Blueprint for Style Wardrobe Styling & Image Consulting

Beauty

Addictions…of the Face

I’ve witnessed my skin glow. My friends and even possible frenemies notice. I’ve become wholly dependent on Orlane for maintaining a healthy youthful mistiness….and I don’t know what I’m going to do when it’s gone. I use it during the week like religion but go without on the weekend (advice from my friend Julia of All About the Pretty). When I travel, it’s consider “precious cargo” and goes into my carry-on….yes, I’ve found creative ways to ensure I can fit

2014/07/30

Footwear

Manly Monday: GQs 100

GQ did a compilation of the 100 items a man should own to be stylish…but not overly so! While the list doesn’t 100% scream “yes”, there are many ‘thumbs up’ to be seen and the first is the tee. The t-shirt is an unsung hero for men….mostly because the ones they wear are too big, too old, too plain, or just wrong. [Enter stage left] The striped tee: It channels your inner-Parisian In black-and-white, it’s “colorful” With the right maker,

2014/07/28

Tops

Friday Buy-Day: Metallic Finish Jacket

Have you ever found yourself ready to head to a party or a function that isn’t actually formal but you wanted some razzmatazz anyway? It’s the proverbial dark denim and a top – with nothing to throw over it! Solution: this beautiful metallic finish jacket made of jersey from H&M ($50)

2014/07/25

Stylish Reading

What I’m Reading Wednesday

This week has been God-awful-slow so I’ve turned my attention to cleaning up the massive backlog of magazines. I started by organizing them by month – yes, I have unread magazine from June! I commenced to reading/scanning them and then moving them to the garbage (or recycling bin). The most interesting reads popped up this week: Roland Mouret Unveils His Collaboration With Banana Republic (Vogue.com) 3 Ways to Make Your Home a Spiritual Space (wellandgood.com) The 6 Essential People You

2014/07/23

Grooming

MANly Monday: Minimergency Kit

First, I know I missed MANly Monday – it happens sometimes but there’s no less love for you! On to business…. The ladies have had it for awhile but now the guys can too…a Minimergency kit for him by Pinch Provisions. Next time you need a safety pin and your girlfriend says, “What would you do without me?“, you can reply, “Be fine.“! For a mere $14, each Minimergency kit includes mending kit, lip balm, nail clipper, shoe shine towelette, and

2014/07/22

Accessories

BaubleBar Necklace Giveaway

I love BaubleBar baubles…they’re always fun and current! They even gifted me with three lovely necklaces including the Constellation Frontal necklace (available now at Nordstrom) and I want to give it to you! Just my way of saying “thanks for hanging with me“…. This necklace was just made available at Nordstrom on July 18th ~ in time for the Anniversary Sale! Enter now and come back daily to earn extra points! a Rafflecopter giveaway

2014/07/22

Accessories

BIG Little Tip to Wearing Heels Pain-Free

As I learn, you learn…. So, if you’ve ever worn your heels all night and got home to some ‘dogs that were kickin’ and screamin‘ then this styling tip is for you! Grab some medical tape and wrap the third and fourth toes together. Apparently, there is a nerve between those toes that can be aggravated and causes pain. Add this tidbit to your knowledge of how to walk in heels and… Done…now let’ rock those impossibly high heels we

2014/07/17

Stylish Reading

What I’m Reading Wednesday

Sometimes I think I read a lot and other times, I’m certain I’m lacking (see my stack of magazines in my creative space). Perhaps as a way to force myself to read more, I’m kicking off “What I’m Reading Wednesday“…thinking there may be a few you’d find interesting. Enjoy!! Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl (Amazon) – reading it for my book club A World Cup Victory for Louis Vuitton (New York Times) Tall Girls, Rejoice: TTYA Designs

2014/07/16

Men's Matters

Casual Dress Inspiration

So you throw on jeans and a button down shirt, and waah-laa – you’re casual. Not! Actually you look like a businessman whose suitcase got lost. To truly achieve “casual”, enter our FIVE step program! Fit still matters. Oversized doesn’t mean casual Focus on two neutrals and one “color” = three colors! Layer lightly The shoes shouldn’t be the same ones worn to work Invest in three pairs of weekend pants (dark denim, cargo, khakis) Now go forth and conquer

2014/07/14

Accessories

If Only Dorothy Had These Red Pumps

“When I think of home, I think of a place where there’s love overflowing. I wish I was home, I wish I was back there…” Click your heel three times… And then click once to scoop these red pumps! They aren’t leather but they are cute enough to be rocked at least a few times before you decide your toes are tingly too much.

2014/06/26

Accessories

Colorblock Sandals

I shared with the crowd at The Sole of Style event on Saturday (in Philadelphia) that you can wear suede in summer…and then this shoe pops into my inbox. LOVE! For those who refuse to give up their black even in summer, this is a great opportunity continue wearing your hot-as-hell black with a touch of lighter tones. Since I’m a fan of all things cognac/tan, this colorblock sandal is yumminess. Black, tan and white – ready, set, go!

2014/06/24

Men's Matters

MANly Monday: Make A List, Check It Twice

Yes, this one is mundane but so essential. The rules for men don’t change nearly as often as those for women and, more importantly, you’re preferences change even less frequently! Write down your style rules and live by them. If you don’t have any (or so you think), let me suggest a few…. Know your shirt size (that’s neck and arm length) Find a tailor and stick with ’em! Make note of the brands that always garner compliments when you

2014/06/23

Just Because...

