Emma HarrowingLast August reader Lucy Barkway had a Life Matters makeover to make her look more professional at work. Five months on and she has a new rewarding career, the drive to strive for promotion and the confidence to experiment with her look.Emma Harrowing

Last August reader Lucy Barkway had a Life Matters makeover to make her look more professional at work. Five months on and she has a new rewarding career, the drive to strive for promotion and the confidence to experiment with her look. EMMA HARROWING catches up with her to find out how her makeover gave her a new lease of life.

If you had met 35 year old Lucy Barkway in August last year you would've met someone who longed for a new image but who didn't know how to get out of the rut of wearing the same clothes day in and day out.

'I worked as a receptionist so I needed to look professional everyday, so I relied on my trusty pair of black or grey trousers and a smart top.

'I never really gave much thought to what I wore, but then after I had my second child and I was coming to the end of my maternity leave I wanted a new look so that I could start back to work with style.'

We showed Lucy how to dress her hourglass shape, emphasising her waist with a belt and taking her out of trousers and into a tailored skirt.

We also introduced colour to her look by teaming her tailored look with purple heels and a purple work bag.

'Before my makeover I never wore accessories and I was afraid of wearing colour,' says Lucy. 'It was great to wear a skirt for a change and I loved finding out about how you can mix and match different colours and patterns to create a professional and stylish look.'

Five months on you would hardly recognise Lucy as she has heeded our advice and now embraces colour, has the confidence to experiment with her look and never leaves the house without mascara.

Says Lucy: 'I used to wear the same old clothes, many of which didn't really fit me properly. After the makeover I started to buy clothes that actually suited my shape and I added splashes of colour to my outfits with accessories such as scarves. As I know that I look good I feel good and I instantly feel more confident.'

This confidence has led Lucy to give up her dead end job as a receptionist and retrain for a new career in education.

Says Lucy: 'Since the makeover I have gained a certificate in Early Years Practice by completing an Open University course. I now work in a primary school in Harleston as a teaching assistant.

'I now love what I do especially as I can fit work in around my children rather than having to work evenings and weekends or long days.

'The makeover really gave me the confidence to change my career.'

Lucy's makeover has given her the energy and determination to try new things. In October she plans to start another Open University course to further her training in the field of Primary education. She is also looking forward to the Spring and Summer fashions coming into the shops so that she can experiment with colour and pattern to create different looks for the new season.

'I have changed in that I love trying new things with the way I look and my career and lifestyle. I am no longer afraid to challenge myself and surround myself with the same outfits and the same job.

'I often talk to friends about my makeover day as it was a turning point in my life and will always be a day that I will remember.'

Would you like a Life Matters Makeover?

Do you want a new look for 2010? Perhaps you would like a complete makeover or just a new hair style or some makeup advice. Maybe you want advice on what to wear for a special occasion or you cannot find a particular item of clothing that fits you. Or maybe like Lucy you want a new look for work. Whatever your dilemma is the Life Matters team is here to help.

If you would like one of our makeovers sign up to the makeover section on the Life Matters pages online at www.eveningnews24.co.uk or email emma.harrowing@archant.co.uk explaining why you would like a makeover.