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Dear Blueprint…Need Help! – Need the Perfect Date Outfit

Mystery: I don’t have time for a ‘wardrobe assessment’ or any kind of makeover but, I know I need a little help.  I have a date with a young lady and while I don’t want to look like I’m ballin’ or a name-brand-junky, I do want to let her know that I have style.  Also, I think it’s important to not do “too much”…..help!  And yo, it’s next week so I need to be able to scoop it quickly! Solved:

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New York Fashion Week

Today, in New York City, Fashion Week kicks off!  It’s an opportunity for designers and retailers to showcase what will becoming for Spring/Summer 2010….and a chance to grab a few great deals because September is fall fashion showcase! Blueprint for Style is no different – we’re off to NYC to check out some of the shows, get a preview of what will be haute in 2010, and make connections to get deals done! So, stay tuned…..

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 12 & Totally Basic White

Every fashionista and fashionelle has a host of white shirts (or they should!) so, you’re reading and asking ‘what’s so different about what you’re saying this time?’.  Well, for fall as with the other seasons, invest in a lux white shirt that can become your go-to shirt when all else fails! Men – instead of the usual oxford-cloth, splurge on the pricier but slightly more masculine poplin and definitely grab it with a spread collar! Ladies – splurge on the

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Common Theme with the Fellas… Keep It Casual

In the same vein as “keepin’ it casual”, a very chic men’s designer boutique called Glass Boutique, based in the UK, carries a huge selection of men’s casualwear from brands such as Rag & Bone, Rogues Gallery, Superga, and Carhartt.  they carry everything from jeans to watches to sweaters and tees. With 10% off your first order when you subscribe and a generous 30-day return policy, it won’t hurt to check out what they offer….they carry several items that you’ll

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During these Times, We Need to Cinch our Financial Belt

As a self-proclaimed fashionista and shopper-extraordinaire that means finding ways to look stylish and sophisticated while practicing chic-onomics….enter accessories!  While my shopping addiction has been known to include clothing of all kinds, anyone who knows me knows I love shoes, jewelry and purses more than anything else!  Recently, in my hot-and-heavy pursuit of chic-onomics at the behest of my readers, I have expanded my roving shoppers eye to include other accessories among them belts! Indeed a belt can change your perspective

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For The Larger Shoe Size Sisters of Shoppers Anonymous

Large Size Designer Shoes is an online haven for those of us who have a foot fetish but may have been graced with feet that are slightly larger than the norm.  While I cannot say I have purchased shoes from here (I am a very average size 8), I can say that reliable style blog counterparts have raved about the site! The site features designers such as Pedro Garcia, Rupert Sanderson, and Mer du Sud!!  And, of course, they also

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 10 & The Perfect “Catch All Saturday Bag”

Anyone who knows me, knows that my favorite shopping line when I see something I like, must have, and don’t really need is “Oh it’s perfect for Saturday.  I can definitely rock this as a Saturday bag/shoe/boot/shirt/etc!”  So in honor of my shoppers-anonymous true calling and because in fall, Saturdays are just about the most perfect day created (and yes, because every style rag would consider if gauche if I didn’t have it), today’s fall fashion must have is the perfect

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 10 & How to Definitively Walk The Line

Across the last month or so, I have encountered more thn a few relatively “put together” men who don’t know how to walk the line between work (whether business suit and wing tips, or jeans, plaid shirt and Timberlands) and “going out”.  Therefore, today’s fall fashion must-have is a pair of casual shoes for everyday dinners, drinks and just plain hanging out! If we comb the pages of GQ, Details, and Style, we’ll find lots of options and while they may

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6 Items Under $250 That You Want in Your Closet

One of my (new) favorite sites is Outnet.com and here are six reasons why: Why wouldn’t you want a military-inspired coat so everyone stands at attention when you walk in the room? ($236) They’ll make you feel anything but grey on a chilly fall day- Pedro Garcia grey suede ankle boots that actually add zip to your outfit ($190) Go 60s flower-power without the flowers with this retro Malene Birger tunic dress that reminds that true style is just a revolving door ($225) Why not

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 9 & Dark Denim Does Double Duty

This fall and perhaps for a while to come, there is a return to classic, low-key, elegant, simple pieces thus creating more versatility and wearability in your wardrobe.  Most would say this is a result of designers and retailers desire to be more fiscally prudent or chic-onomics; the fabrics that are prevailing are viscose, denim, silk and other natural fibers.  As you think about fall shopping, remember: simple is best especially when it comes to pieces that will get lots

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What is the Most All-American Fabric You Can Think Of?

Day 7: Denim.  Denim is timeless, versatile and chic; and a staple in every wardrobe.  Denim can be washed at all temperatures but cooler is safer. Similar to other natural fibers, iron while damp. Only wash denim every two or three wears. Wash denim inside out. Let denim air dry to help retain its color. Designer Megan Havard of True Religion says this season we should look for updates to include embellishments like studding, leather and sequins.  “This season we

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 8 & If the Glove Fits, You Must Acquit

With fall and that six-letter swear word (winter….) right around the corner, we need to prepare ourselves.  As you run out with your coffee in hand and jump in the ride, neither the seat nor the steering wheel will be warm from the summer sun so, prepare yourself!  In addition, the cooler weather also means for most of us 30-somethings, drier hands is also a concern and we’d never put forth an ashen hand for greeting but a gloved one

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BfS Item of the Week: Arthur Ashe Tee

In tribute to one of the greatest tennis players of all times, Jay-Z designed this Arthur Ashe t-shirt for this year’s US Open.  It’s just $36 but pause ….and just imagine the price Arthur Ashe paid to achieve what he did….go and grab one!  We all need a tee and this is one worth sporting!!.

