This year, I’m sharing the best Labor Day sales and shopping in two ways: my top picks and the best brands to check out. First up – my top picks for fall in no particular order. I’m sticking with camel, creams, and navy (no surprise there!) and my accent colors will be teal/green and red (with a touch of pink). What about you?! I’m hearing a spendthrifty and then splurge-worthy version of most items as well! Vest (Save / Splurge) – wear
There is something empowering about living alone but there is also the struggle of navigating loneliness…at least for me! I didn’t spend the entire pandemic or lockdown [March until now] all alone but there were definite moments where I had to actively navigate the circuitous pathway of loneliness by focusing on all of the upsides! Admittedly the idea of being able to live out loud’ has its advantages such as all of the house rules are always obeyed – mostly that no
What an honor! I am getting the chance to talk with Sharon Hargro Porter on her show, The Book Talk Show, the monthly show that discusses All Things Books – they feature an author and book of the month, and assist the aspiring author to Write the Book Now! We are going to have a blast on her show so tune-in on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 10:00 am ET for conversation about The Creatives’ Closet, sustainable and eco-friendly fashion, &
Earlier this week, I had the immense pleasure to be interviewed on Afro News, one of the oldest Black-owned newspapers in the US. It was a blast talking with DC Editor, Micha Green about my newest book, The Creatives’ Closet, how I got started, how I’ve been handling the “pivot” during the pandemic, and so much more! Take a listen and share your thoughts! What else did you want to know? Still have questions? Just comment or send me an email
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
I’m psyched to join a cast of heavy-hitters on stage at The Signature CEO Conference to be held March 16-18, 2020 at the River View in Occoquan. THE SIGNATURE C.E.O. CONFERENCE offers a unique experience for creatives and professionals who are “high-achievers”. The conference creates a harmonious environment for like-minded creatives who are innovators and have keen business savvy. It’s a chance to discover great content, excel at business acumen, expand your professional network, and build genuine relationships! I’m speaking on
It’s the start of the year, so let’s start it off right – – – in style! Click the pic (or here) below and join me for a two-hour Fashion Workshop and Closet “Redux” to ‘get your proverbial house in order’ ~ it’s closet makeover time! WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: In this workshop, you will learn how to better assess what works well for you based on your shape, style preferences, and lifestyle! We will cover how to take any style
Blueprint for Style believes in shopping with your pjs on! And in honor of Black Friday, we’re kicking of 5 Weeks of Christmas ~ our version of the 12 Days of Christmas, only more stylish…. Every Friday starting today, Blueprint for Style will offer an incredible personal styling package loaded with value and goodies!! The only catch is quantities will be limited (because we simply cannot do it all). Check back every Friday through December 27th and click while it’s available! Black Friday Special:
When in need of fabulous ideas of a party/fete/shindig or any form of entertainment, check out the plethora of options presented on Paperless Post ~ and go from there!
Roadtrip! Roadtrip! Roadtrip! As soon as Toyota dropped off my new Lexus NX, I was in love and all I could think of was the roadtrip I wanted to take that weekend….alas, it never happened. I caught a cold and the bed became my only adventure. But they decided to let me keep it a few days longer and the middle console charging pad and sleek design of this beauty became my travel companion as I headed to the #BeBrilliant
I was connected with the Washington School for Girls through Junior League of Washington and while I was unsure how I could help, I ended up teaching a fall course to nine young ladies in the 7th & 8th grade! The importance of understanding how their personal appearance and how they view themselves affects how other see them is a point that I’m working to “make real” every week. From sessions on key interview tips to nail care to looking
Although summer is my favorite season, fall runs a close second….mostly for the colors and the ability to create luxe layering. My house has a stone patio with a firepit in the backyard, and it becomes my “resting place” in the evenings [with a glass of wine] and most weekends. Last year, I started having friends join in the backyard fun and called them #BrooklandCampfire (pictures). It’s just friends sitting outside around a blazing fire, laughing, recounting summer madness, and trying
Periodically, Blueprint for Style dabbles in the “event” business and this time, it’s all about the guys! We’re hosting a private event on October 18th. Check out the details and mark your calendar. Formal invites will be going out shortly…. It’s VERY limited space so when it’s time to RSVP – get on it!
