The Missus Smarty Pants Blog

Duh! Why Didn't I Think of That???

2013-06-11T13:14:00.002-07:00

Is this not a cool tip/idea? For sure warmer weather can make for warmer feet that get smelly in our flats (yuck)!

I'm totally going to give this a try!

Have you done this before? Put dry tea bags into your shoes to remove odors? Success?

If you didn't use tea bags...what did you do to keep the 'stink' problem at bay?

MissusSmartyPants Skirt...hot summer looks!

2013-06-11T06:49:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants Skirt...hot summer looks! by mspsmartypants featuring straw handbags

Fount sleeveless top
$100 - nelly.com

Lipsy floral tank
$44 - lipsy.co.uk

Old Navy denim short shorts
oldnavy.gap.com

Almost Famous floral print shorts
zumiez.com

Iron Fist bow flat
heels.com

Charlotte Russe roman sandals
charlotterusse.com

Earth Axxessories straw handbag
amazon.com

Lalù woven handbag
$20 - pret-a-beaute.com

Ben Amun pendant necklace
couturecandy.com

MissusSmartyPants.com Summer Inspired Style

2013-06-11T06:27:00.001-07:00

MissusSmartyPants.com Summer Inspired Style by mspsmartypants featuring a sleeveless tank

IRO sleeveless tank
farfetch.com

Tommy hilfiger
$140 - zalando.co.uk

Mulberry bow sandals
mulberry.com

Forever 21 beach bag
forever21.com

A Beauty Tip You Can Use...

2013-06-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

Recently I shared with you a story about using bad (expired) makeup. I had a small jar of eye wrinkle cream in my makeup drawer. After cleaning out the makeup drawer, I decided to keep the eye wrinkle cream (an expensive brand) and use it all up. So after washing my face that evening I applied it around my eyes. By time the next morning arrived, my eye lid had PUFFED UP and it was red, tender and swollen up! I looked like I had some type of contagious disease!!! It was embarrassing and I was miserable for days!!!

The moral to the above story is DON'T use OLD MAKEUP.

Toss it out, when in doubt.

Since makeup/beauty products have a limited shelf life, let's NOT take chances when it has expired.

BEAUTY TIP: use a permanent marker and DATE your new makeup containers when you add them to your drawer....

Need makeup tips for the summer heat? Check out this posting at MissusSmartyPants.com

Quick Tips to Improved Style

2013-06-06T14:05:00.002-07:00

Wondering what the secret is to obtaining fabulous style? Why is it your style never looks as good as the other women around you? Why do you feel inadequate like you are never good enough? How can you improve your style and feel more confident?

Let go and just be. That's right it's to time to accept yourself...warts and all. You've got to start loving the woman you currently are. This may sound like a bit of 'psycho-babble' but it's the truth. It is all about acceptance.

Stop comparing yourself to other women (I know, I know we do this so well). Really? Really. Instead, put blinders on and concentrate (from this day forward) on being your best version of YOU.

Compare yourself today to the woman you WERE yesterday. From this day forward...you need to be your best you (inside and out). Concentrate on you.

As you work on your style and being your best version of yourself, keep these basic style tips in mind:

1. Think about the fabric. Structured fabrics like cotton twill or wool blends (in the winter) with added stretch create a smooth look. Clingy fabrics show off your body--just be sure you are wearing 'cling' to the good parts you wish to highlight.

2. Your best fit. For sure I'm always saying to wear 'body skimming' clothes...and here I go again! Avoid clothing that is too tight as well as clothing that is too baggy. Fit the widest areas of your body with each garment then ALTER them to fit you correctly. I've never had a client come back and say they REGRET having alterations done--it's the opposite. Clients always come back and tell me it is best things they've ever done for themselves (and why didn't they think to alter their clothing).

