A Fashion Diva, A Dirt Diva & Cricket

This weekend is only half gone, but it's been a busy one thus far!

What I wore for "date night"

Since I'll be 'working' on Sunday, I started my weekend on Friday and I have to say it's been a blast. I've been part "fashion diva" by dressing up for the night out on the town...AND I've been a "dirt diva" by going mountain biking earlier in the day. (I also met a cool chick named 'Cricket'...more about that later)

After a full day of being a "Dirt Diva" I switched hats and enjoyed being a "Fashion Diva" in the evening. I love dressing up because it makes me feel pretty (and after a day in the dirt, it's a good alternative, LOL!)

I really was a bit if a "Diva" because I insisted that we go to my favorite Mexican place for dinner. It is called "Pure" and is located in a darling little town called Matthews. It's fresh grilled and the margaritas come in every flavor!

Such a sweet little town...

In the moring, Hubs and I checked out a new mountain bike trail...

It was such a beautifully wooded trail...but then we came to a loop called "Rollercoaster". 

That put an end to the sight-seeing!

 Fast sharp turns, steep banks and quick downhills made this one crazy ride!

Below, standing next to the silo & directional signage on the trail.

Either go left for the Rollercoaster loop or go right for the main loop.

 I ended up doing both loops that morning.

I survived the Rollercoaster loop!

Actually I'd love to go back and do it again, LOL! What fun.

Below, I 'm coming up out of the woods at the end of the Rollercoaster loop...

Along the way there are these crazy road 'challenges' (most of the time you don't have to take them on).  Below was one way you could ride the trail (up a tree)...Hubs choose to go for IT!

Below is a side view of the boards that you ride your bike on...

There were plenty of these skinny board challenges you HAD to do in order to complete the bike course. For example, there was a long boarded path going all the way across a muddy bog. The only way to get to the other side of the course was ride across it. It made my palms sweat because one false move and I'd end up in that nasty-mucky water! To be honest with you, if the boards were big enough to get off my bike and walk it across I would have! Honestly I would've...it was that scary. But after surviving this crazy 'challenge'...I realized I pushed myself further than I normally would have. I guess it's a good thing to step out of the box and do something you don't think you can. It's especially gradifying to realize you actually have SUCCEEDED in doing so! 

A couple of hours later...after riding the rough mountain course we met up in the parking area to rest. There were other "bikers" there chatting...and this is where the story gets interesting....

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention what got the talking started with the other bikers was MY one muddy shoe! I ended up halfway in a creek and had to climb out of the muck! I had a little slip up on one of those boarded challenges I mentioned...but it was over a small creek...not the long path over the bog that I was so frightened of! The muddy shoe conversation got us talking with this lady (there are not many women on a mountain bike course, by the way) and asked her if she'd been on this trail before...

Cricket does more than chirp! This woman ended up being more than just some lady that bikes on a mountain course. She was quite interesting and it all started when she said her name was 'Cricket'. I have to wonder, is that a pet-name that stuck with her? Or is it her REAL name? I mean, who names their daughter "Cricket"...really, who does that? Someone named "Moonbeam" from the 70's??? Sorry but I really do wonder...

Cricket was there that morning practicing for an upcoming race. She practices with men that are some type of team bikers. By practicing with competive men, she works out harder than if she were to practice for the race on her own. So get this: Cricket will be racing the Tour Divide (tourdivide.org) that mountain bikes from Canada to Mexico in 28 days!!! This will be her 4th Tour Divide race (several of them she did not get to finish). As we asked lots of questions about mountain biking and her upcoming race, she shared with us her custom-made bike packs (weighing only 10 pounds) that she will have strapped on her bike as she bikes 16 hours a day for 28 DAYS!!! I can't imagine having a bike saddle up your BUTT for 28 days!!! 

Oh, did I mention Cricket's a mom of 2 boys and she is 44 years old???? Unbelievable!!! And I was just amazed I made it over a muddy bog! I tripped up in the small creek BUT I made it across the muddy bog. Yes, I did.

All I can say is "Girl Power"! My only regret...NOT getting my photo taken with Cricket the "wonder woman"!!! 

We can be powerful by dressing as stylish as we want and DO whatever we set our minds to--it's really up to US! Have a great weekend everyone! Love, Leslie

Hair Color That Lasts

On my last visit to my hairstylist, I figured I knew enough about her private life. It was time to dig deep and go beyond how her hubby and golden retriever were doing...

I wanted to know how I can get my hair color to last as long as possible. Since I am shelling over some big bucks, just what can I do personally between visits to keep my hair color looking its best? Alisha was kind enough to spill all the details I was looking for!


I pay a fortune on my hair every 6 weeks! But it is worth it to me-- and so I do it happily because if I had to color my hair at home there would be disastrous results!


