The Missus Smarty Pants Blog

Great Closet Clean Out Mission from FlyLady

2012-01-25T05:50:00.000-08:00

Great Closet Clean out Mission - Wednesday
Dear Friends,

Today we are going to go after the clutter that is stashed on the top
shelf of the closet. This can be dangerous, you have to be careful not
to pull out more than you can take care of in 15 minutes. It can also
be dangerous if you have things precariously piled up there. Only take
down one item at a time.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do I need this
Do I love this
Do I use this
Does this belong here

Assess each item as you pull it down and either toss it, put it in the
give away bag or put it away where it belongs. If It truly belongs in
the top of the closet then simply put it back.

Need more help getting organized? Check out FlyLady's website
http://www.flylady.net/

Inspired to Make My Own DIY Scarf

2012-01-22T10:13:00.000-08:00

After seeing so many creative food and crafty ideas on Pinterest, I figured I'd throw caution to the wind and actually make my own DIY T-shirt scarf!

It's funny how you get' pinning' all these niffy-crafty ideas to your 'boards' and THINK you've done something really wonderful...when in reality, all you've done is sat at the computer for 3 HOURS!!! LOL!

This crafty idea was actually quick and EASY to make! Grab an old T-shirt, then watch this DIY scarf tutorial from this blog: Shwin&Shwin.com

My T-shirt scarf was not as 'fluffy' as the one in the tutorial. I think it is because my T-shirt material is thinner. But all said and done, I'd say mission accomplished!

ALL YOU NEED IS AN OLD T-SHIRT...

AND...YOU CAN CREATE THIS D-I-Y SCARF!!!

To make, cut (16) 1" strips from an old t-shirt.

Gather each one up individually and wrap it around your wrist to create a 'circle'.

Attach the 'circles' together with extra thin t-shirt strips

Voila! there you have it: a DIY T-shirt scarf!
(It took approx. 15 minutes to complete)

There is also a DIY T-shirt necklace tutorial out there in the blogosphere...I think I need one of those too!

A Powerful Color...

2012-01-14T10:39:00.000-08:00

Got something important happening? A special meeting or event to attend? Want to dress to impress? Or are you feeling a bit down? If you answer 'yes' to any of these questions...then you need to wear a powerful color...like RED!

When I'm wearing red, I feel 'powerful'. The only question now is: why don't I have more RED in my wardrobe?

This year I'm going to add more red into my wardrobe. I'm lucky red is part of my Seasonal Colors.

What is your favorite 'power' color to wear?

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

How to salvage a broken lipstick

2012-01-08T15:47:00.000-08:00

TRAGIC. That's the best word to describe the feeling I get when my favorite lipstick suddenly breaks.

I've tried to explain how heartbroken I am when my favorite lipstick has just broken, but somehow my husband doesn't get it. He thinks I'm over re-acting. I don't know, screaming and crying seemed appropriate at the time. I could be since he doesn't wear lipstick...

I've shared previously how to 'fix' broken powered eye makeup before with this tip: link to fix eye makeup

Today, I'm sharing what I do when a lipstick "tragically" breaks. Don't throw it out! No, no, no!... Re-invent it like this...

Here’s what to do with your broken lipstick:

1. Put the lipstick into a microwave-safe dish.
2. Mix into the lipstick: the contents of 1 pot of Carmex lip balm (can be purchased at any drug store).
3. Microwave for about 30-45 seconds on low.
4.Stir to mix and then spoon back into the lip balm pot and let cool.

Now you have a pretty tinted lip balm in your favorite color! It sure beats throwing out an expensive broken lipstick!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Mixing it up

2012-01-07T04:18:00.000-08:00

I love to mix my 'high end' and 'low end' pieces into one outfit. High end items are something I've paid full price for and are quality garments. Low end items (can be top quality) are garments I've paid next-to-nothing for.

I purchased this light lavender sweater (The Limited brand) from a thrift store last year. I get compliments every time I wear this color! This sweater goes perfectly with my dark gray NYDJ's ponte knit skinnys and gray suede boots from Target!

I wore this outfit at Christmas time (when I took this photo) and I just wore it again yesterday. It's been in the 60's and sunny so it seemed just right and comfortable.

