I saw this picture…. And then decided I loved the Eden gladiator bootie by Michael Antonio….and it’s only $65 at flyjane.net. The purple color is “it” this fall, the bootie is supposed to be ‘in fashion’ but, the entire outfit looks great!
I’m talking about this beautiful large black leather chain handle shoulder bag by Chanel. It’s on sale today (12-5pm only) at Portero. Normally priced at $2,895 which is a relative steal, today between 12pm and 5pm it’s $2,605. I don’t have to sell you on this bag — it’s a classic and you’d have it for years to come….we just need to find the ‘spare cash‘ to get it!
This post is short-and-sweet. We at Blueprint for Style contend that Tory Burch’s greatest fashion contribution outside of the wonderfully masterful and colorful tunics she has created is the Reva ballerina flat (with an average price point of about $195). Agree or disagree? [btw- the pictured fuschia Reva ballerina flat is on sale for $117 on the site. click on the picture to nab it before someone else.]
In August 2001, Dina Pisani opened Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute, her millinery design studio and we should all be ecstatic! From trilbys to newsboy caps to fedoras, the designs are haute and one-of-a-kind, and are wearable by all. Cha Cha’s House of Ill Repute is located at 68 Jay Street, suite 312, Brooklyn, NY 11201 and you’ve got to check it out because, if you’re a hat person (and I am!), you’ll fall in love with the standard
In 1834, Alessandro Guiseppe Borsalino was born – in 1856, he obtained a certificate to open a hat makers workshop — in 1857, he and brother Lazzaro started Borsalino Hats — in 1970, the film “Borsalino” was made which re-launched the popularity of the Borsalino brand — today, Borsalino hats are associated with unmistakable style, class and elegance. For this winter and into spring, a fedora is the mark of ‘throwback’ panache and style. you’ll find them all over but, consider
We know Rolex, Raymond Weil, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, Cartier, etc….but it’s time for something new and Blueprint has uncovered a gem called Renato. Renato watches are the lovechild of Daniel Mink Renato and the first child in the series was The Beast in 2005 (pictured below). Made with 2 carats of diamonds, a curved stainless steel case, and 244 grams of 316L stainless steel it is progressive, sophisticated, and bold but classically understated. In keeping with the theme of
So the Holidays are approaching and you want to be fashionable….without blowing the bank on your wardrobe, right? The answer lies in a few key purchases and a nifty pair of shoes is one. These lumberjack-inspired ballet flats are perfect: They’re flat (thus comfortable for moving location to location) They are red so spruce up even the most monochromatic black dress (along with a wide red belt, of course) They’re $120 courtesy of the JCrew Insider Sale (use code INSIDER
This Ghibli jade green python comes with silver metalware — has a twist-lock flap closure — and a detachable shoulder strap. It’s running $1165 at Forzieri, the wonderful Italian-based store and website that specializes in all things wonderful for him, her, and home! Now thru November 15th, you’ll get $25 off any handbag purchase of $195 or greater by using discount code 0A5940 at checkout…. This beauty works with anything black, navy blue, camel, grey, and beyond….a terrific universal handbag that
I ask the question because on Saturday (November 14th), H&M debuts the new Jimmy Choo shoe line. While the shoes range in price from $60 – $200 with the average around $150, is that right? The normal Jimmy Choo can be wrangled for as low as $400-ish but can clearly go up to $1400+++. The question is easy: would you rather spend your money on new Jimmy Choos for H&M or purchase gently-worn resale Louboutins, Manolos and YSLs? I realize there may be
I know we all need some boots for fall and winter so, I went on a hunt to find a couple pair that would be versatile yet affordable. Although I own several pair of black boots with different styling and/or embellishments, I find that myself always running to my basic black in a pinch. A tall, high-heel fittted black boot with just a touch of shine to it can take you places…. Paired with jeans, a white button-down, a long
I am adoring this sturdy, sparkly, studded, strappy and sexy Azzedine Alaia shoe! What I am having a difficult time smiling about is the super high spend of $1895….but let’s just admire it for now and note our lofty aspirations! .
The meteoric rise of the Fendi peek-a-boo bag in every leather and color imaginable….reaches new heights! Here is a white crocodile Fendi peek-a-boo bag for a mere $32,800 (available at Bergdorf Goodman)… .
