Accessories are the fashion savvy woman’s secret weapon to looking glamorous. They are the subtle threads that help pull a look together. Like icing on a cake, they add the final and finishing accent to make your creative presentation sublime. Whatever your accessory treasure trove consists of, make sure it punctuates your personal style and image aspirations. Your image and style speaks volumes about you. Are you aware of what you are saying?

Here are five more tips on accenting with accessories!

• Rock it like you mean it! If you are wearing an unusual/expensive/stunning piece you need to have the confidence to really make it work! I still remember Angelina Jolie at this years Oscars with her emerald drop earrings and cocktail ring. With a black strapless gown. Just stunning! In her casual outfit below, Rachel Bison’s bag in the centerpiece –its hip, funky, bold and it works because everything else in her outfit is understated. Her look, ‘funky casual.’

• Consider the full suite of accessories—jewelry, watches, shoes, purses, wallets, belts, umbrella, gloves, hats, scarves—the list is long. These are all tools that you can use to create the perfect panache to your ensemble. In the picture below, in Eva L’s ensemble its all about the cute ruffled bag but her shoes, earrings and bangles help her nail the look too. And the top, very chic and fits her impeccably. Her look, "Feminine chic."

Zoe’s neutral toned goddess dress is accented with bold black and gold strappy shoes –the statement piece here. Her clutch, earrings and bracelet and hair add the finishing touches. Her look says, ‘Bronze Goddess’

• Think ‘eyes up’. Essentially you want to use accessories to draw the eyes to your face. Read my post (LINK) on this topic.

• Don’t be afraid to use accessories as a way to express your cultural heritage. Padma Lakshmi, (Top Chef’s host) embraces her Indian heritage in the pieces she wears. Indian women love gold jewelry, African and South American women are used to beads in their heritage. Austrian crystals are renowned as are the Murano glass crafted by Italians. 

• Maybe you want to consider a trademark? Remember Meryl Streep’s character in the Devil Wears Prada and her love of white Hermes scarves? She wore them in a different way everyday. Beyonce LOVES her uber size earrings. Jennifer Aniston has embraced the scarf. The ‘Gossip Girls’ killed the headband. Beyonce usually wears signature big sunglasses and big hoops as in the photo below. A lot is going on here but I like it-there’s the long layered necklace, the bag, the platform shoes. It works because she is wearing a simple white jumpsuit and matching black/white wrap left open. The look says ‘funky bohemian!’

Below her vest is almost like an accesory because it is such a signature piece and so striking. She tones it down with denim shorts and no earrings (unnusual for her). Her signature oversized sunglasses and the really strappy black sandals keep the look interesting without going over the top. This look; ‘Edgy casual’

I love big, bold necklaces—the more eclectic the better. Below are stars going all out to make a bold accessory statement with necklaces. Love Sarah Jessica Parker’s layering of multiple necklaces against her pewter hued dress–look at how they seem to make her tiny eyes pop that much more! Joy Bryant’s necklace seems to overpower her though because she is wearing too little makeup (something I wish she’d do less of–I get the natural look but she looks like she just woke up!) so it seems out of place. Liv rocks it out with a funky cluster (and lovin her shorter hair!)

So what do you want your look to say? Discover your own unique accessory style.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

 Accessories, look, style, image, jewelry, statement

I’ve had a love affair with accessories probably since I was 1 year old, when my Mother adorned my tiny wrists with two ‘Guyanese” gold bracelets. I wore them all the time then and unbelievably wear them practically every year, typically in winter (my gold period)—lately mixing them with costume jewelry bangles for an edgier look. Talk about quality stuff (and the fact that my wrists haven’t grown much since I was a toddler!). They don’t make gold like that these days. But my emotional connection to those particular bracelets are reinforced not just because they have been the first accessories ever gifted to me but also because it was part of our family heritage in Trinidad—my little sister had her pair and my Mother would have had hers from my Grandmother. If I had a daughter or niece, she would have her pair.