I'm itching for another 'thrifting' shopping trip. Do you thrift and mix those pieces in with your other items? What's your favorite "deal" you snagged from a thrift store?

What I wore today

2012-01-01T18:50:00.000-08:00

I've been told by a little birdie (she knows who she is) I should post more photos of what I wear. I think she's right. Some days I have on a fab outfit I should share...and other days, well I'm not so 'fashionable'. But even the more comfy casual days should be shared, right?

Anyways, this is what I wore today and I dressed up today...(By the way it was 66 degrees today! Not bad for New Year's Day, huh?)

Making style changes happen...

2012-01-01T18:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Missus Smarty Pants,

Things have changed so much since I subscribed. I can't adequately explain. You made ME more important to ME.

PS. My closet is almost done. And, even though it's not quite finished yet, it has become like sacred space. I gave away everything that's too small or out of style, and have like 6 outfits now. You'd think that would be a BAD thing but it's wonderful.

I have 6 fabulous outfits that fit! I have less trouble finding nice things to wear than when I had all that crap in there! And now I have a plan for refilling with NICE things that you suggest.

Got my colors done by you, too. Best $35 bucks I ever spent! Love, Kathy

Dear SYSters,

Not a day goes by that I don’t count my blessings for the opportunity to share my love of style with all of my MSP SYSters!

It is my desire for you to look and feel your best everyday. It has become my mission (and passion) to help as many women as I can. I want each of you to feel beautiful in the skin you are in!

Find out what clothing styles flatter your shape today! It is my wish for all of you to know YOU are beautiful.

Yours in style, Leslie aka Missus SmartyPants

No Pattern Skirt!

2011-12-30T13:49:00.000-08:00

I tried not to, but in the end I caved in! Yup, I got my "invitation" and went to Pinterest and JOINED!

If you are afflicted with the latest social networking craze...and are on Pinterest....follow me! http://pinterest.com/missusmsp1/

I'm still figuring it out, but it's addictive and time flys by just like it does when stalking (I mean, VIEWING) Facebook (yeah, I'm there too, LOL!)

http://www.facebook.com/pages/MissusSmartyPants/133840446927

On Pinterest you get to search categories like food, crafts...and of course style and fashion! It seems silly at first, but then it gets fun!

Sooooo....while on Pinterest I found this fabulous "pin" about a no-pattern skirt! Love it, so simple and DO-able! Give this skirt how-to a look, and enjoy her other how-to tutorial postings!

Skirt how-to information: http://turtlestostart.blogspot.com/2010/07/great-pattern-less-skirt.html

See ya on Pinterest...I'm there now! http://pinterest.com/missusmsp1/

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Bloggers come in all sizes

2011-12-19T12:40:00.000-08:00

Personally, I've never been to a "Bloggers Night Out" but I'd like to go...especially after seeing this mix of beauties in all shapes and sizes at this gathering.

What's so great is: these are REAL women and they love fashion. They are all dressed so unique and each look fabulous in their own way! Take a peek and you're bound to see a woman your shape, size or height...

LINK to D.C Bloggers Night Out: http://www.heartprintandstyle.com/

What do you think of this stylish group including Vivi from Heart, Print, Style.com??? Nice mix of stylish woman, huh? I agree.

I'm hoping to be invited to a blogger party one day (hint, hint). Gosh, I just got my "invitation to http://pinterest.com/landing/ I didn't really want to join...BUT when they said I needed an invitation, well then I wanted to just because they said I couldn't belong right away, does that make sense?

2011-12-17T05:33:00.000-08:00

Only 8 days until Christmas!

Trying not to give an ugly scarf or miss-sized sweater again this year?

ONLY until Christmas...
Save 1/2 off at MissusSmartyPants.com!

BUY one membership & get the second one for half price!

Give the gift of style! It's the perfect clutter-free gift that the recipient will enjoy each week for the length of time given. Whether the recipient is a "fashionista" or just curious about learning more, there's plenty of useful style advice she will enjoy. From closet organization to putting together a basic wardrobe to how to wear what and when-this gift is fun as well as a valuable resource!

A membership to the Personal Profile system gives recommended styles based on a woman's body type. Once logged in she is able to view complete wardrobe suggestions for her particular shape. MissusSmartyPants also includes a weekly style article. With these stylist tips and lots of encouragement-she can't help but look and feel fabulous!