How to have lasting hair color:


1. Don't wash your hair so often! At my visit Alisha shared that it had been 5 days since she last washed her hair and admitted that might be pushing it a little (ya think???) Alisha said she's been using a dry shampoo spray to stretch out the time between washings. She recommends washing hair every 3 days. Hmmm...interesting idea...however, I workout 3-4 days a week at the gym and I'm sweaty-gross afterward.  I like the idea of using a dry shampoo product to give yourself another day (NOT Alisha's 5 day stretch, LOL!) I'm going to keep on my every other day schedule...but agree less washings would keep my color and my hair from getting dry and unmanageable.


2. Use less product! As a product junkie, this hit home. I use to believe if this good, then more of it would be better! Wrong-o! Too much product is wasteful and can just dry out your hair. Alisha also suggested that by using a QUALITY product you don't need as much and therefore will use LESS product! I'm going to stop over-lathering my hair today!


3. Change how you wash/shampoo your hair.  Huh? What do you mean? Well, since you aren't using so much product, concentrate on washing/scrubbing your scalp instead. Your scalp is the source of the oil and dirt--not your hair! Wet your hair WELL...then apply a small amount of product and scrub your scalp.


4. Cool it down. Don't wash and rinse your hair in hot water. Take your hot shower if that's your thing, but when it comes to washing/rinsing your hair have a pitcher of warmish to cool water ready to rinse away the suds. A cool rinse will close the cuticles and give your hair some shine.


5. Waterfalls are for vacations. Don't, don't, don't stand under the shower and let the water run on top of your head!!! Well, as it turns out this is not only drying to your hair and skin--it leaches color from your hair cuticles and FADES YOUR COLOR! 


And because I'm extra special with a cherry on top ( I DO always ask about her hubby and golden retriever) Alisha GAVE me a fab product to try. It's a color maintenance product by Tressa called Watercolors shampoo tint. It is a violet wash that you add to your regular shampoo and it helps keep your blonde-blonde. Honestly, it's cool for sure but reminds me of the blue-ing shampoo I used to use on my miniture Schnauzer, Gus years ago, LOL!

Do you have any color saving tips you'd like to share with the gals? If so, ring in and SHARE it!


Love, Leslie

In Celebration of Mothers...

I get my classic style from my mom. I think should would approve of this shirtdress style!

In Celebration of Mothers...


"Mother" is such a simple word,
But to me there is meaning seldom heard.
For everything I am today,
My mother’s love showed me the way.


I’ll love my mother all my days,
For enriching my life in so many ways.
She set me straight and then set me free,
And that’s what the word "mother" means to me.


Thanks for being a wonderful mother, Mom!

Poem By Karl Fuchs

This poem really spoke to me when I read the line: "She set me straight and then set me free".
At this point in my life I've had to let my grown boys go in order for them to go off and become men. I think that's what our job is as moms. Raise them up right...then do the hardest part--let them go!
I have to say this Mother's Day...all three of my "men" have made me one proud mama!
As a tribute to my own mother, I'd like to thank her for her style influence on me. She was always well put-together. Really, I can't remember her not looking nice. She always had her hair done, was well groomed and cared about how she looked. 
I remember being her 'little helper' on the weekends. Since she worked full-time she spent the good part of most Saturdays running errands. I often went with her to help out. I wonder now if I was as helpful as I thought I was back then, LOL!
Thank you Mom...I love you and you definitely influenced my style!
Love, Leslie

I made an immediate comparison, did you?

I throughly enjoyed watching the Royal Wedding! The traditions, pomp and circumstance, the unique hats worn by all the ladies in attendance...and finally the revealing of Kate Middleton's beautiful wedding dress! They did such a brillant job of keeping us all in the dark until Kate walked down the isle to marry Prince William!

The first thing I did was make an immediate comparsion to the late Grace Kelly. She was the epitome of 'timeless elegance'. Always poised, graceful and charming no matter what. Kate reminds me of her because she is hounded by the press and photographers constantly...but somehow appears to not let it all get to her.

My first comment after seeing Kate's wedding dress was: 'timeless and classic elegance'...then I thought of Grace Kelly! Today, I see I'm not the only one making a comparison to the late Princess Grace.

What did you think of Kate's wedding dress? Were you suprised or was it a style you expected her to wear?

Finding the Right Clothes for YOUR Proportions

It's All About the Right Clothes for YOUR Proportions...



For some reason women always think their bodies are not quite right, rather than--the clothes are not quite right. You are the way you are...therefore what you really need is to know what clothes are right for your unique proportions!


Do you try on pants only to have them rest practically under your bust line? If you are short-waisted this can happen. On the other hand, if you are long waisted pants can be snug in the rise and you find yourself constantly pulling at them. Why do some jackets make you appear shorter or heavier? Or, why do some shirts never seem long enough? Again, it's all about understanding your proportions--so you know what styles of clothes are best for you.



