4 Tips on looking Fabulous: Taking Cues from the Oscar Red Carpet

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The Oscar red carpet is one of the most anticipated and arguably one of the most stylish celebrity event of the year. Academy award nominees, presenters, guests and plus ones, pull out all the stops in an effort to wow, gain style cred, and get the coveted thumbs up from fashion critics and bloggers everywhere. The dress women wear on Oscar night is likely their best effort at looking fabulous.  

As viewers and critics we are glued to our sets, walking down our own imaginary red carpet in our mind’s eye. We look for cues for how we too can flaunt our fabulous best at our next high profile affair—whether it be a wedding, prom, gala or special event. As an image consultant who is on the pulse of all Flaunt-worthy wardrobe choices for women, I want to share with you 4 tips you can takeaway from this year’s Oscar red carpet. (Photos Jason Merritt/Getty)

Tip #1. Simple elegance never goes out of style

Ladies, it is true. Sometimes less IS more and also completely captivating. I present into evidence, Jennifer Lawrence and Celine Dion. Jennifer Lawrence arrived on the red carpet looking absolutely fabulous in a simple red, spaghetti strap Calvin Klein gown.  Wearing minimal makeup and jewelry—just a bangle and clutch—the dress is all about the rich red hue and sleek simple sophistication. The color is stunning on her and she looks effortlessly beautiful. And what real woman doesn’t aspire to that?

Celine Dion was breathtaking in a long-sleeved Armani Prive dress . This simple gown was a standout because it fits her SO impeccably (this after twins!). The ivory color works for Celine along with the deep V neckline, fitted silhouette and emerald pendant as accent. Her hair and makeup is lovely. She is glowing and honestly I’ve never seen her look just so darn pretty. She just nails it.  

 

Tip #2. Glamor can be had at any age

First I have to say hats off to all the ladies over 40 who brought their A game to the Oscar red carpet! I was thrilled to see women like Sharon Stone, the ever dependable Helen Mirren and Annette Benning representing in a fabulous way.

But to really bring this point home to all you ladies who think age has anything to do with beauty or glamor, look no further than Sandra Bullock and Halle Berry. Sandra got the full package right last night in a strapless red  Vera Wang gown. She is a showstopper. Red is definitely a power color for her and I love that she kept everything else pretty much toned down. Hair is pulled back, bangles and a clutch are her accessories of choice and a bold red lip pulls it all together. She looks poised, confident and simply beautiful.

 

Berry’s body is as amazing as ever and she never lets us forget it. At last night’s Academy awards though she was simply sublime in a nude Marchesa frothy creation.  Designed with a corseted bodice with crystal and ruffle accents throughout ending in a tulle train, this gorgeous gown looks like Halle dropped from heaven. She looks sexy yet soft, she stands out yet is understated. She is flawlessly fabulous.

And let’s not forget the leading ladies in the make, like 14 year old Haille Stienfeld, Oscar nominee for  ‘True Grit’. She is lovely and age appropriate in a blush Marchesa custom made gown. A headband is the only accessory.  Fabulous at fourteen. Yes M’am!

Tip #3: You will own the spotlight in a gown in a color that flatters you

I am a big proponent on women wearing colors that make them shine because it can have such a huge impact. I am always amazed when some celebs walk the carpet in a beautiful dress that just is not the right color for them.  This year the color trend was extreme: very bold (reds, midnight blue, magenta) or nude (blush/white/lilac). Regardless, once the color works, the woman in the gown just glows. A few of my favorites:

Natalie Portman could not have looked lovelier accepting her award for best actress for ‘Black Swan’. The deep magenta color of her Rodarte gown with matching tassel earrings are a knockout on her. The silhouette—a wide open V neckline with light sequin detailing and draping down the middle, elongates her petite frame and balances out her baby bump. Her soft wavy hair and always natural makeup just highlights her natural beauty. She looks amazing.

Cate Blanchette wore a pleated silk chiffon Givenchy Couture gown in a pale wisteria. This dress has an Asian inspired feel and as always Cate manages to look amazing without looking like she is trying. Her hair is pulled back, makeup subtle and skin flawless as ever. Diamond earrings and bracelet caps off her look. The color, an unusual neutral works for her.

