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Style Coach and founder of Missus Smarty Pants With a life-long passion for fashion, Leslie not only majored in fashion merchandising as a college student, but worked and trained in clothing retail for years before opening her own boutique! Her “little style website” that she worked on during her days off work has now turned into an international resource where she helps women reignite their style diva and love. Leslie Gonzales aka “MissusSmartyPants” is YOUR fashion stylist & personal shopper!
She’s showing every woman she knows how to embrace her shape, be more fashionable & do it on a budget!
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Remember, Leslie is offering three, three month memberships to her Missus Smartypants website, where each week you will get access to her style tips, new season fashion updates, and ideas for your own look according to your colour and body style type. All you need to do is leave a comment or question below, and Leslie will choose her three favourites, as well as answer your questions. Remember too that she will gift a Gold Package to the person who leaves her favourite comment.
Want more of Leslie? Click here to join her free weekly newsletter, and click here to follow her on facebook. You know you want to 
Your vast experience and willingness to share is so important, your comments are so for the ordinary woman who wants to look her best. Older women (over65) seem to be left out of the fashion scene, this is where I am, and want to share this view point with my contemporaries.
Thank you
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Leslie Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Lee,
I agree older women and anyone who doesn’t fit quite have the “perfect” shape feels left out and made to feel less of a woman! This is baloney—these are REAL women that are the majority out there!
I’m your fashion stylist–not a stylist ONLY for the rich and famous.
The best way for you to share your (and mine) view point is to rock your style!!!! Show the world you got plenty of game and style left!
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I am trying to lose weight. I have lost 6 lbs. I have a closet full of clothes. I don’t know how to dress my body. I am 4ft 11.5 in. 150lbs. Shorty and sassy. Not sure how to dress casual as my stay at home, home-school mom keeps me moving with sports and co-op activities. I love to listen to you. I listen to your podcast on my ipod. I enjoy reading the forum you have also. I would love to know how to wear jeans and boots. I am 40 yrs old thank you.
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Leslie Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Jenny,
It sounds like you have a closet full of miss-matched stuff! No wonder you have nothing to wear!!!! You need some closet organization PRONTO! Get the clothes out that you are NOT wearing. If you need some help with the process go to my website and click on “closet purge”…it will get you moving in the right direction.
Next, you will need a basic wardrobe plan. Build your wardrobe slowly…one baby step at a time. Rome wasn’t built in a day…neither is a good wardrobe.
You need to follow my petite fit guidelines as well as what is best for your body type…you are ONLY 40 and you can rock any style you wish! I like the idea of wearing boots w/ jeans. It certainly fits your description of “short & sassy”…LOL! I love it.
For the best look (being petite) your jeans and boots should be similiar in color. This way you won’t look choppy but instead one long lean line of color. This year there are so many fabulous boot styles to pick from. As a SAHM you can find some slouchy lower heeled boots that will work w/ jeans AND tights and skirts.
Work on your basics along with finding some cute, versatile boots and your style will start to come together.
You can do this Jenny!
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I’ve become an older (55) apple shape and have always had a very hard time finding clothing that actually fit and look good.
I really understand the frustration in clothing shopping in general and shopping in a rural area.
Can you give suggestions for those of us who do live in rural areas and never attend cocktail parties, save for the office Christmas party, but do want to look nice every day?
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Leslie Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:25 pm
Yvette,
I hate to sound like a broken record, but a good wardrobe starts with the basics and so many women don’t have enough of them in their wardrobe–just tons of miss-matched stuff.
You need to find a label that works best for you—then have alterations done. You may need to make a trip into the city and visit a quality department store. Buy the best quality you can afford–you’ll thank me later.
Alterations are the best way to get the fit you deserve. Please check out my makeovers posted on my website. I do have another makeover coming up soon and the young woman has an undefined waist. It will give you style ideas for dressing an undefined waist line. Dark matte tops, body skimming fit and jackets over the top are good starters.
Work on good fitting basics, then play up your style will really unique accessories—and your style will start to SHINE!
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Hi Leslie, I loved listening to you today!
I recently purged my closet so now I only have a few basics left. It’s funny actually as the way I did it was I asked my husband which clothes he didn’t like. His response was “anything your mother gave you”. So most of my wardrobe has now gone… and that felt great! I have recently purchased jeans, which I haven’t had for a couple of years, and I have finally discovered accessories. I am worried though about what to wear coming into summer as I’m definitely a 5ft ‘D’ who always wears black pants. I had planned on restocking my wardrobe when I lost weight, but after listening to the call I realize that I need to work on my image NOW. One day is today!
Thank you!
