WATCH NICKY'S CHALLENGE ON OUR EXCLUSIVE FABULOUS VIDEO: MAKE THIS FITNESS FANATIC LOOK FLIRTY

THERE'S not much call for looking feminine in Lucy Miller’s life.

She works for a men’s fitness magazine in an office full of casually dressed guys – and is currently spending every spare moment training for next month’s London Marathon.

In fact Lucy, 25, from Bromley, Kent, lives and breathes sport.

But while trainers and leggings might be fine for work – and are essential for training – there are times when a girl wants to feel a bit more feminine.

“With the Marathon looming on April 13, I’m always out running or at the gym,” Lucy explains. “I live in my training gear and I can’t remember how to look womanly any more.”

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After running the Marathon, Lucy will finally have some free time to go out on dates with her long-suffering boyfriend Mark, 24, and she’s hoping to ditch her dowdy sports look for something fresher and more feminine.

Stylist and 10 Years Younger presenter Nicky Hambleton-Jones points out that Lucy has a toned, size 8-10 figure and great legs.

“But there are sexier ways to flaunt those curves than in Lycra,” Nicky adds.

“This figure-hugging V-neck top is sexy but simple.

"It shows off Lucy’s flat tummy and toned arms, while the jersey fabric is something she already feels really comfortable in.

“Lucy isn’t used to showing her legs off, unless it’s in running shorts.

"Nor is she used to wearing heels.

"But I wanted to show her how a short skirt teamed with a pair of wedge-heeled sandals will really make the most of her petite figure.

"The bold accessories finish the look and complement her new haircut and make-up.”

Lucy’s delighted with the results.

“I love the new cut – it’s so stylish – and I’m amazed at how confident I feel in the short skirt,” Lucy says.

“I think my boyfriend will love it too! In fact, I’m going to drag him out shopping with me tomorrow to buy more skirts and dresses.”

But will this sports fanatic really ditch her trainers in favour of heels?

“I love the wedges,” Lucy says, “but my feet might take time to get used to them so I won’t wear them until after the marathon.”

For more tips read Top To Toe by Nicky Hambleton-Jones (Hodder & Stoughton, £16.99).

 

NICKY ON MAKE UP “To bring out Lucy’s feminine side, we went for a strong, sexy look: cherry-red lips; orange and gold blended on her eyelids; and strong liner and mascara for a sultry, almost feline look.”

NICKY ON HAIR “Lucy needs a style that is easy to manage and doesn’t get in her way when she’s exercising. We gave her a sophisticated bob, layering the back to give shape and texture, and adding a heavy fringe to frame her petite face. To keep it sleek, we smoothed it over with Mark Hill De-Frizz Shine Serum.”

NICKY ON SHAPE “This ruffled skirt with pretty floral detail not only draws attention to Lucy’s great legs, it also complements her figure. Girls with a petite frame like Lucy should avoid longer skirts as they can make the legs appear shorter. The wedge heels lengthen her legs and emphasise Lucy’s great definition and tone.”

NICKY ON COLOUR “Lucy has the colouring to carry off this season’s ultra-bright shades. The large red bag is big enough to hold all Lucy’s sports gear. And the green belt and red necklace bring out the colours in the skirt. A few key accessories will bring Lucy’s mostly black wardrobe to life, and take her from the office to the bar.”

 

LUCY'S SHOPPING LIST

Top, £5.99, H&M
skirt, £18, New Look
necklace, £8, Diva at Miss Selfridge
belt, £9.99, Tom Wolfe
bag, £15, Marks & Spencer
shoes, £20, New Look

 

STOCKISTS

H&M (020 7323 2211, www.hm.com)
marks & spencer (0845 603 1603, www.marksandspencer.com)
Miss Selfridge (01277 844157); new look (0500 454094, www.newlook.co.uk)
Tom Wolfe (01895 818818, www.envystores.co.uk)

 

Words: Georgia Barlow. Photography: Lancton. Backstage Photography: Alicia Clarke. Hair: Mark Hill (www.markhill.com). Make-Up: Armand Beasley at www.armandinternationalltd.com assisted by Christiana Trigo for Clinique