But as helpful as these apps can be at helping us connect with others, they come with some fairly serious downfalls, some more obvious than others, and I’m talking from experience here.

Recently, I met somebody through the dating app Hinge, who unfortunately was not the person they made out to be, and the way in how he mis-represented himself was quite bone-chillingly well put together. Now, I’m a 31-year-old single female who lives on my own and I look after myself, by myself. I live life on my own terms, and I choose who I let into my world. I took all the right precautions when I decided to get to know this individual and did everything by the book, yet he still managed to fool me and everyone else around me with it. But it seems I’m not alone in this experience. It has been known to happen to thousands of women across the world. A 2015 survey states that out of 1,282 active Tinder users, nearly 30% of users were married, while another 12% were in a relationship. Unsurprisingly, it is the anonymity of online dating/apps that has been beneficial to many married men who find the lure of adultery exciting.

Unfortunately, in the arena of online dating, we cannot afford to be naïve anymore. To be able to enjoy dating we need to be smarter and more open minded in how we go about things. We owe it to ourselves here. Which is why signing up to a professional and more personal dating agency is a far safer and more reassuring way to go about finding the one. Initially, the virtual dating world was created for the purpose of young professionals who were too busy to go out and find the one in social situations. Dating apps were marketed towards these individuals who were looking for long-term relationships. But as time has moved on, instead of offering real human connection with a single swipe, some, will argue that dating apps are simply turning up the dial on hook-up culture, and hetero women and men are once again left to work out the mental gymnastics to convince themselves that this is good.

The dating app world also makes it easier for people to lie or give false impressions of themselves. Furthermore, the algorithms used to determine matches are not always based on good data as the input, and by that is the ‘real’ person.  People do not always have a good insight into themselves and some intentionally mis-portray themselves, which brings me back to the wonderful world of agencies and the advantages they hold over the likes of Hinge, Tinder and Bumble.

I only really knew how dating agencies work once I applied to work for one. I joined Project 143 (a matchmaking agency catering to Asian professionals). One of the biggest differences between a dating agency and a dating app is that agencies actively headhunt every member, with all individuals undergoing consultations and a proper vetting process before they are even taken on to join the membership. Singles have the reassurance that people are who they say they are, and are really looking for genuine, long-term relationships. Not only that, but some agencies, like Project 143, have a team of experts with a list of accolades to help singles on a very personal level, guiding and supporting them along the way. This includes services such as check ins, dating tips, styling advice, photoshoots, coaching sessions as well as date concierge – setting them up on safe and secure dates, in well-established locations.

So when it comes to finding the one, if you are serious and genuine about applying yourself to the process, take the time to really think about the platforms you use in order to find yourself that person, as not only do the stats state the facts, but my personal experience of falling victim to a very well-played fraud, show how wrong it really can go when putting your trust and your future into the hands of the algorithms and game playing of a stranger. I know for sure Project 143 mean what they say with their very own motto ‘no algorithms, no games’.

By Frances B Shillito

The post The negative side of dating apps and why using a professional matchmaker is becoming a more popular alternative. appeared first on Project 143.

From my years of working as a celebrity makeup artist and spending hours on photoshoots and private members bars across the globe, what to wear on every occasion is something that is second nature to me.

Below are my tips on the best outfits to wear to boost your confidence on those ever important first dates:

1. The after work special. If you have a date planned during the workweek and you know you will not have time to change in between, fear not! There are plenty of ways to upgrade your outfit, so you are ready for that swanky bar in the city. Take it from power dressing to smoldering by removing the court heel and replacing with a strappy heel or patent heel (Zara and Reiss are your classic go to here for this look). Add some sparkle by accessorising with a gorgeous clutch bag and pair of earrings. Switch the jumper for a classic blazer, revamp your makeup and you are ready to date the night away! These subtle changes make all the difference, not only to how you feel but the impression you make on your date.
2. The classic formula = Jeans and a nice top! –It is important to feel like yourself and be comfortable on a first date, so if your go-to staple is jeans, pair it with a pretty blouse or lace camisole that add a pop of colour. Team the outfit up with a classic black or white blazer like this one from  Zara.
3. The little black dress – The absolute ultimate classic. You cannot go wrong with an LBD. You are sure to steal the spotlight and your date’s attention when you turn up in the LBD made for you. Keep accessories simple here, let the dress do the talking. The LBD is a look to keep simple, sophisticated, and sleek. Heels, bag, hair, and makeup should all be perfectly simple and beautiful. Maybe even add a red lip and clean eye makeup to really polish the look. Check out the selection at Coast there is plenty of variety for every style that suits!
4. The sexy blazer dress– Balance out any flash of skin with a structured cut. It is super-hot, but polished at the same time. It takes it from power dressing to a power dress. Something like this one from SANDRO at Selfridges, teamed with an elegant black heel – you will be the showstopper of the night.
5. The pretty midi-dress – The iconic silhouette of a midi dress hugs and accentuates in all the right places – and trust me, the guy will take notice. Style it by layering a few necklaces and a more strappy heel and voila, you are good to go! Ted Baker have a fantastic selection to choose from when it comes to midi-dresses.
6. The all-important heels – swap the flats for heels. My ultimate tip is to always finish the outfit with a heel, you will be surprised how even just a kitten heel (for those of you afraid of the stiletto) will completely change the way you stand, walk, and hold yourself.

Once you have put together your perfect outfit, remember to wear it with a smile. Be confident, be comfortable and be ready to have some fun!

By Frances B Shillito

The post What outfits to wear on a first date – women’s edition appeared first on Project 143.