Stylist on the Street

Treat yourself to a LBD this week

2012-01-30T21:01:00.000-08:00

Fancy a new frock for the weekend. How about one of these little lovelies. At only £38 they'll not stretch the budget too much and are right on trend. Mesh tops are not only bang on trend but they also are great for concealing bulges and not so toned arms.

Check out the one on the left. That elegant Grecian sash will hide a multitude of tummy sins.

Wear with opaque tights if your legs are not that great, or co-ordinate with some neon shoes and handbag.

These dresses are from www.wallis.co.uk. Wallis delivers worldwide and there are stores around the world.

Need help to choose the perfect Little Black Dress. Image session or personal shopping is what you need. http://www.maximisegroup.com/

Can't believe women still make this classic fashion faux pas

2011-10-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

Spend some time this week looking at your knickers...so we don't have to!

Last weekend I went to a fabulous black tie event, surrounded by women looking just amazing and men looking so sexy in their tuxedos. I just couldn't believe how many women had not selected the right underwear.

There are so many choices for knickers that look completely invisible that there is no excuse having the lines of your dress ruined by a VPL. The problem was clearly on display all over ballroom at the black tie event but it's not just there. I notice it a lot with women wearing trousers at work too. The thing is that it draws attention to lumps and bumps that would otherwise go unnoticed.

This week spend time in your underwear drawer. If you wear close fitting clothes you need to wear either a tiny thong or BIG pants so that we cannot see the knicker lines. Marks and Spencers do some great invisible underwear so go and stock up and stop making fashion faux pax number one.

Can you network?

2011-10-19T06:34:00.000-07:00

Well of course I can, I hear you say, but really can you?

I met with a friend today and she was telling me about an event that she went to last night. A room full of men (it was a financial services market predictions event). There were two speakers and time in between for networking. She relayed to me how difficult it was to network and that she really felt uncomfortable all night. She felt like she was intruding in every conversation she tried to break into and that the men were reluctant to share their details even when she was offering to send them free information that would help them.

"That's because men can't network" I replied. And for the most part that is true. Women are much better at networking because we intuitively have more of the skills that are required.

Here are some rules to help you be more successful when you are at a networking event.

Be aware that it IS networking event, it's not the place to gossip with friends and chat with work colleagues.
Be open to people joining your conversation. Welcome them in, remember some people are nervous and shy, make it easier for them.
If you connect with a really interesting person that you need to chat to further then arrange to meet them after the event. Free up yourself and them for additional networking
Don't be afraid to say - "nice to meet you, lets meet next week, I need to go and network some more now." It is a networking event.
Study body language when you are thinking of joining a conversation group. Look at their feet. If feet are turned in together these people are in an indepth conversation. Feet turned slightly away from each other are easier groups to join.

74% of senior jobs are found by networking - so go and power up your networking skills

Supper Club Blooper - We DO notice the details

2010-08-03T21:47:00.000-07:00

I just received an invitiation to one of the most glam happening places in Singapore - the advertising makes it look chic, exclusive and expensive. Obviously lots of money have been spent on not just the place, but also the advertising and marketing.

But Supperclub you should know that we DO sweat the small stuff - take a look at the chipped nasty nails in the advertising - the the tagline of POSH - er I don't think so. Take note and make sure you get the details right for you and your company.

Sharon Connolly, Image Consultant Singapore http://www.maximisegroup.com/
Be Fabulous

Are you sabotaging your chances of success with any of these bloopers!

2010-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

I love getting the train to work - certainly not because of the joys of public transport! but because I get to observe London on the way to work. Here are my top DO NOT's from my journey in last week. With the UK economy so bad and people fighting to hang on to their jobs I just can't believe how many people are not doing everything they can to elevate themselves above peers at work.

