Finishing Touches, Part Two
Meet Deb
MSP's Weekly Style Mission
What SYSters are Saying/Style Poll
Finishing Touches, Part Two
Dear SYSters,
This week in Thursday's Personal Profiles I'm wrapping up "Finishing Touches" with belts and hats. I'll show you what styles of belts are your best choices if you waist is short, long or slightly undefined-and more. Don't let belts frighten you-all women can wear them-and I'll show you how! For hats-I show you how to select the best hat style for your face shape. Instead of seeing others looking cute in hat-you'll being wearing one too!
Accessories are essential wardrobe items because they complete your look and show your style! Accessories are important for strategic reasons as well. You can use them as "diversionary tactics" to get attention away from the not so good parts. Accessories placed correctly can even help you balance your shape!
Statement necklaces are stylish choice.
A great way to bring attention upward!
Chadwick's Medallion Pendant Necklace
However, accessories are often overlooked and not worn because wearing them "correctly" confuses women-so they let their style lack and leave them off completely. Does this sound like you? NOT anymore! By following this week's Style Article (how to wear belts & hats) and last week's Style Article (how to wear scarves & brooches). You'll be in the "know" on how to wear a variety of accessories!
Start your spring off with improved style today!
Speaking of spring - the month of March kicks off the spring season at MissusSmartyPants! This month is chocked full of useful style advice you are going to love! You will learn what to have in your closet at the beginning of the season-a guide of what to buy before the stores run out of your size. You will get prepared for warm weather ahead of the season-imagine that! You'll also get the ever-popular "Big Spring Preview". This is MSP's personal review of all the new spring styles, trends and colors. You'll learn what new styles will be right for your body type-and which ones you want to pass on!
MSP is all about value. Since I'm always searching for fabulous styles at great prices-I continue to pledge great value for your dollar with money-saving style tips as well as what to buy for your shape. This way you will avoid clothes that would only be a waste of money. You'll be both fashion-savvy and budget-savvy! How good is that?!
MissusSmartyPants is your one-stop shopping place for everything style-related. You won't feel tempted to punk down $5 for a fashion magazine at the supermarket checkout-only to be disappointed at the impractical advice. Instead, with MSP you will babystep your way to improved style weekly-and everything based on your body type!
Love, Leslie MSP
P.S. As you know all weekly Style Articles are posted for 4 weeks. Giving you time to save/print and enjoy the contents. One of the most popular articles "A Fabulous, Affordable Wardrobe" (about MSP shopping second-hand) is due to expire. Don't wait! This is the LAST week to access this popular article-don't miss out!
Are you ready to invest in yourself? Order your Personal Profile TODAY!
Meet Deb
Dear SYSters,
We are all on a style journey together. All of us at different places in our lives-which makes interesting to know each other's stories and struggles.
When it comes to our style, we want to dress in a way that represents who we are. Our clothes have a lot to say, so choosing the best styles are essential to presenting a good image.
My new friend Debbie and I were recently talking about our style. She is a former teacher in her thirties and recently started replacing some of her "teacher clothes". She's trying to figure out where she is at "stylishly" speaking.
Here is Debbie's story - ready to make positive changes in her style!
Love, Leslie MSP
Deb here:
As a recent transplant to the Charlotte area, I joined a local health club hoping to lose a little jiggle, meet some new people, and get focused on a regular exercise regimen. It was there that I met Leslie, who I later found out to be the one and only, Missus Smarty Pants.
We spin together. We lift together. We sweat together. She has seen me at my least attractive; red-faced, panting, and utterly exhausted after an excruciating workout. My gym clothes don't always match, and I am definitely not a fashion plate. So when Leslie approached me about contributing to her fashion website, I was somewhat shocked, and a little confused...until I learned what MSP is really all about. When I found out that this was a website for real women like me, who want to look and feel better about themselves, I decided to give it a shot.
Ironically, I find myself being called upon to write about fashion during a time in my life when I probably feel the most out-of-touch with the fashion world. Perhaps my fashion savvy has been negatively impacted because I'm not out there in the workforce right now, or because I'm no longer in that prime twenty-something demographic. It may even have something to do with the fact that my recent move south has separated me from my long-time circle of friends who have also served as my personal fashion critics and trend spotters.