Digital Age, Old Paper

We live in age of technology ~ ipads and tablets, smartphones, apps and mobile settings….but paper still exists. For me, there is something wonderful about the tactile nature of paper and thus, while I get several magazines online/electronically, there are still some that require my fingers to page. What magazines or publications do you still want to ‘thumb through’?

2014/06/20

Accessories

Roping Together A Finished Look

I’m back on it… I’ve decided to share as many of the items I believe a woman needs as possible. This tassel rope belt is a winner! I’m a fan of items that can “grow” with you and a belt that offers you the ability to go up or down a few pounds is lovely. It comes in black or ecru (my preferred color for summer) and will give you years of cinching power! Go to Ann Taylor now and get

2014/06/18

Tops

Quinessential White Tee

It’s basic, necessary, irreplaceable, versatile, and comes in all shapes and sizes. It’s likely one of the first items you thought about when getting “ready” for summer and should be one of the first items that goes into your bag for travel and any overnight foray. My go-to tee for the last four or five years has been the J.Crew perfect fit v-neck tee…but alas I am expanding since they have not seen fit to cut me in on the

2014/06/16

Men's Matters

MANly Monday: Tailoring Needed

This one isn’t hard and it’s a lesson that GQ kindly shared with us. Tailoring is essentially and the smallest details can ruin a perfectly dapper look.

2014/06/16

Dresses & Outfits

Denim Do for Summer

Denim is an American wardrobe staple and something that is in most of our closets in multiples. However, when summer hits, it may get a a little less airtime especially if you live Ina city like DC where the humidity makes anything heavier than linen feel like a death sentence. [Enter stage left] Denim….in white. More specifically, a white denim dress – this one available at Topshop. It’s not quite appropriate for work but movie night, date night, girls night

2014/06/13

Accessories

A New Summer “Weekend” Bag

It’s more tote than handbag but perfect for summer nonetheless. The Sufia bag found at ASOS says summer (it’s white) and has all of the requisite compartments for a busy women doing her weekend deeds, or a rock star mom handling kids and family, or just a busy professional who wants a weekend to hand at the local flea market for some fab finds. It’s the ideal size and will even make travel a cinch. Just in time for the weekend….

2014/06/06

Shopping Score

This is sale season and while I don’t often post about the actual sales, the booty that comes as a result is another story altogether! The current Neiman Marcus sale is awesome… with up to 40% off. During these times, I like to remind you of the importance of ‘choosing wisely’ and spending on what you LOVE. This PS1 wristlet clutch bag is a hefty price to pay but worth every penny spent…right now it’s over 30% off and will

2014/06/05

Paper

Write On!

I love paper! Don’t get me wrong – I’m a little techy too always listening for something tech-based to solve a problem or provide a shortcut but there’s something lovely and visceral about paper. Tech can do the shortcuts but we solve our problems and think “aloud” using paper. And this 4.5 x 6.2 in notebook is particularly well-suited for your thoughts – it’s titled “Dreams / Schemes” I’m definitely scooping a few to pen my thoughts…and dreams and schemes!

2014/05/30

Fashion

Travel: With Visa or Without?

This is a great mini-refresher for all the #travelers – a recap of which countries require a visa and which ones don’t need it. Quick facts: much of mainland Europe doesn’t require a visa – the cost of visas can go upwards of $160 – Oceania doesn’t require visas just completion of forms – some visas last for ten years… You can read the entire article on Cónde Nast Traveler…

2014/05/28

travel. men's furnishings, accessories case

Fashion

MANly Monday: Keep It Together

Men need to keep it together better. And what better way to do it than with an accessories case?! Forget a separate watch holder, place for your cufflinks, and something to hold your other extras. Problem/annoyance solved! This shearling-lined and leather-trimmed accessories case is manly but soft enough to carry your “finer” goods. Get yours…now. Available: ahalife, $180

2014/05/26

Food & Restaurants

The Perfect Cup of Iced Coffee

I like coffee (see previous post about “Morning Beats & Reading Treats“) so when I saw this video on PureWow, I was convinced I had to share. Warm weather is around the corner and why blow that $728 at Starbucks when you can do it at home and make it just the way you want it? This just means I need to make sure I have the perfect mug…!

2014/05/23

Accessories

Essential Vacation Piece: Hat

There are lots of options but I’m partial to the fedora. This one by J.Crew comes in white, natural and navy blue. As you look forward to your vacation, aren’t you thinking of a beach and sand? At least some sun, right? After this winter and spring? Be smart and protect your greatest asset – your face! You can choose a floppy hat, fedora or baseball hat – I choose fedora because it’s the best of both worlds….protection and style.

2014/05/21

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Addictions…of the Face

Manly Monday: GQs 100

Friday Buy-Day: Metallic Finish Jacket

What I’m Reading Wednesday

MANly Monday: Minimergency Kit

BIG Little Tip to Wearing Heels Pain-Free

What I’m Reading Wednesday

Casual Dress Inspiration

If Only Dorothy Had These Red Pumps

Colorblock Sandals

MANly Monday: Make A List, Check It Twice

Digital Age, Old Paper

Roping Together A Finished Look

Quinessential White Tee

MANly Monday: Tailoring Needed

Denim Do for Summer

A New Summer “Weekend” Bag

Shopping Score

Write On!

Travel: With Visa or Without?

MANly Monday: Keep It Together

The Perfect Cup of Iced Coffee

Essential Vacation Piece: Hat

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