The Missus Smarty Pants Blog

4 Steps to Chic

2018-03-20T11:49:00.001-07:00

1. Start with a feminine top

2. Pair with classy slacks

3. Ground with bold shoes

4. Finish with statement earrings

MissusSmartyPants: How to Wear a Brooch

2018-01-11T04:34:00.001-08:00

Add it to a pearl necklace...

ABC's of Style

2018-01-09T08:58:00.002-08:00

Sometimes we make things more difficult than they need to be. I know I'm guilty of doing this all the time. I find it's my need for perfection that leads me to know everything about something...before I even dare take one-step forward. As this new year unfolds-I'm working hard to stop doing this!!!!

Instead of a complete third degree investigation-I'm opening my eyes and my mind and just getting in there and DOING IT. Whatever it is that's new to me, I'm going forward and learning as a go.

Most of this "wait and figure it out" attitude pops up its ugly head when it come is to learning new technology. I hesitate to push buttons and easily get frustrated. However, on the flip side, when it comes to my fashion-I'll take lots of chances and try (just about) anything!

My "I'll do it" attitude is full-on go with my style! Stop and take a look at your style choices. Question what you are wearing. Are your outfits daring or creative? Are they colorful? Are they innovative and unique-or do the lean towards the boring side? What changes in attitude can you make in order to improve your style?

Here's a quick way to move your style forward in 2018...Use the ABC's of style every time you dress. Let me know your thoughts and challenges as we begin this new year together.

Need more style suggestions and help for dressing for your body's shape?

Check out MissusSmartyPants.com

HAIR: Our Crowning Glory

2017-12-15T11:54:00.003-08:00

Hair, our crowning glory-or is it?

Embracing Our Hair....

It's too thick, or perhaps it's too thin, too curly, or as straight as can be... Yes. It's hair we are talking about and its not always our 'crowning glory'.

Many of us (me included) are guilty of working against our natural hair texture. A few weeks back this sign at my hairdresser's salon really made me ponder about our struggles with our hair:

"Life is an endless struggle filled with frustrations and challenges...

but eventually you find a hairstyle you like"

Yes, the struggle is real when it comes to working with or accepting our hair.

QUESTION: Have you embraced your hair's natural color and texture?

Or do you endlessly color and straighten (or curl) it? How much effort and money are you willing spend on hairstyle management?

SHARE WITH ME YOUR STRUGGLES WITH YOUR HAIR...(below)

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Which Outfit Do You Like More?

2017-12-07T07:24:00.001-08:00

MissusSmartyPants.com-Festive Outfits

2017-12-06T06:17:00.001-08:00

Use your Little Black Dress to start....

Yes, you might be too old to wear...

2017-12-05T08:19:00.000-08:00

Yes, you might be too old to wear...

I believe most women have a fair amount of common sense. However, sometimes even the most wonderful woman can be lead astray by a style she thinks looks good on her (twenty years later). You know that woman I'm talking ab'out. She's over 40, yet still wearing short skirts that she (literally) wore in her twenties!!! It's obvious the short skirt is not a favorable look with her aging legs. Who wants to be the one to tell her that she looks horrible?

The truth is...she's too OLD to wear that style! Yes, in MissusSmartyPants' opinion clothing labels should have an"expiration date" on them so this "too old to wear it" dilemma would no longer occur.

There are plenty of young, hip, trendy styles that can make you appear OLDER. Yes this is very scary, but it is true you need to tread lightly with the trends when you are over forty!

Here are just a few of the "youthful" styles an older woman should totally AVOID:

Message tees. You know the tees that say things like "Your boyfriend thinks I'm HOT!" Wearing a message tee (or ass-vertising sweats) like this...screams desperate!!!

INSTEAD: Choose to wear a great quality cotton tee that you can dress up or down...with NO silly writing, LOL!

Overly Trendy Denims. You've seen these women before: a rocking-hard body and a face that looks over 60, or more. The overly trendy jeans that are ultra LOW rise, torn and/or embellished with rhinestones just aren't doing this "hot mama" justice!!!

INSTEAD: Choose a dark wash bootcut jean and you'll look fabulous and "on-trend" no matter your body size or shape. This style of jean is the best for helping slim and balance your proportions.

Sky-high heels. Too high or overly theatrical styled shoes can make you look silly--not stylish! With these shoes be sure to include thigh-high boots, and 5 inch cork wedges.

