Style Archives | Page 11 of 61 | Blueprint for Style

Accessories

Jumping Up And Down To Get Ready For A Beach Vacation

My sister and father are ready to choke me but, I’m barely back three weeks from Dubai, Thailand and Vietnam, and already I am planning another getaway. I think the planning part is exciting but also a great way to escape the current soggy weather currently happening in DC… I was tooling around on another blog which happens to be one of my favorites, Le Catch, and I saw this bag (available at Henri Bendel). Immediately loved the colors and

2015/05/14

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: After-hours Heels (Part 5/5)

This is clearly my favorite category because I’m a heels-girl but also because we’re talking about the shoes you sport to show your personality or to add that pep in your step. All bets are off here – the only danger is to steer clear of going headlong into summer (nights are still cool); and expect these to run a little more because you’re adding instant POW to your look. A few you could still rock to work but these

2015/05/12

Events & Happenings

Plus Size How-To & Fashion Show

“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

2015/05/09

Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: Jetsetter Convertible Backpack

I do NOT approve of backpacks for adults…who want to be taken seriously in a professional environment. That said, there are some folks that simply cannot escape the quiet, tempting whispers of those back-contraptions! For you, try the Jetsetter Convertible Backpack – it’s what you get if your satchel and backpack had a baby….and let’s you keep some dignity in the boardroom while moving through the airport hands-free. BOOM!

2015/05/08

Bottoms

Spring Must Haves: White Jeans

In case you missed the memo, you could have been rocking your white denim months ago but, if you’re sticking to the straight-and-narrow then know that you MUST have a pair to function this spring and summer. My first recommendation is to own two pairs: one for spring/summer and one for fall/winter. The pair we’re shopping for now should be a lightweight material with some stretch and to make it as versatile as possible, keep embellishments like pockets, contrast stitching,

2015/05/06

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: Work Pumps (Part 4/5)

You’re not quite sure how to usher in spring during the week so you err on the side of being conservative (and stick with your standard black pumps). NO! It’s spring and after the hard winter, it’s your right to get a little jiggy with it…without a full-on dorothy-and-wizard-of-oz moment. If you’re sticking with the standard pump then, at a minimum, upgrade yourself to a cognac/leather colored pump (with a coordinating handbag) to look like you tried. If you want

2015/05/05

Accessories

Ready for the Weekend: After-work Heels

These Schutz drauzia heels are high but impossibly chic! If you’re looking for a shoe that can carry you to all of your After 5 affairs and dressier occasions this spring and summer, look no more… I’m in love with the styling, vamp, color and even the $200 price tag isn’t unreasonable.

2015/05/01

Tops

Spring Must Haves: White Tees

First, EDIT your white tees that are no longer white, have holes, yellow armpits, stretched beyond recognition, or are not made of cotton or have some type of lycra/stretch in it. Plan to have at least two fitted, hip-length tees, one slightly slouchy/oversized tee, one cashmere tee, and one a-line tank….the rest is up to you! There are a range of options from fitted to slouchy, cotton to silk, short sleeve to cap and they’re all covered here: [show_lookbook_widget id=”207185″]

2015/04/29

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: Flats (Part 3/5)

I now wear them more than I ever imagined but, for others they are the go-to so let’s plan to step into spring stylishly with fab toes. For spring, focus on adding color or texture but avoid jumping into the “warm weather” pool with both feet because it’s spring, not summer. So no sandals, no lightweight fabrics, or flip flops. Great picks for transitioning to spring are… [show_boutique_widget id=”243155″]

2015/04/28

Style Tips

Shopping Sucks!

Pushy salespeople, big promises for small gains, bad lighting, multiple locations for the same items, “trick” mirrors, mountains of merchandise. Here’s how to shop smart: Figure out what you need – this means doing your homework beforehand (i.e., your “true” size, what brands work for you, a list of what you really need (vs. want)) Get yourself together – eat and/or pack a snack because everything looks crappy when you’re hungry; and dress accordingly so you can do quick on-and-off,

2015/04/27

Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Sequin Dress

Call me crazy but I’m trying to get as much use out of all of my pieces as possible….thus, the desire to carry sequins into the daytime! I know…but this Velvet sequin dress has all the hallmarks of a fabulous warm weather dress up, date night chicness, or daytime “I sparkle but it’s not intentional” kind of look. With the denim jacket, it’s wonderful marriage of dressy and casual. I could just be dreaming of a nice beachfront dinner…

2015/04/24

Accessories

Spring Must Haves: Satchels

This can be a tricky thing because the average “working girl” today uses one bag and that bag has to work as her tote and handbag….for the entire week. While I don’t advocate it, if you’re looking for dual functionality then a satchel is the way to go: enough to carry your essentials, a small clutch [that doubles as an after-work bag], an ipad, a magazine, and perhaps a shoe bag with flip flops. My second and equally as important

2015/04/22

Accessories

Step Lightly into Spring: Flat Boots (Part 2/5)

Yep – you can still sport your tall, flat boots (for another couple of weeks especially in the evenings) so let’s get it in before we have to put them away for the next six months. If you’re going to sport your tall, flat boots make sure the weather is cool (60s/70s), keep it mostly casual, and opt for the lighter cognac/whiskey/leather colors if possible. I’ll definitely try to get another wear or two out of mine {pictured above}. You’re

2015/04/21

Dresses & Outfits

Ready for the Weekend: Patio Dress

It could be that I’m getting older…or perhaps wiser but when I am out at the pool or beach, I want a cover-up that provides coverage but doesn’t leave me looking like I’m “covering up”. The solution is this LemLem legala patio dress ~ on my wishlist to have for my next warm weather getaway.

2015/04/17

Poll

POLL: How Much Of Your Wardrobe Do You Actually Use?

