Former life: Assistant to the managing editor of a popular weekly magazine.

Current life: Owner of BodyTonic, a Pilates studio in Brooklyn, New York.

The last straw: Deluca's boss asked her to read every back issue of the magazine and highlight every unattributed quote–pure make-work.

Why Pilates: "I used to dance professionally, but when my father died I took an office job because I thought it would offer me stability. I realized I could do Pilates on my own time, and I got addicted instantly." DeLuca quit her job and bought Pilates equipment.

Shedding the suits: "At the office, I had to look like glorified pajamas–all stretchy cotton."

New hair: DeLuca's short layered bob works well on her. Stylist Jim Crawford brushed her hair off face, using brillliantine to give shine and texture.

New makeup: DeLuca's is a natural street-to-the-studio look: a hint of Shu Uemura Glow on Gold #93D, Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream on lips, and Maybelline Great Lash Pro-Vitamin mascara in Brownish Black.

For more information check out the Jan. 2000 issue of Allure magazine or visit their website at www.Allure.com