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

Blueprint for Style in the Washington Post

Today, the Washington Post‘s Capital Business section featured Blueprint for Style. The Capital Business section provides a fresh perspective on local business and is a weekly publication. Click here and check out the insights provided on how Blueprint for Style can stand out in a sea of stylists by Benjamin Hallen, assistant professor of management and organization at the Robert H. Smith School of Business and former entrepreneur and Judy Frels, marketing faculty lecturer and executive director of marketing communications

2010/07/19

Manly Monday Style Meter

A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned….. Ice Cream: It’s a fabulous way to stay cool in the summer heat and a easy backdoor way to a woman’s heart… Tees to Tee Up: T-shirts are a part of every man’s life but when they become a wardrobe staple, then we need to talk. What ever happened to polos, button-downs, henleys, short-sleeve rugbys, jerseys, etc? In Miami, I saw way too many men in tees…on purpose…as if they were

2010/07/19

Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Singing in the Rain: I can’t stand wet weather but, it’s not excuse to look frumpy. Choose a wide hat, colorful slicker/trench, fun umbrella, or wellies that make you smile in spite of the nasty weather outside! The Best, Free Accessory: Smiles are great for dressing up funeral-drab attire, going from work to play, or when you just can’t seem to locate the best item (in spite of

2010/07/19

Next Week: We’re Getting Ready to Travel!

All next week, we’re dedicated to getting everyone ready to ‘hit the road‘ in style. Get ready – we’re gonna be in motion next week… Send all of your questions before Monday so we can try to field as many as possible throughout the week!

2010/07/16

Windsor Tie Knot

Windsor: it’s big, bold, and perfectly symmetrical – it’s the ultimate tie knot (10 steps)!

2010/07/16

Four-in-Hand Tie Knot

Four-in-Hand: one of the most common and basic tie knots; fairly narrow and somewhat asymmetrical (6 steps)

2010/07/15

One Piece Outfits

This is the kind of dress from Paul & Joe ($43) that makes life easy — great for those without much bust and the fringe/loose ruffles disguises to much bust; the coloring is great for any summer tan; and the length is perfect for whatever you want. For those vintage types, this is strictly 20s flapper era…

2010/07/14

One Piece Outfits

For those that like to show a little leg, this little H&M dress is perfect! For Saturday with flip flops or to watch the kids soccer game, or Thursday night dancing at some little hot spot, or Sunday strolling through the park with your new beau…go with the tie or go wide with a black, raffia belt to snazz it up. Note: the draping on either side makes this ideal for those trying to hide hips as well as those

2010/07/14

One Piece Outfits

Let’s continue — with these kelly green Paule Ka wedges you can go jeans and tee, or all black, or all white, or whatever. They are the outfit!

2010/07/14

One Piece Outfits

This Carolina Herrera dress is one! It doesn’t require any accessories…only a pair of neutral/camel-colored heels and you’re done. The cotton brocade and daffodil coloring make brightening up a room an easy task. And because you’ll be going fairly nude in terms of makeup, just tote a cute tube of lip gloss and your phone.

2010/07/14

Plattsburg Tie Knot

Plattsburg: symmetrical; ideal for spread collar shirts (9 steps)

2010/07/14

The KELVIN Tie Knot

Kelvin: perfect for any dress shirt…(7 steps)

2010/07/13

Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Pregnancy: Women who embrace pregnancy and the associated weight gain, inevitably look better and feel better than women who try to hide it. Grab that full-length maxi dress, toss on a wide belt above your belly, and strut your stuff — tummy first! Full-Figured Women: Not every woman who is larger than a size 12 wants to be draped in a sack or hide what God gave

2010/07/12

Manly Monday Style Meter

A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned….. Mister Manners: When all else fails, manners win the lady! There is no substitute for ‘good home training‘… All Worked Up in a Knot: Professional men should know how to make at least three different tie knots so, this week, Blueprint for Style will show you our five favorites! Umm ‘Houston We Have a Problem’: It’s that easy. If men could just remember that in the absence of information,

2010/07/12

Morning Quickie

Swimsuit Care: this is swimsuit season (like it or not) so, if you’ve invested in one or two of these little dohickies then take care of it… the best way to wash swimwear is by hand with mild soap. If you like it, don’t put it in the dryer because it may pull the fabric, and/or shrink or stretch it out in weird places. Most gents have swim trunks and they’re fine to machine wash and toss in the dryer

2010/07/09

Like It, Love It or Not?