3. Balance your proportions. Dressing attractively is all about proportions. We can 'hide' certain body parts and play up other parts as well enjoy trendy styles by knowing which styles 'balance' our shape. Each week at MissusSmartyPants.com in the body type Personal Profiles, I explain in great detail how to dress your shape. When you wear YOUR most flattering styles--and avoid everything else...it's like style Nirvana and the planets align, LOL!

4. Use color and print strategically. Dark colors can help you look slimmer, while bright colors and prints bring attention to wherever they are being worn. Using color and prints to your advantage makes a big difference in how you look in your clothes. Also consider the scale of your prints. For example, a medium scale print is best on a full-figure woman. Avoid anything extra large or small.

5. Complete every look with accessories. Without a doubt great fitting clothes, the right styles for your body type and wearing your best colors will definitely move your style forward! However, don't forget your accessories!!!!!! These are the finishing touches that pull everything together. These are the completer pieces like: sassy animal-print flats, a skinny metallic belt that cinches your waist just so, or a fab statement necklace!

I hope you enjoy more style confidence with these quick tips! Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

Share your favorite skincare products with us...

2013-05-28T12:49:00.002-07:00

“Great skin is like a retirement account, the sooner you start the better”

How do you keep your skin looking its best? Do you have a special routine or a certain product (face wash or cleanser) you know is making a huge difference?

SHARE with us what you do to keep your skin looking fabulous. What do you love or do that makes your skin look so fabulous?

I'm looking forward to hearing about some new products or how YOU keep fabulous looking skin!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

How Long Makeup Lasts...and when to pitch it!

2013-05-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Ever have a nasty eye infection from using expired makeup? I have. It was pretty bad too.

I got said nasty eye infection from an eye cream that was suppose to "smooth fine lines and crows feet". Well, whatever. I ended up with a pus-inflamed red eye lid that looked like I had something contagious! I stayed home for DAYS people! If I would have seen someone like me (Cyclops) walking around town... I would have gathered up my small children and ran the other way--FAST!!!

The point is, don't take chances with makeup (especially anything that goes near your eyes). When it doubt--toss it out! I've always tossed questionable left-over food and milk past the expiration date without hesitation. But, I guess sometimes a gal just has to learn things the HARD WAY! LOL!

I found this cool info-graph telling you when to toss it OUT!

WHEN IN DOUBT...TOSS IT OUT!!!

When is a bargain...really a bargain?

2013-05-11T14:33:00.000-07:00

Recently I spent six long hours in a client’s closet. Her closet was so crammed full of clothes there was no way she could possibly add in one more shirt!

She contacted me to help her organize her closet and show her how to put outfits together. She was concerned about all the money she has spent on clothes—and yet she felt she had nothing to wear. Sound familiar?

When buying clothes for her wardrobe, my client had never thought about her body shape, coloring or actual wardrobe needs—instead her clothes were always impulsively purchased. Most of her clothes were purchased on SALE--because of this, many of them had become quickly outdated.

The main problem for this woman was that she had purchased “sale” clothes without any thought or plan in mind. She had become “sale-crazed” and purchased only “bargains”! A real wardrobe plan (that I was going to give her) was what this dear sweet woman really needed!

YOUR TURN....So, when is a bargain really a bargain? Share your 'bargain' or not so great 'bargain' stories with us!

Did you know stylish women often spend LESS money!

2013-04-16T12:42:00.002-07:00

Did you know stylish women often spend LESS on clothing than most women do?

Stylish women know the following tricks to being “chic on the cheap”...
__Invest more in classics and base your core wardrobe on them

__Have more solids, fewer prints

__Buy the best quality of basic pieces you can afford (you’ll wear ‘em a lot)

__Wash less and care correctly for your fabrics so they’ll last longer

__Use accessories to dress up or down your wardrobe

__Update seasonally with trendy inexpensive accessories

__Buy only styles that flatter your body and enhance your natural coloring

__Insist on good fitting clothes. Ill-fitting clothes never flatter

__Use a full-length mirror to assess your proportions

Need more style help? Check out my style website

Make Your Jewelry Viewable

2013-04-09T11:28:00.001-07:00

The best way to insure you'll wear your jewelry is to have it where you can SEE it! Don't hide it away in drawers or let it get tangled up in a jewelry box...no, no, no!

