A Weekend of Celebration

Last weekend was one I had been anticipating for more than four years...

My youngest son graduated from college and commissioned in the Army!

What will it be like to have our youngest son finally all done and graduated from college? Final payments made to the school and now he's ready to move out and be on his own!

Will I be sad and empty or ready to celebrate MY new sense of freedom? I'm still not yet sure how I feel about it all. But what I do know is that since I became a 'mom' at the tender age of twenty, I've been doing this 'mom' thing for over thirty years now--and that's a long time! Sometimes I think I missed out on being a young adult before I had my kids. But then I talk to one of my adult children and I count my blessings in life all over again! They are wonderful young men and I could not be prouder to be their mom! Thank you sons (I love you)!

Time has a way of flying by. Sure there will be regrets and some sadness for my loss as I close this chapter on 'parenting' but I have to say I feel more joy and happiness because I know this young man is going to choose good things in his life. I can't wait to see what he does.

We spent time together as a family attending quite a few of the festivities and as well as some time at the beach. I even got in a bit of shopping....I'll post more photos later this week!

Love, Leslie

What to Wear to Work on Casual Fridays

When you say 'TGIF' are you not sure of what you can wear to work on Fridays? 

Is there such thing as too casual—after all they did say casual…didn’t they? Can you pull off flip-flops or jeans on Casual Fridays? What if the flip-flops are "bejewelled"?  Exactly what is office appropriate on laid-back days?

Here’s how to navigate Casual Fridays. First, consider the opportunity of style choices that a casual work environment allows. You have so many choices to be stylish as well as comfortable at the same time. Subsequently, find out what your office rules are on proper office attire. Be sure to follow the guidelines for your office at all times.


Khaki craze. There’s no doubt that khakis rank number one in classic casual attire! They are always dressier than jeans or other twill pants. Use your imagination and dress them up with a pretty colorful blouse or try a new menswear vest this season. Be creative here!

Show you have good genes. Only consider dark washed dressier jeans if you know jeans are an acceptable form of casual wear. Wear a dressier heel to make the jeans look stylish. Don’t go there without knowing first!

Minis and camis are no, no’s. Never, ever is a camisole, spaghetti straps, mini skirts or cleavage considered workplace friendly. Leave these garments hanging in the closet or consider them for weekend wear only!

NEVER wear this! EVER.

Dress similar to your superiors. If you want to be considered professional, dress like the “higher ups”. Dressing the part helps you climb the corporate ladder.

Neat and clean is always the way to go. Even if your work environment lets you wear jeans and flip-flops…make sure you are neat in clean in appearance. Always iron wrinkles out of clothes and look ready to work and represent your company and yourself in the best light.

Blazers can fix anything. Always have a blazer handy at the office. When you wear a blazer you automatically look more authoritative! Even when you wear a tee-shirt and jeans, a blazer makes any outfit look more polished!

A blazer means "dressed for success" even on Fridays...

Sloppy can equal lazy. Don’t look too comfortable on Casual Fridays or everyone will get the opinion that your weekend has already started! Everyone will “think” you are lazy. 

The appearance that you give everyday at work is part of the perception of YOU! Put your best foot forward with style--even on "casual Fridays"!

Love, Leslie... your cyber stylist
http://www.missussmartypants.com/