This is an old photo (can’t you tell?) of me and my baby sister–I’m wearing said bangles:

Taking the whole gamut of accessories into consideration, for me personally  jewelry is where I have the strongest emotional connection and I’m most passionate about. Every piece of gold, silver diamond that has been gifted to me –and there’ve been so many!—I still own and cherish even down to my old wedding band that I’ll never wear again. All, including  the pieces I purchased myself, I showcase with pride  on my dressers in a variety of very pretty jewelry boxes that I’ve picked up along the way. The costume/funky/beaded/eclectic necklaces of which I have aplenty, I hang on tie racks from Bed Bath & Beyond and typically I rock those when I’m trying to make a really loud style statement, like this picture:

If you could see my hands in this picture I am wearing my bracelets!

If I truly want to splurge it will be for a special piece of jewelry and there was a time I rewarded major milestones with a purchase of a bangle, pendant, necklace, earring or watch. The most exciting purchases have been the unplanned ones, like when I’m at  street fair and I stroll casually to a jewelry vendor stall and fall in love with a piece that I cannot leave without. That’s the magnetism factor—when the piece calls to you. It’s spontaneous but it’s also non-negotiable. The piece calls, it’s at the right price point, sold!
If we had more time I could tell you some great stories about my favorite pieces. When you wear anything that often it becomes part of the very fabric of your experiences.

Next post, 5 more tips on accenting with accessories!

© The Image Diva, Élan Image Management, image consulting
Accessories, jewelry, style, bracelets

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There is an art to accessorizing that is better felt than artificially studied. Many women take a ‘color by numbers’ approach to integrating accessories into their ensemble, and these are not the folks who entice you to take a second look. Rather, it is those who creatively, expressively and boldly take their necklaces, scarves, earrings, shoes, purses etc. to make a statement, to create a vibe, to work in harmony with their wardrobe for a polished, and perfectly executed look that inspires us and that we long to emulate.

Consider this ensemble Kate Hudson pulled together. She accessorizes her long white maxi  with big shoulder-grazing earrings, a pairing of  pendant necklaces carelessly but effectively worn together and a snakeskin bag. She uses accessories to punctuate her bohemian look and it works, head to toe, down to the casual sandals:

For some women, it is a boldly hued cashmere scarf knotted ever so carelessly but effectively around the neck. For others, it’s all about creating drama, using statement making pieces to command attention. Yet, for others still, accessories are a way to incorporate their cultural heritage into their personal style. Regardless, the point is that accessories should accent, enhance, take center stage or create interest.

Here are a few tips to help you punctuate your look with accessories:
1.    Try using an accessory to add color to an otherwise dull ensemble. This is why I love the current scarf trend-the simplest way to jazz up an outfit with a pop of color. This is a great technique especially when you have a great fitting top in a color that is less than flattering on you.

Molly Sims in this picture executes this point impeccably–that yellow scarf–it pops and adds the right color balance so she does not look like she is trying to be edgy.

2.    The watch—the quintessential classic accessory for women and men will always be in style and can be used practically and conservatively, fun and creatively or edgy and fashion forward. It can make a quiet impact or a loud one. I personally own several with varying degrees of formality.
3.    There is a good rule of thumb to remember if you err on the over-accessorizing side (like I do!). After you get dressed before you leave your house, take one accessory off. There are a few memorable occasions where I wished I heeded my own advice.

Beyonce is sometimes guility of this as this picture illustrates. So much going on–the hat, sparkly belt, signature big hoops, the crazy boots ANd the big bag? I would have given up the boots.

4.    Don’t be afraid to have fun with jewelry! Mix high and low, color with metal, vintage with new, costume or real. Look for interesting shapes or designs, gravitate to those pieces that pull you in—chances are you will rock it.
5.    You don’t have to spend a fortune but it is wise to invest in a few quality pieces. Splurge worthy? A strand of pearls, diamond drop earrings, a stunning bracelet, a cameo pendant.

Get 5 more tips with the next post!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Accessories, look, style, jewelry, watch, scarves, how to accessorize

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Advisory of June 7th image/beauty event  in Washington DC       
Media Contact: Event Sponsor, Natalie Jobity, President, Élan Image Management, 301-637-6849

E-mail: Elan@elanimagemanagement.com
Web:  www.tweakyoursheic.com

Washington DC metro, May 21st 2009 –Where else can you get professional advice, tips, demos and free consults  from some of the area’s premier image and beauty professionals at the same venue? At ‘Tweak Your (she)ic’ Image & Beauty Lounge, Sunday June 7th, 2009 from 1-5 pm at downtown DC’s Hotel George. A large portion of proceeds from sales will benefit Suited for Change.