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Leslie Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Sam,
Whoo hoo! You are at a good place to build a good wardrobe…one baby step at a time.
Don’t allow just anything to come into your closet and occupy valuable real estate! Be picky! Ask yourself: Does the color work for me? Does it fit and work for my body type? Does it express who I am?
The funny thing about a closet purge is: you find when you have LESS you actually have MORE to wear! You can see everything for a change and you have only what you are really wearing anyways..it clears out the clutter and you start to look more stylish, go figure!
Sam, black pants are okay but too heavy for summer! It’s your season to feel free to be cool and rock your style. I don’t care you are a “D” body type and you my dear shouldn’t either! Wear cool breezy white skirts, denim skirts…get out there and find something out of the box (for you that’s anything not black) and start showing off your style. Oh, and to show everyone how SASSY you are…be sure to purchase a couple of on-trend accessories as well!!!
Life’s too short to sit on the style sidelines! You have my permission to invest in pretty things you deserve!
Please write me back after your shopping mission
Leslie
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Sam,
You have been chosen as one of the three winners of a FREE 3 month membership to MSP!
Simply email me your name, address and email address AND body type you wish to try for 3 months and I’ll get you signed up. (Check out the 5 body types first)
Go to http://www.missussmartypants.com/ and click on the Chat box to leave your message.
Congratulations and enjoy your style membership at MissusSmartyPants! Love, Leslie
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Hello Leslie! I enjoyed listenng to you last night and was inspired to start my journey in dressing for my age. I loved your saying about wrapping oneself in Love!
God bless you for your ministry! Ulla
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Leslie Reply:
November 3rd, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Ulla,
Thanks. I think it’s just a reminder that women need to hear. They were created by God and with love…so dress accordingly. It sounds like you heard this message for a reason, don’t you think?
{{hugs}} Leslie
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Ulla Kesler Reply:
November 4th, 2010 at 2:45 am
… and yes it was for a reason!
Thank You for your message Leslie!
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Wow, Leslie I just listened to the replay of your talk. You are right on with your views of what us women go through. Sometimes it just helps to know we are not alone.
My critical body image started clear back when I first acquired a woman’s figure after puberty. I was only 15 and decided I wasn’t “ok”. I had curves and always thought I needed to be thinner. After I turned 50 this past year I have decided somehow I’m going to find a way of coming to terms with this negative attitude about my body.
When you talk about looking in the mirror and always having a negative attitude, that has always been me. I’m always complimenting others. I even try to find something good to recognize in complete strangers. I think I do that because I know how it is to not feel good about yourself.
I have done some decluttering of my clothes. I hestitate to go too overboard for fear I won’t have the money to purchase something to replace my wardrobe. I really admire the women that obviously know how to dress for their shape, and the colors to wear. I can see it truly makes a difference.
Comfort is my biggest priority. I stay home now and babysit. After the years of raising my four I’m back home full-time. The jobs that I had when I was out in the workforce allowed me to dress fairly casual. What can throw me into a real tail spin is when I have to get dressed up for an occasion such as wedding or semi-formal party. I’ve never been into jewelry, purses, or other snazzy accessories. Another problem for me.
Even though I do stay home I want to resist turning into a frump. When my mothers drop the kiddos off it doesn’t help my self esteem when they are all “put together”.
I’m not sure what to do but, I will check your website out to see what you have to offer and, if you could help me.
Thank you, thank you for helping at least feel I’m not alone with my struggles. Especially when it comes to what is thrown at us as to what the “perfect” shape or look is. I can tell myself over and over all that is not real but I can’t take it to heart. It really helps that there are women such as yourself out there trying to make a difference for us.
Keep up the awesome work. We do appreciate it.
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:46 pm
Kathy,
It sounds like you are ready to take the next step and put yourself on your priority list!When you do that it might seem a little selfish at first…but you renew and actually have more to give!
It will put a smile on your face
to get your style back…I say it’s time for YOU!
I’m happy to be your personal stylist…
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
You have been chosen as one of the three winners of a FREE 3 month membership to MSP!
Simply email me your name, address and email address AND body type you wish to try for 3 months and I’ll get you signed up. (Check out the 5 body types first)
Go to http://www.missussmartypants.com/ and click on the Chat box to leave your message.
Congratulations and enjoy your style membership at MissusSmartyPants! Love, Leslie
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:24 pm
Kathy,
You have been chosen as one of the three winners of a FREE 3 month membership to MSP!
Simply email me your name, address and email address AND body type you wish to try for 3 months and I’ll get you signed up. (Check out the 5 body types first)
Go to http://www.missussmartypants.com/ and click on the Chat box to leave your message.
