Enjoy your holiday and let the kid in you come out and play!
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Makeup Can Help...
Friday, December 14, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
A good looking woman (YOU) is always wearing a flattering color from her Seasonal Colors!
Pamper yourself with a MSP Seasonal Color Analysis today!
Even Coco agrees with me (smile)...
Pamper yourself with a MSP Seasonal Color Analysis today!
Even Coco agrees with me (smile)...
Sunday, November 25, 2012
How to have a stylish wardrobe (for once in your life)!
Stuck and don’t know what to wear?
The answer to your quandary is to build a better core wardrobe!
The answer to your quandary is to build a better core wardrobe!
Are you wearing the same boring outfits over and over because you don’t know what else to wear? Need some ideas of how to mix up your ‘same ‘ol’ wardrobe without spending lots of money? I thought so!
Although focusing on our wardrobes would seem like a selfish act, it’s actually the exact opposite. In order for your family to get the best from you, you need to feel good about yourself. So, chisel out some “me time” and actually PLAN your wardrobe for once in your life! Because the truth is: when you feel good about what you’re wearing, you feel good about yourself!
More than likely your closet is way too full and yet you can never find anything nice to wear. How do I know this? Because way too many women keep buying clothes and accessories without having any basic wardrobe plan in mind.
A better wardrobe starts with a closet purge. You've got to get in there and see what's in your closet! Once you have de-cluttered (removed) and organized what's left, you can then begin to build a fantastic wardrobe! Remove from your closet what’s not being worn and then organize what’s left. (You know the saying: “You can’t see the forest through the trees”) well this holds true with your wardrobe too. To begin your quest for a better wardrobe, you must do a closet purge first.
A better wardrobe starts with a closet purge. You've got to get in there and see what's in your closet! Once you have de-cluttered (removed) and organized what's left, you can then begin to build a fantastic wardrobe! Remove from your closet what’s not being worn and then organize what’s left. (You know the saying: “You can’t see the forest through the trees”) well this holds true with your wardrobe too. To begin your quest for a better wardrobe, you must do a closet purge first.
Statistically speaking, 9 out of 10 women have too many clothes in their closet. That’s a lot of closets in need of desperate help! Here’s what can happen when your closet is too full…has this happened to you? You are looking for the only black pants (out of six pairs) that fit you just right…you’ve searched your closet, dug through the dirty clothes, looked in the washer and in the ironing pile too—yet you still can’t find your favorite pants! Perhaps you accidentally hung them up in your husband’s closet? Later that evening, as you struggle to pull something else out of your way-too-full closet—Bingo! There they are! Your favorite black pants! They were in your closet all along.
Start with a basic wardrobe. By owning fewer pieces (yes, less clothes) you will actually be more stylish. It’s like magic, less clothes will give you more wear-able items to wear!
Your ‘STYLE RULES’ for building a quality wardrobe. Build your core wardrobe with items like... semi-fitted tee shirts (short, 3/4 and long sleeve) a variety of blouses/tops, selection of casual and dressy pants, solid colored dresses and skirts, casual and dressy blazers/jackets, other items (depending upon lifestyle and climate) winter coat, matched suiting. For a complete list of "Wardrobe Basics" join MissusSmartyPants.com for more specific style help based on your body type!
1. From now on, only allow new clothes in your closet that fit your body well--nothing else! (Nothing baggy, nothing too tight).
Start with a basic wardrobe. By owning fewer pieces (yes, less clothes) you will actually be more stylish. It’s like magic, less clothes will give you more wear-able items to wear!
Your ‘STYLE RULES’ for building a quality wardrobe. Build your core wardrobe with items like... semi-fitted tee shirts (short, 3/4 and long sleeve) a variety of blouses/tops, selection of casual and dressy pants, solid colored dresses and skirts, casual and dressy blazers/jackets, other items (depending upon lifestyle and climate) winter coat, matched suiting. For a complete list of "Wardrobe Basics" join MissusSmartyPants.com for more specific style help based on your body type!
