June 12, 2013, 2:35 pm by MSP
A SYSter's style question spurs on this week's Style Article!
Dear Leslie,
I'm quite excited about your body shapes program! Your service is not only a good resource for me to improve my style piece by piece, but it's also quite affordable and has made dressing fun again.
I desperately need your help though. This summer I have a short vacation planned where I'm meeting up with some of old friends at a all-inclusive resort. I also have a wedding I'll be attending in late July (can't believe anyone gets married in July). Could you possibly offer me a few suggestions of what I might wear? How about accessories? Is it too hot to wear them? What do you think I should take for my trip especially if I'm trying to pack light? What does one wear to a wedding when i[ More | Email | Print ]
June 9, 2013, 3:10 pm by MSP
On errand day last week I had so much to do and only a certain amount of time to get it all done. But before I headed out the door to run my errands, I called a customer service center to resolve an ongoing error that I had on an account (it had been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks). Luckily my call was promptly answered...but then I was put on hold. ON HOLD! Pleasssse!!!! I have things to get done today! I needed an answer ASAP...and hurry (pretty please) after all I'd put off taking care of this issue for two weeks now!! I finally did get everything resolved.... but it took over 20 minutes to be resolved--a lot longer than I thought it should. I was a bit behind schedule but I headed out the door to run my errands anyways.
One of my first errands of the day wa[ More | Email | Print ]
June 7, 2013, 3:52 pm by MSP
Dear SYSters,
Below is a difficult issue with no easier answer. I gave 'Lisa' my heart-felt response; but it's hard to know if there is something deeper and underlying here.
So, I asked YOU to share with us your thoughts/opinions and suggestions for 'Lisa' to consider...
(First, here's 'Lisa's' email asking me to help her with her delicate situation and then my answer to her. Next, I've posted quite a few of your responses that you emailed in).
Thanks to all of you that took the time to share your thoughts with us. YOU are what makes MissusSmartyPants such a special place!
Love, Leslie MSP
HELP! Husband HATES my style!
Hi Leslie,
Thanks for last Thursday’s personal body type profile. It helps me a lot to see the don'ts [ More | Email | Print ]
June 3, 2013, 2:40 pm by MSP
There's more to buying a handbag than simply finding one you like. Of course, most women have a 'check list' of needs they expect from a handbag they might carry around. From a certain amount of compartments (for cell phone, keys, personal items, etc.) to a certain size or a particular color and straps that stay up, blah, blah, blah. Does this sound like some of things you think about when shopping for a new handbag?
However, did you ever stop and think about the SHAPE of your handbag? Is it flattering on you? How about the size (or shape) of your handbag in relation to your body size? Does it really matter? Which styles are best; and which ones should be avoided?
Most of us carry a handbag every day...that means it should really be flattering!
YOU[ More | Email | Print ]
May 27, 2013, 3:48 pm by MSP
Got 5 minutes? Yes, I know you're always short on time...but what if I told you it take only 5 minutes each morning to look fabulous all day? I thought so...Yes! It is totally worth it!!!
How would you like to naturally look more beautiful in just 5 minutes? Sounds great, doesn't it? It most certainly can happen each and every morning with this week's 'quick and easy 5 minute face' makeup tips from MSP's Faith!
This week's fast n' fabulous makeup tips from Faith...
Will show you beauty is not about expensive products...rather, it's about using the right products in the right places to enhance your natural beauty!
Our SYSter Faith is going to show you how (and where) to apply just the right amount of make[ More | Email | Print ]
May 20, 2013, 4:03 pm by MSP
Wouldn't you love to have a few stylish ideas in your back pocket ready for when the need arises? You know, the 'easy button' for something nice to wear when you want to look and feel a little more stylish. Maybe you even want to look more stylish everyday. The good news is you can push an 'easy button' with this week's "The 'go-to' Guide for Creating Summer Outfits".
Last weekend my husband and I went out for dinner and a movie. I wore my textured pencil skirt, a peplum knit top and my soft pink kitten heels. It was easy-peasy style for me and I felt great! (Note to self: next time take a picture of outfit so you can share it with the ladies). When the weather heats up...I've got a few 'go-to' outfits ready to be put together. I use templates (I created) to help m[ More | Email | Print ]
May 13, 2013, 5:08 pm by MSP
Ready, set, go! Real soon it's going to get hot outside! And when it does...what are you going to wear?