INSTEAD: Stop torturing your feet! It's time to be kind and get real with your shoe styling. As we age we lose that fatty cushioning we had in our youth. Look for shoe styles/brands that are wider, sole cushioned and with thicker shorter heels. TRY BRANDS LIKE: Cole Hann, Aerosoles, Nurture Shoes, etc. PAY more when it comes to your shoes because foot comfort matters so much!

Micro-minis. Tina Turner pushed the limits on this one because she had pretty hot-looking legs! However, keep in mind she was on STAGE!!! ALL etsy-bitsy skirts should be sent directly to Goodwill. End of story.

INSTEAD: replace short skirts with straight or A-line skirts around the knee. TIP: if you have a slightly shorter skirt (a couple of inches above the knee) you could still wear it if you wear opaque tights at the same time.

Excessive Cleavage. Some women are well endowed and well some aren't. That's just the way it is. All 'boobage' is womanly (regardless of size) and therefore is beautiful, in my humble opinion.

BUT when it comes to cleavage in public: less is more!

'These are just a few of my un-favorite things' that can trip up any beautiful woman's style! Keep it on the classic side and you'll look fabulous every day.

Also avoid hand-made hokey jewelry, goth inspired belts and necklaces with spikes, black nail polish, glitter makeup in bright colors....GOSH! I could be here all night listing the SILLY TRENDS a grown woman really should avoid.

All the best, Leslie MSP

You can find me helping women dress their best based on their body shape at MissusSmartyPants.com

MissusSmartyPants.com-Grab N' Go Outfits!

2017-11-28T13:45:00.001-08:00

MissusSmartyPants.com-Grab N' Go Outfits! by mspsmartypants featuring straight leg jeans

NIC ZOE cotton shirt
nicandzoe.com

Moncler Grenoble red vest
$1,245 - farfetch.com

Vivienne Westwood red pants
luisaviaroma.com

J.Crew straight leg jeans
$85 - jcrew.com

Knee length skirt
catwalkwholesale.com

Lipsy black pumps
$40 - lipsy.co.uk

Cat shoes
vessos.com

Alexander Wang bag
openingceremony.us

Chanel wallet
fashionphile.com

Infinity scarf
catofashions.com

MissusSmartyPants.com-Grab N' Go Outfits!

2017-11-28T04:25:00.001-08:00

MissusSmartyPants.com-Grab N' Go Outfits! by mspsmartypants featuring blue jeans

L K Bennett short sleeve dress
$145 - johnlewis.com

Rebecca Taylor short sleeve shirt
rebeccataylor.com

Blue shirt
hannaandersson.com

Long sleeve top
$47 - kettlewellcolours.co.uk

LE3NO 3 4 sleeve shirt
le3no.com

Uniqlo button up shirt
uniqlo.com

American Eagle Outfitters long t shirt
ae.com

Blazer jacket
amazon.com

J Brand blue jeans
$195 - flannels.com

Hobbs slim fitted pants
$44 - johnlewis.com

Womens plus size skirt
$45 - navabi.co.uk

Frye long boots
zappos.com

Suede shoes
$32 - fashionunion.com

MSP's Weekly Style Mission

2017-09-18T10:50:00.001-07:00

MSP's Weekly Style Mission by mspsmartypants featuring lace up heeled boots

ATM by Anthony Thomas Melillo brown top
intermixonline.com

Jean Paul Gaultier sleeveless crop top
$75 - yoox.com

Stripe t shirt
shein.com

Knee length flared skirt
romwe.com

L K Bennett loafer flat
$130 - johnlewis.com

Black cat shoes
shein.com

Lace up heeled boots
$34 - newlook.com

Charlotte Russe gold collar necklace
charlotterusse.com

Frame buckle belt
shop.harpersbazaar.com

MissusSmartyPants: Hosiery-how to wear it this fall

2017-09-11T12:57:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants: Hosiery-how to wear it this fall by mspsmartypants featuring reclaimed wood wall art

Loose top
zaful.com

Falke tight
saksfifthavenue.com

Topshop denim skirt
$38 - topshop.com

Hollister Co. peep-toe booties
hollisterco.com

Chanel vintage earrings
reebonz.com

LA77 long scarve
overstock.com

Reclaimed wood wall art
etsy.com

MissusSmartyPants: Fall Preview 2017

2017-08-28T13:34:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants: Fall Preview 2017 by mspsmartypants featuring long sleeve day dresses

Pink mini dress
indiexo.com

Long sleeve day dress
amazon.com

Wayf tartan top
nordstrom.com

Paige Denim cropped suede jacket
orchardmile.com

Topshop denim skinny jeans
nordstrom.com

Champion tapered sweat pants
$90 - harrods.com

Vans cap toe sneaker
vestiairecollective.com

Mulberry turn lock purse
$900 - mulberry.com

10 Quick Steps to an Organized Closet

2017-08-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Here are 10 simple and practical tips for organizing your clothes and closets.

