This weekend spend time getting ready for summer to end and fall to begin. I do it by shopping!! Here is the list of my top 10 sales to check out:

• Scoop NYC: (my favorite summer shoes are from there) now up to 75 percent off at all locations

• Jessica Simpson: my secret sin is that I like most of her stuff! This weekend it's up to 50 percent off summer dresses!

• Outnet: extra 40 percent off 286 basically fabulous items (note most expensive item is $700)

• Goldyn: extra 30 percent off using code LABORDAY. Advice: focus on the higher end designer items as the discounts will be more substantial!

• DVF: additional 20 percent off sale items. One or two dresses will last you a lifetime!

• Otte: fabulous, unique items that you will keep for years! Extra 40 percent off using code 40SALE

• Redtagcrazy: extra 30 percent off thru Monday using SAVE30 code; most of their items are basics, but I've rarely seen anything priced over $50!

• Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue: an additional 25 percent to 50 percent off the entire store

• Calvin Klein: an extra 30 percent off your entire purchase! I'd grab the professional-wear and underwear...

• NationalJeanCompany: 20 percent off using code LABORDAY10

Want more? Read Monica’s Blueprint for Style.

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Traveling in style has its advantages — and perks

Today, I’m off to Maui — warm weather, lower humidity, clear skies, tanned bodies, and the sounds of water ebbing and flowing. Are you jealous yet? No worries, because even though I’m off to a better place, you can learn from my nine hours of airtime. This weekend marks, for many, the last travel hoorah before school begins and the planning for “Q4.”

Here are my expert insights about how to take full (and stylish) advantage of travel time.

• Your look counts. I’ve just witnessed (again) a very dapper don get upgraded even though two minutes prior a disheveled woman approached the counter to see if there was any availability.

• [In conjunction with the above mentioned] Be kind to the customer service rep because that’s who determines whether you get the upgraded seat.

• Travel with “Scooby snacks.” I call my little tin of almonds and bag of mixed nuts “scooby snacks” because they’re small, toteable and keep me feeling good to deal with the craziness of other travelers.

• I’m sure we’ve talked about this before, but I am a high-heel-lady who knows the advantage of wearing sneakers on occasion.

• Layer year round. Men, this means a great button-down with a short- or long- sleeve tee underneath, and ladies, this is a cute shirt with an open cardigan.

• If you’ve taken Friday off, plan to travel on Thursday night so you can get where you want to be to take full advantage of your day off!

• Opt for dark on the bottom and lighter on top. You never know where you’re sitting and what you’ll pick up. It’s easier to match (if you don’t believe me, try it!), plus it creates a more slimming silhouette.

I’m off to enjoy the spoils of Maui — in style, of course!

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2010-08-27

We’ve discussed what’s haute for fall and the top trends, so in the coming weeks, we’ll focus on specific items and why they work for fall. Let’s start with embellishments and details.

The chocolate Jaloux sequined woven top pictured here ($110, Piperlime) will work wonderfully with two fall fashion trends: camel and earth tone colors, and restrained luxe pieces. The sequins make the top shimmering and sexy, but the color keeps it toned down and workable for multiple occasions. The cap sleeves draw attention to your upper body and the flowy shape allows the more ample ladies to rock this as well.

Key style notes: sequins and moderation. Yes. All over sparkle. No.

Want more? Read Monica’s Blueprint for Style.

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That time of year is fast approaching. You know — the “awkward” time of year when everyone starts to ask the same question, “Can I wear still wear white?” How many times have you asked that question without hearing a good answer?

Look, listen and obey! The reasons for the “no white after Labor Day” rule are threefold: it was a great general marker for the change of season; after Labor Day, school started and thus, “summer” was really over; and September is FASHION season, when every designer and retailer wanted you to focus on what’s new and to purchase more items for your wardrobe.

The best rule to observe is common sense plus a little style savvy. Here are Blueprint for Style’s Top 10 Tips for Wearing White Right:

1. Make sure your white is white (and not ecru, dirty, cream)

2. White + navy = nautical = “trust fund” haute!

3. You can wear white as long as it’s warm outside (you pack it up when you head to Hawaii in January, right?!)

4. White looks great in contrast to vibrant brights.

5. A white outfit with camel/skintone shoes is absolute perfection!

6. (A little) white + (a lot of) black = waitstaff except where the black is trimmed in white.

7. White comes in more than just linen. As the season progresses, opt for white jeans or trousers.

8. White from head-to-toe will make people think you’re a nurse or an orderly – neither are ideal, especially when you were aiming for ‘summer chic’.

9. White shoes should be avoided in most cases – they get dirty very fast and, frankly, after they lose that brand new look, the fun is over!

10. (Unless you live in Arizona), as the season progresses, the amount of white you rock should decrease.

Now, with Labor Day just around the corner, you’re set for traveling to the Vineyard — and making an entrance at that “All White” Party.

***

Menswear is one of the bigger trends to hit the runways and walkways this season. The key takeaways are buttons, contrast stitching and more stark, sleek style lines. Here are my recommendations on how to incorporate these trends into your wardrobe:

• Chronograph watch: These watches are meaty and manly especially with the extra adornments.

• Military-style outerwear: Look for lots of buttons, typically in two-row format, in color contrast to the jacket itself, and a Nehru or stand-up collar.

• Brogues: Those are the lace-up shoes that look like you borrowed them from your brother/father’s closet except they’re generally better fitting.

• Boots: Just look for anything with a lace-up, more rounded toebox, and more substantial heels/soles.

• Fedoras/trilbys: A proper topper on your head will finish off any look with a stronger, masculine undertone.

You can instantly go from feminine fatale to manly masculine with a fem touch.  The end result should be to keep it clean and show your shape save the skin.

Want more? Read Monica’s Blueprint for Style.

 ***

The summer sales are gone. Walk into any store and the featured attractions are fall clothes, but you’re not quite ready to jump into the beauty of autumn, right? More importantly, you’re not ready to do the complete wardrobe change from summer to fall/winter, right? Me either! The warm weather will stick around for a while, but we may get a few more glimpses of the cooler days to come. Take these three items and send away your fall transition blues — for at least the next two months!

• Tanks & tees: These summer staples are perfect for layering. Go with the norm and pair a neutral tank under a colorful tee, or opt for something a little different by taking an embellished tank and wearing it on top of a plain, white tee. Either way, layers are the key!

• Long, light weave sweater or blazer: While this is not a summer staple, it is something you have in your wardrobe already. Layered on top of a tank/tee combo and you’re ready for the cooler nights whenever they come, even if unexpectedly.

• Cropped or cigarette pants: These can be very chic. In lighter colors like camel or off-white, these can go from day with a pair of colorful flats to evening with a pair of neutral-color wedge heels. Pants that show ankle keep it seasonal yet provide coverage.

Now with just a few tricks, you’re ready for summer to continue, but you’re also ready for the occasional show of autumn when it rears its cool head.

Want more? Read Monica’s Blueprint for Style.