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P H O T O G R A P H S B Y M i c H A e l e d w A R d S M A Y 2 0 1 2 o p r a h . c o m 0 0 0

one woman lost 194 pounds. another is dating after

divorce. two are switching careers. yet another is

moving to the big city. What do they have in common?

they’re ready to get back in the saddle—in style.

L e s L i e M a x i e45, consumer marketing executive

Morristown, New Jersey

B a c k s t o r y After her divorce in 2003, Maxie focused on raising her children. But last year the kids—now teens—won scholarships to boarding school. “The empty nest came four years sooner than i expected,” says Maxie, who has since joined match.com.

W h y s h e W a s r e a d y f o r a c h a n g e “i dressed older than my age,” she says. “My girlfriends would tell me not to wear a turtleneck on a date—but i have!”

h e r n e W l o o k A bold lemon Zero + Maria cornejo dress ($795) skims her curves—and shows a little leg—without making Maxie feel overexposed. Earrings, Chloe+Isabel. Cuff, Sibilia. Shoes, Colin Stuart for Victoria’s Secret.

W h at y o u c a n l e a r n Forget the old rule about no long hair after 40: “Hair should move and be sexy, especially if you’re back on the market,” says celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson, who gave Maxie extensions.

New Status

“I’ve always dressed conservatively,” says maxie. “But I don’t feel that way.”

B E F O R E

New Life, New Look!

“this makes me feel like a

woman—i love the color!”

LoveThat!

0 0 0 o p r a h . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 2

B a c k s t o r y Bonner weighed 334 pounds when she decided to join her husband on the Medifast weight loss plan, eating five packaged meals, one portion of lean protein, and three vegetable servings a day. “i lost 13 pounds the first week, and by the second week i was hooked,” says Bonner, who now weighs 140 pounds and is training for the Portland marathon.

W h y s h e Wa s r e a dy f o r a c h a n g e “when i was heavy, i never tried anything on, because a tent is a tent,” she says. “when i lost the weight, i still dressed the same, even though my body was radically different.”

h e r n e W l o o k A tangerine dress (Nue by Shani, $310) shows off Bonner’s new svelte shape without being skintight; allover ruching keeps wobbly bits covered. A chic haircut by Gibson draws attention to Bonner’s gorgeous eyes. Earrings, Nava Zahavi. Bangles, Melinda Maria and Robindira Unsworth. Ring, Lisa Freede Jewelry. Shoes, Ralph Lauren Collection.

W h at y o u c a n l e a r n “if you’ve recently lost weight, wrap tops are flattering and draw attention to newly emerging cheekbones and collarbones,” says O creative director Adam Glassman. choose three-quarter-length sleeves if you’re not comfortable with sleeveless; empire-waist styles are also forgiving.

J e n n i f e r B o n n e r

39, accountantCamas, Washington

New Body

Bonner at more than 300 pounds. “I didn’t feel feminine for a very long time,” she says.

B E F O R E

“i assumed i couldn’t carry off an outfit

like this. but this dress makes me feel

confident.”

LoveThat!

0 0 0 o p r a h . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 2

New CityM a r i e W i L L i a M s o n

38, special events designerNew York City

B a c k s t o r y williamson has lived in the Philly suburbs almost her entire life. But the growing special events firm she owns with her sisters made moving to New York a necessity.

W h y s h e W a s r e a d y f o r a c h a n g e “My style was very lilly Pulitzer,” she says. “i needed to look chic without losing my personality.”

h e r n e W l o o k Much to her relief, williamson doesn’t have to wear head-to-toe black. Sleek pieces in a muted color palette make her seem taller (she’s 5 2 ). Top, Tibi, $242. Skirt, Diane von Furstenberg, $275. Earrings, Marlyn Schiff. Necklace, Deborah Grivas Designs. Bangles, Kara by Kara Ross. Shoes, Enzo Angiolini.

W h at y o u c a n l e a r n “Avoid ruffles, poufs, and bows,” says Glassman. As for her hairstyle, Gibson adds: “Swingy layers are fresher than a matronly bob—the cut is supercool yet manageable.” “I’m very preppy and

conservative,” says Williamson. “I like pink and green.”

B E F O R E

“my new look translates

to the big city, but it’s still me. and i love

the hair!”

LoveThat!

0 0 0 o p r a h . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 2

L y n n e t t e n i c h o L a s28, middle school teacher

New York City

B a c k s t o r y Nicholas took a two-year hiatus after her daughter, Jayla, was born in 2009. “Before i had a baby, i never thought i’d stay home,” she says. “But it was the more affordable option for my husband and me.”

W h y s h e W a s r e a d y f o r a c h a n g e with Jayla in preschool, Nicholas was ready to work again. “Teachers are in front of young people every day—we need to look our best.”

h e r n e W l o o k A pencil skirt (South, $87), dotted top (Tory Burch, $350), and pink blazer (Banana Republic, $130) are polished without stifling her creative style. lighter haircolor warms Nicholas’s complexion. Earrings, Melanie Auld. Necklace, Sonyarenée Jewelry. Cuff, Sibilia. Shoes, Kenneth Cole New York.

W h at y o u c a n l e a r n don’t be afraid to break up a suit: Pair the jacket with khakis or top the skirt with a printed button-down. “That way you won’t look too matchy,” says Glassman.

New Responsibilities

“Leggings and flowy tops have been my uniform for the past few

years,” says Nicholas.

B E F O R E

“i’m very artsy and bohemian.

i like that this outfit is pulled

together but still has a

bright color.”

LoveThat!

0 0 0 o p r a h . c o m M A Y 2 0 1 2

New CareerU M B e r a h M a d

39, television producer, bakery ownerNew York City

B a c k s t o r y “My suits were almost always black,” says Ahmad, who used to work as a Wall Street banker. Now her projects include developing and hosting a children’s TV show and mobile app about global food, and opening a bakery.

W h y s h e W a s r e a d y f o r a c h a n g e “I wanted to dress more creatively,” she says. “If you want people to follow you on an adventure, a black suit’s not going to cut it.”

h e r n e W l o o k A colorful button- down (DKNY, $225) is fun and kid-appropriate; teal jeans (JAG, $79) are a fresh alternative to regular denim, says Glassman. Earrings, Meghna Designs. Bracelets, Bounkit. Ring, SKU Jewelry. Shoes, Charles David.

W h at y o u c a n l e a r n “Experiment with color and prints, but stick to silhouettes that flatter you,” says Glassman. “Layered jewelry is another great way to personalize your look.” For details see Shop Guide.

“I owned a couple of things that were not black—and I think they

were pajamas,” says ahmad.

B E F O R E

“i would never have combined these pieces,

but by the end of the day i was dancing

in this outfit!”