1. From now on, only allow new clothes in your closet that fit your body well--nothing else! (Nothing baggy, nothing too tight).
2.Your closet will only be filled with clothes that relate to each other. Nothing can be added unless it can help you create at least two new outfits.
3. Most of your clothing items should span multiple seasons to maximize their use.
All of these aforementioned ‘style rules’ will simplify dressing and save you precious time every morning!
An organized closet has fewer clothes in it (only the ones you really do wear) + everything is within view!
At MissusSmartyPants.com you learn which styles (based on your own body shape) make your body look it’s best. You also learn which basics will give you the most wearable options. Won't it be nice to be able to pull out something terrific to wear each and every day? You’ll be able to if you follow the basic wardrobe plan shared at MissusSmartyPants.com.
‘Wardrobe basics’ will save you money because you only purchase clothing that fits into your ‘wardrobe basics’ plan. No more wasting money on costly impulse purchases (even if the item was “on sale”)! Get a list of ‘basics’ and start (slowly) building the decent wardrobe (you as a grown woman) do deserve. Remember, basic pieces are investment items, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on them since you’ll wear them over and over again. Also, have them altered, if needed so they fit you like a glove. You deserve great fitting clothes that flatter your body.
Your “Essential Wardrobe Basics” List:
When purchasing basic wardrobe items, keep your lifestyle in mind. For example, a business executive would do best to purchase a black pencil skirt in a fine wool, while a stay-at-home mom might prefer her skirt in a casual cotton fabric. You get the idea, base these wardrobe suggestions below on your lifestyle as well as the climate you live in.
As you plan your wardrobe, decide what neutral color (one or two colors) you wish to base your wardrobe plan on. Then, select one or two accent colors. Accent colors are colors you know you look good in (you always get compliments when wearing) and love wearing.
From now on.... you'll never open your closet and wonder why you have so many clothes, yet NOTHING to wear! (This might not be what your closet will look like...but you get the idea of how great it will feel to have only fabulous clothes in there you LOVE!)
A wardrobe plan and a closet with fabulous basics will make this happen! If you have style questions, email me at: missusmsp@yahoo.com
Love, Leslie AKA MissusSmartyPants
Friday, November 16, 2012
10 Ways to Get Your Style Fired Up Again!
2. Lace up your sneeks. Go to your mall and lock your wallet in the trunk! Start window shopping (not spending) and check out all the storefronts. Observe the latest styles and trends and make note of the ones you love.
3. Become a couch potato. Watch TV just to see what the characters are wearing. Check out what “older” women wear…like the women on CSI, Oprah, The View, and Kelly Ripa. Find same-shaped celebs and copy their style!
4. People who need people. People watch. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite things to do! Go to the mall, a park or cafe and watch people--and more importantly what they are wearing. Critique what they are wearing and if you think it’s working…let them inspire you.
5. Sign on the dotted line online. Sign up for emails from your favorite stores. Even if you can’t afford to always buy from them…let them inspire you with new styles each season.
6. Go ask Alice. Or, any other trusted friend, sister or those whose style you admire. There is nothing like getting inspiration for your style from a real person.
7. Gloss over the mags. Take a look at the magazines. I’m not talking teen magazines. It can be any magazine from Redbook to Woman’s Wear Daily. A variety of magazines will show women of all ages. Look at what they are wearing.
8. Talk with your teen. No, don’t have THE talk! Ask them for fashion ideas, silly! They may not quite get where you are coming from—heck we don’t get where they are coming from either! It’s worth a try--they are walking billboards for all the latest styles and trends!
9. Stamp your passport. Travel! Different cultures can inspire your style. See what is popular in another country. I remember going to Paris, France as a teen. The classy styles the women were wearing became “fashionable” years later here in the States!
10. Don’t be a victim. Know when to pass on a style or trend. It is more important to dress age appropriate…don’t dress like your daughter or grandmother either! You need to be comfortable in your own skin.