In My Shoes, Tamara Mellon Solid read… I have MUCH respect for Tamara Mellon especially given her humble and pedestrian beginnings as she built Jimmy Choo. She’s a powerhouse and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in this book. When she first visioned her line, she wanted to make it truncate the time between showing a line and having those pieces available and she tried… Although it may not have 100% worked out in her favor, she’s trying to change things
Secrets of a Fashion Therapist, Betty Halbreich A cool read if you have interest in becoming a stylist; or currently use one… It’s all true! I went into it thinking it was gonna be about stuff that wasn’t relevant to me as a stylist for professionals (versus stars, personalities, etc) but, I was wrong. I’ve spent many a day trying to sum up what I do and I believe myself to be part psychologist, part mentalist, part shopper, part truth-sayer
Bringing Home the Birkin, Michael Tonello A very fun (and informative) read! My poor friend let me borrow this book too….(it hasn’t been returned either – smh). This book can be read in a weekend so it’s perfect for a beach trip or as a flight book. In the process of being entertained, you’ll get a few key nuances on the “how-to” purchase a Birkin, why they are coveted, what they’ll set you back, and how to “skip the line”
Originally unveiled in 1941 by African-American painter Jacob Lawrence, the 60-panel anthology has been shuttled between DC’s Phillips Collection and New York’s MOMA. Well, for the first time in 20 years, it will be reunited at MOMA as the centerpiece of the exhibition, “One-Way Ticket: Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series and Other Visions of the Great Movement North”. It opened April 3rd. Clearly, I’m going to see it! You?
Sometimes we all need a little nudge, or a love tap, or perhaps just written instructions on how to be great! If so, then you should have attended msNBC’s “Know Your Value” Conference hosted by Mika Brzezinski, co-host of Morning Joe. She along with a laundry list of heavy hitters hit the stage on Friday, May 15th using the hashtag #KnowYourValue to give you the nuts n’ bolts of knowing your value and making sure you share it…the right way.
“I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.” As a curvy fashionista, finding the right pieces can be difficult. Sometimes, you just want the right stuff and the right information….. Well angst no more – pick the brain of a leading voice in the fashion industry and a globally recognized advocate for self-esteem at Emme’s Q&A, celebrated supermodel Emme! Plus-size and
How Luxury Lost Its Luster, Dana Thomas Get it! If you are “into” fashion or have ever wondered about some of the behind-the-scenes connections between brands,or the evolution of a given item or designer, this book is a MUST read. Don’t plan to read it fast ~ but be prepared to say “wow”, hell naw…”, “I never even thought….”. My good friend let me read hers and to this day, I haven’t given it back.
Thai massage is also called Thai yoga massage as it’s based on a 2,500-year old Ayurvedic-based body science developed by Buddha’s doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. It’s basically like an assisted yoga session where the massage therapist moves your body into various positions and massages along energy points called “sen”. Enough of that ~ I’m sure most of you heard that it’s painful. The truth is a good massage therapist doesn’t hurt albeit, it’s not like a Swedish massage, you will come
I’m not even sure I really need anything but, in an effort to be a ‘team player’, I came up with a few things I love. What I figured out is that the list are actually items I need to amp up my everyday ‘feel good, look good’. While I’m newly susceptible to all things beauty (check out the lip scrub!), I’m partial to the wine decanter. It’s sexy, enables a positive socializing habit, and is part of my new
I can read of course, but the reading I want to do for 2015 will be more intentional I have my first five books already (see below) which are unfortunately left from this past year. I’m starting with…. 1) HRC by my good friend Amie Parnes ~ this could be Hilary’s year…. 2) Deluxe by Dana Thomas ~ a bit of a re-read but so essential to understanding the history of fashion and its houses 3) In My Shoes by
So here were 2014’s Goals & Intentions…. This year’s aspirations are about financial freedom, style curation (of course), and focus….. Three spend-free months (no clothing or accessories): January, June, and November Reduce debt by $10,000: I have accumulated debt for my business as well as personal debt but it’s debt nonetheless and I don’t like it Spring cleaning for the blog: April will be a site overhaul Clothing conversation transformed: still in love with my navy, camel and red theme.
Washington, DC Metro Area
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