It’s red carpet awards season and one of my favorites is the Grammy Awards. This is one award show that holds my interest, especially on the fashion front. The styles on the red carpet tend to be more avant garde , bolder, more dramatic than the other shows and the outfits worn by the performers can be jaw dropping. I can’t wait to see what singers like Rihanna, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Fergie and Kate Perry will wear.

First Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga makes a statement—but do we expect anything less?  Practical, of course not! But it makes us all go ga ga that she dares to pull it off. And so she does. I’ve been writing about personal style and Lady Gaga is the quintessential Diva. What makes a Diva? The Diva seeks attention and that ‘star quality’ by being overly dramatic in her choice of cut, silhouette, color or design. The Diva is all about standing out so she will break rules and march by the beat of her own drum just to command attention and create shock value. 

Describes Lady Gaga to a ‘T’. Tonight she wears a white  Armani gown that looks like a pop up hamper was the inspiration. Ultra short in the front and completely impractical. Poker face (pun intended). Crazy heels, wires, sparkles, glitter all make up her ensemble. I’m not sure how she’s going to sit down in it but it’s all about making an entrance, right?

Beyonce: Beyonce looked more demure than usual  in a blush satin gown from Stephane Rolland. The neutral fishtail gown with train  showcases her bronze complexion. The dress features  contoured details and construction emphasizing her famous curves. True to style, she is rocking oversized earrings this time in bold gold to match her nail polish.

There is a lot going on in this dress; construction, design and texture are all competing for our attention. The seaming details, longer sleeve and plunging neckline are other accents. I like this dress but I don’t love it on her. It’s a little too much. I much preferred her in Ellie Saab at the 2006 Grammy’s. Beyonce’s sense of style is dramatic and in that sense the dress does not disappoint. But the earrings are overkill and jarring to me.

She may not have won my award for best dressed but the singer has already won song of the year for ‘Single Ladies’ tonight. Up for 10 awards she is sure to take home many more Grammy’s.  Congrats!

The Image Diva, image consultant and President of Elan Image Management,

Last night I had the pleasure of attending the second anniversary celebration of DC Scout at Barney’s Co-op in Georgetown. I had the opportunity to chat with its founder Zoey Rawlins and Editor in Chief, Janet Bennett-Kelly just before the event kicked off. DC Scout, the weekly fashion/beauty/style newsletter offshoot of the Washington Post, is the definitive go to source for the city’s fashion conscious women. With over 50,000 subscribers and counting in just 2 years, it underscores the fact that women (especially the 35 and younger crowd) are hungry for information, tips, resources, the latest trends and beauty scores and insider happenings in the Nation’s capital, which is fast becoming a real fashion destination.  Professionally, as an image consultant and personal shopper, I rely on sources like the DC Scout to keep me abreast of new designers, stores and services that I can then recommend to my clients.

Tim Gunn was quoted last year on a recent visit to the city as saying that there is no fashion in DC. And as much as I love ‘the Gunn’ I think he hasn’t taken a close look lately at the changes amiss in his old stomping ground. Just judging from the hundreds of fans, subscribers and shoppers at the celebration last night of mostly women, one thing is very evident; there is a surge of fashion and fashion awareness right here in DC and it’s only going to get bigger and better. These women were not only well heeled (pun intended), but fashion savvy, creative and bold in their ensemble choices, edgy, chic and everything in between. And guess what? Not a whole lot of black in view. So refreshing, and just another sign that this new crop of DC women are trying to make their own very distinctive fashion statements. Loving it!

Information sources such as DC Scout play a critical role at this juncture in solidifying DC as a fashion destination and getting ‘word out’ about all things fabulous and fashion related in the city. The readers and subscribers depend on it. And even in today’s fiscally challenged economy, there is no shortage of events, sample sales, trunk shows, store openings (and closings), fashion shows and fashion fundraisers to report on. After all, women still want to look and feel good and attend events with like-minded women who share their passion for fashion. DC Scout is relevant, relatable and reliable as a go-to guide, grounded in its solid start from Shop DC, which Zoey founded because she saw a need for a destination guide for women visitors to the city. DC style enthusiasts are a ’sticky and hot target’ that the Post could not afford to ignore, according to Zoey. So using the same formula that made Shop DC a success, Zoey was brought into the fold. Two years later, DC Scout has grown and evolved into a valuable augment to the Washington Post’s style editorials, targeting the savvy and often affluent fashion conscious DC metro area woman.

