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Shoe-be-doo-be-doo

Vera Wang Lavender Label Bloomingdale’s $262.50 …because it can be worn with dresses, jeans, and skirts…because it’s a great transition shoe from now to summer and into summer…because the neutral/cognac color will go perfectly with everything you own!

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Smooth as Silk & Stylish to the Max

While every man cannot and does not aspire to the same rat-pack je nais se quoi that Maxwell wields, every man can and should aspire to own a spring sport jacket that captures his own personal flair.  Flair a la slacks on casual Friday, tattered jeans on Saturday morning, or linen pants for Sunday brunch — Maxwell simply provides the object that you can focus on!  A few great options include: DKNY cotton sport jacket, $210 Ralph Lauren Black Label linen

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Se-quins #1

Everyone’s doing it and, for once, it makes sense.  Sequins used to be limited to nighttime affairs….glitzy “events”….70s nightclubs but no more!  With a little information and know-how, a touch of discretion, and a penchant for balance, and you’re ready to ‘light it up’! Think of a smattering of sequins or beading, not full-on regalia Opt for a sweater or open jacket worn in conjunction with the shimmer Your sequins shouldn’t be too tight or too sparkly (smaller sequins are

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Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo spring collection is available at Bergdorf Goodman‘s!  What more is there to say….

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Sailing into Spring in Style

Sunglasses: they’re all over the place in terms of where to buy them and how much you can pay for them.  Choose wisely or go Blueprint for Style‘s Wardrobe Essentials Accessories section to figure out exactly what’s right for you!  Today some of my faves are on sale Fendi @ RowNine … all under $100 Chloe @ Beyond the Rack … most between $90-120 DKNY @ Sunglass Hut … all $70 Whatever you want for spring, use Virtual Shopping Service to get it!  Looking for

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The Places Roberto Cavalli Goes…

I happened up on this interview with Roberto Cavalli and thought I’d share it with you for a few reasons — first, he’s a great designer and he continually pushes the envelope on bringing “edgy” to everyday; second, seeing designers as ‘real people’ should be refreshing and provide some insight into their inspirations for design; and last, true style is pervasive in one’s life…..look for it in yours and enjoy the article courtesy of United Airlines! “I have many beautiful

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Spring has Sprung!

Look what’s coming to Blueprint for Style in APRIL: Sequins during the day …. unheard of! Too Many Mags to Mention – In Style, Vogue, Details, Vanity Fair, Elle, More, Lucky, GQ … which ones do we read for what?! Spring Cleaning – when, what to get rid of, what to keep & what to add Packing Right – how to pack for the first big travel weekends Men & more … adding the ‘right‘ stuff Ladies & less … removing

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Winner of Japanese-inspired Leather Cuff

Contest: simply post a comment to the Blueprint for Style site and follow Yazberry Fashion on twitter! Prize: copper-colored, Japanese-inspired umbrella leather cuff Value: $68 Winner: Katie Stime of Minnesota!! [Apologies for the multiple posts without the winner being announced…sometimes technology just moves too fast!]

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Anything But Standard or Uniform

From runway to runway, Cynthia Rowley is making tracks!  Chicago-born designer Cynthia Rowleypresented her Spring 2010 runway collection to critics who sung her praises for feminine-but-not-too-girly dresses and digs.  Her ladies spring 2010 collection was colorful and her menswear line won accolades from the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America. She’s done collaborations with Target (she was the first major designer to team up with the megastore) and Roxy, the surfwear brand.  Now, she is teaming up with United

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Super Chic, Super Cheap…Sandals

While Blueprint for Style does not particularly care for the gladiator shoe trend, there are many that have made a go of the Clash of the Titans toe tappers.  If you are one, it makes sense to do it as inexpensively as possible because I guarantee (no…I pray) that this fashion romp-in-the-hay will end soon. These silvertone, 2-buckle gladiators seem apropos for maxi dresses or saggy jeans….and right now they are only $24.50!

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Vintage Shopping

What is vintage?  Is it just old or is there something more to it?  Well, “vintage” does have a slightly loftier connotation than old – it appears to denote something old that is of value or was, at some point, in demand.  Fair enough….. If that’s the case and you like clothing with a vintage flair then you should bookmark this site that I happened upon recently- Chic&YouShallFind.  The site is full of vintage and retro items from designers and

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Do You Have Your Easter Outfit?

