Treat yourself to a LBD this week

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

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?

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

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!

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!

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

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!