Mystery: Summer’s over and I have lots of shoes that have the toe out. When I click on certain sites, these are listed as “sandals”….I’m confused! Can I wear toe-out shoes into fall and winter, or am I breaking some fashion rule?! Solved: Ask (and answer) these three questions…(1) Do I get cold easily?, (2) What is the occasion, and (3) What is my mode of transportation? The easy answer is that you are not breaking any fashion rules by
To be or not to be — that is the question and Blueprint’s answer is “let it be”! Several shoemakers have some version of the wellie and, yeah, they’re kinda cute but in a time when we should be focusing on investment purchases and items that are most versatile in our wardrobe, it’s an item we won’t miss if we don’t have. If you live on a farm, or do fall/winter gardening, or you’re inner-child says you should run through
With these 4-inch Victorian-style leather boots by Michael Kors. Not traditionally one of my favorite designers, Michael Kors has done a terrific job of hitting all of fashion’s high points this season including this chunky yet retro boot that will work wonderfully with pants or skirts. [Available at Outnet.com, $119] .
Since it’s Halloween, why don’t you scare your friends with your almost unnatural ability to kick your outfit up a notch with a piece of jewelry…and here’s how! Grab one of these pieces and add it to that black suit-white shirt combo, or sprinkle some color on that monochromatic grey shift dress you’ve got, or just make your khakis and sweater set sing…. They all play double-duty because in addition to everyday, they are all great pieces for the impending
Technically, my birthday was yesterday but, so what — if you’re in Australia, it’s still my birthday. My item of lust is the ultimate bag – the Hermès Birkin bag. Yes, in 1984 actress Jane Birkin started sporting one of these bags and the rage was born…and lives on! This particular bag comes from my favorite pre-owned luxury goods website, Portero and this bag is in excellent condition which means it’s like new! This particular Birkin is 25cm • is finished with Matte
So, here are the two shoes I purchased during my time in Valencia — a wonderful hidden platform, flesh-colored peep toe heel and a beautiful, luxe suede grey heel with a natural contrast stitch at the top of the heel….cost me a whopping $150! The flesh-colored peep-toe is one every lady should have to wear during warm weather and when in doubt about matching. The grey suede heel is perfect for fall and will work wonderfully with everyone navy, black
So the items in my closet typically fall into the category of extraordinary normal items or fabulous regular items. These items are typically made normally, have very few embellishments, are monchromatic or color-blocked but made special by the little details or the phenomenal fit or its pairing. These Brian Atwood Matrix leather boots are $1,170 at net-a-porter and I consider them to be an item to ogle over — the rich chocolate brown coloring, the 5.5 inch heel, the ruching running
Yep — I’m talking about Christian Loutboutin’s (the red bottoms) and while they are not on sale right now, he will be doing a special shoe signing on October 24th, 1 pm to 4 pm at Neiman Marcus in Tysons Galleria! WAIT — while you don’t have to, it’s recommended that you pre-order your shoes now (Tina can take your order but, won’t charge your card until October 23rd) and each customer can only have one pair signed no matter how many are
…Or Silverado, as in the Chloe Large Silverado Handbag at Portero for a small penance of $785. Portero is an authenticated market for pre-owned luxury goods (read…used), and of all of the similar sites, Portero is far-and-away the best! Now, remember that my birthday is coming up in less than two weeks so, anyone who is feeling benevolent should feel free to send this my way….it’s in very good condition which means it has very few scratches or markings. I’m
Ladies (and gentlemen as well), summer is officially over as the winter weather reports from the west come through and brisk evenings have settled in. Fall and the inevitable winter mean we need a little extra meat on our bones to keep us warm but we don’t necessarily want to show that extra meat on our bones so CHEER FOR SPANX! Ladies, I’ve happened upon one must-have: the Slim Incognito Shape Suit ($98)! Now I have not tried it yet but,
The use of feathers whether as part of a skirt or boots is ripe for ridicule this fall but, if you want to join in the feather-follies but do it with panache, let Blueprint recommend this pewter necklace with feather design. It’s got some weight and presence but isn’t too much as to overpower a simple shift dress or evening dress with a full faille skirt. At a mere $120 at Ted Baker, it’s perfect for this fleeting fall fashion
Mystery: Hey my closet looks like an Armed Forces officers’ closet — just khaki, grey and black! What can I do to add some color really quick and without much hassle? Solved: First, you need to realize that your closet is likely monochromatic or without lots of color for a reason: either you don’t like color, it doesn’t look good on you (although I sure that’s not it), or you do it for ease of dress. For our answer, I’ll
Ok I’ve been searching high-and-low for the perfect grey handbag for fall (and going forward) and I have been unable to turn up anything that I absolutely love — until now! This Costume National handbag is a wanna-must-have but at $893 (on sale), I need it to go down just a tad more. The rich navy and green leather patches at the base and the contrasting closures of the purse provide just enough contrast so it’s not boring but, are
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