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.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Dita Von Teese inspiration for grown ups!
Have a go at this great alternative for a going out look. Its a bit Dita, but I think its totally wearable for anyone.
Sunday, 15 November 2009
Three Great Products
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.
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.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
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
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
Friday, 16 October 2009
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.
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.
Monday, 24 August 2009
One Ladies Shirt - 5 Fabulous Ways
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
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
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Make-up Tips for a great online profile picture
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.
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.
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