Ladies how often do you get a chance to win a pair of shoes valued at over $200 just by reading a column? Not often. Well through April 25th (THIS SUNDAY) you have the opportunity  to do just that. It’s Via Spiga’s 25th Anniversary this year, and one of the ways they want to celebrate their loyal consumers is by giving back. So we’re doing an exciting giveaway of a “special gift” from Via Spiga.

But before I tell you how you can be eligible to win this ‘prize’ let me tell you a little bit about Via Spiga!

Via Spiga takes its name from the legendary street in Milan. Their shoes are steeped in a heritage of pure Italian designs, leathers and quality materials. Today the brand delivers sleek and architecturally inspired styles, binging luxury fashion within reach of all women. The entire collection has a feel of amped up femininity, for women who like to command attention when they walk down the street… whether in Milan, New York, Washington DC or anywhere. And as you know, shoes are the ultimate accessory, that can take your outfit up several notches in the flick of an ankle strap.

What can you expect from a Via Spiga shoe? Quality materials, superior workmanship, style, the latest in footwear trends and an attitude!

The Image and Wardrobe Examiner column in partnership with Via Spiga is giving away a gift bag with a pair of shoes (your choice from three selections) to one lucky woman and a couple other surprise giftables for those who participate in the contest.

Here are your choices of shoes!

Jasmin valued at $225

Ivory valued at $164

Jolie valued at $225

What do you have to do to enter? Comment on this article about why you love shoes and why they are the ultimate accessory. Get creative. If you own a Via Spiga shoe tell us about it. The winner will be chosen from among the best responses and then chosen at random.You can comment  on the column, via my twitter account  or on my Facebook fan page or to my e-mail Natalie@ElanImageManagement.com.  If you do comment on the column directly, e-mail or DM me on Twitter so I know who you are!

The winner will be chosen and announced on The Image and Wardrobe Examiner column and my Facebook fan page on April 25th in honor of the company’s anniversary.

The odds of wining are very high! Good luck!

 For more information visit Via Spiga’s website, become their Facebook fan and follow Via Spiga on Twitter.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

This article might be a tad controversial.  It’s my personal opinion on fashion trends that have been universally unflattering to women, that need to be banished from closets everywhere in the year ahead. You see, sometimes designers push the limit. They are artists after all—but just because they design it and the stores buy it, doesn’t mean we have to wear it!

Some trends that surfaced this year were just downright silly (see #1 harem pants). Really. Others are just so been there done that (see #5, ripped jeans). Others, still,  just aren’t stylish (see  Crocs #7). And the rest simply don’t flatter.

So without further ado, here is my top 10 list of Fashion Dont’s for 2010 (not rank ordered).

1.    Harem pants- Seriously designers did you really expect this one to stick? Who does this flatter?

Theory Harem pants

Not Chloe Sevigny in a leopard pair!

2.    Colored tights—I know they are supposed to be edgy and ‘stylish but honestly they just scream ‘tacky’ to me. Save this for the teenage and under crowd.

Apt 9 tights from Kohls

3.    Leggings as pants—Be clear—I love leggings with tunics and minis. The issue I have is women wearing leggings (sometimes even black tights) as if they are pants! In other words, if your rear is exposed it’s not that cool.

Come on Halle. Even you can’t get away with this look! The jacket does not hide the front of these very see through tights. So not becoming.

Gwen, nice try by covering everything else on top but this seriously looks like you’re missing your pants.

4.    Leg warmers—Cute in theory maybe but stylish, non.

5.    Ripped jeans—Please ladies do not revive this one. It’s plain sloppy and collegiate. If you want edgy try a zippered bootie. And honestly there are jean options galore that do not involve holes.

Alice + Olivia spattered ripped jeans from Nordstroms

6.    Extreme shoulder pads—Again designers tried hard to make this trend take off but thankfully most women resisted. Everyone remembers the late 80’s fashion. *Shudder*

I love Rihanna’s edgy style. Love it. And she almost makes me think this works. But harem leather pants AND shoulder padded jacket–say it isn’t so!

7.    Colored plastic Crocs. I don’t need to say anything else. Even Crocs has better options in recent months.

Crocs Mary Jane

8.    4 inch + wide belts—Okay this was tough. As a lover of cinching belts I have seen too many abuses of this style—petite women covering up their whole torso with a wide belt (in effect making them appear shorter) or women cinching tops that aren’t long enough for the width of the belt. Even the First lady has sometimes not gotten this right. To be safe stick to belts no wider than 2.5 inches unless you are really long torsoed.

Even in an all black ensemble, this uber wide belt just isn’t flattering on Fergie.

9.    Hot pants-Sigh. Just because you have great legs it is not always appropriate to show them in most situations. Leave a little to the imagination?

10.    Uggs—I’ve been sick of Uggs for years. Again if the teenagers want to rock these fine but on grown women they look like you’re trying  too hard. There are many other comfy boot alternatives.