Finish your holiday shopping today! Buy one gift certificate (either 3 months $9.95 or 12 months $29.95) (emailed directly to you) and get your membership 1/2 price (or have your current membership extended the same length of time)...hurry while this offer is still available!
--------
http://www.missussmartypants.com/

A "Nutty" Beauty Secret

2011-12-11T12:02:00.000-08:00

I LOVE coconut oil for cooking. It has good high-heat tolerance and makes everything taste yummy and bake flaky.

But did you know that coconut oil has many uses? Here are some out-of-the-Box uses for coconut oil. I found these online and thought I'd share them since I've used coconut oil several of these ways myself.

I first started falling in love with coconut oil, water and coconut milk and all its wonder when I began following Mark'sDailyApple website.This website is about a healthy living lifestyle and has changed the way I eat and exercise.

You may know all about the good fat in coconut oil and how cooking with it can be beneficial for your overall health, but did you know that it can highlight a certain part of your face? Check out these 10 not-so-typical uses for coconut oil...

Cooking at high heat. Ok, this one is more of a "normal" use, but since some oils are unsafe to cook with at high temperatures, coconut oil is a great alternative.

Try popping up some popcorn made with coconut oil

and add sea salt to taste...so yummy--yet good for you!

Cheekbone highlighter. Apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup. A slightly 'dewy' look is better and more natural than a dry cakey look.

Shaving "lotion." A close shave and a moisturizer at the same time.

Deep conditioning hair treatment. Rub a small amount of oil into hair (mostly at ends), comb through and put hair in a loose bun before bed, and wash out in the morning.

Eye makeup remover.

An all-natural facial moisturizer.

Massage oil.

Body moisturizer. Applied directly after showering or bathing, it helps retain moisture and is better for your skin than most lotions. I've applied coconut oil to DRY hands and feet at bedtime and it works like a charm. (Wear thin socks to let the oil absorb...plus you can walk around)

Hair flyaway tamer. Use VERY sparingly on ends or areas with flyaways.

Gluten free and vegan cooking. Another food one, but it adds a little something extra to a dish.

BTW, you can now purchase at my local Trader Joe's a 14 oz jar of coconut oil for $5.99! It lasts a long time too.

Source: Prevention Magazine

Sensitive to Hair Dye?

2011-12-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more hair tips (to wrap up "Hair Week" at MissusSmartyPants.com)

If you are sensitive to hair dyes...here are a couple of tips to use when dyeing your hair or having it professionally done. These tips by the way were shared awhile back from my own personal Aveda hairdresser on my Blog Talk Radio show (the link was shared on my facebook page)

1. Add Sweet n' Low (5 packets). I know this sounds crazy, but my haircolorist insists there is something that makes the hair dye less harsh, yet just as effective.

2. Use Aveda's calming oil (available at Amazon.com) on all of scalp and hair line prior to applying any color.

3. Get "double foiling" done. This process does not touch your skin...but yes, it's expensive to have done. However, the look is fabulous!

Your hair is your "crowning glory". So pamper yourself by finding a hairstyle that flatters you and adding color or highlights if needed.

Love, Leslie MSP

It's all about HAIR this week at MSP!

2011-11-30T07:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Style Friends,

Below are some "natural" ways to keep your hair looking its best. I like it when I can use a "product" right out of my kitchen cabinet, don't you?

I've been caught with yogurt (and egg, for that matter) on my face (literally for a facemask) and my DH thinks I'm a bit crazy...but hey if it saves me money and works great, I'm all in!

I thought you would enjoy these hair tips I found:

7 Easy Natural Hair Treatments for Dull, Dry & Damaged Hair:

1. Dull Hair: While your hair is damp, massage in some sour cream or plain yogurt, let it sit for about 20 minutes and then rinse with warm water and shampoo as you normally would. These two dairy products can help reverse hair damage caused by products and pollution.

2. Itchy, Flaky Scalp: Mix equal parts lemon juice, organic olive oil and water and then massage mixture into your scalp (a slightly dampened scalp is best). Let sit for 20 minutes, rinse out and shampoo. The lemon juice helps get rid of flakes, while the olive oil helps moisturize the skin underneath.

