Books Archives | Blueprint for Style

MyDomaine did an article including me on why creatives love living alone

Books

mydomaine magazine share

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

2020/12/14

A podcast with Dr Sharon Hargo to review my new book, The Creatives' Closet

Books

interview on The Book Talk Show

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, &

2020/12/12

Books

my living room tsundoku

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

2020/11/13

Books

Stylish Reading: In My Shoes

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

2015/07/31

Books

Stylish Reading: Secrets of a Fashion Therapist

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

2015/06/30

Books

Stylish Reading: Bringing Home the Birkin

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”

2015/05/31

Books

Stylish Reading: How Luxury Lost Its Luster

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.

2015/04/30

HRC, I'll Drink To That, Deluxe, In My Shoes

Accessories

Aspiration #11: Reading

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

2015/01/02

Books

What I’m Reading Wednesdays

It’snot that I haven’t been reading but I’ve been on-the-grustle [my word for grind + hustle] BIG time these last few weeks and unfortunately something always suffers – in this case, it’s my posts and what I’ve been able to share with you all. I’m not quite back but I’m getting it together which brings me to my point for this post Everything I’m reading is about motivating me and business practices for client sessions. You’ll find most of them

2014/11/12

Books

What I’m Reading Wednesdays!

The #September issue of most fashion, style and/or lifestyle magazines is their biggest issue, so I am head-over-heels excited that your truly made a byline in Real Simple! Ok now that that’s out of the way, here’s what else I’ve been perusing over the last week. Given the VMAs and Emmys took place, some of what I read had to do with pure fashion and who wore what when…. See How Much Chanel Bag Prices Have Skyrocketed This Decade (Racked.com) The

2014/08/27

Books

Book Review: Charlie & The Chocolate Factory

You’ve got to be asking yourself, “Why did Monica read that book?” I don’t have kids and although I am fond of reading and did read this book as a kid, my motive was different this go-round. What would you wear if you visited Willy Wonka’s factory? This is a big question because, if you remember, Willy Wonka only chose five people in the entire world to go….you’d have to make an awesome impression! I’m good but this took a lot

2014/08/04

Books

“How Every Professional Woman Can Amp Up Her Style Game”

In conjunction with Walker’s Legacy, I’ll be spending an hour on Google Hangout to talk to women about the game changing pieces to add to their wardrobe! Our session will be hosted by Brittany Jacobs, so join us! Monday, April 28th 1:00 – 2:00PM EST Join by clicking here: tell me the game changing pieces to own! Use hashtag #WSAWstyle

2014/04/16

Books

Without Saying A Word, Style GuideBook Vol 2

My second DC launch party for my style guidebook, Without Saying A Word: The Silent Power of Style, happened on February 27th at Bonobos‘ DC store in Cady Alley. It was a fabulous time had by all and by “all”, I mean men and women. This launch party was for the guys and girls: the ladies got to chat about the inner workings of getting stylish and since every stylish woman wants a dapper man on her arm, the gents

2014/03/25

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

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