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Ready for the Weekend: Campfire Gear

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

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Style

At Your Service For The Entire Year

Starting today (thru 11.30.15), you’ll have the opportunity to have your very own experienced and well-known personal stylist on-demand. Today, Blueprint for Style is rolling out a new level of service available only to the first 18 individuals focused on providing fully customizable, on-demand personal styling services…for an entire year! You can choose from three options (Silver, Gold, Platinum) depending on your desired level of use! BONUS: today thru 10.31, you can even do a down payment instead of the

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Cobra Society, Alex Davis, footwear
Accessories

On The Road: A Shoe That Travels (On Its Own)

Tangier, Morocco. New York. southeastern Spain. Barcelona. Florence. Your Cobra Society footwear (for men & women) may be more well-traveled than you are but you can still own them! Betania textiles handweaved in Morocco. Leather sourced from Barcelona and Florence. All from a 28-year-old designer named Alex Davis. I don’t own them but I’m kinda jealous right now – I want to go to Morocco too!!

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Dresses & Outfits

[Video]: After Labor Day Fashion

Last week, I had the opportunity to appear on Good Morning Washington to share After Labor Day Fashion trends. With the help of three fabulous models, we shared three trends: You CAN wear white after Labor Day – just not head-to-toe Layering is the key as we move to cooler evenings and more weather fluctuations + it’s time to start wearing leather The guys need to remember not to go too dark, too fast Check out the video and share

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floral print wiggle dress with split front
Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Blogalicious Conference

It’s the weekend…and after a fairly busy and intense week, I’m ready to focus on something different. I’m heading to Baltimore for the Blogalicious Conference and this year’s theme, Building Your Own Empire, is right up my alley. I’ve been on Pinterest sharing my picks and recommendations for #BYOE15-appropriate attire but I will be rocking this on Saturday. This ASOS floral print dress says “relaxed, feminine business” but I’ll keep it easy and chic with a pair of a pair

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style, personal brand
Bottoms

11 Ways to Prep Your Closet for Fall This Summer

I don’t want summer to go away but, the reality is that fall will be in full swing by October. Now, that’s not bad because it’s a beautiful season – the colors are gorgeous, the weather isn’t cold, the fashion is comfy and layering is the name of the game – but somehow we always seem to get “caught” with our pants down when it arrives. Snag this download to learn 11 ways to prep your closet for fall now!

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Dresses & Outfits

co-LAB Style Conspiracy

So Kayla, of Freckles in April, and I slaved over this collection ~ we surveyed people (namely us!), we combed the style blogs and magazines, we went back and forth with each other – to curate this seven piece collection of fall items that ANY working woman could use as a base to get through the season. The items included: Print/patterned skirt Jersey throw-n-go dress Dark denim bottom Cream/white sneakers Versatile layering sweater Bad-hair-day hat (similar one) Fabulous button down

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Francesco Russo, shoes, Ruben booties
Accessories

Shoe Designer: Francesco Russo

He’s been designing shoes for over 20 years Originally from Puglia (Italy) – born in 1974 He’s responsible for creating Yves Saint Laurent’s The Cherry and The Tribute His shoe line has a strong graphic and architectural component to them MY style notes Adding a pair or two to your shoe wardrobe equals the implementation of elevated essentials They are more than the norm but not inordinate…if you consider $500-600 an investment I’ve had a chance to try them out

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luxury, finds under $50
Accessories

Eight Under $50

From time to time, I find things that I deem “a steal” either because there’s only a few left, the price is too good to be true, the item utility for the price is a winner, or it’s just something that will simplify my style and wardrobe. Unlike my earlier years (per my sister), going forward I’m going to try to “share” more…. [show_boutique_widget id=”290404″]

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Chloe ellie cuff bracelet
Accessories

My Bracelet

I’ve gotten a lot of compliments on my recent purchase – this Chloe rounded cuff bracelet. I’m in love with it and started out wearing it everyday – until I realized that I am not nearly as dainty as I thought. The clean designs picks up nicks quickly so you have to be careful. Until I can slow down on my ‘roughhousing’, I only wear it when I’m going out…but still equally in love with it. It’s no longer available

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Calvin Klein underwear, panties, boy shorts
Lingerie

POLL: Which Panty Do You Prefer?