There are numbers flying all over the place on this but an old study (over 8 years old) says that the average woman utilizes than than 40% of her closet. Whoa, right?! Not really….are you a clothes hoarder? Or perhaps you’re the person who likes to “pay penance” for purchasing something you shouldn’t have so you keep it so you can look at it constantly and be reminded of what a poor shopper you are? Better yet, are you the

2015/04/15

Tops

Spring Must Haves: Print Blouses

It’s the time to add color with prints, patterns, and texture but finding great print tops [for a reasonable price] is like discovering a unicorn. I did some serious digging and found a few fabulous options to transition you into spring. These tops are good for wearing under your standard black or navy suit, tucked into a pencil skirt or rocked with some menswear-inspired slacks. My fave is definitely the X. Which is your favorite? [show_boutique_widget id=”243205″]

2015/04/15

Accessories

Travel Too….Southeast Asia: Three Essentials

I spent 1/2 month (18 days to be exact) in southeast Asia between Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Saigon. I loved it and while not immediately, I’m going back because it’s warm, super inexpensive, laidback, and has good eating! I worked with Lands’ End before leaving to coordinate on a few essentials for the trip and I had a fairly long list. I found three items that I would have been hard-pressed to be without while there: Starfish slim leg pants

2015/04/14

Accessories

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

Admittedly wedge heels are not my favorite….mostly because they create extra weight near the ankle and thus, can look clunky. The keys to wedge heels are to ensure that if you have a peep toe, it’s not too large or your toes push through; and that the heel grips well. That said, they can give you a bit of height and offer more comfort for some. Consider also that it’s spring [not summer] so you don’t want to look like

2015/04/14

Accessories

Pretty Storage Options

I continuously tell my clients that your clothes treat you good when you treat them good — give your clothes a fighting chance to make you look good, and that can’t happen if they’re piled high on the floor. The same holds true for your baubles so when I saw these vintage enameled copper and bronze dishes, I feel in love They are perfect for holding change on your living room table, a stack of match boxes in your office,

2015/04/09

Dresses & Outfits

Shopbop Sale & Spring Style

The taste of spring got me started and now this Shopbop spring sale has the good times rollin’…it’s 25% off with code SPRING25 and I’m focused on pieces that can go allll day. Fell in love with this flare dress…(with some heels and a blazer if it’s still chilly)

2015/04/08

Features & Series

Style Challenge: I’m a Professional Who Wants to Push the Limits

Are you the woman who lives by day in a professional and fairly conservative work environment but your inner fashionista is screaming, “Don’t confine me!” Are you dying to push the fashion boundaries but your all-consuming work life isn’t making it easy? Three helpful hints: Choose bold jewelry – start with a few bold necklaces to frame your face and set off your outfit! Focus on statement pieces – under a navy suit, this stands out and by itself, it

2015/03/31

Fashion

How To Pack for ‘Hot & Humid’

I’m ten days into my working vacation in south east Asia (Thailand and Vietnam) and the temps have been hovering around 90+ degrees with 90% humidity. It can be hard to maintain your cool in that land of heat (unless you’re dressing for the beach). To make it “haute” in the hot and humid climates, abide by these 4 rules: Natural fibers are best because they allow a bit more movement – silk, cotton and linen… Don’t go too fitted.

2015/03/16

Features & Series

How To Do A Style Menage a Trois

Have you ever dreamed of a threesome? A print + 2 colors? One wrong move and your ménage à trois can go very wrong… Have a fulfilling menage a trois by following a few simple rules: There can only be one dominant…color! Everything should be in “sync” but not the same. So a floral + 2 hues of pink, or a black & white stripe + 2 hues of black (grey, platinum) Don’t do it everywhere! Focus the print and let

2015/03/13

Denim

The Vastness of Denim

I am reminded of the versatility and vastness of denim – it’s everywhere! It’s an American bred “thing” that is everywhere, all the time, and goes across cultures, time zones, functions, and needs. I was thumbing through More, a magazine for women 40+, and I found a look that I loved! Denim can go anywhere – in this particular picture, it’s about layering…with the styling key to show ankle/skin so it doesn’t appear overly bottom heavy! This is a look

2015/03/10

Fashion / Style Events

My Top Ten Favorite Style Blogs

WhoWhatWear – when I am feeling uninspired, I go here because the team of writers covers every possible scenario you can think of and although it slants toward twenty and thirty-somethings, there’s all luscious tidbits to find Cheetah is the New Black – this blog does ‘laidback but curated’ to a capitol T! And the owner just opened up her store in Cali could I have that? – she has a leaning toward west coast casual but I love her most

2015/03/06

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Jumping Up And Down To Get Ready For A Beach Vacation

Step Lightly into Spring: After-hours Heels (Part 5/5)

Ready for the Weekend: Jetsetter Convertible Backpack

Spring Must Haves: White Jeans

Step Lightly into Spring: Work Pumps (Part 4/5)

Ready for the Weekend: After-work Heels

Spring Must Haves: White Tees

Step Lightly into Spring: Flats (Part 3/5)

Shopping Sucks!

Ready for the Weekend: Sequin Dress

Spring Must Haves: Satchels

Step Lightly into Spring: Flat Boots (Part 2/5)

Ready for the Weekend: Patio Dress

POLL: How Much Of Your Wardrobe Do You Actually Use?

Spring Must Haves: Print Blouses

Travel Too….Southeast Asia: Three Essentials

Step Lightly Into Spring: Wedges (Part 1/5)

Pretty Storage Options

Shopbop Sale & Spring Style

Style Challenge: I’m a Professional Who Wants to Push the Limits

How To Pack for ‘Hot & Humid’

How To Do A Style Menage a Trois

The Vastness of Denim

My Top Ten Favorite Style Blogs

Send us a message