Blueprint for Style

She is fabulous! I use her as well as my husband on occasion — we’ve found her to be knowledgeable, professional and fun. We’ve referred others to her and they have a similar experience. She understand the difference between personal style and fashion, and works to get you to where YOU need to be versus to someplace that you can’t maintain. Extremely happy…

Monica helped refine my closet and sent me great recommendations for items I need to add, even going a little above and beyond what she said she would find for me.

I received the style package as a birthday present and wasn’t sure what to expect. I had a phone consultation and an in person meeting followed by a detailed style profile. I was very impressed with the attention to detail in my profile. Monica definitely captured my style and found just the right pieces for me. I needed a lot of guidance and had trouble articulating what I was looking for, and also didn’t have a lot of clothes in my closet. Despite that, Monica was able to identify my taste and recommend items which I loved. I now feel like I have the guidance I was lacking to shop and personalize my style, rather than picking clothes and stores at random. I’m looking forward to looking fabulous and feeling great!

My sister gave me a gift certificate for Monica’s services at Christmas– mostly because I was always complaining about my clothes, not liking my outfits, and not knowing my style! I was extremely nervous about the consultation session but Monica put me at ease right away and gave me so much helpful guidance. She was honest, straightforward, and we had a great dialogue. Very important for me because she did not only tell me what was or wasn’t working, but actually helped me to understand why and asked for my thoughts. I was so relieved to let go of things that were not working, and so grateful to get my follow-​up Style Profile with advice for dressing for my style along with specific items needed for my wardrobe and actual links with examples to help with shopping. Shopping is not going to be as confusing or painful anymore and I now know how to add a bit more edge and personality while staying within (but occasionally stepping out) of my comfort zone. Highly recommended — thanks Monica!

I highly recommend Monica! She is fun and insightful in her presentation and she gives good and honest feedback in one-​on-​one sessions. I also like the very tactical tools, references, product recommendations, and tips and tricks she provides. You basically leave her session with a fashion and style quick guide.

I can’t say enough about Monica’s wonderful service! I had met Monica at a presentation she gave about style at Georgetown. Her presentation was engaging and witty and very insightful compared to your standard «dress for success» presentation.
Realizing that I already had a decent start on my wardrobe, I decided that I would benefit more from her personalized service than I would from another program I was considering that offered a starter set of tailored shirts and suits, and boy was that a good call! After a brief phone consultation, my (now) spouse and I met her at Tyson’s Galleria to look around and get some one-​on-​one guidance. Her recommendations were not only spot on (and more importantly, spouse-​approved), but she made recommendations in my price range and within my budget. Now I have a much better idea of what looks good on me, what kind of cut and fit to look for, and what to buy next! ;)
Thank you so much for your personalized attention, Monica! I look forward to working with you again in the future!

Monica is awesome! She has an amazing energy and her passion for style is evident the moment you meet her. She’s patient, attentive and hardworking!

Monica provided professional dressing tips for members of the Fort Meade MD military who were separating from the military and planning their next career move. As the program director who has enlisted the services of several professional dress consultants I can categorically say I was impressed with her presentation for a couple of reasons. First, was her ability to take charge and seize the moment without being arrogant. This was an audience that was not overly keen about the idea of a fashion consulant but Monica’s dynamic interpersonal skills quickly neutralized such concerns. The second thing that impressed me was not just her command of subject matter but her ability to make the audience readily recognize why it was relevant to their needs and dreams. She used examples that they could readily relate to and soon the audience’s head nods and eye contact signaled full buy-​in. As I move forward assisting separating military members prepare for their next career I fully intend to continue inviting Blueprint for Style to provide professional dress information that my clients would not otherwise have access to.

