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

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,

I’ve been blogging about image, fashion, wardrobe, style and all things fabulous for THREE years! Hard to believe how fast time flies. April marks the 3 year anniversary of the Elan Blog and I wanted to take a quick trip down memory lane about some of the topics I’ve blogged about:

• Fashion do’s and don’ts
• New Trends
• Celebrity Face-offs–who wore the same dress better and why
• Fashion icons-Michelle Obama etc.
• Defining your personal style
• All about color and how to wear it well
• Developing a brand YOU
• Accessorizing
• Embracing your body and figure
• Wardrobe advice
• Organizing your closet
• Bargain shopping
• Dressing for interviews
• What’s hot
• I’m lovin…
• Where to shop for what
• What’s your signature style
• Celebrity fashion and commentary
• Projecting an authentic image
• Fashion designer spotlight
• Professional Presence
• Fashion events in the DC metro area
• My Musings on style, fashion, and whatever happens to be on my mind..
• And SO much more

I wish I could blog each day, truly, because I have no shortage of things I can talk about. But you know when I do blog, you are getting real content and advice and not ‘fluff’–there’s enough of that to go around. I invite you to browse the archives for real content on a host of topics under the image umbrella.

My blog had been hit hard by spammmers so now leaving a comment is not as simple as it used to be. I truly apologize but the spammers won that battle. To leave a comment you need to register with your e-mail address. I would love to hear from you, my readers, but know how annoying it is to register. I’ll continue to work on that.

I have been dying to get you PICTURES of the hottest Spring trends I’m digging and I promise by next week you’ll have more eye candy than my mere words. In the meantime, here’s a picture of me that is over 2 years old but still on trend-the accessories, cinched waist, poppy red tunic and skinny jeans (cropped out):

Until then, here’s to purposeful presence!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, your go to wardrobe consultant

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