Recently, I've helped several clients build their spring/summer wardrobes. One of the topics that came up frequently was what to wear when it gets hot, really hot outside. We've got lots of style options like wearing a sundress or skirt, but more than likely when it's hot, we'll wear lots of shorts, capris and cropped pants.
Admittedly, I'm a little apprehensive about showing more skin as the weather warms. I know most women are. However, I also know finding the most flattering shorts, crops and capris for our body types will make us look and feel more confident.
This week's Style Article is dedicated to finding YOUR most flattering short lengths a[ More | Email | Print ]
May 8, 2013, 9:54 am by MSP
I love this following quote about moms because it means 'mom' can actually be anyone that continues to show you unselfish love. There's nothing better than knowing you've got that someone special in your life...
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
Don't forget Mother's Day is this Sunday May 12th!
Give the gift of style to your mom, sister, best friend or aunt!
MissusSmartyPants gift certificates are available for $14.95-44.95
[ More | Email | Print ]
May 6, 2013, 6:20 pm by MSP
What you put on your feet can sometimes be a harder decision--than actually selecting the clothes you are going to wear. Once you do decide what to wear, now you doubt whether your shoe choice is the right one or not. How can you tell if your favorite pair of shoes are right for your outfit AND if they are still 'in style'? Outdated shoes for sure will make YOU look outdated. So, how do you know when it's time to retire your favorite shoes and embrace a newer style?
This week at MSP, your MSP SYSter Faith is going to help you navigate the spring shoe trends. She's also going to show you how to wear them--and maintain them. Faith loves comfortable shoes and much as any MSP SYSter, and she's selected some cute styles that happen to be quite wearable. You will enjoy wearing thes[ More | Email | Print ]
April 29, 2013, 3:53 pm by MSP
All out of style ideas? Or perhaps you've never really had much style-savvy in the first place. How do you get 'style inspired' when you feel like you've been wearing the same stuff over and over and your style has become rather boring? What can you do to get style inspired and have that stylish look you've always wished for?
This week at MissusSmartyPants.com we are going to explore some fun (and somewhat unusual places) you can find your style inspiration. So, strap on your seatbelt and get ready for a wild ride! You are going to see how everything in nature like a pretty sunset or colorful butterfly (and a few celebs mixed in) can inspire your style!
One of the biggest style blunders women make is thinking they need to buy MORE clothes (and spend MORE money) in order to have [ More | Email | Print ]
April 22, 2013, 4:19 pm by MSP
It's time for MSP’s Big Swimsuit Guide 2013!
Ready or not—it’s time to make a splash in a swimsuit! This week at MissusSmartyPants.com it’s all about helping YOU find your best swimsuit options based on YOUR shape!
Do you have ‘swimsuit anxiety’? Have you declined invitations in the past to swimming pools or the beach because it says, ‘Bring a swimsuit and towel’ ? Many of us have…but it's NOT going to happen this year! You are going to see the most fabulous swimsuits perfect for your shape + lots of clever cover-up ideas that will get you out there having fun!
The right swimsuit WILL make you look your best!
Get off the sidelines and into the pool this year!
The most important aspect of any swimsuit is one that makes YOU
[ More | Email | Print ]
April 13, 2013, 2:46 pm by MSP
Get ready for take off on a trip...in style!
This week you get MSP’s 3-Day Packing List/Guide!
Tis the season to start planning and taking family vacations and air travel! Whether your vacation is all about relaxing at a resort, scooting away to the beach for a couple of days... this week’s style article has everything you’ll need to pack efficiently for a 3-day trip!
By far the biggest travel mistake is over-packing! Having just what you need and nothing more will make your travel hassle-free. With a good packing list you will be able to pack lighter and that makes getting to your destination quick and easy (since you won’t have to check-in any bags)!
If you are traveling by air, you will find there are many restrictions on what you can take and how much. [ More | Email | Print ]
April 6, 2013, 3:34 pm by MSP
Got a casual lifestyle? Have the years passed and now you don't know where to find your style?
