Shropshire Woman

Shrewsbury-based Sarah is a busy woman who balances family commitments with a high-powered job as head of Oxfam’s Retail Operations in the UK.

She began as a volunteer in the County’s Oxfam shops 12 years ago, but a passionate enthusiasm for the organisation’s work, combined with an extensive knowledge of developing countries gained through her geography degree, quickly led to a top executive post.

Sarah is responsible for the 730 shops which last year raised a staggering £20 million for Oxfam, but she isn’t resting on her laurels.

“We are now running specialist bookshops in larger market towns such as Shrewsbury and Worcester,” she told us. “Another success has been the campaign with Marks & Spencer to get people to recycle their clothes. Our latest project is specialist clothing boutiques, with flagship stores in Kensington and Chelsea due to open in May.”

Liz Bell applies the final touches to Sarah’s makeup.

Her work with fashion experts who have donated their expertise to Oxfam for the clothing boutiques project, means that Sarah now finds herself in the fashion world’s spotlight and feels she needs some inspiration.

“As a Shropshire mother of two, with a job that often takes me abroad, juggling the demands of work and family gives me too little time to think about my appearance,” she commented.

So Sarah was delighted to be given the Shropshire Woman makeover to find fresh ideas and equip her for her new role, with inspirational looks for the working day and the evening launch party for Oxfam’s London fashion boutiques.

The Makeover

Rizzo’s Salon in Wellington was the venue for the hair styling and makeover. For the daytime look Claire Dodd of Rizzo’s chose to curl Sarah’s hair to give volume and movement.

Business Chic

Claire first shampooed Sarah’s hair with Blonde Me Cool Blonde shampoo and conditioner to enhance the highlights. Using Blonde Me Cool Blonde volume mousse Claire blow-dried the hair smooth then used GHD straighteners to create soft curls and waves.

Mobile make up artist Liz Bell used a Chanel foundation, and dark aubergine and soft browns for the eyes. Blusher was a pinky bronze colour; this emphasised Sarah’s cheekbones and gave her a lovely glow.

Lips - pink lip-gloss, which completed the stunning overall effect.

Business Chic

Shropshire Woman then visited Coast at House of Fraser in Telford for the fashion shoot.

Jen, the stylist from Coast suggested a suit from the Minuet Petite range in chocolate, which has a wonderfully attering drape and subtle pattern which balanced Sarah’s shape perfectly, complemented by a top in coral from Kaliko.

Evening Glamour

For the evening, stylist Deborah Barrett curled Sarah’s hair with GHD straighteners then pinned it up loosely with Kirby grips, to create a fabulously sexy tousled look.

Evening Glamour

For the makeup, Liz chose stronger colours. Sarah’s eyes are a beautiful cool blue so an aqua eye shadow was used for emphasis.

False lashes created a fluttery sexy look, backed by strong pinks on the lips to create a vibrant and glamorous effect for the evening.

Again, Coast came up trumps with a knockout dress in turquoise silk, which flattered and engthened Sarah, and would be sure to turn even the most experienced fashionistas’ heads. It was perfectly suited for Sarah’s fun-loving personality.

Our thanks go to

Steve and Deborah Barrett of Rizzo’s
( www.shropshirehairdresser.co.uk )
Liz Bell (freelance makeup artist)
Bada Bing Wine Bar
House of Fraser and Coast
Telford Town Centre
Jason Whittaker,
Gary Williams Photography 
of Much Wenlock. ( www.garywilliamsphotography.co.uk ).