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Mom & Baby Style

6 clients are preggers!

I currently have SIX clients who are preggers — the pandemic left some people with a lot of free time on their hands! (lol!) A few places to get excellent baby gear, mommy-to-be pieces, and post-pregnancy wear include … Caraa – the bags are a beautiful (and light) mix of form, function, and style! ingrid & isabel – great every day, activewear pieces that will work post-pregnancy too! A Pea in the Pod – think workwear, great denim, great staples with a designer’s eye!

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Features & Series

the gift that keeps on giving…into 2022

It doesn’t take a lot to get a meaningful gift but it does take some thought! The best gifts are those that the receiver needed but would never have thought to get for themselves … Why not give the gift of style for an entire year?! You can do it and I can help! My current pricing structure is simple: either purchase an 8-hour or 12-hour service bundle, the time is good through December 31, 2022, and the time can be used for whatever

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books & bras event

NOTE: to receive your 10% discount and complimentary bra fitting, you must have or purchase a copy of my newest book, The Creatives’ Closet.

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Colors

2022 color of the year

Sherwin-Williams unveiled its 2022 color of the year and it’s 100% aligned with the tone of “the year of transition“! The color is evergreen fog and it’s like taupe, mint green, and beige had a baby….waalah! But after a year of trying to get ahead of the pandemic and its variants, dig ourselves out of political conflicts, heal from a divisive Presidential election, and so much more, it makes sense that such a muted but flexible color would be the choice!

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Features & Series

working moms must-haves

EVERY working mom has at least two, full-time jobs! And what often gets lost in the shuffle, is the time to take care of ‘self’ and focus on putting your best foot forward. Here is a simple style guide that gives you…. Wardrobe must-haves divided by clothing, accessories, and footwear 10 style mantras to keep you moving! A complimentary style consult when you’re ready! Moms do a lot – so this is a simple way to make sure they are

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totes for everyone!

One thing that won’t ever change, whether you’re headed back to the office, to a local coffee shop for a change of pace, or jumping on the train for a workday trip, is the need for a FUNCTIONAL but FASHIONABLE work tote 👜 that can carry the essentials (read: laptop, tech peripherals, clutch, scarf, phone, etc) My picks for GUYS and GALS – no matter what your budget is – include … [show_lookbook_widget id=”501225″]   System tote by @Cuyana –

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for the work-from-home professional

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is happening right now – and there are lots of deals to be had! Aside from those sales, there are must-have items that are wise to have as you continue on your work-from-home journey. I’ve found this tray invaluable! no sides so my laptop can straddle the bed and the tray perfect flat surface for your coffee … and phone stand! chic enough to work as a cheese tray or serving platter once work is over!!

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Features & Series

nordstrom’s anniversary sale

I use the Nordy’s Anni Sale for two purposes: to get ready for fall/winter with some elevated essentials, and to snag a few lust items that I can use immediately…because we all believe in IG (that’s instant gratification, not Instagram!) My 11 perfect pieces are:       ​ ​

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Health & Beauty

9 yoga hip openers to reverse the damage of sitting down

Yep – after an entire year of working from home, and sitting on our sofa or at our makeshift desks, we’ve succeeded in doing a lot of damage to our bodies! I’m not talking about those pandemic pounds but the damage from sitting down for an entire year whether in front of a television or laptop.   I admit I’m one of the biggest offenders but just doing three of these moves has made a HUGE difference in how I

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Features & Series

how to dress for the job you want

I had the pleasure and honor of being interviewed by Jena Viviano for her podcast, Recruit the Employer. We covered a lot of topics including which colors to wear when doing virtual interviewing, tips to look right even on short notice, and what it means to ‘dress for success’. Listen in!

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Style

personal style

What is personal style? Why do you need it? How do you get it? How long does it last? Is it transferrable? Is it for everyone? All great questions and in this 60-second video, all of your personal style questions are answered….kinda! Listen in – and if you need help, you can get it [here]!

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A podcast with Stroke Diva and Julia Coney to discuss wine and style
Features & Series

stroke diva fabulous radio show

Yep – I got asked to be on Kamaria’s radio show along with my good friend, Julia Coney, to talk 2021 plans, the mash-up between wine and fashion, holiday must-haves & more. “What’s coming up for 2021?” “What’s the crossover/mix of wine and fashion?” “What’s your inspiration for styling and the work you do, Monica?” All the questions answered in this radio show hosted by my longtime friend, Kamaria, for her fabulous radio show! Tune-in and laugh with us….