I don’t consider myself stylish or trendy and I felt ok – not fabulous, not horrible — about what I was wearing and projecting outward. After hearing Monica speak I came home with a new understanding of what it meant to be stylish, it’s being intentional. I went home and donated quite a few armfuls of clothes due to her inspiration.
Monica doesn’t sell you on her services, the services sell themselves. She is down-​to-​earth, not patronizing (I was bracing myself when I mentioned that I still wore clothes from high school and yet she didn’t utter anything negative) like some other stylists that I’ve been acquainted with. She is friendly and funny, doesn’t make you self-​conscious and listens.
So far I hired Monica to help in styling for an event (she has multiple packages for your individual needs). It was phenomenal. I’ve never received so many compliments about my outfit and I felt great and confident in what I was wearing. I purchased a few outfits from the ones that she selected based on our initial consult, and each one has received compliments /​each time/​I wear it, and usually from multiple people at different times.
I highly recommend Blueprint for Style — I plan on utilizing her expertise and services in the future to help with my wardrobe. She accepts credit card, including American Express, and can do consulting virtually or in-​person.

Monica captivated me during a talk she gave to the Junior League of Washington. She spoke to a packed house, and we were all hanging on her every word! When I got home that night, I immediately scheduled sessions with her. Monica is, hands down, one of the most dynamic women in the DC area. She has such a strong grasp of what it takes to make others shine and how to help us understand what looks best and what doesn’t. I feel more stylish, put together, knowledgeable, and, as she’d say, «zesty» since working with her. I strongly suggest doing in-​person consultations with Monica to get the most fun and help, but you’ll be pleased with any type of engagement with her. She’s a true pro.

I first became acquainted with Monica Barnett’s Blueprint for Style image consulting service through a deal on Bloomspot. As I ended 2 years of wearing Army fatigues on a daily basis and returned to my civilian job, I found that I was sorely in need of a revamp of my style. Unfortunately, during my military service, I had also badly injured my ankle, which caused me to put away my running shoes for the foreseeable future and add on some unwanted pounds. And the injury meant no longer being able to spice up an outfit with a pair of cute heels.
I felt like a different person than the one who had not long before sported a closet full of small tops, size 6 to 8 slacks and heels galore. The idea of image consulting called out like a refuge to me during a time when I felt I had lost my former fashion sense.
I signed up for the 2-​hour consultation with Monica on-​site at the Periwinkle boutique’s National Harbor location. (Note: There are online consulting options offered, and other store selections available for appointments, but this was a quick drive from my home in Alexandria, and a good fit for my needs. I think the online consultations would be more useful as touchups for people who have already done the more thorough consults, or just need advice for a specific event or occasion.)
I was a little nervous at first, but Monica was fun and personable. I instantly felt less like a customer and more like I was getting excellent advice from a glamorous and trusted friend. We spoke about my goals for the appointment, and she asked questions and made copious notes to assist her in determining my personal style, and knowing which characteristics I wanted to highlight, and which I wanted to tone down.
Once she had those parameters established, she swept back into the store to gather appropriate clothing items and ensembles, dispensing them to me along with advice targeted to my specific needs. The process was a valuable experience for me, giving me the tools I needed to use beyond our consultation. The session wasn’t so much about her picking the outfits and telling me what I should wear, as it was a continual dialogue between us, where I experienced what worked for me and what didn’t and, most importantly, learned why.
I found out what the most flattering skirt length was for my figure, the perfect style to choose when buying jeans, and saw how wearing flats doesn’t have to be necessarily boring. I tried on everything from jewelry to the clothing to the shoes. In two hours’ time, I gained a wealth of information from which to build my new wardrobe into the future.
What impressed me most was how well Monica combined all of my fashion considerations, while still presenting me with a number of attractive, workable outfits that weren’t too hard on my budget. She chose a number of items from the sale racks, which meant I was able to walk out of the store with some choices I really liked, without the guilt of spending too much.
And don’t bothering worrying about stopping to record all of these tips and tricks of the trade during your consultation. Monica will follow up with a friendly email containing the notes from your session, just in case you’d like to refer back to them, and then introduce you to her blog, where you can continue your education in style.
I definitely plan to book another appointment with Blueprint for Style in the very near future and highly recommend it to anyone looking to upgrade their style.
Because of this appointment, I am beginning to break the old habits of only wearing black and neutral shades of shoes. I’m having fun introducing colorful scarves into my wardrobe and experimenting with new takes on old clothing items.
Now if I could just get back into my size 8’s…