I’m lounging with my girlfriend at her place on Kent Island this past week with nothing but grassnand trees as far as the eye could see. Jodi dips her foot into the pool to see what the temp is and I’m watching…. She exclaims it’s super warm and starts dancing because she wants to get in. Only problem is she doesn’t feel like going all the way back to the house to change- seize the moment! So she takes off

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Denim

Trending: Denim

  It’s back but actually, it never left – I’m talking about denim. Denim for jeans but also shirts, jackets, dresses, blazer, sport coats, ties, shoes and sneakers, handbags and more! You already have jeans and probably another denim item but if you’re debating taking your denim to work, consider the following three rules: dark denim only your denim should be free of whiskering, embellishments, etc only one piece of denim per look Given my love for denim, you can

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AG denim, jeans, eco-friendly
Denim

Denim Love: AG Denim

Have you ever even heard of AG Denim? I have but I suspect it’s because I love denim and jean material. Yul Ku started this brand 15 years ago with Diesel cofounder Adriano Goldschmied thinking eco-friendly from day one! They even utilize this ozone technology process that eliminates 56% of the company’s water and chemical usage Energy-efficient washing machines are used The aged look is created by hand using a grinder They donate scraps to make gloves and interior padding

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madewell, paris amour tee, t shirt, graphic tee
Style

My Secret Pursuit: Graphic Tees

Well let me be more specific because it’s not just a t-shirt with writing on it….. I’m looking for those graphic tees that aren’t so casual that you’d wear them to a “moving party” but aren’t so stiff that they can’t work with denim. My ideal graphic tee says something slightly meaningful or whimsical or aspirational, has enough room so it doesn’t feel constricting but will be able to work with a full skirt for a store opening or on

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monthly subscription gift boxes
Accessories

Monthly Help With “ME” Time

The way of monthly subscriptions is frequent, almost rampant but none, as of yet, promote “me” time until now. Monthly Express (or ME) creates carefully curated full-size product samplings for busy women with hectic lives. Treat yourself for $129/month and expect to receive such items as a sniff box from New Zealand for better sleep. While I think I’ll be sticking to a few weekend jaunts, the concept is spot-on….quality time for the busy woman!

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Kayu cannes raffia clutch
Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Raffia Clutch

Have you learned that not everything you wear has to “match”? Take this lesson to heart….plus it will save you soo much money! It popped into my inbox and I immediately started plotting how to add it to my current, ever-expanding clutch collection. – hand-embroidered polka dots (so girly) – silk-screened stripes (slightly upscale) – drop-in chain strap (tres versatile) – it’s tan, orange and….yes, navy! Just wait for me to post my outfit pic with this one….you may even

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Becca Cosmetics, bronzer
Instagram

Never Ask, “Where Did You Get That?” Again!

How To Shop Monica’s (@Blueprint4Style) Instagram You shouldn’t feel funny asking where I got something or how much it costs…I’m pretty easy but if you do, worry no more! Just shop my instagram and you can get all of the items I snap delivered to your inbox (and I’m none the wiser)…. To make it happen, follow THREE easy steps: Follow me on Instagram {here} Sign up once via Instagram or {HERE} When you see a photo of something you

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Outfits/Complete Looks

I’m Trying To Blog….I Swear!

Let me not pull any punches ~ blogging is hard work! Seriously….imagine having to be “creative” all the time- it’s a lot of pressure so I have quietly stepped away from the moniker “blogger”. But alas, there’s a [big] piece of me that loves sharing style, what’s hot, how-to wear something, what trends translate to work, etc. The problem: I’ve been comparing myself to other bloggers and you know what they say, ‘comparison is the thief of joy…’ thus, I’ve made

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Summer

Are You Ready For The 4th?!

I consider Memorial Day, the 4th, and Labor Day weekends the quintessential “holiday” weekends that warrant lots of pre-gaming to avoid looking too contrived. I’ve culled all three long weekends down to five items. Here are my caveats: Memorial Day weekend – it may not be warm enough so you’ll need to substitute the breezy cover-up for a more, sweater-like option. Gotcha covered! PLus bring a rain hat Labor Day weekend – I’ve rarely run into an occasion where it’s

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Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Leather Flip Flops

Grow up! We all love Havaianas but sometimes you just need a little more. Answer: Abejas Handmade. Leather (of course). Available in black and brown. Done! If these aren’t your cuppa tea then here are a few other grown-up options to try: [show_shopthepost_widget id=”825540″]

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Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Sneakers

I love the color orange! And fuschia is pretty cool too! Since the weekends are made for running around the idea of doing it with a little extra color is right. These Saucony sneakers are cute and on sale (they also come in a yellow/teal combo too), and they may just allow me to dip-‘n-dodge a little quicker as I head to the grocery store, client shopping, and BBQing. What are your weekend plans?

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Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Dress, Cover up, Tunic

I saw this piece while tooling around online and the first thing I thought was how perfect it was for a warm Saturday (which is not right now) but then the more I looked at it, I eyed it for a girls trip to use as my beach cover-up. Then I shared it with a friend and she quickly responded, “I love it to rock with my white denim!”. A three-in-one piece….and all for $48! My favorite feature: along with

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Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Alaia Sandals

I’m feeling these Greek-inspired bronze sandals. I don’t wear shorts but I rock short dresses and full skirts all summer…and these seem like the ideal substitute to flip flops to add polish, finish and chicness. Alaia ~ I’m in heaven….

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