Whatever the reason, lately I've felt pretty stagnant in my style choices. I feel as though I have reached a fashion stalemate. When I look into my closet I am peering into a vast sea of black, grey, and brown. BORING! I'm embarrassed to say that if a stranger looked into my closet, she would probably be able to decipher that at one time in my life I was an elementary school teacher. Not that I have an array of embroidered holiday sweaters or anything, but there is some definite frump in there! In my defense, I no longer wear those clothes, and am working on following MSP's advice of purging them for once and for all!
As I begin to plan the new direction I would like my wardrobe to take, I thought it might be helpful to ask a few friends for some input. After polling a few gal pals about my personal style, it was determined that I fall into the category of "Edgy prep with a splash of sporty". Ok, I get that. In an ideal world of endless cash flow I would love to build an entire wardrobe from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Christian LaCroix, and Roberto Cavalli. But realistically when I go to a mall, my staple stores are JCrew, Banana Republic, and REI. Why? Because the price is right (especially if it's on sale!), the sizes fit, and I can usually guarantee wearing the clothes for more than one season. I admit it. I am a comfort junkie and a lazy launderer. I veer toward denim, cotton, and any other fabric that can sustain life in the washing machine. And so, I tend to buy practical, comfortable clothing options that can be "jazzed up" by an exciting accessory.
For example, I recently went to a cocktail party wearing a black cowl neck under a fitted black blazer paired up with ultra dark-rinse jeans. I capped off the look with a pair of bold fuchsia wedge heels featuring a studded toe detail. The splash of color on my feet MADE the entire ensemble. It's amazing what a hot pair of shoes, a cocktail ring, or a dramatic handbag can do for an outfit...and your self-confidence! And if that doesn't work, try a little Chardonnay ;).
Sitting here typing this article in my comfy grey Target sweatpants and North Face fleece, I have high hopes for what my new-found relationship with MSP and what the SYSterhood will mean for both my closet and my self-image. Maybe I will finally gather up the courage to make a clean sweep of all my old teacher clothes. Maybe I will be inspired to spice things up a bit with my color choices. Maybe I will even take a few risks with the ol' neckline. One thing is for certain, this 30-something is determined not to be undone by the likes of skinny jeans and spiked heels! I will not go quietly into that dark night and fade into the abyss of "mom jeans", nor will I resolve to dressing like an overgrown teenager! And as I embark, I vow to share the ups and downs of my style journey....the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Your new SYSter, Debbie
MSP's Weekly Style Mission
Did you wear a new accessory last week? Perhaps you wore a scarf for the first time, a new necklace or a brooch? If you still need help tying a scarf use the step-by-step guide (located in "Finishing Touches" simply login to your Personal Profile).
Send me pictures or email me about your experience wearing a scarf or new accessory: Email me: lookgreat@missussmartypants.com I LOVE hearing from you!
This week's Style Mission is to assess and replace your wardrobe basics. Are you wearing the same ‘ol worn out pants and just making do? Not anymore, it's time to replace them!
Your basic pieces should be about 50% of your current wardrobe therefore they get a lot of wear. Buy the best quality you can afford. Don't be afraid to spend money on basics that make you feel like a million bucks! You'll wear them all the time and they are the foundation to having a great wardrobe!
Love, Leslie MSP
What SYSters are Saying/ MSP Style Poll
Dear MSP,
I have been getting your profiles for almost a year now. I am so glad that I signed up BEFORE I lost all the weight I've been trying to lose. I am on target to have lost 65-70 pounds in a year.
I signed up for the profiles about the same time I started losing weight. Your service has made such a difference in my life! I am sure I lost pounds visually by just learning how to dress for my body type, but as I lose weight it has been helpful to continue to buy clothes right for me.
I shop at a plus-sized consignment shop because I don't want to spend a lot of money on clothes while I'm still losing so regularly. I just got a call today from the shop owner asking me to be a model for a style show for her store! This is all thanks to you teaching me how to shop for my body and how wearing the right clothes has changed my view of me. Thanks so much for your service and advice!
Love, Rhonda
Missus Smarty Pants,
Since subscribing to your service 3 years ago I am so much more comfortable when I go shopping. I know very quickly what styles, colors, and what article of clothing I'm looking for - and I have a limited amount of time to shop.
