Monthly Archives: July 2012

Summer Accessory Alert: Wide Brim Hats

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When packing for vacation, we never think twice about grabbing our favorite pairs of sunglasses, but is that enough? Sun hats offer both style and protection from harmful UV rays. The wide brim hats are the perfect mix of dramatic and discreet. Here are our favorite picks for the often-overlooked accessory.

The pink top on this Physician Endorsed hat adds an element of fun to an otherwise plain straw hat. Great for that casual sporty ensemble or lounging at the pool or beach.

You’ll be turning heads everywhere you go in this chic extra wide hat from San Diego Hat Co. This is for the woman who loves attention (any Diva’s out there?) and is not afraid to Flaunt It.

Metallic accents and a salmon hue make this Eugenia Kim sunhat anything but ordinary. So summery, so unique, you can make a stylish statement just by topping off your outfit with this chapeau.

The floppy brim and the grosgrain ribbon on this topper from J. Crew emit casually feminine vibes. we love this paired with your favorite sundress.

A wide-brimmed hat, a great summer dress, a fabulous pair of sunnies and cute sandals are all you’re going to need to end your summer looking fabulous!

Keep reading Flaunting It with the Image Diva for more ways to upscale your look and closet.

What to Wear when it’s Hot, Hot, Hot?

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Before we can start pulling out our favorite fall jackets and sweaters, we still have to get through high summer. The days are longer and the temperatures are higher (and in this year’s case, record-breaking). It’s hard to resist throwing on a loose tee and a pair of cutoffs to keep cool, but what about when you’re in the office? We gave you a few tips a couple weeks ago on making sure your style is as high as the temperature. If you missed it, you’re going to want to read it. After all, helping you look polished and pulled together at work is a number 1 priority at Flaunting It With The Image Diva.

We wanted to share even more ideas with you because it HAS been so especially hot this year, and we know it’s a challenge to look cool while you’re wanting to jump into a body of water to cool off! So here are a few ways to keep cool in a professional setting without shedding too much. The ideas here work particularly well for the young professional in a more relaxed office environment.

Firstly, dresses and skirts are your friends. If you’re experiencing scorching temperatures, you’re definitely better off saving the pants for cooler days. This striped dress from Madewell manages to be both airy and polished for casual Friday. The short sleeves are perfect for hot days, while the high neckline keeps it work-appropriate.

When it’s hot and humid out, a pencil skirt can feel almost suffocating. Opt for more floaty, a-line cuts in a lighter fabric, like this pleated a-line from Ann Taylor LOFT.

This tie-neck top from J. Crew is the perfect example of a work shirt for climbing temperatures. It won’t absorb light as much as a darker colored shirt would, it has short sleeves, and it manages to be chic and professional without showing too much skin. Pair with the skirt above for a kewl and cool professional look.

A shirtdress is an always reliable go-to for business in summer, and can even take you straight to a dinner party after hours. This a-line silk shirtdress from J. Crew is both breathable and elegant.  A note on hair: the model above can use a little hair spray to prevent flyaways…make sure YOUR hair is as flawless as your outfit.

For more useful style tips for the office, 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.

Rock Summer’s Top 3 Trends with… Maturity

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We think summertime can be a great time for self-expression with your clothing. The vibe is more relaxed, you’re on vacation with the kids, there are all these great outdoorsy events to indulge in, and it’s simply a fun time of the year when you can let your hair down a little more. Right? This summer, there are quite a few trends that might make you wonder if designers have lost their collective minds. But sometimes it’s these very brow raising trends that can challenge us to think outside the box a little and experiment with some new looks. Within reason :-)

So while there are a few trends circulating now that might look like they are just for the teens, we want you to have a little fun too. Here are 3 we think you can rock at any age with grace and style. And without looking like you’re trying too hard!

So follow our tips below to rock some of the fun trends en vogue now and add a dose of playful youthfulness to your style regime.

1- Nail Art
Source: google.com via Kristen on Pinterest

One rule this summer seems to be, if you can paint it you can wear it on your nails. Nail art has become a huge trend! This is not the acrylic painted nails either. This is individuals getting creative with their polish. The younger set are taping off their nails like we’d tape a wall for painting! Not to fear, we found a way for you to shimmy along side this trend with a little grace. Ombre nails! They are the perfect way to embrace the trend without looking like a teeny bopper.

