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

A Jewel-toned Gem

A yummy jewel-toned dress that is the perfect, feminine length – the color pops in the summer sun – the silk one-shouldered dress shows off the decolletage and strong shoulders – the ruffle detail is perfectly placed to conceal a multitude of faults – at Matches Fashion! Style notes: the length is just-above-the-knee which makes it complimentary to many shapes, and the feminine fit, styling and fabric ensure it hugs appropriately while still providing room to strut! Click here for more

2011/06/22

The Fall/Winter Wear-All Shoe

The deck shoe has become the men’s summer go-to shoe, but the question remains about whether a kissing cousin exists for winter. The answer is — yes! A whiskey- or cognac-colored brogue is the solution. If you look for a more rounded toecap that will keep it casual too. Want help creating the perfect shoe closet, click here!

2011/06/22

I’m Feelin’ Marc by Marc Jacobs

Get a peek at this Marc by Marc Jacobs clothing line — while not a huge fan, I am very appreciative of his line of basically fabulous pieces that are interchangeable, reasonably priced, complimentary and flattering to lots of shapes, and versatile enough to go from desk to date night. This more casual, bridge line is well curated enough for the sassy mom, professional lady, or socialite diva!.

2011/06/21

And The Winner Is…

This was such a fun contest to get more subscribers and we got fabulous feedback, but alas there can only be one winner. The winner of our handbag is San D (@SS_Dal)! Woohoo — congrats!! San Dalvi tweeted over 25 times and got a ton of other folks involved in the campaign….and we have new subscribers as a result. Thanks San D!!.

2011/06/21

Luxury Without Logos

Isn’t luxury lovely? I’m talking about real luxury, when goods are made of special materials, soft, transparent, unusually strong or uniquely textured. Luxury featuring great design and that little “pop” of delight somewhere inside you. But what if you don’t want, in this day and age, to show off? What if you find yourself in the fortunate position of being able to afford luxury, but you don’t want to lord it over the less well-resourced? Welcome to luxury without logos.

2011/06/21

Where Should My Color Come From?

Men are creatures of habit (actually, I think we all are…), but integrating color into the pool of navy blue, grey, and dark colored sutis can be difficult. Here’s our advice to get it right: Spruce up your socks Try a colorful floral print/plaid tie A brightly colored pocket square is easy! Opt for a microcheck or light plaid shirt to give you a hint of extra pizazz You want more just for your wardrobe or look, click here!

2011/06/21

6 Things We Want to Share This Week

Full Figured Fashion Week—celebrating women size 12 and up who love their curves—is going on this weekend in New York City. Want The Best Swimsuit Advice You Will Ever Receive? Read this interview from top swimsuit designers! The latest in hair fashion is being bought up from fly-fishing around the country—feather hair extensions. Like the one’s worn by Steve Tyler on American Idol, these super cool and colorful saddle feathers are in high demand. On Monday night, Anna Wintour won the

2011/06/18

Tweople to Follow

@TheSheMarket (Where Fashion + Good Deeds Are): Encouraging, Inspiring, & Assisting the world’s women thru Fashion. No cape necessary. Only Luv & Determination (& a little Style doesn’t hurt). Love, Love, Love @TheSheMarket’s mission—to “aid in the advancement of women and girls while supporting and promoting the fashion, beauty, and creative arts industries”! Gigi tweets about charitable events, how to help at risk women & girls through fashion, “do-good” brands that give back such as DVF and Tibi, and much more!

2011/06/17

Last Minute Gifts Ideals for Dad

We know we shouldn’t wait until two days before, but somehow something always happens and we’re stuck here. To ensure dad feels loved, our suggestions for stylish last-minute gifts include polos (add some color to his world) and ‘tighty whiteys’ that are anything but….:

2011/06/17

Summer Style Q&A: Real Men Wear Heels!

Question from Amir: When it comes to men’s shoes, should dress shoes be flat or have a small heel? Answer: Simply put, and fashionably speaking, when it comes to men’s dress shoes, they should definitely have a small heel! Dress shoes are mainly designed with two specific parts: the sole/heel area and the top section – you will notice these elements are the most distinctive ones of the shoe. The traditional, and more stylish, inclusion of a heel, which comes

2011/06/16

“The” Dress Shirt & Tie

A fabulous dress shirt and tie combinations by Fairfax (at Barney’s New York)..

