I hired Monica because I was facing major transitions in my professional and personal life, and my style didn't align with the path I was on. Monica certainly helped align both so that new opportunities became available to me, and I appeared confident in every room I showed up in.  With Monica's guidance, I learned to be more intentional about my outfit choices, to create a strategic framework for my purchases, and to find balance between the clothes that I wear professionally and socially. Prior to working with her, I had too many clothing options and nothing ever seemed quite right. She helped me realize that by making purchases based on (many) singular events, I wasn't giving myself the mental or physical space (in my closet) to see what I actually had and how I could use it in multiple ways. She fundamentally changed how I shop for clothes!  Lastly, the "emergency styling service" was an absolute lifesaver when I was tasked to interview a well-known author on a massive stage. We had less than 3 days to find something, and Monica worked her magic by going to the store, finding the perfect pieces, and having the established relationships to get the suit fully tailored in less than 24 hours. I appeared at Capitol One Hall in Tysons looking like I was already in my next career, and I will forever be so grateful for that moment and the spark she helped me to find. read more

I feel like a new woman after working with Monica. The pandemic put me in a rut with my sense of style. I no longer wanted to sit around in sweatpants but the clothes I had were not doing it for me anymore. Monica saved the day. She educated me and turned me from frumpy to fashionista! I have colors and style--and great fitting clothes. She even helped me with a wardrobe edit that it is so easy for me to pick out clothes within seconds versus the painful minutes I would spend and dread in my closet. The consultation I received from Monica was truly transformational for me that I feel more polished and confident whether I'm lounging at home with my bae or getting ready for an on-camera or in-person meeting. Looking forward to working with Monica again in 2023! read more

Bottom line: Working with Monica has left me with much more confidence getting dressed in the morning, whether for work, date night, or a weekend. It doesn't take long, I feel good in my clothing, and I've even become a bit more of an adventurous dresser. I highly recommend working with her. Long version: I never write reviews, ever. But working with Monica was an absolute treat, and I want to support her business. Before Monica, I was using a lot of Stitchfix, and had ended up with a bunch of low-quality clothes I felt meh about. I had way too many clothes and most of which I rarely ever wore. Trying to look good was a headache, and I was overwhelmed by all my clothes, and only rarely felt confident. When I started working with Monica, she listened carefully to my style needs and wants, crafted a custom package for me, helped me curate my existing clothes (read: get rid of so much that I didn't like or wear), and from there we began our virtual shopping. She encouraged me to buy several items that I was certain I didn't need (crossbody purse, jean jacket, white jeans) that I ended up loving. She also followed up well afterwards, checking what was (and wasn't) working for me, and helping me problem solve. While I was certain working with Monica was going to be a short-term thing, I actually plan to continue working with her through her Virtual Closet service, because she's been so helpful. I highly recommend reaching out if you have style needs. read more

Woot! I'm honored to be the first Yelper 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! read more

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. read more

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. read more

I love clothes, probably a little too much because I have way too many. I try to be good about clearing out the old before I get something new but I realized that while I had some awesome outfits from time to time, my style wasn't consistently great and I knew that it could be if I was given the right tools. I knew that Monica had the tools that I needed. I had the pleasure of hiring Monica for a closet clean out and style review. Monica helped me determine what looked great, good or just okay and was like having a stern girlfriend who won't lie and tell you "oh that looks okay" when it's really time to let it go. Style goes beyond something just fitting and Monica helped me find my style voice so that I now have a clearer picture of what my style is saying. While it was an investment, it was money well spent because it helped me clear out what I don't need and helped give me a clear vision for what to buy moving forward. I would recommend this to EVERYONE over the age of 18 who need of any guidance. If you need a complete new look and restyling or just need a consult on what to wear to a big event or meeting, Monica has you covered!! read more

"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. read more

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... read more

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! read more

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! read more

I had the most wonderful experience working w/Monica. She did a thorough assessment of my fashion likes and dislikes and listened to my fashion concerns. She took my current wardrobe from drab to fab with just a few new signature pieces. She also worked with me to pair items that I currently have. I went from junior executive to a "boss" in a matter of minutes. I will be utilizing her for spring/summer and I would recommend that you do the same! read more

I've never been good with picking out clothing, and for most of my life, I've avoid shopping. I used to say style wasn't important to me, but I realized that it was affecting my self-esteem so I knew I needed to make a change. After doing a lot of research, I decided to go with Blueprint for Style, and I'm really glad I did. I was really afraid of showing Monica my sad excuse of a wardrobe for fear of judgment, but she made the experience so enjoyable. She was honest but kind and funny. Once she started finding me clothes, I really knew I had picked the right person. She found me clothes that fit my style and elevated it to the next level. Once I started seeing her choices for me and using her guidance, I started being better able to pick out clothes for myself as well. I feel much more confident now about how I dress and also now wear and love all my clothes. It is so easy to figure out what to wear now. I would have never been able to do this without Monica. Thank you Blueprint for Style! read more

Working with Monica has changed my life! I suffered from the typical "having too many clothes but still nothing to wear" syndrome. Monica helped me tackle my disastrous closet and finally let go of bags, and bags, of clothes that no longer suited me. I wanted a simple and effortless style, that allowed me to always look "put together" and working with Blueprint for Style has helped me achieve that. I highly recommend Monica, whether its for a complete style overhaul or occasional event styling, she will certainly help you be the most stylish you've ever been! read more

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! read more

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. read more

I hired Monica to help me put together a wardrobe for an upcoming 50th birthday girls trip. Monica forced me to get out of my comfort zone and get items I thought I couldn't pull off. It is challenging finding stylish, fashion forward, plus size clothing but Monica did it. I was a difficult client and at first and couldn't see myself in some of the items Monica suggested. In fact, I bought the first couple of items just to prove they wouldn't work. Not only did the items she selected work, they looked fabulous on! I thought I couldn't pull off a daring bathing suit. Monica found the perfect one. I thought a dress that was more form fitting than I was used to wouldn't work. Monica proved me wrong. I thought I couldn't wear any type of heel based on a previous foot surgery. Monica found the perfect heel for me. High enough to give me lift and feel sexy but comfortable enough to wear. Having convinced myself for years that I couldn't wear any heel, this was life changing. Every obstacle I gave myself, Monica challenged me to trust her and try something new. I am so glad I did. I highly recommend her services! She helped me find my inner Diva! read more

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! read more

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! read more

My husband surprised me with the gift of style...he set me up with an appointment with Monica Barnett to help me pick out a few things. Well honestly, I needed more than just a few pieces and Monica has been terrific in helping me figure out what looks good on me but also how to break free of buying everything in black. She has been great with advice and easy shopping (both online links that I can do on my own time and in-home sessions). She helped me with the "does this go with that?" and pushed me to try a few pieces and accessories I would never have thought to try. And she is great about finding balance between expensive pieces and great buys/sale items so I don't break the bank. She's a lot of fun to work with too! Whether you need a great cocktail dress or just a few casual outfits, Monica will bring style to your closet. read more