Dear Readers,

 Every woman has a notion about her idea size. What is yours?  In truth, size is the least of your worries because depending on the designer/brand and the fit models they use, the actual size of a garment can vary widely from designer to designer and brand to brand. So size is pretty meaningless when you get down to it. So the obsession with size is really misplaced. What women have to understand are their figures and proportion and how to dress those. And when you look amazing, you feel amazing, and it shows regardless of your “size.”

And honestly, most  men don’t really care that you’re not the perfect size 6 every model wanna be aspires to.  In fact, according to a recent survey of men in the UK, when asked about their ideal, most men picture the equivalent of a standard US size 10.

To have a basis of comparison, in the picture above the woman on the right is a US size 12 (the national average size for women in the UK), the woman in the middle is a  US size 6, and the woman on the left is a US size 10. The latter is most men’s preferred body size.

But I think this just proves that men like their woman a little curvier and meatier than you’d expect. So many woman starve themselves and diet to be this skinnier version of themselves, when in fact a lot of men don’t really care. For a woman of average height (5’ 6”) a size 10 is a pretty healthy curvy girl—very far from model thin.

So ladies, stop sweating the small stuff. A few pounds here or there does not make a difference. I want you to  embrace your weight, figure and proportion and strut all your stuff.

The Image Diva, Élan Image Management

Dear Readers,

Project Runway’s season 4 winner, Christian Siriano has not missed a beat since claiming victory. He has been designing outfits for A  listers like Heidi Klum and Victorya Beckham and just last Wednesday, launched an exclusive ready to wear collection for Bluefly.com. The designs are just what you’d expect from this confident young design talent: fierce! The small collection well represents his design aesthetic: edgy black jackets, puffed sleeved tops, skinny pants, a fab gold pencil skirt and dress, and a sweet black cotton shift. Take a look below.

All designs launched with Bluefly’s typical 20% discount with prices ranging from $100 to just under $600. With these prices (a bit on the pricey end, even for Bluefly)  you’d think they’d stick around a bit. But in this case, if you snoozed you lost! Only one item remains as of 8pm Eastern today—the gold silk dress.

You can check out the designs at: www.bluefly.com/pages/custom/custom.jsp. I’m guessing with the popularity and quick sell out we’d see these designs back on Bluefly in no time. In the meantime we need to be on the lookout for when these smart, tailored, cutting edge designs stage a comeback.

Kudos Mr Siriano!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

I don’t think anyone would argue that summer is here. We’ve gone straight from the mild to moderate temps of June to a full fledged heat wave since mid month. It is hot! And as an island girl I don’t normally complain but it’s a bit ridiculous. This past weekend I visited one of the popular amusement parks in Virginia and it was incredibly hot—so hot people were walking around like they were at the beach. Now, come on folks, there are ways to stay cool that do not involve removing most of your clothes!

So I started thinking about what people wear in the summer, whether they are visiting a warm locale, an amusement park or even the beach. And I came to the conclusion that there is never any excuse to not care about the way you look. Really, there isn’t. So to help you look smart when its hot I present you with, these10 tips. Enjoy!

