Colorblocking is a fashion technique that involves combining two or more solid colors to create a fashion statement and, to do it, right, there are a few basic rules to adhere to. If you know me then you know I love a good list! There are a few ways color blocking can go off-the-rails but if you follow just a few fashionable insights, you can level up your style statements on a regular. I’m going to share a step-by-step list
It’s happening, slowly! I was trying to think of the best way to do it amidst writing a new book – for men – and I couldn’t figure it out until recently. I stumbled upon a new platform – well, new to me LOL – and it was the perfect way to share the updates as they become available instead of holding each piece until everything was ready. So without further ado, here is the first update from my original,
Another must-have for busy professionals is a CRISP WHITE SHIRT. Simple, right? Anyone who knows me or any client who has worked with me knows I am a supporter/proponent/closet whisperer/advocate of the white button-down shirt. I’ve even recently published the updated excerpt, The White Shirt, from my latest book, The Creatives’ Closet! But, I digress…. The white shirt is AWESOME 😎 because it can go from day to date night, work to weekend, home to overseas without missing a beat
Apparently, El Nino will be ‘in the house’ this year! If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a quick refresher: El Niño is the climate pattern that warms up water in the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years. It can simultaneously lead to excessive rainfall and severe drought in different regions, particularly the tropics, AND because climate change exacerbates its effects, it can cause extreme heat. There’s a lot more to that story but, it means you can expect a hotter-than-usual summer
While you may still be left with a few items you’re unsure about, this 10-step Declutter Your Closet Cheat Sheet will get you 90% there! Get ready for more control with your closet, and more happiness with your looks! Here’s your ticket to closet freedom!
The saying is, “You are what you wear!“… or something along those lines! The moment you get dressed in the morning, you should feel confident and ready to face the day. If you’re not feeling that way, there’s a problem. You should turn around and head back into the closet immediately. The reality is that you are what you wear will influence your mood in one way or another. The old saying that advises us to “Dress for the job
I asked newsletter readers what they needed to know and what I heard [from the ladies] was, “I need just the must-haves,”, “I’m a woman of a certain age so, just style not fashion,”, “What are the great basics?”,”I’m going minimalist,”, and “I need items on repeat”…. The answer to ALL of these is this downloadable style guide on the 14 perfect power pieces! Start here – and I guarantee you’ll be in great shape to go from desk to
We’re all looking for easy ways to transition back-to-work whether virtual or #IRL (in real life). This guide provides some key general and style tips that will make it better…which is what we ALL need! Grab this downloadable style guide to get back to work!
Problem: For whatever reason, my weight fluctuates, so what can I buy regardless of my weight? Solution: Choose wisely + make stretchy materials your bestie! The full solution is a touch more difficult because it depends where the weight fluctuation is and how much it is. If we’re talking more than 2 sizes then even stretchy materials cannot be your solution. But if we’re talking 5 or 10 lbs then this post has you covered. Before I share your solution
So says WaPo, most financial indicators, and ‘the streets’! Jean sales have been on the decline for the last five years but the pandemic added another nail to the coffin. Athleisure, conversely, is doing much better! True Religion, Lucky Brand and G-Star RAW have declared bankruptcy since April The parent company of Joe’s Jeans and Hudson Jeans filed for Chapter 11 protection in May In July, Levi’s posted a 62% [plummet] in second-quarter revenue and announced plans to cut 15%
Problem: I’m a ‘team player’ and using the disposable mask but they don’t make me feel stylish. Is there a mask that is functional but fashionable too? Solution: This is an easy one because you just need to get something that works for you! The best facial masks to own have a few features in common…. you can breathe in them when worn properly they stay up without you having to hold it in place it shows your personality it’s
Working moms lead many lives…not to mention their own so nailing their own personal style can get dismissed! This downloadable style guide gives working moms their must-haves along with a lot of other insights critical to looking good and feeling great. Enjoy!
