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

An Inflated Pump!

When I saw this shoe, I fell in love for lots of reasons (see below) but was quickly dealt a harsh blow when I caught a glimpse of the price!! But for those in the monochromatic family — this shoe is absolutely perfect with everything you own!! Color: the black, anthracite, and grey block coloring is blended perfectly and increases its wearability Heel: high enough to be versatile but substantial enough for those who may occasionally falter in the stiletto Material: suede means I

2010/01/20

A Perfect Shirt-n-Tie Combination

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with highlighting ideal shirt and tie combinations so, today I continue with a gorgeous duo that says “Yeah I’m classic but I have zest!” Designer: Turnbull & Asser (if it’s good enough for the Prince of Wales then why not you?) Style Notes: solid dark knit tie (I favor navy because it’s refined and sedate but not austere like black); and a classic checked shirt…what makes it pop is the checked coloring! Price: shirt ($295) and tie

2010/01/19

Designer of the Week: Calvin Klein

A trailblazer and pioneer of sorts, Calvin Klein is a household name when we talk about fashion, eternal style, and top designers of all time. Let’s learn a little bit more…. Calvin Klein was born November 19, 1942 in the Bronx, New York and raised in the Mosholu Parkway section which is a middle-class Jewish community Not only did he love fashion as evidenced by his early sketches of women in suits and dresses but he graduated from High School

2010/01/19

Buy a Suit that Suits You…Right

Suits that suit you…right: Its shoulders should hug your shoulders (not jut out past them) The sleeves stop at the hinge of your wrist (not halfway down your thumb) The pants break once (not gather in a baggy mess at your heels)

2010/01/19

Help Haiti by Helping Yourself!

To assist with the relief and rescue/recovery efforts in Haiti, Blueprint for Style will donate five dollars for every new subscriber to our style blog across the next week. It’s that simple — you get free and relevant style advice and tips, and Haiti gets the help it needs during this time of crisis…all because of you!!

2010/01/15

Tuxedo Tip for 2-K-10

Gentlemen, let’s resolve to make the big purchase in 2-K-10….yep, we’re talking about a tuxedo preferably with peak lapels (or notch will do)! It’s neither stylish nor fiscally prudent to rent one for each black-tie affair. Note: the sooner you buy it and wear it, the more quickly your cost-per-wear starts dropping… if you purchased a custom one (higher end) for $1300 – went to two black-tie affairs a year – managed to maintain your current weight for the next eight

2010/01/15

Basic Black Sneakers

Designer: European creative collective, S***R that launched back in 2000 Name: S***R Low-top Sneaker Style Notes: black leather, rubber rounded toe and sole. suede patches along the laces and back of the heel Price: $34….yep only $34!! Why? Every man can use a pair of understated black kicks….they can go anywhere!

2010/01/14

Choo + UGG = Chugg?!

Indeed this may be a case for divorce — the unlikely pairing of UGG Australia and Jimmy Choo. Blueprint for Style has never been a fan of the muk-muk look that many flaunt mercilessly but we have always loved Jimmy but, what will come of this marriage? Fur-lined stilettos? Eveningwear UGGs? Either way — it’s coming starting with five styles for a whopping, minimum price point of $800. Stay tuned because while divorce may not be an option, an annulment

2010/01/14

Navy Blue is Nautical

…Or at least that’s the color that comes to mind when I think of anything nautical, and this shawl collar sweater is exactly what I’d throw on when heading out to sea. This 525 America sweater is nothing stellar but the large horizontal stripes work well to conceal any imperfections; the bright green color in contrast to the navy is an added bit of cheer; the large button detail is just a little something extra; and the oversized shawl collar opening allows it to

2010/01/14

More Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Shirt ($118) and tie ($50) by Bloomingdales Style Notes: Plaid, especially tartan, is classic and while we wouldn’t recommend it for your next big day in court or pitching your next greatest ideal to your Board, it’s very work appropriate for Fridays, academic environments and the likes. The dark tie tones the shirt down a bit — and with a dark blazer, you’re in business! Where? The Men’s Store at Bloomingdales

2010/01/14

Red Hot Chili Peppers!

That’s what these shoes represent….thus the color name, “chili”! Fire engine red is just a little too much to rock on a regular but, the more subdued chili can be the stylish woman’s version. Style Notes: the Taneala Pump is complete pepper — chili-colored patent leather pump, cork-covered platform, and contrasting black heel! Price: $96 Why? Every woman should cater to her inner-hussy on occasion and these shoes make it simple! Our ode to Hester Prynne and her scarlet letter…. Think ahead: A perfect Valentines’s

2010/01/13

Jump Through Hoops for These Hoops

Designer: Traci Lynn (hoops) Style Notes: pierced hoops; diamonds on the outside and the front inside (so all the bling shows!); silver metalware Price: $45 Why? They are perfect for everyday and for “After 5” occasions…and until you can grab the real thing “fake it til you make it’!

