The Style Recipes eBook will change the way you dress forever! This is the ultimate ‘what-to-have and how-to-wear it’ guide. It’s like nothing else you’ve seen before. This style guide takes the guesswork out of your ‘what to wear’ dilemma. You will learn which items to have in your wardrobe that will effectively coordinate into stylish outfits!
In the Style Recipes eBook, you get the LIST of the 25 key pieces that will help you mix-up one stylish outfit after another! With this list and outfit suggestions, MSP shows you HOW to create over 100 outfits. That's right, only 25 pieces and you can create over 100 outfits!
Never have a 'what to wear' dilemma again! Finally, the help of a professional stylist telling you how to create a multitude of stylish looks. Being stylish couldn't get any easier than this. With your copy of the Style Recipes eBook you will finally save time and money while increasing your wardrobe--chic quotient! The Style Recipes eBook can help you:
. Improve your style confidence
. Express your personality
. Show that you are a modern and up-to-date woman
. Help you make positive first impressions
. Attract positive attention
. eBook Download is a PDF file
BONUS: Included in this eBook is the MissusSmartyPants Wardrobe Grid Worksheet. It will help you plan successful outfits you’ll love wearing again and again. Use the worksheet grid to keep track of the outfits you’ve created using your tops, bottoms, accent pieces and accessories.
Style Recipes is the ultimate fall wardrobe planner! Get your copy today!
Yes, it can be done. I recently posted photos of my 28 outfits I created using only 10 items from my closet. Give it a try. You'll be surprised at your results. For one, you'll find you are more creative than you thought, and secondly, you'll clearly see what's missing from your wardrobe and why you continue to purchase clothes...and yet still say, "I have NOTHING to wear"!
It's a life changing experience...I know, I know...that sounds like an over-stretch, but really it will change how you think about your clothes forever! Take this 28 outfits w/ only 10 items style challenge and see what happens! Here's what a few of our MissusSmartyPants SYSters are saying: Dawn: I have had an incredibly fun day with the 10 Items 28 Ways Article. I
took this on as a style challenge and have come up with many new
outfits. One skirt I have for years thought of as a key item in my
wardrobe is now going away because no matter what I tried it on with it
just looked frumpy. It is a full skirt of a lightweight fabric that is
fully lined and is several inches below my knees...talk about trying to
hide in your clothes...yup this skirt was that crutch for me...it's sooo
comfy my old fashion ignorant self used to say. Not only am I getting
rid of a fashion loser, I've discovered a navy blue knee length tulip
skirt is my real fashion friend (I'm a body Type E). So off I go to
pick my 28 favs out of the dozens of outfits I've come up with using the
10 Items 28 ways challenge.
I might do this as a project for myself tomorrow on my day off! It's
interesting how doing this made you realize what does NOT work with the
rest of your wardrobe, and I think I need that lesson. I'm glad you had
success--what ten items did you pick?
Dawn: I picked 1. Denim jacket, 2. Aqua SS v-neck tee, 3. Dk wash straight leg
jeans, 4. Teal peplum open front cardi, 5. Lt blue v-neck linen
pleated skirt dress, 6. French blue princess seam 3/4 sleeve shirt, 7.
Multi blue abstract floral v-neck dressier top 8. Navy Blue textured
pencil skirt 9. Navy blue ponte knit pants and 10. navy blue tulip hem
skirt. I have lots of accessories in turquoise/aqua, teal, off white and
white that play nicely off these items. Best of luck with the
challenge! Let me know how it goes!
Could you please explain how to spot a good deal on clothes? I have a
gift card and when I go shopping I get nervous that I may not wear what I
buy. How do we know that we are making a smart purchase?
By the way I love your weekly shopping guides! The pictures are so
helpful to me and my “C” body type. I am ready to start shopping better!
Syster in FL
Dear Florida SYSter,
That is a good question! A bargain is NOT a bargain if you end up not wearing it!
Think about the “cost per wear” before you buy. Some items will cost
more than others. Divide the amount of times you wear it, by the price
of the item. The Wardrobe Basics (in your Personal Profile) are clothes
that will have a low “CPW” because you will wear them often. Other
clothes, like a formal gown will have a high “CPW” because you may only
wear it once or twice.