1) Edit your wardrobe.

The reality is, too much stuff makes anything more difficult and challenging. It’s common knowledge among professional organizers that we typically wear only 20% of our wardrobe 80% of the time. Are you the exception? If not, take a long, good look at your clothes and decide what you wear most, least and not at all. Remember to focus NOT on letting things go and feeling the loss—instead focus on finally having enough room in your closet to see the clothes you like to wear every day. Clear out the clutter and keep only what you wear and love. Bonus points for the joy you’ll experience knowing that everything you donate will bring someone else happiness. Garments that are damaged, stained, or stretched out items should be tossed.

2) If you can see it, you can wear it.

The main point of having a closet in the first place is to gather your clothes into one area—so you can easily find something to wear. After you’ve edited your clothes (in step 1), now you need to arrange them.

Every step you have to take to put something away becomes a potential obstacle to using it in the first place. This applies outside of the closet as well, so keep that in mind when cooking up clever ways to store things that involve multiple moving parts. If it’s too cumbersome, you’ll stop using this “clever way” right away. Keep things simple.

That said, there are plenty of great ideas in The Container Store. How likely are you to actually use those tiered hangers? Or will you just wear the top one over and over because it’s easier to get to? Again, keep it simple.

3) Rotate clothes seasonally, either inside the closet or between closets.

For those of us in urban areas without attics, basements or other auxiliary storage places, it can be helpful to swap out clothes you won’t be wearing for a few seasons. No need to keep the shorts front and center during a cold winter. Likewise your bulky sweaters and winter jackets don’t need to be taking up prime real estate in your closet in July.

4) Organize hanging clothes by type, then color.

Slacks, trousers, jeans, shirts, jackets and blouses should all be sorted first by sleeve length and then by color. Using this system to arrange your clothing means you’ll find exactly what you’re looking.

5) Choose the right hanger.

Your closet will look neater and function easier if you use just one type of hanger—wood, wire, or plastic. The one exception is for jackets and coats—they need sculpted jacket hangers to keep the shape of the shoulders from sagging and puckering.

6) Set up zones.

Just like in the kitchen, keep zones of the same types of clothes together. Use a step stool to store purses, or out of season items you don’t need access to often.

7) Arrange folded items.

Any clothing that will stretch out of shape should never be hung on a hanger—you could drape it over the rod but it’ll take up more space that way and be harder to spot when searching for it.

When organizing folded clothing on shelves, place heavier, bulkier items at the bottom of each stack, and lighter ones at the top. After folding them in a uniform way, arrange the garments by function (workout clothes, casual tops, business or dressier tops, etc.) and then by color (white to nude to bright colors to black).

8) Use garment bags.

The preferred material is canvas for garment bags—not vinyl or any other kind of plastic or synthetic material. You want something that breathes while also protecting your fine suits, dresses and jackets (that you keep at the back of the closet, or in another closet).

9) Deal with dry cleaning when you get it home.

Don’t wait until you’re racing around to try to rip something out of those plastic bags and then leave the crumpled bag on your closet floor. When you bring things home from the dry cleaners, take a few minutes to remove everything from the dry-cleaning bags and transfer them onto your own hangers. Don’t forget to return the wire hangers to your dry cleaner for reuse or recycling.

10) Contain what doesn’t hang.

Anything odd shaped, small or otherwise hard to stack or hang should be placed into containers. Custom drawers are a good choice or purchase all the same type of baskets you can set or stack on the shelves. Remember “like with like” when storing socks, undergarments and single accessories, like scarves, hats, gloves and small bags or clutches.

After wearing something, hang it up with the hanger reversed. If you haven't worn it in 6 months-toss it!