Monica’s help with fitting has changed my life. She helped me realize that I have been dressing for someone else’s body. I am an interior designer so I thought I knew about color and style but Monica heard what I was asking for and helped me get a personal style that is exactly what I want. .
I love my no fuss, modern, feminine, chic look.
Monica is awesome!

Whether you are looking for that celebrity red carpet look or something that is just casually chic, Monica is your fashion fabulous godmother that will send you off to a ball (or the office) in style!
I had to perform for an awards show in Atlanta (I am a pianist) and I wanted a very chic, sophisticated and dramatic look. From the consultation to the final product Monica was attentive to my needs, she was detailed-​orientated, and she was able to exceed my expectations!
As part of my performance I had to walk down a red carpet and Monica was able to create a look that was on par with the other celebrities in attendance. (I actually got many compliments on my style from celebrities such as Blair Underwood and Aretha Franklin!) From my accessories, shoes, jewelry and even down to my spanx no fashion accessory/​garment was left unturned!
I would also like to mention that her customer service has to be one of the best in the business. From scheduling my appointments (hair, mani/​pedi, cleaners) to following up, she made me feel like no task was too big or small for her to accomplish.
I also truly enjoyed the small amenities that she provided. She provided me with tips on how to pose, food to eat before my performance, and lots of positive energy that helped with my nerves. She also made sure to include a handy checklist as well as a wonderful gift bag that was functional and I continue to use.
Monica is truly a curator of style and I am looking forward to working with her in the future! Check her out!

Believe it or not, Monica and I met on Facebook several years ago. Our first meeting was one of the best conversations I’ve ever had. I’m so proud of her and the outstanding business she’s built. Her corporate «upbringing» has set the stage for her strong business acumen and professionalism. Several stylists I’ve met don’t possess style and business savvy; Monica definitely does!
I highly recommend the Image Curator!

Monica is a purveyor and curator of style. Her style is edgy, fun and forward, but as a client, she works to bring out your own individual style!
Check out her new site too. It’s been updated with a Style Club, which brings you the newest deals in fashion and style.

As a fellow stylist/​blogger based out of New York, I can witness to the importance of an eye for detail and the knowledge of a man and woman’s body structure. It’s great to know all the brands that fashion has to offer, but more important to know how it fits on the body and with the personality. In following Monica’s blog, I am impressed by her level of professionalism and loyalty to the art of fashion. I grew up in D.C. noticing the need for a true expression of style and grace! Well, Monica has raised the bar and I would highly recommend her to any of my family or friends that desire that up-​close and personally-​detailed experience!

FINALLY, I can be fab! Okay, so I have never been able to dress. Sad, but true. I remember green jeans that were high waters in the 7^th grade. I just don’t have that talent. I know it when I see it, but I just can’t do it for myself. I tried another stylist back in 2009. It was helpful, but really was just a session of going through my closet and putting together outfits. Way too much money for nothing. I found Blueprint for Style through internet. I could tell by her blog that there might be some actual skills here. Then I had my first phone consult with her. I couldn’t believe how in depth she went. She REALLY tries to understand you as an individual. It really just got better and better from there. She came over for our in person meeting (looking fab might I add) and I knew I made the right choice for a stylist. She really made me «think» about my current style and items. After that appointment, I immediately started adding her tips and felt more fab. Her process is really well thought out, she goes above and beyond. Then the best thing ever happened. She sent my style profile. Every woman and man who cares about their personal image should get a style profile by Monica! No really. FINALLY, someone was able to help me define my personal style and she was dead on. I almost felt like this sense of relief. My style is improving and we are still working on getting me «there». I can’t wait to go over my spring/​summer wardrobe with her.