Congratulations and enjoy your style membership at MissusSmartyPants! Love, Leslie
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Hello Leslie, Thank you for sharing your fashion wisdom!
I have always struggled with finding clothes and shoes that fit me. I’m 44yrs. old,5’9″ and 137lbs (size 4-6). I have long thin arms, skinny legs and ankles and long, narrow feet (11AA). So, most of my weight is mainly in my hips and thighs (cute curves ‘C’).
I can rarely find clothing or shoes in the retail stores. I mostly shop on-line for Tall sizes and narrow shoes. I usually purchase flare-leg or boot-leg slacks and jeans to camouflage my lower body. Unfortunately, I waste a great deal of money in return shipping charges because many of the items do not fit or made from poor quality material. I get very frustrated and have come to strongly dislike shopping. Needless-to-say, I do not have alot of clothes.
What advise could you give me in finding clothes that may fit my body type?
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Al-Nisa,
Sounds like you are kind of on the right track. Since your sizing is out of the “norm” you need to use alterations and invest in better quality classic pieces because you may not have the most extensive wardrobe compared to other women.
Use accessories to play up your style and keep your look “on-trend”.
You may want to have a tailor make pants and such…so that you get the fit you deserve. For shoes try Zappos.com (buy 2 pairs of same shoes and ship the one that doesn’t fit back for free) also, if you are in the US google search for Marmi shoes…they carry LOTS of narrows in size 11!
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A very enlightening, sensitive and inspiring presentation by Leslie of MissusSmartyPants!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:52 pm
Thank you Miriam! It is my hope to inspire ALL women to show off their personal sense of style
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dear leslie, i was introduced to you and your wonderful wisdom when i found flylady. i also am a member of big tent.i do recive your free newsletters. i want to thank sandra for her workshops. i was thrilled to be able to hear marla the flylady on the last session. i couldn’t wait to hear you too. i have to listen to the replays so i am hoping you will get my comment. i have lost my style 19 years ago. it began with the birth of my amazing daughter amanda. i struggle with bipolar depression from a very early age that included some medications causing huge weight gains. i have had jobs that only required jeans and tshirts. i had a job that required black pants and a white shirt.which i was let go of 1 year ago yesterday. i have done the closet purge. i currently own 1 pair of ill fitting jeans and my shirts are tie dyed tshirts. i want so desperatley to feel and look pretty. my daughter is currently attending aveda beauty school. so i have been so lucky to have my hair become works of art. that gives me a floaty beautiful feeling. the funny thing is my amanda is short so all of her pants have had to be altered. my mom is a seamstress in another state. with all of that knowledge never did i have anything altered for me. i have made do with ready to wear clothes that just did not measure up to make me beautiful. clothes shopping has always been a horrible experience with not buying clothes,crying, and another diet. and now i look back at my younger photos of myself,( i am 51 soon to be 52)and wonder why i hated my body so. i would love to be even double the size of that girl now. thank you for your love and encouragement. i am hoping one day to be able to subscribe and find my body type and colors!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Willie,
You have been chosen as one of the three winners of a FREE 3 month membership to MSP!
Simply email me your name, address and email address AND body type you wish to try for 3 months and I’ll get you signed up. (Check out the 5 body types first)
Go to http://www.missussmartypants.com/ and click on the Chat box to leave your message.
Congratulations and enjoy your style membership at MissusSmartyPants! Love, Leslie
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Ulla,
Thanks. I think it’s just a reminder that women need to hear. They were created by God and with love…so dress accordingly. It sounds like you heard this message for a reason, don’t you think?
{{hugs}} Leslie
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Thank you so much for your insight. I am retired, and soon to be 67. Limited on the $$ end but still like to look nice, I am looking for any help I can find online…yours is great !!!!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:55 pm
Thank you Dee!
I am a personal stylist that realizes all women desire to feel pretty! No fancy high-tech ultra-expensive clothes or tips for the red carpet, LOL!
Practical weekly style advice you can use! That’s my goal and always will be.
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I LOVE MSP!!! I’ve been subscribing since July and I feel like a totally different person! I’ve never been able to figure out style but with Leslie’s help I’ve found it’s really not so difficult. I’d love to have the free membership, not for myself because I’ve already got a year subscription, but for my mom. I’d love for her to experience what I’ve found through this wonderful, inspiring service!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:58 pm
Amy,
Ah, thank you! I love hearing how you feel totally different now that you have been using my Personal Profile system.
I’m sure you get lots of compliments now that you put more effort into your look. It’s not a lot of work either…it’s actually fun once you get the hang of it!