MissusSmartyPants: 3rd Piece Rule

2017-08-15T12:21:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants: 3rd Piece Rule by mspsmartypants featuring a v neck blouse

Alberto Biani v neck blouse
$155 - bagheeraboutique.com

Michaele Vollbracht silk jacket
1stdibs.com

MaxMara fleece lined jacket
halsbrook.com

Barbara Bui vest
$81 - rebelle.com

DL1961 Premium Denim high rise skinny jeans
$255 - harveynichols.com

Chanel long chain necklace
snobswap.com

Echo Design white silk scarve
zappos.com

MissusSmartyPants.com 5-Minute Fast-Wardrobe Templates

2017-07-25T08:05:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants.com 5-Minute Fast-Wardrobe Templates by mspsmartypants featuring a hooded sweatshirt

Moschino hooded sweatshirt
theoutnet.com

Madewell white t shirt
madewell.com

Dolce&Gabbana distressed jeans
$790 - farfetch.com

Miss Selfridge high heel shoes
missselfridge.com

Rachel Zoe tassel necklace
orchardmile.com

12 Things You Must Have in Your Closet

2017-07-01T10:57:00.000-07:00

12 Things I Think You Should Have In Your Closet

I have spent years working as a stylist. I love clothes, have a hard time parting with them. I’ve collected a lot of clothes. You do the math. My closet is constantly full of too many clothes, shoes and accessories. While every woman’s style is different, there are a few things that I think deserve a spot in your closet, too.

Below, is what my fantasy closet would look like...

1. A black dress. Because duh. Actually, you could make a wardrobe of only black dresses if you were so inclined: a sexy one, an office-appropriate one, a casual one. With a blank canvas like a LBD means the possibilities are endless.

2. Three skirts: one pencil, one A-line, one maxi. You can have more, obviously, and you should, but these are easy basics that you can wear a thousand different ways. Purchase them in neutrals that are easy to mix and match.

3. Something appropriate for church. You never know when you’re going to have to go to a baptism or a funeral, so it’s good to keep a knee-length, relatively-modest dress on hand in a subdued shade. Of course, if you go every week, have several outfits you love for church.

4. A slip. Actually, let’s make that a collection of proper undergarments to wear underneath those tricky garments like sheer white dresses and shirts. Beige bras are the Most Boring Item ever, but they do have their place. And so do Spanx!

5. Something to wear to an interview – I’m not saying you need a suit. A slim skirt or dress with a jacket is just fine, and far more modern than showing up in a business suit.

6. Something sentimental. Maybe you’ve grown out of it or it isn’t your style anymore, but you hang on to it because it meant something to you once.

7. Something that makes you feel 100% you. I have a few items that I reach for when I want to feel most like “me,” including this sassy black Calvin Klein dress I got for cheap a few years ago, I also have a big gray sweatshirt from the Bellagio... I feel like myself when I wear these things, and that’s comforting.

8. A pair of jeans that fit you perfectly. I know that finding the perfect pair is really, really hard. But it’s doable. I think there’s an argument for having one pair of dark denim skinny jeans, one pair of black and one pair of casual, easy boyfriend jeans, but whatever silhouettes you prefer, find your “favorite” style and rock it.

9. A dressy coat. Wool and knee-length in black, navy or charcoal grey is a classic option. A dressy coat is always classy looking.

10. One pair of black boots, black flats and black pumps. I don’t care what style or heel height you prefer, but these are easy, go-anywhere basics. This is a pretty good way to pack for a trip, too. Of course, substitute black for brown if you prefer.

11. Sweatpants. Every girl needs a pair of sweats or yoga pants for Sundays, cold nights and extended bouts of the flu. The baggier the better. Just stay inside, put your feet up and enjoy!

12. An article of clothing that makes you feel super-sassy. Maybe it’s a killer dress or a pair of cutoffs. But you know the feeling when you’ve been slacking or you’re kind of sad and it shows in your clothing? That’s when you put on this magical item – and then bam! You feel amazing once again.

MissusSmartyPants: 12 Steps to Chic Style

2017-06-21T05:24:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants: 12 Steps to Chic Style by mspsmartypants featuring a beach tote

J Crew ruffled dress
$125 - jcrew.com

Sandals
simons.ca

Beach tote
luxurydivas.com

Eugenia Kim straw hat
$470 - forwardbyelysewalker.com

eBook: The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe

2017-06-11T17:17:00.001-07:00

eBook: The Ultimate Capsule Wardrobe by mspsmartypants featuring block heel shoes

Sam Edelman block heel shoes
saksoff5th.com

PB Teen Over The Door Vinyl Shoe Rack, Navy at Pottery Barn Teen -...
pbteen.com

2017-06-08T05:23:00.000-07:00

Do we value ourselves enough? Are we listening to a negative voice in our head, or are we thinking positive thoughts?

What we think has a huge impact on us. I remember this old saying ( I don't know where it is from)..."What we think about, we bring about". How true it is!

