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

Essential Spring Wardrobe Transition Piece

Imagine a busy Saturday morning and your favorite jeans, or an after-work drink to commiserate about ‘work drama‘ and you’re decked out in your super-cute khaki skirt and frilly top, or you’re at work in the most basic of shift dresses. All are excellent opportunities to rock this l.a.b. striped wrap sweater throw and, simultaneously, increase your style prowess! The oversized shape can easily hide our make-believe imperfections; the skinny cropped sleeves create a slimming effect; and uneven horizontal striping distracts

2010/03/04

Top 10 Common Etiquette Mistakes

[Supplied courtesy of AskMen.com] Eating with your mouth open — this goes from bad habit to classless very quickly Grooming in public — all cleaning and hygiene should be personal Being a gym slob — hogging equipment or leaving your biologicals is uncool! Talking solely about yourself — the quickest way to esnure you’ll stay by yourself Treating service staff poorly — this is a clear indicator of what you really think of yourself…grow up!

2010/03/03

Ready for Spring?

A tad pricey at $398 but, this Heeled lace up Jodhpur by Swedish Hasbeens is ideal for transitioning from winter to spring. The functionality of the boot is perfect – coverage and some rubber on the sole to prevents unwanted slips but the color reads ‘ready for spring’. They work with skirts (and some textured tights), or jeans, or on casual Friday with some chinos and a funky top!! Handmade lace up boots Stitch detailing Wooden sole, natural grain leather

2010/03/03

Digging into the Trenches

I am deeply and madly in love with this trench coat by Smythe. So you ask, “What’s so haute about it?” Well this 100% cotton trench coat has no belt to get lost or dangle precariously from the belt loop…the fit is superb…and the little details like the buttons and double pockets on either side make this FIRE! Plus it’s on sale at ShopJeNeSaisQuoi…60% off regular price….just $424. And, hello, the French know fashion and style!! While a brighter color trench

2010/03/03

Cover Up for Spring

This black felton jacket by J. Lindeberg is a perfect jacket for transitioning from winter to spring. It’s ideal for work week commutes on the metro….or Saturday runs to the grocery store…or after work outings with the fellas. by J. Lindeberg 100% cotton and cotton lining Machine washable Made with slightly more roominess (for layering) Price: $299

2010/03/02

Easy Walk from Winter to Spring

These ASOS Mister Two-tone lace up brogues ($51.28) are an easy way to bring in spring — the navy color balances the white so you don’t look like Little Orphan Annie….but can remain stylish and weather appropriate. Two tone lace-up brogue style shoes Retro style design with contrast panels Lace-up front fastening, low block heel Also available in tan/off white

2010/03/02

FSL Cosmetics Giveaway

Feel good….smell good….look good – that’s what FSL Cosmetics are all about and that’s why it makes perfect sense for Blueprint for Style to partner with them for a cool giveaway! On March 15th, we’ll be doing a feature on FSL Cosmetics and sponsoring a giveaway of one of their delicious lipsticks or lip-glosses to one lucky winner. To be eligible for the giveaway simply (1) answer the “look good” question that will be posted on the site and (2) follow FSL

2010/03/02

1 Piece, 5 Work Outfits

Start with a dark-colored shift dress…… Monday: Add a crisp white blouse underneath, a multi-strand pearl necklace, and a pair of classic black pumps for a conservative riff on the school girl uniform. A perfectly professional way to start your week. Tuesday: I happen to love purple as an accent, but this look will work with any color (think turquoise, red, or emerald green). It’s a great way to add a pop of color without going overboard at the office–just try

2010/03/02

Winter White Style Tip

I love winter white, but wearing the hue from head to toe can leave some looking like Ms. Marshmallow Fluff. Stylists’ advice is to keep it light on top and wear a darker tone on the bottom (see picture). Throwing a white or cream-colored boyfriend blazer on top of several short layers is a great way to wear white without accumulating too much volume. Platform pumps worn with tights in the same shade help slim and elongate the silhouette, and a leather shopping

2010/03/01

Blueprint contributes to write-up about Alexander McQueen

The recent and untimely loss of Alexander McQueen has sparked a flurry of write-ups about the man, his work, his influence and his legacy. Read about Alexander McQueen at IAmOnlineMag.com…and what Blueprint for Style had to say about the late fashion genius!

2010/02/28

….And Haute to Boot!

I am thinking this Lana Collar Thong Bootie by Dolce Vita is haute….and I’m not a bootie fan! The different textures and the zips, snaps and folds make it standout without being too much. Now the outfit can take a backseat and let your feet do the talkin‘. At $298, it’s a little steep but an outfit-maker!! Just a little somethin’ to get you on the right footing for the weekend….

2010/02/26

A Bright Spot on the Men’s Map

Brightly striped ties are the next spring trend. Amazingly, many of the style trends for men this fall are focused on furnishings so the favorites we show here can work easily with your standard DC navy power suit, or your ready-for-spring camel lighter weight getup, or the weekend/date uniform of jeans, dress boots and a button-down. They add just a dash of color…so we can look down and be hopeful about the warmer weather to come.

2010/02/26

Turquoise Cuff Hauteness!

This vintage Jody Vialy turquoise dome cuff is the ultimate hauteness! Its gold plated and has stretch to accommodate a larger wrist [measurements: 2.75 inches (w) x 11.5 inches (l) x 9 inches (interior circumference)]. Priced at $300 – this represents a lose for Portero but an absolute win for the buyer. LOVE it!

