Blueprint for Style Wardrobe Styling & Image Consulting

A red lip pouch by Claflin Thayer is perfect for your purse or date night

Purchases

the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020

2020 has been a doozy! But I wanted to share the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020 because they’ve given me moments of joy when the lockdown was in full swing, provided inspiration when inside was all I had, and allowed me to pour into other small businesses and black-owned businesses because small businesses employ over half of all US workers! @PredominantlyBlack candle – $48 (supporting, black- and woman-owned business) @OneQuince cashmere sweatshirt (although it’s $60 now) –

2020/12/07

The must-haves to add holiday sparkle to any outfit or occasion

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must-have holiday sparkle

This year, more than in years past, we need to do holiday sparkle and find the joy of the season! It’s been rough year so, instead of all of the glitter clothing and Christmas outfits, I’ve found 9 items that can bring enough holiday sparkle to make you the bell of the Zoom ball….still! [Starting from the top left and kinda looping around]: Two-toned glitter clutch box in navy/gunmetal by Sondra (also available in gold/gunmetal) Silver glitter nail polish by Mischo Beauty Shoe clips Sparkly

2020/11/23

This red lip color by Mansai7 is called Alizarin and is gorgeous

Beauty

a new red lip color

This red is a cool classic red with subtle blue undertones which means you won’t see any orange-yness and if you were to rock a pink/fuschia lip pencil underneath, you’d get a slightly softer red coloring. It pops. It’s organic. It’s hydrating. It’s deep. It multi-tasks (you can wear it on the cheek, lip or eyes). It works as a gorg lip tint. It’s a blendable formula or oils and waxes. It feels hydrating. The maker: Mansai7. They have a

2020/11/20

A black sequin and tweed mask for celebratory occasions

Accessories

need a mask for the holidays?

I believe the answer is this tweed sequin mask by St. John! IF you think that the backbone of festive dressing is sparkles then it only makes sense that all of our accessories focus on that goal! Holiday sparkle…and sequins for all!

2020/11/19

Bottoms

sequin pants

Who knows when you’ll need them but better to have them and be prepared, right?! If there’s ONE thing I learned during my conversation with @NicoleRichmond of Making A Stylish Exit, it’s that sequins are always appropriate! And with the holidays approaching, you’re going to need some sparkle especially after the year we’ve all had!! Add this sparkle while it’s still available! Here…. And if you didn’t catch it, here’s our podcast together where we dish on what to wear

2020/11/19

Monica Barnett with a big smile because of a recent business win

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the entrepreneur’s “grind”

So people will call it a grind but there’s a large part of me that thinks it’s a grustle [grind + hustle]. People ask why I’d work 80 hours per week vs. 60 per week elsewhere. The answer is simple: every hour I’m putting in is like giving to myself! 20 years ago I would have said, “No way!” and now you couldn’t get me to give it up… Today (figuratively), I help people align and perfect their visual resume, show up

2020/11/18

5 style tips inspired from Vice President Kamala Harris including pearls and Converse sneakers.

Features & Series

5 kamala harris style tips we all need

I recently published an article for NBC News’ Know Your Value team and it’s a quick 4-minute read but here are a few highlights to consider: Five style tips that are inspired by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris so you don’t have to love her style but she gives us some good lessons! We discuss pearl necklaces and sneakers… This will be the first of a few pieces that track/follow her style journey and evolution, so stay tuned! Now, read the

2020/11/16

Books

my living room tsundoku

I oftentimes tell my clients that if they’re stuck putting an outfit together, they should ‘start with your shoes and build your outfit around those!’ And people sometimes ask me where I get my style inspiration and the answer is a lot of places but I start with my living room tsundoku (it’s a Japanese slang term that refers to a pile of books that never get read….). They’re not just my style jumpoffs but provide a visual smorgasbord for

