Last week, I wrote an article on the fashion and style trends for spring/summer 2010 and the week prior to that, I highlighted fall 2010 pieces for a few top designers — not sure about all of you but, in general, I have been uninspired. No ill-will or misfortune intended for our style icons and mavens but, I am officially moving into the “Doubting Thomas” camp when it comes to what’s “haute”! As I step back to ask and answer why I am feeling
What? Grand opening of Lord & Taylor’s first outlet store Where? Jersey Gardens Mall (exit 13A off the New Jersey Turnpike) When? Friday, February 12th Who? Anyone that can make it and Blueprint for Style readers Why? New bargains every week on in-season fashions PLUS a 4-day coupon to get an additional 20% off any item. Next on to NYC for the Barneys New York Warehouse Sale…..
Your suits should not make you sweat Your suit should keep you warm Heavier suits should be worn between November and the end of March …..in the meantime, dryclean them, remove the plastic when you get them back, and store with cedar!
Our next fall forecast is for Balenciaga– and it’s bright, literally! Balenciaga is one of my favorite designers and this fall the designer breaks the from the pack with these looks….although I’m not sure which ones are wearable. [nggallery id = 47] Bright colors All classic styling and cuts Full bottoms showing more leg Accessories are a must! Key notes: the easiest and least expensive way to carry this is to use bursts of color in your accessories!
Blueprint for Style wants you to be ‘in the know‘ but, not abuse the know! Hot pants & boy shorts: you should be in the gym anyway because nothing promotes your personal brand better than looking and feeling good BUT that’s where it stops! This is for 24 years old and under…. Knee high & over the knee socks: this is a trend we should observe but not necessarily participate in Future warrior: military and tribal trends are here (again)! Participate
Gentlemen, you’ll be pleased by the following announcement: as of today, the world’s first and only Hermès Men’s store at 690 Madison Avenue….(directly across the street from the flagship Hermès)!
Whether it’s a beautiful little gift box for your girlfriend or wife, or a cigar that you’re not supposed to smoke, or perhaps that flask of cognac that you told her you dumped, these Secret Safe Books are where you should keep the goodies! But, just to be on the safe side, become an avid reader so she doesn’t get suspicious next time you head to the bookshelf…
We continue our fortune-telling abiliteis as we look at Alexander Wang‘s designs for Fall 2010. Again, don’t be confused – we are still in the midst of winter but fashion says we should be thinking about fall….so we are! [nggallery id = 46] Basic black is big “Downtown chic” is in Knits and layering are fashionable Key notes: looks to be more of a bridge line, transition from young and fun to more mature
Throughout the month of February, Blueprint for Style will be paying extra attention to men’s furnishings such as ties, cufflinks, pocket squares, bowties, belts, and the likes! Today, our recommendation is simple: as you plan for spring, think bright! It’s too early (and cold) to transition into seersucker or our wonderfully versatile tan suit so, stick with the DC politico navy blue or charcoal grey — but add some color! Look at Barneys, Band of Outsiders or Dries Van Noten;
Blueprint for Style is continuing its mission to make as many people as possible more fashion-aware and style-savvy! The month of February will be dedicated to the following: Men: Furnishings such as wallets, socks, ties & bowties Women: Purses and all the fun stuff inside Feature: Valentine’s Day gift-giving “Next Hauteness“: Grab Somethin’ Grey… “Splurge & Save“: Purses little note: can we all agree that spring is NOT here yet….and we’ll focus on making it through the winter before looking at
Today’s fashion find happens to be fashionably fun as well…..this Elie Tahari Julia driver is $124 at Zappos Couture! Petal-like embellishment Soft patent leather upper with leather lining and insole Rubber driver sole Comes with a dust bag Beautiful saffron color will make any day just a tab bit brighter!
We at Blueprint for Style acknowledge two truths to be self-evident: what we see on the runway isn’t always what we get in the stores as fashion consumers, and sometimes runway outfits should be limited to the runway! With that said, as Everyday Divas, these outfits are hard to pull off either because they cost too much, aren’t actually comfortable, or are completely inappropriate for a professional work environment BUT, we are not outta this game yet! We can take
Nothing more, nothing less: The gray crew-neck sweatshirt is an American classic that’s more versatile than ever. You can wear it on its own, underneath a jean jacket, or even with a suit and sneakers.
