Insider Fashion Consultant Secrets: Camouflage a Tummy in Flattering Layers

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Jennifer & Natalie

Ladies, we all have problem areas that we strive to hide and camouflage. Having a tummy is a common problem. No one wants to wear baggy clothes, but sometimes it feels like this is the only option. This is especially true in the plus size department. Let’s make a pact today- No More Oversized Shirts! Instead, follow our stylist tips to a sleek figure that will give you your confidence back.

Shapewear can be best your friend. It supports the foundation upon which your clothes drape. You want to be sure to get this right. We don’t recommend buying it to fit into a size smaller. Instead use it to help you feel more comfortable in body grazing sweaters, contoured dresses and blouses. Bare Necessities has a great selection of brands carrying lines designed to fit your curves. I highly recommend the Full control body torsette pictured above from TC Intimates from Bare Necessities for those needing substantive support in the mid section. It really works! Plus I love that you get to pair it with your own bra.

Now that you can shop body skimming tops with confidence, it’s time to try layers. A jacket like this style from Nic + Zoe has princess seams giving you a slimming silhouette. The cutaway hemline also adds to the illusion of a slim waistline. We selected this style because you can wear it both in the office on business casual days and on the weekend when you need a confidence boost.

Don’t shy away from color. You can do a bold blazer; just layer a dark blouse underneath to continue that camouflage effect. This bright coral boucle jacket from Coldwater Creek also has those princess seams we mentioned above. Only slightly longer, hitting at your mid-hip, this jacket will create a long lean line from jacket to trouser.

A jacket fools the eye by breaking up your silhouette, making you look thinner. Another way to achieve this is with diagonal lines. These can be found in prints, faux wrapped blouses, and color block designs. This new Drape Wrap Top from Talbots gives you that soft flattering wrap effect. Plus with a built in tank it’s easy on-the-go style. New Mom’s take note!

Keep these tips in mind when you are shopping for your Spring wardrobe updates. Take the time to try different silhouettes on and actually LOOK at yourself in the mirror. Make sure the item makes you feel good before you take it the register. Feeling good will make you stand taller which also does wonders for creating a slimmer silhouette!

Dare to be Fabulous regardless of your size.

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Be sure to 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.

Our picks for 5 stylish sweaters that help disguise a tummy

Posted on December 30, 2011 by Jennifer & Natalie

Last week we gave you our Stylist Secrets to hide those holiday pounds. Well we know the holidays aren’t quite over and you may still need a little more advice. Here are 5 sweater styles designed to disguise a tummy and keep you stylish all winter long. Caslon® Crochet Front Tunic Sweater Caslon Crochet Front Tunic Sweater has a slightly open crochet stitch texture. This layering tunic is styled with a deep V-neckline and elbow-length sleeves. Pick it up at Nordstrom for $74. Looks great with skinny jeans. Add a bright cami underneath for a pop of color, which will also draw the eye up and away from any trouble areas.
A plunging cowl neckline will also do the trick. Frenchi Plunging Cowl Neck Sweater Tunic comes in beige or eggplant for $58.
MICHAEL Michael Kors V-Neck Poncho has the tunic length with a tied waistline to create a flattering silhouette. Plus the drapey technique gives you an added bonus. For $89.50 your tummy is neatly disguised plus you have a comfy look that does not look unpolished. This bright fuchsia is also fun for this time of year. If you are a neutrals kind of gal, the sweater comes in black as well.

Nordic patterns are on trend this winter and the graphic detail is a great distraction for many body parts. Pair pattern with an oversized cowl and loose silhouette and you are well on your way to creating a fashionable tummy disguise. Kensie Cowl Neck Fair Isle Sweater is currently on sale for just $49.

Our 5th choice is a dolman sleeve turtleneck with cable knit detail. Dolman sleeves are very popular this season. Just be careful, if you’re full-busted, that you aren’t adding more width to your bust area with this design! Caslon Dolman Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater comes in 4 different neutral shades. This sweater is also on sale for $59.

