Our Blog

'Fits For Women

What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped

What I & 3 Fashion Editors Scooped For four years or so, we’ve gotten together [ir]regularly to discuss issues, trends, events, solutions, and whatever else people in style and fashion do.  And most recently, one had a novel idea of talking about what each other bought and why. That quickly blew up into, “Show me what you got!”, “Did you see this?”, and “OMG if you want X then you need Y!”  So thanks to our collective consumption habits, you

Read More »
Outerwear

Your Everyday Outerwear

What does your everyday outerwear look like? Is it cozy, long, short, colorful, worn out, “ordinary”, statement, or elegant? Think about the words you’d use to describe the outerwear you rock most days because outerwear is one of the first elements people see when they create a ‘first impression’ of you. So, what are you wearing? If we move from the premise that you don’t need a lot to look great then as an executive or entrepreneur, you really need

Read More »
Black girl in green glasses and sparkly top
Sequins, metallics, sparkle

Holiday/Festive Looks for Professionals

Holiday style for professionals doesn’t have to mean sequins from head to toe—it should feel refined, comfortable, and completely you. As DC’s top wardrobe stylist and a go-to personal stylist for professionals, I believe holiday style for professionals is about standing out with intention, not excess. Whether you’re headed to a company cocktail party or an intimate dinner, these ideas for holiday style for professionals offer just the right amount of festive without veering into overdone. Take some pressure off

Read More »
Girl wearing sequins pants
Sequins

How to Wear Sequin Pants

Let’s get something straight—how to wear sequin pants isn’t just for the ultra-glam. Done right, they’re a bold, elevated way to make holiday style feel effortless and impactful. As DC’s top wardrobe stylist and a trusted personal stylist for professionals, I guide clients on how to wear sequin pants with confidence, pairing them with sleek basics and sophisticated layers. Whether it’s the office party or an upscale dinner, how to wear sequin pants is all about balance, not boldness for

Read More »
'Fits For Men

Black Friday & Holiday Attire

Black Friday & Holiday Attire The crazy thing is when I grew up – I’m dating myself! – Black Friday and the sales didn’t start until AFTER Thanksgiving. This year they started at least a week beforehand… go figure! Enjoy the Black Friday Shopping List and here’s what you’ll find: It’s for men and women alike – because you may see something for someone else I’m sharing some unusual suspects to elevate your “festive ‘fits” for holiday parties The list has a few fun gift recommendations to

Read More »
dressed simply in a t-shirt but added festive, metallic leather earrings
Holiday Finds

A Tale of Two Styles: Festive and Everyday

For the entire month of December, please expect to see me dressed festively! That can mean different things to different folks but, for me, I will be channeling everyday looks with a festive slant. Expect to see, in varying degrees, feathers, metallics, whimsical earrings, Christmas-themed attire, holiday colors of red, green, and hot pink, and sparkles. Take a moment to decide what festive will look like for you and dig in! As a proponent of choosing wisely and being intentional,

Read More »
green Kirk & Kirk eyeglass frames
Accessories

Eyeglasses are Accessories

I have terrible vision, so I wear eyeglasses frequently and, yes, eyeglasses are accessories! The beauty of eyeglasses is that you can choose a pair that channels whatever you want and then wear them every day! Imagine wearing your favorite pair of jeans every day. They will start to go downhill after about six or so wears and depending on where you wear them, people will start to talk. BUT, with eyeglass frames, you can rock them as often as

Read More »
Style

Wore It to Pieces

This blazer is 16 years old and after having worn it to pieces, literally, I have to let it go! Have you ever had that item that you loved so much and just kept wearing because it was soooo perfect even though it was worn out? This is that! After finding this at a consignment store in Paris just over 16 years ago, I took it to my tailor and she gave me the hard truth – I’ve got to let

Read More »
Accessories

Improve Your Visual Resume with These 3 Fall Items

Add these 3️⃣ pieces to your fall wardrobe (and I’m digging into my closet to share examples) if you want a better Visual Resume™️: While the list can be longer, these are three easy ways to improve your Visual Resume™ and elevate any overall outfit. 1️⃣ > A scarf or pocket square is unexpected so the ‘element of surprise’ gives you automatic points. A colorful accessory allows you to bridge two solid colors together and add a little personality to

Read More »
Published Articles

D!$RUPT Magazine: How Monica Barnett Brings Elevated Style and Savvy to the World with Blueprint for Style

Monica Barnett, Founder & CEO of Blueprint for Style, is an energetic woman of many talents with a deep passion for empowering people and elevating their style by harnessing the power of the first impression. But, her business acumen doesn’t stop there; she also conducts professional seminars and trainings around the world to provide teams and organizations with the know-how to curate their Visual Resume™ and its intersectionality with DEI.

Read More »
Travel

TSA Precheck or Global Entry?