Do you sometimes think your lifestyle is so casual you might not be able to pull off anything stylish and often feel frumpy? Do you sometimes worry you'll get stuck this way--unstyled? No worries. This week at MissusSmartyPants.com we will examine lots of ways you can take your way-too-casual clothing and create something stylish AND spectacular! Sounds almost too good to be true, but with a little panache and creative styling ideas you will look the way you've always wanted to look. The best part is you can do this everyday--quickly before you set your foot out the door in the morning!
Ho Hum...your wardrobe is humdrum. Do you find your wardrobe is repetitive (border[ More | Email | Print ]
April 1, 2013, 8:06 pm by MSP
"Because of what's going on with the economy, I think women are realizing that maybe they don't need a closet full of clothes.
They just need the RIGHT clothes" ~ Michael Kors
How functional are the clothes that hang in your closet? Can you rely on them to help you create an outfit when you need to dress for a specific occasion? Can you go into your closet and easily create something fabulous to wear when you are short on time? Too often, we don't have what we really need in our closets. The answer to most of your dressing dilemmas starts by actually simplifying your wardrobe. That's right. A better wardrobe starts with the WARDROBE BASICS.
Most closets are full of clothes hardly ever worn. Up to 80% of what’s in our closet are not worn on a re[ More | Email | Print ]
March 25, 2013, 4:55 pm by MSP
Still not sure why your style is not as well put-together as some of your more 'fashionable' friends? This week at MissusSmartyPants.com I'll help you discover ways you might sabotaging your own style without even knowing it. All too often we wear something the same way over and over (for years) and don't realize it's not looking good on us. Times change and we all need a reminder how we can improve, change and update our look to something more current. I'll help you do that this week.
This week’s style article is for you if you feel there's a “glass ceiling” when it comes to great style and you can’t somehow seem to push beyond it. (It's time for you to stop bumping your head and get your style moving forward).
This week’s style article is also for you if[ More | Email | Print ]
March 18, 2013, 6:41 pm by MSP
That's right. It's weeek two of "MSP's Big Spring Preview"! The fun and fashion trends continue!
This week, the remaining LIST of what to have in your spring wardrobe...and HOW to wear it!
I've been getting lots of love regarding The Big Spring Preview (Part One)! Thanks. I'm just as excited as you are to start wearing some of these spring trends and enjoy the warmer weather too! Last weekend (just like the weekend before) my local area had a taste of what's to come. I was fortunate enough to get outside and enjoy it. Today, it's cold again. This is so typical for early spring weather...but it means it's time to get our closets ready!!!
As we wait (not so patiently, I might add) for spring to arrive...
It's time for us to start wearing the l[ More | Email | Print ]
March 11, 2013, 2:29 pm by MSP
FINALLY!!!
It's time to rejoice in spring--and all the the fun fashion trends it brings!
Cross your fingers, spring really is right around the corner! My local weather (here in the South) shows promise of what's to come with everyday this week charted to be above 60 degrees. As I ran errands this last weekend; it seems like everyone else had the same idea (or ‘excuse') to get outside in the yard or run around town because the weather was so beautiful and warmer, LOL!
I'm so thrilled it's March and all the pretty spring fashions have arrived at all my favorite stores. I hope you’ve also had a chance to take a peek at what’s in your local stores right now. Just seeing all these delicate and brighter spring colors queues us that we need to star[ More | Email | Print ]
March 3, 2013, 1:05 pm by MSP
There's a secret the fashion industry doesn't want you to know. They don't want you to know that the secret to great style is all about the FIT of your clothes. The fashion industry doesn't promote this truth because they want you to keep buying new clothes every season. They want you to feel you must replace your trendy clothes every season. Many of us do this with hopes that this time our purchases will finally make us feel better about how we look. You know what I'm talking about if you have numerous jeans in your closet--yet you only wear ONE PAIR over and over. (Keep buying more and more clothes is what the fashion industry hopes you will do. It's always about money, isn't it?)
As your 'cyber stylist' I don't have any skin in the fashion game. I personally don't care where you [ More | Email | Print ]
February 25, 2013, 3:38 pm by MSP
Do you sometimes look in the mirror and see there is something not quite right with what you're wearing? The bigger problem is; you have no idea what it is or how to fix it?