Chewing gum - freshen breath with a spray or a mint. Gum chewing makes you look chavvy and common.
Nasty nails. I notices so many nasty claws grabbing rails on the tube. Chipped polish looks awful - keep it neat or don't wear it. Men need to take care of cuticles and keep nails short and clean too. Nail biting looks dreadful too.
Wrong shoes. Saw loads of smart suits worn with worn out casual shoes. Ladies wearing flip flops with suits. Men wearing scruffy trainers. Make sure the shoes are appropriate for the outfit and clean and polished. Scuffed scraped heels look awful. Leather imitation shoes always look cheap and nasty too - plus your feet will sweat more.
Cheap bags. Like imitation leather shoes, imitation leather bags look terrible too. Scruffy stitching and bags that just shout "Cheap" ruin a whole outfit. Choose your laptop bag wisely too - don't sling it in your sports rucksack get it a lovely chic padded pouch.
Too much jewellery. If you count more than 8 pieces on you take some off.
Poor grooming. Women wearing no make-up and hair pulled back with a scrunchie. Men with dandruff, badly in need of a haircut and a shave.
Hems hanging down, buttons hanging off. Stains and smells - Yuk!

Action required? Do a quick audit of your daily work look. Is it time to make a bit more effort? All too often we say "It'll do, it's just for work!" Surely you should take more pride in your work appearance than any other outfit. Impress your boss as he's the one who pays you!

What image bloopers do you frequently see? Let me know!

2010-05-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Cool Tips for Hot Weather
Already feeling hot and bothered by the unexpected heatwave? Just a few quick ideas to keep you looking cool in the hot spell.
Tips for Men
• NO short sleeve shirts with ties - just not stylish, don't do it
• Make smart fabric choices. Synthetic clothes will make you sweat more so choose natural fabics on very hot days
• Need inspiration for how to dress this summer - watch Jude Law in Talented Mr Riply for inspiration. Slim clothing lines, rolled up jeans, suede loafer style shoes with no socks for the weekend. How about a chic straw trilby style hat too.
• How about trying some white or stone coloured jeans for a change?.
Tips for Women
• Make make-up stay put. Use powder over your foundation to avoid a shiny face or try a mineral powder foundation - I love Elizabeth Arden
• Use waterproof mascara on your lower lashes to avoid panda eyes at midday - e.l.f. do a great dual ended mascara with regular and waterproof for just £1.50
• Open toes shoes - make sure your toes and feet are pretty and manicured. Trendy trotters are painted in pastel lilacs, blues and greens this summer.
• Start using gradual self tanners to give you a light base tan for exposing bare legs. I like Johnsons Holiday Sun
• Maxi dresses cover all and there are shapes and colours for all body types, try one...yes even if you are short - take a peek in Monsoon or H&M for more budget options
• Huge Flower corsages are back in - pin on your handbag or top to update it.
• Need inspiration for how to dress this summer: Sex and the CIty out next week - need I say more!

The RIGHT jeans in the workplace

2010-05-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

I was teaching a course in a high profile city bank today and during my coffee break I noticed the lady standing in front of me at the coffee counter was wearing jeans. Mmmmm I thought, "NOT appropriate for this environment" and I assumed she was a visitor as no one else in the bank wears jeans..... but something else was not quite right and at first I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was that was wrong wrong wrong.

With her jeans she had on a great tailored striped shirt. She was well groomed, good shoes, nice bag, all the ingredients I advocate for smart casual but something was not quite right.

Then it struck me!

She was wearing faded brown jeans. They fitted well, they were the right length but it was the fact that they were brown that made them just look too "casual" for the elusive "smart casual" we all struggle to achieve.

So the stylist on the street's comment and observation for today is that SMART CASUAL jeans are DARK BLUE jeans. Anything else will just look too scruffy when you try to incorporate it into your work wardrobe.

Be Fabulous!

Permission to wear black

2010-04-26T03:06:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over 25% of all clothes purchased are black. How boring is that!
A large part of my job is coaxing people out of their drab neutrals in to gorgeous happy colours that light up their complexion and lift their mood as well as their visage; but that doesn't mean you should NEVER wear black.

The rule I give to my clients, is not to buy "boring" black clothes.