I am definitely a fan of B4S! I follow her blogs and newe feeds for the latest in fashion, cool accessories and travel tips! Keep up the great work!

«Classic chic with an edgy twist»
I will always remember how Monica so perfectly identified and branded my personal style! My business partner and I met Monica by way of the blogging world and she quickly recognized our need for some help in the image category — she told us that we needed a fierce look to match our fierce success.
We had a couple of media appearances coming up and we needed some help creating outfits. Throughout the entire process, Monica was thorough and on-​point. She came to my house and tackled my (disastrous) closet head-​on, assembling amazing outfits from the assorted pieces I already had in my closet! I was amazed. She really has an eye for pairing pieces together that the average person wouldn’t necessarily do, and making it all work.
But the consult didn’t end there. She sent us a style profile questionnaire and had us answer a slew of questions that would help her identify our individual style profiles. Once she determined those she put together a comprehensive list of recommendations based on what she learned. What was SO awesome, was that she sent us links on where we could purchase the recommendations online — all we had to do was point and click! Those outfits have definitely become go-​to pieces in my wardrobe.
It’s obvious when you meet her that she lives and breathes her business, which means that she goes ALL IN. Not only does she know her craft, but she is hilarious, thoughtful and a valuable resource.

Woot! I’m honored to be the first Unilocaler to review this awesome business! Aaaannnd this is my first «First to Review» so it’s a grand occasion all around.
I first heard of Monica when I noticed how my friend Michelle’s style had transformed from nice to va-​voom. She told me that she’d hired a stylist to match her new fancy businesswoman life, and that Monica had really helped her nail down and embrace her new look. Imagine my surprise when I went to a blogging conference in DC and introduced myself to the woman at my table, who happened to also be a stylist named Monica.
«You styled my friend Michelle didn’t you!?» I screamed in her face excitedly. (I do things like this often.)
«Why yes I did!» Monica said, not at all taken back by my outburst (you see, she’s used to dealing with «energetic» people like me).
I knew that this meeting was not a coincidence. It was the universe telling me it was time to let go of my little girl Forever XXI aesthetic and embrace my full late-​twenties womanliness.
I got the deets on her services and we had our initial consultation the same day – yes, at the blogging conference.
A few days later, Monica came to my house and went through every single item of clothing I owned and talked me through why it was keep, repair, donate, or just plain throw away. She was gentle but funny, knowledgeable without being condescending, and warm and friendly but professional. Once we curated my wardrobe, she had me go through a bunch of different «looks» she had created using magazine images, telling her which ones I was drawn to and which I didn’t like. Think of it like a fashion ink blot test. (What does it mean if you always see Charlie Sheen’s face in those things?)
The next thing Monica did for me was create a short list of must-​get-​now items since I was soon to be headed to an important business event in NYC. She virtually assisted me while I shopped, tweeting back and forth with me yay, nay, or WTF for each item – shoes, tights, bag, everything. Once I secured all my items, I headed home to play runway for my semi-​interested friends.
THEN, Monica emailed and snail mailed me my full style profile. For the fashionistas out there, Monica and I named my style «deconstructed youthful glam.» My style profile included a book with several different looks for me, images and all, so I could walk right into Nordstrom and say, «Please help me find outfits that look like this.» She also created a business card-​sized list of my essential wardrobe shopping list as well that I can carry with me all the time. There were also some cute gifts in my package as well!
For those ladies or guys out there who always think, «Wouldn’t it be awesome to have a stylist?» you can have one! Since Monica helped me embrace my sexy, I love getting dressed – especially to go out. I finally feel like I LOOK like a WOMAN and not like a post-​adolescent who has overstayed her welcome at Forever XXI. If you hire Monica, you (and the people who get to drink in your sexy) will be very glad you did!