What's a SYSter to do when she doesn't know what's wrong with what she's wearing?
It's frustrating when what you are wearing doesn't look quite right for some reason...it's especially frustrating when you like the color or the style of the garment.
Every woman wants to look her best no matter what life brings her way. But not every woman has got it figured out how she can fix her style image and make it look better.
This week's Style Article is for you if you feel there's a 'glass ceiling' when it comes to great style and you just can't break through! Be careful of the breaking glass I don't w[ More | Email | Print ]
February 18, 2013, 1:55 pm by MSP
Denim has a history that reaches back several centuries. In 1873 Levi Strauss (a German immigrant) created a pair of pants made out of a strong canvas fabric. Gold miners were in desperate need of a pair of pants that would withstand the hard work of mining. So, what started out as a pair of sturdy work pants for miners...has now morphed into something much more interesting and creative--not to mention a fabulous wardrobe staple.
In 1873 Levi Strauss used a rough canvas to create 'waist overalls' for gold miners...
Jeans today are so comfortable (with added stretch) they are most often a woman's first choice for any casual-chic look. One of the best qualities of denims today is that they are extremely versatile and can be worn for almost any occasion! It is no wonder they h[ More | Email | Print ]
February 17, 2013, 5:59 pm by MSP
This week at MissusSmartyPants...we are proud to announce our first ever jewelry giveaway! What a great way to get ready for spring!
Enter to win this fabulous ombre resin bracelet and enamel link necklace from Coldwater Creek's new spring collection! (details below)
How to enter the Coldwater Creek jewelry giveaway: Simply 'Like' the MissusSmartyPants Facebook page AND 'share' the link.
YOU MUST DO BOTH (LIKE & SHARE) IN ORDER TO BE ENTERED INTO THE JEWELRY GIVEAWAY DRAWING! If you already 'like' the MSP Facebook fanpage, then simply 'share' the drawing link with your friends and you will be included.
(HURRY!...GIVEAWAY ENDS FEB. 25TH!)
BONUS OFFER FOR MSP SYSTERS! Get started with your spring style today...and while you are at it, save some mon[ More | Email | Print ]
February 11, 2013, 2:37 pm by MSP
Come and get it! This week at MissusSmartyPants.com you'll get the answers to all of YOUR style questions!
From time to time, every woman comes across a style quandary that she simply can't figure out. Hey, it happens. One day you feel pretty confident with your style...then all of a sudden, BAM...you've got a dressing dilemma!
It happens. Every now and then a woman has a style issue she simply can’t figure out. It’s funny how we can be going through life day to day, then suddenly we need to dress-up for a special occasion and we just fall apart! Have you ever declined an invitation because you didn’t know what to wear? (Does this sound familiar?) Don’t let this ever happen to you again! With a little extra style confidence that you’ll get by having a LIS[ More | Email | Print ]
February 4, 2013, 5:53 pm by MSP
The 'muffin top' sounds amusing at first, but in reality trying to dress it every day...can get very frustrating. Sometimes you get your look right, other times you don't.
A 'muffin top' is that extra flesh that causes spillage over your waist band....so, what's the best way to minimize it???
Got jiggle in the middle? Most of us do have a little something extra we’d like to hide! So what's a gal to do? Should you continue to squeeze into the styles you’ve always worn or run for cover under looser fitting clothes? Which is the best answer? Actually the answer is neither of these!
Our bodies have certainly changed since our teen years—therefore our style needs to change too. We can’t use the same style sense we once relied on. My clients and my MSP SYSt[ More | Email | Print ]
January 28, 2013, 5:08 pm by MSP
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to improve your style? Have you ever considered using accessories to solve your fashion dilemmas? They are the fastest way to get your style together without spending lots of money! Accessories can do wonders for even the most basic outfit. They can take the same ‘ol basic pieces and instantly give you a new and updated look (and at a fraction of the cost you would pay if purchased more clothing)!
Coco Chanel once said, "Always remove one thing before you leave the house. Less is more."
Don't overload on accessories! The look is chaotic NOT stylish...
When you wear accessories correctly...they can do so much for you!
