The recent and untimely loss of Alexander McQueen has sparked a flurry of write-ups about the man, his work, his influence and his legacy. Read about Alexander McQueen at IAmOnlineMag.com…and what Blueprint for Style had to say about the late fashion genius!
I am thinking this Lana Collar Thong Bootie by Dolce Vita is haute….and I’m not a bootie fan! The different textures and the zips, snaps and folds make it standout without being too much. Now the outfit can take a backseat and let your feet do the talkin‘. At $298, it’s a little steep but an outfit-maker!! Just a little somethin’ to get you on the right footing for the weekend….
Brightly striped ties are the next spring trend. Amazingly, many of the style trends for men this fall are focused on furnishings so the favorites we show here can work easily with your standard DC navy power suit, or your ready-for-spring camel lighter weight getup, or the weekend/date uniform of jeans, dress boots and a button-down. They add just a dash of color…so we can look down and be hopeful about the warmer weather to come.
This vintage Jody Vialy turquoise dome cuff is the ultimate hauteness! Its gold plated and has stretch to accommodate a larger wrist [measurements: 2.75 inches (w) x 11.5 inches (l) x 9 inches (interior circumference)]. Priced at $300 – this represents a lose for Portero but an absolute win for the buyer. LOVE it!
We use “square” to describe the terminally un-chic or distasteful but, with this new bag from DSquared2, you’ll be right in the mix. This straw and leather bag with a snap button closure, priced at a steep $630, is an ideal item to transition from winter to spring — the color allows you to rock the heftier and deeper winter hues but the fabric and texture make it an easy sell for spring outfits because it’s not heavy! If this appeals
Men’s spring trend number two is straw fedoras. Now wait…..not every man can wear (read: rock) a hat and, more specifically, a fedora! Well, this spring will see us expanding the true definition of a fedora in terms of fit and sizing so, it opens the door for more gentlemen to stylishly top their day and outfit with these easy and affordable accessories. Check out some of our favorites:
Today, Blueprint for Style is featured on Gaebler.com, a resource for entrepreneurs that receives over 30,000 visitors daily. Click here on the link to read about our humble beginnings and current status! Thanks for the write-up Gaebler!
Although not a full-fledged style icon, Tory Burch provided some serious insight into leather jackets this season….and going forward. I own an old school leather jacket and it’s seen more miles and countries than most people — it’s versatile (perfect for layering during shoulder seasons, and great over a heavy sweater when it’s a bit colder). Why do you love leather jackets? A leather jacket epitomizes cool style but is so versatile. [A Richard Jacket (pictured) can be worn on the
This spring will see lots of great (and new) style trends for men. One notable and colorful one will be the use of patterned pocket squares — this will be an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color to usher in the warmer temperatures. Here are a few of our favorites:
Forget trying to hold it together in the middle of the winter blues — for instant chicness, simply belt your coat! A few belt options include: J Crew leather equestrian belt, $29.50 (equestrian brown, approx 1-inch, brass metal ware)..,my favorite! ASOS metal keeper skinny belt, $8.62 (tan, approx 3/4-inch, brass metal ware) J Crew oval buckle belt, $29.50 (multiple colors, approx 1/2-inch, nickle metal ware) Aldo offard skinny belt, $20 (black, approx 1/2-inch, silver metal ware)
What? Furla Aster Metal Struzzo Satchel Where? Guiltlesspurse Color? Red leather Price? $372.50 (regularly $745) Worth the Spend? Yes! Why? It’s the perfect color red to wear with all black work suit…or to rock with a camel shirtdress on Saturday…or some jeans and white shirt with a tartan plaid wide belt. Versatile, edgy, chic and colorful!!
For the last week or so, I have been getting questions about NYFW (aka New York Fashion or Mercedes Benz Fashion Week [they get very particular about receiving proper credit]) — in particular, the questions center around why, as a personal stylist/fashionista/style maven, I am not at the premier event of the season. The answer is simple and perhaps disappointing to some: my goal as a stylist has very little to do with NYFW runway fashion. Truth be told, there
Company: Joe Dues Where: Southern roots Who: The President is Jarvis Robertson…but he has a few ‘faithfuls‘ throughout the country helping him to build the brand What: Bowties…and a lifestyle When: They’ve been doing it for a while… How: Head to the website, Joe Dues, and check out the latest hauteness (the Colvin, pictured above, is my favorite) How Much: The current collection is all under $25!
