Ok folks I must admit it. I’m not a huge fan of Jennifer Aniston. Her acting is average at best. And honestly her roles are just different platforms for her to play ‘Rachel’. So never been too impressed with her movies which in truth, have not been the box office hits most will like them to be. And there’s her style. Its pretty basic–lots of black, jeans galore, a crisp white shirt, maybe a scarf nowadays, same hairstyle for years–straight blow out. Don’t get me wrong. It works. She always looks pulled together and effortlessly casual. And I can’t tell you how many of my clients consider her to be their fashion icon. But to me it’s just always been so predictable. Red Carpet–guess what Jen will be wearing? A simple classic black gown. Out and about and you’ll find her in a great fitting pair of jeans. Maybe a blazer, black of course. Predictable.

I like that Jen is down to earth, no frills and classic with her style, but I’ve always felt with her she was just playing it safe. I mean the same hair ALL the time? To me, it was just her ‘uniform’ and uniforms are boring.

So imagine my surprise to see a peek at her in the September cover of Elle, looking all…sultry and sexy. Yes, quite! Hair is curly and she instantly transforms into a sassier version of herself. Her makeup –a tad more than usual on the eyes (pretty!) and although she is rocking her signature black, its a leather BUSTIER! Wow! Jen has rarely flaunted her sexy /alluring side and she unquestionably has one of the best bods in the business.  On this cover and shoot she is flaunting it and I sure hope its the beginning of more surprises from her. Being close to 40 can bring that out in a woman–suddenly they realize ‘if not now when?’ and then they really start to rock it out. On the September Elle cover  I love her attitude and that mischievous twinkle in her eye. She is smokin’.

But that isn’t all! Check out these inside photos where she amps up the sexy quotient:

Yes we are seeing more of her breast than usual. Men the world over are going to swoon over this picture.

I want to high five her–for embracing her fabulousness and sexiness in a very tasteful way. You got it girl! Flaunt it.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Even though it’s 6 weeks old I’ve finally uploaded my interview on ION Media Network’s Metro Magazine feature with host Tanya Dallas Lewis. I am very proud of this interview. The 20 minute segment highlights Elan Image Management’s mission and passion for empowering women: from the Mogul on the make to the Mom needing a remake.The interview shares my thoughts on the importance of image in influencing perceptions as we are constantly sending silent signals about ourselves based on our image. I share how I work with my clients, my target market and all the many services Elan Image Management offers. I loved talking about some of the women I see as great fashion influencers such as the First Lady, Michelle Obama who I do have a strong point of view about. So watch the video to hear about it!!

Thanks to Tanya and ION Media networks for giving me the opportunity to share with viewers what I do!

Video accessible here: www.elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-at-work/metromagazine.shtml Enjoy and do send me your feedback!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

My previous post showcased some of the best and worst fashions at the Met Institute Gala. But I don’t want you mistaken into thinking that looking fabulous  on the red carpet is only the domain of the 40 and under crowd. Not at all! As an image consultant, many of my clients are over 40 and all have the potential, latent or apparent to look amazing once armed with the tools. So many of my clients have had a complete 180 degree transformation after a 5 hour marathon consulting session –not just externally but internally as well. Because we all know it’s that inner confidence, poise, self assuredness and dare that truly makes a woman a knockout.

The more ‘seasoned’ women who graced the carpet of the Met Gala are proof positive. First Iman. If I’m not mistaken she is in her early 60’s and the woman does not look a day over 40. She is radiant, statuesque and downright gorgeous. Honestly it is my belief that age is just a number anyway, and I personally live by that principle. Iman is proof that rocking the carpet has everything to do with confidence, grace, inner and outer beauty and knowing what works for your body.  She ‘glows’ and by ANY standard is an image of beauty. Truly an inspiration.

The definitely over 60  and still iconic and beautiful Diane Von Furstenberg is another perfect example of this point. Here she is literally outshining Eva Longoria Parker (a stunner in her own right) by the ease and subtle magnetism she projects from her look. Her dress is simple yet elegant and perfect for her. She embodies feminine allure, no, she owns it.  Go Ms Diane!