I also recommend you think of at least 3 different ways (or more) you
can incorporate your purchase in to your regular wardrobe —BEFORE you
buy it.
If you buy something because it is a “bargain” and you have nothing to match it—then you are only wasting your money!
When you bring home your new purchase, don’t just hang it up in your
closet! Instead, get creative and pull out other clothes and make more
new outfits (including accessories).
It takes time, but with MSP’s wardrobe plan and thoughtful purchases you will enjoy your wardrobe for a long time to come!
That's right. Too much 'mix and match' creates a big mess!
Dressing is like cooking. If you continually shop and buy clothes 'just because' and without a plan, then you are just wasting money. You'll never have a really terrific wardrobe because you have not planned out a basic wardrobe or invested in essential wardrobe items.
It's like having random ingredients and you want to bake something. The problem is you don't have the RIGHT ingredients...therefore you can make NOTHING!!!
STOP buying so many cute trendy items just because they are on clearance!!!!
You only need one or two dresses like this....
(photo: Nordstrom)
Your money is better spent on several dresses like this...(you can wear it more often)
Of course a classic dress style in a pretty color never hurts!
All the odds and ends, mix and match items...don't add up to much! It's the basic wardrobe that allows you create that fantastic wardrobe you desire.
Need help creating a basic wardrobe? Try one of my Personal Profiles at MissusSmartyPants and learn how to create that wardrobe you desire. Learn to dress based upon your body shape + get my list of 'Wardrobe Basics'.
Doesn't she look darling!? Do you wish you looked this cute and wonder why your style still sucks? If this sounds like something you would say in your head (I'm sure you're happy I said it out loud for you, LOL!) Then read on...
The reason your style still sucks is because you continue to "settle" on clothes that aren't really right for you, and never ever truly get what your wardrobe needs! Yes, it is that SIMPLE. The end.
Actually I'll explain further. I've worked with so many women and their wardrobes over the years, I've come to see a pattern of women trying to get by with a lack-luster wardrobe. It is a wardrobe that does NOT include enough basic pieces (your wardrobe should be 50% basic pieces)--they can't ever really dress well or put together outfits (and accessories) to look stylish--they are always MISSING KEY PIECES. Yet, they will turn around the next day and buy something on impulse that matches NOTHING they own! (SIGH)
Change your attitude, listen to your needs for once! No more It'll do shopping-wasting money on clothes that you desperately "need" suddenly for a particular occasion. Change your attitude and LET GO of the clothes in your wardrobe that aren't making you look and feel great. From now on, if you ever find 'it'll do' sneaking into your mind when shopping, stop immediately, put it back where you found it, and keep on looking. It's better to leave empty handed than clutter up your life (and closet) with clothes that aren't right for you. From this day forward, you MUST build a wardrobe full of great fitting basic pieces you love!
Your basics are your strength & foundation. The only way to have a fabulous wardrobe--is to start with the basics. Do you have the basics? Make a list of what you have AND a list of what you still need. DO NOT buy anything trendy until this list is complete. (I know it is tempting...but trust me on this!)
Good news! You are going to saving money. By starting your shopping with the basics, you'll find you need LESS of the trendy stuff to look great! That means you'll save money in the long run--because the basics lasts for YEARS! Woo Hoo!
Here are the spring basics you might need to get your new spring wardrobe started. Colors and styles should mix and match with everything you already have:
White short sleeve blouse. Choose a style that you can dress up or down and one you can layer with.
Camisoles and shells in your seasonal colors. Wear these under sheer blouses.
Stylish and body skimming tee-shirts in fun colors. Have fun with these and remember fit is important. Nothing baggy! V-neck, wrap styles, crew-necks, ¾ sleeved, etc.
Cotton cardigan sweater set. Choose a neutral or one in your favorite color. Look for a lightweight knit that will take you into the warmer weather.
Cotton shorts. Look for classic styling and basic colors to match everything. If you don’t like to show off your legs, pick capris instead. At the knee or right above is classic (Bermuda style) and also very “in” this year. The best length is around 12” inseam. At least 2 pairs of basic shorts.
