2018 | Blueprint for Style

Outerwear

Fall Must-Have #3: Double-Breasted Blazer

I love love love blazers….although not the biggest fan of double-breasted options because most styles are too tight around my mid-section. To keep them looking slick, opt for skinny or fitted bottoms! If you’re taking the plunge but also want to get some regular use out of it, I’d recommend a navy pinstripe (like pictured above) or a “save” version here! You can always go for a touch of subdued color with this teal green version. If you’re not sure

2018/10/26

Dresses & Outfits

Fall Must-Have #2: Leather Dresses

Love leather! So that this fall leather dresses are everywhere is everything…..you can do full-on leather or opt for the vegan-friendly PU options. A simple PU option from asos will keep you looking slick but I’m loving this ready-for-work tie-waist midi dress. If you’re ready to party then a short-but-chic suede mini will keep you on the dance floor. That said, my favorite for this season is this Kooples little bit of leather short dress that can dress up a touch but also

2018/10/25

Footwear

Fall Must-Have #1: Leopard Print Shoes

You will see them everywhere and if you have a love for them (like a lot of us) then you probably have a few #leopardprint items. The shoes I love include Steve Madden‘s 4-inch heels (Nordstrom), more reasonable WHBM 2.5-in slingback heels (WHBM), Franco Sarto low-heeled mules (Macy’s), Coach sneakers, and even these a-dor-able baby slippers!!! Stay tuned for daily updates with your fall wardrobe items to have for 2018!

2018/10/24

Just Over A Month Of Summer Left

…and have you taken time to enjoy it yet? I have continually pushed myself to ‘get out’ in spite of not really having anyone to hang with and I’ve been fairly successful! The keys to a super summer are: a bag that carries your essentials (I found this plastic tote!) a bathing suit small enough to be stuffed anywhere full coverage skin protection trusty, grown-up flip flops And then roll!

2018/08/13

Footwear

Zesty Men’s Footwear

If you know anything about #fashion or claim to know then, as a man, you should be familiar with Nick Wooster. He’s a longstanding fashion brand that brings a certain sensibility with his stylishness that is transferable and workable for just about any fashion-forward fella. Recently, he launched a line with Greats and the creations are standout! And reasonably priced! My guy Wes would love these….

2018/08/11

Bottoms

summer shorts perfection!

Shorts can be the bane of a grown woman’s summer wardrobe ~ they are oftentimes the elusive white elephant…if you will! Enter this shorts…with a loose cut (so your thigh can breathe), a linen blend that is lightweight, and a nipped in waist to give you shape! Priced just over $50, it’s a pair you’ll likely want to scoop in multiples (sigh….I did!).

2018/06/15

Accessories

my three morning style must-haves

Technically, the list could be very long but I can whittle it down to just three morning style must-haves when I’m traveling or on vacation: The goal is to wake up [refreshed] and head to breakfast looking like you ‘woke up like this‘ so a quick dress that says laidback cool, tousled hair to make the just-woke-up-thing real, and a clean face because sleep in the eye and random makeup isn’t pretty. Ready for lights- camera – action!! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3165759″]

2018/06/14

Health & Beauty

my new running sneakers

I’m determined to get more fit; and a part of that is walking/running/jogging… Truth be told, I used to run but with my knee injured, I restrict myself to walking and light jogging (in intervals) so my half marathon days are likely over. That said, I still have criteria I use when purchasing my ‘sneaks’ because there is some fashion to it after all: they need to be colorful they need to top out around $110-ish they can’t make my

2018/06/13

Footwear

my new sneakers

Besides heels, my favorite footwear are sneakers; and my new Golden Goose v-star 2‘s are everything! What I love most is that they come perfectly ‘worn in’ compliments of the handy hand-distressing done at the shop in Italy. Each design is made in small numbers and always has some eye-catching element like metallic, blingy-ness, multiple patterns like plaid and floral…. plus they have a built-in elevated insole to make then extra comfy. They may cost you a pretty penny but

2018/06/12

Furnishings

perfect papa’s day gift!

It’s a surefire hit…guaranteed! This Timex military watch is the latest collab with Todd Snyder and a winner! It’s understated, versatile, vintage styling with a modern twist, and presents a clean silhouette. And for father’s day, it’s on sale for under $100 (and comes with two bands)….if you use code “GIFTOFTIME”!

2018/06/11

Footwear

Upscale Men’s Boat Shoes

Apparently, boat shoes are ALL the rage right now but they can look a bit ‘suburban’ so the upscale, city version is the Wooster! Get it and step lively….

2018/05/16

Accessories

Summer Denim

Denim is a basic – and that’s an understatement. Denim is an essential so when you think about summer, you’ve gotta think about what pieces you’ll carry over into the warm weather and what else to add to the collection. BOOM! These denim sandals…. I imagine these with any white denim… Ready. Set. Summer!

2018/04/25

Accessories

a spring/summer essential that’s easy to find!

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2018/04/23

Accessories

doing fancy footwear for spring

The last round of spring lust-haves for me are shoes! I snagged several new pairs and still have yet to scoop my Golden Goose sneakers….. The ones pictured I just scooped and will ROCK with my denim Chelsea28 blazer + anytime I wear my Clare Vivier clutch! My other favorites for this season include…. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3083801″]

2018/04/06

Bottoms

these pants/joggers are perfection!