1.  Let’s talk about fabrics that keep you cool when it’s hot. The key is “breathable fabrics” like linen, linen blends, light weight cotton and cotton blends and most silk blends. Avoid heavy knits, thick cotton blends, any fabric meant to keep you warm or even full length jeans when it’s really hot. Jeans are one of the worst things to wear when its 90 degrees Fahrenheit and up. The sun just singes right into your skin and the fabric starts to stick on you when you invariably begin sweating in them. Trust me, not too comfortable. Look for jeans shorts or bermuda’s in a lighter weight denim—they are a great wrinkle, hassle free alternative in the summer.
2. Also important is the choice of color. Darker colors make you warmer, lighter ones cooler. Which is why whites are always so great this time of year. (See my blog post White is alright).
3. Let’s face it, not everyone looks like Jennifer Anniston in a bikini. When ocean, poolside or in a water park, it is vital that you wear a bathing suit that flatters you. This means cut, color and fit. Tankini’s are a wonderful innovation in swimwear that more women need to take advantage of. Yes you want to tan and with a tankini you can do that and look great if you pick the right one to enhance your curves. Bikinis are meant for women with definable waists and flat stomachs which rules out 85% of the adult population. I am a big proponent of the tankini. There are also sexy one piece suits too that can camouflage and trim and even make you a size smaller. Yes a size smaller! So no more unflattering tinsy winsy bikinis and find a suit in a cut AND color that makes you look great!
4. For men, I must address the Speedo issue. It is very difficult to take a grown man seriously in a Speedo who does not look like a male model. Guys, wear board shorts or regular swim trunks. Anything but those darned Speedos!! They are not cute! (unless you are young, trim or a male model).
5. A fanny pack is a DON’T and an unsightly accessory except when jogging. Carry a nice straw bag or something else. There is just no place on the body that makes a fanny pack attractive.
6. Just as bad as Hawaiian shirts in the summer are the 80’s inspired tie dyed T’s. This one is for guys. Guys, its REALLY not cool to rock a tie dye T shirt unless you’re gardening or something. Really!
7. I hate to admit it but I do see vacationers wearing the dreaded combo: Birkenstocks and socks! This is not a good look. Socks paired with any type of sandal is a big DON’T. And Birkenstocks are very comfortable, yes I know, but unless you’re hiking or walking for miles, can’t we don a pair of cuter sandals instead especially when wearing a dress or skirt?
8. Speaking of shorts, this is another problem area. Ladies (and men) if you’re going to be walking around in shorts, at least wear one that fits you in a flattering way. I see so many women wearing poorly fitting shorts. Shorts ARE hard to fit so choose and wear wisely.
9. Capris are another pet peeve of mine. There is a reason why fashion makeover shows call them ‘mommy pants’. They are comfortable, yes, and cool in hot temps, but on many women they are simply not flattering. Capris essentially chop your leg up making it look shorter and unless you’re long legged, it is going to make you look squat. The only exceptions are ankle length capris which are long enough on most women to not commit the ’shortening of the leg’ crime.  A smarter alternative in my opinion for those who don’t look  attractive in regular shorts? A knee length short, cute knee length skirt or even a skort. Or regular length  pants quite frankly.
10. Hats are great to keep the body cool. Just wear a hat that flatters your face or that echoes your personal style. And ladies hair! If you have long hair pull it off your neck in a cute twist, wrap or ponytail when you’re hot and perspiring. Invest in a few hair accessories for this purpose so your hair does not take away from your look. The sweat drenched hair look? Not so cute.

So what to wear in the Summer? For ladies, beautiful day dresses, cute skirts paired with even cuter tops, linen slacks and a breezy tunic or kimono top. For really casual days shorts or skorts are fine if they fit and flatter paired with a fitted T (the operative word here is fitted ladies. No baggy, big sleeved sloppy T’s for you!) or figure flattering shirt. There are options galore that have nothing to do with shorts and a baggy T shirt! For men, smart cargos with short sleeve shirts, or long linen pants with a nicer dress shirt. And guys can wear a great pair of shorts with a T as long as it’s not tie-dyed!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

And who says DC and fashion is an oxymoron? The last Saturday in June proved the naysayers wrong with an explosive collection of runway designs from local designers at the first ever  Fashion Fusion event produced by Dejha Bower’s Fuzio productions held at the La Maison Francaise. 

But this was not just a fashion show—retailers from all across the DC metro area  were showcasing their apparel and accessories at marked off prices, there was a silent auction, and the hors d’evors, libation and sweets guests were treated to by hostesses throughout the evening, making us all feel, well, like royalty. And the crème de la crème—proceeds from the event all go to a very worthy cause, the Washington Area Women’s Foundation. The Foundation is the only donor-supported public foundation in the Washington Metropolitan region focused solely on improving the lives of low-income women and girls and on increasing philanthropy by all women. There simple mission is to help women and girls gain access to the tools they need to reach their fullest potential.

