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

Dear Readers,

Style, image, fashion may seem like supercilious topics but they are in fact important aspects of our culture, lifestyle and worldview. All the attention paid to Michelle Obama’s dress on election night was not just all fluff—her image now represents or reflects the image of women here and abroad. What the First Lady to be of the US chooses to wear and how she presents herself says as much about where we are as a nation as it does about her personal style sensibility! This image business is serious business. And because woman have more ways to express their unique signature style, they are under much more scrutiny than their male counterparts. Does anyone really comment on what President elect Obama is wearing? This is not so much sexism as it is realism.

Women are the style icons, the trend setters, the image makers because we have so much fodder to play with. Hair, makeup, accessories, dresses, suits, pants, skirts, blouses, shirts, all the colors of the rainbow, handbags, shoes-the list of choices are endless! And with those choices come responsibility. A responsibility to present oneself in the most favorable light and in a way that enhances one’s platform. And what greater platform can there be to make a symbolic image statement, than as First Lady? First ladies have an opportunity to effect change and to reflect change. First lady Jackie O is a case in point and is the most celebrated as a fashion icon.–the pearls, the pillbox hats (her unique signature), the hair, the sunglasses–she was the complete package. She was copied, admired and revered and her image played a huge role in her lasting legacy.

In a nutshell, image matters even when we aren’t conscious of its powerful messages. Look at how radically Sarah Palin was transformed in her short tenure as the Republican VP candidate– from her first public appearance in that awful tan and black skirt suit to her figure flattering black suit at the VP debates to that hot red suit with black boots out on the campaign trail. I think the campaign needed to invest the $150K they reported to have spent to rework her wardrobe and look. She even got new glasses. If anyone hasn’t already figured it out, Sarah Palin was much needed eye candy for the Republican ticket. We can debate till the cows come home about whether she had the smarts required for the job, but no one will contest the fact that she was one heck of a pretty lady and next to John McCain, her image trumped his every time.

Image matters to all of us, not merely those in the spotlight. I would be out of a career if people did not care about the way they look and their presentation. We live in a judgmental society that puts specific ideals of beauty on a pedestal and this absolutely impacts women more than it does men. Women need to care more about the way they look and the way they age because in this society we can be penalized for going against the grain and not keeping ‘our looks’ up.

Of course men must care too, but society is more forgiving of a man with graying or balding hair (he is distinguished, seasoned), or one who is unattractive by most standards (if he is competent, intelligent, funny). So there is a double standard, but at the end of the day, regardless of gender, if you look disheveled, un-groomed, haphazardly pulled together or like a ‘hot mess’, you’re in trouble. If your negative image speaks louder than the words you say, no one’s going to listen to you or respect you.

Take a look around at the people you admire and hold in high regard. Chances are you are drawn to them in no small measure due to the image they command which synchs up with their other strengths. That woman who commands attention when she walks into a room and when she speaks you cannot hear a pin drop? That is a woman in control of her image. Image matters. Whether you’re on Main street USA, Wall Street, 5th Avenue or in the White house, you better believe your image has power that can help or hinder your success.

© The Image Diva, Élan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Whichever way you swung on the Presidential ballot, last night’s historic election was a nail biter until Barack Obama was elected the new President of the United States.  Historic on so many levels: the crowds, the record voters, the first black President of the US, a campaign where the people on both sides of the fence were passionate and caught up in a way we have not witnessed in decades. A true moment of pride for the US–where whether leaning Democratic or Republican, we all came out to support our respective candidates in droves and with such enthusiasm!

Seeing the crowds in Chicago’s Grant Park (all ages, colors and genders) and around the nation (and world!) watching  the results pour in was so inspiring. And then the final result–the cheers and tears, the songs and dances, the hugs and giddy celebration–the beautiful camraderie. My only regret is that I was not there too!. Many people’s hope in this great  nation has been enlivened. And yes President elect Obama  has his work cut out for him in the year ahead. But the feeling that finally, FINALLY, the wait was over, and that for most of us,  we could at least for a moment, breathe a collective sigh of relief  that the battle had been fought and won resoundingly by the ‘right’ man. A man who can inspire hope in a nation so hungry for a new vision, who has the character to engender trust among nations across the world, who can foster collaboration between Americans of all classes, races, religions and creeds and who is poised to make and be the change we so clearly need in this country now and in the world. An ambitious challenge to be sure, but if anyone can do it, it is President elect Obama.

Senator McCain supporters are certainly disappointed. And my heart goes out to them. But hopefully in time, and after the period of transition and adjustment,  they too can all rally with the rest of the country for a joint purpose and mission about where America needs to be headed, with President elect Obama as our leader.

In the next few months, what I know for sure is that change will surely come. And  I am excited by the prospect of what that means for me personally, and for my fellow Americans. Change is a true constant in life. Change means rebirth, renewal, reconfiguration, and most important possibilities! If we can all embrace that notion I am confident that this country can be headed in the right direction once again. In his acceptance speech last night, Barack Obama underscored that point: "It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."

Finally, it is with pride and great sentiment that I watched the new first family take the stage. A typical, traditional  American family in so many respects. The love, rapport, joy, humility, and pride on all their faces was so priceless. Moments like these are precious -history unfolding before our eyes and yet the composure and normalcy of their presence on stage was so reassuring and humbling. I’ll never forget it. .

