Goodbye 2014 // Hello 2015

I must say...  I'm thrilled with how far Style-Blueprint has come over the past year.  A name change, total site redesign, more frequency in posting, improved photography, and now close to 200 blog posts, oh not to mention more followers!  Above are 12 of my favorite posts, one from each month.  Click on the picture to be directed to each post.  Which look from 2014 was your favorite?

Thank you, thank you for following along!  Happy New Year!  

Love,

Kristy   

Denim on Denim

Happy {almost} New Year!  Sorry I haven't posted since last week.  Those dang Holidays can be pretty hectic, you know?  But I hope your's was fabulous!

I'll be quick today... I wanted to share this recent look: Denim on Denim with a slouchy knit sweater and nude pumps.  Pretty basic, but trying to add a bit of dimension with the dueling denims.  In my opinion, if you're going to mix denim, I suggest going for an obvious contrast (i.e. don't mix 2 washes that are very similar in color).   Though who knows, maybe the Canadian tuxedo will be in style for 2015?

I have lots of new posts coming next year, so stay tuned!  Don't forget to follow along via Instagram.

Link Ups: the Fashion Canvas  //  Pumps and Pushups  //  

OUTFIT DETAILS 

sweater: Banana Republic Factory Shaker-Knit Sweater  //  top: Madewell Perfect Chambray, similar wash here, first seen here  //  jeans: Jessica Simpson, last seen here  //  purse: LV  //  shades: Burberry  //  heels: Enzo Angiolini 'Call Me Leather', last seen here  //  

A Laid Back Look

Taking things down a notch today with this 'laid back' look.  Lately (especially on weekends), I've been gravitating towards more casual looks, finished with these Chuck Taylors, which I snagged on sale at the new Assembly Row Outlets.  These kicks are comfortable, cute and, lets face it, classic.  These babies will never go out of style.  What is your go-to piece for a laid back look?  

Merry Christmas!  Don't forget to follow along through the Holidays via Instagram!  

Link Ups:  Style to Inspire  //  Style Elixir  //          

OUTFIT DETAILS 

top: J.Crew Factory Classic Button-Down in Tuckered Gingham  //  vest: J.Crew Factory Novelty Quilted Puffer in Herringbone, last seen here  //  pants: Loft Outlet, similar here  //  beanie: old, similar here for only $4!  //  purse: Tory Burch, similar here  //  shades: Ray Ban Aviators in black, on sale!  //  kicks: Chuck Taylor Classic via Converse Outlet  //  lips: MAC Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Flat Out Fabulous'  //  

Color on Cape

Well, Christmas will be here in only 3 days!  So I wanted to share this festive red & white cape with you today.  It screams "Holiday Season" with the Red and White palette, and pops of other colors like purple, blue, grey, tan...   It is a fun and easy way to transform a casual outfit into a statement look.  Check out how last week I styled a nude leather trim cape here. The cape is perfect for those last minute shopping excursions when you don't want to be weighted down by a heavy puffer...  Plus, the cape is light-weight (aka.. easy to throw over your arm while you are breaking into a sweat after running through massive crowds into a dozen different stores searching for that perfect last minute gift.)  I love Christmas Shopping.  Believe it or not, I actually enjoy being in the mall at 10 pm on a Sunday evening.  I was there last night and the Sunday prior....       

Speaking of last minute gifts, check out my under $50 gift guide.  Lots of stores (like Nordstrom) are still guaranteeing delivery by Christmas Eve.. so its never too late!  Happy Shopping.   

Link Ups:  Fizz and Frosting  //  The Fashion Canvas  //  

OUTFIT DETAILS 

cape: Sheinside Red and Black Asymmetrical Wool Blend Cape, similar Topshop Blanket Cape  //  jeans: Joe's Boyfriend Slim Leg Jeans  //  sweater: Michael Kors, last worn here, very similar here  //  shoes: DV by Dolce Vita  'Lex' Loafter (on sale!)  //  purse: Michael Kors Selma Satchel (old), similar white-tan-black option  //  lips: Lancome Rouge In Love 'Fiery Attitude'  //  shades: Burberry

Plaid

Happy Friday!  I'm so glad the weekend is finally upon us.  I have some final Christmas presents to find this weekend, then my shopping will be officially done.  Can you believe Christmas is less than a week away?  Have a fabulous weekend!  Don't forget to follow along via Instagram!