It is all about body proportions. How each part of your body relates to the other parts is what makes up your unique proportions. Generally speaking, you are always going to have the same basic body shape whether you gain weight or lose weight. That is why following fit guidelines for your body shape with help you dress your best. Along with your body's shape, you have unique proportions like a tummy, long arms, short waist, etc. These are also something you need to take into consideration when dressing.


The most common proportional issue when dressing is being long or short-waisted. Knowing how to “correct” your proportional waist imbalance will help you know what to look for when shopping.



Grab a tape measure and decide if you are long, short or balanced in your waist line. Measure the area between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your hip bone.
Short-waisted—the space will be about 1-2 inches


Average-waisted—the space will be about 2-3 inches


Long-waisted—the space will be about 3-4 inches


A balanced body will have a crotch that is halfway up the total body length. Your waist is balanced when it is at the halfway mark between your armpit and crotch. If your waist is above halfway you are short-waisted, if it is longer, you are long-waisted.


Rule of thumb: when you have a body part that is short—look for long. When you have a body part that is long—look for short. For example, short-waisted? Look for a longer jacket. Get it?


Don’t forget your jacket. One of the best articles of clothing that a SYSter can have in her wardrobe--is a jacket. The right jacket for your body type (and waist proportion) can help correct your body imbalance and make it appear balanced and in proportion. Not only can you disguise an undefined waist, but you will make it appear more “hourglass” with a structured jacket that is “body skimming”. The right length of jacket can make your waist or legs appear longer. Generally speaking, if you are short-waisted, a longer jacket is needed. If you are long-waisted, a shorter jacket works for you. If you are petite in stature, then you do not want to go too long with the length of your jacket or it will drag you down.


Experimentation (in front of a full-length mirror) along with the fit guidelines for your body type will help you correct your proportional dilemmas (like a long or short waist).



Your goal no matter your shape or proportional imbalances should be to 'appear balanced' through the clothes you wear. Let me help you do that each week at MissusSmartyPants.com!


Love, Leslie...your online fashion stylist

Out With the Past, and In With New Style!



Early childhood memories of clothes and how you felt in them still play a role in your dressing choices today. You may remember one particular floral dress full of sunny colors that you just loved to wear. In fact, if your mom would have let you, you'd wear it every day! You may remember your favorite black shiny Mary Janes worn with the pretty white lace socks and how they made you feel so important--and girly at the same time.

Did you get any negative clothing messages at a young age? Perhaps you felt you never deserved nice clothes or ones that fit well. Was it because most of your clothes hand-me-downs? Do you feel you don’t deserve to spend money on clothes or yourself? You either bought into this thought or you rebelled against it. Recognizing this issue is a starting point of changing those negative thoughts to new ones. It will help you transform your style into something better.

Let’s examine how we got some of the old “mental tapes” of how we look and feel in our clothes. Think back to when you were young. What are your memories of what you looked like in clothes? Are they good memories or not so positive? Personally, I remember clearly, two things from my early childhood. I was probably in first grade and I recall shopping for “back to school” clothes with my mom. I remember feeling excited to get new clothes! We went to Sears during a big sale. I got new dresses for school, 3 for $10. Each one of them a different style and color and thereby allowing me the chance to show my style each day—it was an amazing feeling! Do you have a similar style memory or one about not feeling comfortable or pleased about what you were wearing?

As a girl, were you told a certain color or style did or did not look good on you? What makes you think this is still true or was right in the first place? Are there certain types of clothes you won’t wear today because of the negative feelings attached to them? Did you wear hand-me-downs most of the time or felt self-conscious because you were overweight? Or, perhaps you always had the latest styles, now you feel you have to always keep up with the latest.

All of these past experiences and old feelings can hold us back from truly expressing ourselves with our clothes. BUT these past experiences can also be helpful...if you let them. You can move forward simply by choosing to do things differently. You are all grown up now...not that little girl that once wondered what it would be like to be a grown up lady in pretty high heels! Show off that sassy style and attitude and earned confidence...I dare YOU!



Take some time this week and examine why you feel the way you do about clothes and shopping. Understanding your past experiences will allow you to change the way see yourself and let you try new styles. Concentrate on you body type and finding styles for you, you will change the “old emotional tapes” and explore new styles.

I think Calvin Klein said it best, “There’s no point in trying to look like a Vogue editorial every month. The way to find your style is to try to develop a look of your own.” Start with your own Personal Profile today and find out what flatters YOU!

If you need style help and want to know more about dressing for your body type...join me and lots of women who now know what it's all about at http://www.missussmartypants.com/ . You'll find this affordable weekly approach just what you need to get your style re-discovery started! Love, Leslie MSP



Shorts, Crops and Capris

Me and my family in front of the Bellagio Las Vegas...