Put your jewelry on display! When you see it, you'll wear it!

Here are a couple of ideas for storing/displaying your jewelry...

Below, these are stacked plastic cutlery trays...

Q & A How to Accessorize Correctly

2013-03-03T12:21:00.001-08:00

Dear Leslie,

I need help with accessories. Since you always seem to wear just the right accessories and just the right amount I know you can help. Do you have rules that you follow when picking out your accessories each day?

For example if I wear a bold necklace, should I not wear earrings or is it okay to wear both? If I wear a chunky bracelet should I wear a ring on the same hand or on the other? What about mixing a pearl necklace and diamond stud earrings, yes or no? I just feel pearl earrings will look too matronly with the matching necklace, am I right about this?

By the way I love your website and all your style tips you share with us! My style has dramatically improved since joining your site. I’m also having fun playing dress up in my closet like I’m a little girl.

Thanks! Janella

By far my long strand of pearls are my favorite accessory...

Dear Janella,

This is a hard question to answer since the answer is somewhat subjective. Even stylists don’t agree on what is the right amount of accessories. You’ll see everything in the magazines from no jewelry on to over-accessorizing—and everything in-between. It’s hard for the average women to know what is truly stylish.

Coco Chanel said "Always remove one thing before going out the door". I notice too many women who over-accessorize with earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets all heaped on at one time. It comes across as chaotic and quite distracting--not stylish at all. Coco was right on this one: LESS is more when it comes to wearing accessories.  

Everyone’s accessories should describe their personality. If you aren't absolutely confident that you have your accessories right, then just wear one piece that you love and leave it at that. If you have the confidence, you can pretty much pull off anything.   

So to answer your question: “What rules do I follow when picking out my accessories each day?”...
Here goes:  

1. I pick and choose my accessories by instinct and by my mood.   Since I know (and don’t like) to wear matching “sets” I choose my accessories based on the color I’m wearing and the occasion I’m dressed for. Sometimes I wear large silver hoops with a chunky necklace because the silver in the hoops bring out the silver pieces in the necklace, or because the look I'm going for is a bit more trendy or urban. I try to experiment and pick pieces that describe my mood or vibe for that day. In other words, try on different accessories and see what looks the best on you.

  2. I keep my look balanced.  I usually spread out my accessories to balance my look. If I wear a large necklace, my earrings are minimal. Or if I wear large earrings, I’ll wear no necklace. Or, if I'm wearing a statement belt, I don't wear a necklace so that the necklace doesn't compete with the belt. Again spread out your accessories—and use your full length mirror.

  3. Get style inspiration everywhere! I read fashion magazines and peruse catalogs like J.Crew, Ann Taylor Loft and Anthropologie to see what is hot and what I like.  I interpret the styles for the season and use what I have in my closet. I make up my version with what I own. Sometimes I only need a small item to complete the look!  

4. Always say YES to a sale! I stock up on accessories when I run across a good deal—and I’m always on the lookout.  Why pay a lot for accessories, when you can buy them on clearance for a $2 or less at thrift stores, garage sales, Claire's, Wal-Mart, or Target? The more you have the more options you’ll have for creating your own unique look. DON’T buy junk! Only buy what you like in your seasonal colors.

At the beginning of each season I buy several trendy accessories to update my mostly classic wardrobe. I have a few pieces of real jewelry, shoes, and handbags to fall back on, but I love stocking up on inexpensive items to keep my wardrobe fresh and stylish.  

5. I organize my accessories.   You won't be inspired to wear any accessories unless you can see them all spread out! How you organize and display your jewelry is up to you. You may want to use hooks or accessory hangers to see all that you have. When I open my closet I can see all my options. I can see my necklaces, scarves, bags, belts and choose what to wear with my outfit. I organize each item by COLOR because I find that most helpful.  