• Learn how to choose the right shapewear and bra for your body with the experts at Coup de Foudre Lingerie
• Relax and Unwind with seated massages from the masseuses’ at Lunar Massage DC
•  Let  Élan Image Management, Image Consulting coach you with wardrobe, fashion and styling 411 and help you prep for your complimentary glamour shot
• Get glammed with a blowout or a sample a new set of lashes from PR at Partners Metro Center
• Indulge in decadent mini mani/pedis from Nail Taxi
• And more from ‘Tweakers’ (Be You Bi Yu spa, Marilyn Johnson Sewing and Design Studio, Heartmind Connection, Summark Faces, Chrystopher Robinson photography, JaJuan Reed) who will be on hand to do demos, give advice, and share tips on makeup, skincare, fitting/altering your clothing, relationship coaching, personal training, take your glamor shot and more!

Guests will leave the event feeling pampered, polished and preened and score with fabulous door prizes and the ‘Tweak your (she)ic’ SWAG with products from area businesses.  The tagline; ‘Empower a woman in need. Empower yourself!’ really embodies the spirit of the event, sponsored by Élan Image Management. Participation in the Acessory Swap ensures snagging even more goodies!

Tickets can be purchased online and in advance only at the event website: www.tweakyoursheic.com which also includes all the event details. $65 general admission, $85 VIP.

About: Suited for Change was founded in 1992 to help disadvantaged women get jobs by providing them the tools they need to confidently present themselves in interviews & in their new jobs.

About: Élan Image Management an image and wardrobe consulting company has a mission to empower and educate women to make more informed choices about their image. We work with women to help them discover, define and project their own unique signature style and develop an image that positions them for success. 

For additional information, advertising opportunities, media inquiries/interviews, and media passes to the event please contact Natalie Jobity at Élan Image Management at 301-637-6849 or Elan@ElanImageManagement.com.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Tweak your (she)ic, beauty, pamper, spa, Suited for Change, Fundraiser, Glamor shots, Swag, Accessory Swap, Hotel George,

For years I’ve lived as a curvy girl, needing to watch my carb intake and exercising for health  and weight reasons. And needing to avoid the pencil skirt and its derivatives like the plague. But here’s the gotcha. In the past 7 months my body has slowly been undergoing a new transition due to a variety of reasons. Unbeknownst to me, I had been gradually losing weight. When I was able to fit into a pair of jeans 5 months ago that I had not worn for years, I did not think much other than my exercise regime must have been finally paying off.  Then I broke my wrists 4 months ago and was so consumed with recovering from the injury, I really wasn’t paying attention to what I looked like for months. Until I started being more mobile again and noticing that my jeans were slipping off my hips, and my tummy was smaller, and the butt flatter than usual. And the cleavage, all but gone. Huh?

In one of life’s ironic twists, I am back to being skinny girl. And  heck yes, I have been resisting  the change. So I’ve past denial and depression (well, the loss really of my ‘curves’), skipped anger but I’m slowly starting to accept what feels like a very unfamiliar body. Clothes hang completely differently on me now: on the plus side, I can actually wear those sheath style dresses so in vogue, with ease now. Downside, my jeans aren’t quite as sexy on me as they used to be. And I do miss the cleavage.

Although I am still getting used to this new sleeker image of myself, I focus on embracing the benefits—I can eat what the heck I want apparently (within reason) and I do look more svelte—I can see muscles that I have been working on for years finally poking through that the extra pounds were hiding. And I look younger in some ways. And my face, is a little different as well. Not better or worse, just different.

Curvy me last September: Booty

:

Curvy me: Cleavage n thighs–don’t let the skinny ankles fool ya!

Curvy me looking preggers (NOT!) with Christian Siriano. OK I am really tall and he is REALLY tiny.

Skinny me: Now able to wear a sheath dress!

And with Cookie (Magic) Johnson. I look like I have no bust! And look ma no hips!

It’s amazing how the grass is always greener on the other side –until you get there. Lesson learned: embrace the body you have right now and dress it with intention and  purpose. And if it morphs on you for any reason, the quicker you accept the new image of yourself, the quicker you reap the benefits. Skinny, slender, curvy, or plus we are all beautiful—we just have to own that notion ourselves.

© The Image Diva, Élan Image Management
Image, body, figures, image consultant, body image