Shandi (a local designer who uses African lace as her signature) and I and the reversible skirt idea was birthed from dressing ‘Holly’ for this exhibit. This ensemble is a more modern silhouette that still pays homage to Holly’s style, while making her more obviously alluring. The texture adds creativity and drama to the look, in keeping with Holly’s character. The texture also reinterprets the pairing of black on black, but the look is still sleek and upscale. Accessories add panache and also remind us how much Holly loved her pearls.

One of my favorite exhibits was Foxy Brown in the movie by the same name. This outfit was styled by a faculty member and it is simply fabulous. Mod print in an empire waisted floor length jump suit is SO now and reflects perfectly the sensibilities of the Diva that was Foxy Brown. We all wanted to grab that jumpsuit off the mannequin!

Foxy Brown/Foxy Brown

Another stylist created a very girly/edgy version of Uma Thurma in Kill Bill. She chose to take creative license and styled a ballerina inspired dress (Tulle and all) with a belt with a real sword in a holster. So the ultimate in femme fatale—dangerously girly and completely unexpected. Dressed to kill is an understatement!

Uma Thurma/ Kill Bill

 

My second exhibit is inspired by one of my favorite movies of all time, The Sound  of Music with Julie Andrews as Maria. My inspiration for my ensemble is the heartwarming scene where Maria and the kids are out and about and she is teaching them to sing ‘Doe Ray Me’. She is shown wearing jumpers and full skirts of varying lengths in many of the outfits from this scene, and she is appropriately casual yet still so ladylike.

Julie Andrews / Sound of Music as styled by Elan Image Management

I wanted to update Maria and dress her in a casual, fun ensemble with the same sensibilities. My foundation garment is a pretty, polka dot, brown and white skirt with embroidery and eyelets at the hemline.  I paired the skirt with a fitted brown cotton/Lycra top and a white blouse, so the outfit had the feel of a jumper without being one. The blouse plays to the romantic sensibilities while the sleek top gives off a slightly alluring vibe—just enough, because after all, she is a former nun.  The straw hat and bag are well appointed to give her a polished, yet still effortlessly casual look. This is Maria, but a modern Maria, dancing and singing in the park with the kids, all girlish and coquettish…in 2011.

Natalie Jobity’s wall in Cinematique

The Cinematique gallery exhibit, presented by the Art Institute of Washington and organized by Tanisa Sharif, held its opening reception on Thursday April 21st showcasing the styling and design work of professionals, up and comers, faculty and students .  The small but very impressive exhibit will run through May 28th at Gallery 1820 at The Art Institute of Washington and is a must see for fashion and film lovers alike.

Natalie Jobity in front of Cinematique entrance

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, professional image consultant

Dress to impress: 5 tips to dressing like a winner

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We’ve all heard the phrase “dress to impress” but when you get to the nitty gritty what does it really mean? Dressing to impress is more than just the clothes you wear. It is your total image presentation, including your clothing, how you accessorize, how groomed you are, your poise and posture, non verbal cues, and more. Because research has proven that people make first impression judgments about us primarily based on how we look, the “dressing” part of dressing for success is very critical.

Dress like a winner and you’ll find that the way the rest of the world interacts with you will change for the better. So how does a winner dress? Here are five tips.

 

  1. 1. They own their signature style. Your style is an integral part of who you are—it is your personal stamp. A woman of style has a particular way they carry themselves–it stems from confidence but its more than just that. It’s perhaps the ultimate physical manifestation of their self expression.
  2. 2. They understand the benefits of investing in high quality clothing. High quality is not mean the same thing as “expensive” or designer brands. You can find quality clothing at many price points. But the common denominator is that the clothing is manufactured well, holds up to multiple washings and wears well over time. Moreover it fits well because it is made with better fabrication and attention to detail.
  3. 3. They ensure their clothing fits them impeccably whether they are wearing a suit or a sheath dress. Have your clothing altered by professionals as needed or pay attention to the designers and brands that work well for your figure and proportions. When your clothing fits you well you feel better in it and are able to exude mire confidence.
  4. 4. They pay attention to the accent pieces that impact their image and make them a stand out. Accent pieces are like the bow around the wrapping of a present—it makes the gift look more pleasing to the eye, more polished. It is the same with your ensembles. Accents your shoes, handbag, jewelry and scarves punctuate your look and takes your image up several notches.
  5. 5. They look fabulous regardless of the occasion and know that the way they dress speaks loudly about the type of woman they are. They choose classic or timeless designs. They don’t follow fashion trends but instead invest in clothing uniquely appointed to reinforce their style, lifestyle and preferences. In many cases they are the type of women we all look up to and admire.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, an image consulting firm

Flaunting It with the Image Diva Blog Turns 4 Years Old

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Time sure does fly!