There are more examples from the Met Gala, but let’s segue for a second back to the original point about 40+ woman looking fab. We have to look no further than the First Lady  to prove this point –whose style, by the way, is being refined and tweaked with every new appearance. At Tuesday’s Time 100 awards where she was a recipient she looks sublime. One of her best yet in my opinion. The sleek long black Azzedine Alaia  dress appropriately corseted to highlight her waist and the wide set spaghetti straps to anchor her strong shoulders and balance her hips—talk about a slam dunk? And the perfectly coiffed hair and impeccable makeup. My oh my. Mrs Obama continues to raise the bar.

The Image Diva, www.ElanImageManagement.com

Image Consulting, wardrobe plannning, personal shopper, Fashion Styling

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

Dear Readers,

In just two days history will be made as the first African American, Barack Obama,  will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States. The nation has been in  festive and celebration mode for days. With all the events to attend and balls and galas thart abound the Obama’s have been busy indeed. They are supposed to make an appearance (and dance) at 10 official balls on Tuesday. So what is a fashion iconic first lady to wear?? Designers worldwide have been sketching like crazy hoping she will select one of their designs. Will she? In two days we’ll all know what she wears. But I couldn’t help check out the options and choose my favorites for her.

 My absolute favorite design for a ball gown for her is this red stunner designed by Monique Lhuillier. Michelle Obama looks fab in red and this silhouette is fashion forward (one shoulders are very on trend now) and so in synch with her personal style sensibilities and her figure. This dress gets my top vote. Feminine, romantic, dramatic, figure flattering, Presidential, regal, stylish,  it has it all! Michelle if you want unforgettable, this dress is it.

For sheer drama this gray Christian Lacroix  gown is hot!  The design and construction of this dress is figure flattery at its best–the seaming at the waist and hem–very sexy. I even like the long gloves-it does not look promish or bridesmaid with this dress.  I also love the cape effect (lovin’ it in red or is that fuschia?) that she can take on and off depending on temps. And the body hugging silhouette will go against the grain of typical First lady inaugural looks. I’m all for that and Mrs O can rock it with her toned physique. Mrs O, if you wear this dress, every man will swoon that sets eyes on you.

I actually really like this Badgley Mischka gown. Its elegant and a bit more understated than the two above (except the fishtail hem does have a diva effect!) but a lovely choice for Michelle Obama. The bling in the seqined front is way cool and the plum color will act like a pretty neutral against her skin tone. For a ‘quieter’ presence, with panache, I like this dress. I would love to see her in a strapless gown as well to show off her strong shoulders! And it looks like it has a sexy back.

 For a more conservative look still, this Tuleh gown scores and is very close to the sheath silhouette Mrs Obama loves to wear. Understated color, design and silhouette, if Mrs Obama’s goal is to stay within the traditional First Lady inaugural looks, this dress nails it. And she will look tall and striking in it as well. Not a bad choice at all.

Of course Mrs O has many day time engagements to attend the next couple of days, most notably the swearing in on Tuesday which will be a highly documented media event. She has to nail her look for the swearing in which will be outdoors.

I love this deep blue cinched waisted coat design from Mr Lacroix (the face in the sketch is a dead ringer for Michelle) and I can already see her commanding this look. I love everything about it!! It will look great on TV, in person and she will have so much ‘Presence’ in an enseble like this yet still be a First Lady.  I say go for it Michelle! This will be a look for the style books.

The queen of feminine design, Ms Von Furstenberg designed this classic day look for Mrs O which I also think would be perfect for the swearing in. I love the burst of yellow (even in the height of winter) and its just so chic! Again she would be a knockout in this design–everything hee works for her figure and proportions and the occasion.

These are my pics for Mrs Obama. The world will find out what she chooses on Tuesday. I know we will all be staying tuned.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management