2020/11/13

a podcast on dating after marriage called Making A Stylish Exit

Features & Series

podcast appearance on making a stylish exit

I was sooooo excited and honored to be asked to appear on my girlfriend, Nicole Richmond‘s podcast called Making a Stylish Exit. It’s loosely connected to her book that was published last year under the same title and it’s a hoot! The book is the perfect beach read or if you need to work through a break-up…you will understand/sympathize/empathize/laugh-out-loud to the stories and antics you read about. As for our podcast, it comes out on Friday, November 13th on Apple podcasts and

2020/11/12

Features & Series

closeted lifestyle

your personal style matters…regardless of who sees it! Checking in around November 2019, I was happily planning out my meteoric entrepreneurial rise in 2020. I was rocking fitted denim, vintage tees, and blazers everywhere. Add to that a fedora since late nights often meant ‘hard’ sleep which resulted in many mornings of ‘pencil top’ head (smh). I was overwhelmingly casual since my current contract – which would soon end – was remote. Casual meant a light shirt with a chunky

2020/11/11

Features & Series

fashion in the new world of work

Excerpt from a series called Curated Career Conversations: my interview with Sarah Johnston A year ago, my professional “uniform” included shift dresses and pumps. With my new work-from-home lifestyle, I wear sneakers almost exclusively. Apparently, I’m not the only one who has said farewell to uncomfortable heels. According to the research firm NPD Group, dress shoe sales dropped 71% in Q2 2020, compared to last year. That’s not the only thing changing in the world of fashion. Makeup sales have sharply declined, Tailored

2020/11/09

A stack of gallery copies of The Creatives' Closet

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book launch: the creatives’ closet

This book has been about two years in the making and there is a story behind — connect with me and I’ll share it or check it out here — but it’s finally here! On Friday, October 2, 2020 the go-to style guide book for female side hustlers, influencers, entrepreneurs, & empire builders will go live. The Creatives’ Closet is an essential business and style guide for any woman who understands that her personal brand IS her professional brand, and it holds

2020/09/30

Accessories

your bra measurements

There’s a right way to measure your bra’s cup and band size if you cannot get to a professional shop. In 3 easy steps: Band size: the tape should be level and very snug. Round to the nearest whole number. If the number is even, add four inches. If it’s odd, add five. Your band size is the sum of this calculation. (So if you measured 32 inches, your band size is 36. If you measured 33 inches, your band

2020/09/28

Looking for underwear that are comfortable and is black-owned. The company is called Knix.

Lingerie

black-owned intimates: knix

As a woman who does not enjoy a light or short cycle, I am in love with Knix‘s period-proof underwear! Did I mention that as a woman whose thighs are ample enough to rub together, Knix‘s anti-chafing shorts are perfect under skirts and dresses! Their products run the gamut from underwear to lounge/sleepwear to postpartum items to swimwear. I’ve already scooped their leakproof period kit – and have a new sense of relief when Mother Nature comes knocking. Try them – and love them!

2020/09/24

An example of a wireless bralette by Free People

Accessories

sizing your bra up or down

I love this table! Depending on the maker, whether you’ve been eating pints of Ben n’ Jerry’s solo, or you’re doing intermittent fasting with big results, the size of your girls can fluctuate thus, the reminder to get sized every six months! I was a solid 34D before the pandemic and after implementing regular ‘workout walks’ and doing intermittent fasting, the girls lost a little swag. The slightly wider band size is likely the result of age (smh). I’m now a fabulous

2020/09/21

A model wearing a fedora hat by Monrowe NYC, a black-owned headwear company.

Accessories

black-owned headwear: monrowe nyc

I cried when I saw The James – and clicked to find it was gone! Monrowe NYC is a black-owned headwear company that makes The James and when I happened upon it in midnight blue I knew I had to have it….but no haps because it was ‘out of stock’. I kept searching the site and found a great runner-up in the Johnny – and this one comes in winter white, so just-in-time for fall to rock with all of my sweaters

2020/09/17

Accessories

are you wearing the right bra size?