We found each of these tummy disguising sweaters at Nordstrom for under $100 each. At such a great price you don’t have to worry about setting the sweaters aside once you shed a few pounds. These 5 sweaters are stylish enough to wear all winter!

Insider stylist secrets for dressing your body

Posted on November 15, 2011 by Natalie

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!

My Fav Swimsuits for Top Heavy Women: Elan’s Picks

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Natalie

Without much ado, here are my top 5 swimsuits for top heavy women

Bikinis
Women with large breasts really need proper support. Bikinis are fine once the top has the proper underwire support to keep the bust lifted. This full coverage bikini from Victoria Secret is a winner.

Asymmetrical one piece
If you are a busty woman with broader shoulders than your hips, you’re going to want a swimsuit that visually narrows your top half so it balances out your lower half. This one shoulder is excellent because the asymmetrical shoulder is very supportive, the ruching at the waist is very figure enhancing and the print is very alluring. Go for it! Available at Victoria’s Secret.

Deep plunge one piece
With one pieces, you absolutely want to look at a deep V neck or wide U scoop necklines which enhance your bust. To avoid? 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 bathing suit, from Miracle Suit hits all the right marks. Figure flattering to your décolletage, side ruching to enhance your waist and great support at the bustline. Available @ Bloomingdales.

Halter swimdress
This halter swimdress is great for a top heavy woman with wide shoulders and narrow hips. The halter top provides support for the girls while the ruffle skirt adds balance to your wider top. Plus it’s so darn cute! Plus if you have a hint of a tummy all the ruching in the middle will cinch you in comfortably. Suit from Juicy Couture @ Bloomingdales.

Convertible tankini
I love this tankini for a top heavy woman with broad shoulders. The suits neckline highlights the shoulders while the neck wrap tempers them at the same time. The top can also be wrapped in multiple ways depending on your style preferences. It’s a two piece tankini so you have complete coverage with the flexibility of a two piece. And the print is a great camoflager (if needed). Available @ Shape FX.

For more figure flattery tips, I highly recommend picking up a copy of my bestselling 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.

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

Visit my Facebook Community page for ongoing tips and expert advise!

Yokini Swimwear: Sexy & Flattering Swimsuits for many figure types

Posted on June 5, 2011 by Natalie

Finding figure flattering swimwear is as much an art as it is a science. To rule out some of the mystery in finding the perfect swimsuit for you I am dedicating a series of blog posts to do just that! This is always a popular topic this time of year and I want to make your search as effortless as possible. For each of the main figure types I want to highlight my top 5 recommendations to best enhance that figure so you feel confident, sexy and comfortable wherever your summer jaunts may take you.

Check out the following links for past posts on bathing suits:

But I have a surprise. This first post will be dedicated to a relatively new line of swimwear that I believe can flatter almost every figure and swimwear occasion. Why? It all boils down to the proprietary fabrication and design of the swimsuit bottom. I present to you ladies, Yokini swimwear convertible bikini bottom!

The vision behind Yokini Swimwear came from the idea that a more mature woman can still wear a sexy two piece swimsuit with confidence and style. The unique Yokini bottom enables a woman to adjust the fabric to fit her lower body like a glove. Any problem areas in the hips or tummy instantly disappear when multi- layers of control stretch fabric are concentrated directly on the area.

Sound too good to be true? It isn’t. I had the pleasure of sampling the line myself and I love it! I now have a bikini with a convertible bottom that I can wear so many ways depending on my mood or the occasion—all the way up so it looks like a one piece, at the waist for a retro look, as a banded bottom so it looks like your regular bikini and (really cool!) like a skirt so it also acts as an instant cover up.

Check out this HOW TO WEAR VIDEO

Regardless of how you choose to wear it, it is extremely figure flattering and comfortable because the fabric is breathable and very stretchy. If you are bottom heavy you can wear it as a skirted bikini to minimize your hips and thighs. If you have a tummy, you can wear it retro style and swim with confidence. If you are curvy, you can wear it as a low rise banded bikini for maximum sex appeal. If you have a more boyish shape, you can wear it like a sexy one piece or sportier style.

