Check out the happening networking events in Singapore in April. I can't actually find too many PURE networking events as many organisations are holding conferences and AGMs but here are a few for you to put in your diary.

1/4/2013
Business Connects
http://www.austcham.org.sg/ not details yet.
These joint chamber events are normally BIG and lots of fun

4/4/2013
Turning conversations into clients with me!
http://cliftons.learningsource.com.au/courses/83-turning-conversations-into-clients-perfect-your-networking-skills-to-increase-revenue

12/4/2013
Anza networking
http://www.anza.org.sg/whats_eventcalendar_event_details.asp?eventID=2087

Many executive ladies to be found here with a glass of wine in hand

23/4/2013
Women in Branding
http://www.nzchamber.org.sg/event_details.php?eid=324
That would be me!

25/4/2013
The first three years in business with CRCE
http://www.aasingapore.com/events/109/
Interesting for entrepreneurs

26/4/2013
Ron Kaufman at AmCHam
http://www.amcham.org.sg/events-details/?id=1081
I’m a huge fan – you have to see Ron speak if you have not before then you are in for a treat!

30/4/2013
Business Rocks
http://www.meetup.com/BusinessRocks/
Normally the last Tuesday in the month. Check with the fab Gina Romero

Clients thing that in a colour analysis they'll get a little swatch and then they'll know what to buy and what to avoid. Yes absolutely, but its about more than that. An expert colour analysis with an image consultant will also talk about contrast and show you how to wear your colours.
Take a look at the contrast between your hair skin and eyes. The bigger the difference the more contrasting the colours should be. If you have mousy hair and eyes that are blended then bright colours will overpower you. You might get compliments on your outfit but no one will say how lovely your eyes are!
In the pictures above you can easily see that the ladies with the deeper amd more contrasing complexions look much better with the darker colours.
Take a look at the model in the first picture. When I added more contrast to suit her complexion, not only do her eyes sparkle but she also looks like she got promoted from photocopier to boardroom.
Not sure about colours then check out the colour analysis services that I offer at http://www.sharonconnolly.com/colouranalysis.html

 

 

Look at my client Jacqui Rankin, from AAM Advisory doing everything right when having her photograph taken for the most flattering look.  Here are my tips that she is following perfectly

• Stand with one leg a little behind the other and take the weight on the back leg
• Angle the body at 45 degrees for a slimmer look
• Drop the front shoulder down so that it is lower than the back one
• Hands on hips with fingers spread and make sure you can see a space between your elbows to show off your waist
• Lift your head up and then imagine your chin is resting forward onto a shelf to eliminate any double chin
• SMILE, but also put your tongue on the roof of your mouth to tighten up your jaw line.

Beautiful pictures by Sok Eng at Berry Happy Photography.  Check out more of my clients on her facebook page https://www.facebook.com/#!/BerryHappy.Photography?fref=ts  

Do’s and Do NOTs for shrugs and boleros.

 

Handy little cover-ups, but beware, these wardrobe staples can have you looking like mother of the bride faster than you can say volovant.  Here are my top tips for shrug chicness.

·   Do team a brightly coloured shrug with a neutral dress to add a splash of interest. Take care if you don’t have dark hair to make sure the colours don’t contrast too highly. Blondes and brown haired girls will do better with less contrast.

·  Do choose a snug shrug. Don’t let it hang down like a floppy old cardi.  Slim fitting arms and have it fit nicely around your back.

·  Don’t choose the really square boxy ones, they’re going to stand out over your boobs like a shelf. Nice rounded collars and curved bottoms will be better.

·   Soft wool will be most flattering. Jacket style will need to fit you perfectly, and might look a little too “suity”

·   Do snap up a sparkly one to wear with a vest top and jeans – lovely!

·  Do look for these in the sale. Designers such as Hobbs, Coast, Phase Eight do these every year and last season’s colours are often on sale. Grab them and you will have them for ever.

·   on’t worry about wearing a “short” item. The hem just under your bust will highlight an area that is super slim on most women. Sleeves are great for adding some volume up top for pear shaped girls and those who have no bust.

·  DO look out for shrugs in sheer fabric, such as black or silver organza. Great for over an evening dress if you don’t like your arms.

Not sure what to wear? Having wardrobe malfunctions? Book a personal stylish session with Sharon Connolly - check out www.sharonconnolly.com

 

Just posted details of the next run of my course, 8 weeks to fabulous. It runs from 3rd March for 8 weeks.  You will learn about colour, style, make-up, accessories, and be motivated to become fitter and healthier. If you want to lose weight you could drop 2 dress sizes with our expert help during the course.  Sign up now. http://www.eventbrite.sg/event/5325677244#

 

Dare to be the woman in red

British Heart foundation just released the results of a survey stating that women who wear red dresses to work are perceived as more confident and senior. And I have to agree, a woman wearing red dress is definitely going places. So I've chosen a few stunning red dresses from House of Fraser for you.

It is however, important that you get the right red for you. Do you look better in an orange based red (see dress 1 from Untold).  Is watermelon great or even a russet brick red? O are you better in a bright pillar box red or something more raspberry like the one on the right from Hobbs? How will you know? If you have not had a colour analysis then make sure you hold the red dress up close to your face in natural light to see if it really suits you.

In addition take care of wearing very contrasting colours. If you have dark hair you can most likely pair your red dress with a black jacket or cardigan, if you are blonde, or mousy then black will be too harsh with red so you should go for something softer like stone or grey.

A red dress normally makes a bold statement and doesn’t need accessories. Pair it with neutral shoes and a neutral bag and take on the world!

Be Fabulous

www.sharonconnolly.com

My friend emailed me today as she’s sorting out her wardrobe. She’s on the move again, for the tenth time in 12 years and she said she wanted to make sure she edited it down to the basic capsule plus a few special items. It got me thinking just how much we really need to organise our wardrobe into capsules. So what is a capsule?

It means we have the essential pieces in our wardrobe that fit our lives. Whether you’re at home with the kids or a high flyer it means that you always have something to wear.

It means that your clothes all mix and match and, apart from the odd very special item, it means that everything goes with everything else.

Something very important about a capsule is that it needs to be pretty classic. Take a look at this great capsule I have created from Hobbs. Hobbs now delivers world-wide! www.hobbs.co.uk. If you fancy ordering anything Hobbs is quite generous, and they also stock it at House of Fraser as well.
I based it around the stone suit which you can see would look great with at least three of the tops and the skirt is great as a separate.
The big chunky striped skirt adds a modern touch and looks great with the blue cardi and the stone jacket.

Don’t fret too much about exact colour matching either – if the blues are a little different it’s fine! 

Notice the nude shoes and nude bag too – easy to mix and match and will go with everything. 

If you are going out straight from work the silk red top is quite luxe and will carry you to after work cocktails, as would the yellow blouse and trousers with some great drop earrings.

Every item in this wardrobe would be a great investment as it would be worn loads of times. Concentrate on cost per wear rather than the actual price.

See that I have also based the wardrobe around just a couple of colours, which makes it easier to add the shoes and the bags.

Have a look in your wardrobe and see if you have a great capsule, if not we might need to go for a little shop!