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

Oh La La Lustful Item

Does this ooze with class and sophistication…or what?! If anyone is interested in purchasing, please contact Smith & Company in Houston, TX (713-599-0007) but, for the rest, let’s just note the specs or head to 1stdibs to get a closer look: 2008 large man’s Cartier Roadster watch with all links; also has a brown crocodile strap with deployment clasp (with original box, papers, C.D.) 18k gold Swiss movement Near-perfect condition Price: $24,000 Having a timepiece like this almost makes watching the clock a

2009/08/26

Winner of Contest #5

Question: Name at least 6 of 8 items a ‘stylish man on the go’ needs Answer: leather duffel, a pair of khakis, white shirts, lightweight jeans, classic sneakers, brown loafer or simple lace-up shoes, sweater, blazer Winner: Jafi Prize: Free Blueprint for Style Initial Style Consultation with the purchase of any service (redeemable thru 10/31) .

2009/08/26

Spa Review: Cape Grace

During our time in Cape Town, Johnica and I were given the opportunity to luxuriate at The Spa at Cape Grace– and that we did! While we stayed at The Table Bay Hotel, it was Cape Grace’s recently renovated and upgraded hotel and services that left our mouth agasp and let the hectic pace melt away.

2009/08/25

Cape Town Store Review: The Safari Club…Purveyor of Exotic Skins

The owner, Nicole Temple, rattles off her history and background about how she got where she is today and somewhere in the midst, you realize she was made for this! Having grown up in a house where snakeskin, ostrich, and crocodile were everyday means you, at least, have some understanding and appreciation for its rarity. Johnica Reed and I were introduced to the store by designer Nabeela Abrahams and fell in love instantly…not just because the quality of the skins

2009/08/25

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 4 Recap

The final day featured only one designer, Kluk CGDT likely because Malcolm Kluk and Christiaan Gabriel Du Toit, who are the creatives forces behind Kluk, used the runway to show Pret-a-Porter, bridal, and couture. They produce six collections a year and currently outfit most of South Africa’s celebrities and politicians. Kluk has participated in Fashion Weeks around the globe including Singapore, New York and India. The dresses were everything that is feminine, flowing, strong, bold, and elegant. Self-described, their brand

2009/08/24

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 3 Recap

The shows Saturday evening started around 6pm and the house was packed- everyone came out to see Gavin Rajah at the BMW Showroom and along with Fabiani, ran away with creations that could appeal to even the most discriminating eye! Day 3 shows included: Carducci Women: Francois Rall is currently responsible for the collection at Carducci and his focus has been on embodying hte heritage of modern South Africa. Carducci showed quite a bit of black, denim and lighter

2009/08/24

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 2 Recap

[singlepic id=172 w=320 h=240 float=center] It was Friday so, needless to say, the crowds were out and the designers did not disappoint! Day 2 shows included: Suzann Heyns and David Tlale for Luella: Suzann is a LISOF-trained and Elle Magazine bred fashionista. Her collection emphasized tailored garments and slightly avant garde designs made from quality fabrics. David Tlale launched his brand over five years ago and since has shown at Paris Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week! His past

2009/08/24

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 1 Recap

[singlepic id=80 w=320 h=240 float=center] I loved it! The Cape Town Fashion Week is unlike many others in that it’s open to the public who can purchase tickets! Day 1 started off about 3 hours behind schedule due to some set issues however, once started, it was full of surprises and stellar shows by relative newcomers to the fashion industry with Michelle Ludek being the highlight for me! Day 1 consisted of shows from the following: The Graduate Show: Featuring

2009/08/23

I Reminisce about Hello Kitty

I’m not sure about you but, I have fond memories of Hello Kitty pens, pencils, wallets, notepads, necklaces, charms, etc. I was even on a visit to LA last year and indulged in a Hello Kitty keychain charm just so I could look down when I turn the key to my car and get a quick rush of laughter!! Enough about my fond memories….I’m sure that if you were born anytime after 1968, you have one or two memories as

2009/08/21

Dear Blueprint…Need Help!

Today kicks off a new feature on the Blueprint for Style blog titled, “Dear Blueprint…Need Help!“. The goal is to field a question posed by you all and provide a quick (and hopefully useful) answer….think Pauline Phillips aka Abigail Van Buren less the coiffed hair and newspaper ink! So, here we go…. Question Posed: I read a lot of style and fashion magazines and read several of the online publications as well. Every publication has a ‘must have’ list for

2009/08/21

Nabeela Abrahams at Cape Town Fashion Week

Nabeela aka Lady Noble hit the runways at the Cape Town Fashion Week as part of The Graduate Show! There were over 25 students showing their creations and while we saw quite a bit of sequins and glitter, and a few outfits that could have used a few more finishing touches, Nabeela Abrahams‘ outfits were nicely done in her gold/purple color theme. ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week : The Graduate Show – Nabeela Abrahams from Johnica Reed on Vimeo. Also

2009/08/21

Camelot Day Spa at The Table Bay Hotel

Today while in Cape Town, Johnica and I had the pleasure of partaking in a bit of ‘exhale’ at the Camelot Spa located inside The Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa. A large part of being stylish and sophisticated is our ability to feel stylish and sophisticated–what better way (besides a massage and a great workout) than with a facial! The staff was very professional and courteous, and the facial hit the spot. After having spent several hours and

2009/08/21

Cape Town Fashion Week – Day 1

The Cape Town Fashion Week was scheduled to start at 1 pm local time with The Graduate Show however, due to a few technical difficulties, the show start time is now 3 pm local! Stay tuned….

