The mom.me Makeover: Pearson

"I've had a hard time feeling good about myself in my career and personal life," says Pearson Brown, 49, who lost her job last year when the PR agency she worked for closed its doors. Now the mom of a 5-year-old boy has been struggling to make ends meet. "I can't keep my spirits up."

"I have been hibernating at home while I job hunt online and work on small consulting and writing jobs," says Pearson, who blogs at Out With Mommy. "I've gotten into the habit of just hanging out around the house all day in sweatpants and T-shirts, wearing my glasses and no makeup."

Makeover stylist Diane Goldenberg, founder of Style-Over, picked Pearson from a group of candidates because she wanted to help her feel more confident in herself. "She needed a splash of color in her life," says Goldenberg (pictured, left), who enlisted the help of hairstylist Claudia Saldaña (right) and Alathea Reese (not pictured) from Neihule Salon to help transform her look.

"When I was employed full time, I would get my hair cut and styled every six to eight weeks," says Pearson. "Lately, I have been getting trims at the discount haircutters every couple of months." Hairstylist Saldaña added layers to Pearson's hair, which was all one length, so it wasn't weighed down.

"Pearson needed texture in her hair and a style that she wouldn't have to fuss over," says Goldenberg. With color, the team opted to go warmer overall. "I've never gone darker," says Brown, a natural blonde.

"Pearson has amazing eyes and a great smile," says Goldenberg. "A warmer hair color will prevent her from looking washed out and really emphasize her best features."

"Pearson has a natural wave, so this new cut is great because she can air dry it if she wants," says Goldenberg.

Makeup artist Alathea Reese (pictured) from Neihule Salon worked to accentuate Pearson's features with a brow tweeze and colors that highlighted her eyes and skin tone. "This makes me realize I need to keep my brows in shape … it makes a big difference!" says Pearson.

Reese focused on Pearson's eyes and eyebrows, as well as giving definition to her lips and cheeks.

"I'm more excited than nervous," said Pearson about the makeover. "I want to feel like myself again!"

Next up were the clothes. "My challenge with Pearson was that she had clothes that did not show off her naturally great figure," says Goldenberg. "Her clothes reflected her mood, and we needed to change that."

"Most ladies want to hide their figure, so they wear clothes that are baggy and way too big," says Goldenberg. "Your clothes should show people that you DO have a waist, hips and a butt. You want to work it!" So how did Pearson feel once the makeover was revealed? "I feel like I own the place!" she exclaimed.

Goldenberg paired a yellow three-quarter-sleeve INC cardigan, a black fitted camisole and a houndstooth pencil skirt with black heels for a professional yet fun look that's perfect for interviews. "I wanted to put her in updated, fitted clothes that were colorful," says Goldenberg. "I wanted her to make a statement."

What was Pearson's biggest highlight from the makeover? "I learned that it is just me who is so hyper-critical of my shape," says Pearson. "I learned my voluptuousness was an asset, not something to hide."

The next outfit, a RACHEL by Rachel Roy pleated pink top and black skinny jeans, works for day or night. "If you add a jacket, it's perfect for work … and when you're ready to go to dinner, just take it off for a different look," says Goldenberg.

"Never forget the jewelry," says Goldenberg, who suggests going to stores like Forever 21 for inexpensive yet chic jewelry. For both outfits combined (including accessories and shoes) Goldenberg spent just under $200. "You don't have to spend a lot of money to look great."

"I am so glad I did the makeover to learn what does and doesn’t work for me to make me look my best," says Pearson. "I feel less self-conscious about my body now."

Brown, who unveiled her new look to friends and family that night, said they were amazed at the difference. "Everybody remarks at how much more vivacious I look," she says, adding her new style motto: "I will not be afraid to wear bright colors anymore!"

"The stylists and crew were terrific!" says Pearson (with makeover stylist Diane Goldenberg, bottom left, and Claudia Saldaña, top right), adding that a makeover isn't easy work. "I learned to appreciate what models go through to achieve their look!"

Thank you to Neihuile Salon, Claudia Saldaña, Alathea Reese, photographer Daniel Montoya and Diane Goldenberg of Style-Over for the mom.me makeover!