eBay : The Worlds Best Department Store

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!

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bikini Bottoms to make your butt look smaller

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

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)

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.