Late last night I couldn't sleep (what else is new?)...so I read a self-help book I had on my nightstand. I grab this book and read a few pages from time to time, then put it down again. The book title doesn't really matter, but what does matters is what I got from my short reading before getting sleepy: Your reality in life is up to YOU. You make up the thoughts in your head, ultimately. Despite what anyone thinks about you (your outer appearance, your personality)...You are in charge. Despite your circumstances (those are temporary because you can change them) or anything else that has happened in your life thus far; your happiness starts in your head and it starts when you choose to let it happen.

I choose to let my light shine. I am happy. I love myself. I will stand tall, smile and enjoy all that life has to offer. No regrets, no appologies-to anyone. My life is up to me. I choose happiness and want to share my positivity with those around me. This is my truth and my reality. What's your truth and your choice?

P.S. What does this have to do with style and fashion? Everything! If you respect yourself your outer appearance will show this truth.

Should I Cover My Wobbly Arms in Hot Weather?

2017-05-31T08:39:00.003-07:00

Covering up my arms in hot weather...Yes or no?

Dear Leslie,

On most days unless it's extremely hot outside, I prefer to cover my wobbly upper arms. I really do feel more comfortable when my upper arms are covered rather than exposed. I live in the south so most days are pretty warm but I try to keep them covered.

Can you recommend a cute style of top that I won't overheat in and one that still allows my upper arms to be covered? I'm a body type C in case that helps. I have learned so much from your program and really love getting it every Thursday.

Thanks! Fondly, Maureen

MSP HERE: Dear Maureen,

Thanks for your style question. I feel any woman that wants to go sleeveless should. There is no reason to feel we must have 'perfect' arms (most of us don't). But I also understand if you aren't comfortable, well then you aren't comfortable--end of story.

If you choose to cover your arms, there are lots of cute and trendy tops to choose from that will keep you cool.

Use these tips to help you find the best sleeve/top styles:

1. Avoid styles that are too constrictive

2. Avoid sleeves that stop at your wide part of your upper arm (like a cap or short sleeves)

3. Look for tops that stop around or close to the lower-bicep to elbow area (most flattering sleeve length)

4. If upper arms are heavy, yet you want to go sleeveless, look for tanks with wide straps (avoid spaghetti straps)

FYI: This season Chicos has some really great style options you will love...I'm all about you NOT overheating, LOL!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

The ABC's of Style

2015-08-25T04:34:00.003-07:00

Use MSP's ABC's every time you dress!

Should I Cover Up My Wobbly Arms In Hot Weather?

2015-05-26T09:19:00.003-07:00

Covering up my arms in hot weather...Yes or no?

Dear Leslie,

Thanks! Fondly, Maureen

Use these tips to help you find the best sleeve/top styles:

FYI: This season Chicos has some really great style options you will love...I'm all about you NOT overheating, LOL!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

2015-05-04T11:55:00.000-07:00

DEAR Missus Smarty Pants,

I cannot believe the compliments coming my way. I am 62 years old and about 30 pounds overweight, but people are frequently saying “you look sassy,” “you looked very pretty at our meeting,” “have you lost weight?” I haven’t received these kinds of remarks since I was 40. And they’re coming from my colleagues and friends who are 30 years younger than I am!

What a difference proper fit, style, proportion and color make. Systers, I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but never believe that style is irrelevant. People will listen to you and pay attention to your message when you are pleasant to look at. Why not make an effort to look good?

It costs very little but a little time, and it’s time very well spent.

Thank you, thank you, Leslie for your knowledge and generous sharing of your skills.

Best regards and all my thanks for helping me dress for my body type, Carol

MSP HERE: Hi Carol,

Thanks for sharing your style testimonial. Having great style at any age gives a woman such an uplifting feeling - and you are living proof!

Carol you are so right, "People will listen to you and pay attention to your message when you are pleasant to look at. Why not make an effort to look good? " Your words say it all.

Love, Leslie MSP

Proper fit, style, proportion and color...PLUS weekly tips like these from MissusSmartyPants.com

How Nice It Would Be If Only...

2015-03-05T13:38:00.003-08:00

A "PSA" from MissusSmartyPants.com

2015-03-03T05:35:00.001-08:00

Some days we need a hug and a positive affirmation that we are enough--just the way we are. Sure, we've got our "imperfections" but they are part of what makes us uniquely who we are. We must therefore relax and accept ourselves first, before we can move forward or make changes in our life.

Accepting yourself first allow you to share yourself enthusiastically with others. When your inner light shines through amazing things begin to happen.

As a fashion stylist, I believe women are most beautiful when they truly love and believe in themselves!