The Oscar red carpet is the crème de la crème of red carpets and we all wait in anticipation to see what our favorite celebs would wear. For me, as an image consultant I’m always curious to see who I think nailed it and who missed the mark. Definitely a lot to learn from the fashions at this year’s event.

What makes stunning?
I have two favorites for who just looked amazing from head to toe. First, Meryl Streep. Simply sublime. Kudos to Project Runway alum Chris March who designed this figure flattering drapey shawl collar creation. Meryl is a vision in this classic white tuxedo inspired gown which fits her impeccably. And every detail works, her hair, makeup, silver clutch and diamond earrings, bracelets and ring all by Fred Leighton. She looks fabulous.

Steve Granitz/wire.

Demi Moore, looks so stunning in a very feminine diaphanous salmon gown designed by Atelier Versace. Silk ruffles cascade down the skirt with a fitted strapless bodice on top. The color looks amazing on her, it fits her like a glove and her gorgeous drop earrings and diamond cuff are just the details that make for a slam dunk.
So what makes these two stunners: Gowns that fit them and suit their personality. Colors that work for their complexion. Accessories that punctuate and enhance. And hair and makeup that finish off their looks .

Jason Merrit/Getty

The Importance of getting color right
I am a big proponent on women wearing colors that make them shine because it can have such a huge impact. I am always amazed when some celebs walk the carpet in a beautiful dress that just is not the right color for them. At Sunday night’s Oscars, Penelope Cruz in a deep wine dress got her color right—she radiates in her dress because her dark hair and eyes and skin are enlivened by that color. Gabourey Sidibe also rocked her cobalt blue off-the-shoulder dress by Marchesa.

/ Frazer Harrison/Getty

AP photo/Matt Sayles

Who got color wrong? Julianne Moore just disappears in her white dress. It does nothing for her. A snooze. Diane Kruger, also missed the mark with a creme dress with black accents. Not crazy about the dress’s design (Chanel) and the color does not help. Washes her out and the black is just too jarring.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty

Ap/ Chris Pizzello

On the Flip side, I love fuchsia and I love that Vera Farmiga dared to wear that color in her very constructed Marchesa ruffled gown. But if you look long enough you’ll realize you are staring at the dress and not her face. Why? Because the color is too strong for her skin eyes and hair. In other words, the color is wearing her- not such a good thing.

Jason Merrit/Getty

Lesson, if your dress is not the right color it does not matter how gorgeous your gown is, you just won’t nail it. Read more in my article on 6 ways to wow with color

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consultants

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,

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,

Even in a recession we want to look fabulous. But on a budget! As women frantically finalize their ‘what to wear’ outfits for the inaugural festivities, I thought it would be a great time to give the last minute shopper a few ideas for a fabulous outfit  for less than the price of most inaugural tickets ($200-$500). I scoured the web  for evening dresses under $150 and surprisingly came up with a few winners—some even less than $100. Nordstrom’s online was a common spot for deals, so next time you’re looking for gala wear, definitely check it out. Disappointingly,  Bluefly.com the discount designer haven came up short (literally) with few gala worthy dresses in my price range but many mini dresses for less fancy affairs. 

Next I looked for necklaces and clutches under $50 (we must accessorize ladies!) and earrings under $25, with the intent of a complete outfit for about $250. Shoes I decided could be an area where you skimp—what lady does not own a pair of gala worthy shoes already in her closet? So assuming you’re already well-heeled for the occasion, I focused on the rest of your ensemble.

Without further ado, here are a few of my favorite under $150 dresses for galas and evening wear.

For the woman with more conservative tastes–Adrianna Papell gown @ Nordstrom

The same basic gown but spicier! Adrianna Papell gown @ Nordstrom

A great bias cut skirt gown with an interesting square neck and thick straps (so you can wear a bra) also available in Size 16 for fuller figured in  great color–JS Collections square neck @ Nordstrom

Love Labels? This designer gown won’t break your budget -ABS gown @ Bluefly.com

Want some drama? This chocolate brown sequined halter with train from Faviana might be all you need. Available @ edressme

So elegant–This is a lovely one shoulder, goddess inspired dress and perhaps my favorite. Comes in purple too but who can resist this teal blue? From Nordstrom’s

This simple strapless dress is figure flattering with the added ruching on the side. And in ed you’re sure to turn heads. Available @ Nordstrom’s.