Jennifer Hudson looks phenomenal in a  halter gown designed by Versace. The color-a tangerine red – is just so stunning on her, you have to take a second look. She is ‘glowing’. The gown’s design is dramatic, with diagonal seaming in the front and serious draping in the back. But it is well constructed to flatter her slimmer, curvy body. Her hair and makeup are all spot on for a truly glamorous look that is clearly designed to take the spotlight. Her long strand of earrings and bracelets are added punctuation. She looks radiant, beautiful and truly gorgeous.

 

Tip #4: Looking effortlessly pulled together is a key ingredient for stunning looks

Yes it is about the entire package.  Head to toe sending a consistent message. In this case it is about looking effortlessly amazing. The hair, makeup and accessories all have to convey the same energy as the gown to make a complete package. Who nailed effortless last night?

Michelle Williams who did not get my vote with the floral sand colored dress she wore to the Globes that did not flatter her, had me from the moment I laid eyes on her on the red carpet. Michelle is at her finest in a simple short sleeved white column gown from Chanel. She accessorizes with beautiful diamond studs, her pixie haircut flawlessly coiffed and makeup that is fresh and youthful. No pomp and circumstance here, yet she glides down the carpet, making fabulous look easy breezy.

Melissa Leo,  Best Supporting Actress win for "The Fighter", came to the Oscars in a creatively designed highly textured white lace dress from Marc Bouwer who added reflective inserts as accents. Her hair is very ‘relaxed’ in a ponytail and her makeup very natural. She looks pretty and confident and very comfortable in her custom made gown. And it shows.

Use these tips to tap into your inner fabulous so you can Flaunt It at your next special occasion.

 

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, Image Consulting. Author: ‘Frumpy to Fabulous: Flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style’

 

 

 

New Year & Inauguration Fashion Tips

Dear Readers,

Happy Holidays!

No matter how you decide to spend the rest of the holidays, I want to make sure you look festive, pulled together, and fabulous to all your events. If you’ve been keeping up with my posts you already have a few tips on dressing for your holiday events. Today, I share a few more tidbits so you can be sure you look smashing when attending  your holiday, New Year and Inauguration shindigs.

• Black always looks sleek and chic. If you’re unsure of color, opt for a black ensemble in lace, velvet, satin, silk, taffeta or chiffon to take it from basic to festive. Look at how this basic black skirt from Tory Burch gets a shot of pizzazz  and sass with a silver print embellishment. All is needed is to pair with a simple black top and jazzy heels and you’re ready for a Holiday party! 

Tory Burch sequined skirt @ Bloomindales

• Red says end of year cheer more than any other color and will ensure you get noticed among the sea of black ensembles. But if you choose to wear red make sure it is the right shade of red for you.
• Gold is a great color for a festive and bright look. But the more your dress sparkles the more you need to downplay your jewelry.
• Trendy colors like cobalt blue, purple and grey instantly make you appear more fashion forward.
•  If you’re wearing a dress, opt for one that flatters and enhances your figure and proportions. Wide in the hips? Choose a dress with an A line or flared skirt. Full figured? A wrap style dress can be very flattering and forgiving. Slim and trim? Then you can wear those sheath and shifts without a care. Petite woman need to be very conscious of where a dress ends on their legs. Too long and you can instantly look frumpy. Usually any length that hits around the knee or just below is ideal.
• When in doubt, opt for separates. You can never go wrong with a colorful top and a pair of black slacks or dark washed jeans and heels.
• Fabrics like lace, velvet, satin, silk, taffeta or chiffon will always convey a festive sensibility and make you look more ‘dressed up’. Or add a sparkly accessory like this sequined beret.

Sequined beret from Bloomingdales

• Sparkly and shiny jewelry, whether diamonds, gold or semi precious stones are a must. Earrings and necklaces draw the eye to the face and are very important additions that can have a great impact. Cluster, hoop and drop type earrings and statement making necklaces will instantly raise your outfit up several notches. Multilayered chains are very fresh this year as are overly large cocktail rings and oversized clutches.
• You can steal the spotlight this season with a sparkling display of bling. Sequins, beading, metallic or satin in accessories such as belts, scarves, purses, headbands, shoes, can add instant ‘oomph’. But don’t color match accessories to your holiday outfit—you want to avoid looking ‘overdone’.
   