I am IN LOVE with these French terry pintuck pleat pants! They’re cream, made of a soft terry, a pseudo- jogger/pants but perfection to wear to any meeting because of the fit. They’re another item I’m loving for spring that I am going to try not to wear everyday….but if I do, don’t look at me!! The other pants I’m in love with this spring…. [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3083794″]

2018/04/04

Outerwear

you need a “perfect” blazer for spring!

Ideally, your perfect spring blazer if colorful but, if you’re not going that route then opt for this Chelsea 28 blazer! I’ve had it for two years and then found it again ~ for my sister…. If you’ve got the basics covered then opt for something with a touch more color like I did! A couple more of my lust-haves for spring! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3083798″]

2018/04/03

Bottoms

9 things I’m in love with for spring

You know I’m not into #selfies or taking pics of myself but I can still share some fabulous pieces! Over the next few days, I’ll share my nine favorite items…. [show_lookbook_widget id=”388328″] Today is ALL about the new perfect tee….! Doing a few Wizards games and Kennedy Center concerts [love Common!], my standard uniform is a pair of jeans or cool camo pants + a t-shirt + a layering jacket = it’s comfortable but appropriate! So the hunt for a perfect

2018/04/02

Accessories

a perfect [structured] tote

ALL of my closest friends know that I’ve been on the hunt for the right tote bag. It had to have structure. It had to be metalware-free (except for the smallest and most imperceptible pieces). It should come in navy (or cognac). It should be big enough to carry my laptop, scarf, makeup bag, and a small fashionable find (wink, wink). And then this happened… Done! Grab yours here ~ it comes in red, taupe, blush, cognac and black, of course….!

2018/03/16

Footwear

brightly colored footwear

Skip the over-utilized black pumps in favor of some brightly colored heels and footwear this spring. It’s the IN thing! I’m looking at a pair from Sam Edelman, Steve Madden, and Iris & Ink…. Here are a few that can add some pop to your outfit & pep to your step!

2018/03/14

Accessories

any handbag collection must include…

As a professional woman and aspiring/full-time fashionista, your handbag collection must include an “archive handbag”…. Pair it with denim, an easy tunic dress, or layer it in fall with a meaty sweater as you hit the flea markets. My current favorite is the Ophidia GG supreme by Gucci pictured to the left ~ right size, right length, old school panache…DONE!

2018/03/02

Beauty

travel light, smell good…all the time!

So my girlfriend and I did some impromptu shopping on Saturday and, because she’s an enabler, I found myself at Ulta buying new facial cleanser – I snagged Dermalogica’s special cleansing gel because my face is still peeling just a bit as I am in week three of my Retin A treatment….. To add to my “booty bag” [is that not proper to say I ahve one…?!?!], I got a travel size of the Mario Badescu drying lotion and Origins checks

2018/03/01

Footwear

sexy summer sandals

SCORE! Aren’t we always looking for a cute sandal to add a touch of pep to our t-shirt and jeans summer look? And don’t you always fall back on those white sneakers or same plain, black sandals? Booooo…. Try this Miu Miu-inspired sandal ~ and right now it’s being price-matched! It’s not only in bright yellow but also silver and black WINNING!

2018/02/23

Dresses & Outfits

maxed out for cold weather

This little diddy here is working for me…. Ever wonder what summer items you can re-purpose for colder weather? The maxi + denim/leather jacket = you’re in business! Here are some fabulous maxi dress options that can add a little color to your winter doldrums but also spice up a warm summer day… [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3032004″]

2018/02/22

Stores & Sites to See

j.crew is hemorrhaging

They’ve been attempting a financial and sartorial turnaround across the last year or two ~ they let go of the popular creative director Jenna Lyons and then they revamped their overall style messaging from upscale, suburban gamine to understated urban fem. But J.Crew is still hemorrhaging… So their new strategy is to go the way of Starbucks! It’s hiring Adam Brotman as president and chief experience officer. Brotman hails from Starbucks Corp. What’s the goal? My guess is to up customer

2018/02/20

Style

2018 resort swimwear trends – pt 2

I realize it doesn’t fit the current swimwear trends but the one-piece maillot pictured provides just the right coverage for my mid-section…thank God! The next round of resort swimwear trends for 2018 include: Sports bra tops Ribbed or seersuker Cheeky/fun If you want to stick close to the trends then let me offer these couple of style tips: Sports bra tops are most flattering on small breasted women or those that want to minimize their size Ribbed or textured swimwear

2018/02/19

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Fall Must-Have #3: Double-Breasted Blazer

Fall Must-Have #2: Leather Dresses

Fall Must-Have #1: Leopard Print Shoes

Just Over A Month Of Summer Left

Zesty Men’s Footwear

summer shorts perfection!

my three morning style must-haves

my new running sneakers

my new sneakers

perfect papa’s day gift!

Upscale Men’s Boat Shoes

Summer Denim

a spring/summer essential that’s easy to find!

doing fancy footwear for spring

these pants/joggers are perfection!

you need a “perfect” blazer for spring!

9 things I’m in love with for spring

a perfect [structured] tote

brightly colored footwear

any handbag collection must include…

travel light, smell good…all the time!

sexy summer sandals

maxed out for cold weather

j.crew is hemorrhaging

2018 resort swimwear trends – pt 2

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