The Missus Smarty Pants Blog

Quick Tip: Don't lose the button!

2012-03-12T16:30:00.001-07:00

HI LESLIE,

I love your weekly style advice! I’ve updated my wardrobe per your advice and I am having so much fun.

My closet is now like a boutique like you often talk about—however, some buttons are falling off of my newly purchased shirts. I guess quality isn’t what it once was. Any suggestions for lose buttons before they end up lost?

A happy style newbie, Barb

Dear Barb,

A loose button can quickly turn into a missing button.

Dab the top of the button with a little clear nail polish to prevent it from completely falling off before you have time to stitch it back on.

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Doing more than just "pinning" on Pinterest!

2012-03-02T16:09:00.003-08:00

The latest social network buzz site is called Pinterest. It's a website where you 'pin' or place interesting things onto 'boards' for yourself and to share with others. It's a way to store/share information.

You can 'pin' interesting stuff about cooking, healthy living tips, fitness, style and fashion, makeup, cool kids stuff, spiritual and religious postings, pretty gardens and well anything you can possibly think about is there.

The BIG negative about Pinterest is it can SUCK UP A HUGE AMOUNT OF YOUR TIME! What happens is you spend time 'pinning' really cool stuff and in the end, you've just spent 3 hours doing basically nothing but sitting at the computer!!!

However, Pinterest is a source of really cool information! You can learn make your own laundry detergent, sugar face scrub or how to get yellow pit stains off your white shirt...and more.

I've made several recipes (all delicious, by the way) tried out a couple of home decorating tips and I've also made this DIY necklace...

All you do is take a long pearl (or beaded) necklace and fold it in half...loop ribbons on each side and tie it at the back. Then, add a colorful brooch and you're all set!

This style of DIY necklace has been inspired by ones you see in stores like Talbots and Ann Taylor...

So, join Pinterest, but don't say you haven't been warned about the time sucking. The key is to have fun, don't let it take up too much of your time (set a timer then get off the computer, LOL!) then actually make some of the things!!!

Check out my boards on Pinterest and follow me if you like (and I'll probably follow you back).

Love, Leslie

Website is down...

2012-02-29T04:36:00.000-08:00

Our website is down! The technical fairies need to hurry up.

Just wanted to let everyone know, I'm still here and this technical issue should be fixed soon.

Thanks for your patience! Leslie

Do you know what colors are your best?

2012-02-24T14:52:00.003-08:00

There are two different kind of colors...ones that look great on you and those that don't!

Do you know which colors are your best and why?

A good color is a color you wear that makes your face light up and simply glow. It's a feel good color (kind of a color vitamin, if you will). A bad color is one you like, but try as you may you just don't look or feel quite right when you are wearing it. You might even be asked if you are feeling ill.

A BIG part of style is knowing which colors are your best--and then wearing them! Knowing your "Seasonal Colors" will improve your style because it will allow you to PLAN a cohesive wardrobe (which will save you money). You might even find in your seasonal color palette a NEW color you didn't know would look good on you! Perhaps it will become a new favorite of yours this spring!

These two women are from different 'color seasons' and therefore what looks fabulous on one,

would not work for the other...

Need help deciding your best wardrobe colors???
I offer a Seasonal Color Analysis to help you always wear your most flattering colors!

Love, Leslie

Smokin' and Red Hot!

2012-02-21T15:14:00.001-08:00

Christie Brinkley worked the runway at The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection fashion show in New York City last Wednesday...

It takes work to look that fabulous! No, it take HARD work!!! Did you know she's 58??? Yes, 5-8, fifty-eight.

Love a good makeover story? So do I!

2012-02-20T13:26:00.001-08:00

I'll bet you love a good makeover story? So do I!

Here is the link to view Pam's 'before' and 'after' photos!

With Pam's sweet personality...it was such a pleasure to help her get her style renewed! I know you will find her style-story inspirational and want to get started on your own style makeover from MissusSmartyPants!

(Pam and I meeting at the mall!)

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What Exactly Are IN the Products We Use?

2012-02-14T15:58:00.007-08:00

For years I've used Oil of Olay and Cetaphil for washing and moisturizing my face every morning and night. My skin looks pretty good, but it could look better (I think).

So, I was reading this post from a Gluten-free blogger (did you know I've been gluten-free since May?) and she was questioning the ingredients of her facial cleanser (Cetaphil) regarding whether or not it contains gluten...and by the way: WHAT ARE ALL THESE INGREDIENTS IN THE PRODUCTS WE USE ANYWAYS??? ARE THEY ALL NECESSARY?

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Are these ingredients in the products we use on our bodies on a daily basis naturally derived or have we all become one big science experiment?

Check out Gluten Hates Me and the auto-fill response she got back from Cetaphil regarding their facial cleanser. It is shocking that companies takes this attitude. I thought this product was A1 because they have the backing of "dermotologists" and this sounded good to me! Link to Gluten Hates Me blog posting on Cetaphil

Are you worried that as consumers we are being exposed to a wide variety of chemicals? Or do you feel this is all hype and it really doesn't matter? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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Her Fashions as Big as Her Voice...

2012-02-12T15:32:00.000-08:00

Whitney Houston whose glittering fashion statements were as big as her voice, has died at the age of 48.

This news of her passing is shocking and quite sad. She had such a beautiful gift of song. The voice of an angel. If you were on American Idol you were advised not to even attempt to sing a 'Whitney Houston' song...because you won't even come close and you will just embarrass yourself. She had a special place in music history.

If only she could have pulled together her private life...because she almost had it all (just like the song she use to sing).

Whitney Houston was also at center stage when it came to 80's fashions. She was a "Fashion Diva" for her time. She was someone whose glitzy styles I admired back then. She was gorgeous and every woman wanted to look as stylish as her!

Peace be with you Whitney. You will be missed by so many. Hopefully you are in a better place now.

Perfect Blush Application Every Time!

2012-02-05T09:57:00.000-08:00

After one crazy/scary week (with 2 family members in the hospital) things are starting to get back to normal at my household and everyone is thankfully now on the mend.

Why not post something fresh on my blog? What better way to get back into the swing of things again.

One of the most confusing makeup applications is: blush. Aside from wearing eye shadow correctly, women really miss the boat when it comes to makeup application of blush. So I figured I'd clear things up today!

Perfect blush application is all about placement. Ideally you want the burst of color to be right on the apples of your cheeks.

Where are the apples of my cheeks? A fool-proof way to find your cheek's 'apples' is to nestle the brush directly under your eye pupil and across from the tip of your nose. Then blend up and out two inches.

Give this a try and you'll find that you get perfect blush application every time!

Love, Leslie MSP

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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