Now to answer your other accessory questions you have asked. Should you forgo earrings when you are wearing bold necklaces?   You don't have to, but you certainly don't want your earrings to distract from your statement necklace. Small stud earrings that coordinate with the necklace always look great. They don't need to match perfectly, but they must compliment. My rule of thumb is if my hair is up, I always wear earrings. I usually do wear small studs if I am wearing a bold necklace. If my hair is down and I'm wearing a statement necklace, I might fore go earrings. But that is just my preference. I've seen women pull off bold earrings with a bold necklace.  

Should you wear both bracelets and rings on the same hand?   Definitely! I would wear several bracelets too. You are making a statement by going strong in one area. I just would fore go a necklace, but balance the bulk out with large earrings. Again, this is just my opinion.   Should you wear a chunky pearl necklace with diamond studs? I worry pearl earrings would be too “matchy-matchy” and old fashioned look—am I right?  You are correct, matched jewelry sets are quite outdated looking. However, if I'm going for a more classic look and I’m wearing a bold pearl necklace (chunky or several strands), I usually wear small pearl studs. If you are worried about looking too matronly, just fore go the earrings and let your hair cover your ears.

The most important thing about accessorizing is exploring. Try new ways to wear a scarf. Try a new bold necklace. Try, try, try! Once you get over your initial anxiety, you love “Showing Your Style” SYSter!

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants (creator of the Personal Profile System)

A Reminder from your "Cyber Stylist"...

2013-02-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

Reminder from MissusSmartyPants...A strong sense of personal style isn't about following trends. It's about wearing things that make you feel great and having confidence in your own standout look.

Have a stylish week! Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants

10 Ways to Get Your Style Fired Up Again

2013-02-18T06:28:00.002-08:00

10 ways to get your style fired up again:

1. Catch a flick. Movies are very influential on the fashion world. Costumes are used to set the mood, personalities, and time period. Take a moment and think of movies past and present. For example, ‘Flash Dance’ suddenly every teen girl wore tunics and leg warmers; ‘Annie Hall’ started the trend of dressing like Diane Keaton. Or ‘Legally Blonde’, a Tiffany heart necklace became the norm for every girl’s wish list.

2. Lace up your sneeks. Go to your mall and lock your wallet in the trunk! Go window shopping (not spending) and check out the storefronts. Observe the latest styles and trends and make note of the ones you love.

3. Become a couch potato. Watch TV just to see what the characters are wearing. Check out what “older” women wear…like the women on CSI, Oprah, The View, and Kelly Ripa. Find same-shaped celebs and copy their style!

4. People who need people. People watch. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite things to do! Go to the mall, a park or cafe and watch people--and more importantly what they are wearing. Critique what they are wearing and if you think it’s working…let them inspire you.

5. Sign on the dotted line...online. Sign up for emails from your favorite stores. Even if you can’t afford to always buy from them…let them inspire you with new styles each season.

Want a quick way to becoming more stylish?

Invest more in wardrobe essentials that you can wear a variety of ways....

6. Go ask Alice. Or, any other trusted friend, sister or those whose style you admire. There is nothing like getting inspiration for your style from a real person.

7. Gloss over the mags. Take a look at the magazines. I’m not talking teen magazines. It can be any magazine from Redbook to Woman’s Wear Daily. A variety of magazines will show women of all ages. Look at what they are wearing.

8. Talk with your teen. No, don’t have THE talk! Ask them for fashion ideas, silly! They may not quite get where you are coming from—heck we don’t get where they are coming from either! It’s worth a try--they are walking billboards for all the latest styles and trends!

9. Stamp your passport. Travel! Different cultures can inspire your style. See what is popular in another country. I remember going to Paris, France as a teen. The classy styles the women were wearing became “fashionable” years later here in the States!

