Maya H., Author at Blueprint for Style | Monica Barnett

Be Business Chic at the Four Seasons Marunouchi

Tokyo is a city ripe with fashion and style, but it is equal parts business too so the accomodations at Four Seasons Marunouchi remind you of how stylish, hip and modern Japanese culture can be in the midst of power playing! Four Seasons Marunouchi soothes the senses of the business-minded with a neutral color palette throughout the hotel with splashes of vibrant color (the Japanese love color); has clean lines and modern amenities that remind you that you’re in a technology savvy

2010/11/09

Tokyo Etiquette & Social Norms

Walk to the left Quiet in public Everyone carries handbags (even men and kids) Money is not exchanged hand to hand Business cards are held with both hands and read at length Service is chronic not acute (it’s a way of life) Conformity is okay Cleanliness is a given Building stomach muscles comes easy (from bowing at the waist)….beware of pulling butt muscles though Individuality is for kids and after work; blue suits are for all other occasions Small is

2010/11/09

Westin Tokyo: Well-Blended Japanese Business

We’re all familiar with the Starwood brand (my fave), so the Westin Tokyo is a natural option. Upon arrival, the entire lobby is decorated in Christmas decorations (BTW – Christmas is more of an intimate, couples Holiday while New Years is more family-oriented). The Westin Tokyo brings together the comforts of western living and several Japanese traditions. The hotel reminds you immediately of an American hotel with the heavier, baroque furnishings, but shows all of the wonderful trappings of Japanese culture like

2010/11/08

Like It, Love It or LOSE It?

This sheer silk military bodysuit by CDC has epaulettes on the shoulder and snap closure on the front; it’s ideal as we move into Holiday season and can be dressed up or down (I love versatility!)….but I’m not convinced on the bottom-half. It should be a thong or boy-short to avoid VPL!! It does come in dune (pictured), scarlet red, black and cream….but at $275, I’m not sure wearing it with VPL is the right answer? Thoughts?

2010/11/08

Toyko Grand Hyatt is Modern Sexiness

You are greeted by open space, shiny steel and colored glass; and courteous and quick assistance from the staff. The Tokyo Grand Hyatt is a representation of all that is respected in Japanese culture (customer service and modernity) yet all that is loved by Americans. With eight full restaurants with everything from French and Italian to Chinese and Japanese, and three bars, the Grand Hyatt delivers energizing surroundings amidst the vibrant and active Roppongi neighborhood. I loved it! Before heading out

2010/11/07

In Tokyo, Four Seasons Cuts Both Ways

14 hours of airtime, 2 hours of airport waiting-time and 2 hours of bus travel – you are officially ready to let is all go. Lucky you’ve arrived at the Four Seasons Tokyo Chinzan-so where you’re greeted by a warm smile, a courteous bow, and staff insistent on toting your luggage. The lobby quickly reminds you of old world comfort and, no matter where you’re from, a fancy home away from home. Having arrived at night, I wasn’t privy to

2010/11/05

It’s Finally Friday’s Fashionable Yet Quirky Q&A

This week’s everyday dapper don is a southern gent with southern fashion sensibilities, but has an entrepreneurial spirit and a flair for color, edge and fashion to match! He has all of the “finishings’ of GQ with some hot suace sprinkled on top. Let’s see what this southern playa’ has to share…. Occupation: Business Owner, Mogul, Business Consultant Age: 32 City/State of Birth: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Current City/State of Residence: Atlanta, Ga Status: Hiatus Shoes or Sneakers? Shoes Lace-ups or Slip-ons?

2010/11/05

Like It, Love It or Lose It?

These Guiseppe Zanotti booties are the perfect blend of weekend downtown chic and weeknight date-right! I LOVE them…and want a pair.

2010/11/05

Create a Little Bling

Every lady needs a little bling for the upcoming Holiday season. While I’m sure the significant other or partner in your life is shopping around for just the right piece, you can take matters into your own hands with the help of ShopNBC. In this time of immediacy and social networking, Blueprint for Style believes in making the net-work… I’m talking about the social media network. Visit the ShopNBC FaceBook page, check out ShopNBC on Twitter, or even watch ShopNBC on YouTube. It’s one

2010/11/04

Become Visually Inspired

FotoWeekDC What: Be on the lookout for nighttime wall projections, artist talks, open portfolio reviews, and more during the annual photography extravaganza taking place across museums and galleries throughout the city Why: A launch party at the Corcoran, pictures writ large on the outside of the American Red Cross and Newseum, a food photography workshop, and ten-hour marathon photo shoot When: Thru Nov. 13. Party, Fri., 8-11 p.m. Schedule online at fotoweekdc.org Where: Details and registration info online at events.r20.constantcontact.com

2010/11/04

Designer Behind-the-Scenes: Nancy Gonzalez

I’m not a PETA person, but I try to by mindful of what I’m purchasing. Wait – who am I kidding? I own a full-length cognac-colored mink and I love it….does that make me a bad person?! Seriously, I don’t regularly indulge in the purchase of endangered or mistreated animals, but if you don’t like Nancy Gonzalez then we can’t be friends. Arguably the only designer to consider when talking exotic handbags, Colombia-born Nancy Gonzalez is all about the innovative

2010/11/03

Wine to Boot!

To help maintain the shape of your boots, use empty wine bottles!

2010/11/02

White is THE Boldest Color

Most people probably wouldn’t even consider white a “color”. I feel that when it comes to wardrobe, white is not only a bold color, but the most IMPORTANT color you can own. I want to talk white collared shirts. I “heart” a great fitting white collared shirt. They just make everything you are wearing instantly classic. I love pairing a collared shirt with riskier fashion choices and think it is a great way to anchor a funky skirt, pant or

2010/11/02

Flat Out Gorgeous!