Go to: http://www.missussmartypants.com/ For the more fashion tips and style help...Now's the time to revamp your style!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Must-Know Skin Care Information
Dear SYSters,
It's been several years since I interviewed this special guest about skin care on my BlogTalk Radio show, but it's such helpful information I felt I needed to share it again.
(BTW, my weekly podcast is now associated with FlyLady and Friends. Just put 'Flylady and friends' into the search box at BTR's website and search for my 'archived' or 'upcoming' MissusSmartyPants weekly podcasts).
My special guest was a bio-chemist and research scientist from the cosmetic industry. His name is Dr. Andre Hegi. He's so full of information (and quite honestly, hard to understand because he has a strong accent) but he's wonderful resource for helping you (and me) select the right skin care products.
Dr. Hegi has worked extensively in the cosmetic industry as a bio-chemist and research scientist. He’s retired now but continues developing exclusive skincare products for spas and plastic surgeons.
Dr. Hegi shared a wealth of product information on this past BTR show (link to listen is at the bottom of this post). Since he's Swiss and had an accent that was a bit hard to understand... I’ve have compiled a list of skincare suggestions based on this interview. You’ll find this list below helpful when determining what ingredients you want in your skincare products.
Dr. Hegi pointed out that the skincare/cosmetic industry spends millions on marketing and packaging—and not necessarily the product ingredients! There is a lot of “hype” when it comes to claims of younger, smoother skin in this business. However, there are new innovative ingredients available and every woman needs to find the right one for her skin type.
You don’t have to spend lots of money to get quality products if you know the desirable ingredients you want. Often neck cream, eye cream and face cream from the same brand ARE the same product but in different consistencies—so buying different products often ends up wasting your money!
The first ingredient on your skincare label most often is water (up to 90%) it is the active ingredients you want to look for (or avoid) that are listed below:
Dr. Hegi says AVOID:
Animal by-products from the fur & leather industry: mink oil, emus oil (only exception is lanolin)
Fishing by-products like shark liver oil, squalane (fish based)
Oil-based products like petrolatum and mineral oil
ONLY squalane from olive oil is desirable
Dr. Hegi says to look for the following active ingredients:
Peptides (firms skin): can also be called Oligopeptides, Dipeptides, Thetrapeptides, Polypeptides
Olive oil: contains fatty vitamins like A, E, D, F and squalane (an emollient)
Squaline: only if it is processed from olive oil.
Shea Butter: a good natural emollient.
Cocoa Butter: another good natural emollient.
Lanolin: and its derivatives are also excellent emollient. Lanolin is the only acceptable animal by-product emollient ingredient.
Vitamins: are essential to healthy skin. Look for vitamin C (also called Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid among other similar names). Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) B5, Pantothenic Acid.
Oil soluble vitamins: vitamin A, D, E and F.
Dr. Hegi also pointed out some other interesting skincare facts:
Here is the link to listen to this archived show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MissusSmartyPants/2009/08/18/Missus-Smarty-Pants-Fashion-Rescue
Again, you can now find my current weekly style podcasts here:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/flylady-and-friends/upcoming/mostrelevent/_/_/_/_
It's been several years since I interviewed this special guest about skin care on my BlogTalk Radio show, but it's such helpful information I felt I needed to share it again.
(BTW, my weekly podcast is now associated with FlyLady and Friends. Just put 'Flylady and friends' into the search box at BTR's website and search for my 'archived' or 'upcoming' MissusSmartyPants weekly podcasts).
Dr. Hegi has worked extensively in the cosmetic industry as a bio-chemist and research scientist. He’s retired now but continues developing exclusive skincare products for spas and plastic surgeons.
Dr. Hegi shared a wealth of product information on this past BTR show (link to listen is at the bottom of this post). Since he's Swiss and had an accent that was a bit hard to understand... I’ve have compiled a list of skincare suggestions based on this interview. You’ll find this list below helpful when determining what ingredients you want in your skincare products.