3. Limp or Fine Hair: Have fun with this one, but not too much fun. To add body, use beer and its generous supply of yeast to plump up your hair. Mix together half a cup of flat beer with one teaspoon of canola oil and a raw egg, and then apply to damp hair and let sit for about 15 minutes. Rinse with cool water.

4. Dry, Sun-Damaged Hair: The sun can take a toll on the health and vitality of your hair. Try honey to counteract this. Massage warm, organic honey into clean, damp hair and let sit for about 20 minutes. Feel free to add a drop of organic olive oil to make it easier to apply and rinse out. You may also add avocado or egg yolk to the honey to help with extremely damaged hair.

5.Oily, Greasy Hair: You'll need an empty salt shaker for this one. Pour in one to two tablespoons of cornmeal or cornstarch into the empty shaker and apply to dry hair. Sprinkle it all on, let sit for about 10 minutes and then brush completely out using a paddle hairbrush.

6. Frizzy Hair: Avocado is great for damaged hair, but it also helps to smooth out frizzy hair. Simply mash up half an avocado and massage into clean, damp hair and let sit for about 15 minutes before rinsing clean.

7. Product Buildup: If you use a lot of product on your hair, chances are you've experienced product buildup and its gunky residue. Mix up a thick paste of one to two tablespoons of baking soda with a bit of water, massage into damp hair and let it go to work for about 15 minutes. Rinse clean and shampoo immediately after.
Source: WomansDay.com

Love, Leslie MSP

Get a head start on your holiday shopping!

2011-11-26T12:20:00.000-08:00

Are you trying not to give an ugly scarf or

miss-sized sweater again this year?

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY:
Save 1/2 off at MissusSmartyPants.com!

It's like buying one membership and getting the second
one for half price!

Give the gift of style! It's the perfect clutter-free gift that the recipient will enjoy each week for the length of time given. Whether the recipient is a "fashionista" or just curious about learning more, there's plenty of useful style advice she will enjoy. From closet organization to putting together a basic wardrobe to how to wear what and when-this gift is fun as well as a valuable resource!

A membership to the Personal Profile system gives recommended styles based on a woman's body type. Once logged in she is able to view complete wardrobe suggestions for her particular shape. MissusSmartyPants also includes a weekly style article. With these stylist tips and lots of encouragement-she can't help but look and feel fabulous!

Get your holiday shopping started today! Buy one gift certificate (either 3 months $9.95 or 12 months $29.95) (emailed directly to you) and get your membership 1/2 price (or have your current membership extended the same length of time)...hurry while this offer lasts!
--------
http://www.missussmartypants.com/

The Science of Shopping

2011-11-17T04:43:00.000-08:00

Did you know retailers are watching you in their stores...then cashing in on what they've learned from your shopping habits? More and more stores are hiring research companies to help them understand their customer’s buying habits better. In the process consumers are being video-taped while they shop--and much, much more!

Have you ever entered a store and immediately had to slow down and maneuver around a table full of stacks of merchandise? Did you stop, look and possibly consider making a purchase? If so, retail psychologists and researchers are doing their jobs.

A company called Envirosell specializes in the study of human behavior in the retail environment. They are known for video-taping store shoppers and watching their behaviors to help increase a store’s sales.

If you stay longer in a store...you are more likely to make a purchase...

Here are some of the ways stores get YOU to spend:

Just use the word “Sale”. Just knowing there is a one-day sale, you’ll be swayed to take advantage of the deals. However, some one-day sales can still be happening days later!

Place the deals at the back. Often the real bargains are at the back of the store. You have to walk through all the pretty displays and “specials” before you reach any real bargains.

Experience pays off. If we enjoy the experience, we’ll pay more. We’re more likely to pay $7.95 for $2 chicken fingers if they are served on a plate w/ a lemon and cloth napkin. Don’t be seduced by the experience to the extent that you forgo value.

Nature vs. Nurture. We are all hunters and gatherers. Retail understands this. So, often you’ll find similar businesses clustered together. Take advantage of this and check out the competition before you buy and get the best deal.

Time equals dollars. The more time you spend in a store—the more likely you are to spend. Enjoy the melodic music, comfy environment and ambiance, but remember your budget!

Let MSP help you with more ways to SAVE big while shopping. Click here to read my previous POST about saving while shopping a sale

There really is a science to how stores encourage you to buy—and buy more than you originally intended to. If you understand some “secrets” the retail industry uses to lure you into a purchase...it will make you a savvier shopper...just in time for the busy retail season: Christmas!