Everyone knows I am a slave to high heels and why not – they make me look taller, they make me look leaner, and they make me look like I’m working out my lower half religiously! However, I have recently become a closet junkie for ballet flats. If they’re made correctly, they are chic, comfortable, can be dressed up, and add the pinch of feminity that I only thought could come from a high heel….more demure schoolgirl than sex

2010/11/02

Style Tip: At the Heart of a Sole-ful Issue

Gentlemen – it’s fine to run around in tennys or crosstrainers, but when it comes to dressing up, a true dapper don knows how to choose the right pair of tennis shoes. We’re talking about Jack Purcells by Converse, Sambas by Adidas, Rod Lavers by Adidas. ‘Nuff said….

2010/11/01

Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Guest Post: This week I have the pleasure to introduce Carly of ThirtySomethingFashion. Carly is a busy woman who manages to juggle momhood, wifely duties, and remain stylish in one fell swoop! Her post will be titled, “White is THE Boldest Color“…..look for it on Tuesday morning! Can Anything Be Fashionable?: The young Japanese set are known for taking just about anything and pairing it with

2010/11/01

Taking Tokyo By Storm….

I am utterly jetlagged and think it’s because I was in coach, but as I chatted with a few folks in business class, they were spent too. Thus, I am led to believe it is the 14 hours at 30,000+ feet and the less-than-livable spacing. With that said, I have checked into the Four Seasons Tokyo at Chinzan-so and am plotting with my compadres a mini lifestyle romp! Tokyo – watch out!

2010/11/01

So You Want A Designer Wardrobe for Bargain Prices….

I blog for a number of publications and online websites including MyBlogalicious, and today’s post was all about the seven tips for truly tapping into the designer market without cleaning out your wallet. Click the link to read the post, Give Me Designer Duds…And ‘Let Them Eat Cake’! I guarantee you’ll learn a little something….

2010/10/29

Like It, Love It, or Lose It

Hmmmm, I love the scarf, gloves and coat…..and not too keen the length of the skirt. The picture concept is about transitioning into fall and the outer accoutrements that make it stylish. What do you think?

2010/10/29

Plus Size Glitz

Yesterday, Blueprint for Style kicked off a new relationship….with Plus Size Glitz. Every month (and occasionally more often), we’ll contribute to a wonderfully real and celebratory website for full-figured women. Click the link to check out our inaugural post about the Top Five Pointers for Fabulous Full-Figured Dressing…and this month’s must-have item.

2010/10/29

Creating the Ideal ‘Date Night’ Closet

I’m not pulling any punches here — there are some essential in the savvy woman’s wardrobe that will make ‘date night’ a cinch even if the dude turns out to be a dud! While there is always room for variation if you’re more boho than chic, or more uptown socialite than edgy, the basics are just that. Take these pieces, add your signature style to them, and you’re covered: Black pumps – pumps/heels are an excellent way to elongate your leg. Black

2010/10/29

Style Tips for Sunday….it’s Halloween!

I’ve been trying to ignore it for the entire week to focus solely on my birthday week outings, but it’s getting in the way…..this Sunday is Halloween and this year I feel like everyone is all go-go-ga-ga over it! Let me say it know (just in case I forget….I am having a serious case of jealousy), Happy Halloween. Oh yeah, it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t provide a little insight so here’s that too: Don’t dress your age Halloween

2010/10/29

It’s Finally Friday’s Fashionable Yet Quirky Q&A

Let’s read about today’s everday dapper don who happens to be a world traveler and personifies laidback, urban styling!! Occupation: DM Retail Sales Age: 35 City/State of Birth: District of Columbia Current City/State of Residence: NY, NY Status: Married Shoes or Sneakers? Soft Bottom Shoes Lace-ups or Slip-ons? Slip-ons Blazer or Sportcoat? Sport Coat Cashmere or Wool? Cashmere Baseball cap or Fedora? Baseball Cap Spring or Autumn? Autumn John Varvatos or Ermenegildo Zegna? John Varvatos Halle Berry or Selma Hayek?

2010/10/29

Like It, Love It, or Lose It?

Wink NYC recently did a post about this Generation Love fake leather (“fleather”) sweatshirt…what do you think? Personally, I love it and crave it – I don’t wear sweatshirts but this is a truly adult version that works for weekends and weeknights out on the town! I would wear it with leggings, no jewelry and flats when I’m out shopping on Saturdays – I’d rock it with skinny dark denim, a long multi-strand necklace, and high heel booties as I

2010/10/28

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Be Business Chic at the Four Seasons Marunouchi

Westin Tokyo: Well-Blended Japanese Business

Like It, Love It or LOSE It?

Toyko Grand Hyatt is Modern Sexiness

In Tokyo, Four Seasons Cuts Both Ways

It’s Finally Friday’s Fashionable Yet Quirky Q&A

Like It, Love It or Lose It?

Become Visually Inspired

Designer Behind-the-Scenes: Nancy Gonzalez

Wine to Boot!

White is THE Boldest Color

Flat Out Gorgeous!

Style Tip: At the Heart of a Sole-ful Issue

Monday Morning Power List

Taking Tokyo By Storm….

So You Want A Designer Wardrobe for Bargain Prices….

Like It, Love It, or Lose It

Plus Size Glitz

Creating the Ideal ‘Date Night’ Closet

Style Tips for Sunday….it’s Halloween!

It’s Finally Friday’s Fashionable Yet Quirky Q&A

Like It, Love It, or Lose It?

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