Black is slimming, lots of great clothes are only available in black so don't take your colour rules too far and give yourself permission to enjoy wearing black. BUT I would recommend that the clothes that you buy in black should be "special." For example choose something with a great neckline, a luxurious fabric, sequins or sparkles, a great shape, anything interesting, just not a plain old black T-shirt or jumper.

If black is not your best colour you might just need to add some great jewellery or perhaps wear a little more make-up than you usually do (most men can actually get away with black anyway) but if your colour analysis has bannished black from your wardrobe, live dangerously and break the rules every so often.
If you have not had a colour analysis and want to find out what colours suit you best then visit http://www.maximisegroup.co.uk/colouranalysis.html to find how the colours you wear can make you look younger, slimmer and more alive. I use the colour analysis system by Colour Me Beautiful who have the best tonal colour swatches available....(we've moved on from the seasonal colour swatches now).

What have you been told in a colour analysis - is black banished from your wardrobe and do you miss it. Join the discussion.

Is your online Image as fabulous as your offline image?

2010-02-12T03:32:00.000-08:00

2 House of Fraser Events announced Click here to book before 20th Feb for earlybird rates

Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Myspace...social networking has now become a huge part of our everyday lives. When teaching my Image Impact Worskhops these are the key messages I get across to my delegates.

Be VERY aware of what information is available online about you. Google your name and your company name regularly. You can actually create Google Alerts to be notified as soon as any information containing your name is posted online. If someone has posted information about you that may be damaging to your online image contact them immediately and ask them to remove it.Ensure that photographs displayed online are appropriate. Be sure to use professional headshots on Linked-in, Ecademy and any other business networking sites are a must. See John Cassidy's blog article about getting a great headshot.

Ensure that your profile details are up to date. Potential employers, and customers WILL Google you and see information about you. A lapsted profile is the equivalent of wearing a cerise jacket with padded shoulders and gold buttons to a rock concert. There are now over 31 Billion searches on Google every month!

Check the security settings in all your social networking applications. If you only use Facebook for social activity make sure that you don't appear in search engines or the information displayed is limited to only friends. You can now categorise your contacts and decide who see's what so that is an option you can use to separate work and non work contacts.

Note: A complete absence of an online footprint is also a red flag: a) what do you have to hide? and b) do you not know how to use all this stuff.

If in doubt ensure you have a linked-in profile for your professional connections and use Facebook for personal use only. Do however, create a facebook fanpage for your company or services and keep it up to date.

Some Interesting Facebook Statistics, in case you doubt its influence on our lives!

Facebook has more than 400 million active users

50% of our active users log on to Facebook in any given day
More than 35 million users update their status each day
More than 60 million status updates posted each day
More than 3 billion photos uploaded to the site each month
More than 5 billion pieces of content (web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photo albums, etc.) shared each week
More than 3.5 million events created each month
More than 3 million active Pages on Facebook
More than 1.5 million local businesses have active Pages on Facebook
More than 20 million people become fans of Pages each day
Pages have created more than 5.3 billion fans
Average User Figures Average user has 130 friends on the site
Average user sends 8 friend requests per month
Average user spends more than 55 minutes per day on Facebook
Average user clicks the Like button on 9 pieces of content each month
Average user writes 25 comments on Facebook content each month
Average user becomes a fan of 4 Pages each month
Average user is invited to 3 events per month
Average user is a member of 13 groups

IMPORTANT: If you are a Job Seeker, or seeking promotion:

A survey, which questioned human resource managers at the top 100 companies in the UK, US, Germany and France, found that 70 per cent admitted to rejecting a candidate because of their online behavior.

But HR bosses also said that a strong image online could actually help job hunters to land their dream job. Peter Cullen, of Microsoft, said: "Your online reputation is not something to be scared of, it's something to be proactively managed. "These days, it's essential that web-users cultivate the kind of online reputation that they would want an employer to see." Facebook faux pas include drunken photographs, bad language, and messages complaining about work life.

