The polar vortex may have hit the Plaza, but that didn't stop two brave ladies from standing outside in the cold for a chance to get glamorous Ambush Makeovers.
Style expert Jill Martin and celebrity hairstylist Louis Licari found two candidates who were ready to trade in their coats and hats for glamorous dresses and jewels.
And while the weather might be frigid, the transformations were hot! Read on for all the details on the leopard dresses, beaded earrings and cold-shoulder tunics that helped complete the look.
Julie Rasmussen
After watching Ambush Makeover every week, Julie Rasmussen decided to celebrate her first time in New York by visiting the TODAY Plaza. The mother of four and grandmother of 9 (with another on the way!) was thrilled at the chance to be pampered for the morning.
Leopard Dresses
Leopard Patterned Dress, $23 (usually $40), H&M
Martin picked this long-sleeved shift from H&M for a little pop of leopard. A tone-on-tone print like this is a less intimidating way to embrace the wild print, and the sleek silhouette makes it appropriate for both work and a night on the town.
Women's Casual Leopard Long-Sleeved Dress, $23, Amazon
For a similar look in an even more relaxed fit, this dress from Amazon is a great option. The a-line silhouette would be perfect paired with a black over-the-knee boot.
For more leopard dresses, check out:
- Relish Leopard Maxi Dress, Yoox
- Ganni Smocked Leopard Georgette Dress, Moda Operandi
Beaded Earrings
Rianne Drop Earrings, $44, BaubleBar
To top off the look, Martin picked these beaded drop earrings. The monochromatic palette is versatile enough to wear with almost any outfit, and they also come in coral, gray, mint and rose gold colors.
Bohemian Beaded Earrings, $15, Amazon
You can also find a pair of similar earrings on Amazon in green, purple, blue and tons of other fun colors.
For more beaded earrings, check out:
- Mallorca Beaded Hoop Earrings, Moda Operandi
- Ideas 108 Pink and Yellow Beaded Earrings, Yoox
Chelsea Brents
Chelsea Brents waited out in the cold for hours just for the chance to get picked for an Ambush Makeover — and we were thrilled to grant that wish! The mom of three is celebrating her 30th birthday in New York with her husband, so Jill wanted to give her a look worthy of the big day. If this cute going out top is any indication, we'd say she knocked it out of the park!
Black and White Tunics
Geo Stripe Print Drop Shoulder Bell-Sleeve Tunic, $89, Clara Sunwoo
This "cold-shoulder" tunic is such a pretty pattern and can easily be dressed up with a pair of heels for a date night look. Balance out the blousy silhouette with a pair of skinny jeans for a super sleek look!
Black and White Color Block Top, $19, Amazon
Amazon also carries a similar top with cutouts on both shoulders and a pattern that's focused more on the sleeve than the bodice.
For other similar tunics, check out:
- Sarina Long-Sleeved Single Cold Shoulder Top, Moda Operandi
For more incredible Ambush Makeovers, check out some of our past favorites: