Dear Readers,

It’s that time of the month again!  Celeb  fashion face off with commentary and tips from The Image Diva with photos courtesy of people.com. We have a great crop of photos from which to critique from. The first batch of pictures highlight the wrong way to wear opaque black tights (and especially never should be worn in the summer!)

First up, we have the lovely Kristen Davis ‘faceing’ off against Mariah in a Louis Vuitton button down strapless dress. Sorry Kristen, Mariah wins hands down in this ensemble (and she rarely gets it right IMO). Few reasons: The length of Kristen’s dress hits her at a very unflattering point on her leg—where her calf starts to get at its widest, which makes her legs look dumpy. Then to make matters worse, she tries the ‘slimming effect’ of black tights paired with silver shoes (huh?) which makes her look really squat. Plus, quite honestly, a straight cut strapless double breasted dress like this does not work for Kristen’s body which is more pear shaped. She needs ease near her hips which this dress does not allow. End result; Kristen looks frumpy and Mariah looks sporty and playful in her shorter (of course) version paired with silver strappy sandals, bangles  and sunglasses.

Next we have the stunning Iman wearing the same ruffled Lavin dress as Natalie Portman (I am pretty Natalie is the designer’s spokeswoman). I love the color of Iman’s dress on her skintone but I hate that she paired this pretty violet color with opaque black tights! It just brings the elegance factor down for me and I’m not lovin the dangly white earring. Ditto for the dark fuchsia lipstick and thick bangs. Iman is amazing and beautiful and this ensemble does not enhance her to the full effect.  In contrast, Natalie looks classic and elegant in her royal purple version paired with a big black clutch and black shoes and dainty diamond drop earrings. I love her hair in this, the wave mirroring the ruffle in her dress. Huge thumbs up for Natalie.

Last offender of the dark hose crime in this edition is Molly Sims, in a pretty Tory Burch embellished shift dress. The dark stockings she wears overpowers the dress making her look more dowdy than diva. And the silhouette is just OK on her  body–it doesn’t enhance or detract per se but it is definitely no head turner. So honestly she gets a thumbs down here for me. Kerry Washington, however, looks simply fab. The silver black color of the dress enhances her chocolate complexion, she accessories superbly with a small black clutch and patterned black and white shoes. And hair and makeup to perfection. On her body this dress is a 10 and with that great smile of hers she is a stunner.

Last face off for this post is on a different topic, which I describe as presentation and attention to detail. No one will question that Blake Lively and Cameron Diaz are both gorgeous gals. But in this Rag and Bone tunic dress Cameron looks disheveled, untidy and ‘messy’ while Blake looks crisp, polished and pulled together. This is the fine line between looking effortlessly chic and sloppy. Blake nails it and Cameron misses by a wide margin. Even down to the handbag of choice it matters. Blake’s big white tote and black ballet flats completes her look while Cameron’s bag and flip floppy thongs look like they are afterthoughts. She looks like she picked the dress up from a rumpled pile of clothes and threw it on and grabbed the first pair of sandals and bag she laid her eyes on. I am the last person to give a lecture on ironing (hate it!) but that is what dry cleaners are for. Her wrinkly dress dimishes her presentation off the bat.

So ladies, pay attention to the little details—they can make or break your image.

Have your own thoughts on these ensembles? Leave a comment to share your thoughts with other readers.

The Image Diva, Élan Image Management

Dear Readers,

British retailer asos makes it easy for shoppers to pull their look together. Their latest newsletter highlights one of my favorite summer trends-the skirt! From pleated, to mini, to A line to high waist to printed,  there are so many styles to choose from. Not sure what to wear to your next summer outing? Consider a cute skirt. Check out the looks www.asos.com is selling now.

Those of you who know me will attest that this time of the year I’m usually wearing a skirt or a summer dress. It’s a feminine, playful and flirty look that just screams "fun". It also temp appropriate as it  is so effortless and cool . Shorts are cute and all but past a certain age they become more problematic for most ladies to wear in a flattering way. Enter the skirt which will always have a place in your life whether you are 20 or 60.

Want to show your creative personal style? Wear a skirt in an unnusual print or color combination topped with a solid top. Want an edgier look? Then a mini skirt or high waist skirt paired with gladiator sandals and a funky top is fab. More romantic tastes? Then a flowy chiffony number gives you an etheral and very ’soft’ vibe. You’re a classic gal down to the bone? Then a simple A line skirt paired with a lightweight twinset lets you channel your inner Jackie O.

The point is a skirt works, regardless of your style preferences or life stage. And if you have great legs, you’ll be committing a fashion crime if you don’t maximize the summer temps to showcase those gorgeous gams of yours. The Image Diva is really loving the knee length or above skirts!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Your image speaks volumes about who you are and conveys signals about your intelligence, competence, confidence, level of success, and a host of other characteristics that may or may not be true. The power of image in influencing first impressions and hiring, firing  and promotions is unquestionable. As the saying goes, image is everything, and in these uncertain economic times you want to be assured your image is working for you with maximum impact. What is challenging, however, is when people make decisions about you based on your image they will rarely tell you. And if someone makes unfavorable assumptions about you, you may not get another opportunity to turn those perceptions around.