10. Don’t be a victim. Know when to pass on a style or trend. It is more important to dress age appropriate…don’t dress like your daughter or grandmother either! You need to be comfortable in your own skin.

Go to MissusSmartyPants.com! For the ultimate fashion tips and style help. Join MSP for weekly style advice and follow the fit guidelines and you will learn to dress for your body type like never before!

Get Your Burning Style Question Answered!

2013-02-09T13:09:00.002-08:00

This week at MissusSmartyPants.com you'll get your burning style question answered!

Simply ask your question on my MissusSmartyPants Facebook Fan Page and read the answer this week at MSP in your Personal Profile! You'll want to use this LIST as a reference guide to help you when you get stuck in a fashion dilemma from time to time.

You'll learn answers to style questions like these (and more):

How to wear a necklace so that it won't compete with your belt
Tucked in or let untucked? What's the rule?
The right top length when wearing a skirt
To wear a necklace properly when you have a full bust
How to wear bootie-shoes
How to go sleeveless
How to wear brown and black together or navy and black
Can a woman with a full-booty wear skinnies?

White Under White is a Fashion Don't

2013-02-05T04:24:00.001-08:00

Just a little reminder...under white tops (and light colored ones too) a WHITE BRA is a fashion DON'T.

A NUDE bra (close to your skin color) always works under white and light-colored fabrics!

Here's a photo of what NOT to do :)

This fashion don't was posted in the MissusSmartyPants Style Forum here...

There are lots of great posts on this 'white under white' issue...however there's another great tip posted regarding white pants and pocket show-through here.

RareGemma says: One of my sewing magazines showed me how to solve "visible pocket" issue with white pants. That's where you can see the pockets through the pants in the front. You just get some nude fabric, trace out the pocket, cut the single piece of the nude fabric, turn the garment insideout and and sew it onto the pocket (on the side that faces the front) The nude fabric masks the white fabric of the pocket!

That's pretty cool idea for those that still want to keep their pockets...I've always suggested you have them cut out!

Jump Right In & Join Our Style Challenge!

2013-01-30T07:50:00.003-08:00

Dear Leslie,

Today I wore a sweater top with an attached crocheted belt. Where the belt ties I wore my gold pin as a buckle for the belt. Even through I've worn it several times before, today I received a complement on my sweater! I would never have thought to try this without you. I've been a subscriber for about a year and a half. . . And I still have a problem with sticking with just one or two neutral colors for my basics. Last week I wore the same pair of gray pants for 3 days in a row with different tops, jackets, jewelry, and shoes. Those three days were some of the easiest day in getting dressed I've ever had because I was wearing the same basic neutral color. . . .and NO I didn't feel that I was wearing the same thing everyday! Looks like I'm finally catching on to the concept of stylish dressing.

Thank you for helping me dress my "D" figure for success! Jennie in KY

Dear MSP SYSters and Jennie,

I just LOVE getting your emails because they inspire ME! I'm always hoping to inspire YOU and help you find your own brand of style...and yet I end up inspired and enthused about exploring yet another style topic with you!

In Jennie's email (above) she points out that by adding an accessory (a gold pin... Style Mission from 1-15-13) her outfit became extra-special and it got her compliments! This proves that accessories complete our look. We just don't look polished without them.
Jennie also explains how dressing was so EASY last week when she wore the same neutral color (the same gray pants). By using one key basic piece...dressing was easier.

Jennie's email is the inspiration for this week's Style Mission: Wear FEWER pieces to create MORE style!

Thank you Jennie! Love, Leslie MSP

This week it's a "Style Challenge"!

This week's Style Mission is: Wear Only 8 Pieces for 7 Days!

For example, here are the 8 pieces I'll be wearing this week:
1. (1) pair of jean (I've got some casual days where I'll be at the computer all day. Wearing jeans are perfect for these days).
2. (1) dress pant (Easy for dressing up or down, as needed)
3. (1) sweater Dress ( I have a business meeting to wear this to, plus it can be dressed down easily another day)
4. (3) blouses/tops
5. (1) sweater
6. (1) blazer

Here are my 3 tops (red shell, gray turtleneck, chambray blouse) I'll wear this week...

