Makeover - August 2015

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by Diane McMahon
Photography by Heather Moon

Fashion forward by day, fabulous and flirty by night—this was the goal.  We know stylish women who achieve this regularly. They go home, peel off their pumps and power-packaging (or other work attire), reach into their closets and pull out a sizzling sexy number and stilettos and vamp their way back out the door. But what if there’s no time to go home and change? What if it’s a hot date or important event and you have to go directly from work?

For this month’s Takeover “twist”, we challenged a team of fashion professionals to create a “day-to-night” transformation that could be achieved in less than 15 minutes, without changing clothes.

Clothes Make the Girl

Our model, Dr. Jessica Gower—a dentist with Palmetto Dental Arts—was happy to volunteer. We met at Taffeta, a European fashion boutique on Hilton Head, with owner Sonia Hunt and fashion associate Margaret Lipscomb. After Jessica tried a number of options, the clear winner was a silky, bold print, ankle-length skirt by French designer Chacok. By day, it was paired with a sleeveless black top and short sleeve, knit cover-up by Didier Parakian. Black wedge sandals with a kicky, cut-out heel by Elue Parnous complemented the Taffeta leather and snake skin slouch bag, accented with black fringe and a silver chain strap. The look was professional with a fabulous flair.   

For her nighttime look, Jessica stepped into strappy high heels, shed the tank top and jacket and presto! In less than 10 seconds the skirt morphed into a flowing, strapless dress. A black “ribbon” wrap by Jolie Mine added a touch of off-the-shoulder elegance. A striped, lavender, lime and aqua box clutch, trimmed in metallic gold, completed the transformation that was all-out dazzling!

Makeup and Go

Makeup artist and independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics, Betty Peckheiser, was called in to create a natural fresh look that was good for day and easy to enhance for evening. She started with a CC cream foundation, applying the cream with a brush and beginning at a point between the eyebrows, worked outward across the forehead and then blended the cream over the full face. Next, she used a two-tone blush; the lighter tone, applied on top of the cheek bone and under the eye, brightened the eye area, creating a “wide-awake” look. The darker tone under the cheekbone gave definition. 

Betty selected a three-tone eye shadow called “Neapolitan,” with predictable shades suggesting vanilla, strawberry and chocolate.  The pinkish strawberry was layered on the eyelid, and accented with the chocolate in the crease and iridescent vanilla under the brow bone. Betty selected blush named “Watermelon.” With the eye shadow, Jessica quipped, “I’m not sure how I look, but I’m feeling really delicious.” A natural lip liner, gloss and mascara completed Jessica’s dewy look. For evening, Betty used a darker lipstick and deftly layered blush, eye shadow and mascara to magnify Jessica's natural beauty into drop-dead gorgeous.

All That Glitters

Fun fashion accessories from Taffeta accessorized Jessica’s daytime look. Turquoise drop earrings by Poggi picked up an accent color in the skirt and set off her dark hair and top. A rustic acrylic cuff by Jeannique provided an artsy punch. 

We then headed over to Quinn’s Diamond Jewelers and met owners Nancy and Darrel Quinn.  We discovered diamonds really can be a girl’s best friend! Nancy directed us to a glittering showcase with bold and exotic jewelry from the PiYaRo collection. Full cut diamonds, set in 14-Karat gold and sterling silver combinations are in each design; we selected a striking bracelet, pendant necklace and ring to bedeck Jessica.  

With a beautiful model, gorgeous clothes and accessories, and a talented team of makeup and fashion consultants Jessica's transformation was daring and dazzling beyond everyone’s expectations.

Thank you to our Dream Team

Jessica Gower, who celebrated her fourth wedding anniversary in May, married a fellow dentist she met at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). He was two years ahead of her at the University of South Carolina but they never met, despite both being avid Gamecock fans and biology majors. They were friends for three years in dental school before sparks flew. On consecutive weekends they graduated from dental school, married, honeymooned and then moved to North Carolina. He now practices at the Parris Island Air Station and Jessica recently has joined Palmetto Dental Arts in Bluffton. Palmetto Dental Arts, 347 Red Cedar St., Bluffton, 843-815-6500.

Sonia Hunt and Margaret Lipscomb, Taffeta, Shelter Cove Harbourside 1, Hilton Head Island, 843-842-6767.

Betty Peckheiser and Donna Abrams, www.marykay.com/bpeckheiser; www.marykay.com/dabrams3.  

Nancy and Darrel Quinn, Quinn’s Diamond Jeweler’s, Village at Wexford #G5, Hilton Head Island, 843-342-6663.

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