February 2014 | Blueprint for Style

Features & Series

Building The Ideal Wardrobe Series

You really want a personal stylist or someone/anyone to come into your closet, twinkle their nose, and create the ideal wardrobe for you. You could get up in the morning, fear-free, and open the door to loads of wonderful treasures; or perhaps prepare for a last-minute trip without having to head to the mall. Call the stylist – that’s one option (I’m available here). I’m certainly not opposed to that as it keeps me employed. The second option is to

2014/02/28

Furnishings

MANly Facts: Ties

When you wear a tie that is excessively patterned/overly zesty/truly eye-popping, it requires a plain shirt. Do you understand?

2014/02/24

Men's Matters

Monday MANifesto: Sweater Weather

It’s sweater weather….kinda! Imagine your travel plans from the East Coast to the south for a weekend wedding, or an evening outing with the fellas to do ‘man cave’ stuff – plan on starting with a good sweater and then layer from there. This Japanese brand Beams Plus does staples really well. The cut is generally slim and the quality is top-notch. A t-shirt underneath for a casual outing or a buttondown for a night out with your girl works

2014/02/24

Features & Series

Pronouncing Designer Names….Still

Yesterday we gave you the first list and since Harper’s Bazaar came out with their second list, so did we! More names and wonderful designers. Learn a couple and then impress your friends…. A Détacher: ah day-tah-shay Acne: ahk-nay Alber Elbaz: ahl-bear el-bahz Alexandre Vauthier: ah-lex-ahn-der voh-tee-ay Andrew Gn: an-drew jin Anya Hindmarch: ahn-yuh hind-marsh Aquilano Rimondi: ah-kwi-lahn-doh rim-ohn-dee Behnaz Sarafpour: ben-ahz sar-uh-for Bibhu Mohapatra: bee-booh mo-ahh-pat-rah Bouchra Jarrar: boo-shra jahr-arr Burberry Prorsum: burr-behr-ee prohr-sum Carven: cahr-vehn Costella Tagliapietra: coh-stell-oh

2014/02/20

Features & Series

Pronouncing Designer Names

Sure you don’t want to ask anyone (especially if you’re in the store itself) because they may look at you like you don’t belong…. But you do want to know how to correctly pronounce that handbag or suit you want. Yeah – Kanye did it in his song but that’s not real life! We strive for more!! Thank Harper’s Bazaar (one my favorite fashion publications)…. Anna Sui: anna swee Ann Demeulemeester: ann de-mule-eh-meester Azzedine Alaia: azz-eh-deen ah-lie-ah Badgley Mischka: badge-lee

2014/02/19

Bottoms

MANly Facts: Jeans

The average man owns three to five pairs of jeans. What about you?

2014/02/17

Footwear

Monday MANifesto: The Ins and Outs of a Perfect Winter Dress Boot

Here are all the characteristics that make a boot both a “dress boot” and a useful piece of cold-weather gear: Insulation from the ground (thick, multilayered soles) Inner insulation (warm lining, padding, etc.) – think moisture-wicking, traps heat in, and consider the thickness of the lining Waterproofing Wind/air resistance (non-porous material) Sole traction – leather soles are nice but rubber outsoles are the only answer Upper-ankle height or greater – ankle-height is more common; laced boots are generally considered dressiest,

2014/02/17

Features & Series

The 2014 Must-Read Style Guidebook

It’s out. It’s here. It’s funny! It’s informative! It’s refreshing. It’s accurate. It’s on-the-money. It’s what every woman needs to hear and Monica does all of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Grab your copy of Without Saying A Word: The Silent Power of Style on Amazon.com (e-book version to follow soon). Or come to one of her book tour events around the country…. Hit social media and follow hashtag #WSAWstyle to see what’s going on where!

2014/02/14

Beauty

Best Beauty Advice From Women Over 40

Refinery29 featured five women over 40 who are beauty-ful and rockin’ it – Blueprint for Style was one!

