January 2010 | Blueprint for Style

Exactly WHAT Season Are We In?

You’d ask the same question if you knew that Pre-Fall 2010, yes Fall 2010, looks are popping up already!! We’re still dodging the bullets that Frosty is throwing our way….not coming into spring…or summer….or fall but, somehow fashion has fast-forwarded there! With that said, I want to provide a glimpse of one designer, Jason Wu, who was made famous when Mrs. Obama sported the virtual unknown’s gown on Inauguration Day. Since then he’s a wunderkind but, more importantly, his fall pre-looks give

2010/01/29

Client Testimonial: Kim B.

Monica is the absolute best when it comes to helping you develop your fashion sense. I signed up for her wardrobe assessment and what I really got was a life changing makeover. She helped take me from frumpy to fabulous. Additionally, through her blog and follow-up emails she has shown me some of the best places to find deals online and I am loving it. She makes fashion fun! – Kim B., Healthcare Consulting; Chicago, IL

2010/01/29

Top Stylish Valentine’s Gifts for Him & Her

This Valentine’s Day, let your senses be lavished for all the work they put in day-in and day-out. Take time to appreciate any or all of our five fabulous yet unassuming senses … they are, after all, what allows us to smell the roses, taste the chocolates, feel the tender touch, hear happy tunes, and see the smiles on the faces of loved ones! Smell good: besides being very affordable, engaging the olfactory senses are supposed to send up the “I’m

2010/01/29

Valentine’s Day Shopping

Tomorrow – we’ll be featuring the Top Stylish Valentine’s Gifts for Him & Her!

2010/01/28

Rome Was Not Conquered in a Day

So just start slow – and this HUGE sale at Ventuno will help you re-build your closet full of haute dress shirts and silky ties. The downtown haberdashery Ventuno is throwing a 2-hour sale where everything is 30% off! Plus, rumor has it that there will be free wine and mini-empanadas (just make sure to make your selection before the drinking the wine)! 411: Jan 29th, 6-8pm, no cost, Ventuno (1055 SE First Ave, 305-372-5017)

2010/01/28

Let’s Make a Deal

Neiman Marcus Last Call: 20% off entire purchase, Jan 26th – Feb 2nd Botkier: everything is an additional 25% off using code DAILYCANDY25 Fratelli Rossetti shoes: at Rue La La for men and women DNA 2050 (Chicago only): buy a pair of regularly priced jeans (Hudson, Genetic, J Brand, Joe’s and more) and get 50% off the second pair! Good thru Feb 2nd and you need to bring a copy of the Daily Candy email – just let me know)!

2010/01/26

Strong Shoulders Dominate Celebrity & Runway Wardrobes

Yep – that’s right! The slightly jutting shoulder is back with a vengeance – and to keep up with the times, you need your own set. Well it’s easy and I’m not talking about re-working your wardrobe or making costly purchases like these ladies did (and could afford to do). [nggallery id = 44] Rather head to the fancy online lingerie store, HerRoom, and for $10 starting on Thursday you can scoop The Natural Shoulder Pad. It attaches easily to

2010/01/26

Jewelry MADE for You

I have a few of their pieces from their Laced collection but, MADEJewelry had just come out with another collection. In honor of some terrific jewelry, Blueprint for Style is featuring 4 pieces from their most recent collection, Love & Hate. Be Me (Bracelet, $42 $29.40) Black satin ribbon, silver-plated links, gunmetal chain, silver-plated chain. Length 8″ Hate Me (Necklace, $58 $40.60) Black satin ribbon, silver-plated links, gunmetal chain, silver-plated chain. Length 28″

2010/01/25

A Men’s Shirt for the Femme Fatale

I happened upon these shirts while combing the internet and given I have been searching for a men’s style casual shirt with some feminine edge – this shirt answered my prayers! Designer: Arnold Zimberg (LA native) Where: online store What: A feminine men’s shirt in a myriad of colors from brown to red to purple to pink to yellow to blue Style Notes: The shirts are tailored – all are plaid – they have great contrast collar (inside and outside) and sleeve

2010/01/25

One Love-ly Sabrina Love Handbag!

Sabrina Love handbags are from their namesake Sabrina Love whose background is in fashion styling and costume design. While over in Europe, she honed her love for supple leather and came back to the US to realize her vision. Her purses and handbags represent the best in Italian lamb leather and imported hardware. If you haven’t heard of Sabrina Love, shame on you but know that these handbags have been featured in publications from In Style to Daily Candy to Lucky. They can be

2010/01/25

Itsy Bitsy Tip for Your Toe

Simple formula: leather-soled dress shoes = toe taps = increased shoe life span

2010/01/22

Because Black is a Basic

I have been on the proverbial ‘hunt’ for a basic black flat shoe that would not look basic, could be worn across several occasions including everyday, wasn’t too plain that I got bored, but wasn’t too over-the-top that it lost the ‘basic’ feel, and didn’t cost a ton because undoubtedly next season I’d want something different…all to no avail until now! On Shoes.com, I found an adorable black flat shoe by Seychelles, the Petticoat for $62 ($82.65 less 25% using

2010/01/21

An Inflated Pump!