But back to the fashions. The catwalk was adrift in bright pops of color, billowing fabric and volume from Lenny York, Elegant and playful dresses made with her signature African lace from L~Shandi, Matrix/rocker inspired black caped looks from Alek Risminic, peachy froth  and avant gard creations from Magnami Style & Co, African inspired gowns from Studio D-maxsi, and  a bevy of the most handsome male models you’re sure to find in the North East showcasing the sporty, edgy, and casual designs from Andrew Nowell. Eye Candy and then some!

Great fashion show, fab shopping (Gossip on 23rd, Hysteria, Form, Love Allie, My Sisters Closet, The Shoe Hive, Ginger and Caramel to name a few), mouth watering desserts and mingling with the haute and socially conscious at the French Embassy. Oh and did I mention Elan Image Management was backstage at the show helping Lara of L~Shandi fit and style her models for the catwalk? Oui! All and all, not a bad way to spend a Saturday evening in DC!

Some of my favorite looks of the evening are below—the labeled photos are taken from Big Daddy T for the Black Herald. The rest are from my so not professional little camera .

Lenny York Designs

Lenny York designs

Alix Risimnic Couture

Alix Risimnic Couture

Alix Risimnic Couture

 The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Dear Readers,

I have been lax since July 4th and have not had a moment to talk to you since July. Bad blogger! But you must understand. This is my favorite time of year.  It’s challenging enough staying indoors working when the sun is shining so getting  on my laptop to blog has not been top of mind. Hopefully I’m back on track with this post.

I’ve been noticing the A listers lately and they giving us all the shoulder—as in going strapless of course. Whether  glammed up, casually chic, edgy, colorful or elegant, strapless dresses are HOT this summer.  These are some of my favorite strapless looks the celebs have been wearing.

First, the naturalist  Kate Hudson in a strapless white dress. A very bohemian/relaxed  style with  adorable floral applique at the hem. And notice her very cool turquoise drop earrings and sandals? Great use of accessories! And honestly only Kate can make a shapeless strapless dress look cute. So this is not a look for most women.

Next up, is Kely Ripa in a cute colorful number with a vertical stripe pattern and cinched waist–a great look for a petite frame like hers. Wish she’s accessorized a bit more though.

 Jennifer Hudson looks great in this bronze metallic strapless except I am not crazy about what it does to her breasts–a little too much bubbling to the top. Also the dress is a bit too tight–just a tad–but lovin the short straight bob hair and the perfectly coordinating accessories!

Keira looks radiant in this violet dress accented with ruffles at the bust and an accordion pleated skirt. This color really pops on her. But I have a few comments.  Not enough accessorizing! Also the dress is falling really low on her body which I think is a fit issue. It makes her collar bone area look too naked so I would have loved if she added earrings at least.

Singer Leona Lewis is colorful and radiant in her patterned dress with a matching bangle and strappy sandals

Strapless evening gowns are always popular. Anne Hathaway (in her signature black) looks tres elegant in her Marchesa evening gown. I love her strong red lip here and the dress fits impeccably. And her hair looks great. Another winner!

Who says your LBD can’t be a strapless one? Selma Blair looks fashion forward in her strapless Fendi cocktail dress and stunning pumps.

 No one can argue that Rhianna rocks that edgy vibe  and in this strapless print she does not disappoint, black boots and all.

Key tips for wearing strapless:

• Make sure the top fits you!! The last thing you want is to keep pulling up your dress
• Make sure your breasts are well supported. Nothing is worse then breasts bubbling over or flattened down by a strapless dress
• Since so much of the shoulder and neck is exposed with a strapless dress, you want to accessorize accordingly with a fab necklace or drop earrings (but not both!)
• Pay attention to proportion. Note most of these dresses are knee length or a gown
• The most flattering silhouette in a strapless is one where the waist is highlighted or cinched (as all the looks above show with the exception of Kate H). This helps create an hourglass figure since the shoulders are exposed.

Enjoy these summer days and revel in showing some shoulder ladies.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management