The rest of the 8 pieces are posted here in the MSP Style Forum

I HAVE CREATED A POST IN THE MSP STYLE FORUM SHOWING MY 8 PIECES I'LL BE WEARING FOR 7 DAYS! I'LL POST MY DAILY OUTFITS & SO CAN YOU. Here is the link: Join the MSP Challenge: 7 Days, 8 Pieces!

What's NOT included:

Exercise/gym clothes (these get sweaty, gross and need changing immediately after exercise...so they don't count)

Pajamas, undergarments, shoes, winter coats/outwear, accessories (Take as many servings of accessories as you want! These are unlimited-like zero-calorie sweeteners. In fact, play up your accessories to really change up these 8 pieces you'll be wearing!)

Won't you join in and take the "7 Days, 8 Pieces" style challenge? You can post/share your select 8 pieces and daily outfits in the MSP Style Forum. I'll be checking in DAILY! Hope to see you there!

Love, Leslie MSP

Beauty Product Have a Limited Shelf Life

2013-01-27T14:42:00.000-08:00

Beauty products have a limited shelf life, so chances are lots of what's in our makeup drawers and bathroom cabinets has long expired!

TIP: use a permanent marker and DATE your new makeup when you add it to your drawer.

Eleven makeup products & how long they last:

1. Concealers. Up to 12 months.

2. Powders. 2 years.

3. Cream & gel cleansers. 1 year.

4. Pencil eye liner . Up to 3 years.

5. Eye shadow. Lasts up to 3 years. TIP: dark eye shadow can double as an eyeliner. You'll need an fine eyeliner brush for this. Get the brush a little damp w/ water and dab into the eye shadow (dark gray, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Work the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, and then sweep the eye shadow just above your lash line.

6. Brushes. Wash them every 2 months in a mild soap

7. Sponges .Wash weekly and throw out monthly

8. Foundations. Water-based foundations will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months.

9. Lipstick. 1-2 years. However, if it smells rancid, throw it out.

10. Mascara. This product doesn’t have a long shelf life: Throw out after 3 months. Don't pump the wand in and out because you will expose the mascara to the air and dry it out faster.

11. Nail Polish. Up to 12 months, depending on the quality. TIP: when brand-new dab a little vaseline on the inner rim to keep it clean and easy to seal.

OPI Color: Sand in My Suit

Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants
http://www.missussmartypants.com/index.php?route=common/home

Being Your Authentic Self

2013-01-19T13:27:00.001-08:00

"I think women see me on the cover of magazines and think I never have a pimple or bags under my eyes. You have to realize that's after two hours of hair and makeup, plus retouching! Even I don't wake up looking like Cindy Crawford." ~ Cindy Crawford

Just be you... Be your authentic self

Get real. Have real expectations of what real women (like you) really look like. Take a look around, the women you see everyday are real (no retouching required).

Dress your shape. Learn to dress in only the most flattering styles for your body type. When you accept your shape (and body) for the way it is TODAY...you will make peace with it and actually love how it looks in clothes!

Change that attitude, girl! When you have a more positive attitude and are willing to "step out of the box" you will learn new ways to improve your style and keep your look current! Get that attitude going and you will FLY (Finally Loving Yourself)!

With love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants...the creator of the MSP Personal Profile System

Tip to make nail polish last longer

2013-01-09T07:11:00.002-08:00

Nail polish is a fun way to add a touch of pizzazz to your look. With every color of the rainbow now available (not to mention all the sparkles and iridescent nail polishes too)...why not paint on something fun?!

Since nail polish never seems to last long enough....I thought I'd pass along this tip of how to make it last longer.... Rub your nails with white vinegar to the the moisture out of the nail, which helps the polish adhere and last longer! It's that simple!!!