Dr. Hegi pointed out that the skincare/cosmetic industry spends millions on marketing and packaging—and not necessarily the product ingredients! There is a lot of “hype” when it comes to claims of younger, smoother skin in this business. However, there are new innovative ingredients available and every woman needs to find the right one for her skin type.
You don’t have to spend lots of money to get quality products if you know the desirable ingredients you want. Often neck cream, eye cream and face cream from the same brand ARE the same product but in different consistencies—so buying different products often ends up wasting your money!
The first ingredient on your skincare label most often is water (up to 90%) it is the active ingredients you want to look for (or avoid) that are listed below:
Dr. Hegi says AVOID:
Animal by-products from the fur & leather industry: mink oil, emus oil (only exception is lanolin)
Fishing by-products like shark liver oil, squalane (fish based)
Oil-based products like petrolatum and mineral oil
ONLY squalane from olive oil is desirable
Dr. Hegi says to look for the following active ingredients:
Peptides (firms skin): can also be called Oligopeptides, Dipeptides, Thetrapeptides, Polypeptides
Olive oil: contains fatty vitamins like A, E, D, F and squalane (an emollient)
Squaline: only if it is processed from olive oil.
Shea Butter: a good natural emollient.
Cocoa Butter: another good natural emollient.
Lanolin: and its derivatives are also excellent emollient. Lanolin is the only acceptable animal by-product emollient ingredient.
Vitamins: are essential to healthy skin. Look for vitamin C (also called Sodium Ascorbate, Ascorbic Acid among other similar names). Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) B5, Pantothenic Acid.
Oil soluble vitamins: vitamin A, D, E and F.
Dr. Hegi also pointed out some other interesting skincare facts:
- Your skincare products should be based on botanicals (plant-based).
- Skin cell turnover occurs every 28-35 days and slows down as you age. You want to increase your skin cell turnover for a more youthful glow.
- Wash face 2X daily (morning & night) and follow up with a good moisturizer based on your skin type.
- Weekly exfoliate your skin gently to increase skin cell turnover.
- Look for products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or glycolic acid to reduce aging and improve skin’s texture.
- For oily or acne-prone skin use a product with Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA)
- For mature/aging skin use Retinoids (a vitamin A derivative) which encourages skin to renew it’s self.
- For rosacea (redness and bumps) use primrose oil and vitamin F.
Here is the link to listen to this archived show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/MissusSmartyPants/2009/08/18/Missus-Smarty-Pants-Fashion-Rescue
Again, you can now find my current weekly style podcasts here:http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/flylady-and-friends/upcoming/mostrelevent/_/_/_/_
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Just say "thanks"!
If so, it's time to practice receiving compliments! When someone compliments you, simply say "Thank you" and smile back. Do not discredit their kindness by saying "This old dress?" or "I usually can't figure out what to wear".
Receive the compliment and take pleasure in it! At first this will be difficult to do, but it becomes easier as you practice it.
I would like to add...that if you get a compliment from someone, it's now your turn to say something nice (and unexpected) to someone else. Watch out! This behavior will bring a smile to your face, help you make friends with everyone and generally make you feel good about yourself!
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Tips for Putting Together a Good Basic Wardrobe
Only when you put together a good basic wardrobe--can you begin to have true great style.
It starts by having 60-70% of your wardrobe basic pieces. That's a lot more than what most women have in their wardrobes. Often women have 25-30% basic items and the rest are odds and ends (impulse purchases).
For an article of clothing to be considered a ‘wardrobe basic' it must be:
__Versatile. It needs to go with lots of different things and be worn a variety of different ways.
__Good quality. It will be worn often, so it needs to be the best quality you can afford.
__Classic styling. It shouldn't go out of style quickly because it is a wardrobe staple.
__Good fit. It is worn often, it must fit you well and make you look your best.
__Flattering color (or colors) that works with most of your wardrobe.
Keep your style current! Don't collect clothes year after year...if you haven't worn it in a year purge it!