Link Ups: Style Elixir  //  Penniless Socialite  //  Rachel the hat  //  two thirty five designs  //  We Took the Road Less Traveled  //  The Fashion Canvas

OUTFIT DETAILS 

sweater: 424 Fifth (on sale!)  //  jeans: Jessica Simpson Rockin' Curvy Bootcut Jeans  //  necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar here  //  lips: MAC 'Viva Glam III'  //  shades: Burberry  //  beanie: J.Crew Factory  //  heels: Nine West UGoGirl  //   purse: Tory Burch (old), very similar here  //

the Cape

Hey all!  Sorry I've been slacking on the new post front lately.  I find it very difficult to find time (i.e. sunlight!) this time of year to photography my recent looks.  Luckily, I was able to snap some pictures over the weekend and I'll be sharing the rest of those looks with you real soon...

So I hope you enjoy this first look of this week.  I simply adore this cape but literally haven't worn it since this post nearly 2 years ago.  I wanted to keep with a neutral color palette: black, beige + white.  I added a bit of dimension by layering this black + white striped top with this black short sleeve dress.  Though the dress maybe could be a bit longer, the over-the-knee boots provide the necessary balance, while minimizing the amount of 'leg' showing.  And the leopard clutch?  Well that just ties the entire look together!  If you like stripes, you could opt for a striped long sleeve dress, like this one for only $34.  Happy Styling!   ...and Don't forget to follow along via Instagram

Link Ups:  Style Elixir  //  Fizz and Frosting  //  Because Shanna Said So  //  Pumps and Pushups  //  Cappuccino and Fashion  //  Tucker Up  //  the Fashion Canvas  //  Life & Style Linkup  //  Style to Inspire  //  the Pleated Poppy  

OUTFIT DETAILS 

cape: Calvin Klein (old, last seen here), similar black option here, love this grey hooded option  //  dress: Leith V-neck Dress (last seen here), similar here  //  top: Nordstrom Rack (last seen here), similar here & here  //  boots: Ivanka Trump Sarena Over the Knee Boots (first seen here), also available here (on sale!)  //  shades: Ray-Ban Aviators  //  collar: ASOS (old), similar large here,  smaller here  //  lips: Mac Retro Matte Lipstick in 'Flat Out Fabulous'  //  purse: Clare V. Foldover Clutch in Leopard (25% off today)

Midi Minute

Guess what!  This dress comes in burgundy!   I'm thinking it would be pretty much perfect for your next holiday soiree.  And at only $52, you can't go wrong.  Simply throw a fur vest or a festive cape over the dress - like this plaid cape or this plaid fringe number - and you're set!   I'd even opt for some cute high heeled leather or suede booties - like these babies - to finish the look.  Happy Styling!

Link Ups:  Cappuccino and Fashion  //  the Pleated Poppy  //  Pumps and Pushups  //  Tucker Up  //  Style Elixir  //  Penniless Socialite  //  the Fashion Canvas  

OUTFIT DETAILS 

dress: Leith Long Sleeve Midi Dress  //  vest: T.J.Maxx, similar here and here  //  heels: Enzo Angiolini Call me Leather Pumps  //  purse: Michael Kors, (old) similar here  //  necklace: J.Crew Factory, similar here  //  lipstick: MAC 'media'

Shoulder Shrug

I'm channeling some major lumberjack vibes today...  

I'm not sure how to categorize this top: a jacket? a shrug? a jack-rug? a shru-cket?  Either way, it works!  

OUTFIT DETAILS 

jacket: Olive & Oak Oversized Coat via Lord & Taylor  //  top:  Alternative Knit Long Sleeve Top  //  jeans: Hudson Nico Super Skinny  //  purse: Michael Kors, similar here  //  shades: Ray-Ban Aviators         

LINKUPS: 

the Fashion Canvas  //  Walking in Memphis in High Heels  //  Style Elixir 

Mix It Mondays: Summer Shorts in Winter

Hey Everyone!  Today I'm co-hosting a Linkup called Mix It Mondays.  The theme?  Show how you remixed something in your wardrobe!  It can literally be anything.  This was the perfect opportunity for me to share how I remixed these shorts from a few months back.  If you remember back to these posts here and here, I shared how to transition these silky/linen babies from summer to fall.  Now, I want to show you that you can wear shorts, skirts or even skorts, through the winter months just by finding the right accessories.  I opted for this textured sweater, tights and super cute heels (also new and also on sale!).  And though depending on where you live shorts may not be available in stores, many great online retailers still have great selections:  ASOS, the Loft, Nordstrom, etc.  These red silk shorts would be perfect for Holiday Parties!  