If you are a Business interested in attracting new clients or maintaining client relationships:

Do you have a Facebook fan page or following on Twitter. Facebook and Twitter are excellent ways of spreading your message, talking to your client base, getting testimonial's and generally keeping in touch.

A fan page allows you to keep your Facebook business activity separate from your social activity. If you are already using social media to promote your business, ensure that you update it regularly and be consistent. Ensure that your social messages are in line with your brand.

At Work: Many companies restrict access to social media completely or during certain times at work. Interestingly IBM and Google have policies encouraging staff to post updates and collaborate online via social media, they have the foresight to know that online news can travel fast and it's a great way of them attracting customers and employees.

Simply for the love of fashion

Don't care about what people think about you online? Well indulge yourself by signing up to your favourite brands Facebook pages. Sign up for pages from your favourite retailers. I'm a fan of Coast, Monsoon, Bobbi Brown, Phase Eight, Nine West, Sephora, MAC, YSL, Estee Lauder, Make-up Forever, Moet and Chandon - to name but a few. I get discount vouchers, and invites to exclusive events and previews of new collections daily.
Lastly I'm back in the UK for one month from 12th March. I do have some dates left so if you would like colour, style, wardrobe weeding or shopping please do drop me an email. I hope to see lots of you looking fabulous at my House of Fraser events at High Wycombe and Reading too.

2 House of Fraser Events announced Click here to book

eBay : The Worlds Best Department Store

2009-12-01T00:11:00.001-08:00

When was the last time you were on eBay…if ever. Let me tell you you’ve got to get on there! Particularly if budget issues are threatening to stifle your fabulousness this party season. In Singapore there are hardly any 16s and UK brands like Karen Millen and Coast have Armani price tags I have no idea why it’s taken me nearly 6 months for this epiphany but I suddenly thought eBay!

..and now I’m in bit trouble! I’m currently watching about 35 maxi dresses and I think so far I’ve bought 15. It’s a revelation. You go to the search box type in Monsoon 16 and it brings you up hundreds of dresses. Quite a lot of these are even brand new. Upon further research I found that there are certain buyers that sell excess stock and overruns and factory seconds. I found many “2009 Christmas” items that are on the current store websites at about 2/3 of the cost. The best bargains to be had are those that are being sold on second hand, worn once to a wedding or party and then you can snap up a dress that would have cost you over £200 for as little as a tenner. As a personal shopper I recognise clothes from previous seasons that I hadn’t been able to get in my size, or I just couldn’t afford at the time.

To be a savvy eBay shopper you need to;

a) do targeted searches, such as Coast Dress 16, LK Bennett Skirt 14, etc so you narrow down the selection presented to you.

b) Further filter for Buy it now, or Auction only depending on your preference

c) Make-sure you have a PayPal account set up before you start

d) Know what styles and colours will suit you, so you can bid and shop in a targeted way; this is where an previous session with an Image consultant is really going to save you money.

e) Know how the sizing works in your chosen brands, are then generous, or skimpy so you have more chance of a good fit

f) Set yourself a limit as to what you are willing to pay for an item and stick to it rather than getting carried away in a frantic last minute bidding war

g) Add plenty items to your watch list before bidding as you’ll often find the same dress from a few sellers so gather your preferences together before you commit to a bid.

h) You might also be wise to arrange delivery to work or a friend as its annoying having to collect signed for goods from the post office on a Saturday morning if you are not in when they arrive.

Dita Von Teese inspiration for grown ups!

2009-11-18T01:58:00.001-08:00

Have a go at this great alternative for a going out look. Its a bit Dita, but I think its totally wearable for anyone.

Three Great Products

2009-11-15T22:56:00.000-08:00

Just want to let you know about two great products I've just purchased for doing my make-up videos. Maybelline Angelfit foundation - I'm using W07 and Loreal Superliner in Black. Revlon Colour Stay matt shadows. It's sometimes difficult to find shadows that are really matt. Revlon have a new range of about 6 colours. Cheap and really easy to apply and work with. All Drug store brands, pick them up in your supermarket...that way you can disguise them with the grocery bill. Ha Ha.

