Brand You

An MCI manager-turned-screenplay writer and an international business manager-turned-entrepreneur get transformed by our teams of image experts.

by Debbie Diamond

March 1, 2005

Diane Alpaio
From Manager to Screenplay Writer

Stats:
• Former manager at MCI.
• Left to pursue writing screenplays.
• One of her comedies optioned by John Hill Pictures.
• 40-lb. weight loss in past year.

The Assignment:
• Trade sweatpants and t-shirts - fine for her home office - for a more polished look for meetings with producers, actors, and agents.

Enter the Experts:
• Intrigue Salon Hairstylist Sandy Brown Everett.
• Aesthetician and makeup artist Luda Garcia.
• Macy's-Lenox Square personal shoppers Fran Beato and Joy Picard.

The Works:
Alpaio always wanted to be a redhead. Brown Everett recommended starting with auburn highlights for a subtle enhancement. For the cut, she added layers and tapered the back with fringe for a fun look to convey the screenwriter's creative spirit.
 
Garcia went with a classic, polished look, utilizing soft beiges and pinks to brighten her face without a "made up" appearance: "Reshaping Diane's brows proved to be the magic element that opened up her whole face and made her look years younger."
 
Beato and Picard completely revamped Alpaio's approach to clothing, moving her from sweatpants to satin. A colorful pink long jacket - belted to show off her new figure - and black wide-legged pants elongated Alpaio's torso and legs.

"More than anything else, this experience has made me open to considering choices I would not have made in the past."

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Carmen Perez
From Downsized to Entrepreneur

Stats:
• Former International Project Manager for Schlumberger.
• Founder of Maverick International Inc., a business development firm that specializes in helping American companies expand their businesses around the world, particularly throughout Africa.

The Assignment:
• Convey professionalism, confidence, competence and approachability - what she calls "soft power."

Enter the Experts:
• Jakki Colours Beauty Clinic owner and hairstylist Jakki Dee, well-known for his work with celebrities.
• Syretta Bell, makeup artist and owner of B2 Artistry, as well as a member of Stila Cosmetics national makeup artist team.
• Fran Beato and Joy Picard, personal shoppers at Macy's-Lenox Square.
 
The Works:
"Typically, professional women do not want to spend a great deal of time on their hair, so I often recommend a style that is easily maintained and versatile," said Dee. "Because Perez has such an active lifestyle and works out regularly, we agreed on subtle highlights and a looser, free flowing style that will be easy for her to maintain."
  
Opting for a natural, soft look that would be quick and simple for Perez to replicate, Bell recommended dual-purpose products: Stila's Convertible Color in "Forget Me Not," for lips and cheeks. Other recommendations: Iman foundation for women of color; eye shadow as brow color; and use of one eye shadow for a quick sweep across the lids.
 
The stylists encouraged her to expand her wardrobe of navy and black suits, accessorized with pearls, to include other colors and more feminine touches. The softly pleated black skirt and lilac jacket, accented with a simple pin that follows the lapel of the jacket conveys the "soft power" that Perez embodies.

"This has been the perfect kickoff to my new life path. The changes are subtle and yet powerful, and this new look absolutely inspires my confidence."