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Monday, October 1, 2012
I've seen lots of bad style around town lately. Unstyled hair, high-water poor fitting jeans, ugly scuffed clog shoes...well you get the picture.
One of the biggest style faux pas (totally avoidable) is lack of wearing a good bra. If your bra is getting a bit worn consider this a friendly little nudge to get fitted for a new one.
Do you think your straps are what holds the "girls" up? If you said 'yes'...you are WRONG!
90% of the support you get from your bra is from the BAND!
One of the biggest style faux pas (totally avoidable) is lack of wearing a good bra. If your bra is getting a bit worn consider this a friendly little nudge to get fitted for a new one.
Do you think your straps are what holds the "girls" up? If you said 'yes'...you are WRONG!
90% of the support you get from your bra is from the BAND!
Don't let this style faux pas make you look sloppy in your clothes!
You will look slimmer and younger when you wear a good fitting bra!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
It's Jeans Week at MSP!
JEANS! They are a staple in our closets...but with all the different
brands, sizes, washes and fits, finding a great pair of jeans can be overwhelming!
Jeans have become the new "LBD" of our closets! They are a staple item in our wardrobe and like a blank canvas we can dress up or down. No wonder we have so many pairs. The problem is...getting the right fit of jeans so that we look great in them!
Are the jeans you are wearing right now flattering for your shape? Not sure? I've got the answers you need!
(To dress up my jeans, I added a bold statement necklace and animal-print wedges...)
No worries, ladies...you can look sassy in your jeans! It's "Jeans Week" at MissusSmartyPants.com
This week, I've taken all the guess out of shopping for jeans. I have jean suggestions based on all 5 body types + fit issues (like "muffin tops" short-waists, long in the rise, and more)! You will quickly know which styles to try on and which ones to leave on the rack!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Makeover Your Own Style
Have you let your style lapse? Are you not even sure what's considered 'stylish' anymore? Afraid of style and not confident you'll choose the right clothes for your shape?
Relax, you've come to the right place! With the MissusSmartyPants Personal Profile you learn how to dress based on YOUR body type.
Here is an email I got awhile back about a woman that got inspired enough by another woman's makeover story she started to do the same for herself!
You too can makeover your style! Join MSP today and get started...just in time for the new fall season!
Colored denims will be a big fall trend...
Dear Leslie,
Brenda's story reminds me of myself. I'm clueless about fashion and haven't stayed up on style for years. Some of my clothes are so worn out I'm sure others can tell. Seeing Brenda look so good and with a similar shape tells me "yes you can". I'm really encouraged I can do it too.
Thank you for sharing this makeover story and giving me the focus I finally need to do the same! Barbara
Monday, August 13, 2012
A New 'Do = A New Attitude!
Changing your hairstyle can change you whole attitude on life. It really can.
So if you are feeling a bit down in the dumps or tired of living with the same 'ol same 'ol...change your hairstyle!!!
What do you think about this drastic hairstyle change of Miley Cyrus? Does this give her a more 'grown up' look or a refreshed identity? What do you think? Good or bad hairstyle?
So if you are feeling a bit down in the dumps or tired of living with the same 'ol same 'ol...change your hairstyle!!!
What do you think about this drastic hairstyle change of Miley Cyrus? Does this give her a more 'grown up' look or a refreshed identity? What do you think? Good or bad hairstyle?
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
To Belt or Not to Belt...
Belts really can be slimming because they offer a 'hint of waist' definition (which makes any woman appear more balanced in shape)...so they are worth giving them a go. Having a waist is better than not having a waist and looking like a big rectangle!!! So, don’t say ‘NO’ until you try them a couple of different ways.
Belts take some experimenting to discover what works best for you. Your waist, body type and height are all things to take into consideration as your experiment.