Ugg Australia Baily Button boot from Nordstrom

To help ensure you start the New Year off to a great start read these tips for Purging your closet.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

The classic cardigan has a slightly new look and is super popular since spring, Either slightly cropped,  tunic length or asymmetrical, this is not like the Chanel cardigan that was once the rage. What I love is the variety in color. Not just in neutrals you can now find cardigans in fuchsia, orange, gecko green and a myriad of hues. And the silhouettes are more figure flattering as opposed to boxy. Drape over a dress, wear over a tank and jeans, or belt over slacks. Either way, the cardigan is likely going to be your one go-to basic all season long and into fall. Here are a few of my favorite looks:

The Asymmetrical Cardigan

From urban minx

This has been a popular silhouette since last fall and I sense it will be hot again this coming season. Works with many figure types.

 The long vest

  Robert Rodriguz vest @ couturezappos

This tunic length cardi is an interesting silhouette. I would belt it with a widish belt or add long layered necklaces.

 The Short Fitted Cardi

Fitted cardigan from French Connections

A great look for ensemble dressing and definitely a popular style for fall. Wear open with a longer layer, layer over a dress, buttoned up over slacks or skirts, or belted with a thin belt with your favorite jean. A must have piece for your wardrobe.

The Belted Hoodie

Anthroplogie cardigan with hoodie

A funkier vibe–here with edgy details at the waist and a hoodie. Definitely to pair with jeans and boots.

 The Feminine Cardigan

Ruffled cardigan from Victoria’s Secret

 Ruffles create a softer effect and a little unexpectedness. Wear with sleeves ‘juged’ (pushed up).

Animal print

  Animal print cardi from urban outfitters

Share your wild side with an animal print cardi. Pair with solids so the focus is on the print, like the model in the photo. 3/4 length sleeve cardigans very fashionable now too.

Shawl Collar Wrap Cardigan

Wrap cardigan from Anthroplogie

Classic and Timeless. I love this look. Cozy yet stylish and definitely figure flattering (creates that hourglass effect). Because of the length, best on taller frames.

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,

If today is any indication, spring is definitely in the air. And in addition to turning my thoughts to daffodils, sunshine, Easter, and longer daylight hours, I get so excited finally to be able to rid myself of my winter skin (coats etc.) and show some of my own (as in legs and arms and necks). Which of course makes me dizzy with anticipation thinking of the new trends and fashions we’ll see being donned by the most fashion savvy amongst us.

Many trends are very similar to last spring but with enough of a twist so you feel it’s a different design aesthetic. And frankly some trends are pretty consistent year after year like the first on this list of ‘10 Hot trends for Spring.’

1.  Bright colors are everywhere!! Oranges, yellows, Gecko green, teal blue and warm reds will be splashed all across racks—in clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories. have you visited the mall lately? You’ll know exactly what I mean. Citrusy yellow will be the color of the season similar to last spring. If you’re going to buy a yellow top or dress just make sure it’s a shade of yellow that compliments you!
2. Every spring there is some version of a safari trend. Whether it is showcased by animal prints, earth tones, rugged relaxed looks, safari inspired tops, chunky wooden or ornate accessories or a maxi dress with an earthy vibe, you can always count on being on trend for spring with a safari/global/ethnic look (all variations on the same theme).
3.  Pleating, pintucks, panels and tiers will be a design element in a lot of this season’s fashions. It’s all about texture and lines baby! This can be a great way to camouflage figure flaws–use vertical lines to lengthen and thin, horizontal ones to widen or shorten. Make sense?
4.  Beading and embellishment is back ladies!! On jewelry, tops, accents, shoes, bling is in! Want to stand out–wear that sequined camisole with a muted hued bottom for day. Or go for an audacious necklace or ring that only you can pull off.
5. Pants whether high waisted, slouchy, rolled at the cuff or flat out harem style will all be popular. Gaining a following are jumpsuits too! A word of caution though: Catsuits and overalls are NOT in style. The trend is an all in one top and pant with a relaxed loungy vibe. It takes a special woman to pull this one off so be careful. When executed successfully it can be very chic.
6. Bows and ruffles will be en vogue too—those pretty feminine detail that is so girlie on dresses, shoes and skirts.
7. We will see more corset inspired tops and dresses this spring, a look so hot and so figure flattering. Look for lace up detailing on shirts, blouses and dresses.
8. Another figure flattering trend that will continue is the cinched waist, so hourglass and so sexy. Whether you cinch with the ever popular wide belt from 2 seasons ago or with the more trendy skinnier versions the effect is the same–to showcase those curves girl! I personally LOVE this trend year round!
9. Gladiator sandals, espadrilles, the wedge heel and shoes accented with bows, buckles will be hot all through spring.
10. And last but not least, the simple shift dresses will make a serious comeback in spring. Shifts with pockets, cowl necks, thick spaghetti straps –you name it shift is on trend.

More to come with pictures. Catch me in a few days. And for those of you wondering why the frequency of the posts have slowed down, it’s because I’m operating with two fractured wrists for weeks. Yeah…not so hot 

Copyright; The Image Diva- Élan Image Management