Products I tried which I'm not loving. DiorShow Blackout Mascara. Not waterproof, but can't take it off at night with regular make-up remover...and I just "feel" it there all the time. Revlon Colour Stay liquid liner...yuk. Very very watery.

2009-11-10T16:43:00.000-08:00

When I visited New York last year one of the things that struck me is how well groomed all the women were. This is something that in the UK and here in Singapore many women just aren't confident with. The global cosmetics industry is worth 6.2 billion pounds but are we using all the products that we are buying? I want to encourage you to delve into your make-up bags and use the products that you already have to create many different looks. You should have a make-up wardrobe just like you have a clothes wardrobe, with different looks to suit different outfits. All the looks I do are aimed at women who are "more mature" so the looks are totally wearable, and I always concentrate on showing you something that is super quick and doesn't use too many products.

I've started to record my daily make-up application and post it on youtube as mini-tutorials so check them out and pick up tips and tricks. I'm learning as I go so the videos should get better and a bit more professional but I hope they are an inspiration to you. Subscribe to the Youtube feed so you get notified each time I post one, and please post the links out to you friends via email and facebook. Email me with your make-up requests too. Incidentally you'll find me on twitter too if you are a user, and I have a facebook fan page so join in.

Scared of using colour. This look uses teal liner and powder to accent my blouse and eye colour. At 10 minutes this is one of the longer videos, the rest are just about 5 minutes. The sound on this one is a bit crackly - sorry! Click Here to see

Tried smokey eyes but it always feels like "halloween make-up" try this to just add the smokey look on the bottom. This is the latest vidoe that I've done, so I'm learning what works on screen and hopefully improving each time - Click Here to see

Click here if you are wanting a natural look that is still groomed. Smokey coffee eyeliner and honey cream shadow helps lift shadows away from tired eyes for a groomed yet natural look. Oops on this one I zoomed right in but you can't see my whole face - but its mostly about the eyes anyway.

My first video :) using mossy green liner and dusky shadow, one of my favourite daytime looks - take a look

Please feel free to pass on or use the information contained within this document as long as the author is given credit. Contact Sharon at sharon@maximisegroup.com.

Be Fabulous
Sharon Connolly

2009-10-16T01:08:00.000-07:00

Tips for thicker looking hair

A client just asked me for tips on how to make your hair look thicker, so I'd thought I'd share my top tips with you too.
When blow-drying your hair towel dry and rough dry it until it's almost dry before you start to style it.

Use the brush to blow-dry it in the opposite direction before you start to style it into place for more lift and volume.
Try using a vented brush so you can get air to the roots and target the roots upwards when you are drying.
DO use special volumising shampoos and styling products. Hairdressers can not complete the look without products and nor can you.

Not washing your hair and still want volume? Put in Velcro rollers whilst you do your make-up and get ready for extra lift, especially around the crown. Spritz with a fine veil of hairspray before you remove them.

Serious hair thinning may be hormonal or stress. Some people carry stress in their back or shoulders, if you carry it in your scalp then you need to relax. Massage your scalp for 5 minutes when you shampoo to encourage blood flow and be conscious if you are tensing your scalp, it can really make a difference. Treat yourself to an Indian Head Massage.

Hormonal hair loss CAN be halted by hair products. Men and women can try a hair loss product containing Minoxidil which has about a 60% success rate, but its a long term solution that you need to keep up. Type Rogaine into Google and read the reviews.

Having even the smallest bit cut from your hair can make a bit difference to the thickness. Blunt cutting the straggly ends really thickens up your hair. Discuss the best style with your hairdresser. An undercut bob can make fine hair seem considerably more lustrous.

Don't wear your hair too long, shorter blunter styles will work better for thinner hair.
Often adding colour or highlights will make a difference too. Colour expands the hair shaft (damaging it mind you!) but it will be thicker. Just make sure you treat yourself to regular conditioning treatments.

