styling tips Archives | Blueprint for Style

Style

How to Layer for Travel

Let’s make layering intentional—not bulky. Knowing how to layer for travel is a game-changer when you want to look polished, stay comfortable, and move through passport control with confidence. As a top personal stylist for executives, I teach professionals how to layer for travel so they can navigate everything from early meetings to late dinners whether on a plane or train, and without losing shape, style, or presence. How to layer for travel isn’t about adding more—it’s about refining and

2024/12/18

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

2024/11/11

Features & Series

Style Challenge: I’m a Professional Who Wants to Push the Limits

Are you the woman who lives by day in a professional and fairly conservative work environment but your inner fashionista is screaming, “Don’t confine me!” Are you dying to push the fashion boundaries but your all-consuming work life isn’t making it easy? Three helpful hints: Choose bold jewelry – start with a few bold necklaces to frame your face and set off your outfit! Focus on statement pieces – under a navy suit, this stands out and by itself, it

2015/03/31

Bottoms

Where Not To Wear Denim

I’m in love with that invention called denim just as much as the next girl (or guy) but we all need a quick reminder of when rocking denim can be inappropriate. Is there ever a time when denim doesn’t work? I found six occasions: At a job interview (unless it’s a The Gap) At a wedding At a funeral At any important work function Meeting the in-laws To workout Did I miss anything? If so, share! Don’t forget to

2014/10/03

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

Fashion

Traveling With No Style

I’m not a travel snob but I do believe there’s a certain level of appropriateness you should aim for… ok, seriously “aim high”! I was moving through the Baltimore airport and was just….disappointed to say the least. I know its 5am but you had to know you were getting up early to get here, right? Maybe it’s because it’s BWI as opposed to so e other more metropolitan or sexy airport….. yeah- let’s go with that although I secretly don’t

2014/05/13

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

Men's Matters

MANly Facts: Shirts

If you can’t place one finger comfortably into the top of your buttoned shirt, it’s too small. Can you even breathe?

2014/03/03

How Should Your Jeans Fit?

We get the question of how jeans should fit from men all the time: what about relaxed or bootcut? low or medium rise? “I don’t want it too snug…” The answer: a midland rise (between low and medium), fitted in the seat but not overly baggy (they’ll give with time), and check out the fit on your calf, it should have room but not hug. Done!

2013/04/17

Bottoms

A “Real” Runway, Role Model Mom?

I’m not a mom. I have no children to speak of (other than my shoes and handbags). I do, however, have a deep appreciation for the ‘working mom‘ and spend many hours outfitting them. They want comfort. They want fabrics that move and that you can spot clean. They want versatility. And then they want what seems slightly more elusive: a bit of sexiness; femininity, a little bit of edge, and to wake up and roll out looking perky and

2012/12/10

Accessories

Style Tip: Heels

The closed-toe pump is the right footwear for success. Also any platform shoe with a heel in excess of 4 inches is over-the-top in terms of office etiquette. The more conservative the office, the less one should see platforms, super-high heels, and open-toe shoes.

2012/11/09

Style Tips

Calling All Questions

There is no dumb style question, so ask away and we’ll commit to give you our best/researched style insight. Ready? Set? Go!

2012/10/08

Style Tips

Become a Print Mix Master PRO

Prints are in and BIG this season, so learn how to master the mix with these helpful tips: if you’re a beginner to the game, opt to keep your prints in the same color palette Mix reverse prints of the same family Change up the materials of your print for added pop (like silk & wool, rayons & jacquard) Master the mix by dropping in a BIG neutral and then add various similarly colored prints Ensure your print mix comes

2012/08/29

Men's Matters

Men Need Shirts

..sometimes! We’ve pulled together a peek at the must-have tops for men for now, and going to spring. we triple-dog-dare-you to find a better list! Checked cotton shirt ~ we love J Crew, and Hugh & Crye {we’ve been diggin them for years!} Denim or chambray shirt ~ we’re vibing again with J Crew, Mr. Porter {a bit pricey}, and Levi’s Polos ~ we love Gap {relaxed fit}, Levi’s, and John Varvatos {they are so soft and pliable} Cashmere sweater (crewneck or

2012/03/12

Grooming

Rules of the Road

The winter has been super mild and we’ve been getting several samplings of spring weather…and it’s only March! My takeaway is that we need to get our spring/summer wardrobe in order sooner rather than later. For men, there are a ‘few rules of the road’ that, if adhered to, will make spring shopping easier and ensure your casual says “luxe” not sloppy. Fit is it. Even the most casual pants are made instantly more sophisticated when they fit correctly. Spend

2012/03/09

T-shirt Style Tip

Mo White, Creative Director at The Outnet {a fab shopping sites that sells past-season goods and exclusive products from over 200 designers} gives the following style advice: Take t-shirts to the dry cleaners before their first wear and the heat will bond the jersey so the fabric will wear better!

2012/03/04

Style Tips

Be Easy & Casual

One of the most common complaints I get from men and women is around “being casual”. What most end up with are jeans, a button down shirt or tee ~ and a feeling that they could have done better. Being casual doesn’t mean you need to look like you just rolled out of bed. The keys to being casual …yet chic & curated are: Consider more than just jeans ~ slacks, leggings, skirts and dresses count too! Casual is

2012/02/22

Style Tips

Weekend Style To-Do

It’s easy ~ just figure out your seasonal accent color or color palette (it will make wardrobe coordination soooo much easier)!

2012/01/27

Men's Matters

Outerwear Is In

On very good authority, I have listed the top points for men to note when thinking about outerwear: Slim-fitting ~ nothing too fitted so you looked like a stuffed sausage but nothing so roomy that you look like you borrowed the coat from your Dad Single-breasted ~ trends come and go, but single-breasted will always remain a classic Wool or cashmere ~ this offers warm without excessive bulk Knee-length ~ current trends make it acceptable to sport a finish at

2012/01/20

Look Longer & Leaner

Think high ~ high heels elongate the leg and give the appearance of more height High waist ~ (this can be tricky) but typically higher waist bottoms again create the look of longer legs Go dark & light ~ darker on the bottom and lighter on the top creates ‘visual space’! Go forth & look taller! %RELATEDPOSTS%

2011/12/21

Color Combo: Sweet & Spicy!

Giambattista Valli & Emma Stone via redcarpet-fashionawards Straight from Giambattista Valli’s Fall 2011 RTW show, onto actress Emma Stone, pinks and reds have definitely made a sweet and spicy fashion mix (& totally rockable for the Holidays)! Get inspired with the look below to brighten up your mood while looking like a delectable treat in these otherwise dreary days of rain. These red hot pants are an extremely versatile choice – both for daytime and nighttime – especially when

2011/12/06

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