What do you think about how I remixed these shorts?

Link Ups: the Pleated Poppy  //  Style Elixir 

OUTFIT DETAILS 

shorts: Loft, old but similar here or  army green  //  sweater: Philosophy Textured Crew Neck Sweater via T.J.Maxx  //  heels: Nine West UGoGirl, on sale!  //  tights: Merona Opaque tights via Target  //  shades: Ray-Ban Aviators  //  purse: Michael Kors, old, similar here and on sale  //  lips: Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour in 'Muse'      

Now I'd love to see how you're remixing your wardrobe!
Fizz & Frosting (Bloglovin') / Style-Blueprint (Bloglovin')

Linkup Rules:

1. Follow your host Fizz and Frosting (via Bloglovin' or Instagram) and your co-host, Kristy of Style-Blueprint (via Bloglovin' or Instagram)
2. Share a post, showing how you remixed an item - a top, skirt, jeans, purse, shoes -- it's completely up to you! Want to share a collage? Go for it!
3. Link back to this post with a text link or by sharing the linkup button!
4. We'd love for you to tweet using #MixItMon so we can help promote your posts!

Want to co-host in the future? Please email Lauren at lauren@fizzandfrosting.com and use the subject MIX IT MONDAYS!

Kerry and Jeff's Wedding Invitations

Today I'd like to share something very special with you... these custom invitations I designed for my Sister, Kerry's, wedding...  

In keeping with the Wedding's color scheme, yellow & navy blue, I decided to only use navy blue in the flat card (border/backer).  Kerry & Jeff wanted to keep the invitations light and modern, with clean lines.  I feared navy text would make the invitations feel too heavy.  So instead, I added a warm grey text to balance out the yellow.  I incorporated large ampersands and simple grey lines to add a bit of graphic interest.  In total, I used 3 different fonts: a cursive, a plain text and a bold, decorative font.

Last winter, Kerry, my mom and I took a 'Wedding Workshop' at the Paper Source in Lynnfield, where we learned how to emboss, line envelopes, custom stamp, etc..  So with our helpful new skills and new tools (envelope liner template and bone folder to make those creases perfect), Kerry and my Mom lined all of the envelopes with yellow and white chevron wrapping paper!  (Yes, wrapping paper from T.J.Maxx - a major price saver.)  They came out fabulous!

Kerry & Jeff really wanted to keep all information for guest concise and compact.  They were all about convenience for their guest.  Their main focus was to make sure everyone had a fun, hassle-free experience, from start to finish. (hence the "Wanna Dance?" on the RSVP card.)  I created a pocket on the back of the invitation to house the Accommodations card, RSVP card and RSVP envelope, so that guests didn't have to worry about misplacing all the importation information leading up the wedding.  The pocket was made from the same navy flat card cut in half on the diagonal so that we could net 2 pockets out of one card.  We then used a tape runner (also used to line the envelopes) to attach the "pocket" to the back of invitation's navy flat card.  

I did all of the printing "in-house" / with my own printer.  (I set up the files so that my dad could just hit the print button while Kerry, my mom and I worked on gluing the invitations to the navy flat card.)  I was even able to print directly on both the large envelopes (not pictured) and the RSVP envelopes to give the guests an even-more personalized, custom impression.

What do you think of the invitations?   Let me know in the comments section below.  

INVITATION DETAILS 

All Paper (except Chevron liners): Paper Source
Invitations Card: A7 in Luxe Cream
Flat Card (navy backer): A7 in Night
Envelope: A7 Envelope in Luxe Cream
Accommodations Card: A7 Enclosure in Luxe Cream
RSVP Card: A2 Note Card in Luxe Cream
RSVP Envelope: A2 Envelope in Luxe Cream
"Pocket": A7 in Night, cut in half on the diagonal