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In case we haven’t met yet, my name is Ksenia and I am fortunate enough to be working at what might be the most fun company to work for: Visual Therapy! Being surrounded by people who truly believe in the magic of transformations that begin from the inside is very inspiring. Audrey Hepburn once said, “Happy girls are pretty girls.” No dress, designer bag, or fancy shoes will make you look beautiful unless you’re — here comes Jesse’s signature phrase, which pretty much explains what we do here at VT — FEELIN’ IT!

This morning, I stepped into the office with my home version of a blow-dry, a plain white T-shirt, my favorite printed skirt, and bright sandals. Everyone wished me a happy birthday, and then it all began…Jesse took me by the hand and said (in a very serious tone), “Grab the latest Vogue and pull images that inspire you. I need one full-body look and one beauty shot of hair. This is your first assignment for the day.” I’m not going to say no to my boss, am I?

Here is my freshly created inspiration board...

Half an hour later, I followed Jesse to Deja Vous Salon on 56th Street, famous for their quick and fabulous blow-dries. Jesse instructed my hairstylist, Eli, “I don’t want her to come back to the office until she looks like THAT picture.”

Below is a picture of Jesse & me at Deja Vous. Let's call this the “before” picture...

Another half an hour later, I was walking back to the office, feeling like a rock star with a new haircut and fun side bangs.

Here is Eli of Deja Vous salon and me: now I'm really starting to feel it!...

Très contente, I walk into the office and find a fruit tart from my favorite bakery, Mangia (thank you, Jill!) and pretty violet flowers. As I was about to continue with my “to-do” list, Jesse grabbed me once again, this time with Sarah. I had no idea where we were going.

A few short minutes and many to-die-for Fifth Avenue window displays later, I find myself in Zara’s fitting room, trying on a Proenza Schouler-like fitted scuba dress. No, that’s not the one. Then Jesse brings this little black “Audrey” dress…it might be the one! When I put it on with a pair of gold snake flats, all that’s left to say is CHIC! You can’t go wrong with a LBD. Once you find the perfect fit, you can use it as your baseline and wear it practically anywhere. It’s all about picking the right accessories.

Below is the “After” picture: feeling happy and chic (and carrying the new VT Luxe Urban Chic Suede Tote!)...

The Audrey dress was the first thing that Jesse laid his eyes on the minute we entered the store…HOW DOES HE DO THAT? How did he know that this dress would fit my body type, be the perfect length, and…just be so perfect? Well, that’s what the whole Visual Therapy magic is about, I guess. After so many years in fashion, Jesse, Joe, Sarah, and the rest of the team just know what works for any person they work with, and makes them feel absolutely amazing. Thank you for the best birthday surprise ever, VT team!

—Ksenia