Jesse Chao is genius. As the founder and lead designer of Vittorio J, he’s involved in every aspect of the process and the result. Every tie is (1) handmade, (2) of the most luxurious materials, and (3) made in very small quantities (some only have 2 per pattern)!! I love the tie patterns and, although I don’t claim to be the best tie-picker-outer, Jesse and Vittorio J make it easy — the colors are vibrant and varied, the patterns are
Blueprint for Style believes style dollars should not be blown on items that can either by sat on and destroyed, or dropped between a car seat and lost forever. With that said, I am a lover of sunglasses that have panache, great coloring, complimentary shapes, and wonderful coverage….Oliver Peoples, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Costume National, and Tom Ford are stellar examples! Right now, Tom Ford sunglasses are on sale at Beyond the Rackand although the price tag is pricey at
This camel suede cork boot by Casadei ($487) is perfection for fall! The color is wearable with anything – the 4 3/4- inch heel is sexy – the drawstring detail above the ankle makes it easy to go casual – and the cork heel says “not your everyday boot”. I am feeling this boot — [close your eyes] imagine a long full jean skirt with contrast stitching, opened camel-colored cardigan with a ruffle-front red and blue blouse with a wide brown suede belt
Just a wonderful man with so much to give in terms of fashion and style — whose trademark is simply everything “classy”. Here are some fashion facts for the fashion-forward fashionista: Christian Dior was born in Normandy, France in 1905 and not from humble beginnings Among his professions and trades, Christian studied political science and was a war veteran To make money, he sold his sketches on the streets for about 10 cents each! In 1946, Dior opened his own
If you consider your body to be the “house” then it makes senses to think that men’s furnishings would be the little but significant things that make the ‘house a home‘. One of those telltale furnishings is your wallet — a beautiful wallet tells the story of how you got where you are, how well you take care of your money and, frankly, how well your money takes care of you. This Purple Billfold with 3 C/C & Purse designed by
This belt, found at Topshop($80), is a terrific find if you’re interested in the ‘tough chic’ look that is popular this fall. This belt can be worn with jeans and a plain white shirt, or add it to an open long cardigan to ensure you’re not looking like a Talbots poster child, or work it with a fitted top and long skirt to keep ’em guessing! It’s a great deal at $80 and it allows you to get into the
This Michael Kors boot is $248 — this grey and black 4-inch platform heel is stellar. And I’m excited to scoop it….at Gilt Groupe!
To all of the Blueprint for Style readers….and Blueprint for Style tweople, simply put: Happy Thanksgiving!
I say ‘better late than never‘ because this post should have gone up a week ago but, I was holding off in hopes of receiving photos from the person responsible for taking the photos but to no avail — so, the show must go on photo-free! What do you get when you mix HerStylzShop and luxe terry cloth headwraps; Ginger & Liz Colour Collection and mini-manis; Mischo Beauty and a huge beauty gift bag; Rownine and a $25 gift card; Clutch Seattle
I am loving this jumpsuit as the perfect alternative to the LBD — just more fun! It’s edgier, more comfortable, can be worn to more places, and you can still sport high heels with it! This cropped jumpsuit by Michael Kors is $189.50 — other alternatives exist but I think it’s haute!!
Today is the last day to take advantage of 15% your entire Shoes.com purchase using promo code TAKE15. I do not shop shoes.com regularly because, frankly, there are too many shoes and, even more frankly, too many bad shoes but once in a while, you can find something very worthwhile. I love, love, love these Kenneth Cole black patent flats — they are flat and friendly; they are shiny and dress-up well; they are simple and thus are more versatile; and
The look for fall/winter and, might we add, in general is trending toward a slightly leaner and slim silhouette for guys…and you’ll see this in the new selection of thin ties, slim-fit shirts, and narrower cut suits. But, as winter approaches, you need to ensure you are contemporary, stylish, warm but cool — and a v-neck sweater will get you there! Every designer and store has one so, there’s no mystery when it comes to locating one but do opt
I saw this picture…. And then decided I loved the Eden gladiator bootie by Michael Antonio….and it’s only $65 at flyjane.net. The purple color is “it” this fall, the bootie is supposed to be ‘in fashion’ but, the entire outfit looks great!
