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

Item to Ogle Over

This Ghibli jade green python comes with silver metalware — has a twist-lock flap closure — and a detachable shoulder strap. It’s running $1165 at Forzieri, the wonderful Italian-based store and website that specializes in all things wonderful for him, her, and home! Now thru November 15th, you’ll get $25 off any handbag purchase of $195 or greater by using discount code 0A5940 at checkout…. This beauty works with anything black, navy blue, camel, grey, and beyond….a terrific universal handbag that

2009/11/12

New or Used?

I ask the question because on Saturday (November 14th), H&M debuts the new Jimmy Choo shoe line. While the shoes range in price from $60 – $200 with the average around $150, is that right? The normal Jimmy Choo can be wrangled for as low as $400-ish but can clearly go up to $1400+++. The question is easy: would you rather spend your money on new Jimmy Choos for H&M or purchase gently-worn resale Louboutins, Manolos and YSLs? I realize there may be

2009/11/12

Leather Jackets & What Not to Purchase

[Courtesy of GQ] How Not to Buy a Leather Jacket • You are not Indiana Jones; leave the distressed brown leather bomber jacket to Harrison Ford. • And on that note, those World War II tobacco-brown replica bombardier jackets? Absolutely not. • No patches.

2009/11/10

Rain Coat vs. Trench Coat

So you ask, is there really a difference and per our experts at GQ, indeed there is a slight nuance worth noting….but not enough to make two separate purchases! To live a more stylish life though, we should all know the difference. The founder of Burberry, Thomas Burberry, created the modern raincoat early in the twentieth century, after he devised a new, breathable water-resistant fabric called gabardine. A trench coat is a type of raincoat that was created by Burberry

2009/11/10

And Cute to Boot!

I know we all need some boots for fall and winter so, I went on a hunt to find a couple pair that would be versatile yet affordable. Although I own several pair of black boots with different styling and/or embellishments, I find that myself always running to my basic black in a pinch. A tall, high-heel fittted black boot with just a touch of shine to it can take you places…. Paired with jeans, a white button-down, a long

2009/11/09

Leather Jackets & the Perfect Fit

I have to admit that, as a woman, seeing a man in a fitted leather jacket with a slim tie and a plaid shirt hanging out the bottom is hot — there is something really modern day “Marlboro man” about it. With that said, for a lot of men today who take fitted clothing as a sign of lost masculinity, there are some great rules to live by when purchasing a leather jacket [courtesy of GQ]…that you intend to keep

2009/11/09

Mad Men Edition Suit

Janie Bryant, the costume designer for the AMC TV show Mad Men, has collaborated with Brooks Brothers to offer this 60s-inspired tailored suit.

2009/11/06

Designer Dynamo: Tom Ford

There are not enough American designers who make it BIG and who continue to evolve their style while maintaining the foundation of style that propelled them to the top. Tom Ford is an exception–a top notch designer extraordinaire! Love Tom Ford for reviving the floundering Italian design label Gucci — kisses! Born in Austin, Texas on August 27, 1961 and raised in Santa Fe, NM (…. he definitely beat the odds!) Tom started at NYC in art history and transferred to Parsons

2009/11/06

Chaka Khan & Evans – Together!

For the upcoming Holiday, plus-size retailer, Evans, and Chaka Khan are teaming up to introduce plus-size fashions! I say HOORAY because Chaka Khan is the only woman over 50 years old (she’s 56 BTW), over 130 pounds and under 5’5″ that can sport OTKs (over-the-knee) boots fashionably and sensibly! Ladies be on the lookout for some stunning pieces in the months to come…..

2009/11/05

Sexiest Men’s Sleepwear

Pajamas! Yep, that’s right — nothing more and nothing less (perhaps). They ooze sophistication and manliness. They cover a multitude of sins…and late night beers. They can be separated for use by you and your better half — after all, what is sexier than a woman in her man’s pajama top? Blueprint’s recommendation for a starter set is by Brooks Brothers ($79.50). They come in a lighter glen plaid print, a darker bold stripe, or a medium frame stripe of blue-grey.

2009/11/04

I’m Practicing Alliteration with This Shoe

I am adoring this sturdy, sparkly, studded, strappy and sexy Azzedine Alaia shoe! What I am having a difficult time smiling about is the super high spend of $1895….but let’s just admire it for now and note our lofty aspirations! .

2009/11/03

Invest in a Driver or Slip-on

Style tip: invest in a pair of drivers or slip-ons! Especially if you’re a frequent traveler, the easiest way to move through an already sticky and uncomfortable situation at security, is to be able to slip your shoes on and get out of there fast…consider something with color but that works with all color palettes like purple. The most stylish men (Tom Ford, Bryan Atwood, etc) all have and wear drivers. .

2009/11/03

Just When You Thought White was Out-of-Season

The meteoric rise of the Fendi peek-a-boo bag in every leather and color imaginable….reaches new heights! Here is a white crocodile Fendi peek-a-boo bag for a mere $32,800 (available at Bergdorf Goodman)… .

