2011/12/02
Giving gifts is fun and there’s no better time than around the Holidays when everyone is cheery (and it’s usually reciprocated)! The average American spends around $935 during the Holidays, so if you’ve got a big family then this gift guide of items under $100 is for you!
“Safko” gold metallic/black flats ~ Aldo ($70) Chain tassle crossbody pouch ~ Whiting & Davis ($93) .
This week’s look is all about looking festive without looking too cooky or crazy (anyone see Target‘s commercial with the lady in the red jogging suit?!). You likely have the makings of something office-appropriate and just need to add a dash of color to finish it off. Here’s our suggestion: Shopping List: Turtleneck tee ~ Vince ($95) Flair skirt in double-serge wool ~ J Crew ($108) Patent leather pumps ~ Rupert Sanderson ($505) … these are an essential for dressing
For the girl that has everything, choosing something fabulous can be difficult (and often pricey). But we’ve created a list of options that cater to her fashionable outside, her inner scholar, and her whimsical inner-child. If you need more suggestions, just let us know ~ we’re here to help!
Here’s a quick reference to which stockings to wear when: Solid/Opaque ~ works for very short skirts/dresses. Black is the natural go-to, but deep, rich jewel tones are very now Patterned ~ works if you’re going fairly monochromatic and want to create a little interest. Keep the patterns small and they become very slimming Bare ~ best if you’re going with toe-out or peep toes. Opt for bronzer or shiny legs to make them look svelte .
Black Friday isn’t for everyone … just for those who love being ‘in the mix’ and who don’t really care about the discounts because if it isn’t discounted at least 30-40% then it’s not really that big a deal~ Starting next week, Blueprint for Style will have a few great shopping lists every few days including the Best Holiday Booty Under $100, 10 Gifts Under $20, Gifts For Your Guy Under $60, and Gifts For The Girl With Everything. What
Shopping List: Camel suede boots ~ by Pura Lopez ($225) or similar more edgy PL version Blythe shirtdress ~ by J Crew ($148) Green blouse ~ by Genny Vintage ($127) Navy blouse (similar) ~ by Topshop ($76) Camel ostrich emboosed clutch ~ by ASOS ($81) Vintage camel belt (great buy!) ~ by Fossil ($48) 2-piece navy blue suit ~ by Max Mara ($337)
It took me about 7 minutes to put this look together — it was mostly black, so an easy score there! I was set on wearing the Sorel Tofino‘s which made the additional items an no-brainer. It’s not about having a lot of clothes or expensive clothes, but it’s about how you put them together! I wanted comfortable, warm, chic, outdoorsy, and easy edge. Do you think I got it?
Leopard print is one of my all-time favorites and it’s one of this season’s hottest trends. Some aren’t quite sure how to rock it to work, but we’ve got a few ideals! Leopard print flats ~ by Calvin Klein ($119) Nude short-sleeve top ~ by Vera Moda ($48) Red rome trousers ~ by Mid ($50) Red pencil skirt ~ by J Crew ($120) Red sunset ring ~ by Style Tryst ($22) Red dome ring ~ by Amrita Singh ($35)
Repeat after me, “Color is good. Color is good.” Eventually you’ll start to believe it and, when you do, a whole world of style will open up to you. In the meantime, take baby steps – – – like sporting your color in your coat. This minimal coat with gold buttons comes in red or green and is a still for fall, or even cooler weather if you’re in a car. Shopping List: Car coat ~ by ASOS ($182) Pulse
I am a high heel girl, but if I have to do flats I want them to be stylish and haute. These Sam Edelman leopard print flats are more like ‘smoking shoes’ but I’m loving the true camel background on them. As we move into fall, they will work with camel, black and brown, and because of their styling, they’ll complement pants as well as skirts. Yummy!!
The Navajo tribe owns a variety of trademarks on the term “Navajo,” including one covering clothing. Last month Urban Outfitters got in a bit of trouble creating 21 products with the term “Navajo” in them….everything has since been renamed. However, Forever 21, is trying to push the limit as they have items similarly named with the word “Navajo” but haven’t changed any. Sounds like they’re talking a walk on the wrong side of intellectual property law! (see picture below) Sometimes it’s easier for
Question: I’ve paid out the nose for college and am still paying, so I have no real money to buy ‘real world’ clothes. What’s your recommendation on what I really need to buy….right now? Answer: Great question and, frankly, it’s not just applicable to recent college graduates. Have you gotten a whiff of our current economic state? Everyone wants to know the wardrobe basics to build on. We’ve got four great styling do’s: A fabulous, structured handbag ~ J
This week’s worth of looks are centered around a great pair of flat, tall riding boots. I’m not a ‘flats girl’, but tall riding boots seem to work a lot of different ways and when paired with something fitted, seem to scream undercover glam! Shopping List: Tan, tall riding boots – by Maurice ($150) Gold metallic leather skirt ($140) Tropical wool trousers – by Ann Taylor ($138) Midi-length skirt (similar one) – by Miss Selfridge ($45) Foldover clutch – by Clare
ML Traveler (in Cannes) One of my favorite accessory designers is Stephanie Johnson and because it’s my birthday, I decided to give you a gift! Starting today through November 5th, Blueprint for Style in conjunction with Stephanie Johnson will be giving away the ML Traveler to the person with the best answer to this question: “What is stylish travel to you?“ Oh yeah – you can get an extra chance to win simply by tweeting I’ll be a stylish traveler with the
Because we go through them like water, our recommendation is to never exceed about $20 per pair unless we’re talking about a special occasion or Wolford‘s (for some strange reason, they seem to last forever but you’ll definitely pay for it!). Opt for ASOS [online] or if you must go in-store, Nordstrom has quite the selection of tights, stockings and hosiery to make any fall/winter outfit zesty! Check out our favorites….. A few style notes: As a starting point, opt for
Wake up your fall wardrobe with one of the season’s most attention-grabbing trends: shimmer and sheen. If you haven’t already, you will definitely be seeing a lot of glistening sequins, metallics, fringes, and appliques that are set to create a major impact. Forget about the warm weather gradually disappearing as these shiny pieces will instantly give your look a pick-me-up whether during the day or at night. Among the many designers who created gleaming pieces in their collections are Elie
@DVF is a ROCK STAR woman and an inspiration. DVF tweets about her happenings and upcoming ‘things’ to watch out for including her new perfume and leopard print sandals (a select few pair will go on sale today at 12pm CT (or call 8.00.825.8000) at Neiman Marcus). These are the sandals she rocked at #LuckyFABB….I’m loving her and you will too! And you’ll know it’s her because she signs, “Love Diane“.
Nichole Nichols, a freelance writer/editor/blogger for Reasons & Roses, asked me what my must-read’s for the stylish fashionista. Here‘s what I had to say….
New York Fashion Week for the Spring 2012 collections is over as of Thursday, September 15th. Here are the highlights. At least on the East Coast, fall is here….(it came to early)! Ladies, grab a sweater. Fellas since fall came early, you’ll need a sportcoat or vest for sure! We’re loving the two-strap satchel right now. It’s ladylike, chic and functional. Let’s do the bag switch-a-roo!! Don’t forget starting next week Blueprint for Style will be giving away ALL of
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
(209) STY-LISH
If you have general questions, feel free to use the form below to send us a quick message.