In extreme cases of thinning hair and hair loss get extensions. If it really bothers you, no matter what anyone else says you will feel terrible if you feel bad about your hair. Extensions may be the answer. They're not just for long locks; they add considerable thickness and volume too. I've had extensions before and loved them, but they're high maintenance and expensive, I visited celeb favorite Antenna in London but for there are hair loss specialists, check out Mark Glenn, also in London.

As with ANYTHING in life that makes you unhappy don't just live with it, get advice, seek help look at ways to change or improve it (and that includes your husband! LOL )
Be FabulousSharon Connolly

PS. Am back in the UK and available for shopping and Wardrobe Weeding at the end of February so email me if you would like an appointments

Follow me on TWITTER now too - http://twitter.com/sharonconnolly

Please feel free to pass on or use the information contained within this document as long as the author is given credit. Contact Sharon at sharon@maximisegroup.com.

One Ladies Shirt - 5 Fabulous Ways

2009-08-24T01:05:00.000-07:00

Take one shirt.....

Many of my clients come to me because they feel they simply live in jeans and a T-shirt. Or always wear simple jersey tops and black trousers to work. A beautiful fitted shirt might be a great option for you instead.

Girls with curves often dismiss shirts because they find that if they fit on the bust they are too big around the waist. Have a look at these ideas for wearing shirts.

a) wear a shirt under a fine knit V neck sweater, or better still pop it underneath a jersey wrap top

b) Buy the shirt to fit your waist and wear a cami underneath leaving the top unbuttoned. It's a great way to mix and match with the colours that suit you

c) Hide any gaping buttons under a waistcoat. Next always have a really good selection of waistcoats.

d) If you don't like a waistcoat then a tank top. Beautiful Cashmere tank tops at Thomas Pink or a cheaper, but still excellent quality version at Austin Reed

e) Be a bit more daring. Pop a shirt under a corset top for a sexy, yet "covered" up look. BEST corsets from vollers

Be Fabulous
Sharon Connolly

HURRY : Book for the House of Fraser Fashion Event on 10 September

PS. Am back in the UK and available for shopping and Wardrobe Weeding 3-23 September so email me if you would like one of the last appointments.

Be Fabulous
Sharon Connolly

Make-up Tips for a great online profile picture

2009-08-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

Following on from some of the comments I've been making regarding profile pictures with John Cassidy on Ecademy I thought I'd write a rough guide to photographic make-up.Most importantly : The camera flash removes 50% of your make-up, that means that if you don't wear any you will look 50% washed out and if you do wear make-up you need at least 50% more.

Here are my tips for women.

Avoid all shimmery products. The flash will reflect the light. Let the photographer use lights angles and reflectors to light your face.

Concealer is essential, particularly in the inner aspect and under the eyes. I'd put concealer on men in these areas too to deflect shadows.

Foundation is a must. Choose a matt foundation that is identical to your skin tone. Don't use too much or it will look very obvious. Foundation evens skin tone, concealer reflects light and covers, they are different products, you need them both.

You HAVE to set your foundation with powder to give you a finished look. Also you will probably be under lights whilst being photographed so the powder absorbs the shine and will need touching up.

The eyes will be the focus of any picture. Put a a little more product on that you normally would. Choose lighter colours to open up the eyes. Avoid pink, brown or wine coloured shadow as they can make your eyes look tired and sore.

Use a darker liner than normal and a slightly heavier line to define the lash line, dot powder over it to set it and stop it running under the lights.

Curl your lashes and apply plenty of mascara, false lashes, or just a few individual ones can really open your eyes and make you look more fresh faced.

If you are going for a heavier smoldering eye make-up then perfect the eyes first and apply foundation/base afterwards to maintain a clean fresh look on the skin.

Eyebrows are so important for framing your face. Ensure they are plucked, waxed and neat. They tend to disappear in photographs so make sure to fill in and define them with a matte shadow ( shadow application creates a more natural look than pencil).

Pink peachy blush colours are fresh no matter you age and essential to give your cheeks a glow. Apply colour on the apple of the cheeks.

