Blueprint for Style Wardrobe Styling & Image Consulting

Tops

Spring Must Haves: Print Blouses

It’s the time to add color with prints, patterns, and texture but finding great print tops [for a reasonable price] is like discovering a unicorn. I did some serious digging and found a few fabulous options to transition you into spring. These tops are good for wearing under your standard black or navy suit, tucked into a pencil skirt or rocked with some menswear-inspired slacks. My fave is definitely the X. Which is your favorite? [show_boutique_widget id=”243205″]

2015/04/15

Accessories

Travel Too….Southeast Asia: Three Essentials

I spent 1/2 month (18 days to be exact) in southeast Asia between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Saigon. I loved it and while not immediately, I’m going back because it’s warm, super inexpensive, laidback, and has good eating! I worked with Lands’ End before leaving to coordinate on a few essentials for the trip and I had a fairly long list. I found three items that I would have been hard-pressed to be without while there: Starfish slim leg pants

2015/04/14

Accessories

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

Admittedly wedge heels are not my favorite….mostly because they create extra weight near the ankle and thus, can look clunky. The keys to wedge heels are to ensure that if you have a peep toe, it’s not too large or your toes push through; and that the heel grips well. That said, they can give you a bit of height and offer more comfort for some. Consider also that it’s spring [not summer] so you don’t want to look like

2015/04/14

Footwear

MANly Monday: Bo Boots

How many pairs of sneakers have you trashed trying to get your lawn/yard ready for spring? You think….ok I’ll just plant these flowers she wants and since I’m using the hose, no problem. Until she needs a quick edit to the landscape…. Thus, another pair of sneakers dead. Relegated to the pile of weekend work options….. NO MORE! Scandinavians have been sporting ankle-high bo boots to keep their other footwear fresh. They are microfleece lined, waterproof, and black ~ all

2015/04/13

Food & Restaurants

Travel Too….Vietnam: Let’s Talk Fa-la-la-la-la Vietnamese Pho

Pho, pronounced “fa” or “fuh”, is a traditional Vietnamese soup with flavorful garnishes. I had it as part of just about every meal while in Vietnam and I’m now a fan (wink, wink Maggy)! It’s traditionally made with beef but chicken or pork can work too. Try it, be amazed and…it’s healthy!

2015/04/13

Accessories

Pretty Storage Options

I continuously tell my clients that your clothes treat you good when you treat them good — give your clothes a fighting chance to make you look good, and that can’t happen if they’re piled high on the floor. The same holds true for your baubles so when I saw these vintage enameled copper and bronze dishes, I feel in love They are perfect for holding change on your living room table, a stack of match boxes in your office,

2015/04/09

Dresses & Outfits

Shopbop Sale & Spring Style

The taste of spring got me started and now this Shopbop spring sale has the good times rollin’…it’s 25% off with code SPRING25 and I’m focused on pieces that can go allll day. Fell in love with this flare dress…(with some heels and a blazer if it’s still chilly)

2015/04/08

Stores & Sites to See

Sale: Madewell

It’s the baby sister to J.crew but FIRE! Madewell is making awesome stuff that lasts, is contemporary and relevant, has a classic underpinning, and Kin Ying Lee is battig 100%! I don’t typically post sales but I found several pieces that I not only purchased but recommended to clients because we’re ALL ready for spring and what better way to shake off the winter blues than by shopping! There are lots of pieces worthwhile but I found four pieces that

2015/04/03

Features & Series

Style Challenge: I’m a Professional Who Wants to Push the Limits

Are you the woman who lives by day in a professional and fairly conservative work environment but your inner fashionista is screaming, “Don’t confine me!” Are you dying to push the fashion boundaries but your all-consuming work life isn’t making it easy? Three helpful hints: Choose bold jewelry – start with a few bold necklaces to frame your face and set off your outfit! Focus on statement pieces – under a navy suit, this stands out and by itself, it