Several years ago (2003 to be exact), the New Yorker‘s Michael Specter did a write-up on John Galliano. Now, please remember that John Galliano who was born in Gibraltar (Dad was Gibraltarian and mom was Spanish) and raised in London is famous for womenswear pieces that push the limits of coverage and mainstream….he’s done collaborations with Vogue, Alexander McQueen (rest in peace…), Givenchy, Vanity Fair, Madonna, Christian Dior, and the list goes on a mile long. Continue — I know many
These are our three favorites… Blueprint for Style clients receive ongoing style support even after they’ve become more stylish…we all need a little help sometimes! We handle clothes consignment and charity/donations…details you don’t have to worry about but benefit you’ll see! Everyone will want what you have….and it feels good to be a trendsetter! Start small — click here for a free initial style assessment to understand what your needs are, and the best way to achieve your goals. A quick phone call and
On February 12th, stylish blogger, Cherise Ebony, did a write-up on Blueprint for Style for her on-the-move-and-upward-bound blog called Savvy Cherise. Click here and read all about our time together!
Last week, I wrote an article on the fashion and style trends for spring/summer 2010 and the week prior to that, I highlighted fall 2010 pieces for a few top designers — not sure about all of you but, in general, I have been uninspired. No ill-will or misfortune intended for our style icons and mavens but, I am officially moving into the “Doubting Thomas” camp when it comes to what’s “haute”! As I step back to ask and answer why I am feeling
What? Grand opening of Lord & Taylor’s first outlet store Where? Jersey Gardens Mall (exit 13A off the New Jersey Turnpike) When? Friday, February 12th Who? Anyone that can make it and Blueprint for Style readers Why? New bargains every week on in-season fashions PLUS a 4-day coupon to get an additional 20% off any item. Next on to NYC for the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale…..
Your suits should not make you sweat Your suit should keep you warm Heavier suits should be worn between November and the end of March …..in the meantime, dryclean them, remove the plastic when you get them back, and store with cedar!
Our next fall forecast is for Balenciaga– and it’s bright, literally! Balenciaga is one of my favorite designers and this fall the designer breaks the from the pack with these looks….although I’m not sure which ones are wearable. [nggallery id = 47] Bright colors All classic styling and cuts Full bottoms showing more leg Accessories are a must! Key notes: the easiest and least expensive way to carry this is to use bursts of color in your accessories!
Blueprint for Style wants you to be ‘in the know‘ but, not abuse the know! Hot pants & boy shorts: you should be in the gym anyway because nothing promotes your personal brand better than looking and feeling good BUT that’s where it stops! This is for 24 years old and under…. Knee high & over the knee socks: this is a trend we should observe but not necessarily participate in Future warrior: military and tribal trends are here (again)! Participate
Gentlemen, you’ll be pleased by the following announcement: as of today, the world’s first and only Hermès Men’s store at 690 Madison Avenue….(directly across the street from the flagship Hermès)!
Whether it’s a beautiful little gift box for your girlfriend or wife, or a cigar that you’re not supposed to smoke, or perhaps that flask of cognac that you told her you dumped, these Secret Safe Books are where you should keep the goodies! But, just to be on the safe side, become an avid reader so she doesn’t get suspicious next time you head to the bookshelf…
We continue our fortune-telling abiliteis as we look at Alexander Wang‘s designs for Fall 2010. Again, don’t be confused – we are still in the midst of winter but fashion says we should be thinking about fall….so we are! [nggallery id = 46] Basic black is big “Downtown chic” is in Knits and layering are fashionable Key notes: looks to be more of a bridge line, transition from young and fun to more mature
Throughout the month of February, Blueprint for Style will be paying extra attention to men’s furnishings such as ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, bowties, belts, and the likes! Today, our recommendation is simple: as you plan for spring, think bright! It’s too early (and cold) to transition into seersucker or our wonderfully versatile tan suit so, stick with the DC politico navy blue or charcoal grey — but add some color! Look at Barneys, Band of Outsiders or Dries Van Noten;
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