Monthly Archives: November 2011

Thanksgiving Wardrobe Tips

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Thanksgiving is right around the corner. And whether you’re inviting company to your home or visiting friends and family, you want to be sure you look great—especially when it is the perfect occasion for a photo opp! Here are 6 tips to ensure your wardrobe is on point on this special day.

1. You want to make sure that you’re dressed appropriately for the company you’re with. So for example if you’ve visiting with your significant other’s family, it’s probably best to err on the side of modesty and try a look that is classic and timeless. Pair a sweater or cardigan and shirt with a wool blend skirt (or sweater dress) and tights for a look that will ensure everyone falls in love with you. Add a scarf in a fab color for instant oomph.

Knit dress with leggings and scarf

2. Comfort is important. Especially so when you’ve eaten way more than you needed to and are apt to feel bloated. If your chosen look requires that you have a flat stomach you may want to think about an alternative. Tight fitting jeans—probably not the best idea. Instead why not pair leggings with an interesting tunic top (embellished perhaps?) and a sporty boyfriend jacket or sweater coat. You will be comfortable, stylish and have enough room for any extra belly bulge not to show. This outfit from Banana Republic may do the trick.

Tunic and legging combo

3. Hanging out with your friends and want a more fashionable look? Consider a knit dress or tunic length sweater in an easy drape and a color that makes you look amazing and pair with tights and hip boots to keep your look modern.

4. If your crowd is a bit more upscale you may amp up your sophistication factor by opting for a great tailored jacket with pizzazz paired with a great pair of slacks and killer bling. Consider a great pair of shoulder duster earrings or a fabulous necklace. Skip the arm candy for another occasion.

Look smart in tailored jacket and slacks

 

5. Walk with an extra layer as you can’t be sure if you’ll be too hot or cold. I love a colorful scarf or wrap for exactly that purpose.

Be casual and comfortable yet polished

6. If you’re going to be helping with the food preparations you need to have on hand comfortable shoes. Ballet flats are a winner as are flat riding boots. Sorry, no sneakers please!

All outfits are available at banana republic. Have a comment? I’d love to hear from you.

Natalie Jobity, Image Consultant and President Elan Image Management. Author: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It

Insider stylist secrets for dressing your body

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One of my goals when I work with women is to help them embrace their body and learn how to work with it rather than fight with it. As my yoga teacher says, if you treat your own body like you did your best friend, you’d be much kinder to it. Think of it; would you call your best friend names? Treat her badly? Not show her compassion? Not love her for who she is?

It is the same with your body. Treat it kindly and compassionately and lovingly–even the parts you wished were different. And for the latter, here are a few insider stylist’s secrets to help minimize those more challenging body parts.

  • Minimizing a tummy bulge A dress or top with strategic ruching is great if the ruching is diagonal and near the tummy area. A surplice wrap top with a V neck is very flattering for women with tummy issues. Also embrace shapewear! Patterns can also distract from the tummy area if they are well spaced and placed
  • Heavy thighs/full hips A full leg trouser style pant WITHOUT side pockets is most flattering pant. If it has a vertical seam detail that is even better. A line skirts and dresses with vertical seaming also ‘break up’ the width and make her thighs disappear. A great secret to really disguise thighs is wearing a long topper jacket open –this essentially hides the whole hip/thigh area and makes the woman look taller and leaner. She can combine a topper in a bright fun col0r and print and go monochromatic inside for a really slimming, chic look.
  • Look taller and leaner by:
      • Wearing a bra that lifts and supports. Takes off 10 pounds and 10 years. You essentially open up the torso area so the woman looks more elongated, and more poised.
      • Stand up straight! Pretty basic but you’ll be surprised how many women slouch and add pounds to their mid section by so doing
      • Monochromatic looks will always be elongating. This does not mean black but any dark color will have this effect—brown, charcoal grey, navy.
      • Look for vertical details—like pinstripes, vertical seams, patterns that run vertically. Avoid any design element that chops your body up—this includes cropped or capri pants, horizontal lines or prints in pants skirts, or overly wide belts at the waist

I’ll be sharing more tips in an upcoming post!

Natalie Jobity AKA The Image Diva. Author: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Follow me on Facebook for more tips everyday!