2009 | Blueprint for Style

How to Approach 2010 with New Eyes on Old Rubbish

2009 is fastly coming to a close yet, for many of us, we are taking most of our old 2009 duds and rubbish into 2010 but expecting something different to appear. There’s no way we can ‘hope‘ for something new using the same old ways, thoughts, beliefs, actions, and attitudes. Blueprint for Style is however taking the lead on ‘trying’ something new for 2010 using old 2009 rubbish only as a stepping stone! Blueprint for Style readers will see the following

2009/12/29

New Years Partying Calls for a Clutch

No handbag or shoulder tote….you need to have room to carry just enough (lipstick, breath mints, cellular, blotting paper & a few business cards). And this purse by Kooba, available at Guiltless Purse, is ideal — mirrored silver leather, an inner zipper pocket, and 11 inches and 1.5 inches deep so nothing bulges. It’s running $200 but I’m sure I can help you secure it for less if you want it. Click here…

2009/12/28

Top 5 Items to Acquire Before 2010

Before 2009 closes out and you’re ready to start 2010 with New Years resolutions and all that craziness about dropping 20 pounds, settling down, etc, consider your wardrobe! More important than shedding pounds or re-activating your ‘Players Card’ is exactly how you look, or what your image says about you. Before 2010 shows itself and while the sales are still abundant, consider the acquisition of these items and if you’re having trouble locating any of them, click here for assistance.

2009/12/28

Top 5 Items to Own Before Year-End

These items are no surprise but if you don’t have them, starting off the year stylish and chic will be difficult. Ladies, as you hit the stores and online sales, please remember that the basics are the building blocks to a fabulous wardrobe. Do you have yours? If you want helping locating or purchasing any of these items, click here. They include: Black sheath dress: Mrs. O rocks a different one at least once a week, and the working woman

2009/12/28

Party Like a Rock Star, Dress Like a Princess

Every rockstar worth their smashed guitar dresses the part so, you are no different when it comes to the last round of Holiday parties…or New Years Eve!! Head to Off 5th and nab a few options since most will be priced to go….at $150!

2009/12/23

Shoes as Art…..

Name: Guillaume Hinfray Medium: Sexy and sculptured shoes Seen where: On pedicured and well-heeled feet across the land…. ( Now: at Gilt Groupe Why: 2010 should be about “investing” in style not blowing money on trendy fashions…and everyone knows art is a terrific investment so why not get excited with ‘every little step you take’?! This is a former footwear designer for Bottega Veneta and Ferragamo…..how much more do we need to say? Price: $200 is the mean

2009/12/23

Are You Toting Around Yesterday’s News?

I’ve had the distinct dis-pleasure of observing three DC movers-and-shakers tote around yesterday’s news in the form of tattered, war-torn and bruised baggage commonly (or formerly) known as briefcases. Worse yet, two out of three were actually the canvas freebies you receive at conferences (one was from a 2004 conference)….not acceptable for a sophisticated man who wants to be taken seriously in corporate America or in the high-powered, back-office deals! 2010 is a new year — let’s commit to a

2009/12/23

Designer of the Week: Vivienne Westwood

Considered “The Designers Designer”, Vivienne Westwood is responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into mainstream. Here are the key facts to remember about Dame Vivienne Westwood: Born April 8, 1941 as Vivienne Isabel Swire in Tintwistle, Derbyshire Vivienne has three kids from two separate men, and has been wife to two gentlemen (you go girl!) By trade, she was a primary school teacher Turning point: by all accounts, Dame Westwood had her introduction to punk by boyfriend,

2009/12/23

What’s Chic and Sophisticated about a Dirty Purse?

The answer is simple: nothing! Yet many of us are quick to leave our expensive little but sometimes big investments on the ground without concern…tsk tsk tsk. Well the problem is solved with the quick purchase of a purse hanger (or bag holder) like the one from Luxe Link. The one pictured is the Penelope ($21) but, no fear if this design doesn’t appeal to you because there are tons more where that came from. With prices ranging from $21 to $25

2009/12/23

Watch the Good Times Roll

Vivre made this wonderful leather watch roll ($175); pieces are safe and secure in this ostrich-textured calf leather jewelry/watch roll with an interior made of Alcantara suede. Holds up to three watches and comes in several combinations (camel/camel lining, beige/cream lining, turquoise/cream lining or black/black lining). For the traveling man…with time to spare!