2010/01/13

It’s Like Going from Training Wheels to a Two-Wheeler

Making a bowtie isn’t easy….and unless you’re attending black tie affairs fairly regularly, one can be apt to forget but luckily it’s like riding a bike — once you learn it, you’ve got it so, learn it! Note: it’s never really cool to pull a clip-on off…[nggallery id = 42]

2010/01/13

Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Shirt ($415) and tie ($195) by Borelli Shirt and tie combination: a khaki and white check shirt (+) gray flannel tie — (+) a grey or navy suit = classic! Why? Every grey or navy suit is conservative, and the splash of understated color mixed with the texture of monochromatic tie says ‘you’ve arrived…in style’!

2010/01/12

Look Haute…and Stay Warm!

These cute booties are the perfect combination of style, rugged chic and function! Think — stroll through the park in the middle of February or a Saturday afternoon outing where you will need to do more than house-to-car and car-to-function walking. They have a haute high heel, a shearling lining to ensure your pedicured toes are safe and warm, and little detailing like constrast stitching and dark brown trim to stay fashionable. What more could you ask for? And at only

2010/01/12

A Way to Get Over the Winter Blues

One of the best ways to move forward into 2-K-10 is by going back…as in vintage goods! Portero is the premier site for pre-owned goodies and this Delvaux indigo leather tote hits the spot. Authenticate Delvaux Color: indigo Hardware: silver Interior: suede Closure: magnetic Price: $237

2010/01/11

Attention! The Perfect Jacket, and it’s Military!

The fitted look through the chest, a little more room through the waist, the stand up collar, and the double button holes…all classic military-styling and this jacket by Moschino C&C has it! It can be found at StyleBop for $490 (which is a 50% discount) or you can head to H&M for a similar one for $40. The differences are in the fabric and style details – Moschino’s has a double-ply tight knit fabric that will likely last for years while

2010/01/11

White Shirt Style Tip

Tell your dry cleaner you want your white shirts cleaned without starch and pressed by hand. It’s pricier but worth it—they’ll last longer. After all, if you’re investing in the shirt, it’s a good ideal to make sure your cost-per-wear stays low…

2010/01/11

Grey Men’s Sneakers – Love ‘Em

This Common Projects sneaker you can wear on Saturday or dress up for a date…perfect! If grey isn’t your color (and we’re not sure why because it is the it color for the season), just remember to stick with a muted neutral…cognac works well too!

2010/01/08

Try and Wrap Your Arms Around This..or Get Your Neck Wrapped

This necklace by Fallon is Laura Ashley meets Cindy Lauper….and we love it! The pearls, chains, and charms all come together in the perfect storm so that any jean or black outfit is ready to get rocker chic! It’s called the mixed deadly pearl necklace, has been spotted on Rihanna (as if you needed a reason), and is running $176.

2010/01/07

Let the Brightest Item in Your Closet be a Grey Sweater

It’s simple: If you’re going to own one sweater, make it a charcoal gray v-neck. It goes perfectly with a dark suit in fall or winter and with jeans or cords in spring. (pictured: DKNY V-neck sweater, $95) [courtesy of GQ Rules]

2010/01/07

Head Over Heels About this OTK

I admit….I am not a big fan of OTKs (or over-the-knee boots) but, this flat, thigh-high Stuart Weitzman boot has the makings of something beautiful. Given my recent traveling especially from moderate climates to colder temperatures, these are ideal! Style Notes: 1-inch stacked heel; rubber sole (read: no slipping); 25-inch shaft; 20-inch plus leg circumference for those blessed with more thigh than a little; and back elastic for even more flexibility Designer: Stuart Weitzman Price: on sale for $455 (and

2010/01/06

The Charm of Simplicity

Nugget necklace in black hematite (also comes in silver and brushed gold) Style Notes: The necklace is hematite plated beads using a black satin cord, and rests just at the breastbone which makes it ideal for most button-down shirts Designer: Sequin which is known for fun and contemporary jewelry that covers a range of occasions Price: $42 Or kick it up a notch with ‘diamonds and pearls’ with this Braided chain also by Sequin Style Notes: a little heavier and

2010/01/05

Don’t Sweat the Technique!

Gentleman, the Holiday season saw retailers putting everything up for sale including sweaters and the likes. Off Saks 5th is still having 60% off all cashmere sweaters (it’s worth a run through) but what if you’re not the sweater kinda fella? No worries — you are and just don’t know it yet! You just need to find the right one for you…..here are some insights to get you started: Think material: cotton, cashmere, wool (merino, worsted, etc). Cashmere will be

2010/01/04

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

An Inflated Pump!

A Perfect Shirt-n-Tie Combination

Designer of the Week: Calvin Klein

Buy a Suit that Suits You…Right

Help Haiti by Helping Yourself!

Tuxedo Tip for 2-K-10

Basic Black Sneakers

Choo + UGG = Chugg?!

Navy Blue is Nautical

More Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Jump Through Hoops for These Hoops

It’s Like Going from Training Wheels to a Two-Wheeler

Winning Shirt-n-Tie Combinations

Look Haute…and Stay Warm!

A Way to Get Over the Winter Blues

Attention! The Perfect Jacket, and it’s Military!

White Shirt Style Tip

Grey Men’s Sneakers – Love ‘Em

Try and Wrap Your Arms Around This..or Get Your Neck Wrapped

Let the Brightest Item in Your Closet be a Grey Sweater

Head Over Heels About this OTK

The Charm of Simplicity

Don’t Sweat the Technique!

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