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

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

2011-11-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

I believe most women have good 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 about. She's over forty 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 a lot less taunt than a twenty year old's! 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. 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 excessive 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 rubber bracelets, 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 should avoid.

Good luck, Leslie MSP

Everything is posted online!

2011-10-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Dear SYSters,

It's been quite the day. Busy with meetings and unfortunately technical issues!!!

We are still working on getting your "reminder" emails sent out...however, you CAN login and view the latest Style Article and weekly Shopping Guides.

Sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused. Wishing you all a fashionable rest of the week.

Love to all, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

I'm Loving Skinny Belts!

2011-10-09T04:00:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been wearing my skinny belts... A LOT. They seem to be just the accessory I need. Whatever I have on...I say to myself, "Why not add a skinny belt to this?" and the answer 9 times out of 10 is "good idea"!

Don't just wear a sweater and dress...ADD a skinny belt to it.

It's the skinny belt that pulls together the whole look....

Wearing a skinny belt creates texture, adds some layering interest, gives waist-definition and sometimes a fun pop of color.

Here's what I'm wear my skinny belts with:

classic cardigans
fly-away sweaters

blazers (belted over the top or under "peeking out")
knit or woven blouses
basic dresses
long tunics

It's the added bit of waist definition that seems to make all the difference. Instead of the top and bottom just coming together...the waist gets highlighted with the skinny belt and it magically "balances" my shape! It's easy, yet makes so much style sense.

The beauty of a skinny belt is it can be worn by so many different shaped women. No need for a "perfect" shape...no really! If you are short-waisted, a bit undefined in the torso or have a full bust...you'll often find a belt that is too wide "messes up" your body's proportions....whereas a SKINNY belt will be just right! Give the skinny belt a try-on.

I was at Target again yesterday... (Yes, I'm aware I go there often. Ya know, I didn't ask them to build it so close to my house, LOL) well, while at the store, I saw lots of adorable skinny belts hanging on the racks: animal prints (black/white, brown/black) there were bright pinks and yellows too...there were skinny belts for every wardrobe and budget! So, if you have a Target near you check out the accessory department for yourself...you'll probably buy one. (Me, I have enough already...so I looked for you. Yes, that's how I roll: I look for YOU)

It's starting to get cool here.
This is the last weekend for wearing my sandals (mid-70's)

I'm going to start wearing this dress with my brown or black boots...

Go skinny! Let this fun affordable accessory help balance your shape while you add just the right touch to everything you wear!

Love Leslie, your "cyber fashion stylist". Check me out at: http://www.missussmartypants.com/

One Basic Dress Can Get Your Style Going!

2011-09-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes all it takes is one basic dress...to get your style going. Really, just a basic piece.

As a stylist I am constantly telling my clients that they don't need as many clothes as they think. Most women are under the assumption that if they were to "makeover" their style (with or without my help)...they must be ready to invest in an extensive wardrobe re-vamp (think: massive purchase) and they just don't have the funds to do so. This is simply NOT true.

A good basic and simple wardrobe will save you money in the long run! When you have quality basics to rely on, you will spend less money when you renew your wardrobe at the beginning of the season. Often all you'll need are some updates with your accessories.

Do you have enough basic wardrobe pieces?

Basics should make up about 70-80% of the total items in your closet...

What often happens is: you get giddy about new styles and having new clothes at the beginning of the season and over-due it and buy whatever tickles your fancy! With NO plan or idea of HOW you are going to wear those mis-matched items just purchased. You are excited that they are cute, new and somehow you'll figure it out. Not a good plan.

Last year I did a style posting about "One items worn three different ways". It's about taking ONE basic piece from your wardrobe and stretching it to see how many outfits you can make with it. This is the beauty of having a list of wardrobe basics. They are the foundational items that makeup every well-dressed woman's wardrobe. Do you have enough wardrobe basics?

This LBD is perfect for transitioning into fall because it's sleeveless...

Below, you can see I've worn this LBD for fancy occasions...

However, bright pink necklace and shoes + a cream-colored jacket make it more business-friendly...

More often than not, my lifestyle is more casual...gold flats and a gray sweater are perfect with my LBD...