Lipstick easily wears off during your shoot so use a liner and lipstick as well as a gloss, Choose liner and lipstick in the same tone. Unless it's a high fashion shoot you want to choose something fairly close to the natural colour of your lips to keep the attention on your eyes, or your smile rather than your lips.

For black and white portraits you will need more definition so apply more make-up in darker colours still. Black and white is all about shadow so you can use more tricks to contour, diminish and emphasize.

The truth about men wearing button down shirts

2009-08-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked about my statement. "A tie should not be worn with a button down shirt."
Button down shirt collars were fashioned by Brooks Bros to stop the collars flapping around when men were playing polo. Ralph Lauren, who was worked at Brooks Bros also adopted the idea when he later started his own shirt company. Herein lies the evidence that a button down collar is a casual not formal shirt.

If you should want to wear a tie with a button down collar shirt then it should still be on the casual side, by perhaps substituting the tie for a slim knitted tie? Wearing a fine knit jumper rather than a jacket? Or if a jacket is still required make it a sports jacket rather than a suit.

Questioning my comment about short sleeved shirts with a tie? Don't even think about it! A very stylish Italian associate of mine summed it it when he told me that in Milan only the bus drivers wear short sleeved shirts.

Be Fabulous
Sharon Connolly

2009-08-17T11:46:00.001-07:00

The truth about men wearing button down shirts (http://ping.fm/RvzWn)

2009-08-16T04:48:00.001-07:00

Super slimming dress http://ping.fm/SbxUG You will look as slim as the middle panel

Bikini Bottoms to make your butt look smaller

2009-08-15T22:44:00.000-07:00

Your Dilemma. You want a bikini bottom with a good coverage. Something that comes up far enough over your tum so you don't get a bulge and something that gives you good coverage at the back - Yes? Problem is that if you cover your bottom half with a HUGE pair of pants then your tush does not look tiny.

Answer : Choose a bottom with a coloured band, belt or tie sash at the top. The perception is that your bottom is only as big as the plain fabric under the band. I would also really recommend investing in good swimwear. Quality lycra is much more figure friendly. My favourite is Seafolly. See the range at www.cocobay.co.uk

Be Fabulous
Sharon Connolly

How to look great in photographs

2009-08-13T01:36:00.000-07:00

I just sent out the invite to my House of Fraser Fashion Event and see that so many of you are on your hols. Well for those of you have haven't headed off yet I thought I'd just give you some tips for how to look great in your holiday snaps.

If you've been following my advice then you'll have the wardrobe, hair and make-up sorted but there is nothing more demoralizing than seeing yourself look terrible in pictures when you thought you looked nice. The camera can most definitely lie so follow this advice to make it your friend and your fabulousness is justly recorded.

Try to avoid having your picture taken with your body facing directly at the camera. A 45 degree angle is much more flattering. Move one leg backwards slightly, shift your weight onto that leg and bend your front knee very slightly whilst angling your front shoulder towards the camera slightly.

Create space to show off your waist by bending your elbow.

Jut your chin out slightly, like you are resting it on a wall in front of you. Pictures are 2 dimensional so this won't show and will diminish a double chin.

For a close up, close your eyes for a few seconds before the picture is taken, when you open them your pupils will be larger, which makes you look more attractive and smile only just before the picture is taken, it's more natural.

If you have any say in the matter - ALWAYS try and get someone to take a picture from above - get them to stand up, stand on a chair, just be higher than you. Natural light is normally kinder than a flash, except in the hands of an expert.