I'm back from my vacation and my blog-cation! I've taken some time off from the blogosphere to re-connect with the real world and spend some quality time with my family. I've had a blast!

My family enjoyed a couple of thrill seeking adventures during our trip. We went snow skiing (just 45 minutes out of Las Vegas) and we went mountain biking in Red Rock Canyon...as well as a trip to the beautiful California Coastline!

My family is quite active...yet I found myself always one step behind them since they are all MEN and my daughter-in-law is not only young, smart and pretty--but quite an athlete too! Our adventures were challenging to say the least and I ended up a bit scratched and buised. 

I hope my family feels as I do our experiences created some great family memories to cherish!

At the Charlotte Airport heading to Las Vegas and California...

Me and my sweet daughter-in-law at City Center Mall in Las Vegas...

 Laguna Niguel California...view from my hotel room. It was sooo beautiful!

My son Blake and his wife Faith enjoying the ocean breezes...

 

Mountain biking in the desert outside of Las Vegas!!!

Red Rock Canyon (Blue Diamond Cottonwood trails)...this is the ONLY smooth flat area, LOL! 

That was the most rocky trail I've ever ridden!

How about talking fashion now? Are you ready to wear shorts?! 

Yes, I asked if you are ready to show some skin (scary, huh?) Now that the weather is getting warmer (for some of you...its still getting there) it’s time to think about wearing shorts, capris and cropped pants. If this frightens you because your Thighmaster has been collecting dust all winter…don’t fret because there is good news...there are some stylish options.

(photo: Nordstrom Eileen Fisher Cuffed Short)

There are stylish and do-able shorts, crops and capris for all this season! The walking short or city short! Yes, ladies this short style has been around a couple of season and it's still fabulous. A city short hits at the knee or just above--this is a great length for ALL. We can all finally wear something cute, comfortable--and trendy! 

Women wonder (and ask) what are the most flattering shorts, capris and cropped pants? Your pant or short length is one of the first things noticed about you. Where your shorts (or skirt or pant for that matter) stops on your leg creates a horizontal line and the eye is naturally drawn to this line on the body. So...wearing the best length for your body type is critical to looking your best in what you wear.

To help you find your best length I’ve listed all the different types of shorts and who should wear them:

Bermuda shorts: Hits at the knee. This length is universally flattering. Look for a flat front (no pleats) straight cut for the leanest look. Inseam should be about 12”. For more comfort, look for fabric content to include 2% stretch. HOW TO WEAR: Add a wedge heel or espadrille sandal for a long sleek and dressier look. A cropped or fitted jacket works well with Bermuda shorts too. For a more casual look, wear flats, a short-sleeved cardigan sweater and perhaps a pretty long beaded necklace.

(photo: Nordstrom Sanctuary Clothing Shorts)

Walking shorts: Hits mid-thigh and are loose, casual and comfortable. This style is best for women that are fairly confident with their legs and thighs. Best length is around 7” inseam.

Short-shorts: These are also called “Daisy Dukes” or Hoo-chee mama shorts. Short-shorts are for ladies who used their Thighmasters all winter--or answer by the name of Jessica (as in Simpson). Inseams are a mere 3”. Only for the young gals (sorry if you are only 'young at heart') or the totally toned chicks.

Capris: These tend to stop around the mid-calf area. They can be hard to wear because the calf is the largest area on a woman's lower leg. Women love Capris because they are cooler than long pants and hide a multitude of “issues”. The best Capri silhouette for most women (unless they are tall and thin—then any length is okay) is above the calf. If capris are long, have them hemmed up shorter to add slenderizing length to your legs. Avoid capris that hit your thickest part of your calf.

(Nordstrom: NYDJ's Nicole Capri)

Cropped pants: This is this season's answer to the "skinnys" we've been wearing the last couple of seasons.These are skinny or slim cut pants that are rolled above the ankle bone. Cropped pants can be very hard to wear. If you are heavier or shorter—your legs appear chopped off—like tree trunks. If you are tall, you appear even taller and like you are wearing high-water pants! HOW TO WEAR: Wear cropped pants with a heel in a NUDE color for the most leg lengthening look (like pictured below)

(photo: Nordstrom)

Petites and plus sizes: Find a length that is flattering (around the knee is best) and avoid the longer lengths that can make you look dumpy. The longer your legs look...the better, tall, leaner, etc.—you get the picture!

One last thing before you get your legs out there…spend some time pampering! Groom your legs (shave) use tan-in-a-can (if you need a glow) and get your tooties looking terrific too! Now you are ready for flip-flops, sandals and of course--Bermuda shorts!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants...your fashion stylist who also wants to put her best LEG forward this spring!