Newsstand Alert: November/December Blueprint!

The November/December issue of Blueprint is on the newsstands now, and there are some great ideas in it for punching up your personal style.

I love the Jewelry Box feature on new ways to use costume jewelry (see picture, right). I have several rhinestone pieces that belonged to either my mother, or my mother-in-law. They’re fun, but a little dated- looking if I wear them for their intended use. However, using the earrings as an accent along the collar of a silky blouse, or pinning a brooch to a strip of velvet ribbon and wearing it as a bracelet would update their look instantly. What great ideas! Although perfect for a holiday gathering, these pieces could be worn any time of the year--for a birthday dinner out, or even just for a fun evening with the girls.

And speaking of ribbon, a wide strip of silky ribbon tied in a big jaunty bow around the foot, with a ballet flat (or simple pump) worn over it looks so fun! I think it would be great to have pieces of ribbon in both a contrasting color, and in a color similar to the shoe. That way, you get two looks from one shoe! An expression of style that also stretches the wardrobe budget—can’t beat that!

To help those on your holiday gift list express their personal style, Blueprint has some super how-to ideas for giving—cufflinks, earrings, business card cases. Go to blueprintmag.com for instructions. There are also lots more great holiday ideas, decorating suggestions, and some fabulous (and easy!) ways to dress up even basic holiday sugar cookies. Check it out!

Picture from Martha Stewart