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Guess What Fabric is Silky Smooth?

Day 6: Silk.  It’s a natural fiber and has a sheer, delicate and translucent look to the material.  In summer, it’s a great substitute for cotton and brings slightly more feminity to any piece. Don’t risk washing a silk that is supposed to be dryclean only. If it’s washable, use only the hand wash cycle on your machine. Dry with a light spin, or roll delicate items in a towel. Perspiration is difficult to remove and is best treat by

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 7 & To Top it Off Right…

To top it off right, fall calls for a “proper” hat that can worn to work on a nippy day or rocked at a jazz club on Friday night.  The runways haven’t been littered with them as they’re hard to pull off but, with a few reminders, just about anyone could make a hat look good and their outfit better! Keys to remember when wearing a hat: Ensure the width of the hat is bigger than your head otherwise, you’ll look like Lil

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14 Days of Fall Fashions! Day 7 & Every Man Needs a Dimepiece

Every man needs a dimepiece aka a beautiful woman!  LOL – I’m joking; I really mean every man needs a timepiece!  Besides your shoes, a man’s watch definitely tells more than just time so, transition into fall with a piece that tells the story of your confidence and success as well as your aspirations for further greatness.  Here are a few watches that can help tell the tale:

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The Perfect Fabric for Frequent Fliers

Day 5: Polyester.  Polyester is making a comeback with interesting textures like crushed silk and knits which are now imitating silk jersey and its draping ability. Wash often because it attracts greasy soiling. Most are machine washable in warm water but, don’t add fabric softener until the final rinse to prevent static and excess creasing. Tumble dry on low. Iron with a cool iron only. .

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What is Viscose? Do I Have Any Clothes with It?

Day 4: Viscose.  Viscose is easily blended with other fibers such as satin but, it is very difficult to get 100% viscose.  Its fibers are natural even though chemicals are used to make it. Viscose becomes weaker when wet. Best fabric care is to hand-wash frequently in warm water; avoid wringing or twisting; and blot dry before handing. Iron while damp. Avoid pressing over the seams .

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‘Cotton is King’ or So They Said in the South!

Day 3: Cotton.  Cotton is king if you live in a warm climate–it breathes as opposed to generating extra heat for the body.  Whether in its crisp form, poplin, or its softer form, sateen, its multi-faceted and versatile. Cotton comes in several gauges from lightweight summer fabrics to heavy duty denim. Although cooler temperatures are better, cotton can be washed at all temperatures.  For whites, the hottest temperature possible is best to boost whiteness. Don’t wash drip-dry cottons at high

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Loving Linen…Gently

Day 2: Linen.  Linen has a life of its own and can drape wonderfully if it is of high quality.  It is one of the coolest fibers to wear for the summer climate…and we need that in DC! Linen can be treated as a hardwearing fiber, but it can stretch or lose shape if not cared for properly. The fiber washes and wears well as long as it’s ironed at high temperatures.  Avoid overloading the machine because it has a tendency

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Cole, Rood & Haan’s Archival Collection Debuts

Since the buzz started about six months ago, fashion folks have been waiting to get their ‘fix’ with the new collection by Cole Haan called Cole, Rood & Haan — after the three gentleman who started the company back in the 1920s.  Part of the line features men’s shoes that have a vintage and gently worn feel but, come from high quality Italian leather and suede.  Here’s a peek at a few that I love: Glad Rags, $375 Dapper $295

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Dear Blueprint…Need Help! Need Dressy Casual Heels that Work Now & into Fall

Mystery: I have 3 weddings to do across two days so, I need a nice, classy pump or heel that I can wear at an afternoon outdoor wedding, evening wedding, and indoor and slightly dressier wedding; plus one pair is better than three. I can’t spend a ton…as a matter of fact, my budget is $200 and that’s pushing it! Can you help? Solved: Dear “?” the right answer is an open-toe, flesh/neutral-colored or subdued metallic heel (preferably 3-inch minimum).  The height is

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Caring for the Sexy, Sophisticated Clothes You Have!

Day 1: Cashmere, Lamb’s Wool & Mohair.  Woolens are natural, soft fibers which can quickly felt with careless washing so, when washing, check the label! If the garment indicates ‘machine washable’ always use the gentlest cycle. For hand washables, take extra care because they can felt as well! Woolens should be left to dry flat and inside out but avoid direct sunlight and heat.  Gently pull it into shape. You can iron wool: press on the wrong side with a warm

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How to Throw Fall Colors into Your Wardrobe & Maintain Your Manhood

The colors of the season are purple, grey and forest green and although Blueprint will be sharing several ideas about how to integrate these colors into your closet, I wanted to start us out right!  To get your splash of color without going too crazy and maintaining your ‘macho’ persona, try these forest green Clae Khan sneakers ($148).  You can scoop them online at Tobi and they are haute!!  What makes them so cool besides the color is the toe

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Work-Dinner-Date Dress that a Stylishly Chic Woman Should Own

In reality, it’s a houndstooth waistcoat and dress — and it’s divine!  You can wear this into the office, head to dinner with your colleagues afterwards, and then meet your other-half for a late (light) dinner….in one dress! Outnet has this Thread Social houndstooth waistcoat and dress for $198!  This is chic-onomics at its best especially for the travelista: wear the entire ensemble on Day 1; wear the waistcoat with a black pencil skirt on Day 2; and wear the dress

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