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Dear Leslie,

Today I wore a sweater top with an attached crocheted belt. Where the belt ties I wore my gold pin as a buckle for the belt.  Even through I've worn it several times before, today I received a complement on my sweater!  I would never have thought to try this without you.  I've been a subscriber for about a year and a half. . . And I still have a problem with sticking with just one or two neutral colors for my basics. Last week I wore the same pair of gray pants for 3 days in a row with different tops, jackets, jewelry, and shoes. Those three days were some of the easiest day in getting dressed I've ever had because I was wearing the same basic neutral color. . . .and NO I didn't feel that I was wearing the same thing everyday! Looks like I'm finally catching on to the concept of stylish dressing. 
 
Thank you for helping me dress my "D" figure for success!  Jennie in KY

 
Dear MSP SYSters and Jennie,  

I just LOVE getting your emails because they inspire ME! I'm always hoping to inspire YOU and help you find your own brand of style...and yet I end up inspired and enthused about exploring yet another style topic with you! 

In Jennie's email (above) she points out that by adding an accessory (a gold pin... Style Mission from 1-15-13) her outfit became extra-special and it got her compliments! This proves that accessories complete our look. We just don't look polished without them.
Jennie also explains how dressing was so EASY last week when she wore the same neutral color (the same gray pants). By using one key basic piece...dressing was easier.

Jennie's email is the inspiration for this week's Style Mission: Wear FEWER pieces to create MORE style! 

Thank you Jennie! Love, Leslie MSP


This week it's a "Style Challenge"!

This week's Style Mission is: Wear Only 8 Pieces for 7 Days!

For example, here are the 8 pieces I'll be wearing this week:
1. (1) pair of jean (I've got some casual days where I'll be at the computer all day. Wearing jeans are perfect for these days).
2. (1) dress pant (Easy for dressing up or down, as needed)
3. (1) sweater Dress ( I have a business meeting to wear this to, plus it can be dressed down easily another day)
4. (3) blouses/tops
5. (1) sweater
6. (1) blazer

Here are my 3 tops (red shell, gray turtleneck, chambray blouse) I'll wear this week...

The rest of the 8 pieces are posted here in the MSP Style Forum

 
I HAVE CREATED A POST IN THE MSP STYLE FORUM SHOWING MY 8 PIECES I'LL BE WEARING FOR 7 DAYS! I'LL POST MY DAILY OUTFITS & SO CAN YOU. Here is the link: Join the MSP Challenge: 7 Days, 8 Pieces!

What's NOT included:

Exercise/gym clothes (these get sweaty, gross and need changing immediately after exercise...so they don't count)

Pajamas, undergarments, shoes, winter coats/outwear, accessories (Take as many servings of accessories as you want! These are unlimited-like zero-calorie sweeteners. In fact, play up your accessories to really change up these 8 pieces you'll be wearing!)

Won't you join in and take the "7 Days, 8 Pieces" style challenge? You can post/share your select 8 pieces and daily outfits in the MSP Style Forum. I'll be checking in DAILY! Hope to see you there!
 
Love, Leslie MSP

Beauty Product Have a Limited Shelf Life

Beauty products have a limited shelf life, so chances are lots of what's in our makeup drawers and bathroom cabinets has long expired!

TIP: use a permanent marker and DATE your new makeup when you add it to your drawer.

Eleven makeup products & how long they last:

1. Concealers. Up to 12 months.

2. Powders. 2 years.

3. Cream & gel cleansers. 1 year.

4. Pencil eye liner . Up to 3 years.

5. Eye shadow. Lasts up to 3 years. TIP: dark eye shadow can double as an eyeliner. You'll need an fine eyeliner brush for this. Get the brush a little damp w/ water and dab into the eye shadow (dark gray, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Work the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, and then sweep the eye shadow just above your lash line.

6. Brushes. Wash them every 2 months in a mild soap

7. Sponges .Wash weekly and throw out monthly

8. Foundations. Water-based foundations will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.

9. Lipstick. 1-2 years. However, if it smells rancid, throw it out.

10. Mascara. This product doesn’t have a long shelf life: Throw out after 3 months. Don't pump the wand in and out because you will expose the mascara to the air and dry it out faster.

11. Nail Polish. Up to 12 months, depending on the quality. TIP: when brand-new dab a little vaseline on the inner rim to keep it clean and easy to seal.

OPI Color: Sand in My Suit

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants
http://www.missussmartypants.com/index.php?route=common/home

Being Your Authentic Self

"I think women see me on the cover of magazines and think I never have a pimple or bags under my eyes. You have to realize that's after two hours of hair and makeup, plus retouching! Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford." ~ Cindy Crawford

Just be you... Be your authentic self

Get real. Have real expectations of what real women (like you) really look like. Take a look around, the women you see everyday are real (no retouching required).

Dress your shape. Learn to dress in only the most flattering styles for your body type. When you accept your shape (and body) for the way it is TODAY...you will make peace with it and actually love how it looks in clothes!   

  

Change that attitude, girl! When you have a more positive attitude and are willing to "step out of the box" you will learn new ways to improve your style and keep your look current! Get that attitude going and you will FLY (Finally Loving Yourself)!

With love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants...the creator of the MSP Personal Profile System

Tip to make nail polish last longer

Nail polish is a fun way to add a touch of pizzazz to your look. With every color of the rainbow now available (not to mention all the sparkles and iridescent nail polishes too)...why not paint on something fun?!

Since nail polish never seems to last long enough....I thought I'd pass along this tip of how to make it last longer.... Rub your nails with white vinegar to the the moisture out of the nail, which helps the polish adhere and last longer! It's that simple!!!

Pick a fun COLOR!