2010/02/25

You’ll Be the Furthest Diva from Square

We use “square” to describe the terminally un-chic or distasteful but, with this new bag from DSquared2, you’ll be right in the mix. This straw and leather bag with a snap button closure, priced at a steep $630, is an ideal item to transition from winter to spring — the color allows you to rock the heftier and deeper winter hues but the fabric and texture make it an easy sell for spring outfits because it’s not heavy! If this appeals

2010/02/24

Hah! Top That…

Men’s spring trend number two is straw fedoras. Now wait…..not every man can wear (read: rock) a hat and, more specifically, a fedora! Well, this spring will see us expanding the true definition of a fedora in terms of fit and sizing so, it opens the door for more gentlemen to stylishly top their day and outfit with these easy and affordable accessories. Check out some of our favorites:

2010/02/24

Blueprint for Style Write-up on Gaebler

Today, Blueprint for Style is featured on Gaebler.com, a resource for entrepreneurs that receives over 30,000 visitors daily. Click here on the link to read about our humble beginnings and current status! Thanks for the write-up Gaebler!

2010/02/23

Leather: Whether Spring Trend or Just Classic

Although not a full-fledged style icon, Tory Burch provided some serious insight into leather jackets this season….and going forward. I own an old school leather jacket and it’s seen more miles and countries than most people — it’s versatile (perfect for layering during shoulder seasons, and great over a heavy sweater when it’s a bit colder). Why do you love leather jackets? A leather jacket epitomizes cool style but is so versatile. [A Richard Jacket (pictured) can be worn on the

2010/02/23

An Easy Way to Pocket Spring Style

This spring will see lots of great (and new) style trends for men. One notable and colorful one will be the use of patterned pocket squares — this will be an easy and affordable way to add a splash of color to usher in the warmer temperatures. Here are a few of our favorites:

2010/02/22

Winter Style Tip

Forget trying to hold it together in the middle of the winter blues — for instant chicness, simply belt your coat! A few belt options include: J Crew leather equestrian belt, $29.50 (equestrian brown, approx 1-inch, brass metal ware)..,my favorite! ASOS metal keeper skinny belt, $8.62 (tan, approx 3/4-inch, brass metal ware) J Crew oval buckle belt, $29.50 (multiple colors, approx 1/2-inch, nickle metal ware) Aldo offard skinny belt, $20 (black, approx 1/2-inch, silver metal ware)

2010/02/19

Red Hot, Recession-proof Handbag

What? Furla Aster Metal Struzzo Satchel Where? Guiltlesspurse Color? Red leather Price? $372.50 (regularly $745) Worth the Spend? Yes! Why? It’s the perfect color red to wear with all black work suit…or to rock with a camel shirtdress on Saturday…or some jeans and white shirt with a tartan plaid wide belt. Versatile, edgy, chic and colorful!!

2010/02/19

Everyone is Asking, “Did You Go to NYFW?….Why Not?”

For the last week or so, I have been getting questions about NYFW (aka New York Fashion or Mercedes Benz Fashion Week [they get very particular about receiving proper credit]) — in particular, the questions center around why, as a personal stylist/fashionista/style maven, I am not at the premier event of the season. The answer is simple and perhaps disappointing to some: my goal as a stylist has very little to do with NYFW runway fashion. Truth be told, there

2010/02/19

Put a Bow on it to Complete Your Style

Company: Joe Dues Where: Southern roots Who: The President is Jarvis Robertson…but he has a few ‘faithfuls‘ throughout the country helping him to build the brand What: Bowties…and a lifestyle When: They’ve been doing it for a while… How: Head to the website, Joe Dues, and check out the latest hauteness (the Colvin, pictured above, is my favorite) How Much: The current collection is all under $25!

2010/02/19

Speaking of Style and Inspiration….

Several years ago (2003 to be exact), the New Yorker‘s Michael Specter did a write-up on John Galliano. Now, please remember that John Galliano who was born in Gibraltar (Dad was Gibraltarian and mom was Spanish) and raised in London is famous for womenswear pieces that push the limits of coverage and mainstream….he’s done collaborations with Vogue, Alexander McQueen (rest in peace…), Givenchy, Vanity Fair, Madonna, Christian Dior, and the list goes on a mile long. Continue — I know many

2010/02/18

Just a Little Reminder of Why It’s Great to Have Your Own Personal Stylist

These are our three favorites… Blueprint for Style clients receive ongoing style support even after they’ve become more stylish…we all need a little help sometimes! We handle clothes consignment and charity/donations…details you don’t have to worry about but benefit you’ll see! Everyone will want what you have….and it feels good to be a trendsetter! Start small — click here for a free initial style assessment to understand what your needs are, and the best way to achieve your goals. A quick phone call and

2010/02/18

Blueprint for Style Write-up on Savvy Cherise

On February 12th, stylish blogger, Cherise Ebony, did a write-up on Blueprint for Style for her on-the-move-and-upward-bound blog called Savvy Cherise. Click here and read all about our time together!

2010/02/16

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Essential Spring Wardrobe Transition Piece

Top 10 Common Etiquette Mistakes

Ready for Spring?

Digging into the Trenches

Cover Up for Spring

Easy Walk from Winter to Spring

FSL Cosmetics Giveaway

1 Piece, 5 Work Outfits

Winter White Style Tip

Blueprint contributes to write-up about Alexander McQueen

….And Haute to Boot!

A Bright Spot on the Men’s Map

Turquoise Cuff Hauteness!

You’ll Be the Furthest Diva from Square

Hah! Top That…

Blueprint for Style Write-up on Gaebler

Leather: Whether Spring Trend or Just Classic

An Easy Way to Pocket Spring Style

Winter Style Tip

Red Hot, Recession-proof Handbag

Everyone is Asking, “Did You Go to NYFW?….Why Not?”

Put a Bow on it to Complete Your Style

Speaking of Style and Inspiration….

Just a Little Reminder of Why It’s Great to Have Your Own Personal Stylist

Blueprint for Style Write-up on Savvy Cherise

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