2015/03/31

Hotels

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Baan Ratchiangsaen

On a scale of 1-10 for…. cleanliness: 97 modern-ish: 9 inside noise level: 4 (you can hear everything; the walls are thin) staff friendliness: 7 (they seemed to have been “Americanized” which means they weren’t as hospitable) location: 8 (the street starts out shady but it’s literally one block from the south entrance of Old City) American standards (we’re travel snobs): Once you get to the hotel, you will be pleasantly surprised with the decor and that they speak quite

2015/03/30

Transportation

Toot-Toot, Hey, Beep-Beep

Donna Summer said it best and while she was talking about “Bad Girls“, the same can apply for the various modes of transportation in Thailand. Check out how you can get around Chiang Mai and if you saw my Instagram then you know I tried at least two of these!!

2015/03/20

Hotels

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Mona Chiang Mai Hotel

cleanliness: 9 modern-ish: 8 inside noise level: 7 (you can hear everything!) staff friendliness: 8 (the main gent is friendly and knows english; everyone else knows not-a-lick so communication is a problem) location: 5 (it’s more in the city and away from Old City so I’d say more authentic but the street/alley it’s on is a bit sketchy but I left my moped and it was there in the morning) American standards (we’re travel snobs): 6 I found the

2015/03/19

Hotels

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Jira Luxury Boutique Residence

On a scale of 1-10 for…. cleanliness: 9 modern-ish: 9 inside noise level: 5 (you can hear everything; the walls are thin) staff friendliness: 9 (I didn’t know there was a 300THB key deposit on check-in and she said “just bring it to me later”) location: 7 (I was ok walking into Old City but it’s a little ways away….with my bike rental though, no sweat!) American standards (we’re travel snobs): 8 You’ll check-in and be very pleased overall…as long

2015/03/18

Events & Happenings

Southeast Asia: Thai Massage

Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage as it’s based on a 2,500-year old Ayurvedic-based body science developed by Buddha’s doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. It’s basically like an assisted yoga session where the massage therapist moves your body into various positions and massages along energy points called “sen”. Enough of that ~ I’m sure most of you heard that it’s painful. The truth is a good massage therapist doesn’t hurt albeit, it’s not like a Swedish massage, you will come

2015/03/17

Fashion

How To Pack for ‘Hot & Humid’

I’m ten days into my working vacation in south east Asia (Thailand and Vietnam) and the temps have been hovering around 90+ degrees with 90% humidity. It can be hard to maintain your cool in that land of heat (unless you’re dressing for the beach). To make it “haute” in the hot and humid climates, abide by these 4 rules: Natural fibers are best because they allow a bit more movement – silk, cotton and linen… Don’t go too fitted.

2015/03/16

Features & Series

How To Do A Style Menage a Trois

Have you ever dreamed of a threesome? A print + 2 colors? One wrong move and your ménage à trois can go very wrong… Have a fulfilling menage a trois by following a few simple rules: There can only be one dominant…color! Everything should be in “sync” but not the same. So a floral + 2 hues of pink, or a black & white stripe + 2 hues of black (grey, platinum) Don’t do it everywhere! Focus the print and let

2015/03/13

Travel

Top 5 Travel Products

After 42 hours, 37K feet (x 2), 3 countries, 82+ degrees and 90+ in the daytime, I settled in at my hotel and slept harder than you could possibly imagine. I also had a chance to go back and see what items I found indispensable and I have five products that I will never travel without. Learn from my angst… Kleenex splash ‘n go moist wipes – sometimes you just don’t know when you’ll see fresh water and sometimes you’re

2015/03/11

Denim

The Vastness of Denim

I am reminded of the versatility and vastness of denim – it’s everywhere! It’s an American bred “thing” that is everywhere, all the time, and goes across cultures, time zones, functions, and needs. I was thumbing through More, a magazine for women 40+, and I found a look that I loved! Denim can go anywhere – in this particular picture, it’s about layering…with the styling key to show ankle/skin so it doesn’t appear overly bottom heavy! This is a look

