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

Unlike Beer, My Born-on Date Signifies Style!

Really it does! A beer’s born-on date signifies that at some point soon, what you’re drinking shouldn’t be drunk. However, my born-on date signifies that each year, I’m just going to get better!! In the spirit of all that is stylish, let me leave you with my thoughts and observations as I close out another decade of living….. If you treat yourself right, age is simply an indicator of good living. Fabulous to meet new people, but don’t forget the old

2010/10/26

Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Little is BIG: There’s a saying that goes “…devil is in the details.” We can apply it to tons of situations, but the big takeaway is that it’s the little things that count. Our style application — the nicest accessories and most expensive clothing can suddenly fall flat when you notice unkempt nails, noisome body odor, or improperly applied makeup or the likes. It’s the little

2010/10/25

Manly Monday Style Meter

A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned… It’s-Finally-Friday’s-Quirky-Q&A: every Friday, we’ll feature a new, everyday Dapper Don and share some of his style proclivities including preferences for hotels, footwear, underwear and technology. Many are just what you’d expect, but several will provide you with creative sparks, food for thought, a few moments of laughter, and pure entertainment! It’s All in the Approach: Similar to flying, approaching a woman requires just as much skill — if you’re approach

2010/10/25

Apparently Women Want Bigger Closets….

Today, I just kicked off a mini-series of posts for a site for which I am the Fashion/Style Editorista….MyBlogalicious! The topic discussed today was whether bigger closets are the solution to the “issue” or whether the bigger issue was misappropriation of space. As you can guess, Blueprint for Style‘s answer is the latter – we need to be better stewards of the space we have rather than clamoring for more space. Click here to read the entire post…quite insightful and,

2010/10/22

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

This week’s everyday-dapper-don is from and resides in the DMV. Let’s see what the DMV has for us….. Occupation: Finance Age: 38 City/State of Birth: Washington, DC Current City/State of Residence: Cheverly, MD Status: Who’s Asking Shoes or Sneakers? Chucks Lace-ups or Slip-ons? Lace-ups Blazer or Sportcoat? Blazer Cashmere or Wool? Cashmere Baseball cap or Fedora? Baseball Spring or Autumn? Spring John Varvatos or Ermenegildo Zegna? Zegna Halle Berry or Selma Hayek? Nia Long (all day) Black or Navy blue? Navy

2010/10/22

Miuccia…Italian royalty…Saffiano briefcase

Before Miuccia Prada revitalized the brand with a black nylon bag, before Rem Koolhaas designed a SoHo wonderland that was more shrine than shop, Prada began as a leather-goods house—one that served as official leather supplier to the Italian royal family.

2010/10/22

I Want You to Trust Me…..

Really I do! I started blogging as a way to share my passion, experience and expertise….and it has grown into so much more, but if I remain true to my original purpose, it’s all about getting you to believe in me and what I can do for you as an Image Consultant and Personal Stylist. I was born with a shopping afflication that, over the years, has grown and matured. It started out as manifestations of my happiest times (graduation,

2010/10/21

Dangerously Delicious DC Pie Truck

It’s as though everything is on-the-go these days, so it’s only natural that pie would follow….. In the morning, it’s quiche like Spinach and Goat Cheese and Bacon, Onion and Gruyère. And at lunchtime, it’s stuff like meat pies with BBQ pork and the S.M.O.G.(steak, mushroom, onion and gruyère). And at night… you’re not quite there yet! For now, it’s tart cherry pie, chocolate peanut butter chess and the Full Custom Custard(aka “White Trash Crème Brûlée”). Follow them on twitter so you

2010/10/21

Reclaimed & Rescued Leather Accessories

Home Trunk Show What: Milwaukee artist Heather Hambrecht whips tired fall wardrobes into shape with her modern collection of reclaimed and rescued leather accessories ($48-$388) Why: In these times of economic hardship, why not make the most of what we already have…reclaim and reuse!! When: Sat., 11am – 6pm Where: Virtu, 2034 N. Damen Ave., at McLean Ave. (773-235-3790). RSVP to info@virtuchicago.com.

2010/10/21

Sky High Boots that Top My Must-Have List

Jimmy Choo ♥ Haze leather knee-high boots ♥ The color is taupe (but has strong hints of light grey/smoke) ♥ The almond-shaped toe is perfect for dressing up with a short dress or dressing down with a pair of jean trousers ♥ 4-inch heel with a 1-inch platform means my legs will look long-n-lean ♥ The overall assessment is sunny….they’ll go with everything from black to grey to camel to navy!! ♥ $1375 at Net-a-porter

2010/10/21

Stylish Covering for Your iPhone

Finally!! I’ve been searching high-and-low for some stylish cover for my iPhone that wasn’t too blingy, too plain, too overdone, too “designer”, too feminine, or too masculine…..and now I have it (and you can too)! Head to Power Support and grab a stylishly unique cover for you iPhone (3G or 4), iPad, shuffle, nano, touch, etc… For the iPhone, the Designer Collection is done by Tibi, Rachel Pally or Rory Beca– so you can be a little designer without going all

2010/10/21

How Old is Polo?

From polos to club ties to argyle socks, Ralph Lauren has spent the past forty years showing Americans our style heritage—even if he had to invent it first. But this belt goes as well with a pair of beat-up jeans as with a gray flannel suit, as well with flat-front khakis as with madras shorts.

2010/10/21

What to Watch For….

If there’s one brand that turns watch admirers into collectors, and Geneva into their mecca, it’s 170-year-old Patek Philippe. The Calatrava‘s unassuming face and simplicity

2010/10/20

If The (Urban) Jungle is Calling….