2009/11/02

Top Mid-Tier Brands for Men

Men should plan to spend more on their clothes–they tend to be less trendy, have less colors (for matching), and get more ‘wear’ than most women’s clothes. That said there are some brands that provide great clothes that look great and can last for more than a few seasons. They include: Club Monaco JCrew Nautica Calvin Klein United Colors of Benetton Uniqlo Armani Exchange Banana Republic Opening Ceremony Ted Baker Across the next week, we’ll feature an item from a

2009/11/02

“Dear Blueprint….Need Help”

Mystery: Summer’s over and I have lots of shoes that have the toe out. When I click on certain sites, these are listed as “sandals”….I’m confused! Can I wear toe-out shoes into fall and winter, or am I breaking some fashion rule?! Solved: Ask (and answer) these three questions…(1) Do I get cold easily?, (2) What is the occasion, and (3) What is my mode of transportation? The easy answer is that you are not breaking any fashion rules by

2009/10/30

The Rain Boot or Wellie–To Be or Not To Be?

To be or not to be — that is the question and Blueprint’s answer is “let it be”! Several shoemakers have some version of the wellie and, yeah, they’re kinda cute but in a time when we should be focusing on investment purchases and items that are most versatile in our wardrobe, it’s an item we won’t miss if we don’t have. If you live on a farm, or do fall/winter gardening, or you’re inner-child says you should run through

2009/10/30

Must-Have Scarf

Men bring in winter with these dull camel or black scarves…why? I’m not suggesting that they wear pink but, just a little color keeps the winter blues away and the skin tone looking less-than-pale! This Ted Baker Phipp scarf (approx $65) in brown has the basics (navy, brown, taupe, maroon, black) but then provides a manly pop of color with the red, grey and fuchsia stripes. The added bonus — no matter what overcoat or trench you have, you’re sure

2009/10/30

Channel Your Inner Mary Poppins

With these 4-inch Victorian-style leather boots by Michael Kors. Not traditionally one of my favorite designers, Michael Kors has done a terrific job of hitting all of fashion’s high points this season including this chunky yet retro boot that will work wonderfully with pants or skirts. [Available at Outnet.com, $119] .

2009/10/29

Scare People with Your Style Savvy

Since it’s Halloween, why don’t you scare your friends with your almost unnatural ability to kick your outfit up a notch with a piece of jewelry…and here’s how! Grab one of these pieces and add it to that black suit-white shirt combo, or sprinkle some color on that monochromatic grey shift dress you’ve got, or just make your khakis and sweater set sing…. They all play double-duty because in addition to everyday, they are all great pieces for the impending

2009/10/29

It’s My Birthday So It’s About Everything I Love

Technically, my birthday was yesterday but, so what — if you’re in Australia, it’s still my birthday. My item of lust is the ultimate bag – the Hermès Birkin bag. Yes, in 1984 actress Jane Birkin started sporting one of these bags and the rage was born…and lives on! This particular bag comes from my favorite pre-owned luxury goods website, Portero and this bag is in excellent condition which means it’s like new! This particular Birkin is 25cm • is finished with Matte

2009/10/27

Valencia Shoe Purchases

So, here are the two shoes I purchased during my time in Valencia — a wonderful hidden platform, flesh-colored peep toe heel and a beautiful, luxe suede grey heel with a natural contrast stitch at the top of the heel….cost me a whopping $150! The flesh-colored peep-toe is one every lady should have to wear during warm weather and when in doubt about matching. The grey suede heel is perfect for fall and will work wonderfully with everyone navy, black

2009/10/26

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Incognito Pink

To close our month-long focus on pink in tribute to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Blueprint for Style wanted to remind folks that even though the month ends in 5 short days, there are those that do not faulter. Today’s tips on how to integrate pink into your wardrobe focus on sneaking with pink — doing it incognito (in a whispered tone……). Some may say ‘tsk, tsk’ because you’re not open about your pinkness but, for the incognito pinkies, theirs is a subversive

2009/10/26

Tie Designer, David Hart

From Scottish tartans to 50s girlie designs, David Hart has covered the gamet so, his Spring 2010 collection was an open question mark — well, no more. The collection is made from Thomas Mason coton shirting instead of the typical wool or silk — the result? The ties are somewhat wrinkled; Hart says “You have the option of pressing your tie and having a crisp, neat look.” From a stylist’s perspective and spoken by a true Image Consultant,

2009/10/23

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Item to Ogle Over

New or Used?

Leather Jackets & What Not to Purchase

Rain Coat vs. Trench Coat

And Cute to Boot!

Leather Jackets & the Perfect Fit

Mad Men Edition Suit

Designer Dynamo: Tom Ford

Chaka Khan & Evans – Together!

Sexiest Men’s Sleepwear

I’m Practicing Alliteration with This Shoe

Invest in a Driver or Slip-on

Just When You Thought White was Out-of-Season

Top Mid-Tier Brands for Men

“Dear Blueprint….Need Help”

The Rain Boot or Wellie–To Be or Not To Be?

Must-Have Scarf

Channel Your Inner Mary Poppins

Scare People with Your Style Savvy

It’s My Birthday So It’s About Everything I Love

Valencia Shoe Purchases

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Incognito Pink

Tie Designer, David Hart

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