Style Tips Archives | Blueprint for Style

DC executive personal stylist discusses pockets

Style

Pockets in Professional Fashion

Do you ever wonder, are pockets unprofessional? It’s a common question for professionals who want form and function without sacrificing polish. While some argue that pockets disrupt clean lines, others insist they’re essential. So, are pockets unprofessional, or are they the underrated detail that can make your wardrobe both functional and fabulous? The question of whether pockets are a fashion yes or no is something I pondered to myself for about two days before I decided to write this article.

2025/01/20

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ig live with @urbsuburbstyle

JOIN ME and Paul Gulch of @urbsburbstyle on Instagram …. on Wednesday, February 9th at 6pm PST/9pm EST We’ll be talking style tips, style trends, and style finds that will help you this new “casual” #wfh thing better! Walk away with the deets on Fashionably Casual and how to make it work for you during this phase of the pandemic … We all need a little help – let us answer your questions!! See ya there!!

2022/02/07

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

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

Style

6 items to never buy when money is low

It’s the start of the year and everyone is either thinking about how to dig out of the ‘holiday spending’ ditch or where to spend their holiday loot! For folks who are in the former, we have seven things to avoid purchasing if money is tight…. Any type of “dry clean” only clothing Anything you may already own (but just want a nicer/newer version) Items that require tailoring…so this should eliminate a lot since most of us are not form-size!

2018/01/12

Features & Series

The Benefits of Repetition in Dressing

It’s not a really big deal so don’t frown your nose at it…dressing using the same pieces can be a great thing! I know you secretly want to be “cali boho” one day and “ultra-fem, uptown sophisticate” the next but, for the average joe or jane, your wardrobe should consist, in large part, of similar items. As humans, we’re creatures of habit so once you find something that looks great (which is different from “….was available in multiple colors”) then

2016/08/24

Features & Series

New FREE Style Downloadables Available!

About three or four times a year, Blueprint for Style gathers all of the requests we’ve had throughout the year and creates a few new concise, one-page downloads focused on a variety of topics for men and women! They are all made available – for FREE – here! It’s an easy way to get style direction and inspiration from an expert on a topic that interests you. If there’s something you want made into a downloadable, let me know here….and

2016/08/15

Style

The Devil Is In The Details

You wanna be stylish right? You wanna look like your chic isn’t overplayed or took too long right? You wanna look put together right? Across the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a key styling tip to use to look put together using your own closet! Step 1: focus on the details…..most times it’s that little scarf or flourish added to the shirt, the sunglasses that fit the face perfectly, the way the sleeves are rolled up [there is an

2016/03/15

Poll

[Poll] Which Kim Kardashian Look Do You Like Best?

I’m not a Kim Kardashian lover but here’s what she does with a viciousness: she stays in her sartorial lane (or her biggest successes are when she does!) she does black all the time (at least 70% of the time) she does a lot of monochromatic looks she lives in heels her clothes hug her shape (even if it’s paid for!) she rocks makeup….always! when she rocks longer hemlines, she typically shows midriff (to create more length) [poll id=”14″] My vote

2015/07/08

Men's Matters

MANly Monday: Style Quote

“You can throw an unlined cotton suit in the washing machine on a delicate cycle. When it comes out, give it a hot press and you’re ready to go. But only with unlined cotton – linen will get totally ruined.” –Nish De Gruiter, Vice President, SuitSupply {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}

2015/05/11

Men's Matters

MANly Monday: Style Quote

“An unlined wool suit with a fresco weave (which is really open, so when you hold it up to the light, you can see through it) is your best bet. The other nice thing about fresco is that the yarns are twisted really tightly, so it’s super-resilient, doesn’t wrinkle, and travels nicely.” –Antonio Ciongoli, Creative Director, Eidos Napoli {shared from Details magazine, May 2015}

2015/05/04

Poll

POLL: How Much Of Your Wardrobe Do You Actually Use?