2009/12/22

Don’t Let This Clutch Slither Past You

Vivre has this little eggplant python clutch by Sang A on sale (also in chocolate). The crescent-shaped masterpiece has a folded-over closure anchored with an ebony-toned horn button. Because it’s handmade (of course), it’ll take a few weeks to order so, get on it. ‘Nuff said…

2009/12/22

Blogger Bash 2009

This year, Blueprint for Style, was part of the Fashion Bloggers Bash 2009. There were a host of fashion bloggers and otherwise there but, on the whole, a terrific event! In attendance, were WUSA9’s Angie Goff, KStreetKate’s Kate Michael, The Glamazon Diaries’ Makeda Saggau – Sackey, CityShopGirl.com’s Kelly Fredrick, SweetGreen and SweetFlo Mobile’s Bona Park, Jonathan Nemen, Nate Ru, Nic Jammet, JohnnaKnowsGoodFood.com’s Johnna Rowe, ModernDomestic.wordpress.com’s Jenna Huntsberger, and MangoTomato.blogspot.com’s Olga Berman, SwimCouture’s (www.theorchidboutique.com/blog) Mayra Jimenez and Ivan Rincon, thecravecompany.com/dc’s Wendy

2009/12/18

For Men-in-the-Making: Gentleman’s Deck

I love this ideal of The Gentleman’s Deck! As an Image Consultant, it’s of the utmost importance to relay the ‘finer points’ of carrying yourself and how to behave [even when we don’t think anyone is watching]. This deck of 50 cards provide etiquette tips and, dare I say, inspiration for the man you want to become in 2010?! Check them out – and even if you don’t like them, at $15, they make great gifts for your boys, sons,

2009/12/17

Tis the Season for….What?

While I’m not super religious, I do claim to believe in God and all that comes with 30+ years of going to church every Sunday….so naturally, the question popped into my head about the ‘reason for the season’ and, in some ways, I wonder if the reason for the season is in conflict with my very reason for working! As an Image Consultant, Personal Stylist and Fashion Blogger, I can see how one might very quickly look at me sideways

2009/12/17

Designer of the Week: Narciso Rodriguez

I love, love, love Narciso Rodriguez …..he’s hot, humble, and talented! To be in-the-know, read about Narciso and learn why everyone wants to wear his wares: Narciso Rodriguez was born to Cuban-American parents in New Jersey on January 27, 1961 As the eldest and only son, Narciso’s parents wanted him to be become a doctor, or lawyer…but he said “no” (thank God for rebellion!) He received a formal education from Parson New School for Design He started working with Anne

2009/12/16

A Collection of Fashionable Holiday Treasures Under $50

Blueprint for Style has been compiling a list of ‘cool stuff’ for the stylish and sophisticated among us but, who may be just a little cash-strapped or who just understand that the season is about time spent with loved ones rather than the size of the gift. With that in mind, here are a few fashionable holiday treasures that you may never have thought of…. [nggallery id = 39] Golf shoe bags (for him or her): $14…no need to arrive with unwanted

2009/12/14

Ladies Top Stylish Must-Haves for the Holidays

While every item may not sit atop your personal must-have list because you have it already or perhaps can’t quite swing it, collectively this list of items should be printed out, posted or tucked away in a safe place, and reviewed regularly because it’s the list of those items that working women need to survive the Holidays in style and on budget! This list will affect everyone’s budget differently so the items are roughly in the mid-range — meaning you can

2009/12/14

Absolutely Perfect Holiday Suit Shoes!

We were absolutely ecstatic when we saw this shoe/boot whip across our computer screen because it’s absolutely perfect! For every Holiday occasion to come, you’ve got the answer and what really makes this perfect (besides the punch detail at the quarters)– the sole is made of moulded rubber (read: able to move from house to car in the snow without ruining the shoes or losing your grip!)