2009/08/20

I Want…Must Have Samsonite Black Label by Viktor & Rolf

The Samsonite Black Label by Viktor & Rolf…for a mere $925 at Browns Fashion! So perhaps I won’t have it today but, I can dream!! Let me share the beauty of the suitcase and what are some completely functional features: It’s on wheels! Has outside pouch pockets to carry your travel documents and must-access-quickly bits and bots Can be placed in the overhead bin Coded padlock Way to stay stylish with this fashionably haute rolling suitcase!.

2009/08/20

Cape Town…Hometown

Every time I am in Cape Town, I am reminded of how much I love this city…I fall in love more each time! Today, Johnica and I have been graced with the opportunity to hang with native Capetonians Mastura and her daughter, designer Nabeela Abrahams who will be in tomorrow’s show, The Graduate Show. For Nabeela’s show, her color palette is purple and gold using chiffon, chenille and silk satins. Her pieces are ready-to-wear with an evening dress, a jumpsuit

2009/08/19

ONE Wellness Spa – Radisson BLU

A large part of being stylish and sophisticated is the ability to present your ‘game face’. In this case, your game face comes as a result of taking care of yourself and your body – and that’s what Blueprint just finished doing! While in Cape Town today, Johnica and I were treated to Papaya and Pineapple body scrubs and wraps to moisturize our jetlagged skin! The results were amazing not to mention the service and the entire spa environment! The best

2009/08/18

Cape Town Fashion Week

All this week, Blueprint for Style will be providing updates from theArise Cape Town Fashion Week in Cape Town, South Africa! The shows officially kick-off August 20, 2009 and run through August 22, 2009 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. Stay tuned for updates, store reviews, designer features, and photos from the shows and events!

2009/08/18

Winner of Contest #4

Question: According to Blueprint, which jeans are sexy because they show ‘ankle and lots of shape’? Answer: cigarette jeans Winner: Kryss Prize: $50 Bloomingdales gift card .

2009/08/14

Traveling To and Fro…with Ease

I have been going back and forth from DC to Chicago across the last week or so, and although this transition should be seamless this time of year, it’s been a little bit of a hassle. I’m not sure if it’s global warming or just the gods conspiring to keep Monica guessing but, when I leave DC’s sunshine, I’m assured of rain in Chicago, and when I leave Chicago’s chilly summer weather, I land in sweltering DC heat. All of this moving to and

2009/08/10

Winner of Contest #3

Question: Name 3 stores (not websites) featured on the Blueprint for Style website Answer: There were a variety of answers given and while Gilt Groupe and JCrew are mentioned frequently, neither those nor Urban Outfitters and Neiman Marcus have ever been featured on Blueprint for Style Correct Answer: Urban Chic (July 10th), Shine Collective (July 14th), Clutch (August 3rd) Winner: No winner…..tsk, tsk, tsk! Prize: $50 Bloomingdales gift card .

2009/08/10

How to be a Stylish Man on the Go

As we end Men’s Week, it’s almost poetic to wrap-up the week by providing some insight on how best to leave or, more precisely, how best to put on your ‘travelin shoes’ and look stylish doing it. The goal of our post today is twofold: to provide the essentials for traveling as a stylish man about town and add a few recommendations of products that will help!

2009/08/07

How Sneakers Sneaked on The Scene

Blueprint for Style has done a few posts about shoes and sneakers for the fellas but, in honor of Men’s Week, today our focus is strictly on how sneakers stole the show. Without going back too far in history, the 90s saw the boom of sports figures and t.v. celebrities becoming the focus of attention and the example of what we should be striving for (right or wrong is not our discussion today) but, let’s agree that Michael Jordan and

2009/08/06

Men’s Top 10 Style Tips

Make no mistake about it – men have it easier when it comes to fashion and style than women do! Men can purchase two or three pair of shoes and all is well! Men can travel with one suit and four shirts for a week and no one says anything! Men can wear a navy blue suit with black shoes and accessories and all is fine-and-dandy!

2009/08/05

Winner of Contest #2

Question: 3 elements to consider in the Fashion vs. Style discussion Answer: time, location, exposure Correct Answer: time [today vs. in the days of ole], location [Paris vs South Bend, IN], and exposure [Chanel vs. unknowing fashion victim] Winner: Candice Prize: goodie bag with Hollywood Fashion Tape accessories, a purse hanger, and other little treats! .

2009/08/05

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Oh La La Lustful Item

Winner of Contest #5

Spa Review: Cape Grace

Cape Town Store Review: The Safari Club…Purveyor of Exotic Skins

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 4 Recap

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 3 Recap

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 2 Recap

ARISE Cape Town Fashion Week: Day 1 Recap

I Reminisce about Hello Kitty

Dear Blueprint…Need Help!

Nabeela Abrahams at Cape Town Fashion Week

Camelot Day Spa at The Table Bay Hotel

Cape Town Fashion Week – Day 1

I Want…Must Have Samsonite Black Label by Viktor & Rolf

Cape Town…Hometown

ONE Wellness Spa – Radisson BLU

Cape Town Fashion Week

Winner of Contest #4

Traveling To and Fro…with Ease

Winner of Contest #3

How to be a Stylish Man on the Go

How Sneakers Sneaked on The Scene

Men’s Top 10 Style Tips

Winner of Contest #2

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