There are numbers flying all over the place on this but an old study (over 8 years old) says that the average woman utilizes than than 40% of her closet. Whoa, right?! Not really….are you a clothes hoarder? Or perhaps you’re the person who likes to “pay penance” for purchasing something you shouldn’t have so you keep it so you can look at it constantly and be reminded of what a poor shopper you are? Better yet, are you the

2015/04/15

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

Features & Series

7 Shopping Habits to Nail Before Turning 27

Why only seven habits? Because the average person starts to unravel after seven items and it also made sense to keep it “doable”. Why 27 years old? Because it’s the age that many young ladies and men start to think they’re the ish and are finally making their own money – and many choose this time to go crazy! I can’t stop the socialization process but I can help to counter it. Seasonal wardrobe budget – this is the biggest money/budget saver so you

2014/04/01

Features & Series

Shopping for Gamechangers: Cliff Notes Version

This is the last in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. This last session is focused on the tidbits to go after the items you want, and have them for awhile. Fabric – if it’s something you love, stick to cotton, silk, denim and wool. With cheaper or synthetics, you never truly know what you’re going to get Location, location, location – if you’re purchasing an “investment” item, stick to reputable places and places you know well. You

2014/03/28

Features & Series

Defining Your Personal Style: Cliff Notes Version

This is the third in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. By now, you’ve done an initial wardrobe assessment, spent a Saturday (or Sunday) purging your closet to get down to those most useful items and elements. This third section will work as a “purge” as well but will come as a result of you having a better understanding of your style personality. Let’s start by answering these 9 questions: [if it takes you more than 5 seconds

2014/03/21

Features & Series

Editing Your Closet: Cliff Notes Version

This is the second in a four-part series around building your ideal wardrobe. Remember that step one is all about getting lean and creating the right base to build upon. You have something akin to madness in your bedroom right now and this post should help restore some order….and space! Get your elixir of choice, turn on your favorite happy tunes (music can soothe the savage beast), and clear your calendar. Now with what you have left….(stop crying,

2014/03/14

Features & Series

In the Beginning, There was Darkness

This is the first in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. You can spend [and waste] a lot of time and money trying to build the ideal wardrobe when you don’t have the know-how or at least a guide to put you on the right path. This series is that plan of attack and I hope you find it provides you with enough inspiration to dig in and make it happen. You’ll need to be honest and

2014/03/07

Features & Series

Building The Ideal Wardrobe Series

You really want a personal stylist or someone/anyone to come into your closet, twinkle their nose, and create the ideal wardrobe for you. You could get up in the morning, fear-free, and open the door to loads of wonderful treasures; or perhaps prepare for a last-minute trip without having to head to the mall. Call the stylist – that’s one option (I’m available here). I’m certainly not opposed to that as it keeps me employed. The second option is to

2014/02/28

Features & Series

Pronouncing Designer Names

Sure you don’t want to ask anyone (especially if you’re in the store itself) because they may look at you like you don’t belong…. But you do want to know how to correctly pronounce that handbag or suit you want. Yeah – Kanye did it in his song but that’s not real life! We strive for more!! Thank Harper’s Bazaar (one my favorite fashion publications)…. Anna Sui: anna swee Ann Demeulemeester: ann de-mule-eh-meester Azzedine Alaia: azz-eh-deen ah-lie-ah Badgley Mischka: badge-lee

2014/02/19

Buzz

Essence Magazine Style Advice

I’m always honored when friends and clients ask me for advice ~ it’s a chance to share my expertise and what I love; and I get to help someone feel and look better as well. So when Essence Magazine asked for some style advice to share with career women dressing up from day to night, desk to date, day to dinner, I was again honored….and replied quickly. Click the pic to see the style insights I gave for the multifaceted

2013/03/21

Men's Matters

Five Step Plan to Custom Suit Perfection

If you don’t have or want to spend $2,000 on a custom suit, likely no one would look at you sideways ~ that’s a lot of dough. But if you walk around in a suit that is oversized or ill-fitting, you are sure to catch the side eye. The solution: a custom suit for less! Show up in your favorite suit. For most custom clothiers, it’s a skosh easier if you can say “I love this fit. This is my

2012/12/12

Beauty

Style Tip: Lips

Luscious lips are not for the office. High gloss options are messy (and sticky), so go for an easy cream finish that keeps your entire face looking professional.

2012/11/30

Beauty

Style Tip: Hair

It’s a funny thing but, hair that is polished and “in order” creates the perception of an organized mind….so crazy, outta control hair creates the perception of – (you finish the thought)!

2012/11/15

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