2009/12/11

Designer of the Week: Jeanne Lanvin

The oldest Parisian fashion house (1867 – 1946) is a bit of a mystery so, let’s unravel it… Happy New Years! Jeanne Lanvin was born on January 1, 1867 Jeanne Lanvin was the mother of one child, Marguerite who was credited as her inspiration Lanvin trained at the house of Talbot as a dressmaker The house logo, two women in gowns, are in fact Jeanne and her daughter going to a ball. It became the official house logo in 1954 Jeanne

2009/12/09

Hard-core Bootie with a Soft Touch

I am an openly vocal detractor of the ubiquitous “bootie” but I love, love, love this nubuck suede camel bootie by No.6 ($345). It is everything rough and tough, chic and edgy, versatile and classy, and completely wearable with jeans, leggings, skirt (I’d recommend tights as well), or a boho dress. The hefty wood heel makes it ready for colder weather, the color keeps it from looking to “heavy” even with a skirt, the grommet hardware makes it tough, the adjustable

2009/12/08

An Easy, Versatile Holiday Piece for your Closet

This cowl neck, dolman sleeve shirt by Michael Kors is a no-brainer! It has some metallic weaved in so it sparkles and comes in black, camel or red but red is the obvious choice for the Holidays — imagine it with a fitted pair of black pants at your home party, or for an office get together with a camel flare skirt! It’s $69.50 at Michael Kors so, now all you need are some heels and accessories to get the

2009/12/07

Made-to-Measure Shoes

London’s G.J. Cleverly Shoes has a client list that includes Elton John, Tom Wolfe and the likes…and it can include you as well. December 4th-5th, 10am – 6pm Everard’s Clothing, 1802 Wisconsin Avenue NW, 202-298-7464 Why? Cleverly’s will customize a new pair of wingtips, Oxfords or other leather goods for your feet

2009/12/04

Put a Bowtie around this Men’s Furnishing Item

Jesse Chao is genius. As the founder and lead designer of Vittorio J, he’s involved in every aspect of the process and the result. Every tie is (1) handmade, (2) of the most luxurious materials, and (3) made in very small quantities (some only have 2 per pattern)!! I love the tie patterns and, although I don’t claim to be the best tie-picker-outer, Jesse and Vittorio J make it easy — the colors are vibrant and varied, the patterns are

2009/12/03

Giving Shade to the other Sunglasses

Blueprint for Style believes style dollars should not be blown on items that can either by sat on and destroyed, or dropped between a car seat and lost forever. With that said, I am a lover of sunglasses that have panache, great coloring, complimentary shapes, and wonderful coverage….Oliver Peoples, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Costume National, and Tom Ford are stellar examples! Right now, Tom Ford sunglasses are on sale at Beyond the Rackand although the price tag is pricey at

2009/12/02

The Beauty of Casadei

This camel suede cork boot by Casadei ($487) is perfection for fall! The color is wearable with anything – the 4 3/4- inch heel is sexy – the drawstring detail above the ankle makes it easy to go casual – and the cork heel says “not your everyday boot”. I am feeling this boot — [close your eyes] imagine a long full jean skirt with contrast stitching, opened camel-colored cardigan with a ruffle-front red and blue blouse with a wide brown suede belt

2009/12/02

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

How to Approach 2010 with New Eyes on Old Rubbish

New Years Partying Calls for a Clutch

Top 5 Items to Acquire Before 2010

Top 5 Items to Own Before Year-End

Party Like a Rock Star, Dress Like a Princess

Shoes as Art…..

Are You Toting Around Yesterday’s News?

Designer of the Week: Vivienne Westwood

What’s Chic and Sophisticated about a Dirty Purse?

Watch the Good Times Roll

Don’t Let This Clutch Slither Past You

Blogger Bash 2009

For Men-in-the-Making: Gentleman’s Deck

Tis the Season for….What?

Designer of the Week: Narciso Rodriguez

A Collection of Fashionable Holiday Treasures Under $50

Ladies Top Stylish Must-Haves for the Holidays

Absolutely Perfect Holiday Suit Shoes!

Designer of the Week: Jeanne Lanvin

Hard-core Bootie with a Soft Touch

An Easy, Versatile Holiday Piece for your Closet

Made-to-Measure Shoes

Put a Bowtie around this Men’s Furnishing Item

Giving Shade to the other Sunglasses

The Beauty of Casadei

Send us a message