Rachel Anna Williamson, established stylist at Hedrush, Piccadilly, Hanley, did Mandy's hair.

She says: "We decided to go for a glossy chocolate brown all over to warm up Mandy's skin tone.

"We also added some soft, shimmery golden lights through the underneath for a multi-tonal effect.

"With the cut, we decided on a graduated bob. It's a wearable and flattering style and I gave Mandy a side fringe which suits her features."

COST: Mandy's cut and colour would have cost £41.50. The salon is currently running a half-price cut and colour promotion. For details, call 01782 266899.

The make-up

Lindsay Pedder, salon manager at Salon VIP in Piccadilly, Hanley, says: "Mandy asked for a natural look that she could wear day or night.

"We use the RVB range of products at the salon and we started off by applying concealer around her eyes and mouth.

"I then applied foundation and used loose powder to set the look.

"Bronzer gave her face colour and definition and we continued to contour and highlight with blusher.

"I used a medium brown shade of eyeshadow on her eye sockets and highlighted her brow with a pale cream.

"Liquid eyeliner was added to her upper eyelids and black mascara gave length and made her eyelashes look thicker.

"Finally, I applied a neutral gold gloss to her lips.

"The look really complemented her hair and gave her face a nice glow."

COST: A make-up session at Salon VIP costs £11. For details, call 01782 271300.

The clothes

Natalie Cooper, sales assistant at Monsoon, The Potteries Shopping Centre, Hanley, helped Mandy pick an outfit with a summery feel.

"Mandy told us she's turning 40 this year and normally goes for a casual look," says Natalie.

"She wanted something that she could dress up or down.

"We picked out a multi-coloured vest top which cost £35 and teamed it with a ribbed orange cardigan, priced at £38.

"We finished off the clothes with a pair of white linen trousers which were £45 and a pair of open-toe dark denim wedge shoes which cost £50.

"I accessorised the outfit to complement the vest top, so we started off with an orange clutch costing £18 and a set of bracelets priced at £20.

"The necklace, which cost £16, has a cluster of flowers in different colours.

"We then went for a ring with gold and a diamante detail priced at £10.

"I was pleased with the overall look and so was Mandy."

For details, call Monsoon on 01782 214600.

The verdict

Mandy says: "I had a fabulous day.

"Rachel, who did my hair, cut it exactly to the style I had in mind, if not better.

"I loved my make-up – the beautician listened to what I wanted.

"As for the clothes, I wouldn't have put them together myself, but altogether it works."