Answer with leopard print! Click the pic for more options and styles….

2010/10/19

Leather Arm Candy Giveaway

Stella & Dot makes fashion, fun and affordable costume jewelry that is everything today’s cost-yet-style-conscious woman is about. Today thru Thursday, we’re giving away a Clover Single Wrap Leather Bracelet ($39) – it comes in teal, purple or metallic. Want it? It’s easy – just “like” Moya’s Stella & Dot FaceBook Fan Page, and leave a comment that says Blueprint for Style sent you and your favorite Stella & Dot piece. The winner will be announced on Friday……good luck!

2010/10/19

Contest Winner: Fave Fall Fashion Trend

Contest Guidelines: post a comment about your favorite fall fashion trend and on Friday, October 15th you may be the lucky winner of a $100 Saks gift card! Winner: Nancy L……her answer was “Military trend in jackets” Prize: $100 Saks Fifth Avenue gift card Thanks to everyone who participated in this contest. It was terrific to hear what’s sparking your interest this fall. Be on the lookout for the next contest…..and don’t forget to tell your friends!

2010/10/18

Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Loving Leather: Right now any/everything leather is HOT! Make it work for you with a pair of mid-calf leather boots for an uptown chic feel, a leather cuff (pssst we’ll be giving one away this week) for some added edginess, or go all out with an asymmetrical leather bomber. Dress for Your Body: Recognize that not every item was made for you….even if it comes in your

2010/10/18

Manly Monday Style Meter

A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned… Style is Attitude: You can have the best clothes in the world, but without an equally strong personality, your clothes mind as well be on a hanger. Shopping Rules: Fall clothes hit stores in early August usually, and Spring clothing shows up in February! So the best deals on last season’s goodies are….. Amicable Split: For your grey suit, split it up — wear the jacket with a black

2010/10/18

Designer of the Week: Aidah Fontenot

In honor of the upcoming NOVA Fashion Week, our designer of the week is an up-and-coming designer (and friend) named Aidah Fontenot. We had a chance to chat with Aidah to learn more about her and her Spring 2011 collection that will be available starting in March. From where does Aidah hail? San Diego, CA How is it that we come to know Aidah the designer? My mom taught me to sew by hand when I was 4, I started

2010/10/15

Look How Far Ferragamo Has Come…

In the 1920s, if you were a Hollywood staryour shoes were made by Salvatore Ferragamo. On his own feet, the master craftsman wore a pair that the Ferragamo company has re-created in the Renzo shoe, part of the brand’s premium Tramezza line. Most shoes are fashioned from several pieces of leather to create a consistent look, “but it was really a shoemaker’s challenge to make a shoe from one piece,” says Javier Suarez, the company’s global director of men’s shoes

2010/10/15

NOVA Fashion Week

NOVA Fashion Week: it’s the DMVs time to showcase its talent! October 21st – 24th @ Waterfront Park Designers: Ra-mon-Lawrence Coleman, Andrew Harris, Aidah Collection, Elizabeth St. John, Durkl, POSH Culture, Natalia Sanz, KAS Collection Schedule: Oct. 21st – POSH Culture at 7:30pm; Oct. 22nd – KAS Collection at 8pm; Oct. 23rd – Natalia Sanz at 2pm, Aidah Collection at 5pm, Ra-mon-Lawrence Coleman at 8pm; Oct. 24th – Elizabeth St. John at 1pm, andrew Harris at 3pm, Durkl at 5pm

2010/10/15

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

Here’s our look at the next dapper don who hails all the way from Germany….a fairly straight-forward gent with old school swagger! Occupation: Wine Auctioneer/Wine Consultant Age: 43 City/State of Birth: Germany Current City/State of Residence: Chicago Status: Single Shoes or Sneakers? It depends Lace-ups or Slip-ons? Lace-ups “Always” Blazer or Sportcoat? Blazer Cashmere or Wool? Wool Baseball cap or Fedora? It depends Spring or Autumn? Autumn John Varvatos or Ermenegildo Zegna? Zegna Halle Berry or Selma Hayek? Preferably, Sanaa

2010/10/15

Men & Money

When asked for the top items that they invested in, here’s what men had to say: Shoes Watches Briefcases Ties/Bowties Suits We loved the ideal of “investment” so much that we’re dedicating the next few posts to looking at brands at the top of their game! Read all about Ferragamo later today…..

2010/10/15

Nighttime Nougat

Clever Girl Collective wants to share some vino with you…so let me share! They are featuring two wines: Mueller Pinot Gris, Russian River Valley, 2007 (retails for $18) Kunde Vallee de la Lune Red, 2006 (retails for $21.99) Click here to get these two great wines for an amazing $10! This offer is seriously not available anywhere else, so please take advantage of it even if you can’t join us on 10/22. Feel free to pass the link along to

2010/10/14

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Unlike Beer, My Born-on Date Signifies Style!

Monday Morning Power List

Manly Monday Style Meter

Apparently Women Want Bigger Closets….

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

Miuccia…Italian royalty…Saffiano briefcase

I Want You to Trust Me…..

Dangerously Delicious DC Pie Truck

Reclaimed & Rescued Leather Accessories

Sky High Boots that Top My Must-Have List

Stylish Covering for Your iPhone

How Old is Polo?

What to Watch For….

If The (Urban) Jungle is Calling….

Leather Arm Candy Giveaway

Contest Winner: Fave Fall Fashion Trend

Monday Morning Power List

Manly Monday Style Meter

Designer of the Week: Aidah Fontenot

Look How Far Ferragamo Has Come…

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

Men & Money

Nighttime Nougat

Send us a message