ReZoom

At times in your professional life when appearances count, it might be time for a makeover, or, at the very least, some serious style-coaching.There's nothing like getting a makeover, or some serious style-coaching, at a time in your professional life when appearances count — whether you're up for an award, being honored professionally or meeting new clients in hopes of building business.

A Turning Point

When artist Brenda Stein decided she was tired of running to her neighbor's closet for something to wear every time there was a big event in her career, ReZoom offered her a makeover. Commissioned to create the pieces to be given out as awards at the 2007 Tennessee Governor's Awards in the Arts, the 44-year-old Nashville artist had nothing to wear to the ball.

We promised Brenda that our style team would give the gray-haired beauty a make-"under" — creating small but significant changes in her hair, makeup and wardrobe — rather than forcing the naturally down-to-earth artist to trade her personal style and comfort for a high maintenance routine.

After all, you can't turn over your hair, makeup and clothes to the pros and expect to come out looking comfortably fabulous without any personal input. A true makeover is a collaborative effort that should take your profession, your lifestyle, the city you live in, maintenance and your personal comfort zone into consideration to have any chance at all of having a lasting effect on you.

But, most importantly, we told Brenda that it's a time in her very successful career when it‘s important for her to stand out in a crowd and look the part of a thriving artist.

We teamed up with the staff at fashion designer Sigrid Olsen's Nashville store and Melanie Shelly and her team of color, cut and makeup experts at Trim Classic Barber & Legendary Beauty (celebrity "hair"-quarters for Nashville's music crowd) for a day of discussion, decisions, changes, investments and tips that Brenda can use for years to come.

Brenda Before: "I really thought I looked fine."

• Based her "uniform" look for meetings with clients, art shows and openings on jeans.
• Had a closet stuffed with "good buys" that she never wore and lacked complete outfits (with accessories and shoes) that she could rely on.
• Used hair clips to keep her long, naturally gray, curly hair out of her face.
• Did not wear makeup except for one shade of lipstick. She was in the market for a new color, but wasn't sure how to choose a flattering shade.
• Was an uncomfortable shopper. Brenda shopped with her two teen daughters and was never quite sure whether the pieces she brought home were age appropriate.

The Team Gets to Work

Brenda considered herself a natural "wash and go" girl, uncomfortable with the idea of fuss and makeup. For hair, Melanie and Brenda decided on a layered cut that would allow her to grow out her heavy bangs and keep her overall length, but ease the unmanageable fullness of her naturally curly hair. Brenda could blow it out for dressier occasions that require a more finished look, and a glaze brought out her highlights while adding shine to her color.

Brenda's makeup also needed updating. She hadn't used an eyelash curler since high school, but Brenda felt that giving in to makeup was a bit of a sell-out to her all-natural philosophy. As Melanie (of Trim) showed her some simple tips to enhance her beautiful blues and even out her skin tone (one of the first signs of aging is redness and discoloration), Brenda relaxed her thinking when she saw the results.

Then, Melanie worked on Brenda's brows, removing just the strays to enhance her natural arch, creating a frame for her eyes. A light strategic cover from a good foundation blended with a makeup sponge evened out her skin tone in seconds. A lash curler, mascara, eyeliner, a lip pencil and sheer gloss were the only tools she would need to bring out her best features — all in less than five minutes.

When it came to clothes, Brenda dressed like every other artist. She had high standards for her work, and invested in the highest quality tools and materials, yet she wasn't willing to make the same investment in her image to leave a memorable impression on the people who collect her work.

As for that upcoming awards ceremony, Brenda was set on wearing a little black dress. But an elegant pink dress with a v-neckline, she had to agree, was not only appropriate but ultimately flattering as well. She's in fabulous shape — why hide all the benefits from her yoga, running and weight workouts? She made the purchase along with a matching cropped lacy jacket for a more demure look for daytime events. Sigrid Olsen had the accessories to finish her look. We ventured right next door to Cole Haan for a versatile sandal with a two inch heel to finish the outfit.

The Results Are In

With a great makeover there's a positive energy to the way you carry yourself when it's complete. It feels right and comfortable. You feel good and it shows.

At the end of the long day, when all was decided and done, Brenda walked out of the dressing room with a whole new attitude — getting compliments left and right.

"I think what helped me the most during the makeover process, was giving myself permission to enjoy my looks," she says. "My girls loved the new me ... and afterwards my husband took me to dinner and just stared at me."

Three Months Later

"Looking upscale is a good thing," Brenda says, many weeks removed from her makeover experience.

"It feels like I am moving into a different level of professionalism with my work and image. When you're not dressed properly there's a little chip in the self esteem," she says. "It can't hurt to open your mind and pocket book to new things. There is no price you can put on knowing that you look your best. I learned that it's OK to feel good about yourself and look a little sexy — it's positive. "

At the Governor's Event, Brenda and her family were seated directly across from the governor and his wife. At one point in the evening, a giant spotlight "came over us and I was asked to stand. Those are the moments when you want to be well put together. I was able to enjoy the spotlight and be in the moment."

As a former runway model and West Coast Editor of "Glamour" magazine, Daina Hulet has been in the business of style for more than 30 years. She's here to help you maintain a truly stylish and sophisticated look that defies all expectations of what "aging" is supposed to look like.