Convertible swimwear is not new. But what is new here is that the bottom really can be molded various ways on your body for a completely different look. And the idea that this can go dramatically from a one piece look to a skirted one is very innovative.

Inspired by yoga wear, the Yokini bikini is designed so every woman can start feeling sexy, confident and stylish in a bathing suit. Flaunt It on the beach, the pool or on the volley ball court!

Next up: The 5 most figure flattering designs for bottom heavy women.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, image consultant. Author: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style

Visit my Facebook Community page for ongoing tips, inspiration, lively discussions on what to wear and more!

Show your body some TLC: 4 Self-Care Tips

Posted on May 24, 2011 by Natalie

Today I finally indulged myself with a 75 minute massage from my favorite spa. As I was being massaged I felt my body breathe a collective, ‘ahhh!’ and I couldn’t help but think to myself, why don’t I do this more often? The truth is, as women we are guilty of not refueling our ‘vitality’ tank as often as we should. I struggle with this myself. We put our well-being, health and self-care last and suffer the consequences.

This month, I officially became an elite member of my spa to give me no excuse not to enjoy the amazing perks and benefits that affords me. During my massage I remember thinking, ‘I’m giving my body love’. When you think of it this way, it really makes you want to resolve to do better. Unless we refuel ourselves we can’t give back to our loved ones, far less look and feel our best.

Your image is the entire package—the inner in harmony with the outer. To help you find ways to give some TLC back to your body, practice these four EASY tips on a regular basis. Like my body did today, it will thank you for it.

1. Stay in touch with your essence. Some clues? What helps you exude your essence in its infinite glory? Just as roses need sunlight and water to fully bloom, what brings out your brightest, finest most brilliant bloom? For me it’s spending time outdoors, near the water and connecting with nature. I just had a beach vacation to the Dominican Republic and my only complaint is that I was not there long enough. The ocean air, the sound of waves, the sand on my feet, the cool briskness of the water, the glimpse of fish in the shallow reef, the feel of the sun—all of these things make my spirit soar. Find out what it is for you and do it as often as you can.

Me getting in touch with my essence earlier this month in DR

2. Act upon your secret indulgence. There is a reason why chocolates are a popular gift on Valentine’s Day—a day celebrating love! Chocolates are one of the most indulgent, easily accessible, and inexpensive treats we can enjoy. So often women deny themselves simple pleasures as this. The senses are meant to be stimulated and in so doing bring us pleasure. It’s summer—a great excuse to get that pedicure you keep putting off. When last have you basked in the brilliance of the sun (with your SPF protection of course!)? Splurged on your favorite bottle of perfume? Bought yourself a bouquet of flowers? The gifts of indulgence our loved ones give to us are gifts we can give to ourselves.

3. Sashay your way to fitness. From Zumba to pole dancing there are so many fun and creative ways to get the body moving while having a ball. This can be dedicated ‘me-time’ where you step outside your comfort zone and learn something new that is good for your body. Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore when you can dance, jump and sashay the pounds away.

4. Practice better self-care. Promise to dedicate time and effort over the next 6 months to pamper and take care of your best asset—YOU! Whether it is getting fit, losing weight, hitting the gym, eating healthier, getting your required ZZ’s every night, spending quality time with loved ones or just taking time to pamper and reward yourself throughout the year, make sure you offer the gift of love back to yourself. Because you cannot give what you don’t have! Make sure you replenish your love reserves.

You have a self care tip you’d like to share? I’d love to hear it! Feel free to post on my Facebook Like Page!

Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Event: What to wear tips, Book Signing and Fab Giveaways to help you Flaunt It

Posted on September 14, 2010 by Natalie

It’s been extremely busy the past few weeks with the release of my book: Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style. Their are many style or makeover guides on the market but I believe my book is different. Sure I share tips, tricks and strategies to help you look amazing: from dressing for your figure type; to learning how to mix and match the right colors for you so you pop; to figuring out how to pick the right jeans for your body; to dressing secrets for petites, talls and plus; to learning how to get inspiration so you continue to refine your own personal style and so much more. In fact there are so many tips in this book for ALL women that one reviewer dubbed the book, ‘the ultimate fashion accessory’.