Pick a fun COLOR!

Merry Christmas!

2012-12-25T13:35:00.002-08:00

Enjoy your holiday and let the kid in you come out and play!

Makeup Can Help...

2012-12-16T14:30:00.000-08:00

"Makeup can make you look pretty on the outside, but it doesn't help if you are ugly in the inside"

Great quote to ponder this time of year...

Merry Christmas to YOU!

2012-12-14T04:34:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to YOU! by mspsmartypants featuring calf hair handbags

Frye knee boots
heels.com

Valentino calf hair handbag
mytheresa.com

Metallic Red Large Ornament Garland Gift Wrap
crateandbarrel.com

2012-12-07T15:50:00.006-08:00

A good looking woman (YOU) is always wearing a flattering color from her Seasonal Colors!

Pamper yourself with a MSP Seasonal Color Analysis today!

Even Coco agrees with me (smile)...

How to have a stylish wardrobe (for once in your life)!

2012-11-25T12:06:00.000-08:00

Stuck and don’t know what to wear?

The answer to your quandary is to build a better core wardrobe!

Are you wearing the same boring outfits over and over because you don’t know what else to wear? Need some ideas of how to mix up your ‘same ‘ol’ wardrobe without spending lots of money? I thought so!

Although focusing on our wardrobes would seem like a selfish act, it’s actually the exact opposite. In order for your family to get the best from you, you need to feel good about yourself. So, chisel out some “me time” and actually PLAN your wardrobe for once in your life! Because the truth is: when you feel good about what you’re wearing, you feel good about yourself!

More than likely your closet is way too full and yet you can never find anything nice to wear. How do I know this? Because way too many women keep buying clothes and accessories without having any basic wardrobe plan in mind.

A better wardrobe starts with a closet purge. You've got to get in there and see what's in your closet! Once you have de-cluttered (removed) and organized what's left, you can then begin to build a fantastic wardrobe! Remove from your closet what’s not being worn and then organize what’s left. (You know the saying: “You can’t see the forest through the trees”) well this holds true with your wardrobe too. To begin your quest for a better wardrobe, you must do a closet purge first.

Statistically speaking, 9 out of 10 women have too many clothes in their closet. That’s a lot of closets in need of desperate help! Here’s what can happen when your closet is too full…has this happened to you? You are looking for the only black pants (out of six pairs) that fit you just right…you’ve searched your closet, dug through the dirty clothes, looked in the washer and in the ironing pile too—yet you still can’t find your favorite pants! Perhaps you accidentally hung them up in your husband’s closet? Later that evening, as you struggle to pull something else out of your way-too-full closet—Bingo! There they are! Your favorite black pants! They were in your closet all along.

Start with a basic wardrobe. By owning fewer pieces (yes, less clothes) you will actually be more stylish. It’s like magic, less clothes will give you more wear-able items to wear!

Your ‘STYLE RULES’ for building a quality wardrobe. Build your core wardrobe with items like... semi-fitted tee shirts (short, 3/4 and long sleeve) a variety of blouses/tops, selection of casual and dressy pants, solid colored dresses and skirts, casual and dressy blazers/jackets, other items (depending upon lifestyle and climate) winter coat, matched suiting. For a complete list of "Wardrobe Basics" join MissusSmartyPants.com for more specific style help based on your body type!

1. From now on, only allow new clothes in your closet that fit your body well--nothing else! (Nothing baggy, nothing too tight).

2.Your closet will only be filled with clothes that relate to each other. Nothing can be added unless it can help you create at least two new outfits.

3. Most of your clothing items should span multiple seasons to maximize their use.

All of these aforementioned ‘style rules’ will simplify dressing and save you precious time every morning!

An organized closet has fewer clothes in it (only the ones you really do wear) + everything is within view!

