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Features & Series

My First (of Many) Holiday Wish Lists

I can’t even believe I’m sharing this with you so early but as one of my fellow Junior Leaguers says, “I’m an enabler”. That’s only partly true…..(smh). Seriously, check out where I’m going with this first list ~ only one “real” piece of clothing and everything is basically to advance the vision that is “happier, more fit Monica”. And nothing is over $100! The piece I think I may love the most is the faux fur vest because I’m a

2014/11/17

Features & Series

Seasonless Wardrobe: What To Add

This last in our “Seasonless Wardrobe” series is focused on what you should be adding to your closet. The list could be long but we’re not talking about building an entire wardrobe but rather supplementing and getting you ready for fall. On your short list for fall should be: Scarves ~ideal for drafts and travel Cashmere ~ this should be year-round so grab two great tops Cognac/luggage colored handbag ~ it goes from summer into fall effortlessly Prints ~ they

2014/09/11

Features & Series

Seasonless Wardrobe: What To Keep In The Closet

Last week we talked about what had to be stored or put away because it was just too summery. But there are some summer clothes that should ‘make the cut’ into your fall closet. These items pair well or layer nicely. Summer clothes to keep: White blazer White jeans ~ work them with off-white and cream well into fall Work dresses ~ these are likely some type of wool/poly blend which transcends seasons Cashmere tees ~ pair them with long sleeve shirts

2014/09/04

Events & Happenings

Seasonless Wardrobe: What To Put Away

One of the topics I discuss in my book is the percentage or amount of clothing that should stay in your closet at a certain age ~ simply put, the older you get, the less movement in and out of your closet. There are summer clothes that, regardless of age or stage or stylishness, need to be put away as we move into fall. Let’s start with: Swimsuits Linen clothing White eyelet Sundresses Strappy sandals Cotton footwear (espadrilles, etc.) Lightweight,

2014/08/28

Dresses & Outfits

The Job Differentiator…

The job market is more competitive than ever, but if you’re looking for employment, one of your biggest challenges is to find a way to differentiate yourself in a sea of applicants. What I said to a recent group of Armed Services veterans during a recent training session is that, “I can help you with your visual resume but the rest is up to you!” Let Blueprint for Style help you stand out in a crowd with a visual resume

2014/05/16

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

Morning Beats & Reading Treats: Morning Coffee

I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper amplification for Collective Bias, Millstone® Coffee, and Mr. Coffee®. This is what my mornings have become…. Some fun, melodic tunes, a fashion magazine, and my morning coffee! I’ve always been more of a morning person but this new habit has sealed the deal – not to mention that I can do it outside on my deck before the

2014/05/02

How-to Spring Clean Your Closet

I’m a big fan of TopShelf Clothes (indeed I even talk about them in my book, Without Saying A Word) so when they asked for my insights on “spring cleaning”, I jumped at the opportunity! Spring cleaning is all about getting ready so let’s get ready to be more stylish!! Warm weather seems to come out of nowhere, and while it’s a pleasant change, it also leaves you scrounging your bedroom for last season’s clothing. {original phot removed} I’ve got

2014/04/18

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

MANly Facts: On Being “Normal”

In a recent Esquire survey, 44% of men said it was not important to be perceived as normal and fully 29% said that they “honestly really never thought about it”. My question: then who do they dress for?

2014/03/31

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

Books

Book Review: The Divorce Papers

Divorce can be ugly and this book was meaty but terrific! Now on to my thoughts….wait – I’ve taken to reading mostly in the evenings, almost as a treat to myself and have also taken to doing it with my glasses. There’s a bit of me that thinks this makes it more “old school”…..pulling on my spec and digging in! Although I have a love for Rivet & Sway, these latest specs are compliments of Warby Parker, the bright red Sloan.

