Behind the Scenes at the Washingtonian Makeover Photo Shoot

Yesterday I was able to style my lovely client, Beth, for a photo shoot at the Washingtonian offices! We pulled together three outfits that she modeled beautifully in front of the cameras.

1. The Casual Outfit

This was the only outfit where almost everything was new. That being said, we got GREAT deals at Macy’s. See those jeans? Fit her like a glove and only cost $17. Blue pumps give a pop of color for $25.00. Neutral jacket that she can use over and over again during the summer, spring, and fall for $50.00 and an “executive sparkle shirt” for $30. The clutch is from Forever21 and cost only $10.00. The silver drop earrings are her own.

2. The Bombshell Outfit

I love this outfit because it is such a throwback to Hollywood glam. The shirt, heels, and necklace were already in her wardrobe. The skirt and belt she acquired at a clothing swap. This outfit looks oh-so-sexy while still remaining conservative. The nude heels elongate the leg, while the pencil skirt shows off her wonderful curves. (And don’t you just love that bright red color?)

3. The Work-to-Evening Outfit

This outfit, which came mostly from Beth’s closet, translates very well from a day at the office to an evening out. The black item is actually a dress. We layered a button-down short sleeve shirt on top of a sleeveless black dress. There is a subtle layering of the colors at the neckline because the items are of similar v-neck cuts. We also took off the belt that came with the dress and placed it on top to highlight her small waist. The bracelet is yellow with flower decorations in the same color of her shirt (purchased at Forever21 for $6.50). She borrowed the Kate Spade clutch from me. It’s a bit hard to tell from this particular picture, but it is a purse that looks like the book “The Great Gatsby.” She is also wearing black pumps taken from her closet.

Beth left the photo shoot in this outfit and went straight to work!

Beth with makeup artist Adrian Avila from Make Up Martyr.

This experience has been so much fun. And, it’s not over! We are doing a complete wardrobe edit / mixing & matching session this week with a reporter from the Washingtonian in attendance.

I would encourage you to check out Beth’s blog, Beth’s Journey, when you get a chance. It describes her journey to lose 90 pounds while adopting a healthy lifestyle. She’s such an inspiring and beautiful person (inside and out!). Her story will be in the September issue of the Washingtonian.

Beth’s Closet Caucus Makeover for the Washingtonian

It has been a busy 2 weeks over here at Closet Caucus, but for a very good reason. The Washingtonian contacted me and asked if I would like to style someone for a makeover story. Uhmmm…yes, please!

My client, Beth, has such an amazing and inspirational story. She decided to change her life in March of 2009 by joining Weight Watchers. Since that time she has lost over 90 pounds, has become a runner, and is training right now for a marathon! She started a blog called Beth’s Journey to chronicle her story and to talk about food, life, and health.

Beth in 2004 and in 2010

Because Beth’s body has changed it also means that her wardrobe / clothing options have changed. We have spent the past two weeks talking about style, life, clothing options, the past, and her future. She is such a strong person. I told her yesterday that I thought she was a warrior goddess in a past life because she has so much inner strength.

Tomorrow is her photo shoot at the Washingtonian. We put together 3 outfits utilizing clothing in her closet and some new pieces (some of which she got at last week’s clothing swap!). I can’t wait to do the big reveal of her new style. She is ROCKIN! The thing that thrills me the most is that we were able to take that internal strength and show it externally through fashion.

The whole experience has been fantastic and I’m tickled pink to go to the photo shoot and watch her work it in front of a camera! Will let you know how everything turns out!