Got a new you planned for the new year? If you’re like any of the three women on these pages — a recent college grad searching for her first gig in the fashion world, a 30-something looking for love, or a 40-something entrepreneur on the cusp of a business launch — you’ve got big dreams for 2010. These women are ready to walk the walk and talk the talk, meeting their goals and looking fabulous, to boot.
With the help of MAC Cosmetics, our retail partner Lord & Taylor and grooming gurus Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi of Warren Tricomi Salon at The Plaza, The Post made over these three ladies with this season’s fashion and beauty trends. Check out Celina Tisaj, Randi Friedman and Christine Kenton’s transformations — and prepare to be inspired.
DRESS FOR SUCCESS
Recent college grad Celina favors plaid shirts, skinny jeans and a quasi-Goth, flat-ironed hairstyle — “I like the casual, laid-back, easygoing look,” she says, but she’s finally ready to put aside her hipster schoolgirl antics. She’s on the hunt for an entry-level fashion job, and her look needs a lift. So it’s out with heavy black eyeliner and dyed black hair; off with the flannel and denim!
The embellished blazer is this year’s spin on work-wear, so we picked a silk ruffled jacket from Robert Rodriguez ($495). The piece is tailored yet youthful, and has plenty of understated flair. Worn over a delicate, floaty BCBGeneration belted dress ($118) and opaque black tights with Nine West chain-link pumps ($89), it’s the perfect mix of breezy and buttoned-up. Ta-da! Primed and prepped for interviews.
* New Hair, New You: Colorist to the stars Joel Warren painted in highlights to break up Celina’s dark color. Now her hair looks more natural and “a little more fun,” he says. “I’m trying to get [her] out of this dark, Gothic look that [she’s] heading into.” Stylist Edward Tricomi trimmed two inches and shaped the back of the hair, near the nape of her neck, to create a neat-yet-tousled effect — smart and professional, but with charm to spare.
* The results: “Everyone, from my roommates to my sister to my parents, loves my new look,” says Celina. “I feel more confident and more sophisticated.”
POWER PLAY
While she’s used to taking the creative lead in her professional life as a publicist, when it comes to fashion, Randi plays it safe. And after a career-focused decade living the single-girl-in-the-city life, Randi’s ready to turn her love life around, starting with a new look. “I stick to my basic staple items such as my white button-down, white V-neck, white Hanes undershirt, skinny jeans and cardigans,” she says. “When I find something I like, I’m very loyal.”
Simple monochromatic casuals may be easy options for everyday-wear, but a splash of bold color adds instant sex appeal — especially when paired with a body-skimming power-dress, one of the hot trends for 2010. This smart Elie Tahari little red number ($248) transitions easily from day to night — especially with a super-sexy killer heel, like these studded suede platforms from Steve Madden ($98).
* Eyes, windows, soul: Joel Warren created warm highlights that made Randi’s hazel eyes pop, and Edward Tricomi shaped her hair into a swishy, voluminous, face-framing romantic do. MAC makeup artist Moises Ramirez gave Randi a smoky, sexy eye — with a modern twist. Instead of gray, brown and black eye shadow, Ramirez used “Nocturnelle” ($14.50 at maccosmetics.com), a deep, vibrant plum for a color-washed, dreamy-eyed look.
* The results: Post-makeover, Randi met up with friends for dinner and turned heads all night — and her guy pals want to set the “new makeover Randi” up with their buddies. “I’ve been getting hit on a lot since my makeover,” Randi says. “It’s been so much fun. I’m loving it.” Two random men at the beauty salon even told her she looked “beautiful” and “gorgeous.”
GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
Although her passions lie in yoga, astrology and art, Christine has spent the past few years working for her husband’s software company. This year, though, she’s hoping to launch her own business, Mystic Vision (mystic-vision.com). “The work that I’m looking to do in 2010 is to help others harmonize their lives, find balance, health and joy,” she says.
Christine’s style meshes with her free-spirited approach to life. “I love layers, textures, denim, boots, feminine, handmade, unique and artsy things,” she says. “And yes, you could use the term ‘earth mother’ [to describe] me, but with a touch of youthful style and flair.”
Thanks to Hollywood starlets such as Cameron Diaz, bohemian-lite is a look that’s here to stay. But to give Christine a more stylish East Coast edge and a bit of entrepreneurial polish, we chose a bold animal-inspired print. (The jungle look is the biggest fashion story this spring.) We found animal patterns on every designer rail in a rainbow of colors — blue tiger, anyone? — and chose a belted silk wrap dress from BCBG Runway ($398) and Boutique 9 strappy heels ($160) in warm neutral tones, which complement her coloring.
* Basic instinct: For Christine’s naturally white hair, previously dyed platinum blond, Joel Warren created a blond-with-contrast tone-on-tone.
“I always think that you should color your hair the way it makes you feel and look the best,” says Warren. Celebrity hairstylist Edward Tricomi cut and shaped Christine’s hair into a modern, face-framing style — full of volume, movement and light. Christine’s healthy, rosy glow is achieved with Beauty Powder Blush in “Personal Style” ($18.50 at maccosmetics.com).
* The results: “I feel attractive and confident, in a new, exciting way — breaking free of my own usual look,” says Christine. “I’m still receiving a lot of compliments.”