Girl clothes
Bridget works 24-hour shifts, and that seriously cuts into the effort she puts into "play" outfits. Her go-to look has been jeans, oversize hoodies and sneakers, but she admits, "I enjoy a bit of color, but am never sure what's actually going to look good, so I tend to go more with the earth tones." No need to go so drab.
Girl to woman
See that confidence? Comes from feeling good about yourself. Bridget dumps her immature style with help from a student-stylist at The Emerald Academy, who cut off about a foot of hair, gave her a triangular cut that swings around her shoulders and face, and added a rich semipermanent Paul Mitchell haircolor that suits her. (The faded blond washed her out.) Skillful makeup brings color to her face. A bit of layering is the ticket for slim Bridget. A floral, ruffled-neck sleeveless tank adds a little color and texture under the ruffled-neck knit dress. The Brave Beltworks square-buckle belt and Cydwoq leather knee-high boots with button detail are the stars of the show. Layered necklaces - one mesh and faux-pearl, the other silver and stone, say "style."
Strike a pose
Bridget flaunts her style with a floral scarf looped over a boatneck T-shirt with rosettes, and a cotton and spandex cropped sleeve jacket. The mix of black, tan and white looks fresh. White bootcut sailor pants are a style step-up from straight-leg jeans, and they make the most of Bridget's long legs. Coclico peep-toe cutout leather heels, continue the long line. The taupe, leather bucket bag can tote notes she uses to teach emergency response students. Jewelry adds finishing touches: goldtone elastic cuff and ribbon-accented bracelet (two are shown).
What happened next? Double takes all around as a newly styled Bridget debuted her haircut and makeup to co-workers and colleagues after the photo shoot. "I think shopping will be more fun now that you've taught me some great techniques; it won't be as intimidating," she says. "I never thought I could pull off the tall boot look, but it's empowering!"
Styling by Sheon Ladson Photos by Juli Leonard
Shoes and belt from Vert & Vogue, Brightleaf Square, 905 W. Main St., Durham
Clothing from Loft, Streets at Southpoint mall, Durham
Hairstyling by Dean Heisler and makeup by Kayla Fink of The Emerald Academy, 8551 Glenwood Ave., Suite 100, Raleigh
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