Does anyone remember when you used to go shopping with your mom for your Sunday Easter outfit?  For the guys, the outfit was usually a camel colored suit or perhaps a suit jacket along with some lighter colored slacks….  And for the ladies, it was some pastel-colored dress with crinoline, bows or big ties, and some white or patent leather shoes! Well in spite of how crazy it may look to us now, I miss those days…..they “officially” kicked off spring

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Style Question of the Week

Question: A tailor has offered to make a silk suit for me but insists on a four-button styling.  The price is right at $400 but, will I look crazy or am I wasting money? Answer: Hmmmm the price is definitely right but, your overall style scoring may be wrong.  While you won’t look crazy because there are men that clearly wear these types of suits, you will lean more toward the off-duty football player who also believes in bling and

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Super Chic, Super Cheap…Shoes

So you’re still in your funeral drab uniform of black….but waiting anxiously for spring to spring so you can switch to your neutral uniform, right?  Well, what are you going to do about your shoes? Easy – opt for a print like this natural python platform from Chinese Laundry ( available at Piperlime for $50) that allows you to rock your darks and neutrals with the same pair of platforms!! Winter to spring pump — print python — problem solved!

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The Art of Passing Cash

As I was reading through a number of articles, I happened upon one about how to properly “grease a palm” and while it’s not a frequently practiced art today, it’s great information to have and only increases your “cool sophisticate” factor when you do it right. The Details article (August 2009) gives three pointers to doing it “without feeling sleazy.” Start Small – a $20 is the accepted denomination.  Make your request as you’re presenting a Jackson. Practice The Handoff

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Designer of the Day: Pierre Balmain

Born Pierre Balmain in St. Jean de Maurienne, Savoie in 1914 Pierre received his early training from the two greatest designers of the time, Molyneux and Lucien Lelong Rue Francois 1er in Paris is where Balmain open his first Haute Couture house in 1945 Balmain early inspiration is owed to Gertrude Stein and the advent of “New French Style“….image of an active, irrepressible, perfectly groomed, elegant woman with a touch of independence in her nature took root and was embodied

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Downright Dapper

Let’s do our part to force spring to come…and stay!  In this case, it’s the acquisition of a pair of downright dapper shoes for the spring showers (although a trip to the cobbler first would be best)! Designer: Maldini Found at: Yoox Color: Cognac/whiskey Style Notes: laced shoes, aged effect, leather sole…perfect for camel suits as well as navy and charcoal grey! Price: $149

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Super Chic, Super Cheap…Scarf

Whether you’re indoors and they’re blasting the A/C, or you’re on a plane on the fella next to you just keeps sneezing in your direction, or you just need a little splash of color with that cute white tee and jeans… a colorful scarf is the answer! They’re all over the place but this one can be found at Piperlime for $40, it comes in this beautiful shade of teal and a haute pink, is long and wide enough to wrap

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Some Jewelry Jazz-ma-tazz

Virginia’s Yazberry Fashion is edgy yet chic, and new and fresh yet with an eye toward vintage so, it makes perfect sense to partner!  To help keep our readers stylish, we’re giving away this beautiful copper-colored Japanese umbrella leather cuff by Yazberry Fashion.  To enter the giveaway, just (1) post a comment on the Blueprint for Style blog and (2) follow Yazberry Fashion on twitter.  It’s that simple!! And because we’re not total ‘sticks in the mud’, you can get an additional

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Winner of FSL Cosmetics Giveaway

Contest: Post a comment on any Blueprint for Style article and follow FSL Cosmetics on twitter Dates: March 15th – 19th Prize: FSL lipgloss or lipstick Winner: Nicole O [twitter handle saucyfbaby] — Congrats!! Stay tuned for our next giveaway…starting Monday!

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Super Dope, Super Dapper #3

This lightweight private jacket from the Gap ($90) is easy to wear on the weekends, as business casual, to travel, etc, etc.  The epaulets make it cool and the waterproof material keep you warm enough Trenchcoat — lose it! Military-inspired jacket — grab it! Ready for spring?  Now you are…..

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Men’s Watch Trends to Watch For

Ultra thin Dark dials Vintage inspired Nuts n bolts Time zones Neo-roman numbering Complicated faces Matte cases Style 411: note these are trends so, you don’t need to heed all of them simultaneously!  Mixing trends #3and #6 are easy — and are likely to yield investment or heirloom pieces.  Wear what’s comfortable and remember that what’s most stylish is usually the most simple!

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Dress Till Your Heart’s Content

J Crew has just kicked off a “20% off all women’s dresses” special — so let’s take advantage of it.  There are tons of styles, shapes, colors, and textures but, one of my all-round favorites is this Crinkle dupioni dress ($118.40).  Why you ask? the textureof the dupioni lends itself to the informal Saturday grocery run and the slightly more dressy Sunday brunch the drapey shift shape is ideal to cover up imperfections or, with a belt, highlight some assets

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Super Dope, Super Dapper #2

Sweaters make the transition from winter to spring easy — and if you choose a brighter color, it could actually improve your attitude about the current weather as well.  This Michael Kors contrast-trim sweater ($95) comes in ash, lark (pictured) and black. Under a blazer, sportscoat or light jacket; or over a long-sleeve tee or button-down…ready for spring!

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