Since this is a blog about image, I want to end with that–an image of President elect Obama and his family making their first appearance as ‘first family’. And doing so magnificently! (Loving Malia in that pretty red dress! We’ll get to Michelle’s in an upcoming post).

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Temps are rising, the sun is shining and you’re out and about taking care of business (shopping of course!) Every fashionista knows that if she buys one new thing at this time of the year it HAS to be statement making sunglasses.  I am really loving the retro trend this season, with frames in bold unconventional hues like hot pink and turquoise like this fab pair from Balenciaga in a combo of red/fuschia/clear with very round frames.

Or this oversized turquoise pair from Pucci with really jazzy arms in a fun print design.

Retro is also making an appearance in frame shape in a major way. Oliver Peoples’s Holis frames are an ode to decades past and has a very vintage feel with its tortoise shell angular frame.

Groovy. Very big square frames are also fashionable this season so go ahead and frame your face in this fabulous pair from Michael Kors.

Or see the world through rose colored lenses (literally) with rose colored glass shades from Thakoon. Change your outlook and rock the retro trend using Holly Golightly as your muse. Don these RayBan Wayfarers inspired from Audrey’s character in Breakfast at Tiffany’s and don’t let anyone ever put you ‘in a cage’.

So you are rocking the shades, and want to up the ante a notch. Volia! I present to you, the silk headscarf. ‘Gossip Girl’ has done for the headscarf what ‘Sex and the City’ did for Manolo Blahnik’s shoes. They are going to be very popular this season and are a great way to nail the luxe bohemian vibe. Use a traditional scarf as a headband or try this oblong print version from Lady D (Diane Von Furstenberg, my dear) or this starburst design from Missoni.

For a less dramatic look, this headband from Tasha does the job. Want a more formal look? Tasha’s satin rosette headband is perfect.

Bright, bold handbags are really in fashion, especially in a tote. Celebs have been spotted with colorful bags big enough to hold a pet, they are so gigantic! But to mix it up, I am really feeling the white/cream bag. With all the color abounding in dresses, jackets, and tops, neutral bags are the perfect counterpoint. A white bag has a nautical, ‘clean’ feel but it also looks very classy like this white pebbled patent leather tote from Fendi or this elegant Italian handcrafted tote in Cream from Bottega Veneta.

With your cool new shades, printed headscarf and fab white tote you’re ready to greet the world girl!

Copyright Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management

When companies think about their own branding strategy, a critical component is their Unique Value Proposition (UVP). This concept is equally important when thinking about the brand image you present to others by your appearance—your personal brand. What differentiates you from others? Do you have a trademark? Something that uniquely and unequivocally defines you? Here are some ideas from Élan Image Management to develop a signature look that can enhance your “presence”:

• Do you have something distinctive about your appearance? In my case, it’s my 6 foot frame. It could be a winning smile like Tom Cruise’s. Or the show stopping lips that Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie have made famous. Or eyes that sparkle like jewels (Elizabeth Taylor). Or famous legs like Tina Turner who at age 65+ can still ‘work it’.
• You may have an engaging or unique voice. Celebrities such as Morgan Freeman and James Earl Jones have used their distinctive voices to endorse advertising and to narrate documentaries and films. When you hear their voice, sight unseen, they are immediately recognizable. That is the power (and money making potential) of a personal trademark.
• Develop a trademark fashion accessory. One of my clients uses scarves in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes and wears them with all her suits. This is her signature look. Celebrities that have famous trademarks include Jacqueline Kennedy with her pillbox hats, Sally Jesse Raphael’s red glasses, Jack Nicholson’s dark sunglasses, Diana Ross’s ‘big’  hair.  
• Refine your personal style. There are many ‘classes’ of personal style but the key is making your style your own, whether you tend to gravitate more to clean simple monochromatic silhouettes or you are creative and edgy and mix and match clothing and accessories in new and surprising ways. Meryl Streep’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada” always was adorned with a white Hermes scarf, whether as part of her outfit or an accessory. Barbara Bush was always seen with her strand of pearls.
• Your poise. Are you graceful? Commanding? Statuesque? Approachable? Research has proven that a person’s height is a competitive advantage, in the business world or in life in general. This is especially true for men. Taller men have an easier time getting hired, promoted, being offered leadership roles and attracting women. So what is a height challenged person to do? Develop your poise—walk ‘as if’ you are 6 feet tall. It can make a world of difference on how others perceive you. And never underestimate the power of being a friendly and personable person—being perceived as “approachable” is important for personal and professional success.
• Is there something unconventional about you? A different accent? Unusual facial features? Cindy Crawford’s mole sets her apart from other models. Barbara Streisand has made her profile famous with her distinctive nose and Mary J. Blige has made the scar under her left eye her trademark feature. Both women have transformed a negative facial feature into their trademark. What about an unconventional hairdo (think Al Sharpton or Don King)?

Whatever your ‘trademark’ or signature look, it is one thing that differentiates you from everyone else and it can be used as an asset to enhance your “professional presence” because you stand out from the crowd. But first you need to be aware of it, acknowledge it and embrace it before you can maximize its benefits.

Copyright: Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management