And here I am using it as such (smile)

Then there are the ‘stories’ I share based on my work as a professional image consultant working with hundreds of women. There is a very real personal touch and voice in these pages that women can relate to so they know they are not alone in their challenges. I help them tackle the ‘saboteurs’ that may be holding them back from their true magnificence! Oh women have many excuses for why they don’t have the time, means or know how to look and feel great. This book challenges each woman to elevate her image by blasting away the negative self talk that holds so many of us down. Finally, this book was written with a mission: to transform the life of each person who reads it. The transformation can be subtle or dramatic–just like the transformations I see occur with my own clients. But the bottom line is that it is a book you will want to take with you when you shop so you can refer back to the advice in its pages (hello Kindle edition!). Lean more about Mission 1 Million Makeovers which the book helps support.

The paperback book is available for sale at Amazon and I am so pleased with the amazing support and feedback I’ve received. Folks have been asking me about my official "launch". I think any grand affair will occur at another point. But in the meantime, l now have officially scheduled a book signing that is meant to inspire and share some of the tips I share with readers, promote other local businesses that support women’s quest to look and feel their best, and to help all guests have fun by winning exciting door prizes!! And of course I’ll be there to give on the spot fashion tips and sign your copies of Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style.

Where? Hotel George DC

When? Saturday September 25th from 4-6 pm

Cost? FREE!!!!!!

I will be updating my blog with updates leading up to the event but so far we have the following local businesses on board with gorg giveaways:

Coup de Foudre Lingerie is generously giving one lucky guest a $100 gift certificate to use in their Downtown DC lingerie store (near metro center). All I can say is ooh la la!
A complimentary belly dancing, pole dancing or yoga class from Jordin’s Paradise in DC to get your body in tip top shape for MANY guests in attendance
A personal chef gift certificate from Joyful Creations so you can treat yourself to a scrumptious meal courtesy of chef Joy
2 complimentary makeup sessions from Summark Faces so your face can take center stage for your special event
Evelyn Brooks Designs will be donating a necklace and earring set from her stellar collection to help you look more polished
A complimentary 90-minute style consultation from Elan Image Management valued at over $250 to help you get your Flaunt on!!
L~Shandi designs is donating one of her unique purses made out of African lace so you are well accessorized
Party Style will be donating a beautiful bouquet of flowers –to remind you how beautiful you are!
More giveaways to come!

All just for coming out and supporting and celebrating my book’s release. It’s a love fest ladies (and gents)! A thank you, a giving back and a celebration all in one.

Stay tuned for more details!! And be sure to bring your purchased copy of Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style to get it signed by me. Or you can purchase copies at the event (cash only though).

If you are interested in donating a product or service for the event please e-mail me directly at Natalie@ElanImageManagement.com.

Here’s to Flaunting It!

Natalie Jobity, Image Consultant & Author

What to Wear: The Conundrum of Petites, Plus and Tall Sizes

Posted on July 13, 2010 by Natalie

According to a New York Times online article by Stephanie Clifford last month, "As doctors and public health officials encourage Americans to slim down, the fashion industry is embracing Americans as they are. Both mass-market stores like Forever 21 and Target and expensive designers like Elie Tahari are deciding the fattening of America is a big business opportunity, and are reinvigorating a market that had faltered during the recession."

Well that’s all well and good but they have got a long way to go! The average American woman is a size 14. Most clothing designers cater to what they feel is aspirational and trendsetting. It’s all about illusion and fantasy and not much about reality at all. Most designers don’t think about what will sell when they put pencil to sketch pad–they are thinking about a collection that will get them great PR and that will put on a great "show". The problem is that the buyers who attend fashion shows "buy into" these sterotypes and the result is a lot of unrealistic fashion trends popping up in stores every season that flatter only a minority of women.

Couple this issue with the fact that plus size clothing is very expensive to manufacture for a variety of reasons so retailers shy away from them completely. With Petites and Talls, even though they are viable markets, there is apparently not enough money in them to make designers and stores take note. Many department stores shut down their petite departments and stand alone stores that used to cater to petites including Petite Sophisticates are out of business. There was a Tall Girls store in Virginia nd that too shut down even though I know many tall women who shopped there. So what are we to do, those among us who are non-standard (and increasingly becoming the majority)?