Problem: After 100+ days of living in sweats/leggings, I’ve got to go back to work (3 days/week) but I’m not even sure what I need to wear or have in my closet. Solution: Easing back into your kinda everyday work life after living in leggings/sweats + tee can be touch! You can do it in 7 steps!! [Sounds crazy but…start showering everyday and getting up at a decent hour] Pick-up your drycleaning – it’s been 100+ days and you never know what
Problem: You’ve tried sooooo many options but none of the shirts quite meet the ‘perfect” standard. What is THE perfect white shirt? Solution: There are lots of options out there….but some are too loose, too fitted, not long enough, not classic enough but this white button down is tried-and-true-and-PERFECT! STOP complaining that it costs more than your other shirts because if you add up the costs of all those others, this one cost less than that! Invest in looking awesome so
I’m not sure when I came to admit it but I’ve had a longstanding love affair with denim for as long as I can remember! I thought it happened when I became an entrepreneur in the early 2000s and got to see how flexible it was but no. I thought maybe it happened when I purchased my first pair of $200+ jeans in Philadelphia with my friend Natalie back in the mid-90s but no. I wondered if it was when
It’s the start of the year and everyone is either thinking about how to dig out of the ‘holiday spending’ ditch or where to spend their holiday loot! For folks who are in the former, we have seven things to avoid purchasing if money is tight…. Any type of “dry clean” only clothing Anything you may already own (but just want a nicer/newer version) Items that require tailoring…so this should eliminate a lot since most of us are not form-size!
Winter is coming!! According to Accuweather and The Farmer’s Almanac, this winter is supposed to be super harsh for the Midwest and East Coast…..which means that one of the main keys to staying warm is starting with a thin layer! My favorites are the smartwool crewneck tee and mid 250 bottoms ~ they are thin, lay flat and are the right length to avoid bulking up!! BOOM!
….continuing from the morning report…. We discussed the first two and here are the remaining two keys to uniform dressing: Determine the silhouette that complements your body shape and that make you the most comfortable Look for pieces that share the same cut – that does NOT mean go out and buy 10 of the same item!!! Try variations in color, texture, detailing Keep it year-round by switching fabrics (wool/cashmere vs cotton/linen); and layering accordingly Mix and match as often
There is a key to looking stylish while staying warm and layering…. There are three layers you need to consider: Moisture Insulation Weather The first layer is about managing moisture and wicking sweat ~ you know what it’s like to put on so much that you’re actually sweating before you leave the house, right? That’s wrong! This layer should be thin and fitted like silk in the form of undies, tights, tees, etc. The second layer should be focused on
So simply put – all leather is not created equally! To keep this education simple, there are four types of leather: Top grain Full grain Split/genuine leather Bonded leather Top grain leather just means its been corrected in some way. Any leather with the entire grain intact (and not corrected) is called full grain and is typically your most expensive leather. Leather that has been split from the grain and is the bottom part of the leather is called split
This could be my new favorite white shirt. It’s made of poplin so not quite as stiff as your typical shirt and it has a point collar. Icing on this cake : it’s machine washable! Right length, right subtly relaxed fit and right price — BOOM! I want to say “thank me” but it’s really Everlane….
DOWNLOAD this RESOURCE GUIDE! We’re just 3 weeks into summer and if you’re like me, you’ve planned a few beach getaways! Sand, sun, surf, bikinis and cool breezes…. I want you to look fabulous, think about a strong, fruit mixed drink and a few final squats or crunches before you hit the beach. Here’s a quick n’ dirty resource guide to get what you need without any fuss: Flip flops – most under $10!! Sunglasses – most under $60 (men’s)
It’s summer and one of the easiest ways to keep cool is with lighter colors and moisture-wicking fabrics….enter the little white dress. I’ve managed to accumulate a few and this year, I had to let most of them go because of weight (booo!) and they weren’t the crisp white anymore. So I went on the hunt for some new ones – – – that would work for everyday throw-n-go, one that would be perfect for date night, and then that
During my trip to Hawaii, I packed my J.Crew nightshirt and decided it was one of the most perfect pieces….and not only because it work nicely when I got locked out of my room!!! And now as I get ready for holiday house guests, I’m finding this piece to work equally as well to transition from bed to morning coffee with family (+ some leggings too). That said, I am equally in love with this J.Crew grosgrain pajama set –
Beauty is all about the little niceties that get us to age more gracefully…..which items are your favorite?! The Escentric Molecules scent is at the top of my list…with the Oribe Gold Lust set in a close second. Check out the items and click below to get the link for whatever you want!!! We also added a few other must-haves to consider…. [show_boutique_widget id=”513759″]
Washington, DC Metro Area
barnettm@blueprintforstyle.com
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