Here’s Nancy, in her own words…

Why did I audition for your book?
I always enjoyed listening to you on the Lori and Julia show. You have the ability to seesomething that most people don't and can be blunt but not painful about the analysis. As I listened to you describe the book concept, I realized that I hadn't actually looked in the mirror and seen myself for years. I had found a "classic" haircut that was low maintenance and minimal makeup that took no time. OK but pretty boring.

Nancy 53, Before and After

As you said when we did the before photos, it was a nice look, but I should save it for when I am 70. I just love the thought.

One of my concerns about other makeovers was the push to make everyone look like they are 20. Frankly, I wasn't looking for that and you weren't offering that. I liked the idea of just looking great at my age. I am pretty comfortable with my age and wouldn't want to be 20 again for anything.

My friends were very supportive of the idea of auditioning for your book... they agreed it would be fun and that I might learn something. And, hair grows.

The experience - hair color
As you will remember, I turned white very young and had never tackled the hair coloring issue. My blonde hair had gone mouse brown and that wasn't a color I cared to replicate. I hadn't thought about going back to blonde. I love the color because it is right. That was the scary thing... what was right and what was not going to work. I wouldn't have had the courage to experiment without your eye and your great staff to make that part painless. My husband, family and friends weren't sure just what we had done, so that tells me it is so right. A hair colorist friend was very impressed, and she is a tough audience.

The experience - hair cut
I feel so fresh with this hair cut. My old cut dated back to at least the late '80s with only slight variations. I had hesitated to change because I didn't have a vision of where I wanted to go. There was no picture in my head and no picture of anyone else that I wanted to imitate. So, I didn't change. I love the fact that I felt safe with the first cut and got used to much shorter hair. I got good comments about the change. My cousin said I looked like I was 16 again.

I had 8 weeks to get used to the idea and then you took it further with the final cut. I really love the final cut. It is so fun, easy to deal with and I get comments from everyone about how great it looks. I can go out in the wind, come in a run my fingers through it and it does what it is supposed to do. A stylist friend was pretty amazed about me wearing such a fashion-forward look. But, I don't feel like it is so out there that I have a neon sign on me saying I am trying to be fashion forward. Most of my friends don't recognize me when we meet for dinner. So, that's a big and positive change.

The experience - makeup
I didn't know what to expect on the makeup, but as I thought about our session, I realized that I hadn't looked at my look in at least 10 years. Maybe longer. I had always fought my pale looks and I like the fact that we worked with the pale and went ethereal. I had relied on bold lipstick as my makeup statement. I can't believe how good the pale pinks look. It makes me really re-think my self image.
Also, I learned a lot from Kammi. She was very supportive and encouraging and she went through the products. I am so glad to finally find a mascara that doesn't bother my eyes. I feel much more confident about that part of my look now.  

Reactions have been pretty interesting. I had a business dinner after the photo shoot and most of the people there hadn't seen me in some time. Most read my name tag to figure out who I was. One of my associates asked about the makeover process and said he was thrilled at the update. I think that has been a universal reaction.

The experience - silhouette
This was a fascinating process. Your mother did such a nice job working through the program to help me see myself. Again, she was straight forward and constructive. While I had unconsciously used some of the techniques we talked about, it really helped to understand how to pull it all together and maximize my look. I have never been uncomfortable with my height, but now I feel like I am taking advantage of being tall. Thanks for that.

The experience - choosing clothing
What a lovely experience trying on those well-chosen, beautiful clothes. A wonderful treat seeing that great vision you have coming to life in clothes. It also helped finalize some of my personal image changes. And what a great outcome.

The experience - the photo shoot
What a princess moment. I haven't felt that special since I don't know when. It was so fun to put on wonderful clothes that were perfectly suited to me and then have all the primping and pampering for the photo. I have been showing people the after photo and they comment on the wonderful clothes, but they all can tell I was having a great time and feeling good about the experience.

Overall, the experience was even better than I could have hoped. I learned a lot, had fun with the other women and enjoyed the opportunity to really see myself in a new way. Thanks for your ability to peel the layers away and reveal the best possible me. My friends are envious.