I am beyond thrilled to share with you my excitement about the upcoming release of my first book: “Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style”. This book is for any and every woman who has ever desired  to consistently look her best, understand her signature style, learn how to shop smarter and to build a wardrobe of clothes that flatters her that she absolutely loves. The icing on the cake?  Looking and feeling so great that you are inspired to Flaunt It, on your terms.

This book evolved out of my passion for my work as an image consultant and often being the facilitator for change in the lives of the women I have the privilege of working with. It is their journey’s of transformation that propelled me to want to make a bigger footprint—to really stand up for the power and liberation inherent in the elevation of a woman’s image and the transformation that inevitable takes place in her life as a result.

“Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It” is as much about style, fashion, what to wear and beauty as it is about self esteem, empowerment and motivation. It is my honor to have penned a book that I believe truly can and will make a difference outwardly as well as inwardly in the lives of the readers.

The book will be available for sale online by September 1st 2010. From the Amazon book summary: “This book is an invitation to change how the world sees you and how you see yourself, on your terms. You’ll learn how to dress to elevate your image so you look and feel amazing.  Wherever you are on your image journey-from fashion challenged to emerging fashionista-with Natalie as your guide you will be inspired to "Flaunt It!"”

Stay tuned for details on book signings!

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management. Author, "Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It"

According to a New York Times online article by Stephanie Clifford last month, "As doctors and public health officials encourage Americans to slim down, the fashion industry is embracing Americans as they are. Both mass-market stores like Forever 21 and Target and expensive designers like Elie Tahari are deciding the fattening of America is a big business opportunity, and are reinvigorating a market that had faltered during the recession."

Well that’s all well and good but they have got a long way to go! The average American woman is a size 14. Most clothing designers cater to what they feel is aspirational and  trendsetting. It’s all about illusion and fantasy and not much about reality at all. Most designers don’t think about what will sell when they put pencil to sketch pad–they are thinking about a collection that will get them great PR and that will put on a great "show". The problem is that the buyers who attend fashion shows "buy into" these sterotypes and the result is a lot of unrealistic fashion trends popping up in stores every season that flatter only a minority of women.

Couple this issue with the fact that plus size clothing is very expensive to manufacture for a variety of reasons so retailers shy away from them completely. With Petites and Talls, even though they are viable markets, there is apparently not enough money in them to make designers and stores take note. Many department stores shut down their petite departments and stand alone stores that used to cater to petites including Petite Sophisticates are out of business. There was a Tall Girls store in Virginia nd that too shut down even though I know many tall women who shopped there. So what are we to do, those among us who are non-standard (and increasingly becoming the majority)?

In my work as an image consultant I see women of all shapes and sizes and I see my role an empowering them to embrace and learn to dress and flatter their size as it is NOW. We can all look great in your clothing if we learn the tricks of figure flattering. Yes their are hard to fit statures/sizes–plus, petites AND talls.  I’m 6′1" and a healthy size 6 and because I am in the business of image, fashion and wardrobe I know what looks great on me and how to wear mass market clothing that looks like it was designed for my super long frame (with the help of a tailor often).

But just like there are plus sized petites, there are plus sized talls and these are the most challenging to address because the plus size market offerings are so limited. It would be wonderful if designers catered to ALL frames but they don’t. And everyone assumes tall women have it easy but whether thin or plus or in between we have the same challenges as petite women finding clothing, often harder because you NEVER see ‘talls’ in department stores.

All sizes and statures can be beautiful –we just need more options period! I hope other designers start to cater more to the plus size market in particular and that stores like J Crew, J Jill, Victoria’s Secret , Talbots and Eddie Bauer etc. continue to serve all sectors of the woman’s market. 

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

There are so many styles of swimsuits to flatter various figure types, tastes, and personalities. This TV segment which aired on May 27th on DC’s  News Channel 8 ‘Let’s Talk Live, featuring Elan Image Management, highlights a few trends, suggestions for a flattering fit, and what your swimsuit style conveys about you. 

We showcase the Swankini! This is a swimwear line developed by Lois McCort out of Ohio that is all about figure flattery! The suits are two piece tankinis geared at the over 35 crowd who typically want more coverage around the middle and who also want the slimming effects of a suit. The suit fabrication is made with quality spandex, and there are features like ruching, tummy tuck panels, pintucking at the busts for augmentation and more all catering to help you to ‘get your swank on’! Check her line out at Swankini.com

We reveal the  Monokini– definitely for the confident woman who is not shy about flaunting her body’s assets. The hallmark of a monokini is that it is a one piece but it shows so much skin especially around the waist it is almost a bikini. Personally I think it can be sexier for many shapes than a bikini. If you want curves, curves, curves then this style is perfect for you. It is also a great style for more boyish shapes that want to create the illusion of more curves. Monokinis because they reveal so much skin and contour the body’s curves, convey a strong sense of allure. Perfect if you are in great shape and want to get lots of attention from the guys!