You’d ask the same question if you knew that Pre-Fall 2010, yes Fall 2010, looks are popping up already!! We’re still dodging the bullets that Frosty is throwing our way….not coming into spring…or summer….or fall but, somehow fashion has fast-forwarded there! With that said, I want to provide a glimpse of one designer, Jason Wu, who was made famous when Mrs. Obama sported the virtual unknown’s gown on Inauguration Day. Since then he’s a wunderkind but, more importantly, his fall pre-looks give
Monica is the absolute best when it comes to helping you develop your fashion sense. I signed up for her wardrobe assessment and what I really got was a life changing makeover. She helped take me from frumpy to fabulous. Additionally, through her blog and follow-up emails she has shown me some of the best places to find deals online and I am loving it. She makes fashion fun! – Kim B., Healthcare Consulting; Chicago, IL
This Valentine’s Day, let your senses be lavished for all the work they put in day-in and day-out. Take time to appreciate any or all of our five fabulous yet unassuming senses … they are, after all, what allows us to smell the roses, taste the chocolates, feel the tender touch, hear happy tunes, and see the smiles on the faces of loved ones! Smell good: besides being very affordable, engaging the olfactory senses are supposed to send up the “I’m
Tomorrow – we’ll be featuring the Top Stylish Valentine’s Gifts for Him & Her!
So just start slow – and this HUGE sale at Ventuno will help you re-build your closet full of haute dress shirts and silky ties. The downtown haberdashery Ventuno is throwing a 2-hour sale where everything is 30% off! Plus, rumor has it that there will be free wine and mini-empanadas (just make sure to make your selection before the drinking the wine)! 411: Jan 29th, 6-8pm, no cost, Ventuno (1055 SE First Ave, 305-372-5017)
Neiman Marcus Last Call: 20% off entire purchase, Jan 26th – Feb 2nd Botkier: everything is an additional 25% off using code DAILYCANDY25 Fratelli Rossetti shoes: at Rue La La for men and women DNA 2050 (Chicago only): buy a pair of regularly priced jeans (Hudson, Genetic, J Brand, Joe’s and more) and get 50% off the second pair! Good thru Feb 2nd and you need to bring a copy of the Daily Candy email – just let me know)!
Yep – that’s right! The slightly jutting shoulder is back with a vengeance – and to keep up with the times, you need your own set. Well it’s easy and I’m not talking about re-working your wardrobe or making costly purchases like these ladies did (and could afford to do). [nggallery id = 44] Rather head to the fancy online lingerie store, HerRoom, and for $10 starting on Thursday you can scoop The Natural Shoulder Pad. It attaches easily to
I have a few of their pieces from their Laced collection but, MADEJewelry had just come out with another collection. In honor of some terrific jewelry, Blueprint for Style is featuring 4 pieces from their most recent collection, Love & Hate. Be Me (Bracelet, $42 $29.40) Black satin ribbon, silver-plated links, gunmetal chain, silver-plated chain. Length 8″ Hate Me (Necklace, $58 $40.60) Black satin ribbon, silver-plated links, gunmetal chain, silver-plated chain. Length 28″
I happened upon these shirts while combing the internet and given I have been searching for a men’s style casual shirt with some feminine edge – this shirt answered my prayers! Designer: Arnold Zimberg (LA native) Where: online store What: A feminine men’s shirt in a myriad of colors from brown to red to purple to pink to yellow to blue Style Notes: The shirts are tailored – all are plaid – they have great contrast collar (inside and outside) and sleeve
Sabrina Love handbags are from their namesake Sabrina Love whose background is in fashion styling and costume design. While over in Europe, she honed her love for supple leather and came back to the US to realize her vision. Her purses and handbags represent the best in Italian lamb leather and imported hardware. If you haven’t heard of Sabrina Love, shame on you but know that these handbags have been featured in publications from In Style to Daily Candy to Lucky. They can be
Simple formula: leather-soled dress shoes = toe taps = increased shoe life span
I have been on the proverbial ‘hunt’ for a basic black flat shoe that would not look basic, could be worn across several occasions including everyday, wasn’t too plain that I got bored, but wasn’t too over-the-top that it lost the ‘basic’ feel, and didn’t cost a ton because undoubtedly next season I’d want something different…all to no avail until now! On Shoes.com, I found an adorable black flat shoe by Seychelles, the Petticoat for $62 ($82.65 less 25% using
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