One of the things I still struggle with is putting ensembles together. I love it when I walk into a store and there are lots of manikins with complete outfits including jewelry. I can't get enough of your mix and match articles.
Thank you for providing an economical way for the average woman to look great,
Phyllis in Texas
Dear Leslie,
Just a quick note: I got dressed today, and since your BTR show was about belts+the mission+the closet challenge I thought, Id give it a shot - walked out of my room with black leggings, a petrol+black paisley print tunic (and black cami underneath) and just buckled my black belt around and instantly got complimented by my roommate!!!
Who knew belts could make this happen... well: MSP could. Keep up the great work; it is highly appreciated by the SYSters as well as those looking at us.
Hugs, Kat
MSP,
I just wanted to THANK YOU for the wonderful advice and encouragement you provide. I began only a short time ago, and already see results. I am a mom of 1 & 2 year old girls. It's fun to dress them; however, I had let myself go! I lost 80 pounds after having my second baby and all of my clothes were too big (even pre-pregnancy clothes!)
On your advice, I did a closet purge. I felt liberated! I followed your advice and bought staple items for my B body type. I LOVE my new fitted jacket w/ princess seems. I can throw it on over my NY & Co City Tank, and I feel polished and pretty! I got some fun shell jewelry to add some color and sparkle. I even bought a pair of bright pink Bermuda shorts that celebrate my curves. MSP, I'm not just a mom, I'm a woman again. Hallelujah!
Love, Lynne
Leslie,
I have been a member for about 5 years it is so amazing. Well I got fitted for the "girls" about that time and I was in the wrong size! (go figure). Anyway because of your suggestion I went to the local Nordstrom's got fitted they ask me what I wanted in a bra, and was introduced to a wonderful line of bras that I wear. And everyone says they are so expensive but they are not, first of all, cpw (cost per wear) and since I know what size I wear they can order me any bra and ship to me when on sale, It is amazing, I am spending less money on my bras and wearing them more!
Thanks. Cheryl
Dear Leslie,
You have told us over and over to wash our make-up brushes on a regular basis, but it is a routine I have not gotten into. Part of the problem was that in my mind I was doing it to keep the brushes from shedding and mine don't shed even though years old. The other problem was the nuisance of first washing them with shampoo and then putting the hair rinse on them to set for awhile.
Yesterday I bought my new spring eye colors at my favorite make-up counter. This time as we talked about tossing eye make-up over six months old to prevent eye infection, she told me that it is also important for me to wash my brushes to prevent eye infections. Now that got my attention.
She recommended washing them in the morning immediately after putting on my make-up so they have time to dry. I did that this morning using a 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioner. That made it a lot easier.
My new plan is to wash my brushes around the first of each month. Thanks.
Carole
A newly enlightened SYSter in Portland (And the eyes are the windows of the soul)
Hi Carole,
I certainly have mentioned over and over to please wash your brushes to keep them clean. Over time old makeup and face oils collect - then you reapply it to your clean face. Yuck.
The chance of infection does exist and that's why we don't share mascara or other makeup with others.
I've never used both shampoo and hair conditioner like the makeup sales-associate recommended, I simply wash my brushes with my mild face wash and set them to dry. Washing them right after you've applied your makeup will allow the most time for them to dry. I wash my brushes every 2 weeks.
I'm glad she got your attention and today you are helping to remind others to keep their makeup brushes clean! Thanks!
Your SYSter, Leslie MSP
P.S. Need a new set of makeup brushes? These brushes (sold at Target) rock! They are soft and you'll love having a complete set for eyes, foundation and cheeks all in one tote!
MSP's Style Poll
Last week's Style Poll asked which dressing combination was the worst choice you can make.
Actually there are two correct answers. The first correct answer was "wearing a baggy top w/ a loose pant" (this should be a no-brainer that 2 baggy items will look messy). The next bad dressing combination would be a "tight top w/ skinny jeans" this look often shows too many bumps and body imbalances and would not be your best choice either. When you wear skinny pants, choose a loose fitting shirt (a blouson, or a shirt with a ruffle sleeve, etc.) This helps balance the look.
Go to http://www.missussmartypants.com/ and take this week's Style Poll:
Which of the following choices is the most unflattering feature of a pant for a woman?
A high waist
Wide legs
Front pleats
Prints & stripes
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