2010/05/14
Ash Studded Wedge at Bergdorf Goodman‘s ♥ $230 ♥ Perfect with dresses, long skirts, jeans…because it’s a lighter wedge ♥ Studs give it edge ♥ Wedge makes it wearable and comfortable for most! ♥ Color is ideal for spring/summer
I LOVE these flip flop snaps from Lindsay Phillips, and at only $24 a pair, they offer a great option to changing up our boring flip flops! Too cute and not very expensive…
If you asked 10 women over the age of 30 whether or not they wore shorts, at least 7/10 would say “No”, “I prefer a skirt”, “Of course not”, “I never find any that look good”, “Not unless I’m staying home”…..you get the picture. Most women feel like shorts are for the younger set but, you can bare your legs while looking good too by heeding these key tips (this coming from a woman who would rather sport a summery
Keys for “The Minimalist”: • The Great White Way — It’s impossible to go wrong with a white dress shirt—as long as it’s crisp and fits perfectly • Do Yourself a Solid — Leave the silk tie at home. Go for solid, cotton, cool • Play It Straight — Pocket square: No peaks, no poufs. Keep it square and white • Go Dark — You can’t really argue with black lace-ups. Ever. You do own a pair, don’t you?
Well spring has sprung and I’m sure we’ve all been waiting for it…..if you’re in DC, today may not feel quite like spring but, rest assured, the sun and sweltering heat are just around the corner!! Blueprint for Style wanted to provide a few insights and tips on how to prepare for the warmer weather, still cool nights, occasional showers, and tricky weather….better known as spring. First, unearth all of your spring/summer clothes and shoes from last year – and
A Taste of the Highlands (not as big as Taste of Chicago) • Sat, May 15th • samples from 25 spots including El Taco and DBA BBQ, beer, and live music by Blue Remedy. 411!
But it’s spring (almost summer) time so, suiting up must be done with care — with cotton! To pull off a cotton suit there are a few reminders to be aware of: • Keep It in Check — Yes, gingham. Nothing says spring in a more stylish or refined way • Stay Strong — A true dapper don pairs a busy shirt with a bold tie. A strong stripe balances the small checks • Establish a Pattern — First of all,
A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulousity, finds, forgetables, regretables, and the like… Colors: throw a splash into the mix with your standard, funeral-black uniform for the fastest transition from winter to spring! Runway to Walkway: oohh, I saw bright plaids mixed with a dark-colored print! Sometimes the transition from runway to walkway isn’t so smooth…perhaps mixing texture or a single print is a more appropriate baby step in the right direction…. Style Icons: Lena Horne, Jackie O,
A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned…. Leave No Rock Unturned: we have yet to happen upon a men’s magazine that shows wearable, everyday styles for the big(ger) man or semi-professional type….we’re looking! Pinky Toe in the Pool: a small leap for the dapper don but, a giant leap for you — just try a print or pattern in your tie for starters!! Man Purse: we’ve seen too many…besides chapstick, cash & credit cards, what else
A handy-dandy rule of thumb about ruffles: if you’re curvy, tiers near the hem of a skirt balance hips; if you’re boy-shaped, allover rows create the illusion of shape!
Prada’s new summer line of print dresses are flying off the shelves faster than super-sized sides at McDonald’s! And the reason, in spite of their price point of $750-$850, is the nipped waist and bell-shaped skirts which are largely reminiscent of the 50’s are quite flattering to most shapes! In addition, these dresses are running on the more generous side… And, dare we say, the price is much more affordable than most items in Prada’s line…
Statement necklaces: they can dress up a t-shirt or finish a more formal outfit (Blueprint rec: Sequin multistrand pearl necklace, $105…versatile, adaptable, fun) Large earrings: they help to “frame” the face and look great with long hair, up or down, as well as a short do (Blueprint rec: Gemma Redux pyrite Dina earrings, $245…glamorous, statement-making, vintage) Cuff bracelet: while it can be worn everyday, it adds an element of sophisticated edge that every stylish woman should have (Blueprint rec: GS
A week’s worth of fashion, faux pas, follies, fabulousity, finds, forgetables, regretables, and the like… Classics: they are typically “investment” pieces (read: can be retained for years)…and very different from items that give you “value” and/or “versatility” (read: can be worn many times) Mary Poppins style: it’s spring which means April showers which means carrying an umbrella is a good ideal! Social Media: there’s twitter, FaceBook, foursquare, etc….use them for fun or making the net-work. Connect with other stylish peoples…
A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned…. Sneak it in: sneakers are cool (even with suits….very ‘unassuming dapper don‘)….but sans a sweatsuit which should be reserved for home…thanks Eric B.! Eve came from Adam’s rib: but it’s just good ole’ home trainin’ and manners that says ladies come first (when being served, when ordering, going through a door, etc….) Fit test: (we’re not talking weights or reps) if your sleeve touches any part of your palm, it’s too
Charcuterie Mondays & Sweet Bites and Sips * Charcuterie, Mon., 5pm – 12am; Sweet Bites, Tues.-Thurs., 5pm – 12am; Fri. & Sat., 5pm – 1am * The St. Regis Bar, 923 16th St NW at K St.
I’ve been on a NONSTOP search for the perfect black flat….and while I have purchased upwards of 4 pair, none have met the challenge until now! Dolce Vita Naveen Black snake $108 ($143 less 25% discount thru tomorrow) GO! I know it’s not the right season but, grab it while you can!!
Instead of sterile racks of shirts, you’ll see saddles, vintage maps of London and late-1800s photos of Richmond, all shipped up from Ledbury’s tobacco-warehouse-turned-showroom. (Blame the Surgeon General.) You’ll order up a bourbon from the bar in one corner and take in the stylings of the bluegrass banjo player in the other.
Slow & steady wins the race: choose 2 investment items per season…(this season: trench coat & statement necklace)
A stylish start to the week from last week’s lessons learned…. Double-fisted: one cell phone is hard enough to manage but, two….not cool (and unsafe). Road-weary: men who travel extensively should not have shoes that look like they “walked” the road less traveled…. Mistaken identity: (this is really for the ladies) don’t mistake kindness for weakness….men “power thru”! See. Do. Be. Dapper.
Men & sweaters: these should be a staple in your wardrobe and, like crayola, come in many colors and styles. Focus on 1 or 2 cardigans, 1 zip-front sweater that can double as a jacket but not as stiff, and 3-5 pullovers (crewneck or v-neck….v-neck being optimal especially if you’re more solid). There are others but, let’s start with that so, if they have holes…take them to your tailorwho can tell you whether they are repairable otherwise, let them go.
Blueprint for Style has written an article for It’s A Movement e-magazine, an online publication focused on music, news, and fashion, titled, “What to Watch For”. Click here!
Spring is finally here and everyone is preparing for the first round of weekend forays and getaways. Here’s your packing list to get through Thursday evening travel, Friday running around and extended ‘happy hour’, Saturday happenings and jazz club/concert, and Sunday brunch:
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
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