Just to jazz things up, black heeled boots are always fun and sassy w/ my LBD...

Awhile ago I took photos of a gray dress I stretched into many different looks...

This gray sheath is a wardrobe basic that gave so much...I "retired" it from my wardrobe last season.

But here are a couple of ways I wore it. One of my favorite ways to wear this dress was with my off-white sweater from Gap...

My faux-leather motorcycle jacket (last season at Target) gives my basic sheath some style edge...

By adding layers over the top of this sleeveless dress, it appears to be more of a skirt...giving this basic dress even more wear-ability...

Yes! Fewer pieces can make you more stylish....but you got to have 'em in your wardrobe in the first place!

(As I look at these photos it's interesting to me how my style and changed/updated/evolved since taking them.)

Start now and build a good core wardrobe. You will find this is the missing "link" to why your style has not totally come together. If you need a list, I have a fabulous one posted in all the Body Type sections on my site. Fall is HERE! There really is no better time to get stylish!

FREE BONUS THIS WEEK ONLY!

2011-09-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

GET YOUR BONUS STYLE ARTICLE--THIS WEEK ONLY!

It's a '2 for 1 special' this week at MSP!

There has never been a better time to join MissusSmartyPants.com! This week you'll get not only the regular style article (How to Look Younger and Thinner)...but you'll a BONUS article just in time for fall: SWEATER LAYERING!! The secrets to great sweater layering and how to get the look!

I'm excited about the new fall season--and I'll bet you are too!! Love, Leslie MSP

2011-09-19T05:41:00.001-07:00

Transition Dressing--from summer into fall

2011-09-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

Here it is again! That time of year when we go from summer into fall. Undoubtedly we will experience a crazy mix of weather before the weather actually changes for good! Trying to dress during this unpredictable time creates many dressing dilemmas for us because it's hot one day and cool and breezy the next. Or we start off the day with a cool morning and have to survive a super-hot afternoon! Crazy. So what's a SYSter to wear with such crazy fluctuating weather?

Finally cooler temps in my neck of the woods have allowed me to change up my wardrobe...
from tank tops and shorts to something more fall-like! Yipee!

Below, I'm wearing richer fall colors now (instead of summery-brights).

I'm also wearing skinny jeans instead of shorts... I love it!!!

To highlight the warm golden brown in my animal-print shoes, I'm wearing an amber necklace and bracelet...repeating a color in your outfit makes it "work".

With September here, HOW do we get our summer wardrobes to transition into fall? Certainly you are not yet ready to wear a thick fall jacket or fuzzy sweater! You'll find many of your summer items can still be worn into fall; however you'll want to start changing towards a warmer palette.

You'll also transition your wardrobe from summer into fall by wearing light layers. You want to be able to put on or take off an item as the weather fluctuates. Of course you'll want your layers to look stylish-not something messy or unkempt looking!

There are some summer pieces you should STOP wearing...
Get ready to pack away gauzy summer dresses, white shorts, white sandals and straw bags. There is no hard "rule" with this however; I do recommend you do this within the next couple of weeks.

Even your accessories need to change this time of year. Put away the straw handbag or beach tote and start using a richer fall colored bag instead (anything in a fall fabric or rich warm leather).

Incorporate the new fall colors to replace your summery bright prints. Purchase layering tees and short-sleeved cardigans in rich fall hues, like purple, heather gray, mustard yellow and peacock blue. This will help you look stylish in the in-between months before the weather changes.

Start wearing the rich fall colors NOW!

Even my dog was excited about the cooler fall weather and wanted to get in on the action, LOL!

Pack away summer stuff now! Store in the back of your closet any summery items you won't be wearing until next spring-so they will be out of your way. If you have an extra closet (not many of us do) in another room you can move your summery clothes there. I like to use inexpensive under-the-bed plastic boxes to store my out-of-season clothes and accessories (reminder: make sure everything is washed prior to packing away so stains won't set in). Removing the out-of-season clothes gives you more room to plan and arrange your transitional summer to fall wardrobe in your closet.

No need to start completely over with a new fall wardrobe! Instead, start to bridge your style between summer and fall with clothes already in your closet. Many of your summer clothes will work at the start of fall and this makes it easier on your wallet. It also gives you time to plan and save for the new styles you do want to add to your fall wardrobe when the weather does finally cool down.