At MissusSmartyPants.com you learn which styles (based on your own body shape) make your body look it’s best. You also learn which basics will give you the most wearable options. Won't it be nice to be able to pull out something terrific to wear each and every day? You’ll be able to if you follow the basic wardrobe plan shared at MissusSmartyPants.com.

‘Wardrobe basics’ will save you money because you only purchase clothing that fits into your ‘wardrobe basics’ plan. No more wasting money on costly impulse purchases (even if the item was “on sale”)! Get a list of ‘basics’ and start (slowly) building the decent wardrobe (you as a grown woman) do deserve. Remember, basic pieces are investment items, so don’t be afraid to spend a little more on them since you’ll wear them over and over again. Also, have them altered, if needed so they fit you like a glove. You deserve great fitting clothes that flatter your body.

Your “Essential Wardrobe Basics” List:

When purchasing basic wardrobe items, keep your lifestyle in mind. For example, a business executive would do best to purchase a black pencil skirt in a fine wool, while a stay-at-home mom might prefer her skirt in a casual cotton fabric. You get the idea, base these wardrobe suggestions below on your lifestyle as well as the climate you live in.

As you plan your wardrobe, decide what neutral color (one or two colors) you wish to base your wardrobe plan on. Then, select one or two accent colors. Accent colors are colors you know you look good in (you always get compliments when wearing) and love wearing.

From now on.... you'll never open your closet and wonder why you have so many clothes, yet NOTHING to wear! (This might not be what your closet will look like...but you get the idea of how great it will feel to have only fabulous clothes in there you LOVE!)

A wardrobe plan and a closet with fabulous basics will make this happen! If you have style questions, email me at: missusmsp@yahoo.com

Love, Leslie AKA MissusSmartyPants

10 Ways to Get Your Style Fired Up Again!

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1. Catch a flick. Movies are very influential on the fashion world. Costumes are used to set the mood, personalities, and time period. Take a moment and think of movies past and present. For example, ‘Flash Dance’ suddenly every teen girl wore tunics and leg warmers; ‘Annie Hall’ started the trend of dressing like Diane Keaton. Or ‘Legally Blonde’, a Tiffany heart necklace became the norm for every girl’s wish list.

2. Lace up your sneeks. Go to your mall and lock your wallet in the trunk! Start window shopping (not spending) and check out all the storefronts. Observe the latest styles and trends and make note of the ones you love.

3. Become a couch potato. Watch TV just to see what the characters are wearing. Check out what “older” women wear…like the women on CSI, Oprah, The View, and Kelly Ripa. Find same-shaped celebs and copy their style!

4. People who need people. People watch. Admittedly, this is one of my favorite things to do! Go to the mall, a park or cafe and watch people--and more importantly what they are wearing. Critique what they are wearing and if you think it’s working…let them inspire you.

5. Sign on the dotted line online. Sign up for emails from your favorite stores. Even if you can’t afford to always buy from them…let them inspire you with new styles each season.

6. Go ask Alice. Or, any other trusted friend, sister or those whose style you admire. There is nothing like getting inspiration for your style from a real person.

7. Gloss over the mags. Take a look at the magazines. I’m not talking teen magazines. It can be any magazine from Redbook to Woman’s Wear Daily. A variety of magazines will show women of all ages. Look at what they are wearing.

8. Talk with your teen. No, don’t have THE talk! Ask them for fashion ideas, silly! They may not quite get where you are coming from—heck we don’t get where they are coming from either! It’s worth a try--they are walking billboards for all the latest styles and trends!

9. Stamp your passport. Travel! Different cultures can inspire your style. See what is popular in another country. I remember going to Paris, France as a teen. The classy styles the women were wearing became “fashionable” years later here in the States!

10. Don’t be a victim. Know when to pass on a style or trend. It is more important to dress age appropriate…don’t dress like your daughter or grandmother either! You need to be comfortable in your own skin.

Go to: http://www.missussmartypants.com/ For the more fashion tips and style help...Now's the time to revamp your style!