Published Articles
MSNBC: Stylist Monica Barnett – How to Create an Awe-Inspiring Closet for Career Success in the New Year
Closet purging can be as much of a physical exercise as well as a mental one, says stylist Monica Barnett.
2020/12/31
Closet purging can be as much of a physical exercise as well as a mental one, says stylist Monica Barnett.
Yep – I got asked to be on Kamaria’s radio show along with my good friend, Julia Coney, to talk 2021 plans, the mash-up between wine and fashion, holiday must-haves & more. “What’s coming up for 2021?” “What’s the crossover/mix of wine and fashion?” “What’s your inspiration for styling and the work you do, Monica?” All the questions answered in this radio show hosted by my longtime friend, Kamaria, for her fabulous radio show! Tune-in and laugh with us….
There is something empowering about living alone but there is also the struggle of navigating loneliness…at least for me! I didn’t spend the entire pandemic or lockdown [March until now] all alone but there were definite moments where I had to actively navigate the circuitous pathway of loneliness by focusing on all of the upsides! Admittedly the idea of being able to live out loud’ has its advantages such as all of the house rules are always obeyed – mostly that no
Simply put, there is no piece of outerwear more basic but more essential than the trench coat! The one pictured is [here] – French-inspired! Flexible – check! Versatile – check! Classic – check! Essential – check! Burberry has a beautiful, more expensive version which I love but whatever you do, heed the following recommendations: Go for camel [or navy]. Make the hemline just at or below the knee. Ensure it’s waterproof Get a removable waist belt And, while not essential,
What an honor! I am getting the chance to talk with Sharon Hargro Porter on her show, The Book Talk Show, the monthly show that discusses All Things Books – they feature an author and book of the month, and assist the aspiring author to Write the Book Now! We are going to have a blast on her show so tune-in on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 10:00 am ET for conversation about The Creatives’ Closet, sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, &
…this Ermenegildo Zegna triple stitch classic sneaker is your answer [you’re welcome!] One of my recent male client’s received his and just said, “I’m ready now….a dapper and classic pick!” Sometimes, simplicity is the answer ~ with a touch of modern! BOOM! Date night – check! Informal business meeting – check! Steak night out with the boys – check! Weekend in Vegas – check! In-home meet-up to taste test new Bourbon – check!
Earlier this week, I had the immense pleasure to be interviewed on Afro News, one of the oldest Black-owned newspapers in the US. It was a blast talking with DC Editor, Micha Green about my newest book, The Creatives’ Closet, how I got started, how I’ve been handling the “pivot” during the pandemic, and so much more! Take a listen and share your thoughts! What else did you want to know? Still have questions? Just comment or send me an email
2020 has been a doozy and the best thing we can do is to look forward to 2021 – – – good riddance to 2020! To make that possible, we must plan for it so, which planner are you ordering today?! My favorite choice is shown above by Ivory Paper Co but there are lots to choose from depending on what you need or want to focus on. My 2021 will be focused on getting business done efficiently ~ and taking
We’re in a new and different holiday season…and many of us are not feeling quite festive. To add a little gush to your holiday outfit whether it’s a Zoom party or small in-home soiree, here are three (3) easy ways to add sparkle to any occasion: Add shimmer to your cheeks [and face] with RMS Beauty buruti bronzer Add some sparkle to your feet…with blingy shoe clips [jazz up your house shoes if you want to!] Add glimmer to your mask…using
What is your visual resume you ask?!?! It’s basically how you ‘show up’ to the world – it’s your visual dossier of your experiences and aspirations… Ideally your visual resume aligns with your professional and personal brands, and your appearance. When you walk away and someone says, “Wow, s/he was so together and was just a delight to talk to about xyz. S/he is sharp and knows her/his stuff!” >>> that is your visual resume shining through! Now, is your
Do you find yourself often struggling with what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Here is my simple gift-giving philosophy that’s going to make you everyone’s favorite 🎅🏽! Also, visit my holiday gift guide in the guide section to see my top ten 🎁 picks for the holidays! Happy gifting! ♥️
…an Isaia blazer! And the best place to start looking is Saks Men’s Store! This was one of my client’s first Isaia’s jackets….and now he’s hooked! Isaia jackets normally run anywhere from $3,500 to $about $6,000 ~ right now, they’re on sale and the selection is pretty good so click quickly!! PLUS: an additional $450 – $700 gift card with your purchase through TOMORROW! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4306735″]
I am in the camp of not traveling but….as life sometimes does, we are thrust into the moment! During this pandemic, I’ve had to fly a few times and now convinced that these seven items are essential to staying safe and sane during your post-pandemic travels! hand wipes hand sanitizer mask (and maybe a back-up or two) scarf ~ go wild with this but it’s always good to have something between you and the seat/headrest, or to provide another layer
We’re in the midst of a pandemic so, sometimes you have to find the pretty in every situation. In this case, if you have to wear a face mask sometimes a pretty mask with bows is the answer! These bowie masks come in a few color combinations (I have the French blue and Nantucket red ones) so have a little fun because the current situation….is here to stay for awhile!
