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Furnishings

US Esquire’s Nick Sullivan Talks Style

You’ve GOT to check out this three-minute clip on the Mr. Porter website: it’s Nick Sullivan, Fashion Director of US Esquire, sharing some insights on his dress philosophy. The two big takeaways for me (and you): no tie clips style evolves…but takes snippets from fashion Click here and check it out!

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Accessories

Style Tip: Legs

If you work in a more creative environment, you can add a touch of zest to your look with colored tights. For the more conservative, opt for some texture instead. Also opaque creates a more flattering line than sheer! While in Paris, I discovered Tabio…where Mr. Oshi uses his teeth to ensure the tights are worthy of being worn!

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Bottoms

Better To Have Loved & Lost Than To Have Never Loved At All

That’s what I keep telling myself when I think of J Brand Jeans. I had a not-so-secret love affair with J Brand and have recently found out that they are positioning themselves in high-fashion and as such, will no longer be the official jean of Blueprint for Style. I will relish my many pairs and their fabulous fit (even after multiple washes and a few uh-ohs in the dryer)….. So long, farewell….. Better to have loved and lost than to

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Dresses & Outfits

Ripped From the Pages of Marie Claire

Across the last several months, Marie Claire is stepping up its game and, undoubtedly, EIC Joanna Coles is a large part of that. I’m particularly in love with the MC@Work features. This week, I’ve snagged a piece about what to say in the stickiest of office situations….. “Quitting a job is a lot like breaking up – it’s better when both parties see it coming. So be sure to drop hints that you’re itching to try something else” Kiss up

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Buzz

A Lesson in Whiskey

I don’t know a thing about whiskey….but it’s stylish (& a bit sexy) to be able to order it right! All bourbons, scotches and ryes are whiskey Not all whiskeys are bourbon, scotch or rye Bourbon is corn-based Scotch is made from barley and hops Rye is made from rye (duh!) In a pinch, ordering “bourbon from Kentucky” will work since it can be used in most whiskey drinks Here’s more from Marie Claire…

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Accessories

A Ordinary Paper Clip Made Extraordinary

It’s quirky. It’s fun. It’s practical. It’s old. It’s sterling silver. It’s by Paul Stuart. Leave it this American arbiter of stylish menswear to take something as mundane as a paper clip and kick-it-up a notch. The result is a sterling silver paper clip. If you’re a minimalist, this is a must-have {I kinda want one myself….}

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I Want To Look Like….Javier Bardem

If you want to look like Bond’s nemisis, Javier Bardem, here’s what you’ll need to do: Rock suits that are slim fit. Nix your gut (if you have one). Consider button downs a wardrobe staple. Take something non-conventional (i.e.,tuxedo jacket) and wear it a mundane setting. Have ruggedly handsome good looks. Remember that each piece of your tuxedo can be worn separately. Buy a suit like this. {original photos removed}

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Accessories

A Hat Trick Revealed

I’m ready for the ‘big reveal’….indeed, I’ve been keeping a secret from most of you and I’m now ready to fess up – across the last couple of years, most of my hats have come from an online store called Hats in the Belfry. I’ve always had a love for hats but it was mostly baseball caps until recently. I now have a fairly robust collection of soft-sided caps, fedoras, straw hats, and trilbys. In fact, the hat that will

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Beauty

Off to Paris- My Airport Attire

What do you wear to the airport and on your flight? Here’s a quick-n-dirty list of proper airport attire that says you care but also want to be comfortable: Choose a base color {black, navy, brown or camel} and commit A white tee or button down like this one as a starting point means you can go anywhere One additional layer in the form of a blazer of cardigan….I prefer cardigans because they’re cozier and then I just add a belt

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Men's Matters

I Told You Camouflage Is In

Converse Jack Purcell‘s are classics. Camouflage is kinda new. These are mix of both ~ Converse Jack Purcell Seasonal Ox. The print isn’t in-your-face and the olive base color makes it a wearable neutral. Get it now – it’s going away soon!

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Accessories

Boot-ilicious

Unlike my friend Ananda I’m not a huge boot fan. I have the essentials and then a few extra (mostly booties) that I’ve taken a shiny too….until I saw these. I was running through the Need Supply email and saw the Enrica – an OTK (over-the-knee) boot that could do double duty by folding over the top. Not my typical pick but I saw a pair of my skinny jeans and an oversized sweater, a short skirt with some thick

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Accessories

My First Birthday Gift: A 31 Hour Tote

This is my new birthday tote by 3.1 Phillip Lim, the ’31 Hour’ leather tote. It’s perfect for my beauty/style blogger trip to Paris this week. It will hold my Dell #XPS laptop {thanks Dell- it’s so light and sexy, and the battery time is awesome…PCs can be stylish too!}, iPad, small liquids bag (Nude ProGenius, minimergency kit, Crest intensive professional effects whitestrips, Evian brumisateur facial spray) tech peripherals bag, clutch, 2 magazines usually Harper’s Bazaar and Lucky Magazine, 1 book,

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Style Tips

Style Tip: Hemlines

Before making any purchase, have a seat…literally! A proper, work-friendly hemline doesn’t expose too much thigh when you cross your legs.