They can:
1. Pull unrelated pieces together
2. Transform an outfit in[ More | Email | Print ]
January 21, 2013, 4:09 pm by MSP
When I need something new to improve my style—I don’t always head to the stores. Instead, the first thing I do (before I consider a trip to the stores) is walk into my closet and start digging around for new ways to wear the 'ol same things. But, if I’m really burning to buy something new and my wallet won’t allow it---I know it’s time for me to go thrifting!
One of the most frugal ways to shop for "new" clothes is to go thrifing! While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, I love the thrill of the hunt and I love the feeling that I'm getting something one-of-a kind that not everybody is probably wearing. It's a unique way to add more individuality into my style and the fact that I’ve spent less in the process— that makes 'thrifting' even more appealing!
[ More | Email | Print ]
January 14, 2013, 6:02 pm by MSP
More than likely you are still in "post-holiday" mode (trying to get back to your regularly scheduled life and routines). I’d also venture a guess that you aren’t looking to spend any money right now either. In fact I’d bet you would love to SAVE some money right now.
I totally get where you are coming from...and that you may not want to hit the stores right now--however, if you do go shopping; there are some awesome sales you really must take advantage of. It's the month of January and that means it's the best time to save at end-of-season sales. Spend a little and save a lot!
When it comes to your wardrobe, sometimes you need to spend money in order to save money. In other words, in order to have a better wardrobe (more outfit possibilities) you need to PLAN a better wa[ More | Email | Print ]
January 7, 2013, 2:52 pm by MSP
"Dressed to Exercise" is a play-on-words. It's meant to be like FlyLady's "dressed to shoes" saying which means we are PREPARED for the task at hand. By having the right "tools" and more importantly the right attitude; we are ready to get the job done. In this case...we are ready to exercise because we have laced-up our shoes!
Right now, I can see some of you (okay, I can't really see you) rolling your eyes at me because you are thinking "What could she possibly know about my struggles with weight (and exercise)? MissusSmartyPants doesn't seem to have a problem with her weight. Well sit back, I'm going to share my story with you (or at least try to). If you choose not to read it, that's fine. But know either way, you are going to enjoy this week's Style Article about fabulous exerci[ More | Email | Print ]
January 3, 2013, 11:08 am by MSP
It's January...and many of us set a New Year's resolution to lose weight. Hopefully we will be successful with our weight loss goals and become healthier in the process too. It's my hope to help you hold off any 'stinkin' thinking' before it starts to creep in. You have got to give yourself positive messages that you've got one body and you'll do your best everyday to take care of it.
Want to improve your style in 2013? The only way to really advance your style is to improve your attitude towards your body. I know it's hard to hear, but it's so true! A little body acceptance will take you a long way. Instead of complaining about what you don't like about your body---concentrate on highlighting the positive parts. It's a formula for feeling good about YOU--and improving your st[ More | Email | Print ]
December 31, 2012, 8:40 am by MSP
There's nothing better than feeling confident about what you are wearing everyday. But many women don't feel this way about what they are wearing day-to-day...however, it can become a reality. I have a style plan to help YOU interpret the current trends and styles so you always look age-appropriate as well as dressed right for your body type! This week I'll show you how to "Find Your Own Sassy Style".
Your "Sassy Style" will be different than mine. Make no doubt about it, your sense of style and my style are going to be (and should be) two totally different things—and that’s a good thing! Having “great style” means you have interpreted the current ‘fashions’ to reflect your personality and lifestyle. It means your clothes beautifully fit you and reflect your inner beauty[ More | Email | Print ]
December 30, 2012, 6:09 pm by MSP
Dear MissusSmartyPants SYSter,
As this year comes to an end, the promises of new beginnings begin to unfold. This New Year will arrive and hopefully we will make 2013 the best year ever. But, how we define it; is ultimately up to us.
You only live once--but if you work it right, once is enough~ Joe E. Lewis
The changes we choose to make in 2013 will take time (it takes 21 days to create or break a habit). But time is the bountiful blessing a New Year holds for us! This week, we begin with a brand-new calendar and 365 days of blank spaces ready for us to create our new reality!
MissusSmartyPants.com will enter into its 8th year of business and I remain enthusiastically committed to offering an affordable style se[ More | Email | Print ]