2020 has been a doozy! But I wanted to share the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020 because they’ve given me moments of joy when the lockdown was in full swing, provided inspiration when inside was all I had, and allowed me to pour into other small businesses and black-owned businesses because small businesses employ over half of all US workers! @PredominantlyBlack candle – $48 (supporting, black- and woman-owned business) @OneQuince cashmere sweatshirt (although it’s $60 now) –
This year, more than in years past, we need to do holiday sparkle and find the joy of the season! It’s been rough year so, instead of all of the glitter clothing and Christmas outfits, I’ve found 9 items that can bring enough holiday sparkle to make you the bell of the Zoom ball….still! [Starting from the top left and kinda looping around]: Two-toned glitter clutch box in navy/gunmetal by Sondra (also available in gold/gunmetal) Silver glitter nail polish by Mischo Beauty Shoe clips Sparkly
This red is a cool classic red with subtle blue undertones which means you won’t see any orange-yness and if you were to rock a pink/fuschia lip pencil underneath, you’d get a slightly softer red coloring. It pops. It’s organic. It’s hydrating. It’s deep. It multi-tasks (you can wear it on the cheek, lip or eyes). It works as a gorg lip tint. It’s a blendable formula or oils and waxes. It feels hydrating. The maker: Mansai7. They have a
I believe the answer is this tweed sequin mask by St. John! IF you think that the backbone of festive dressing is sparkles then it only makes sense that all of our accessories focus on that goal! Holiday sparkle…and sequins for all!
Who knows when you’ll need them but better to have them and be prepared, right?! If there’s ONE thing I learned during my conversation with @NicoleRichmond of Making A Stylish Exit, it’s that sequins are always appropriate! And with the holidays approaching, you’re going to need some sparkle especially after the year we’ve all had!! Add this sparkle while it’s still available! Here…. And if you didn’t catch it, here’s our podcast together where we dish on what to wear
So people will call it a grind but there’s a large part of me that thinks it’s a grustle [grind + hustle]. People ask why I’d work 80 hours per week vs. 60 per week elsewhere. The answer is simple: every hour I’m putting in is like giving to myself! 20 years ago I would have said, “No way!” and now you couldn’t get me to give it up… Today (figuratively), I help people align and perfect their visual resume, show up
I recently published an article for NBC News’ Know Your Value team and it’s a quick 4-minute read but here are a few highlights to consider: Five style tips that are inspired by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris so you don’t have to love her style but she gives us some good lessons! We discuss pearl necklaces and sneakers… This will be the first of a few pieces that track/follow her style journey and evolution, so stay tuned! Now, read the
I oftentimes tell my clients that if they’re stuck putting an outfit together, they should ‘start with your shoes and build your outfit around those!’ And people sometimes ask me where I get my style inspiration and the answer is a lot of places but I start with my living room tsundoku (it’s a Japanese slang term that refers to a pile of books that never get read….). They’re not just my style jumpoffs but provide a visual smorgasbord for
I was sooooo excited and honored to be asked to appear on my girlfriend, Nicole Richmond‘s podcast called Making a Stylish Exit. It’s loosely connected to her book that was published last year under the same title and it’s a hoot! The book is the perfect beach read or if you need to work through a break-up…you will understand/sympathize/empathize/laugh-out-loud to the stories and antics you read about. As for our podcast, it comes out on Friday, November 13th on Apple podcasts and
your personal style matters…regardless of who sees it! Checking in around November 2019, I was happily planning out my meteoric entrepreneurial rise in 2020. I was rocking fitted denim, vintage tees, and blazers everywhere. Add to that a fedora since late nights often meant ‘hard’ sleep which resulted in many mornings of ‘pencil top’ head (smh). I was overwhelmingly casual since my current contract – which would soon end – was remote. Casual meant a light shirt with a chunky
Excerpt from a series called Curated Career Conversations: my interview with Sarah Johnston A year ago, my professional “uniform” included shift dresses and pumps. With my new work-from-home lifestyle, I wear sneakers almost exclusively. Apparently, I’m not the only one who has said farewell to uncomfortable heels. According to the research firm NPD Group, dress shoe sales dropped 71% in Q2 2020, compared to last year. That’s not the only thing changing in the world of fashion. Makeup sales have sharply declined, Tailored
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