Photo: Sergio Kurhajec

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Shelly Lee
Age: 47
From: Seattle

Her Rut
Except for the occasional animal print (and when she's taking a "before" shot for O), Shelly's wardrobe is all black all the time. "I'm a single mom and grandma of four," says the Nordstrom marketing administrative assistant. "I used to be fashionable. Now it's whatever's easy. I work in a stylish industry and need to refresh my look."

Her Makeover
The Clothes: A knit dress in gorgeous neutrals flatters Shelly's curves and lets her expand her palette. Heels that blend with her skin tone visually elongate her legs, while a color-blocked shoulder bag is a fresh alternative to black.

The Hair and Makeup: Eyebrow designer Eliza Petrescu shaped Shelly's brows with a defined arch. Ken added length with a braided-in weave since Shelly had trouble growing her hair long. Sarah chose an eggplant eyeshadow as a subtle way to incorporate color.

Her Reaction
Shelly was so moved by her new look that she burst into tears. "I never saw myself like this before—beautiful, sexy, and amazing. I feel like a queen!"

Dress, Lafayette 148 New York, $548. Earrings and ring, Melinda Maria. Bag, Furla. Shoes, Nine West.