2011/06/16

Fathers Day Gifts for the Casual Dad

Casual doesn’t mean bummy, so opt to get dad items that he can use to dress down his slacks or use as an everyday kick around wardrobe item. Our recommendations would be a shawl collar cardigan (perfect for cool nights and early fall too) or boat shoes which have made a strong comeback this year:

2011/06/16

A Purple Patch!

Treat yourself like royalty for a change and add a punch of purple to your wardrobe with some of the interesting options below in a regal hue that exudes confidence and makes a fashion statement! A Patch of Purple by lguiffre featuring a pintuck skirt

2011/06/15

For the Casual & Cool Pops…

These dads know how to play it cool and keep it casual, so the best gift ideals add a hint of extra style but keep them looking laidback. Our recommendations include a pair of seersucker Keds and classic Madras shorts….which are right for just about any occasion that involves a backyard or cookout:

2011/06/15

An Easy Win (or Tie) for Father’s Day!

This grey summer wool tie is available at Figs today only for $60 (normally $75)! An ideal addition to the blue power suit or a fabulous off-color nuance to a summer camel look….there are many ways to rock this!.

2011/06/14

For the ‘Big Wig’ Boardroom Dad…

What do you get a dad that has just about everything? Focus on the little things that round out what he already has. Our recommendations include a stylish pocket square or a leather business card holder (that will only get better with time):

2011/06/14

To My Dad – Who’s Always on the GO

For the active/outdoorsy fathers, looking sporty without being too casual is hard to do. A good carryall is essential — something that can hold what you need without having you look like you’re back in grade school or delivering packages; and a nice shirt that goes from day to dinner is desirable too! Our two recommendations are:

2011/06/13

6 Things We Want to Share This Week!

Resort season officially started on June 6th, and it’s definitely a bright one! Burberry revved up their signature neutral hues with neon trims and chunky jeweled platform heels; DKNY amped up its urban flair with scarf-inspired tops; and Herve Leger and Jason Wu were inspired by scuba-wear. See the rest of the collections here! Shop the boutiques of the world – online! On Taigan.com, you get the lowdown on the hottest local boutiques offering everything from men’s and women’s fashion to

2011/06/11

A Formalwear Find!

Gents- this one is easy. An adjustable, perfectly oversized (width: 2 3/4 IN) black velvet bowtie ($68, today only) — and you’re helping a primary school in Kawangare, Kenya to boot. Giving back and looking dapper….that takes the cake! .

2011/06/10

Leave It to The Wedge

Wedges make wonderful shoes including these cognac and blue beauts by Modern Vintage – – on sale at Taigan (the ‘it’ spot for curated style). Check out more wedges here!.

2011/06/10

How Long Should My Pants Be?

The jury is “in” on this….no sweeping the ground on dress slacks or gathering on your shoes. Opt for a maximum one inch break that should sweep the top of your shoes and cover the top of your sole (if you were looking at it from behind). Done! If you need a professional to come in and help you get it right, click here!

2011/06/10

A $350 Dress for $50?!

You can look haute ‘n sexy and ready to rock the runway on any given day if you simply sign up for Rent the Runway. This dress is fabulous! It costs $350. You can have it for $50 … if you sign up for Rent the Runway. Here’s how it works: Find a dress that suits your fancy. Occasions covered include Cocktail Party, Summer Party, Beach Vacation, Black Tie Affair & more Confirm your size along with one free alternate

2011/06/09

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

A Jewel-toned Gem

The Fall/Winter Wear-All Shoe

I’m Feelin’ Marc by Marc Jacobs

And The Winner Is…

Luxury Without Logos

Where Should My Color Come From?

Tweople to Follow

Last Minute Gifts Ideals for Dad

Summer Style Q&A: Real Men Wear Heels!

“The” Dress Shirt & Tie

Fathers Day Gifts for the Casual Dad

A Purple Patch!

For the Casual & Cool Pops…

An Easy Win (or Tie) for Father’s Day!

For the ‘Big Wig’ Boardroom Dad…

To My Dad – Who’s Always on the GO

6 Things We Want to Share This Week!

A Formalwear Find!

Leave It to The Wedge

How Long Should My Pants Be?

A $350 Dress for $50?!

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