Fashion Archives | Blueprint for Style

Etiquette

five travel essentials

I’ll keep it simple because whether you’re a travel OG or newbie, there are some items that you’ll find incredibly helpful and, dare I say, almost essential…. beauty bag ~ [guys need this too] depending on the length of the flight, something to keep the moisture in your face, moisturizer/SPF in one [it’s clear so no ashiness], an all-in-one makeup solution, and a moisturizer that works for any body part —-> the theme for travel is moisture retention! overnight bag ~ while I

2019/03/09

Fashion

buenos aires is calling me!

Truth be told, Buenos Aires is not really calling me – but it did call for one of my besties so, being the great friend that I am, I’m answering by looking for a plane ticket, planning for lots of Malbec and steak, and putting together my outfits for the trip. A few things to note before/for outfit planning: the flight is 10+ hours the average temp will be low to mid 80s (yippee!) they are known for Malbec and steak!

2019/01/18

Accessories

my three morning style must-haves

Technically, the list could be very long but I can whittle it down to just three morning style must-haves when I’m traveling or on vacation: The goal is to wake up [refreshed] and head to breakfast looking like you ‘woke up like this‘ so a quick dress that says laidback cool, tousled hair to make the just-woke-up-thing real, and a clean face because sleep in the eye and random makeup isn’t pretty. Ready for lights- camera – action!! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”3165759″]

2018/06/14

Fashion

christmas in florida

Yet another 2017 holiday that will be a little different than previous ones ~ this year’s Christmas will be celebrating in Florida. Having grown up in Buffalo, NY, it’s a bit difficult to conceptualize a Christmas/holiday without snow, not to mention cold weather! So what do you pack to be festive but stay cool when the temp is mid 70s & sunny?! I’m thinking of a look like this…. Below are options to make it happen! [show_shopthepost_widget id=”2936587″]

2017/12/04

Fashion

travel must-have: compression socks

I swear by these for any flight over four hours…now! Compression socks are what a lot of flight attendants and pilots rock for overseas flights and even coast-to-coast travel. Some lady popped hers on during a recent left-to-east coast flight so, I asked her about them and she raved on for three minutes. I decided to give them a try because I’m the window seat person who tries to get up just once during a flight so, circulation and swelling

2017/07/26

Fashion

travel with packing cubes

First off – although I have used packing cubes before, I wasn’t ‘all in’ and ceased using them some time ago. Enter Julia, stage left, who just returned from Cuba and a few other choice locations, and she swears by them now. So clearly I needed to check them out again and I doubled-down with these Eagle Creek clean dirty cubes that allow you to put clean items in one side and dirty in the other, or just use both

2017/07/18

Accessories

Tiny Chic Travel Essentials [downloadable]

DOWNLOADABLE GUIDE The list is endless and while I can think of more than 50 items to add to the list, keep it simple with some absolute, non-negotiable must-haves that have even been vetted by some pilots and flight attendants! These items are focused on those of us who don’t have a private jet [yet] but who still manage to soar the friendly skies regularly enough. The goal is to keep it simple but make it effective!! Here’s your quick

2017/07/17

Etiquette

travel in style & luggage-free

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”2332092″] Time is money (and who wants to waste it waiting for luggage). If you travel then use Dufl, the service that cleans, stores and delivers your wardrobe to your hotel. BOOM! For $9.95/month and a nominal per trip surcharge, you can arrive in style, have your cleaned clothing delivered, and leave at the end of the week knowing your work clothes will be ready for the next business outing when you are! Excited to give them a try

2017/01/23

Fashion

Matchbook Travel Memories

I can’t take credit for it although I’ve been doing it for a while but…..Afar, an online travel magazine, shared an article about the beauty of collecting matchbooks throughout your travels, and the stories they can tell! My collection isn’t nearly as extensive but it’s inexpensive, colorful, and easy to carry back! Perhaps a new way to start sharing your travels with friends?!

2016/06/03

Fashion

Travel Like A Man….With This Suitcase!

“This is it!” The music is playing in the background when you get a whiff of your new travel duffle suitcase by Wool & Oak. It’s not even available in retail stores yet BUT you can be one of the first to have it – and for under $300!! Why get this? Because when you see the guy next to you with it, you’ll be pissed. Now, it isn’t for every guy but for the well-heeled and well-traveled, this could represent

2016/02/24

Accessories

Roadtrip Part 3: Headed to Duck, NC for #SoulRetreat

Duck, NC worked wonders! In spite of a 4 hour, 30 minute trip there (back was grueling since it started to snow……), I returned home relaxed and in a better #headspace. While I had originally planned to go as a way to rack up miles on the Toyota Highlander and do some work, it turned out to be the perfect opportunity to be open and receptive to what was to come and how to prepare for it. Add this to

2016/01/25

Etiquette

Roadtrip Part 2: To Road Trip or Not?

I was keen on road tripping because Toyota gave me a new 2016 Highlander Limited for my “Dress for Success” seminar in Burlington, NJ on Martin Luther King Jr Day….yes, I was called to work! The moms of Jack & Jill’s Burlington Willingboro, NJ Chapter were sponsoring an event for disadvantaged women in the area. Speakers shared insight on financial management, managing stress, exercise essentials and, of course, dressing for success. My cold early morning departure was made a little

2016/01/22

Fashion

Roadtrip Part 1: Preparing for The Roadtrip Makes The Trip Better!