The clip also shows other swimwear options, including tankini options, bikinis and one pieces.

View the TV clip here

For more on swimsuit figure flattery advice and tips with great photos, read my posts last year on the topic: Swimsuits for all bods part 1 and part 2

A special thanks to the Let’s Talk Live team for letting me share with their viewers and Lois Mc Cort for her generous swimsuit donation of  a Swankini suit which I will be giving away to 1 lucky follower on my facebook fan page. Not a fan? Get all the latest updates, tips and trends on our Facebook business page. Stay tuned!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

So you’re frustrated deciding what to wear for spring/summer now that the temps are rising. Yes I know, keeping up with fashion trends and making trends work for you and your personal style can be a challenge! But lucky for you their are image consultants like myself to help you with your wardrobe 411needs. Even better, I am running a few great specials now so you can save money while you are making your transformation to a newer, stylish, more magnificent you!

Take advantage of these savings and specials to get your spring/summer wardrobe all up to date and revamped so you can look great all season. Plus what better way to use your tax refund than treating yourself!

Client Appreciation Special

All past and current clients can get a complimentary 40 minute phone consult that can be used on its own or in conjunction with another service. A great opportunity for us to regroup together and make sure your image is on track and working for you! I will be reaching out to many of my clients this month but do feel free to e-mail or call me directly to take advantage of this offer!

Spring Discounts

The spring special promotion is for EVERYONE! If you’ve been thinking of using my services but needed an extra nudge,now is your time! Get 15% off any service including image consults, wardrobe audits, and personal shopping. This Special is for bookings made through June 15th. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to save and more importantly, get your image and style on point..

Special Packages

We have 3.5 hour, 5 hour, and 7 hour packages available to mix and match and customize packages to suit your unique needs while saving you money. Contact me for details.

What are you waiting in. Call me: Phone: 443-295-3526.

Elan Image Management, image consulting, personal shopping, closet purges and more.

What is it about the successful well dressed woman that makes her stand apart from her counterparts? She looks the part and owns it. She knows who she is and what she stands for. Her inner core and outward presentation are perfectly aligned. She is acutely aware of her personal brand and executes upon its tenets every day, every time—consistently. I work with women like this as a personal shopper, image and fashion consultant. She gets it. She understands the power inherent in having an image that is a notch above.

If you want to be perceived as such a woman read these seven tips for guidance.

1. Have a Defined Signature Style
Know your signature style. Your style becomes part of your personal brand which in business is critical. Your personal brand is your advertisement about who you are and what you stand for. It must be credible, authentic and sustainable.
2. Invest in Quality
Well dressed corporate women understand the benefits of investing in high quality clothing. They are aware that quality is associated with success. They invest in themselves before asking others to invest in their company, product or service.
3. Utilize  Experts
Be clear about the limits of your own knowledge. Women who look fabulous don’t wing it. They don’t leave their personal brand to chance. They hire experts to perfect their image and mold a personal brand that is a slam dunk.  Many invest in stylists, image consultants, or personal shoppers to help them execute upon their brand.
4. Be Organized
An organized closet is one that is easy to work with. You see everything, things are organized by color, function, or item and you can mix and match with aplomb. A well-ordered closet is a key to creating polished ensembles and avoiding unnecessary wardrobe duplication.
5. Pay Attention to Detail
Not paying attention to the little details can be a deal breaker. The most high end designer  suit won’t send the right signal when paired with a scrappy handbag or when saddled with a pair of shoes that need to be retired.
6. Have outfits for every Occasion
Successful women own a well-rounded wardrobe that mirrors their lifestyle, personal style, personality and goals. So whether it’s a board meeting or a fundraiser, they always have the the right outfits to shine
7. Timelessness not Trendiness
Smart women focus on style and its impact, not fashion trends. They care less about trends and invest in clothing uniquely appointed to complement their image goals, figure and personal brand. They ensure they invest in timeless pieces that fit impeccably.

Your wardrobe is a mirror reflecting the woman you present to the world. If you aspire to be perceived as successful, then your wardrobe should be outfitted with items befitting the power broker that you are.