Tunic Sweaters and Leggings -The Best Budget-Friendly Fashion Trend for 2009

This season’s trendy look is comfortable, easy and best of all, very affordable. Pair some opaque cotton leggings with a tunic sweater and some boots and you have “the look” of the season. This fashion trend is a revived 80’s look that has been updated to flatter almost any size or shape. You don’t have to worry about the pieces going out of style soon because they are so versatile that you can wear them with other things. The leggings easily double as dance or workout bottoms. The tunic sweater can be worn with jeans and of course the boots can be worn with just about anything including; skirts, dresses or a pair of skinny jeans.
(more…)

Keys to Creating A Signature Look

When companies think about their own branding strategy, a critical component is their Unique Value Proposition (UVP). This concept is equally important when thinking about the brand image you present to others by your appearance—your personal brand. What differentiates you from others? Do you have a trademark? Something that uniquely and unequivocally defines you?
(more…)

Who is your Fashion Heroine?

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.
(more…)

10 Secrets to Look 10 Years Younger

Ah…to remain forever youthful…what we wouldn’t give! Aging is an irreversible fact of life. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t techniques to help us keep it at bay. In this article, I share with you 10 secrets to maintaining a youthful appearance.

• Age is just a number. The secret to defying your numerical age has everything to do with attitude. You are what you think and believe about yourself. Feel like an old lady? Well you probably dress, behave and speak like one too. Embrace a youthful and playful attitude about life. Do not sweat the small stuff. Live in the moment. These attitude adjustments will shave off years from your appearance.
(more…)

The Bargain Shopper’s Guide to Great Deals

In these tough economic times it helps to have some guidance on the type of clothing items that make sense to invest in for the long haul versus those that can be bargain bought. Additionally, where can you find bargains period! Read on for seven fashion saving tips for the savvy shopper.
(more…)

Fashion checklist for a Job interview

Did you know that how you dress equals your perceived level of professionalism? How professional you look can impact whether you are perceived as smart, competent, detailed oriented, moving up or down the corporate ladder or credible. Especially when you are dressing for a job interview, make sure your image communicates exactly how you want to be perceived. The way you dress for work is a communications tool that can be used strategically to your advantage. Here are twelve tips from Élan Image Management to guide you to project the highest level of professionalism to ensure you nail that job interview.
(more…)

The Power of Personal Branding to your Business

Originally published on 10/20/2008 - 12:39 p.m. GMT

What is it about Oprah, Suzie Orman, Katie Couric and Martha Stewart that make them household names worldwide? It’s the effectiveness of their strong personal brands! You are your own walking billboard, which markets and conveys information about the value of your business’s brand.

At the very heart of your brand message is you — the personal manifestation of your business’s brand. What brand image are you conveying by your visual presentation of your brand? Getting clear on this helps you develop a Unique Value Proposition that positions you for business success.

Your personal brand includes your image and marketing but it is also hinges upon establishing a reputation for yourself, showcasing what differentiates you from your peers, and leaving a lasting and unforgettable impression.
(more…)

Political Campaign Style: Michelle Obama

Originally published on 09/30/2008 - 8:24 p.m. GMT

Fall is here, the financial markets are in crisis, gas shortages abound and politics are the hottest topic in most circles as the country gears up for a historic presidential election in November. While many Americans have their eyes focused on what their candidate’s promise on the key issues are; whether it is the economy, the $700 Billion bailout plan, their position on foreign policy, or healthcare, many are very curious about what the women that are front and center in this election are wearing. Hands down, this is an election where woman are front and center whether they are the two front runners wives or campaigners in their own right.

Politics and fashion seem like an oxymoron but this year’s race for the Presidency is bringing style and fashion on the campaign trail. Both at the DNC and RNC, women were in the forefront whether supporting their husband’s campaign, gracefully bowing out of a hotly contested Democratic candidacy race, or being a surprise Republican VP pick. Women have never been this much in the limelight at such a juncture and as much as it is exciting and historic on so many levels, it has been also quite intriguing to observe how these women present themselves on stage and how each of their images define them. Quite frankly ‘presentation’, image, and appearance all play a part in clarifying for us who these women really are and what messages they are trying to evoke or reinforce with their roles in the campaign. In politics, as in other arenas, the visual is as much of an impact as the verbal. So it’s not just what you say, it’s also what you look like saying it.

Let’s examine more closely my favorite this year in terms of image and presentation: Michelle Obama. Michelle Obama made Vanity Fair’s international best dressed list 2 years in a row and the magazine labeled Michelle Obama as ‘the commander in sheath’ for her love of the style dresses she wears often on stage. Fashion guru Tim Gunn (I’m a big fan), comments, “She epitomizes class and American style…She looks approachable.” I agree wholeheartedly. Michelle’s sense of style and how she expresses it is relatable, flattering, and classic yet with a bit of panache. And she is successful at wearing ensembles that look amazing on her, that suit her figure and proportions and that are always appropriate for each occasion whether she is a keynote speaker at the DNC or at a cocktail reception with Senator Obama. And she is a trend setter: The sleeveless, black-and-white dress she wore on “The View” became a must-have, off-the-rack item and White house Black Market stores nationwide.
(more…)