In my work as an image consultant I see women of all shapes and sizes and I see my role an empowering them to embrace and learn to dress and flatter their size as it is NOW. We can all look great in your clothing if we learn the tricks of figure flattering. Yes their are hard to fit statures/sizes–plus, petites AND talls. I’m 6’1" and a healthy size 6 and because I am in the business of image, fashion and wardrobe I know what looks great on me and how to wear mass market clothing that looks like it was designed for my super long frame (with the help of a tailor often).

But just like there are plus sized petites, there are plus sized talls and these are the most challenging to address because the plus size market offerings are so limited. It would be wonderful if designers catered to ALL frames but they don’t. And everyone assumes tall women have it easy but whether thin or plus or in between we have the same challenges as petite women finding clothing, often harder because you NEVER see ‘talls’ in department stores.

All sizes and statures can be beautiful –we just need more options period! I hope other designers start to cater more to the plus size market in particular and that stores like J Crew, J Jill, Victoria’s Secret , Talbots and Eddie Bauer etc. continue to serve all sectors of the woman’s market.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Swimsuit Giveaway: Look Fabulous at the beach in a figure flattering Tankini

Posted on June 1, 2010 by Natalie

Hi there ladies. Summer is officially here and to celebrate I am doing a swimsuit giveaway courtesy of Swankini. Swankini is a newly launched line of swimwear designed by Lois McCourt. Her goal was to create swimsuits that were totally flattering and totally fabulous. After a lot of hard work, she created a variety of beautiful swimsuits designed for all kinds of body types.

I am thrilled to be able to giveaway a beautiful Amethyst halter Swankini two-piece from the La Ruche line valued at over $100. This design is built with a bust enhancer and side ruching for extra tummy and waist slimming effect.

Here is a photo of this hot "suddenly slimming" swimsuit–La Ruche Amethyst Swankini

To enter here’s what you need to do:

1. Become of fan of Elan Image Management and Swankini on Facebook

2. Tell us why you want to ‘get your swank on’ at the beach this summer by commenting to this blog or on our Facebook fan page discussion forum

3. Get your comments in by June 12th!! One lucky lady will win her very own Swankini swimsuit!! Winner announced on June 15th!

Good luck!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consultants

What to wear to the beach? Your knowledgeable Image Consultant weighs in on TV

Posted on May 28, 2010 by Natalie

There are so many styles of swimsuits to flatter various figure types, tastes, and personalities. This TV segment which aired on May 27th on DC’s News Channel 8 ‘Let’s Talk Live, featuring Elan Image Management, highlights a few trends, suggestions for a flattering fit, and what your swimsuit style conveys about you.

We showcase the Swankini! This is a swimwear line developed by Lois McCort out of Ohio that is all about figure flattery! The suits are two piece tankinis geared at the over 35 crowd who typically want more coverage around the middle and who also want the slimming effects of a suit. The suit fabrication is made with quality spandex, and there are features like ruching, tummy tuck panels, pintucking at the busts for augmentation and more all catering to help you to ‘get your swank on’! Check her line out at Swankini.com

We reveal the Monokini– definitely for the confident woman who is not shy about flaunting her body’s assets. 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. It is also a great style for more boyish shapes that want to create the illusion of more curves. Monokinis because they reveal so much skin and contour the body’s curves, convey a strong sense of allure. Perfect if you are in great shape and want to get lots of attention from the guys!

The clip also shows other swimwear options, including tankini options, bikinis and one pieces.

View the TV clip here

For more on swimsuit figure flattery advice and tips with great photos, read my posts last year on the topic: Swimsuits for all bods part 1 and part 2

A special thanks to the Let’s Talk Live team for letting me share with their viewers and Lois Mc Cort for her generous swimsuit donation of a Swankini suit which I will be giving away to 1 lucky follower on my facebook fan page. Not a fan? Get all the latest updates, tips and trends on our Facebook business page. Stay tuned!