When I saw this shoe, I fell in love for lots of reasons (see below) but was quickly dealt a harsh blow when I caught a glimpse of the price!! But for those in the monochromatic family — this shoe is absolutely perfect with everything you own!! Color: the black, anthracite, and grey block coloring is blended perfectly and increases its wearability Heel: high enough to be versatile but substantial enough for those who may occasionally falter in the stiletto Material: suede means I

2010/01/20

A Perfect Shirt-n-Tie Combination

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with highlighting ideal shirt and tie combinations so, today I continue with a gorgeous duo that says “Yeah I’m classic but I have zest!” Designer: Turnbull & Asser (if it’s good enough for the Prince of Wales then why not you?) Style Notes: solid dark knit tie (I favor navy because it’s refined and sedate but not austere like black); and a classic checked shirt…what makes it pop is the checked coloring! Price: shirt ($295) and tie

2010/01/19

Designer of the Week: Calvin Klein

A trailblazer and pioneer of sorts, Calvin Klein is a household name when we talk about fashion, eternal style, and top designers of all time. Let’s learn a little bit more…. Calvin Klein was born November 19, 1942 in the Bronx, New York and raised in the Mosholu Parkway section which is a middle-class Jewish community Not only did he love fashion as evidenced by his early sketches of women in suits and dresses but he graduated from High School

2010/01/19

Buy a Suit that Suits You…Right

Suits that suit you…right: Its shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them) The sleeves stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) The pants break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels)

2010/01/19

Help Haiti by Helping Yourself!

To assist with the relief and rescue/recovery efforts in Haiti, Blueprint for Style will donate five dollars for every new subscriber to our style blog across the next week. It’s that simple — you get free and relevant style advice and tips, and Haiti gets the help it needs during this time of crisis…all because of you!!

2010/01/15

Tuxedo Tip for 2-K-10

Gentlemen, let’s resolve to make the big purchase in 2-K-10….yep, we’re talking about a tuxedo preferably with peak lapels (or notch will do)! It’s neither stylish nor fiscally prudent to rent one for each black-tie affair. Note: the sooner you buy it and wear it, the more quickly your cost-per-wear starts dropping… if you purchased a custom one (higher end) for $1300 – went to two black-tie affairs a year – managed to maintain your current weight for the next eight

2010/01/15

Basic Black Sneakers

Designer: European creative collective, S***R that launched back in 2000 Name: S***R Low-top Sneaker Style Notes: black leather, rubber rounded toe and sole. suede patches along the laces and back of the heel Price: $34….yep only $34!! Why? Every man can use a pair of understated black kicks….they can go anywhere!

2010/01/14

Choo + UGG = Chugg?!

Indeed this may be a case for divorce — the unlikely pairing of UGG Australia and Jimmy Choo. Blueprint for Style has never been a fan of the muk-muk look that many flaunt mercilessly but we have always loved Jimmy but, what will come of this marriage? Fur-lined stilettos? Eveningwear UGGs? Either way — it’s coming starting with five styles for a whopping, minimum price point of $800. Stay tuned because while divorce may not be an option, an annulment

2010/01/14

Navy Blue is Nautical

…Or at least that’s the color that comes to mind when I think of anything nautical, and this shawl collar sweater is exactly what I’d throw on when heading out to sea. This 525 America sweater is nothing stellar but the large horizontal stripes work well to conceal any imperfections; the bright green color in contrast to the navy is an added bit of cheer; the large button detail is just a little something extra; and the oversized shawl collar opening allows it to

2010/01/14

More Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Shirt ($118) and tie ($50) by Bloomingdales Style Notes: Plaid, especially tartan, is classic and while we wouldn’t recommend it for your next big day in court or pitching your next greatest ideal to your Board, it’s very work appropriate for Fridays, academic environments and the likes. The dark tie tones the shirt down a bit — and with a dark blazer, you’re in business! Where? The Men’s Store at Bloomingdales

2010/01/14

Red Hot Chili Peppers!

That’s what these shoes represent….thus the color name, “chili”! Fire engine red is just a little too much to rock on a regular but, the more subdued chili can be the stylish woman’s version. Style Notes: the Taneala Pump is complete pepper — chili-colored patent leather pump, cork-covered platform, and contrasting black heel! Price: $96 Why? Every woman should cater to her inner-hussy on occasion and these shoes make it simple! Our ode to Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter…. Think ahead: A perfect Valentines’s

2010/01/13

Jump Through Hoops for These Hoops

Designer: Traci Lynn (hoops) Style Notes: pierced hoops; diamonds on the outside and the front inside (so all the bling shows!); silver metalware Price: $45 Why? They are perfect for everyday and for “After 5” occasions…and until you can grab the real thing “fake it til you make it’!

2010/01/13

It’s Like Going from Training Wheels to a Two-Wheeler

Making a bowtie isn’t easy….and unless you’re attending black tie affairs fairly regularly, one can be apt to forget but luckily it’s like riding a bike — once you learn it, you’ve got it so, learn it! Note: it’s never really cool to pull a clip-on off…[nggallery id = 42]

2010/01/13

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Exactly WHAT Season Are We In?

Client Testimonial: Kim B.

Top Stylish Valentine’s Gifts for Him & Her

Valentine’s Day Shopping

Rome Was Not Conquered in a Day

Strong Shoulders Dominate Celebrity & Runway Wardrobes

Jewelry MADE for You

A Men’s Shirt for the Femme Fatale

One Love-ly Sabrina Love Handbag!

Itsy Bitsy Tip for Your Toe

Because Black is a Basic

An Inflated Pump!

A Perfect Shirt-n-Tie Combination

Designer of the Week: Calvin Klein

Buy a Suit that Suits You…Right

Help Haiti by Helping Yourself!

Tuxedo Tip for 2-K-10

Basic Black Sneakers

Choo + UGG = Chugg?!

Navy Blue is Nautical

More Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Jump Through Hoops for These Hoops

It’s Like Going from Training Wheels to a Two-Wheeler

Send us a message