Peggy Houser, 52, a Holly Springs wife, mother of two and real estate agent, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lymphoma. Four years later, after chemo and a tough recovery, she’s cancer-free and happy to be alive. “Often, you can find me in my kitchen making meals for someone in need, as strangers brought my family dinner while I was going through chemo.” She’s full of life and she wants to look like it, too. “I would love to have some clues on how to do a little better with my style and would certainly love your help.” I found her clothes, accessories, hair and makeup that show her zest for life.

Before: The brown top looks drab against her skin tone, the mom jeans obscure her figure and the boxy mules cut off her leg line. Houser was happy to grow her hair out after the chemo took it, but with this blunt cut, her locks just hang.

After hair and makeup: Soft bangs flatter the angles in her face and frame her eyes. Adding layers and trimming about ¼ inch let her hair dance around her face and shoulders. Big Sexy products and blow-drying with a round brush give her ’do volume and bounce. Smoky shadows play up her eyes, bronzer narrows her cheeks, concealer obscures under-eye circles and soft coral lipstick finishes her look.

Color wonderful: Houser looks sleek in a coral stretch cotton dress that will move beautifully and comfortably as she shuttles between appointments and errands; the color gives her skin an appealing glow. The striped boatneck sweater adds contrast and can ward off a chill. The leather and canvas stretch belt emphasizes the curve of her waist, while a paisley nylon tote can easily carry a laptop and paperwork. Red patent and snake print Donald J Pliner peeptoe wedges indulge her love of comfortable shoes stylishly. Jewelry is stylist’s own.

Pretty in pastel: Slim-fit, white stretch jeans are an upgrade from her baggy, faded denim. A patterned, button-front knit blouse pairs nicely with a soft-green ¾-sleeve cardigan and bright-green cotton and leather tote. Jeffrey Campbell leather flats with a silver captoe and bow detail give the outfit a fashion-forward punch.

The reaction: Kudos to Twisted Scizzors in Cary for giving Houser a free hairstyling and makeup session. “Wow, this is big fun,” Houser said during the shopping and the photo shoot, adding that she has a new outlook on style. “It’s amazing how looking good and thinking about what you put on can make you feel so much better.” She plans to buy the dress, and she’s made a follow-up appointment at the salon.