September 2011 | Blueprint for Style

Wearever the Weather Style Insights for DC

I had a chance to chat at length with friend and fellow blogger extraordinaire for Wearever the Weather, Renae Virata. We talked about DC style (for men and women) and what you need to pack when you’re coming to visiting and a few style norms that you’ll see throughout your time in the nation’s capitol. Here’s our interview: Check out the video>> Critique Boutique– Chic effortless clothes in National Harbor, Maryland Simply Soles– Fabulous shoes and accessories in National Harbor, Maryland

2011/09/30

Tweople to Follow

@SJTraveler is Stephanie Johnson, a handbag designer who creates fashionable and functional cosmetic cases and travel accessories, designed with the frequent traveler in mind. You won’t find mindless tweets, but rather just Stephanie sharing her travel highlights and insights about what is hot for handbags and fashion, ‘thank you’s (she’s so personable and well-mannered), and where she’ll be next. I consider her to be a friend….so hook my girl up!

2011/09/30

A Not-So-Basic Pencil Skirt

This black, leather panel pencil skirt by White & Warren is basic enough for everyday, but the leather panels give it just enough edginess to rock for an evening out, date night or even a night at the Opera. I saw it today while tooling around at Julia Farr and kinda feel in love with it…the fabric is merino wool but with a tight enough knit that you’ll look smooth. I maya be heading back to Julia Farr to scoop it!

2011/09/29

Blueprint for Style is Part of DailyStyleBuzz’ Top 9

We’re Mad about Menswear and so is DailyStyleBuzz. We’re part of their Top 9 style insights on menswear. Check out our penchant for pocket squares, Billy Reid, Tommy Ton, Zara for Men and more. We love our men!!

2011/09/29

Men Like It Easy

So these Brooks Brothers shirts are perfect! 4 fits (traditional, regular, slim, extra slim), 165 sizes, 100+ styles….and they’re non-iron. Hello? Done…!

2011/09/29

Lustful Leather

This season, I am lusting after just about anything with leather and this leather sleeve blazer by DSquared2 is no different. The notch collar, flap pockets and puffy shoulders make this a savvy selection for date night, an after-hours business meeting, or a Saturday late afternoon museum walk. Do you love it….or what? If the $1,995 price point is too much, don’t worry because Robert Rodriguez makes a similar perforated leather sleeve blazer for much less ($594). DSquared2 Leather Sleeve

2011/09/28

Cute Collab: Hello Kitty & Forever 21

Channel your inner 8th grader fast because Hello Kitty (aka Sanrio) and Forever 21 have collaborated to bring tees, intimates and accessories to Forever 21 starting November 18. Here are a few looks that we think are cute…. BTW — we will be purchasing a few intimates (it’s all good to be a little girl in private)!

2011/09/28

Fall Trend #5: Shimmer

Wake up your fall wardrobe with one of the season’s most attention-grabbing trends: shimmer and sheen. If you haven’t already, you will definitely be seeing a lot of glistening sequins, metallics, fringes, and appliques that are set to create a major impact. Forget about the warm weather gradually disappearing as these shiny pieces will instantly give your look a pick-me-up whether during the day or at night. Among the many designers who created gleaming pieces in their collections are Elie

2011/09/27

We Talked About Blazers….

So it’s no surprise that we’d show you this awesome chambray blazer with reinforced pockets and cotton/linen woven in Japan. It’s at J Crew and an additional 30% off (using code SHOPNOW) thru Wednesday. You can wear this now, with jeans and khakis, for casual Friday or date night. J Crew Selvedge chambray jacket

2011/09/27

Diamonds & Denim for DC Divas

We wish everyone could have the perfect pair of jeans, but for now it’s just the DC divas and dapper dons. With the help of denim fit specialists, you’ll be able to find your ideal fit just in time for fall! In the process, we’ll be giving away a Coach bag (valued at $800), some denim-inspired Essie nail polish, a ShoeDazzle membership, and Stephanie Johnson bags (valued at $40) to anyone who secured a VIP ticket. We can’t wait to

2011/09/26

Manly Monday Style Meter

Just a few stylish musings from a stylish who believes our ‘true north’ personal style is just around the corner…. A man without real point-of-view is like a duck without feathers (good analogy huh?). You can have a point-of-view and still be ‘man’ enough to see and appreciate someone’s else. Whaddya think? Style advice: if you live on the East Coast, substitute your zip-up jacket with a blazer of sportcoat for an instant upgrade By in-large, the difference between African-American

2011/09/26

Tweople to Follow

@DVF is a ROCK STAR woman and an inspiration. DVF tweets about her happenings and upcoming ‘things’ to watch out for including her new perfume and leopard print sandals (a select few pair will go on sale today at 12pm CT (or call 8.00.825.8000) at Neiman Marcus). These are the sandals she rocked at #LuckyFABB….I’m loving her and you will too! And you’ll know it’s her because she signs, “Love Diane“.

2011/09/23

Stylish Reading at ‘Reasons & Roses’

Nichole Nichols, a freelance writer/editor/blogger for Reasons & Roses, asked me what my must-read’s for the stylish fashionista. Here‘s what I had to say….

2011/09/21

One Dress: Work to Weekend Easy!

