The Good Life: Making Strides

Rachael Sutliff, 26, didn't let a 2005 diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, eight rounds of chemo, and the loss of her hair keep her from her dreams — or her adopted home, Philly

A Florida transplant and trained opera singer who fell in love with our city while pursuing a degree in music at Temple, Rachael hadn’t planned to leave. So when her treatments took her back to Florida

A Florida transplant and trained opera singer who fell in love with our city while pursuing a degree in music at Temple, Rachael hadn’t planned to leave. So when her treatments took her back to Florida, she vowed to return as soon as her health improved. “While I was being treated, I’d read books by Jennifer Weiner, picture Philly, and imagine myself returning,” she says.

Last September 7th, Rachael’s doctors declared her in remission — and on September 9th, she moved back. A few weeks ago, Rachael ran a half marathon in Alaska for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; when she returned, friends feted her for her accomplishments — and her health. And in celebration of her healthy homecoming, we gave Rachael the style boost she craved.

MAKEUP

Makeup whiz Robby Nelson of Giovanni & Pileggi evened Rachael’s skin with Armani foundation and cheek color, then boosted her green eyes and fair skin with Chanel eye and lip color and Kiehl’s lip balm. “I wanted to pare down her makeup routine and simply let her glow,” Nelson says.

CLOTHES

Philly Mag stylist extraordinaire Lauren Kozakiewicz scoured stores’ racks to find the “Reese Witherspoon in Walk The Line” look Rachael wanted. Here, Rachael wears an Anne Klein dress, donated by Bloomingdale’s (the Court at King of Prussia, 610-337-6300; bloomingdales.com).

HAIR

Rachael wasn’t used to the curly hair that grew in after her chemotherapy. So hair guru Russ Razzi of Salon 14 North in Haddonfield lifted her layers, added highlights to warm her skin tone, and armed her with Aquage products.

ACCESSORIES

Tiffany & Co. donated these versatile 18kt gold and sterling silver double round link earrings for Rachael to wear to her homecoming celebration and beyond (Tiffany & Co., multiple locations; tiffany.com). And Steve Madden donated gold linen heels to match — see them at phillymag.com (Steve Madden, 1723 Walnut Street, 215-854-9401; stevemadden.com).

EXTRAS

Armani, Chanel and Kiehl’s donated products to Rachael’s makeover. For the final touch, Lori Sherwood of Louis Christian Wayne Robert Spa in Moorestown gave Rachael a sheer mani-pedi.

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