Louboutin nails

Another fab idea is the notion of modeling after every woman’s favorite shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, and painting the backs of your black nails red. This is just plain cool and a great conversation starter if nothing else. See, the idea is to use ANYTHING as inspiration. Go for it!

2- High Low Skirts

Another biggy this summer is the high low skirt. While some are taking it to exaggerated extremes, it is possible to wear this trend with a little more subtlety. This neutral sheer skirt is a great example of how to make this style more ladylike. We’d go for a simpler shoe though! We also found a sophisticated summer dress with the same idea. Isn’t it gorg? And look how long her legs look in those nude heels. That’s an asymmetric hemline worth rocking!

OK so above would be taking the look too far. We think you get the idea!

3- Floral Denim
We know you’ve seen girls walking around in skin tight jeans with floral prints. It can be cute on the right body type. We say skip the denim skinnies and go for a trouser with a flattering pattern and fit. This cropped style is great for the weekend with ballet flats or sandals and a simple blouse.

Have we opened your eyes to some new possibilities with this summer’s trends? It’s all about how you style the looks to fit your personal image. Think just outside of the trend and we’re certain you can find a way to make it fabulous for you! Flaunt It!

For more tips on how to create stylish summer ensembles, 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.

Turn a Basic Tee into a Professional Wardrobe Staple

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At Flaunting It with The Image Diva our goal is to making looking and feeling good as effortless as possible. We had a great idea to take a basic foundation garment–a fitted Tee–and show you a few fun ways to style it for work.

There is just  something about a well fitted tee that’s as comfortable as your favorite blue jeans. You just want to wear it everywhere, but it doesn’t always feel appropriate, right?. We show you a couple of ways to make that comfy tee work for more than lounging on the couch. Follow our tips to look fabulous in your tees!

How to Wear a T-shirt in the Office

Tuck a t-shirt into a high-waisted skirt and accessorize. By adding a belt or statement necklace you’ll direct the eye away from your cotton tee.  This striped skirt from White House Black Market is made for tucking. With a built in bow at the waist you don’t need a belt or even too many accessories. We added a soft sea glass bead necklace to counterbalance the graphic skirt. The matching clutch keeps a touch of color moving through this look.

How to Wear a T-shirt in the Office

You can also use a t-shirt to add a pop of color to a neutral blazer. This ruffled cadet blazer, we also found at White House Black Market, has so much detail a solid color is all you need underneath it. We chose arm candy instead of a necklace in the form of an on-trend cuff. Notice we pulled the color back in here. Your basic black pants also get a wake up call with those two-tone studded wedges.

Wasn’t that easy!?! Now your favorite tee can leave the house and go to the office while you still look fabulous!

For more tips on how to maximize your basic, 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.

How to Coordinate Your Colored Denim

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A while back we offered some tips on how to wear brightly colored denim in a business casual setting, but what about when you’re off the clock? Wearing candy-colored bottoms without looking too childish is tricky business. Here are our favorite bright denim picks, with a few styling tips to boot.

The rich jewel-tone on this pair of Gap is a perfect addition to your fall wardrobe. A chunky knit sweater in a neutral color will perfectly offset the deep purple.

Pair these fiery Current/Elliot skinnies with a relaxed chambray denim shirt to prevent the scarlet from becoming too over-the-top. While a crisp white oxford would look too stark against the saturated red, a pale blue workshirt adds a cooling balance to the scarlet.

A silky cream-colored top would take the femininity of these rose-colored pants (J. Crew) to the next level.

Polka dots are a pleasant surprise to this pair of peach pants from Anthropologie. Pair with your favorite white button-down to coordinate with the dots and to add a casually preppy feel to your ensemble.

And, the wildcard: Traditionally-colored denim with a vintage floral pattern thrown on. Pair these Citizens of Humanity jeans with your favorite relaxed v-neck for a fresh twist on the standard jeans-and-tshirt combo.

So, which of these styles do you feel you are most likely to rock?

For more fabulous style tips, 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.