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I wonder why it’s so hard to “see” ourselves as we really are…the good as well as the bad. I recently lost 40#’s thru diet and exercise. I even did a half marathon. I’ve gotten rid of alot of clothes but I’m still wearing things too baggy. I was thinking that I looked great in a pair of brown “suede” pants and someone mentioned my baggy pants. They were trying to pay me a compliment. When I got home, I looked in the mirror…really looked. Then I grabbed the side of my pants and my jaw almost hit the floor. They were HUGE in the rear. I never noticed. Now my favorite pants that have only been worn 3-4 times are being sent to Goodwill.
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
Lorie,
Wow! That is a lot of weight to lose. It sounds like you are staying healthy and did a lifestyle change so you will keep it off.
I’m a serious exerciser too, just haven’t done a half marathon yet. Maybe you are convincing me, LOL!
Baggy clothes make you look sloppy and heavy (not good after all that hard work of yours)…take them out or throw them out, LOL!
There is nothing like the truth of a full-length mirror. It’s something too many women avoid I’m afraid.
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I loved this show and found it helpful. For years and years I have been in a marriage where I felt if I could just give enough, things would be better. But nothing I could do was good enough, because my husband didn’t think I was good enough. I absorbed his attitude because I trusted him more than I trusted myself. He has left me now, and my outlook has changed. I am excited about the journey ahead, about finding my real self. Thanks for pointing out the right direction.
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
Carole,
In regards to your marriage, it’s not all you or your fault. First and foremost you must be yourself. If that is not enough or you are walking on eggshells all the time–there is something not working plain and simple.
Some of the best teachings in life are the hardest ones to get through. My heart goes out to you in this difficult time.
I wish you all the best on your journey of self discovery and I hope you start playing up all your sassy assets and feel like the real woman you are inside and OUT!
{{Hugs}} Leslie
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Leslie,
Your advice is always right on target! I especially learn a lot from you because you realize that women in their 40′s, 50′s, and up still want and deserve to look stylish, not frumpy. After I went on a big diet a few years back and reached the weight I wanted to be at, I didn’t know how to dress – I tried going with juniors-type styles but just looked like a middle school student! Your advice has helped me to see how to make stylish outfits for someone my age (42). I’m not sure which of your body types I am, but I use your overall advice all the time and I like when you have pictures of outfits you’ve put together – your closet pictures also inspired me when I reorganized my own closet!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:11 pm
Melissa,
I’m writing my eBook specifically for all the ladies in their 40′s and 50′s that have lots of style game!
It’s a Shania Twain kinda thing….Let’s Go Girls! It’s time to rock OUR style
As “older” women we need to keep our clothes well fitting and slightly on the classic style…then play up our shoes and handbags as well as other accessories!
Avoid re-living your teen years, it’s like clawing at youth…not an attractive look
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Oh what a wonderful podcast! It was so great to ‘hear’ you…rather than just ‘read’ you!
I need to be ‘infected’ with your fashion itch. I think I may have had a slight sense of fashion when I worked in retail 25 years ago. But now, 5 kids later, my ‘uniform’ is one of 3 pairs of shorts (whith bleach stains!) and a small selection of tops (that cover one of 2 ill-fitting bras!!!)
I’m fortunate in that I don’t have a weight problem. But because i’ve been the same size for so many years, I’ve got clothes in my (not very full) closet that have been around for many years! They still fit, I feel I must keep them!
I’ve been waiting for the perfect time (financially AND mentally) to join MSP.com. Guess that perfection thing rears it’s ugly head in all aspects of our lives, huh?
Thank you for your wonderful views and sharing them with all of us!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 9:15 pm
Kathy,
Thank you for your comment. C’mon over and I’ll stratch your fashion itch, LOL!
Are you still waiting for the “perfect” time to invest a little style in yourself??? Sounds like you might enjoy a little pampering and style fun! Come and join my ladies and your style will FLY!
There is nothing like a couple of new and FLATTERING clohes to boost your self-esteem. They don’t call it “retail therapy” for nothing!
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Hi Leslie,
I am a nurse who lives on a farm, so I hide behind a uniform for work and ‘farm’ work clothes at home. So much of my time is taken with these 2 jobs that I have very little other clothes and very little skill in choosing. I am overweight (your E size I think) and I really hate shopping for clothes and put it off till I absolutely have to buy new items. I feel so awkward and self conscious in my clothes when I go out even just casually with girlfiends for lunch. And I DREAD a wedding invitation!
I have found your talk really enlightening and freeing. I feel a little more confident, especially the ‘basics’. I think I will start there! Baby steps…
I will be 50 in January and my time is now! I cant wait any longer!