Finally top tip. If you feel fat in your pictures then hide a quarter of your body behind a wall, statue, restaurant menu, other person, anything..and you are instantly 25% slimmer (just don't tell your friends about that one as you sneak your back shoulder behind them in every picture)

2009-05-20T21:05:00.000-07:00

Limit your colour choices for more outfit combinations

If you've treated yourself to a professional colour analysis then you'll know exactly what colours suit you. You'll have a set of colour swatches that defines what looks good against your complexion and ensures you always look healthy and radiant. Great, Fantastic, you know what you should be buying and shopping becomes easy - Well yes and no...let me expand further.
Your colour analysis should provide you with a swatch of about 30-40 colours that suit you. I recommend that you narrow that down considerably. Consider the following:

What do I actually like?
Just because a colour suits your complexion it doesn't necessarily mean you like it. Take a good look a the colours that suit you and decide which ones you really like. Do step outside of what you normally would wear and try something new, but you have to feel comfortable in your clothes to look good so think about which colours make you happy.
What is available this season?
Your favorite colours will not always be in the shops. Each season different schemes of colours may be "in" and readily available. Check the seasonal offerings against your colour palette and choose what you is suitable for you on a seasonal basis.
What is practical for my lifestyle?
Consider your job and your lifestyle. Darker colours may be a necessity out of practicality because you have small children or perhaps work in a formal environment.

Now here's how to make your colours really work for you.
Taking into consideration the above points each season choose no more that 2-3 colours to buy clothes in each season. (colours not neutrals!). By choosing a narrower colour range it will be easier to mix and match. You will be able to coordinate outfits much more easily with accessories. Mix these colours with the neutrals that you should already have as part of your capsule wardrobe and mix them together for a more vibrant fun look. Seek out patterned clothes containing those colours too. Accessories in your chosen colours are vital to bring the look together.

The following season reevaluate. Are you still loving those colours? Are they still available in the shops? Are they still working for you? If so keep buying your colours, otherwise review your colour swatches and choose another scheme.
Happy ShoppingSharon Connolly

Please feel free to pass on or use the information contained within this document as long as the author is given credit.

What Colour Season are you?

2007-11-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

On returning from a colour analysis everyone asks you "What are you? - ooo I thought you might be an Autumn!" Let me tell you a little about what these seasons actually mean. The seasonal names were just a term to describe the colours that suit you - Autumn being a description of warm golden tones, winter being perhaps frosty lilacs and blues but does it really matter what "Season" you are.
When I do a colour analysis I do give my clients a swatch, but I'd really rather not - what I want them to do is understand the "mood" of the colours they are supposed to wear, rather than anything else - take my second client today - She was what we would call a Deep - this means that her colours need to be Rich, Vibrant and strong. I asked her to imagine red wine, claret, port, winter berries, Christmas trees, holly, ivy and traditional Christmas decorations - thinking of these colours should be enough of an inspiration to find what suits when shopping.
Its all very well being the "mad matching woman" trying to find clothes that exactly match your swatch but you need to think about three things
a) how did those colours get there in the first place - it is just someones opinion - who was she to decide you look great in hot pink but not fushia?
b) if you stick to them too much you end up buying things that are the right colour, but do you actually like them. Is the style right for you, does it make you feel great?
c) Fabric is very important, a colour might look tacky in a satin but lucious in soft wool

I think anyone can wear any colour - its how you mix and match, and more importantly your hair and make-up that can make the difference. Sure its much easier to look amazing when you do wear the right colours - so if you want an easy life, come see me for a colour analysis.
www.maximisegroup.com/colour.htm
Have you had a colour analysis - best thing you ever did or waste of money?

How to Look Good Naked

2007-09-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

Obviously I watch all the TV make-over programs - sometimes agreeing with their advice, sometimes cringing at what they do (NHJ take note!) but my favorite is Gok and how to look good naked - the thing about Gok is that I really think that he wants to help the women on the show and its not about him, it's all about them. Anyway I decided to investigate where you would want to go to find out if you look good naked and get that sultry photoshoot experience.

I went to visity FYEO portraits in High Wycombe to test out their risque, but tasteful photoshoot experience. WOW - I can't tell you how confident it made me feel about my body, they were fantastic, the shots are fantastic - I actually feel like I want to stop people on the street and show them how great I look. If I could plaster the images on the side of a tall building or in a shopping centre then I most certainly would because thank you FYEO - I certainly do look good (semi) naked - so thank you FYEO - I enjoyed the whole pampering experience and you've made me look like an FHM cover shoot