Ask and answer the question of TSA Precheck vs Global Entry with a picture: in my one million plus miles of travel, I’ve never found it stylish to wait in an airport security line that wound endless and, in the end, prevented me from getting to my gate with time to spare! A recent Travel & Leisure article discussed the features, benefits, and costs of TSA Precheck. TSA Precheck is a great way to get into a shorter, often quicker

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Socks & Hosiery

Socks & Hosiery Always at the bottom, socks and hosiery are unsung heroes! They offer support, they are prone to ripping spontaneously, and they are rarely used other than in cold weather or special occasions, but they can do so much! There are three reasons to rock hosiery: for fashion, warmth, or coverage, and until recently, most people used them simply for warmth. Well, no more! The sheer ones can look awesome with heels. The mid-calf socks add a new dimension

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Shop Until You See Red

Shop Until You See Red With this list, you can shop until you see red! This is a fun list with some great items to consider. Red is a popular color so the selection is vast but given several friends who are members of Delta Sigma Theta were in my town for the week, I thought this would be cool. Check it out – including this shiny, lollipop pop shell clutch that is ready to set-it-off!

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Weekly Shopping Guide

Weekly Shopping Guide You need a weekly shopping guide for inspiration! This is 16 curated items. They range from a white button down (WBD) that is so not regular to colorful sneakers that are equal parts trendy, comfy, and versatile to t-shirt dress that goes into party mode without missing a beat. Harper’s Bazaar does it, so I decided I would too. Only my weekly shopping guide is better because it’s for the professional woman who wants a little spice and

Read More »
'Fits For Women

White Button Downs

White Button Downs Talking about white button downs is my love language! In my first book, Without Saying A Word, I dedicated an entire chapter to this item… it’s that life-changing! I’ve heard a few ladies even mention that, “I don’t do white shirts because they just don’t work for me.” Ok – I hear you and I’m not listening! Seriously, there are a few [aka 0.01% of the population] for which a white button down does not work but, for

Read More »
'Fits For Men

Men’s Sneakers

Men’s Sneakers Men’s sneakers are everywhere! A few weeks ago we featured a selection of women’s sneakers, so it’s the fellas turn. When sneakers surfaced in 1917, who knew that they would become a $78B global market?! You can find sneakers at work, at play, in the airports, for date night, and literally everywhere in between, s the choices are endless. The goal isn’t to show you everything but to show you a curated selection of favorites from the most

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Scarves You’ll Love

Scarves You’ll Love These are the scarves you’ll love to wear regardless of season or occasion. Think square, lightweight, heavy, colorful, hijab, infinity, snood, sarong, poncho, headwrap… Scarves can change your outfit and your attitude! If I’m being 100% honest, scarves are a backbone of my closet because throwing one on can change your look, and dare I say, change your attitude. I mean – have you ever wrapped a scarf around your head and swooped it around your neck, jumped into

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Essentials for Travel

Essentials for Travel Essentials for travel – what are they? They make the difference between ‘smooth sailing’  and rough seas! There are some key accessories and clothing items that will elevate your style and your experience. In 2010, researchers from the Netherlands found that the biggest boost in happiness around vacations comes from the simple act of planning one. Say less… I’m sharing all of the items I’ve found helpful, necessary, and/or life-changing during my almost two million miles in the air.

Read More »
'Fits For Men

Men’s Travel Essentials

 Men’s travel essentials are different than the ladies. Men are focused on comfort, ease, and simplicity; and if they’re traveling with ‘a better half‘ that means they are likely helping their partner lol! We’re sharing some key accessories and clothing items that will elevate your style without cluttering your suitcase. In 2010, researchers from the Netherlands found that the biggest boost in happiness around vacations comes from the simple act of planning one. Say less… So, here are the keys to the

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Sneakers Are Old School

Sneakers are Old School Sneakers are old school. In fact, they date back to 1917 when Henry Nelson McKinney invented the rubber-soled shoes. They became known as sneakers (because you could move around quietly or ‘sneak’ around). They’re also known as trainers or tennis shoes depending on where you’re from. You can find them anywhere. You can find just about any kind. Nowadays, you can wear them just about anywhere (think ‘Sneaker Ball’). Check it out – what did I miss? Sneakers

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Jean-ious Denim for Women!

  Essential Jeans for Women Jeans for every woman! They’re everywhere and you can have loads but there are a few essential pair you should own in your jeans wardrobe. But because I like for you to be education, let me share a few facts about jeans before you start looking AND so you know what you’re buying:

Read More »
'Fits For Men

Best Men’s Jeans

Best Men’s Jeans The best men’s jeans is subjective. However, there are jeans every man needs and depending on the occasion, there are better choices for certain situations. For my denim heads, these options are the essentials for dressing well and a few extras so you can level up at the right time… We’ve got the best men’s jeans for wherever you need to go!

Read More »
'Fits For Women

Maternity Must Haves

Maternity Must-Haves Maternity must-haves are those clothing items that you will live in for months. You have bigger things to worry about than how you look so, we’re sharing the right pieces for wherever you are in the maternity lifecycle. Pregnancy – covered. Post Partum – covered. Nursing – covered. While maternity clothes can cost a pretty penny, I like to think about three things: Buy good stuff because it looks nicer – who wants to look in the mirror

Read More »
'Fits For Men

Ultimate Wardrobe Basics

Ultimate Wardrobe Basics The ultimate wardrobe basics don’t require a lot! In 2024, the style zeitgeist is easy, relaxed, versatile, and more subtle…think quiet luxury. Blueprint for Style has curated just 11 items that will work as the backbone to any great wardrobe for 2024. I double-dog dare you to find a piece in this collection that you cannot wear to at least three (3) different occasions. Any great wardrobe has to be versatile and it starts with these 11 GREAT

Read More »