According to Janet Bennett-Kelly, the newsletter prides itself on appealing to all tastes and price points: from the Tar-get shoppers to the Barney’s Co-op designer bargain hunters. As Janet astutely noted, looking good is not just about spending a fortune on designer clothing but on being a savvy and informed shopper and knowing how to effectively mix ‘high and low’ fashion in your ensembles. I love the DC Scout embraces that notion and I second it!

I asked Janet and Zoey what was the next logical frontier for DC Scout. We had a lively discussion about new media, social networking and creating a communications vessel where sound bites and valuable information could be communicated to readers using the latest in social media technology, while continuing to capitalize on DC Scout’s strengths of timely, reliable and relevant fashion, beauty and style information. Hmmm..sounds like something very cool could be in the works soon.

I am confident that as communications and media channels expand and evolve, that in the capable stewardship of Zoey Rawlins and Janet Bennett-Kelly,  DC Scout will continue to keep us in the fashion loop and leave its mark on DC fashion and style.

 Happy two-year anniversary DC Scout!

The Image Diva, www.ElanImageManagement.com
DC style, DC Scout, Fashion, Shopping, Washington Post Style, Personal Shopper, Barneys Co-Op, Designers

Dear Readers,

Élan Image Management is proud to sponsor, ‘Tweak Your (She)ic’ Image & Beauty Lounge, an exclusive event that offers fashion and image conscious women an afternoon of spectacular pampering, rejuvenating and empowerment while supporting a worthy cause: Suited for Change. This event is the materialization of a vision to provide women with access to a variety of image/ beauty/lifestyle service professionals at one event where the focus is on revamping and rejuvenating while supporting a cause that assists underserved women.

In these challenging economic times there are a number of events enticing women to engage in even more consumerism. The message is, ‘buy, buy, buy’. This distinctive event is different as the focus is on service and self care. The Tweak your (She)ic Image & Beauty Lounge tagline; ‘Empower a woman in need. Empower yourself!’ embodies the spirit of the event. The heart of the lounge  is about encouraging women to give back to themselves by taking ownership of their own self care and celebrating the beauty and inner ‘(she)ic’ in us all, while helping raise funds to aid underserved women.

Your admission ticket gives you all these privileges:

•  Indulge in decadent mini mani/pedis, seated massages, facial massage and personal training pointers.
• Mingle, Play and Network with other fabulous women with fun activities like the Accessory Swap (see details about participating on ‘The Tweaking’ page) or getting expert relationship advice.
• Renew and Revamp by sampling fresh new makeup, lashes, hair styling, lingerie, the latest in skincare and more.
• Get Glammed, styled and preened for your professional glamour shot, solo or with your girls. Get advice on wearing new fashion trends and optimal ways to dress your body.
• Get Measured and learn how a proper fitting bra and the right foundation can improve the way you look. Understand your body measurements.
• Relax and unwind your mind body and spirit in an inviting and luxuriating ambiance.
• Give back to women who need our help getting back on their feet.
• Score by winning ‘to die for’ door prizes from local area donors and ‘Tweakers’ each valued at over $100.
• Leave with the irresistible ‘Tweak Your (she)ic’ eco- friendly, reusable SWAG Bag stuffed with fab goodies and treats in a stylish reusable tote.

With these incredible indulgences, don’t you think you deserve to get your ‘(she)ic’ tweaked?

Join us, on Sunday June 7th, from 1-5pm at Hotel George, Washington DC. Buy your tickets early as they can only be purchased online before June 5th at www.tweakyoursheic.com.

Let us get our ‘(she)ic’ on!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Yes it is spring folks though it sure does not feel like it weather wise. I’ve been dying to share some of my fashion faves for spring/summer and I have to admit I’ve been neglecting my blog. (But I think about it all the time if that counts!) My last post on the topic is still relevant elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/ but I was ordered to add photos. So in this post the celeb photos (courtesy instyle.com) tell the story.