Many, many thanks and God bless you,
Bronwyn
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Hi Leslie, I used to be a subscriber but like so many have fallen into hard times. I’m working 3 jobs now and still don’t seem to have enough to make ends meet. Whenever my personal economy picks up, I plan to renew again. However, unfortunately I don’t see that happening any time soon. So, I would love to win a free subscription.
I am 41 years old and have a B body shape. My lower half is actually much smaller than the top. I wear about a 4 in pants but a 12 in blouses. However, I usually wear a 7 on bottom. I know the style experts on tv would tell me to never ever shop in the juniors department because I’m too old. But, I swear juniors pants fit so much better. I am also short waisted so womens pants always come up way too high, usually an inch or more above my belly button. May I have your permission to wear juniors jeans & pants because they look better even if I am 41? Thanks!
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PS. I wore an A-line skirt yesterday!
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Leslie Reply:
November 5th, 2010 at 8:39 pm
Woo Hoo! Glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and went for it!
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Would love to wear fashionable clothing, although I’m a “B” body shape 73 years young. I am in pretty good shape for a woman my age, 5’3″, weight 132 lbs. I guess my main problem is I’ve inherited many items when my Mom passed 2 1/2 years ago, and although most items are classic, they still don’t quite make it in the up-to-date department! My hair is short and mostly graying from a former medium brown; I think if I had a basic color (other than black, which is my current stand-by) I would be able to accessorize a bit…just don’t know which basic color would be best. My eyes are green/hazel, so I’ve tried olive greens, but my skin is more pink based than yellow, so next to my face that is not the best color. I’d love to win your advise and guidance.!
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I have hated my body my whole life. There was a short period that I enjoyed who I was as a person, and I dressed the part. (That was also the only time I was successful in losing any weight!) I recently became a foster mom to two very special needs six year olds. My whole world shifted to them. I am doing good to get myself showered and dressed for work in the morning. My girls always look super cute, but I am another story. I am learning though that by taking care of myself and feeling good about who I am and how I look effects everything. (including how I care for my daughters…you see, how I treat myself teaches them a lot about self worth) I have a friend coming over this weekend to help with a closet purge, and we will go from there. My main reason for commenting though is to thank you for telling us its ok to have curves.(and maybe even some bumps!) We can still be beautiful and sexy. A single mom of two with a little bit of planing and finding things that work can feel put together and beautiful.
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Leslie, I enjoyed this podcast! In my mid-late 20′s, I managed a retail career clothing store. I was 5’3″, weighed 105 lbs. (naturally, not because I tried), learned I was a “winter” and clothing was easy and fun to find. I’m now 48 years old, one beautiful daughter and one thyroid disorder later, I still can stretch to reach 5’3″ but weigh 150 lbs. I carry most of my excess weight in my stomach and neck, and clothing is a puzzle to me. I love shopping for my daughter but find personal shopping discouraging. I have been trying to lose weight for the past 12 years and while I lose 10-15 pounds, it always is a struggle to keep those pounds off, and I find myself needing to lose the same pounds over and over again. I look forward to checking into your site and learning what works for my body now. And thank you, Sandra, for this entire series!
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LOVED THIS!!!! I really need a MSP kick in the butt. Thank you for all you do for us ladies. Your comment of “take your clothes off and look at a full lenght mirror” almost made me fall out of my chair. But I do understand why I need to. It’s hard to, but it’s me and only I can change how I look. Thank you so much again for your advice and the kick I need so bad.
Blessings,
Lisa
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Leslie Reply:
November 7th, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Lisa,
Consider your butt kicked. When we dress for TODAY and stop thinking about “when I was 10 lbs thinner or when I was twenty” we can finally get on with OUR style.
Sorry to jolt you, but sometimes an “Aha” moment comes at us hard. God created you and you are beautiful, simply relish in that and dress accordingly.
Lisa, you deserve it! You & know know it.
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You are such a good and interesting speaker! At 63, I feel very confused about clothes now because I do not like “old lady” outfits. It has become, as Sandy alluded, a chore to go anywhere because I do not feel good in my clothes anymore. You made me feel excited like a little girl wanting to play dress-up!
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Leslie Reply:
November 7th, 2010 at 3:13 pm
Peggy,
It doesn’t matter your age! You should play like a little girl and play dress up—only this time you need to rely on good fitting basics then add your style by relying more on unique accessories.
As we become older it’s best to dress to highlight your silhouette–not over expose your aging skin.
I hope you (Sandy and the other ladies listening) take dressing each day as an opportunity not a chore. Just the change in attitude will make it a refreshing experience. New found style is a confident booster–like of like therapy but cheaper!!!
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