Stand in front of a full-length mirror and start playing around using my suggestions below:
1. Find where on your body a belt works best. Sometimes the area will be a little higher than your natural waistline and sometimes a little lower. When you’re regular bust size and carrying a little extra around the midriff, positioning a belt just above the waistline is usually best. When you’re short-waisted and with a full bust, positioning a belt lower than the waistline in front and at waist level in the back is often for you. If you’re long waisted, wearing a belt high on the natural waist is usually most effective.
Still not sure about a belt? Try this...
This empire waist style of dress has a fitted band of fabric that brings attention higher up (right under the bust) for a body slimming look!
Ralph Lauren Metallic Gathered Empire Dress
2. Select the right width. Once you’ve found the area on your torso that works best for you, think about the width of the belt. Sometimes wide elasticized belts worn above your midriff hides your extra bits or you can try the belt right over the top of the extra bits to hide them. With a straight undefined waist, a narrower belt worn a little lower in front is a good choice. Long-waisted SYSters can wear extra-wide belts, on the other hand short-waisted SYSters look better with skinny belts.
How about a peacock-colored skinny one?
 |
High contrast makes your waist stand out more...
Low contrast brings less attention to the waistline...
4. Add a layer. Layering a jacket or cardigan over a top with either a low or high contrast belt is a fabulous way to wear a belt! Belts can add an interesting dimension to any outfit when they are ‘peeking out' from under a jacket or sweater. (Great idea for undefined waists :)
Chauncy Jacket by Chico's
5. Embrace an elastic belt. Wearing a belt with elastic means it will move when you do and be more comfortable.
Simple Pleat Stretch Belt by Chico's
6. Belts take practice. If you haven’t worn belts for awhile, you may find they are a bit uncomfortable and take practice to get use to them. Give them a chance, you’ll be glad you did.
7. Belts are NOT for everyone or every outfit. If you simply can’t, won’t or choose not to wear a belt…go for a slender and straight proportion instead.
Milly Maxi Sweater by Chico's
Do you enjoy these style tips? Get your weekly style fix and tips created just for YOUR body type at MissusSmartyPants.com
Monday, August 6, 2012
One Striped Tee...Equals Many Outfits
I guess you could say I wear my 3/4 sleeved striped tee quite a bit. It's one of those pieces that seems to work with so much of what's in my closet.
The best part is I purchased this Express brand jersey-knit tee at a
thrift store for under $2! Can you say "Cost Per Wear" is next to Zilch
(I love that word... the way it sounds when you say it and its
definition too!)
What one item in your closet do you wear a lot? Perhaps too much??? Your turn.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Not Perfect?
Stop beating yourself up and start enjoying who you are instead!
We punish ourselves for not having the “perfect” body. We waste a good part of our lives never accepting our body and hoping to change it--somehow. We have self-defeating behaviors like: obsessing over food (over or under-eating), exercising (never doing any or doing too much of it) and beating ourselves up about what we are not doing and should be doing. We don’t enjoy the process called LIFE.
Let’s change our negative attitudes and start accepting our bodies and lives the way they are--or take positive steps to improve what we can improve.
Let’s change our negative attitudes and start accepting our bodies and lives the way they are--or take positive steps to improve what we can improve.
Are you ready to make today the day of change?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
How to Look Hot in White Bottoms
Don't think you can wear white bottoms and look stylish?
You can when you follow these style tips: How to look hot in white
You can when you follow these style tips: How to look hot in white
Sunday, July 1, 2012
If you could fill up this shopping bag...
If you could fill up this shopping bag with anything your little 'ol heart desires, what would it be?
You've got one hour to go into your favorite store and stuff this bag full of FREE goodies...
what are you filling up this shopping bag with?
Disclaimer: to those that might think I have magical powers..this is a fantasy question :)
We can all dream, can't we?
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4 Steps to Chic
1. Start with a feminine top 2. Pair with classy slacks 3. Ground with bold shoes 4. Finish with statement earrings ...
