What To Wear: New Trends in Slacks You Too can Flaunt

Posted on April 27, 2012 by Jennifer & Natalie

We’ve been blogging a lot about tops and dresses for spring so we wanted to focus this post on stylish pants for the season. Black slacks are one of Elan’s key “wardrobe backbone” items and we’re sure most of you own at least one great pair if you’ve been following our posts for a while. But we don’t want you to stop there! Luckily this spring pants are getting a little more attention as bold hues and even prints are showing up in style.

We’ve already blogged about the Colored Denim Trend which is really the dominant pant trend this year.With our tips here you’ll find more ways to rock the latest trends with ease.

For Spring in the office an ankle length pant is a must. It can be worn with your favorite pumps just as easily as with your flats. This style is also an easy place to insert color. Look for styles with a slim cut but not too fitted for a sleek look appropriate for a work day. You all know how much Natalie dislikes calf length capris, (you can listen to her interview on Amy Tobin radio on this very point!) so she is simply in love with this new cropped, but infinitely more figure flattering silhouette.

On the opposite side of more fitted ankle length trousers are wide leg pants. But wide this season really means more full-legged versus palazzo so more women can feel comfortable flaunting this look. For summer this trend feels light and fresh in all white. Just check to make sure the pant is not see through. This is one style you’ll probably prefer to wear lined during the summer. This Balmain style is also quite nice in a pastel shade that’s simultaneously trending this season.

Here is The Image Diva, herself, Flaunting her favorite ivory wide-legged slacks, which she uses to make the red of her sassy jacket pop even more. Light colored slacks this time of year makes all your tops/jackets the front-runners ans gives your overall look a fresh and lively one.

Printed Pants Work to Play by fortheloveofblueshoes featuring flat shoes

Printed pants may seem daunting, but as you can see they can go from the office to a weekend shopping so easily. The best tip is to accessorize with neutrals. They help ground the patterned design and pull your whole look together. We added a white blazer to make the look is more professional. On the weekend an easy fashion tee makes getting ready a breeze. When pairing up tops pick one of the lightest or darkest shades instead of the pop color in the pants for a sophisticated look.

The print pant is not for everyone, but if you want to make a statement, this is definitely a fun way to do it. We like how Jessica Biel rocks a monochromatic print pant in a casual ensemble. This is an easy look to replicate and it may make the idea of wearing a print pant less anxiety provoking. Prints can be ‘loud’ or understated. Choose your look based on your style persona.

Now you have three new pant styles to try for Spring! So go wake up your wardrobe with a pop of color, a new slim ankle length or print in your trousers.

For more tips to help you find stylish and well fitting trousers check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Be sure to read Chapter 6 on your Wardrobe’s Backbone.It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

Transition your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring with Ease

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Jennifer & Natalie

Those few weeks in-between seasons can be the toughest to dress for. You’re always too hot or too cold. Add in your office temperature, which will probably be the exact opposite of the temperature outside, and your outfit will feel doomed before you even put it on. We’ve got a few pieces we think will make this transition a little easier.

Of course lightweight scarves are a no-brainer this time of year. Check out our post a month ago on Layering With Scarves for ideas.

For comfort on top go for layers. Cardigans will be your best friend this time of year. We especially love short sleeve styles. They give you an extra layer of warmth that isn’t to heavy if the temps rise midday. You can easily style a cardigan over a bold print or simple cami to work it into your wardrobe. For everyday layering, select a classic style like this Caslon® V-Neck Elbow Sleeve Cardigan. We found it at Nordstrom in 13 different colors! To get that pop of color everyone wants this time of year, a colorblocked cardigan is the way to go. We love the mix of pink and orange on the hem of this style from Lauren Hansen.

We would say it’s safe to pack away the heavier wool and fully lined pants, though you probably don’t need to pull out capris just yet. Summer weight wool is perfect for this time of year. This pair of black trousers from Banana Republic is a nice option for the office. They are made of a light weight wool and elastine blend, sit at the waist with a classic mid rise, and are a straight leg. The perfect pair of black trousers can make your wardrobe transition.

For days with a nip in the year you may want to pair your slacks with a trench. Check out Our Favorite Trench Styles of the Season in this past post.

Shoes are also tricky. You’re ready to pull out the open toes, but then your feet are freezing. Try a peep toe pump instead. You can show off your pedicure without exposing your entire foot. Nine West Flute Peep Toe Pumps look great for spring with light canvas and tan piping. These can easily be worn with trousers, skirts, and dresses all season long. We also really like these Movit Pumps to wear with those black pants.

Never underestimate what a pop of color can do to your wardrobe. Even a long sleeve blouse can instantly feel summery with a bold print. This yellow stripe is versatile enough to be worn with jeans on the weekend and grey trousers during the work week. Floral poppies from DVF provide the ultimate spring palette. Always have a lightweight jacket on hand to layer on top this time of year.Either of these shirts can be paired with a jacket, for warmth or extra formality. Choose a grey or tan jacket for optimal versatility. For more ideas, read our post on Layering with a Jacket.

It only takes a few strategic layering pieces and the right basics to transition your pieces between seasons. Don’t be afraid to embrace color to help with the transition. We’d love to hear your ideas as well!

For more tips to help you style your summer, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

Earth Day Cash Giveaway is Here!

Posted on April 20, 2012 by Elan

Earth Day Cash Giveaway

Welcome to the EARTH DAY CASH GIVEAWAY hosted by MamaNYC! Flaunting It With The Image Diva has teamed up with a fab group of bloggers to bring you another terrific cash prize! One lucky winner is going to receive (Drumroll!) $500.00 PayPal CASH! Yes, just be entering you may get to take away $500 cash that you can use to Flaunt It this Spring by updating you clothes, accessories, makeup, hairstyle. You just have to enter for your shot!