Whether you are vying for a promotion, looking for a new job, just starting your career or avoiding a layoff, your professional presence needs to be commanding, polished, pulled together and credible. The truth is people make at least 12 assumptions about you based entirely on their initial perceptions based on your image. This is the impact of first impressions, which I talk about frequently when I give seminars or workshops. You really need to nail that first impression in professional interactions because this sets the stage for how effective you will be at achieving your career goals. For more on first impressions see this post:  elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/

So if your sights are set on the corner office, starting your own company or fast tracking, then you’ll want to know how to perfect a polished professional presence using these 10 tips from Elan Image Management.

1)    You’ve heard this before but it is worth repeating. Always dress for a higher position than you currently occupy.  Dressing for the position you are aspiring to will also boost your confidence in your ability to achieve it.

2)      Invest in quality pieces. Your clothing can be one of your more important career "investments". Look for timeless, well made designs and mix these up with more stylish accents depending on your personal style. The way you treat yourself is how the rest of the world will treat you. If you dress like a winner, and act like a winner, the world will treat you like a winner.

3)    Ask yourself what type of image is important for your career. For example if you are a physician, people have certain expectations about the image of a physician which include traits like competent, detail oriented, direct, intelligent and in charge.  On the other hand, if you’re in marketing, your image should communicate traits such as creative, artistic, outside the box, and a strong communicator. The point is that the context of your job demands certain expectations and you need to be clear on what you need to communicate (via your image) for your position, corporate culture and industry.

4)      I can never emphasize enough the importance of using color strategically. See my post on this topic here:elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/   Colors convey their own ‘energy’ and you need to understand how to use colors in business to achieve different outcomes.  Dark colors like black and navy blue, convey seriousness, "all business"  and  authority. Brown, while professional, has less authority than black or navy and engenders reliability and security.  Pastels colors are soft and convey approachability and femininity. And red is THE power color, communicating strength, confidence, command, assertiveness and daring.

5)    Good manners matter. In this cut-throat, dog-eat-dog world we live in, people who are gracious, polite, kind, and considerate stand out.  Sometimes it is the simple gestures that sets you apart from the competition. Be thoughtful, generous and unselfish. Support your colleagues.  Actions do speak louder than words.

6)    You are a walking business card which conveys a personal brand whether you are aware of it or not.  Whether you are a professional on the fast track, a senior executive with a high profile position, an entrepreneur, business owner or a sales professional, once you are representing a company or interacting with customers or clients in any way, you better believe you’re a brand. This means that your image is communicating important messages about your product and/or service just as your marketing collateral is. Is your personal brand in synch with your company’s brand? Think about it and modify accordingly. For more tips see this post, elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/

7)        Pay attention to the accent pieces that make you stand out and where you can express more of your own unique élan. For men, your tie is your signature, followed by a watch, belt, shoes. Invest in these accesories and select them wisely. For women, your signature can be your shoes, handbag, jewelry and also scarves and how they’re worn. Also the style and cut of your business dress speaks loudly about the type of professional you are.

8)    Fit is a clear divider separating the well dressed from the ‘wanna be well dressed’. Only wear what fits you impeccably. Have your clothing altered by professionals as needed or pay attention to the designers and brands that work well for your figure and proportions.  If your $1,500 Calvin Klein suit puckers, pulls or is too tight or loose, you’re better off wearing a cheaper alternative that fits you perfectly.

9)     Never be a schlep.  Let your business associates and colleagues see you dressed to a T  every day, not just for your job interview or special meetings. Be consistent with your image and what it communicates. Take your presentation of yourself as seriously as you do your work and master the nuances of your image, personal style and communication. Doing so will ensure you are noticed in the best possible light and put you head and tail ahead of your peers who take their image for granted.

10)    Do you command attention when you walk into a room? ‘Presence’ -that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, command or self-assurance is an energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. It draws people to you. When it is purposeful, you have created the equivalent of a slam dunk. Get clear on the effect you want to convey to others. Then dress and act accordingly to achieve effective professional presence.

Copyright The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Summer is all about the easy, effortless, and comfortable style. Many women struggle though with looking ‘pulled together’, stylish, and chic when the temps soar and all they can  think about is a Tee or tank with capris. In case you don’t know ladies, capris scream, ‘I have no real style’. So away with the capris. There are cute shorts, skirts, dreses and slacks that are fabulous for casual chic. As proof, examine how the celebs rock it.

Heidi Montag in a very basic look (jeans and a a white cami) up a notch by accesorizing with a drapey red scarf, peep toe red pumps and tote. Simple yet with punch.

My favorite for summer–an easy breezy white summer dress which Lauren Conrad wears so well here. Cute sandals, gold slouchy bag, and several silver necklaces complete it. Nice!

But not to be undone is the LBSDD (little black summer day dress). Victoria B looks tres chic in this simple V neck mini with her signature humongous tote, here in red, blkack flats and sunglasses (but of course!)