Carlos Falchi metallic silver clutch @ Bloomingdales

 

• Makeup—Red lips are hot this year and also add more interest to the face. Gold or shimmery eye shadow also adds extra punch and ensures your face remains the focal point.
• Spice up a basic black dress with lacey stockings and show stopping shoes.
• Long gloves can add a dose of high glamour to an evening dress. Metallic gloves are very much the trend this season. 
• Don’t forget your crowning glory—your hair! Add sparkly hair accessories, pins, headbands for instant bling. A sweeping up do not only makes you look taller but also more elegant as well.

 Copyright, Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva, Élan Image Management

Holiday How-To’s: The Galas

Dear Readers,

Here is part 3 of our Holiday wear guide for more formal occasions which call for outfits with more élan and personal style. A Black Tie or more formal event is a great occasion to wear a longer gown, though these days, a fancy cocktail dress is fine as well.

But who says black tie means you have to wear black? Wear any color that makes you look and feel fabulous. I love this red silk dupioni halter dress from Nicole Miller. The color is fantastic and the empire waisted silhouette and seamed full skirt is flattering on so many figures. Plus the fabric has a richness to it, that is enhanced by a tulle enhanced bottom, so it lies just so. The dress conveys an easy elegance that is absolutely appropriate for dressier events once you add more ‘bling’ and higher heels.

  Nicole Miller dress @ Nordstrom

• I love this drapey metallic grey goddess gown from JS Collections below.  The gracefully flowing gown made with silk chiffon has an artfully designed empire waist and ruched bodice atop a cascade of silk. This dress is stunning and easily makes the wearer a stand out. Want to feel like Princess for the day? Wear a gown like this! Again, her accessories are perfect here.

  JS Collections Available @ Barrie Pace.com

• Look great coming and going. This delightful dress is sassy, fun, and very stylish and comes in red, black and soft pink shown here.    With a deep V back, figure flattering tiering n the skirt, and a ruffled hi-low hem, this dress is great for almost any occasion and any size. Available in Women’s sizes as well!

       
  Adrianna Papell Tiered dress from Dillards

• To go all out on glamour, try this full-skirted taffeta gown from Amsale in a stunning blue/grey with deep ruching that wraps around the extended bodice.Definitely for that fabulous gala you’re going to attend. 

Amsale Strapless Gathered Gown

• For a trouser option, pair a tuxedo jacket with a pair of full legged slacks and a sparkly cami for a sophisticated and edgy look that is sure to turn heads.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Elan Image Management featured in INUR magazine

Check out our sidebar  in Intentionally Urban magazine within the feature ‘Reinventing your Look’. The sidebar is called ‘Color me Impactful’ and highlights how to use color in your wardrobe and accessories to change the way you look. The sidebar can be accessed here on page 31: www.inurmagazine.com/issue_2008_12.html

The entire article is a must read as it provides tips on how to reinvent your look from the inside out–a definite must read!  Good job Robin Noelle putting this feature together!

 

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

 

 

The New First Lady and her Red Dress

Dear Readers,

November 4th not only marked the historic election of Barack Obama, but also his wife Michelle Obama taking on the role of First Lady. Michelle exuded her typical sophistication in Chicago when her husband was named the 44th President of the United States. The new First Lady wore a red and black two-toned one-of-a kind Narciso Rodriguez sheath dress, for her husband’s acceptance speech Tuesday night topped with a black cropped cardigan for a more conservative look.

I’ve already written about Michelle’s refined sense of style and signature look on the campaign trail. See my post: elanimagemanagement.com/html/elan-blog/. But I have to admit I was not loving her designer dress on election night (right from Rodriguez’s Spring 2009 runway collection BTW).  I loved the matching color combination reflected in her daughters’ dresses and  I liked the IDEA of the dress — fashion forward, unconventional, bold and edgy. All good stuff! But as she walked on stage waving, it was confusing what was happening with her dress. Something just was not quite right and too much was going on. And it’s only after seeing all the pictures of that historic night that I realize it was the cardigan! It  didn’t work because it was a distraction to an already very boldly patterned dress. The way the edges of the cardigan blew in the wind ruined the clean silhouette of her sheath dress and threw off the dress’s proportion and line—a silhouette that she wears often and that works really well on her. Paired with the cardigan, Michelle’s figure looked thick waisted and boxy resulting in a less than flattering look.