Do you like it, love it, or not? We love it because the heel height will work for most while still being feminine and elegant; the whiskey color is ideal for fall, complements just about everything and will age beautifully; the wrapped-ankle detailing creates a look that says evolved, upscale tough chic which is a spot-on fall trend; and the overall styling allows it to be sported with skirts as well as pants! What more could you ask for? Click the pic or here for

2010/07/09

An Answer to Your Question

Question: How can I update the classic white shirt and straight skirt combo for fall? Answer: Fur-collar cardigan ♣ try tights and lace-up booties for more coverage ♣ use the same cardigan with an earth-tone tee and OTKs (over-the-knee) for more edge Our Recommendation: Brunello Cucinelli @ Neiman Marcus (Check ruched pencil skirt, $535; Shearling-collar cardigan, $2,195) Notes: the asymmetry of the sweater and detailing keep it from adding volume to your silhouette; the pencil skirt creates shape; the balance of

2010/07/08

Cool Kid in the Hot City

Suit, $200 by Topman Bowtie, $20 by Topman Shoes, $380 by Common Projects Outfit courtesy of GQ Notes: bowtie substitute keeps it unique yet fashionable; black sneakers keep it low profile but appropriate; white shirt and patterned neckwear make it stand out!

2010/07/08

Perfect Cool Summer Attire for a Hot Man!

Shirt, $220 by Band of Outsiders Hat, $24 by Topman Pants, $129 by Club Monaco Shoes, $14 by Urban Outfitters Notes: after work rooftop deck, weekend wedding, weeknight carousing…..it works!

2010/07/07

Keep Me “Essentials” Set

Imagine coming home after a night-on-the-town and then segueing into something just as stylish only more comfortable…. Fashion-forward line, Keep Me, has created this essential set with their most coveted items: the Kate lounge pant, Dori tee, Drea bralette and Trish undies. Every last piece is exquisitely comfortable yet sexy and classy at the same time—aka the perfect pjs for any fashionista. Intrigued? Invest in the “Essentials” Set for your own cozy clothes drawer and show ’em how fashionably comfortable you

2010/07/07

Awesome Outfit

I’m in love with this Diane von Furstenburg outfit from Bergdorf Goodman! The deep blue color is ideal for work, the black knit with navy sequins makes it dressy enough for after-hours, the plisse detail on the bib and stand up collar make this super chic and wearable all by itself, and the jersey wool silver pinstripe pants complete the look! 411: Bergdorf Goodman♣ Diane von Furstenburg ♣ sequin sweater ($495), plisse blouse ($285), pinstripe pants ($295)

2010/07/07

Morning Quickie

Monochromatic is the answer to looking slimmer…but in summer, let go of ‘funeral drab’ black and opt for a natural/earth tone color and show skin or shape!!

2010/07/07

Designer of the Week: Anna Sui

The woman behind the pretty florals and controlled colorful vibrance of Christina Ricci, Sofia Coppola and Courtney Love is Anna Sui and here’s what you need to know: Anna was devoted to dressing her dolls and her neighbor’s toy soldiers for her own personal version of the Academy Awards Born August 4, 1964, Sui went to Parsons School of Design after graduating from high school in the “D” (aka Detroit) Instant gratification….in 1980, she presented six original pieces at the Boutique

2010/07/06

(Late) Monday Morning Power List

A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulosity, finds, forgettables, regrettables, and the like…… Romper Room: during my time on the rooftop this past weekend, I saw more one-piece rompers than Carrie Bradshaw could hope to own in a year! What makes them stylishly sophisticated besides keeping it monochromatic are the understated, neutral heels, simple purse and accessories…a busy flower print with “matching” heels looks more like a broken flower pot than a blooming flower!

2010/07/05

Manly Monday Style Meter

A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned….. Sneak Tip: Sneakers are cool in the summer, mandals are cool-er… Sucker!: Some men have trouble sporting all white so, let me offer the stylishly viable alternative of seersucker. With its light grayish-blue striping (or the newer option of khaki/beige),

2010/07/05

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News, Articles & More

Blueprint for Style in the Washington Post

Manly Monday Style Meter

Monday Morning Power List

Next Week: We’re Getting Ready to Travel!

Windsor Tie Knot

Four-in-Hand Tie Knot

One Piece Outfits

One Piece Outfits

One Piece Outfits

One Piece Outfits

Plattsburg Tie Knot

The KELVIN Tie Knot

Monday Morning Power List

Manly Monday Style Meter

Morning Quickie

Like It, Love It or Not?

An Answer to Your Question

Cool Kid in the Hot City

Perfect Cool Summer Attire for a Hot Man!

Keep Me “Essentials” Set

Awesome Outfit

Morning Quickie

Designer of the Week: Anna Sui

(Late) Monday Morning Power List

Manly Monday Style Meter

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