Splendid cowl-neck stretch jersey dress, $98 Steve Madden Bevv, $69.95 (Tuesday) Matt & Nat Laroux studded clutch, $99 (Friday) Nine West Lemon, $62 (Wednesday) Betsey Johnson shoe, $90 (Thursday) Arielle de Pinto Decollete Shard necklace, $755 (Wednesday) Penny Loves Kenny Terta pump, $49 (Friday) Safari, So near scarf…similar item, $18 (Thursday) Needless to say, I love this entire week of chic. The dress is simple enough to work with several different color and styles, but with another flair to stand

2011/09/20

What to In-Vest in For Fall

J Crew isn’t just for the All-American guy….the picture below has something for everyone. One of the most important features: the vest. J Crew Men’s Spring 2012 What does the vest get you?….. Instant style appeal with the ladies Flexibility to go from office to bar simply by taking off your blazer/suit jacket Street cred because no one likes a wuss! A chance to individualize a pair of jeans and button down shirt (because that’s what all of you wear

2011/09/20

Manly Monday Style Meter

These are just a few observations, thoughts, insights, and words of wisdom that any/every man should hear. They’re all about keeping it stylish, being a gentleman, and understanding the differences (read: nuances) of boys and men. [scene: any female’s birthday party at a restaurant] The girl is wearing her newly purchased dress that fits her like a glove and an outfit that is red carpet worthy….the guy (who is “with” her) is rocking some denim, a polo and casual sneakers.

2011/09/19

6 Things We Want to Share This Week…

New York Fashion Week for the Spring 2012 collections is over as of Thursday, September 15th. Here are the highlights. At least on the East Coast, fall is here….(it came to early)! Ladies, grab a sweater. Fellas since fall came early, you’ll need a sportcoat or vest for sure! We’re loving the two-strap satchel right now. It’s ladylike, chic and functional. Let’s do the bag switch-a-roo!! Don’t forget starting next week Blueprint for Style will be giving away ALL of

2011/09/17

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today, my mother would have been 70 years old….had she not been taken from us in 2001. Her name was Vivian and she was not only a sparky, vivacious, short-haired spitfire, but one of my greatest style inspirations. Why? When you saw her, I think you were immediately captured by her polished demeanor that worked so well with her stunning orangeish-red short hair and big smile. Her generous spirit showed in deed and in her talk — a valued confidante

2011/09/16

Tweople to Follow

@froufrouu: Nadia Sarwar, blogger/photographer/stylist (froufrouu.com) I stumbled upon this fabulous fashionista’s photo (below) today while browsing Refinery29’s 50 Street-Style Looks from Fashion’s Finest during NYFW. Juxtaposing masculine accessories with a midi-skirt and blouse, Nadia has such a cool swagger and is so comfortable in her own style—a quality I wish for everyone. Be sure to check out her blog and her amazing photography for lots of stylish inspiration! photo from refinery29.com

2011/09/16

Tie A Ribbon Around The ‘Old Oak Tree’

A quick bit of style advice regarding which width tie to wear when…. Wide is wack and out-of-date (look around, everything today is about being long and lean) Skinny is frat boy (that’s approx 5cm and what you’ll see for the kids just starting out) Moderation is best (look for something around 7-8cm, or slightly wider than your blazer lapel!) In terms of length, don’t let it go lower than the top of your pants or higher than your belly

2011/09/14

Fall Trend #4: Plaid

When thinking of plaid, most people may imagine a private school uniform or a Scottish kilt. We assure you that is not the case for this upcoming fall when you shop for tartan pieces to wear the trend. This time around, runways including Carven, Rag & Bone, Burberry Prorsum, and Sonia Rykiel, went mad for tartan plaid and incorporated the pattern in various shapes, forms, silhouettes, and styles. Everything from dresses and skirts, jackets and capes, to handbags and shoes – the

2011/09/13

Yummie Tummie Jeans!

Yes, they exist! Ok I am super behind, but I had the chance earlier this summer to chat it up with Heather Thomson, the CEO of Yummie Tummie, and besides being a disciple of her shapewear (which is breathable and flexible), I just gushed over how cool and humble she was. We’ll feature the interview we did with her later this week, but today I’m all about the denim I sported during New York’s Fashion Week (it’s that time of year and

2011/09/13

One Flat = An Entire Week of Chic

I love this new weekly post that we’ve been doing….it features one item worn several different ways to get you through an entire week. This week, it’s stunning multi-colored flat by Bruno Magli worn several different ways to take you from runway to walkway, and from desk to date! Mango sleeveless dress, 55 J Crew long sleeve top, $50 Short sleeve top, 65 Dorothy Perkins red blazer, 40 Vince stretch twill pants, $84 Milly rhinestone skirt, $365 Missoni tailored pants, 285

2011/09/12

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Wearever the Weather Style Insights for DC

Tweople to Follow

A Not-So-Basic Pencil Skirt

Blueprint for Style is Part of DailyStyleBuzz’ Top 9

Men Like It Easy

Lustful Leather

Cute Collab: Hello Kitty & Forever 21

Fall Trend #5: Shimmer

We Talked About Blazers….

Diamonds & Denim for DC Divas

Manly Monday Style Meter

Tweople to Follow

Stylish Reading at ‘Reasons & Roses’

One Dress: Work to Weekend Easy!

What to In-Vest in For Fall

Manly Monday Style Meter

6 Things We Want to Share This Week…

Happy Birthday Mom!

Tweople to Follow

Tie A Ribbon Around The ‘Old Oak Tree’

Fall Trend #4: Plaid

Yummie Tummie Jeans!

One Flat = An Entire Week of Chic

Send us a message