I love Kate Hudson in this semi casual look. The ankle length pants work (and are a great capri alternative ladies) and I love that they’re white. She tops it with with a sheer print blouse (which picks up a hint of the red in the shoe) and black jacket. Her hair is loose and carefree and the sunglasses and black clutch finish it off.

Another casual chic winner–Rachel Bison in a fun and playful red trench left open to showcase a black mini shift and one of her trademarks–a scarf. It works. Her black bag and pumps help nail the look.

I am not typically a fan of Paris’s style but here she looks truly lovely. Love the coloful print skirt and the tailored shirt combo (both playful and utilitarian). Huge round sunglasses  and killer brown tote finish this fab look.

I love this sophisticated uber chic look from Ms Beckham. Simple feminine ruffle blouse cinched with a great black belt on top of a beautiful A line skirt with horizontal stripes and shading. I really love this look. Her shoes and signature large sunglasses are icing on the cake.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

I was one of the throngs of women (and a few renaissance men) antsy to experience the new Sex and The City movie which I ended up watching Monday afternoon. What can I say? I laughed, cried,  sympathized with the character’s stories, never wanted the movie to end (and it was 2 and a half hours long!), and thoroughly enjoyed every second of the movie. It was like watching an entire series back to back except this time with a distinct, beginning, middle and end. The beginning was light and light hearted. The middle, emotional, passionate and somber as each character’s story climaxed (no pun intended). And the ending, fairy tale, yes, but would we the fans have it any other way? Oh the critics gave it a bashing for sure, but how could they possibly understand the lure, draw, the connection we have with these women and their evolving lives. Carrie’s story was the centerpiece but we got to witness Samantha’s and Miranda’s struggle with their own life challenges. And there was Charlotte—always the optimist and the reminder that we ALL can have it all, if only we dare to believe we can!

Some of my favorite lines from the movie from memory recall, include the last line of the Beethoven sonnet—‘ever mine, ever thine, forever yours’ (or something like that) both when Carrie read it to Big and when he whispered it in her ear on their wedding day. The next one, a fun quote from Carrie, “I like my money right where I can see it…hanging in my closet” and this one which I totally relate to, “It’s really hard to walk in a single woman’s shoes, that’s why you sometimes need really special shoes.” And the hilarious scenes, including when Charlotte had a ‘poughkeepsie’ in her pants, when Samantha chides Miranda about her unwaxed bikini line and when Charlotte accidently bumps into Big and hits him with her killer line (LOL). Many, many special moments from this movie.

In the midst of watching the actual plot evolve, of course I salivated on all the yummy fashions. We not only got to see winter, spring, summer and fall fashion but east vs. west coast as well and a tropical vacation mixed in there. Oh so much fab fashion one cannot even begin to dissect it all. I already blogged on some of my favorite fashions from the movie here:  elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/. I’d just like to add some important observations after seeing the movie.

I loved how Miranda’s fashion sense evolved here. She wore suits and ‘plain jane’ looks  for years on the series and now she has a more glamorous and fashion forward look. Moreover, in the movie, in every scene she appeared,  they nailed her colors from cobalt blue, to the red bathing suit, to warm neutrals to black. Cynthia is a classic autumn with her fiery red hair and pale skin and they complemented her skin hair and eyes to the hilt.

Samatha’s fashion also evolved—her look in the movie was even more dramatic than in the series and honestly more ‘grown up’—the bold color choices, gold accessories and shoulder padded skirt suits befitting a 50 year old woman.

Charlotte’s look was pretty much intact. She looks to me like a classic winter with her coloring and I loved her in the black bridesmaid dress and in Mexico in one scene where she wore red. She always looked lovely and classic.

And there’s Carrie the true fashionista of the group. Carrie wore the full spectrum of looks from girly, to sporty, to creative, to edgy to very elegant. And which woman did not envy the scene where she posed in a series of designer wedding dresses—loved that scene (especially the Dolce and Gabanna dress with the red hair bow and red lips!). Then there’s the shoes-a Carrie trademark.  Carrie’s Dior Extreme sandals which were actually shown with three different outfits! Here are the shoes –3 ways.

Dior Extreme in a fall look

Dior Extreme in brown

The shoes again paired with thigh high argile socks! Only Carrie can pull off a look this eclectic

To really get to copy cat Carrie’s fashion, go to www.bluefly.com and click on Carrie’s Closet. You will find the latest in dresses, handbags and of course fabulous shoes! You might gasp by the price points so be sure to shop around for knock offs. For example you can buy a shoe like the Dior Extreme from www.asos.com/Sarah-Jessica-Parker/Asos/Asos-Leather-Heavy-Gladiator-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx for about $100.

And the studded black belt she wears with many of her outfits in the movie (shown in the green outfit above) and in this photo from a winter scene after she has been jilted:

Check it out here at www.asos.com/Asos/Pyramid-Stud-Waist-Belt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx 

on sale for about $30.

Want to be even more envious? All the women get to keep ANY of the clothes they wear or that are pulled for them for the movie-its actually written into their contracts! Now that is simply just fabulous.

 The Image Diva, Elan Image Management