Others have criticized the color of the dress, calling  the color combo ‘lava lamp’, “hell colored”, "paint blast" among other things.  Others still, just hated it period. For me it was the cardigan–it just was not working.  This is the dress without the cardigan on the runway (left). 

If Michelle came sans cardi she would have looked amazing. She rocks this sheath silhouette all the time. But perhaps the dress was just not a practical choice to begin with for a cold Chicago evening. It’s meant for Spring after all! She needed the cardigan to ward off the chill in the air So it was smart to cover up, it just didn’t translate well on TV on that vast dark stage and with all that wind! And honestly, all good stylists all know that vibrant red can be a tricky color to wear on camera.

 But we can forgive her this fashion faux pas because honestly, this is the first public one. And at the end of the day do we really care? Barack Obama will be our new President and she is the new leading lady.  She makes me so proud— commanding, elegant, classy and striking. As one blogger wrote: “She’s so damn confident, she could have worn a paper bag and still be amazing.” And I agree whole heartedly.

And watch out for the new fashionista on the make, her daughter Malia. Word has it that her red silk taffeta Biscotti dress (paired with matching cardi) has caught the attention of  many onlookers and that her dress has been selling out in stores. Sound familiar?

 

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

My Five Fall Favs

Dear Readers,

As the song goes, ‘Baby it’s cold outside’ and that means it’s time for Fall gear!  And what a great season for luscious colors, figure flattering silhouettes, and eye catching accents. No time complaining you have nothing to wear. This year you can stay warm, be comfortable and look fabulous. Just follow my lead.

1. These boots are made for walking!

The riding boot is super popular this year as are gladiator inspired booties. Boots are hot this season whether thigh high or ankle low, fringed, slouchy or buckled. Details are all the rage. The way to wear a tall boot is to tuck your jeans into them or to wear with fall’s skirts or sheath dresses.  Ankle booties look great with edgier looks like mini dresses or shorter length pencil skirts.

BcbGirl buckle boot

Steve madden pewter ankle bootie

2. Mad for Plaid

Yes I know, it sounds so staid to be falling over plaid. But this is not plaid as in school girl uniform or country favorite. This season’s plaid is fresh because it is used in unexpected silhouettes and color combinations. For example, a plaid vest or dress in a rust, green and red color combo is so fashion forward right now.

Bebe plaid belted dress

7 for Mankind vest

In the dress below, a plaid print meets a shapely sheath for a fashion forward look you can wear to work.

Banana Republic plaid dress

You can even find plaid in an evening dress—plaid can be creative and unexpected like this Thakoon designer dress highlights.

 Thakoon plaid designer dress

3. Have fun with Accessories

Multiple strands of metal chains is just the accessory to funk up a tailored look. The cocktail ring is all the rage now and the bigger the better.  Metallic leather gloves are an unexpected accent to dress up an evening look. The oversized clutch is also hot–check out L~Shandi’s floral embossed, bejeweled version below. The perfect hand candy to jazz up a simple ensemble. And if you’re really daring? You can wear a feather in your hair like Carrie in SATC—feathers are in for head gear. And let us not forget the cinch belt—definitely a must have in any woman’s closet.

Cara couture cocktail ring

Asos patent croc waist belt

L~Shandi Qui Qui clutch

4. Hello Corduroy

This fall fabric staple has an updated look because there are a host of very sexy jackets in this fabric everywhere. This is the perfect fall layer and in an hourglass silhouette? Smokin!  And yes you can still  get your corduroy slacks but in new cuts and finishes.

Victoria’s secret tailored corduroy jacket

J Crew peplum corduroy jacket

True Religion corduroys

5. Stand out in a bright/patterned coat

First impressions are everything, so makes sure yours is fabulous! A coat in a bold hue or pattern is a very loud statement and makes sure you command attention wherever you go. Remember the first thing people see is you and your coat when the temps drop so you need to really own one that makes you look and feel amazing. Cool colors for fall? Cobalt blue, purple, red, rust.  This  Hanii Y’s gorgeous purple plaid coat, is perfect outerwear piece that’s practical and chic.

