MANILA, Philippines - There’s nothing like a makeover to start the new year right. YStyle’s first makeover victim, er, subject is a first on two fronts: She’s conservative (as an administrative assistant at a Mormon church, she can’t sport anything risque so sleeveless tops, strapless dresses, skirts above the knee were nixed) and she’s a lady of a certain age (a 40-year-old working mom). But that’s what made this particular exercise so interesting. The new year is the perfect time to work out new challenges.
And that’s precisely what Dixie Filomena Colibao was looking for when she wrote in to YStyle. She’d spent most of her life wearing what she called “old-fashioned clothes”: long skirts, high-necked blouses. And nothing fit right.
Her goal: “I want to look even just a little bit attractive.”
That was easy. With her bright eyes, petite figure and easy smile, Dixie only needed a little bit of help. The challenge was finding clothes that could fit every conservative loophole. Sheer blouses and low-cut wrap dresses went out the window. At Plains & Prints, we found separates that could transform into a hardworking wardrobe: ensembles that could pull double duty at the office or mall.
In fighting form
Highlighting her figure was key. Fitted cropped pants in khaki paired well with a floral blouse that brought a shine to her eye. A pair of cap-toe heels from Janylin was a charming finish. Cuffed pants in navy earned a nautical flair when mixed with a V-neck top boasting an insouciant stripe. Jaunty polka dots on a retro ’50s-inspired top and fitted twill pants found a likely companion in a pair of bow-tipped leopard-print flats from Janylin.
Scissor sister
Hair stylist Alee Benson cut off the aging, lank layers of hair that added a decade to her look. A sharp gradated bob with a saucy slash on one side offered a sleek style that was no-fuss but offered a sharp contrast to her preppy ensemble.
Nice and easy
To freshen her makeup, Laura Mercier head makeup artist Qua (who goes by one name, like Cher or Madonna) aimed for a cheery palette that spoke of earthy tones with hints of peach and coral. Beginning with an oil-free primer translucent powder, he applied Laura Mercier’s famous silk cream foundation for a base that was offered sheer yet substantial coverage. With a mix of vanilla nuts eyeshadow, blended with a caviar stick in amethyst and plum for the eyes, he highlighted Dixie’s facial focal point. With a dab of dusk creme lip color on the lips and a finishing brush of matte bronze pressed powder across her cheekbones, Dixie was a new woman.
After the shoot, Dixie sent a text: “My heart can’t contain the happiness I feel.”
Nothing like a brand-new lease on life to start the year right.
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Interested in joining our makeover? E-mail us at ystyle@philstar.net.ph or tweet us @itsonYStyle with a photo and why you should be next.
Tweet us and win a shopping spree
YStyle is all about the gifts, even with Christmas firmly behind us. To start the year right, we’re giving away a P10,000 shopping spree from Plains & Prints. Simply follow us @itsonYStyle and tell us what you like/love/would like to see in YStyle. We’ll select a winner at the end of the month. Happy tweeting!