I started this blog three years ago to get me in the habit of writing consistently. As an added benefit, I discovered it was a great way to share tips, advice and resources to my clients and visitors of my web site. That added benefit is perhaps the main reason I continue to blog. I am SO inspired by ways I can educate, inform and empower through my posts. But perhaps even more profoundly, my book "Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style" was written ‘almost’ effortlessly because I had such great content I’d written over the years in this very blog that I could use as muse. It’s been awesome.

 

Over the years I’ve written posts about dressing to flatter your figure, the impact of color, accessorizing with ease, wardrobe do’s and dont’s, new fashion trends, celebrity red carpet critques, great brands I love, how to wear/what to wear almost every item of clothing for women, dressing to impress, professional presence, expressing your unique style, style deal breakers, dressing the pregnant body fabulously–I can go on and on. I’ve covered so much ground in three years that this Elan Blog truly is a go to resource for women seeking to enhance their style, image, fashion sense and wardrobes while staying true to themselves. It’s been a privilege sharing with you!

 

My goal this year is to raise the bar higher. To share more real  life transformation stories with readers and to provide even more advice that can truly impact the way you look and the way you feel about how you look. I started blogging before many fashion bloggers and in the beginning I was REALLY on a roll. The frequency of my blog posts have slowed down in the past year but not my passion for my work as an image consultant. There is so much I want to share with you about being the brilliant, magnificent light you already are. My mission will be to continue to elevate women the world over by empowering them to show up as ‘their highest, finest vision of themselves’ as stated in my new book. Look for more ‘yes you can!’ types of posts in the months to come.

Thank you for your continued support! It is because of you I get to live my passion and leave my fingerprint on this earth.

Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva, President Elan Image Management, an image consulting firm

 

 

Natalie Jobity’s Joins College World Reporter with Fashion Statements Column

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Little Rock, AR – January 11, 2011 – The College World Reporter (CWR) is proud to announce the addition of fashion expert and certified (AICI) image consultant, Ms. Natalie Jobity, to our team of professional writer advisors.  Ms. Jobity will assume the responsibility for writing our CWR Fashion Statements column.

Ms. Jobity is president of Élan Image Management and founder of "Mission 1 Million Makeovers: Change Your Image, Transform Your Life," and she is a sought after image consultant based in the Washington, DC metro area who provides services to both women and men nationwide.  She is also the author of Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. 

Natalie conducts workshops and seminars on a variety of image topics for organizations, companies, women’s groups, teens, and college students, including ‘Dress for Success’ seminars and workshops. Ms. Jobity works with young women and men individually to coach them on how to dress to achieve their highest image potential which facilitates their future success.

"As America’s premier online student empowerment and career transitional magazine, The College World Reporter has the responsibility to help readers understand the importance of dressing appropriately in today’s highly competitive marketplace. The addition of a quintessential fashion expert and image consultant such as Natalie Jobity provides our readers with a resource that we feel is unequaled in the industry," said CWR publisher Donell Edwards.

Natalie is a graduate of Rutgers University (B.S. in Accounting and Economics), Cambridge University (Masters in Finance), and City University of New York-Baruch College (MBA in Marketing).

Edwards says "Anyone with an interest in learning how to improve their skills in dressing professionally will benefit greatly from reading CWR Fashion Statements and learning from Natalie ."

For more information contact The College World Reporter at TheCWR@CWRMagOnline.

About The College World Reporter:  The College World Reporter (CWR) is the premier online student empowerment  and career transitional magazine in America.  The magazine provides information and expert advice to students and all readers, and also has a number of outstanding student reporters in many foreign countries who participate in the magazine’s Virtual Cultural XChange (VCX) Program.  The magazine is at the forefront of a growing student empowerment movement and is evolving into a full fledged student empowerment organization.