Cotton skirt. An A-line is the best all around style. A skirt with fullness looks great with fitted tees on top. Look for a gauzy type of skirt with fullness. This style will pack well too. Keep in mind that a full skirt must be matched up with a body skimming top in order to keep the proportions balance.
A sundress. Get at least one. Dresses, any style are hot this season.
Anorak jacket. Great for sudden rain showers or unexpected weather changes early in the season. This is a classic style that is popular this season.
Straw bag. Why have only one? They can be inexpensive and are perfect for all spring and summer activities.
Large all-purpose tote. Pick a bright color. Haul everything around in a catch-all type of tote. Take on picnics, to the pool or gym, on a cruise, bike ride—if you can think of an activity—you probably are going to want a large tote—make it a stylish one. By the way, some celebrities have been spotted with very large oversized tote purses. Some are so large, they could almost crawl inside, lol.
Open-toe pumps. Peep toe pumps continue to be popular. Look for patent leather look (shiny). For a more casual lifestyle option choose a wedge pump shoe.
Nice pair of walking sneakers or shoes. Wear these for exercise or casual shopping trips. Try fun colors or tan or black. Your sneakers don’t have to be white. Check out www.zappos.com or www.thewalkingcompany.com
Flats. Got to love 'em! Pick open or closed toe flats—but make sure you get at least one pair! A basic black or brown pair plus a fun color that matches your wardrobe colors.
Sandals and flip flops. Look for style but don’t skimp on comfort. Styles with shells, jute roping, beading and gold or silver colors are hot this season.
Swimsuit. Yeah, I know this might scare you. But if you require special sizing or want the best selection—now is the time to go try them on!
Advance planning this season with all the basics in your closet NOW will help you have what you need as the weather warms.
First of all, I guess I could be smiling in this photo, huh? Oh well. I was happy inside. Why? Because I was wearing my favorite colorful scarf (goes w/ everything) and because I like to stretch my wardrobe dollars as much as possible. This outfit does just that.
When I shop for my closet or take one of my clients shopping, I'm always looking for wardrobe pieces that extend a wardrobe. Like in this picture. This "second-hand" gray sheath dress (purchased for $4.99) actually looks like a straight skirt...NOT a dress.
That's the beauty of a sheath dress (or other basic pieces). You can layer underneath the dress with a shirt blouse or a turtleneck. However, many women don't ever think to layer OVER their dresses.
How about you? Have you layered over the top of your dresses, or is this look/style new to you? I'm interested in how you stylishly extend your wardrobe!
Right now swimsuits are showing up in the stores and unless you are taking a cruise to Mexico...it's a bit early to think about showing that much skin. Nonetheless it's a wake up call that spring is right around the corner!
With the arrival of swimsuits in the stores, it gets me thinking about what new styles I want to add to my spring wardrobe this season. What did I love about last spring/summer's wardrobe, and what didn't I love? How can I enjoy my style even more this year?
I loved my black/white twill short-sleeved jacket because it mixed and matched with dress shorts or pants equally well. I know I'll still love it this year, as well as my white denim jacket (since it's cool into April or May).
One item that was a huge void in my warm season wardrobe last year was skirts. I only found one casual skirt I loved at Marshall's--and I wore it often. I never did find an A-line denim skirt that fit just right either. I certainly hope there are more skirt options in the stores this year. Why aren't there lots of skirts options? They are so versatile compared to sundresses.
Recently the spring Nordstrom catalog arrived in my mailbox (another fine indicator spring is on the way)! I've drooled (I really did, LOL!) over each page...all the yummy pastels and cool mixed neutrals...there is lots to LOVE this spring!
I WANT to show you a picture of my latest lusting...(but I'm not yet sure how to post a picture here SMILE :) I love these shoes that are a knock-off of Michael Kors brand sandals ($149) but these Seychelles "She's Got the Look" sandals are only $89! Whoo Hoo! http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3066338?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=predictivesearch&keyword=seychelles&origin=searchresults
What are you lusting after? What do you think you'll want to add to your spring wardrobe? A new colorful handbag? Shoes? New shorts, bright tees?