2014/03/17

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. Tell your family/friends that the next four (or

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….Still

Yesterday we gave you the first list and since Harper’s Bazaar came out with their second list, so did we! More names and wonderful designers. Learn a couple and then impress your friends…. A Détacher: ah day-tah-shay Acne: ahk-nay Alber Elbaz: ahl-bear el-bahz Alexandre Vauthier: ah-lex-ahn-der voh-tee-ay Andrew Gn: an-drew jin Anya Hindmarch: ahn-yuh hind-marsh Aquilano Rimondi: ah-kwi-lahn-doh rim-ohn-dee Behnaz Sarafpour: ben-ahz sar-uh-for Bibhu Mohapatra: bee-booh mo-ahh-pat-rah Bouchra Jarrar: boo-shra jahr-arr Burberry Prorsum: burr-behr-ee prohr-sum Carven: cahr-vehn Costella Tagliapietra: coh-stell-oh

2014/02/20

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

Features & Series

The 2014 Must-Read Style Guidebook

It’s out. It’s here. It’s funny! It’s informative! It’s refreshing. It’s accurate. It’s on-the-money. It’s what every woman needs to hear and Monica does all of the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Grab your copy of Without Saying A Word: The Silent Power of Style on Amazon.com (e-book version to follow soon). Or come to one of her book tour events around the country…. Hit social media and follow hashtag #WSAWstyle to see what’s going on where!

2014/02/14

Features & Series

Manly Mondays: Mr. Johnny Hodges

Every Monday in 2014 (less a few time-sensitive posts and in-the-moment expressions) will be dedicated to the men in my life! Manly Mondays is back! This week we’re taking a glimpse at Mr. Johnny Hodges, a jazz musician. Born in Cambridge, MA in 1906 He blew the alto saxophone Considered one of the definitive alto saxophones players of the Big Band Era He’s most famous for his time with the Duke Ellington band His first instruments were the drums and piano

2014/01/27

2014 Goals & Intentions

My word for 2014 is VALUE! Whether that means to value what I have, to not take something for granted, to increase the value of my relationships or experiences by being present, or to appreciate my opportunities and the corresponding revenue that results from them, I want to spend the year valuing what’s around me. I don’t do “resolutions” because it’s so 1999 plus it loses something in translation, if you will. I choose words like goals and intentions because

2014/01/06

Features & Series

Welcome to 2014!

2014/01/01

Features & Series

Happy Holidays!

2013/12/24

Features & Series

Infographic: Fashionomics

Fashion can be considered a superfluous at times and I might be considered to agree. However, fashion is as everything else, affected by economics. This is a fun infographic but quite educational too ~ is your necktie width aligned with the economy; and how much lipstick have you purchased?

2013/12/21

Features & Series

Closed Until The New Year

We have a few more tidbits to share before the year closes out but, by and large, we’re shuttin’ it down for the holidays. We’ll see you in the new year – at which point, I’ll be more than happy to share my goals/aspirations/plans/to-do’s/resolutions for the year and my plan to make it all work! I’m going to review my 2013 style goals and see how well I did!

2013/12/19

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

My First (of Many) Holiday Wish Lists

Seasonless Wardrobe: What To Add

Seasonless Wardrobe: What To Keep In The Closet

The Job Differentiator…

Traveling With No Style

Morning Beats & Reading Treats: Morning Coffee

How-to Spring Clean Your Closet

7 Shopping Habits to Nail Before Turning 27

MANly Facts: On Being “Normal”

Shopping for Gamechangers: Cliff Notes Version

Defining Your Personal Style: Cliff Notes Version

Editing Your Closet: Cliff Notes Version

In the Beginning, There was Darkness

Building The Ideal Wardrobe Series

Pronouncing Designer Names….Still

Pronouncing Designer Names

The 2014 Must-Read Style Guidebook

Manly Mondays: Mr. Johnny Hodges

2014 Goals & Intentions

Welcome to 2014!

Happy Holidays!

Infographic: Fashionomics

Closed Until The New Year

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