Are you wearing the right bra size? There are a few things you can do to ensure your girls are being treated correctly [Real Simple]. Bend forward at the waist, then slip on the bra and hook it. This ensures your breasts are completely in the cups. Adjust the band. The back of the bra should be level with the front. Make sure the bra is not too loose. You should be able to slide only one finger underneath the

2020/09/14

Style

how-to remove a coffee stain

I love coffee️but it stains! And I’m not just talking about your teeth – a wrong move or a hearty laugh and you can have a coffee stain on your new pants. Well – fear not! Here’s the quick and effective way to remove the stain and keep your precious gear for years to come…. You’ll need: Spray bottle Ammonia Vinegar Water Cloth In a spray bottle, combine 1 cup white vinegar and 1 cup water. Spritz the stain, then

2020/09/10

Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

Black-owned jewelry brand, Oma The Label Owner, Neumi Anekhe New York-based label started in 2018 + former fashion stylist She focuses on affordable pieces for the everyday woman Check her out on Instagram!

2020/08/31

Footwear

nice to meet you: jellie sandals

nice to meet you: alexandria brandao, a women and kid’s fashion footwear brand! I found them on Instagram and fell in love with their updated jellie sandals – – – yes, you heard correctly, jellies! These cute jellie sandals are just updated with studded details and A-DORABLE! I had to scoop the pink ones because they seemed perfect for the beach, any pool function, and any overnight foray that involved water…. They have other fun options as well so give

2020/08/27

Style

14 perfect power pieces

I asked newsletter readers what they needed to know and what I heard [from the ladies] was, “I need just the must-haves,”, “I’m a woman of a certain age so, just style not fashion,”, “What are the great basics?”,”I’m going minimalist,”, and “I need items on repeat”…. The answer to ALL of these is this downloadable style guide on the 14 perfect power pieces! Start here – and I guarantee you’ll be in great shape to go from desk to

2020/08/25

Jewelry

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

Black-owned jewelry brand, Omi Woods Of Jamaican-Ashanti-Maroon heritage, Ashley Alexis McFarlane Omi means ‘water’ in the Yoruba language The word Jamaica derives from the indigenous Taino word ‘Xaymaca’, meaning ‘land of wood and water Check her out on Instagram!

2020/08/24

Footwear

nice to meet you: skin tone-inclusive footwear

nice to meet you: Rebecca Allen, Salone Monet, and Kahmune, three black-owned footwear lines that carry skin tone-inclusive products!! Have you ever taken a pair of white pumps and painted them the color of your skin? The owner of Kahmune, Jamela A. Acheampong, did! It’s one of the first time I’ve seen any brands created with the entire diaspora in mind – and about time!! I’ve ordered my first pair of 90MM enugu-colored Becky pumps from Kahmune as well as

2020/08/20

Style

post-pandemic back-to-work guide

We’re all looking for easy ways to transition back-to-work whether virtual or #IRL (in real life). This guide provides some key general and style tips that will make it better…which is what we ALL need! Grab this downloadable style guide to get back to work!

2020/08/19

Extra Size Style

problem: my weight is up & down – what do I buy?

Problem: For whatever reason, my weight fluctuates, so what can I buy regardless of my weight? Solution: Choose wisely + make stretchy materials your bestie! The full solution is a touch more difficult because it depends where the weight fluctuation is and how much it is. If we’re talking more than 2 sizes then even stretchy materials cannot be your solution. But if we’re talking 5 or 10 lbs then this post has you covered. Before I share your solution

2020/08/19

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

the 5 best things I bought under $50 in 2020

must-have holiday sparkle

a new red lip color

need a mask for the holidays?

sequin pants

the entrepreneur’s “grind”

5 kamala harris style tips we all need

podcast appearance on making a stylish exit

closeted lifestyle

fashion in the new world of work

book launch: the creatives’ closet

your bra measurements

black-owned intimates: knix

sizing your bra up or down

black-owned headwear: monrowe nyc

are you wearing the right bra size?

how-to remove a coffee stain

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

nice to meet you: jellie sandals

14 perfect power pieces

nice to meet you: black-owned jewelry brand

nice to meet you: skin tone-inclusive footwear

post-pandemic back-to-work guide

problem: my weight is up & down – what do I buy?

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