Do NOT be fooled, the secret is simple….but no one wants to share! Remember when your mom asked you to make a list of what you wanted for your birthday, or your sibling asked for your Holiday Wish List? The concept was simple: create a list that focused your lust!! A set of pre-determined [and hopefully well though out] items keeps the wandering eye in check. As a stylist, I create an Essentials Shopping List for each client because it
It’s not a really big deal so don’t frown your nose at it…dressing using the same pieces can be a great thing! I know you secretly want to be “cali boho” one day and “ultra-fem, uptown sophisticate” the next but, for the average joe or jane, your wardrobe should consist, in large part, of similar items. As humans, we’re creatures of habit so once you find something that looks great (which is different from “….was available in multiple colors”) then
We’ve got more for you well for the fellas. We’ve already given the ladies the 9 Websites to Bookmark for Bad *ss Duds! so we had to have something for the guys…. We compiled 7 Websites to Put on Speed Dial – guys don’t need a ton of stuff (neither do women either…side eye!) but you want the ability to choose great stuff. These are seven websites that present a spectrum of casual to professional and desk to date night.
I’ve lived all over the world albeit mostly in the United States once I was “of age” but even in my travels, I am drawn to how different people do “casual”. Head to the left coast and casual is undoubtedly based on yoga pants and the like. Run to the east coast and the backbone of casual is denim. Down south casual seems to look a little more dressed up and for the ladies, it can be more dresses and
Part I: Let’s start with the easy stuff….. It could be termed “psychological warfare” because cleaning your closet can really take it out of you! Although not the simplest task, Blueprint for Style has created a 10-step surefire process in two parts to “Declutter Your Closet“! The download provides useful style insights along with a step-by-step process to gain control of your closet and get back a little space in the process! You may not realize it immediately but, this is
As part of your effort to look put together at all times and Blueprint for Style’s desire to help, we’re continuing to share key tips to look effortlessly chic without a lot of hassle – and use your current closet! Step 2: fit is king…..what I remind every client I have is that regardless of what you pay for your items, if they don’t fit right it won’t work. You must know what to highlight and what to hide, and
You wanna be stylish right? You wanna look like your chic isn’t overplayed or took too long right? You wanna look put together right? Across the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing a key styling tip to use to look put together using your own closet! Step 1: focus on the details…..most times it’s that little scarf or flourish added to the shirt, the sunglasses that fit the face perfectly, the way the sleeves are rolled up [there is an
Here is the definitive list of how to get your holiday shopping done without pulling out all of your hair or ‘losing your shirt’ at that sale…. Let’s be clear: according to the National Retailers Federation, Americans spend an average of $404 each Thanksgiving weekend. Where do you fall- a little below or way above?! Answer this question: how much do you want/have to spend? This is the BIG question! Make a list of what you want Revisit your Lust List.
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
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,
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
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
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.
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
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
So here were 2014’s Goals & Intentions…. This year’s aspirations are about financial freedom, style curation (of course), and focus….. Three spend-free months (no clothing or accessories): January, June, and November Reduce debt by $10,000: I have accumulated debt for my business as well as personal debt but it’s debt nonetheless and I don’t like it Spring cleaning for the blog: April will be a site overhaul Clothing conversation transformed: still in love with my navy, camel and red theme.
I’m in love with that invention called denim just as much as the next girl (or guy) but we all need a quick reminder of when rocking denim can be inappropriate. Is there ever a time when denim doesn’t work? I found six occasions: At a job interview (unless it’s a The Gap) At a wedding At a funeral At any important work function Meeting the in-laws To workout Did I miss anything? If so, share! Don’t forget to
One of the topics I discuss in my book is the percentage or amount of clothing that should stay in your closet at a certain age ~ simply put, the older you get, the less movement in and out of your closet. There are summer clothes that, regardless of age or stage or stylishness, need to be put away as we move into fall. Let’s start with: Swimsuits Linen clothing White eyelet Sundresses Strappy sandals Cotton footwear (espadrilles, etc.) Lightweight,
As I learn, you learn…. So, if you’ve ever worn your heels all night and got home to some ‘dogs that were kickin’ and screamin‘ then this styling tip is for you! Grab some medical tape and wrap the third and fourth toes together. Apparently, there is a nerve between those toes that can be aggravated and causes pain. Add this tidbit to your knowledge of how to walk in heels and… Done…now let’ rock those impossibly high heels we
The job market is more competitive than ever, but if you’re looking for employment, one of your biggest challenges is to find a way to differentiate yourself in a sea of applicants. What I said to a recent group of Armed Services veterans during a recent training session is that, “I can help you with your visual resume but the rest is up to you!” Let Blueprint for Style help you stand out in a crowd with a visual resume
I’m not a travel snob but I do believe there’s a certain level of appropriateness you should aim for… ok, seriously “aim high”! I was moving through the Baltimore airport and was just….disappointed to say the least. I know its 5am but you had to know you were getting up early to get here, right? Maybe it’s because it’s BWI as opposed to so e other more metropolitan or sexy airport….. yeah- let’s go with that although I secretly don’t
I’m a big fan of TopShelf Clothes (indeed I even talk about them in my book, Without Saying A Word) so when they asked for my insights on “spring cleaning”, I jumped at the opportunity! Spring cleaning is all about getting ready so let’s get ready to be more stylish!! Warm weather seems to come out of nowhere, and while it’s a pleasant change, it also leaves you scrounging your bedroom for last season’s clothing. {original phot removed} I’ve got
Why only seven habits? Because the average person starts to unravel after seven items and it also made sense to keep it “doable”. Why 27 years old? Because it’s the age that many young ladies and men start to think they’re the ish and are finally making their own money – and many choose this time to go crazy! I can’t stop the socialization process but I can help to counter it. Seasonal wardrobe budget – this is the biggest money/budget saver so you
This is the last in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. This last session is focused on the tidbits to go after the items you want, and have them for awhile. Fabric – if it’s something you love, stick to cotton, silk, denim and wool. With cheaper or synthetics, you never truly know what you’re going to get Location, location, location – if you’re purchasing an “investment” item, stick to reputable places and places you know well. You
This is the third in a four part series around building your ideal wardrobe. By now, you’ve done an initial wardrobe assessment, spent a Saturday (or Sunday) purging your closet to get down to those most useful items and elements. This third section will work as a “purge” as well but will come as a result of you having a better understanding of your style personality. Let’s start by answering these 9 questions: [if it takes you more than 5 seconds
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