Hanii Y plaid purple coat @ net-a-porter.com

The lipstick red sateen  trench coat from Bebe  is very flattering on almost any figure.

And this cobalt blue classic J Crew ‘Lady Day’ coat—always a winner.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

Find Your True Hue

 

Dear Readers,

Contrary to myth, everyone can wear virtually every color– it’s the correct hue, tone, tint or shade of that color that will make the difference between looking drab or fab. Here are some suggestions to help you discover how to use color to your advantage.

• Your image and presentation gives people cues on how they should interact with you. How do you want to be perceived? When the colors you wear work for you, you feel energized, look radiant and ‘pop’ in your clothing. Colors that work against you are those that wash you out, make YOU disappear or that overwhelm your natural coloring. Often when I do color analysis on a client there are a few color drapes that I remove very quickly because I see how the color ‘drags her down’. I literally cannot bear to see the color’s negative effect on her. Color is that powerful.  It illicits an immediate emotional, mental or physical reaction which can be positive or negative. On one client recently, after I draped her in orange (my favorite color if it isn’t blatantly obvious), I was so moved that I almost choked up. I kid you not. The color looked amazing on her and because it is my favorite color I had a powerful emotional response to seeing her draped in that color that really enhanced her beauty. You want people to respond favorably towards you based on the colors you chose to wear.
• The colors you wear from the waist up are the ones that matter. They are the ones that enhance or detract from your facial skintone, eyes and hair, which results in you looking more attractive or not. You want the colors you wear closest to your head/neckline to draw the eye of the onlooker up to your face. Colors that are too strong or too contrasting for your skin/hair/eyes are going to draw the eyes away from your face and to the stronger colors instead. You don’t want the colors you wear to ‘wear’ you. You must always command attention not the color you are wearing. Make sense?
• Color is more than just looking great; it’s about feeling great as well. Certain colors are invigorating and refreshing and lift our mood when we wear them. Others may pull our mood down and make us look dour. This is entirely dependent upon the wearer. For me, warm brights enliven me—such as pea green, coral red, banana yellow or red-orange. Earthtones make me feel, well,  more earthy and grounded. These are the warm browns, olive greens, rust, burnt sienna etc.  Whereas drab or overly ‘cool’ colors really put a damper on my spirits. I am never really receptive to blues unless it’s a turquoise or teal blue (‘warmer’ blues). And pastels not only wash me out but make me feel washed up! Not having it! Everyone will have their own preferences. Understand how you feel when you wear or are surrounded by certain colors.
•  Colors have their own energies. I touched on this in my September newsletter. Yellow is innately a happy, vivacious color. Blue is more calming. Green is balancing and restorative. Red is commanding, confident and passionate.  Purple is seductive and regal. Orange is adventurous and magnetic. Understand each color’s energy and wear strategically to achieve the goals you want. I recently advised a client to wear a red jacket to her annual performance review because she had a challenge with conveying assertiveness and confidence. She took my advice (and then some!) and had an amazing review. She felt the difference is wearing her ‘power’ red in a jacket and thus acted accordingly.
• Many people think they can’t wear red and this is such a mistake! Red is such a powerful color, both authoritative and alluring at the same time. Red lipstick, red dresses, red shoes, red ties—there is a reason why red is chosen by those who want to project command. It is an irresistible color and you do yourself an injustice if you skip this color in your wardrobe. Plus it is a little known fact that red can work with ANY neutral in your closet! Just be careful to find the hue that is enhancing on you.
  • Tomato red is the truest red. It looks great on those with blonde hair and fair skin (a majority of ‘Springs’—think Gwyneth Paltrow  or Heidi Klum) 
  • 
    • It also looks fantastic on many ‘Winters’—those with deep contrast in their skin/hair eyes with  ivory complexions, black hair and dark eyes (think of Anne Hathaway) or on certain dark complexions with black hair and really white bright eyes (think Diana Ross or Kerry Washington).

    

    • Cranberry red (a deeper warm red) looks amazing on ‘Autumns’ like Catherine Zeta Jones, Julia Roberts (remember her dress in Pretty Woman?)

    
    This is a deep dramatic red that looks stunning on dark eyed brunettes with warm complexions.