I packed light using my Lo & Sons OG #travel bag and fit ALL of this: Beauty bag with just the essentials: Josie Maran argan oil, Orlane serum super hydratant, Caudalie overnight detox oil, SKii mask, and Davi Napa le grand cru cream [show_shopthepost_widget id=”1344624″] Day 2 outfit: DL1961 skinny cargos, tee, All Saints Itat shrug, and camo scarf Pajamas and undies including my Free People knee-high socks Laptop and tech peripherals Magazines: Harper’s Bazaar and O Longchamp travel

2016/01/21

Fashion

My New Essential Travel Companion: Steamer

I’m always at-the-ready when it comes to travel. While my girlfriend, Julia, manages to pack do-da’s for every possible situation including impromptu blogger meetups, there is one thing I haven’t seen her pull out but that has become my constant companion, the steamer. My best friend Deb bought me my very first one…and I still have it. I don’t like to iron and, in fact, I’m sure I would end up doing my harm than good if I used it however, the

2015/12/19

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!!

2015/09/23

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

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

Fashion

Bangkok, Thailand: What They Wear

Technically, right now is the beginning of the hot season (March to June) and we’re leaving the cool season (November to February) so balmy weather in the 90s in the prevailing tone….love it after the #snowoverit in Washington, DC. That said, Bangkokian are an amazingly humble people so, as you walk the streets and ride the metro/BTS train, you will not see lots of ‘pomp and circumstance’ but rather lots of color and warm weather clothing. Three style trends I’ve

2015/03/10

Fashion

Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand

I’m not even gong to bore you with the nonsense that transpires upon my arrival to Bangkok. Suffice it to say that I am here! I slept like my life depended on it and that what it felt like after being up for almost 36 hours…. So today was Sunday and that means it’s all about the Chatuchak/Jatujak Market ~ which is open on Saturdays and Sundays and houses everything from pots, pans, shorts, food, t-shirts, cutlery, leather bags, glassware,

2015/03/09

Travel Destinations: Mexico City, Charleston, Savannah

Not sure there’s a theme to today’s travel destinations. Having been to Mexico City several times, I’ve fallen in love with it a bit. There’s culture but also a wonderful sophisticated grittiness that makes it appeal to any urban dweller. And then South Carolina is one of those states that requires you eat your way through it…. Mexico City ~ the city has over 170 official museums and the Zocalo is where you’d find me; and they have all of the

2014/09/17

Travel Like A Pro

I want to be the perfect travelista every time I’m on-the-road ~ that includes arriving at the airport with just enough time to get through security and to my gate but not so much time that I’m looking for something to do; with my one bag and carry-on that contains everything I need to look awesome but not so much that I’m annoyed when I find something and can’t fit it in my luggage; and, of course, looking and feeling

2014/09/10

Fashion

Travel: With Visa or Without?

This is a great mini-refresher for all the #travelers – a recap of which countries require a visa and which ones don’t need it. Quick facts: much of mainland Europe doesn’t require a visa – the cost of visas can go upwards of $160 – Oceania doesn’t require visas just completion of forms – some visas last for ten years… You can read the entire article on Cónde Nast Traveler…

2014/05/28

travel. men's furnishings, accessories case

Fashion

MANly Monday: Keep It Together

Men need to keep it together better. And what better way to do it than with an accessories case?! Forget a separate watch holder, place for your cufflinks, and something to hold your other extras. Problem/annoyance solved! This shearling-lined and leather-trimmed accessories case is manly but soft enough to carry your “finer” goods. Get yours…now. Available: ahalife, $180

2014/05/26

Fashion

MANly Monday: Travel in Style

Ey chaps! It’s that time of year when you’re hitting the road either with family, your significant other, or just doing the annual boys trip to….(no comment). Or maybe it’s just ramped up travel for work. Either way, you need/want to arrive in style and ready to hit the ground running if need be. A quick change at the airport or in your hotel room can happen if you’re carrying the sullivan shirt pack. This genius contraption made of canvas

2014/05/19

Dresses & Outfits

Essential Vacation Piece: Dress

When I saw this, I was immediately transported to a beach….with thoughts of strolling a beach, sunning on an oversized beach chair, and sipping a pina colada. This Saladin capsleeve dress is made using hand made embroidery. The only thing that is missing is a large floppy sunhat. note: this dress fits narrow across the chest so for larger busts, size up two sizes….

2014/05/14

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

five travel essentials

buenos aires is calling me!

my three morning style must-haves

christmas in florida

travel must-have: compression socks

travel with packing cubes

Tiny Chic Travel Essentials [downloadable]

travel in style & luggage-free

Matchbook Travel Memories

Travel Like A Man….With This Suitcase!

Roadtrip Part 3: Headed to Duck, NC for #SoulRetreat

Roadtrip Part 2: To Road Trip or Not?

Roadtrip Part 1: Preparing for The Roadtrip Makes The Trip Better!

My New Essential Travel Companion: Steamer

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

Travel Too….Southeast Asia: Three Essentials

How To Pack for ‘Hot & Humid’

Bangkok, Thailand: What They Wear

Day 1: Bangkok, Thailand

Travel Destinations: Mexico City, Charleston, Savannah

Travel Like A Pro

Travel: With Visa or Without?

MANly Monday: Keep It Together

MANly Monday: Travel in Style

Essential Vacation Piece: Dress

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