The giveaway will run from April 20-30, 2012 and open to residents WORLDWIDE, 18+! All entries are optional… but the more entries you complete — the higher your chances will be to win this prize! Winner must have a PayPal account in order to claim this cash prize.

This giveaway will end on April 30, 2012 @ 11:59PM (EST). Winner will have 48 hours to confirm winnings or the prize will be forfeited and a new winner will be selected.

Enter the giveaway in the Rafflecopter form below. If you have any problems with the form just REFRESH the page by right clicking and using “Reload“. You can always contact support@mamanyc.net if you have any questions or issues.

Good Luck & Have Fun!

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What to Wear to a Spring Wedding? Your Personal Shopper Has Ideas

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Jennifer & Natalie

Wedding season has commenced and will be in full swing before you know it. With June being the biggest month for nuptial bashes, you might as well start planning your summer wedding wardrobe now.

Luckily this is the season for the feminine floral dresses. They are perfect for day and afternoon weddings. Plus they can even make an appearance at those lovely bridal showers. If you prefer to keep your arms covered, a long-sleeve dress like this floral wrap number from Maggy London is simply fabulous. The draping, length and bold floral print are perfect for virtually any figure type. Stick with the neutral heels and demure jewelry to keep it all about the dress. Nic + Zoe Blue Blossom dress simply blooms in a mix of aqua flowers. With a simpler silhouette like this, a bold statement necklace or cuff bracelet wouldn’t be out of the question.

If you’re planning to attend an evening wedding, you may want to splurge and glam it up a touch more in a long gown. Something like this Roberto Cavalli Geometric Print Gown still showcases bold print. This is a statement-making gown that is quite sophisticated for evening, even in jersey fabric. With a simple updo and diamond stud earrings, there is something very glamorous about this look for an evening wedding.

Want something more classic for evening but still on trend? This black lace Eliza J dress is just perfect with ruching on the side to whittle your waist for optimal figure flattery!

For more formal eveningwear styles we just love lace and embroidery! A neutral shade is a nice alternative to black for a summer wedding. As long as the bride has opted for white or ivory over champagne shades, you are in good shape with a lovely look like this 2-piece set form J Kara. We also found another nice alternative if you prefer sleeves. The lace bolero styling on this Navy Blue Tadashi dress is very sophisticated and pretty timeless.

To get the maximum mileage out of your summer wedding wardrobe, a well made convertible dress can be a great option. The more ways you can style it the more weddings you can wear it too! We all appreciate being able to wear the same dress to more than one event. This Twobirds Convertible Jersey Dress in lavender can be reworked 15 different ways! They even have a video on Nordstrom’s to show you how.

Any one of these styles would be a beautiful choice for a summer wedding. Select a style that fits and flatters you. The more detailed the silhouette, or bolder the print, the less you need to accessorize. Neutral shoes make for an easy add on and a simple clutch will hold your necessities. Have a little fun shopping for your summer wedding wardrobe!

5 Ways for Plus Size Women to Rock Spring Trends

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Jennifer & Natalie

Size is only a number and we’ve got yours with these 5 hot spring trends. Follow our tips to learn how to maximize your Spring style in the latest fashions.

1- Stripes

Yes, you can wear horizontal stripes! Look how fantastic Kaela H looks in her new spread for Eloquii. We really like this pencil skirt on her because she is slimmer in the hips. Since she is bustier, the other way around wouldn’t have the same effect. With striped tops, try layering them under a jacket for a flattering effect.

2- Colored Denim

Wear color with confidence! You’ve heard us mention this trend a couple of times over the past few weeks. Colored denim looks great styled in and out of the office. Find a pair that fits and flatters, and then flaunt it! Above styles are from Eloquii and DKNY.

3- Floral

A gorgeous floral dress is nice any Spring, but this season it is a hot trend! And remember, prints can be great camouflagers. A print dress can be very flattering with a belted waist and demure notched collar and capped sleeve–these design elements help ensure your curves are showcased to max appeal. We’d even dare to say you could wear this floral dress for a work day. It’s easy to layer on a jacket and wear a closed toe pump to lean the look in a more professional direction.

4- Peplum

You’ve seen it in every fashion magazine you open, the peplum is a here this season making headlines. You may not realize it, but this trend is surprisingly easy to wear. A figure flattering peplum jacket looks amazing paired with a pencil or slight A-Line skirt. A menswear inspired Glen Plaid jacket is instantly feminine when this trend is incorporated.

5- Sheer and Lace

We could break this into two separate trends, but this dress is such a pretty example we combined sheer layers and lace into one idea. Check out our post on wearing lace in the office for tips to accessorize this look.

These are five easy trends you can wear now at any size. It’s all about finding a silhouette and style that flatters your unique body. Have a little fun and embrace these fashionable looks. We shopped Eloquii by The Limited, Lane Bryant, Talbots, and Asos Curve to find these styles.

For more fashionable tips to help you flaunt it, check out Natalie’s bestselling book, Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. It is available in Paperback, Kindle and Abridged Ebook Format.

Flaunting It with The Image Diva

A Style, Image & Fashion Blog by Image Consultant & Author Natalie Jobity

Monthly Archives: April 2012

What To Wear: New Trends in Slacks You Too can Flaunt

Transition your Wardrobe from Winter to Spring with Ease

Earth Day Cash Giveaway is Here!

What to Wear to a Spring Wedding? Your Personal Shopper Has Ideas

5 Ways for Plus Size Women to Rock Spring Trends