I've got you covered! With these style postings at http://www.missussmartypants.com/ The Big Fall Preview, From Summer into Fall and this week's upcoming style help...you can't help but have a fabulously stylish fall season!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Back away from the animal print...and no one will get hurt!

2011-09-13T14:14:00.000-07:00

Animal prints are a fun way to show your style...BUT they can get out of control quickly! Tread lightly when taking a walk on the wild side!

Whoa there! Easy does it! This photo below looks like a Halloween costume!

When wearing animal prints consider these tips:

1. Wear a touch of animal print. Don't become the animal! Don't wear an animal print coat, belt, shoes, handbag, etc..NO "matchy-matchy" outfits or you'll look like a zoo animal. Wearing ONLY 1 animal print per outfit is the best way to go! Perhaps a touch of animal print with one of your accessories?

2. Animal print does NOT match everything! Make tasteful color selections when choosing animal prints. Don't wear bold bright pink at the same time. For example, in summer black/white zebra prints are more popular and can be worn w/ black/white/ and a another color--that's it. In fall cheetah prints of tan and black are popular. Keeping the color theme of tan, brown and black is best. A splash of red works too. Avoid excessive bright colors.

3. Keep everything simple. Dressing classic and then adding a touch of animal print will give you the chic-look you are after. Think animal print in shoes, handbags, scarves etc. and only wear ONE to make your look an elegant one!

4. Save the wild big hair and skin-tight leather pants for another day. Too many over the top looks worn with animal prints will make you look like you need to be caged! Don't BE the animal.

Animal prints are fun and a great way to bridge brown and black in one outfit....so enjoy, but be careful not to over-indulge!

Why not wear an animal print pair of shoes with your basic sheath dress?

Halogen® 'Allie' Calf Hair Wedge

Check out these fabulous shoes (above) available at Nordstrom's or if you have a pair already start wearing them...it's fall AGAIN!

Love, Leslie

Always be on the lookout!

2011-09-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

I'm always on the lookout for a good deal and ways to keep my wardrobe continually evolving. This week my looking in all sorts of places paid off! Trust me if you have an open mind, you never know where you'll run across something fantastic!

The beginning of fall is the best time to edit and plan your wardrobe + make some purchases of items you'll soon be wearing! I found a fabulous new pair of jeans!!!

Here I'm posing with a statue of Jack Daniels...

I just got back from a trip to Tennessee and Kentucky visiting family. Though I don't have a tractor or a horse, while buying dog food (for my son's dog) at Tractor Supply I did find the best JEANS there! Yes, you read that right, I found fabulous jeans at Tractor Supply, LOL!

I purchased a pair of Wrangler riding jeans (for those that ride horses) in a 34" inseam (they had 36" length, but they were too long)! How wonderful to find fabulous jeans in longer lengths available--right there on the shelf. These jeans have a "no-gap" waist band and nice stretch (for when you are riding a horse) or just walking around town.

Here is a link to check them out for yourself Wrangler Ultimate Riding Jeans. With tax they cost me only $38.00 (they were on sale at the time)

Here is the exact name of the jean so you can search online for your pair: Wrangler Women's Q-Baby Mid Rise Cowgirl Cut Ultimate Riding Jeans

QUESTION: Are you preparing your wardrobe now for fall? Even if the weather is still warm for the next month, are you putting away the summery straw tote and starting to wear richer fall colors? How do you start dressing when the weather is in-between seasons?

A Black Eye is NOT Fashionable!

2011-09-07T16:23:00.000-07:00

This last week a MissusSmartyPants SYSter hoped I'd make a comment about this "fashion is art" photo shoot she recently saw. She sent me the link and I was shocked! Are you kidding?!

She was appalled that this fashion spread is making light of domestic abuse. Well, so am I!!!

I say it's shocking and NOT funny! I understand the point is to GRAB our attention, but at what cost? Abuse is not stylish or fashionable--ever! My opinion is this "Glee" star needs to rethink her values!

Here's the link so you can read about this so called fashion shoot: http://thelook.today.com/_news/2011/09/06/7631513-does-this-controversial-fashion-spread-glamorize-domestic-abuse?GT1=43001

What say YOU? Do you think I'm over-reacting?