Want to add a statement making necklace, earrings or clutch to these gowns  to complete your outfit? Check out my frugal picks below. (Points if you don’t need to buy new accessories).

Black and White choker style necklace @ Chicos

Antique faux gold necklace @ Arden B

Black fringe bag from Armani Exchange

Black tiered necklace @ White house/Black Market

A great silver tone necklace from Forever 21

Add some pop to basic black with this red sequined evening bag @ ebags.com

Pearls are always classic and chic. And this drop style gives it a twist. Available at White House/Black Market

With earrings like these who needs a necklace? These picks get two thumbs up for great style at steal prices (under $25!)

Laquered flower earrings @ Forever 21

Teardrop shaped carved earring in antique gold. Very cool and they look expensive @ Forever 21

Need I say more? I want these! Totally fab! Rhinestone drop earrings @  Arden B

Mix and match any of these selections with your chosen dress for a glamorous and stylish look for your inaugural ball. For shoes, black, silver, matte gold or pewter would match any of these dresses. Here’s looking at you, you chic and fabulous woman!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Happy Holidays!

No matter how you decide to spend the rest of the holidays, I want to make sure you look festive, pulled together, and fabulous to all your events. If you’ve been keeping up with my posts you already have a few tips on dressing for your holiday events. Today, I share a few more tidbits so you can be sure you look smashing when attending  your holiday, New Year and Inauguration shindigs.

• Black always looks sleek and chic. If you’re unsure of color, opt for a black ensemble in lace, velvet, satin, silk, taffeta or chiffon to take it from basic to festive. Look at how this basic black skirt from Tory Burch gets a shot of pizzazz  and sass with a silver print embellishment. All is needed is to pair with a simple black top and jazzy heels and you’re ready for a Holiday party! 

Tory Burch sequined skirt @ Bloomindales

• Red says end of year cheer more than any other color and will ensure you get noticed among the sea of black ensembles. But if you choose to wear red make sure it is the right shade of red for you.
• Gold is a great color for a festive and bright look. But the more your dress sparkles the more you need to downplay your jewelry.
• Trendy colors like cobalt blue, purple and grey instantly make you appear more fashion forward.
•  If you’re wearing a dress, opt for one that flatters and enhances your figure and proportions. Wide in the hips? Choose a dress with an A line or flared skirt. Full figured? A wrap style dress can be very flattering and forgiving. Slim and trim? Then you can wear those sheath and shifts without a care. Petite woman need to be very conscious of where a dress ends on their legs. Too long and you can instantly look frumpy. Usually any length that hits around the knee or just below is ideal.
• When in doubt, opt for separates. You can never go wrong with a colorful top and a pair of black slacks or dark washed jeans and heels.
• Fabrics like lace, velvet, satin, silk, taffeta or chiffon will always convey a festive sensibility and make you look more ‘dressed up’. Or add a sparkly accessory like this sequined beret.

Sequined beret from Bloomingdales

• Sparkly and shiny jewelry, whether diamonds, gold or semi precious stones are a must. Earrings and necklaces draw the eye to the face and are very important additions that can have a great impact. Cluster, hoop and drop type earrings and statement making necklaces will instantly raise your outfit up several notches. Multilayered chains are very fresh this year as are overly large cocktail rings and oversized clutches.
• You can steal the spotlight this season with a sparkling display of bling. Sequins, beading, metallic or satin in accessories such as belts, scarves, purses, headbands, shoes, can add instant ‘oomph’. But don’t color match accessories to your holiday outfit—you want to avoid looking ‘overdone’.
   

Carlos Falchi metallic silver clutch @ Bloomingdales

• Makeup—Red lips are hot this year and also add more interest to the face. Gold or shimmery eye shadow also adds extra punch and ensures your face remains the focal point.
• Spice up a basic black dress with lacey stockings and show stopping shoes.
• Long gloves can add a dose of high glamour to an evening dress. Metallic gloves are very much the trend this season. 
• Don’t forget your crowning glory—your hair! Add sparkly hair accessories, pins, headbands for instant bling. A sweeping up do not only makes you look taller but also more elegant as well.

 Copyright, Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva, Élan Image Management