One trend I am really digging is bright pops of color, seemingly ubiquitous. I love color, I am surrounded by color, I am a color fiend. And this spring fashion does not disappoint. Interestingly, I’m usually drawn to warmer tone colors but f this season I can’t get enough of fuchsia! As in hot pink, va va voom, drop dead statement making (if executed correctly). The other day I went out to dinner and donned a fuchsia scarf, something I would not normally do. It felt fresh and stylish and I got compliments. So I’m gravitating to this color and can’t wait to get my fuchsia pedicure. 

So hot pink is, well, hot. Red is also popular this season and many celebs are rocking it. Lemon yellow, a spring fav is making an appearance as is pea green. Let’s check out some looks showcasing these bold color choices in new spring/summer ’09 fashion trends.

Fuchsia

 
Blake Lively rocks this one shoulder dress in (what?) funky fuchsia that is bordering on magenta. The shorter length, showing of her gorg gams, and the naked shoulder are fresh trends for the season.

 
Victoria Beckham in a true fuchsia tuxedo style dress. She looks quite chic (as usual). I love the strong shoulder line and structure, all hallmarks of the menswear inspired trend so popular now. And again a mini length. ‘Tis the leg season gals! And that ¾ length sleeve—makes everyone’s legs look longer (trust me on that one!)

 
Leighton Meister (she is SO pretty) is wearing a mini skirt in fuchsia coupled with a sheer blousy top. I love the  pairing of full over fitted—one way to wear this type of skirt. And gladiator sandals still rule—they were the rage last year and are still a fashionista must have. Want to add a funk to your look? Gladiators!

In my next post I’m going to highlight RED in the new spring/summer fashions. Here’s a sneak peek: America Ferrera strategically using an empire waist, ruching in the skirt of the dress and a deep V neck to create a perfect hourglass silhouette. Take note fuller figured ladies. And she looks amazing in red. Thumbs up!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Fashion icons are icons for a reason. They inspire and encourage us to dare to make our own signature statements after their cues. Often when I am working with a client in an image consulting session to uncover their personal style, one of the questions I ask is if they have a fashion icon or someone whose style they admire. The answer is typically very revealing and helps the client crystallize who she aspires to be image wise. It’s a great question to ask yourself as you think about and try to define your own personal style.

Your fashion icon does not have to be a celebrity but certainly they come to mind more readily for most women. Your icon can be any woman whose style you admire, and would love to make yours. But to get you started, here are some celebrities who possess a signature style that is so distinctive, that they are all icons in their own right:

• Audrey Hepburn. The queen of classic elegance and chic sophistication. Still the gold standard
• Josephine Baker. A Diva ahead of her time who took fashion risks and bucked the system to make her indelible mark in fashion
• Jessica Alba. Easy breezy, comfortable and understated. She always looks great but never goes over the top and has an amazing figure but prefers cuts that are less revealing
• Sarah Jessica Parker. Very fashion forward and trendy. Likes to mix things up. Very creative in her ensemble combinations and very ‘girly’
• Rihanna. Fresh, edgy and very fashion forward. Takes bold risks with her look that always pay off. Dares to be different
•  Angelina Jolie. When she is in Mommy mode she sticks to neutrals and very clean flowing lines. When dressing up, she is typically in primary colors, simple silhouettes (typically long gowns) and always elegant (post Billy Bob)
• Cher. Expect the unexpected. Very dramatic. Wants to be noticed. Very extreme
•  Julia Roberts. Very classic. A lot of black gowns. Easy silhouettes. She looks amazing but you know she’s still comfortable
• Jennifer Anniston. Effortless casual style—jeans and T’s with perhaps a scarf as an accent. Little  accessorizing and makeup with hair that is always picture perfect
• Queen Latifah. A lady who embraces her body with such confidence that you do not care (or notice) what size she is. Always dresses appropriately for the occasion whether in a gown or more laid back in sporty separates
• Marilyn Monroe. Allure, and coquettish sex appeal? Who did it better. Newcomer Scarlett Johansson is a close second
• Beyonce. Bling and glamour all in one package. Beyonce’s style also epitomizes the woman who is not afraid of her curves and loves showing them off
• Michelle Obama. Our latest icon. Conservatively classic with a touch of panache. Embraces color and loves clean silhouettes like the sheath dress. Poised and elegant

I think you get the drift. Each of these women embodies a style that is uniquely her own. What is yours?

Copyright: Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management