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Beauty

Preparing for Paris

It’s been almost two years since I’ve been to the “City of Lights” but, I think of it often not only because as a stylist, it’s the holy grail but because the energy of city and its inhabitants is infectious! Here’s a style secret: when you travel, a lot of what you wear is determined by the outerwear…. in this case, I’ll be rocking the Zara zipped camouflage jacket because it has sparklies on either breast pocket; the fit is perfect

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Furnishings

Knot, A Fall Upgrade

Did you catch my play on words?! Seriously, for men, ties and bowties can be expensive but this new website is terrific. The Knottery {mentioned in GQ} has modern ties, not too skinny or fat, starting as low as $30. I can’t speak to the quality or their staying power but the fabric selection is spot-on and they’ve even got pocket squares. A new tie not enough for you? Join Bryn Keith and I on November 13th for Tie-Bow: Fit

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Item of the Week: Feminine Leather

Lately, I’ve been pausing on any page or sighting of leather – and no, I’m not succumbing to my inner vixen. The leather I’ve been craving has been in the form of leggings (nothing new) and peplum tops. They are so dang expensive though….DVF has one for $600, 3.1 Philip Lim has a long sleeve version for $1,350, and the list goes on. They’re still not cheap but I found two worthy of possible consideration by Timo Weiland and Elizabeth

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Stylish People

Derek Lam Is A Fibber!

Derek Lam has said he’d never do a collaboration unless it was “something new” which led to his experimental Derek Lam for eBay project last winter. Well, Derek Lam for Kohl’s DesigNation is on the horizon. It’s a line filled with swimwear and women’s apparel and priced between $36 and $98. Oh yeah, what’s “new” is that it will be inspired by his recent trip to Brazil. Is that really “something new”? Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl’s DesigNation will hit November

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Buzz

Political Style Battle #3: Who Wore It Best?

What a coinky-dink that Michelle Obama and Ann Romney both had a pink dresses for the debate this week! They’re stylists should have coordinated – or perhaps they did! So who wore it best? Neither really brought the “thunder”: Michelle’s MIchael Kors sheath and cropped jacket were nice enough but kinda stodgy. And her jewelry didn’t pop. Ann Romney’s Oscar de la Renta dress, blue nail polish and green necklace were colorful but disjointed. No matter the sartorial blunder, let’s

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Special Events

Get Ready for Halloween

You don’t have to go overboard for Halloween but, you can get in the “spirit” by adding a little creepiness to your mix….. I love October not just because it’s a time to dress up real crazy but because it’s my birthday month!

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Footwear

Designing Jordans

His name is Tinker Hatfield. He’s the designer behind almost every pair of Nike Jordans. Most of his work is done at night or on the weekends. Just thought we’d give you a little information in case you missed it in September’s GQ. You don’t have to be a big fan of Jordans or Michael himself but to know who started your craze is priceless.

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Fashion / Style Events

Street Art as Fashion

Have you ever been walking down the street, saw some street art (aka vandalism), and thought, “Wow! Cool!” India-based designer, Manish Arora, are in cahoots with Brooklyn-based artist, Judith Supine, as part of his debut at Paris Fashion Week. It’s colorful. It’s artsy. It’s daring….but not quite me. This is truly “street” fashion!

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Men's Matters

Cam Newton + Belk = Southern Style

Or so they say…Belk Inc. has teamed up with quarterback Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers for a men’s line to improve the store’s “modern Southern style” campaign. I don’t think Cam is into fashion design quite yet, so you shouldn’t expect that his signature will mean his creation, but the clothing line will offer “fashion-forward, versatile, professional apparel options for men,” according to Belk. Here are the key pieces of information: the collection will be called Made Cam Newton

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Stores & Sites to See

J.Crew Cashmere Shop

It’s J.Crew. So it’s a brand you know. It’s Loro Piana cashmere. So you know it’s quality. I like J.Crew enough but this is not about the brand but about the quality of the product. J.Crew’s cashmere is sourced from the same place as high-end retailer Loro Piana, so that means you’re getting exceptional quality. The J.Crew Cashmere Shop is vast, it’s worthy of a visit, and definitely worth the purchase. I’m getting a few. Which ones are you investing

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Men's Matters

Please #Tweed

Tweed is a classic. For men, it’s a wardrobe staple. It’s an expanded Essential Wardrobe item. We borrowed it from the Brits but here’s how to make it your own… decide whether to go single or double-breasted: double-breasted is instantly more formal and, frnakly, uptight how many buttons? tradition would tell you two to keep it simple as you on-and-off what kind of pattern are you going for?herringbone, Prince of Wales, donegal, Prestwick, houndstooth, etc what color family? if you

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Buzz

What Michelle Obama Means for Fashion [Infographic]

We discovered this infographic and thought it was worthy of sharing. We all believe in the power of influence and we know that ‘star power’ sells but here’s just how much. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, isn’t a rock star but she’s intimately connected to the Leader of the Free World and that makes her very influential. STOP? What fashion trend have you unknowingly submitted to as a result of her?! {Data by David Yermack; visualization by Open}

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