    • Coral red or orange reds on the other hand is softer and looks best on mid-tone warm complexions or for those with medium contrast in their skin/hair eyes. Vanessa Williams, Beyonce  or Natalie Portman comes to mind.

    

  • Wine red has a bluer undertone and looks good for those who are cooler in complexion, like some ‘Summers’ and ‘Winters’. This shade of red can be very elegant on many darker skinned African American women like model Iman. 
    
    

Still confused? Then that’s what I am here for!  Wear colors that make you feel and look good and you will know it and others will notice.

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

 

And the Oscar goes to…Red!

There were very obvious fashion themes at this year’s Oscars. Red was the color of the evening looking stunning on most wearees.  The silhouette of the evening can be summed up in two words: Greek Goddess. Whether on one shoulder designs, draped creations, empire waisted silhouettes or column gowns, the Greek goddesses were everywhere! I must admit, it got a little old after a while.

I loved all the ‘women in red’. I love women who go for this bold, alluring, commanding and sexy color. So many women are afraid to wear red and honestly as colors go, red is one of the hottest on a woman. Don’t know your red? You need to have your colors done by a professional color consultant.

Back to the Oscars: Anne Hathaway rocked it–she looked amazing  in her draped red Marchesa gown. Her skin just glowed–I’ve never seen her look that good. And the rose detail on the one shoulder was so pretty. I also loved the curly pony tail which was aligned with her whole look.

Katherine Heigl , looked stunning in her red one shoulder silk georgette Escada column gown. I loved that her lipstick matched perfectly and the ‘Old Hollywood’ hair and makeup.  Love the cinched, ruched waist and mermaid hem with trail in the dress. She  consistently gets it right. One word: FABULOUS!

And Heidi Klum, looked beautiful as always, choosing high drama for the occasion and nailing it! Her John Galiano custom made, silk taffeta  gown featured a  dramatic high collar and train. She looked like the super model she is and really stood out amongst the crowd. And her uber bun was entirely appropriate for the high drama effect she was obviously going for. Loved her look.

Helen Mirren:  Queen for the day down the red carpet  in her custom-made ruby red satin Georges Chakra gown with Swarovski crystal sleeves. This mature lady knows how to dress her body and knows her colors and the best silhouettes for her.  She always looks fab and age appropriate. I adore her.

OK so on to the non red dress wearers. I  really loved the understated look  Keri Russell pulled off.  She looked lovely in the strapless champagne organza bustier Nina Ricci evening dress. It fitted her perfectly. And who could ignore the gorgeous necklace adorned on her neck– a 46-carat-diamond H. Stern creation. Talk about glamming up!! This look is a winner all the way.

Which brings me to Cameron D.  I  would have loved to see some accessories on her.  I get she is trying to do the ‘I really didn’t try that hard’ look but she looked like she crawled out of bed in the messy pony tail, neutral makeup, and  her wrinkly Dior by John Galliano pink bustier gown.  She did not stand out, the dress did not fit her bust in a flattering way and she looked unpolished. And the pink blended right into her skin. Not a good color on her. She needed to do what Keri Russell did, pick a more flattering neutral, comb her hair, and add some accessories to make her pop. With a body like that she could do so much better.

Penelope Cruz in a navy blue  Chanel Haute Couture feather embroidered gown was a sight to behold. She gets my vote hands down for best dark colored dress on the carpet beating out Jennifer Garner, Hillary Swank, Nicole K and the rest. She looked elegant and regal and simply fantastic from  head to toe. I am clearly a sucker for a cinched waist and dramatic skirt

I actually thought Jennifer Hudson  did pretty well, especially after her disaster look last year (gold lame cropped bolero jacket!).  You have to remember she is full figured. This dress actually made her look  small (her waist looks tiny!) but it highlights her large bosom. I do not see this dress as a don’t though. She looked radiant and lovely and proud to show her curves in her white Roberto Cavalli gown. Would have loved a more relaxed hair do on her though.

The other theme of the night—pregnant actresses! I thought all the pregnant gals did a great job looking fabulous: Cate Blanchett, Nicole Kidman  and Jessica Alba held it down.