I’m talking about this beautiful large black leather chain handle shoulder bag by Chanel. It’s on sale today (12-5pm only) at Portero. Normally priced at $2,895 which is a relative steal, today between 12pm and 5pm it’s $2,605. I don’t have to sell you on this bag — it’s a classic and you’d have it for years to come….we just need to find the ‘spare cash‘ to get it!
This post is short-and-sweet. We at Blueprint for Style contend that Tory Burch’s greatest fashion contribution outside of the wonderfully masterful and colorful tunics she has created is the Reva ballerina flat (with an average price point of about $195). Agree or disagree? [btw- the pictured fuschia Reva ballerina flat is on sale for $117 on the site. click on the picture to nab it before someone else.]
When I say “vest”, what comes to mind? Personally, I conjure thoughts of Abercrombie & Fitch-esque kids running around or even an old man with a cigar but, not at H&M. Right now, they have a terrific outdoor, perfect fall date herringbone tweed vest that is worth running in to grab! You can layer it with a sweater and jeans, wear your fitted leather jacket under it perhaps, or go more “blue blood” and pair it with a striped henley
If you’re familiar with Roberto Cavalli then you know he always has something “special” in his line — leopard print is a staple, bright and festive color pairing that you might find slightly uncomfortable, and cuts and styling could make even the most outgoing blush on occasion. With that said, he’s a master with color and, in smaller doses, his pieces are showstoppers for the everyday woman and items to relish for years to come. Gilt Groupe is running a sale
In August 2001, Dina Pisani opened Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute, her millinery design studio and we should all be ecstatic! From trilbys to newsboy caps to fedoras, the designs are haute and one-of-a-kind, and are wearable by all. Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute is located at 68 Jay Street, suite 312, Brooklyn, NY 11201 and you’ve got to check it out because, if you’re a hat person (and I am!), you’ll fall in love with the standard
You can try that with some 5-inch stilettos but, I guarantee that you’ll pay for it the next day. Or you can opt to party like a rockstar for the first few hours in your stilettos (need to make a good impression with his relatives or co-workers) and then politely switch to something more comfortable….no. not yucky flats or house slippers!! I’m talking about a pair of cutsy ballet footies courtesy of Yosi Samra. I like the Yosi Samra flat
In 1834, Alessandro Guiseppe Borsalino was born – in 1856, he obtained a certificate to open a hat makers workshop — in 1857, he and brother Lazzaro started Borsalino Hats — in 1970, the film “Borsalino” was made which re-launched the popularity of the Borsalino brand — today, Borsalino hats are associated with unmistakable style, class and elegance. For this winter and into spring, a fedora is the mark of ‘throwback’ panache and style. you’ll find them all over but, consider
We know Rolex, Raymond Weil, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Cartier, etc….but it’s time for something new and Blueprint has uncovered a gem called Renato. Renato watches are the lovechild of Daniel Mink Renato and the first child in the series was The Beast in 2005 (pictured below). Made with 2 carats of diamonds, a curved stainless steel case, and 244 grams of 316L stainless steel it is progressive, sophisticated, and bold but classically understated. In keeping with the theme of
So the Holidays are approaching and you want to be fashionable….without blowing the bank on your wardrobe, right? The answer lies in a few key purchases and a nifty pair of shoes is one. These lumberjack-inspired ballet flats are perfect: They’re flat (thus comfortable for moving location to location) They are red so spruce up even the most monochromatic black dress (along with a wide red belt, of course) They’re $120 courtesy of the JCrew Insider Sale (use code INSIDER
Corset cardigan is a no-no fellas, and it’s easy to avoid! Corset cardigan is the phenomenon where you wear a cardigan but it’s too tight or creates ‘false’ bulges, and you look like a slightly overstuffed sausage. To avoid this craziness, implement two strategies: (1) ensure your shirt underneath the cardigan is more fitted so that it fits into your pants and stays in your pants; and (2) leave a button or two undone at the bottom. Now you’re cool….
If you need to figure out what to wear in Las Vegas, go to Wearever the Weather and check out the tips supplied by Blueprint for Style
Men frequently agonize over the ideal of ‘business casual’–and it’s often obvious when we see full suits on Friday, or dark denim which is not appropriate. The correct answer varies but, there are a few basics to have to ensure you can go from business or casual to business casual. (1) A sports jacket with minimal or no print to avoid the Professor-look; (2) light sweaters preferably v-necks as they add to the openness of the look and work well
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