2015/03/10

Fashion

Bangkok, Thailand: What They Wear

Technically, right now is the beginning of the hot season (March to June) and we’re leaving the cool season (November to February) so balmy weather in the 90s in the prevailing tone….love it after the #snowoverit in Washington, DC. That said, Bangkokian are an amazingly humble people so, as you walk the streets and ride the metro/BTS train, you will not see lots of ‘pomp and circumstance’ but rather lots of color and warm weather clothing. Three style trends I’ve

2015/03/10

Fashion

Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand

I’m not even gong to bore you with the nonsense that transpires upon my arrival to Bangkok. Suffice it to say that I am here! I slept like my life depended on it and that what it felt like after being up for almost 36 hours…. So today was Sunday and that means it’s all about the Chatuchak/Jatujak Market ~ which is open on Saturdays and Sundays and houses everything from pots, pans, shorts, food, t-shirts, cutlery, leather bags, glassware,

2015/03/09

Fashion / Style Events

My Top Ten Favorite Style Blogs

WhoWhatWear – when I am feeling uninspired, I go here because the team of writers covers every possible scenario you can think of and although it slants toward twenty and thirty-somethings, there’s all luscious tidbits to find Cheetah is the New Black – this blog does ‘laidback but curated’ to a capitol T! And the owner just opened up her store in Cali could I have that? – she has a leaning toward west coast casual but I love her most

2015/03/06

Grooming

Fashion Mistakes Most Men Make

I recently conducted a style evaluation from a young gentlemen who claimed he wanted to move his style from junior executive to “C suite”. We talked for a while and he did a good job convincing me he was ready to take the plunge…until we got to the last two questions in our evaluation process. I asked him what ehe typically carries when going to meetings and he replied, “A backpack…but a leather one.” I asked him what message he

2015/02/23

Dresses & Outfits

If You Wear Black Wear This

I mention it in my book, Without Saying A Word: The Silent Power of Style, but I’m on a personal mission to ensure ladies break up with black! And while I’m serious about my mission, if you’re not ready then try one of these colors to start: navy blue olive cream/white camel grey prints Inspiration can be hard to come by so here are a few easy pieces to get the ball rolling… [show_boutique_widget id=”224836″]

2015/02/21

closed brands, Kate Spade Saturday, C. Wonder, Piperlime

Trends

They’re Going The Way of The Samurai

Piperlime. C. Wonder. Kate Spade Saturday.These are just a few of the popular clothing and accessory brands that are shuttering their proverbial doors in 2015. They are going the way of the samurai…but why? I’m sure the analysis has been done that says they weren’t generating enough revenue to cover expenses, or the profit margins were declining incrementally with no end in sight. I’ll go with any/all of those explanations ~ along with my own. In a time of shorten

2015/02/10

Accessories

The History of High Heels

The fables are long and some even funny but, here’s the truth about high heels and how they came about. Ladies – high heels were actually made for men, worn by men, and had to be wrested away from men by women! Lots of women hate high heels because they’re uncomfortable and for some, they think it’s a man’s way of keeping them down (or up…..!). Men think they are sexy sometimes but also don’t understand the female fascination…. I love

2015/02/06

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Spring Must Haves: Print Blouses

Travel Too….Southeast Asia: Three Essentials

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

MANly Monday: Bo Boots

Travel Too….Vietnam: Let’s Talk Fa-la-la-la-la Vietnamese Pho

Pretty Storage Options

Shopbop Sale & Spring Style

Sale: Madewell

Style Challenge: I’m a Professional Who Wants to Push the Limits

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Baan Ratchiangsaen

Toot-Toot, Hey, Beep-Beep

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Mona Chiang Mai Hotel

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Jira Luxury Boutique Residence

How To Pack for ‘Hot & Humid’

How To Do A Style Menage a Trois

Top 5 Travel Products

The Vastness of Denim

Bangkok, Thailand: What They Wear

Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand

My Top Ten Favorite Style Blogs

Fashion Mistakes Most Men Make

If You Wear Black Wear This

They’re Going The Way of The Samurai

The History of High Heels

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