My one critique overall was that there weren’t enough risk takers, whether with color, accessories or with silhouette. Marion Cotillard, best actress winner took the greatest risk in her mermaid inspired intricately detailed custom-made Jean Paul Gaultier gown. But I think it was too constructed (bordering on costume) and there was something a bit too fishy about her look�?�

But she is so beautiful and was just so happy to be there that she glowed the entire time. So at the end of the day, who cares what your dress looks like up close!

(All pics from people.com)

Natalie Jobity, The Image Diva, President  Élan Image Management,

Author: Frumpy to Fabulous: flaunting It. Your Ultimate Guide to Effortless Style

Visit my Facebook Community page for ongoing tips, giveaways, and links to even more great (free!) stuff!

 

Juicy Bags for Spring

Dear Readers,

Resort wear is here and that means the trend is all about bold tropical bursts of color and signs of life that Spring fashions are just around the corner. Walk in any trendy boutique or department store and you’re sure to see splashes of citrusy hues like tangerine and lemon yellow or fruity colors like red and orange breezily chilling out on store racks or shelves. Just think fruity cocktail on a sailboat in a sunny isle and you’ll get the picture.

If you’re a color fiend like I am you’ll chose to indulge in at least one colorful accessory for the season—a juicy bright handbag or tote is a safe and practical way to update your look and a great way to beat the winter blues and get prepped for spring.  You can find choices everywhere at any price point. Like  this Jimmy Choo  bag in bright red. Can I afford it, no, but do I absolutely love it, yes!

Available at Net-a Porter.com

A more budget conscious and eco friendly choice is Maxx New York’s double zip bowler synthetic patent bag in grass green (gorg!), banana or pink.

 Available at Nordstrom

Wanna be a little different? Then this orange tote of flower perforated patent leather from Rafe NY makes a bold statement.

 Available at Nordstrom

 

So go ahead. Treat yourself to colorful arm candy (and yes I mean handbags!).

Natalie Jobity, Élan Image Management

Tips for Red Lips

Dear Readers,

Many of you know I’m passionate about lipcolor- especially red lip color. Red lips convey so much. They immediately draw the eyes to your face, are a way to add instant glamour, and of course they look so darn sexy. Get the look by lining and filling lips with lipliner first (closely matched or slightly lighter than your lipstick shade) then applying the lipstick.

It’s important to get the right shade of red for your lips. It must match your skin tone. If you have yellow undertones go for a warm shade of red (warm reds are brighter and redder). If you have blue undertones go for cooler tone reds or blue-reds (they have a darker more subdued tone). How to prevent your red lip color from ‘bleeding’? Apply concealer after applying lipstick. This trick also brightens the area around the lips and make the red pop even more.

Some women are intimidated by red lipstick. That’s okay. Go for red lip gloss which has a more transparent look and isn’t so ‘out there’. Also, for women with thin lips you may want to apply a lip plumper (most major cosmetics counters carry these) to temporarily fill out your lips so they don’t look even thinner with such a strong color. Or try the trick of lining just outside the lipline first to give the illusion of a fuller lip (but be careful!). Applying gold gloss in the center of the top lip after applying lipstick also gives the illusion of a fuller lip.

When donning a very red lip it is important to underplay the eye. If you do dramatic eyes AND red lips the effect can be too much and you’ll look like you are wearing way to much makeup. The whole point is to choose to play up one feature, eyes or lips.

One last tip—for daytime, you might want to go a tad softer with your shade especially at work. At night, go all out with bold red. Here are some celebrity photos that show red lips done the ‘right’ way.

Jessica Alba, always on point. She is a woman who would wear a warmer red.

 

 Penelope Cruz–Dark haired women loook spectacular with red lips! Penelpe can wear a blue red shade.

 Misha Barton, looking oh so glamorous and subtly sexy with her red-hued lips.

What is the wrong way? This picture of Cameron Diaz below—the lipstick is too strong  and muted for her coloring and she looks artificial. That is a makeup Don’t! And don’t get me started on the hair.

This was also wrong. Cameron at this years Globes. The black hair was just so bad (did not go with her skin tone) and the red lips just made her look like she tried way too hard to make everything work. It didn’t.

 

 

Here she gets it right! She looks fabulous! Here she is wearing a warmer bright red that really suits her coloring.  

Red Lips can make your break you look. Use these tips as a guide.

 

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management