In the Dressing Room
Those are big girl shoes! Those are big girl clothes!” screamed Stephanie Shapiro excitedly as she jumped up and down in her dressing room. Her enthusiasm from the first moment we met as she peeled down to her skivvies for her fitting, belied the trials and tribulations of her last four years.

With two sick kids, Stephanie hasn’t had much time to shop for herself (‘Though my children are impeccably dressed!’). As the self-described mom in the background, she likened the experience of her makeover to somehow releasing the time freeze on her life and growing up with the fashion times.

By day’s end and four outfits later, Stephanie was no longer just an observer on the other side of the looking glass, putting her life on pause while she cared for others: she WAS the image in the mirror…the beautiful woman finally celebrated in her grown up clothes for all to see.

Casual
This updated at-home ensemble is meant to put Stephanie’s all-day pajama look to bed, while still embracing the comfort she needs whether resting on her sofa or running to the hospital.

• Since she’s petite, we elongated her figure with long layers, beginning with a gorgeous 100% cashmere sweater with crotched embellishment. Cardigans are experiencing a rebirth and you can find them in every cut and color, so have some fun and unbutton this traditionally buttoned-up piece!
• A simple tank top in green made her eyes light up. This is something she can layer…a couple of tanks…that she can peel off as the day progresses, especially since her kids have a tendency to get sick and accidentally soil her clothes.
• Finally, stretch, slim cut jeans paired with metallic flats give the look that unexpected something you wouldn’t expect from someone running into the grocery store. This season showcases metallic in every shade, and the gold gave her the pop that added some sass.
  

Ladies Who Lunch

• I grabbed this trench straight off the rack at Dillard’s and threw it on Stephanie’s body. The burnt-orange color simply captivated her upbeat outlook, and with a simple white collared shirt and A-line skirt, she’s ready for a business luncheon or a long-delayed night out. Colored trench coats are a truly fabulous way to celebrate this hot trend.
  
• Note the big bag. For Stephanie, who has been doubling a diaper bag as a purse for the last four years, it was imperative to pick something fashionable that could still hold some diapers and wipes…yet stylishly so!
  
• Her black patent flats are a favorite, proving that flats are easy to wear and far from boring. What with the patent shine, the dainty bow and the side cutouts, they rival any stiletto heel in terms of details, yet still allow for life on the run.
  

Business Suit
When not caring for her children, Stephanie speaks regularly before legislature championing the cause of healthcare rights for children. She says that her “old mommy cardigan surrounded by others in suits” always distracted her from the task at hand. Finally, she has a power suit to match the power of her words.

• A fitted pantsuit—particularly nipped at the waist--in a stunning deep blue color is perfect for Stephanie. The monochromatic color gives her a long and lean appearance. Given she is well-endowed, opting for a single-breasted jacket brought her in across the chest, along with a simple collared shirt left open at the neck.
• Silver nautical jewelry, typically paired with more casual clothing, adds the sophisticated edge to complete the look.
  

Reveal Dress

• Jewel-toned dresses electrify the spectrum of clothing options for this season, and for this woman who never wears color, bold green was a natural choice.
• Big gems, embellish nearly all evening accessories, including sexy T-strap heels