2014/02/14

Accessories

Hermes Glove Clips

How many pairs of gloves do you think you’ve lost across the last 10 years? Or just the last year? I’ve stopped keeping the glove because I never find the mate…. I can say, without reservation, that I’ve gone through at least 15 pairs ranging from cheapies to handmade leather ones. So the idea of of glove clips, not to mention by Hermes, makes me smile. Such a small little novelty [available in 4 varieties: gold plated, permabrass, ruthenium, and

2014/02/14

Accessories

Lingerie Love For Valentine’s

Valentine’s is a manmade holiday but it’s all about the idea of love and that includes loving yourself. This Valentine’s take a pledge to love yourself enough to buy a beautiful bra….that supports you, shows off your assets, covers you where you need it, and works to show the real you. Lingerie are the unsung heroes of our fabulous outfits – the girders that literally support our ‘red carpet’ looks, power Mondays, and I-feel-fab Fridays. Head to Nordstrom, or True

2014/02/12

Accessories

My Atlanta Travel Outfit

My sister is getting married, so I headed down to Atlanta for her bridal shower and a quick 24 hours of fun and laughs. To make the trip happen though, I had to plan for a big climate change (again) going from DC (30s) to Atlanta (high 50s), and I also wanted to make sure I was ready to hang out! The answer was in my fabulously stylish and comfy Tieks (thanks Tieks for sending me “caliente” which is what

2014/02/11

Accessories

We Are Owls. Whose Scarf?

The brand is We Are Owls. The printed cashmere and silk scarf is on sale at The Outnet now (through Sunday). The colors are bright but not overpowering or gaudy. The weight is just right to wear now or as you hit the travels for spring (which I hope is coming like yesterday). And the length means you can wrap it around and do a few cool things with it. Other fabulous scarf options are available but this is probably

2014/02/08

Accessories

ALL of These Jean Michel Cazabat Shoes Are Under $200

Weekend shoe porn….! All of these lovely, sexy, ogle-worthy shoes are by designer Jean Michel Cazabat, and all are under $200 – now at The Outnet. You don’t need any of these shoes likely but, at this price, the quality and styling make them a “winning” proposition. They compliment the leg by creating a a longer, leaner line, and the textures/colors employed are special enough to stand out but fabulously basic enough to wear with just about anything in your closet.

2014/02/08

Accessories

Carry. Cross. Travel. Clutch.

I held out on my approval of crossbody bags but they are growing on me especially when they’re as versatile as one like this Rebecca Minkoff mini box two-tone bag. You can wear it on your shoulder, sling it across your front (which makes it very travel-friendly), and detach the shoulder strap and just clutch it. Added bonus is the two-tone color combo ~ cream and black make this wearable year round! The Outnet has lots of other handbags on sale

2014/02/08

Beauty

Pampadour Party

Pampadour is this super cool site that is for beauty enthusiasts and while I’m much more of a style enthusiast, beauty runs in the same circle! Pampadour asked me if I’d celebrate the release of my style book, Without Saying A Word, by hosting a Pamp Party to talk about all of my fun skincare secrets (from page 90 of my book), and I said, “Yes!”. Join me online February 12 to ask all of your beauty questions focused on

2014/02/07

Dresses & Outfits

One Wish for Valentine’s Day: Jumpsuit

Ok it’s a bit of a lie since I have several “wishes” for Valentine’s Day but if I had just one wish for St. Valentine’s Day, it would be to have a navy blue jumpsuit. Take a peek at my 2014 goals and resolutions if you must but this is perfectly aligned with my 2014 strategy. This sateen, wide-leg jumpsuit from ONE by COREY is ideal for dressing up for dinner dates, an evening at the museum, or doing an

2014/02/06

Accessories

Do These D’Orsay Flats

Are you familiar with Jenni Kayne? If not, she’s the West Coast wunderkind who launched her line of shoes in 2003 (at age 19!) and she’s been on everyone’s must-have list since. Her most famous shoe, the d’Orsay flat starts at $400 and just goes up — a fabulous flat but bit pricey for some. You can still channel the style of the d’Orsay flat by heading to Old Navy (quickly) and scooping their version of the d’Orsay flat which

2014/02/05

Bottoms

Manly Mondays: Navy Blue Pants

Navy blue chinos are a must-have for men. They work for casual Fridays, dress up nicely with a sportscoat, and are ideal to travel from season to season. Everything you need to know to wear them more often than you should….

2014/02/03

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Building The Ideal Wardrobe Series

MANly Facts: Ties

Monday MANifesto: Sweater Weather

Pronouncing Designer Names….Still

Pronouncing Designer Names

MANly Facts: Jeans

Monday MANifesto: The Ins and Outs of a Perfect Winter Dress Boot

The 2014 Must-Read Style Guidebook

Best Beauty Advice From Women Over 40

Hermes Glove Clips

Lingerie Love For Valentine’s

My Atlanta Travel Outfit

We Are Owls. Whose Scarf?

ALL of These Jean Michel Cazabat Shoes Are Under $200

Carry. Cross. Travel. Clutch.

Pampadour Party

One Wish for Valentine’s Day: Jumpsuit

Do These D’Orsay Flats

Manly Mondays: Navy Blue Pants

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