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MyDomaine did an article including me on why creatives love living alone
Books

mydomaine magazine share

There is something empowering about living alone but there is also the struggle of navigating loneliness…at least for me! I didn’t spend the entire pandemic or lockdown [March until now] all alone but there were definite moments where I had to actively navigate the circuitous pathway of loneliness by focusing on all of the upsides! Admittedly the idea of being able to live out loud’ has its advantages such as all of the house rules are always obeyed – mostly that no

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The most basic outerwear essential is a chic, camel trench coat
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the most basic but essential outerwear

Simply put, there is no piece of outerwear more basic but more essential than the trench coat! The one pictured is [here] – French-inspired! Flexible – check! Versatile – check! Classic – check! Essential – check! Burberry has a beautiful, more expensive version which  I love but whatever you do, heed the following recommendations: Go for camel [or navy]. Make the hemline just at or below the knee. Ensure it’s waterproof Get a removable waist belt And, while not essential,

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A podcast with Dr Sharon Hargo to review my new book, The Creatives' Closet
Books

interview on The Book Talk Show

What an honor! I am getting the chance to talk with Sharon Hargro Porter on her show, The Book Talk Show, the monthly show that discusses All Things Books – they feature an author and book of the month, and assist the aspiring author to Write the Book Now! We are going to have a blast on her show so tune-in on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 10:00 am ET for conversation about The Creatives’ Closet, sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, &

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this navy, men's Zegna sneaker is a classic sneaker with a modern twist
Footwear

for the man who wants a classic, upscale sneaker

…this Ermenegildo Zegna triple stitch classic sneaker is your answer [you’re welcome!] One of my recent male client’s received his and just said, “I’m ready now….a dapper and classic pick!” Sometimes, simplicity is the answer ~ with a touch of modern! BOOM! Date night – check! Informal business meeting – check! Steak night out with the boys – check! Weekend in Vegas – check! In-home meet-up to taste test new Bourbon – check!

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A Facebook Live with Micha Green of Afro News to discuss my new book, The Creatives' Closet, and life as an entrepreneur especially during a pandemic
Events & Happenings

video interview with Afro News’ micha green!

Earlier this week, I had the immense pleasure to be interviewed on Afro News, one of the oldest Black-owned newspapers in the US. It was a blast talking with DC Editor, Micha Green about my newest book, The Creatives’ Closet, how I got started, how I’ve been handling the “pivot” during the pandemic, and so much more! Take a listen and share your thoughts! What else did you want to know? Still have questions? Just comment or send me an email

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Ivory Paper Co is a black, female-owned paper company that creates beautiful daily and weekly planners
Accessories

[action required] look forward to 2021

2020 has been a doozy and the best thing we can do is to look forward to 2021 – – – good riddance to 2020! To make that possible, we must plan for it so, which planner are you ordering today?! My favorite choice is shown above by Ivory Paper Co but there are lots to choose from depending on what you need or want to focus on. My 2021 will be focused on getting business done efficiently ~ and taking

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The lights to celebrate the new year
Accessories

3 easy ways to add sparkle to your holiday looks

We’re in a new and different holiday season…and many of us are not feeling quite festive. To add a little gush to your holiday outfit whether it’s a Zoom party or small in-home soiree, here are three (3) easy ways to add sparkle to any occasion: Add shimmer to your cheeks [and face] with RMS Beauty buruti bronzer Add some sparkle to your feet…with blingy shoe clips [jazz up your house shoes if you want to!] Add glimmer to your mask…using

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Your Visual Resume is what you look like and how your personal brand shows up to the world
Just Because...

is your visual resume in order?

What is your visual resume you ask?!?! It’s basically how you ‘show up’ to the world – it’s your visual dossier of your experiences and aspirations… Ideally your visual resume aligns with your professional and personal brands, and your appearance. When you walk away and someone says, “Wow, s/he was so together and was just a delight to talk to about xyz. S/he is sharp and knows her/his stuff!” >>> that is your visual resume shining through! Now, is your

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A video of Monica Barnett on the art of gift giving
Features & Series

the art of gift giving

Do you find yourself often struggling with what to get your loved ones for the holidays? Here is my simple gift-giving philosophy that’s going to make you everyone’s favorite 🎅🏽! Also, visit my holiday gift guide in the guide section to see my top ten 🎁 picks for the holidays! Happy gifting! ♥️

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This men's Isaia blazer is the perfect upgrade from nice to dapper for any professional man
Men's Matters

every man should own….

…an Isaia blazer! And the best place to start looking is Saks Men’s Store! This was one of my client’s first Isaia’s jackets….and now he’s hooked! Isaia jackets normally run anywhere from $3,500 to $about $6,000 ~ right now, they’re on sale and the selection is pretty good so click quickly!! PLUS: an additional $450 – $700 gift card with your purchase through TOMORROW! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”4306735″]

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The gatapack is a face mask with replaceable filters
Accessories

7 must-haves items for post-pandemic travel

I am in the camp of not traveling but….as life sometimes does, we are thrust into the moment! During this pandemic, I’ve had to fly a few times and now convinced that these seven items are essential to staying safe and sane during your post-pandemic travels! hand wipes hand sanitizer mask (and maybe a back-up or two) scarf ~ go wild with this but it’s always good to have something between you and the seat/headrest, or to provide another layer

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The Clare Vivier Bowie mask is nice
Accessories

pretty masks with bows!

We’re in the midst of a pandemic so, sometimes you have to find the pretty in every situation. In this case, if you have to wear a face mask sometimes a pretty mask with bows is the answer! These bowie masks come in a few color combinations (I have the French blue and Nantucket red ones) so have a little fun because the current situation….is here to stay for awhile!

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