Nikki Brooks-Revis (34) lives in Washington DC. She gave up her job as a general manager at an energy firm to chase her dream: creating her own clothes. She blogs about her adventures in fashion over at Beaute’ J’adore. Nikki is a trendy fashionista who loves slouch as much as bombshell. She likes to experiment with the newest trends, adores her high heels, and generously shares sewing tips and clothing patterns for all the items she makes.
Head-to-toe black can look a little flat sometimes, but that’s certainly not the case here. Different materials, textures and extra structure give this look a lively lift. Pairing a cropped, boxy top with a full skirt is an on trend way to sport volume on volume. The high waist and rigid pleating on the midi keep the volume in check. The short-sleeved top is a mix of leather and cotton, a texture-rich combo that creates outfit depth. Adding leather arm warmers adds to that effect and helps to achieve colour continuity on top. The column of colour makes this skirt ensemble look like a fun two-piece dress. The tailored heeled lace-up booties and black tights elongate the leg line. Nikki’s go-to gold bangles and black clutch with gold buttons finish off the outfit.
One big advantage of knowing how to sew, is that you don’t have to wait for a trendy colour to hit the stores. You can start wearing it straightaway. Nikki wanted to try radiant orchid, the Pantone colour for 2014. She picked a medium weight doublecloth cotton twill to make this beautiful boxy, round-shouldered jacket. A look that was big on the catwalks for Fall 2013, and is still trending. It has a nice drape to it, and the dramatic collar works great with the high boatneck neckline of the sweatshirt-esque pullover. The volume up top is balanced by adding skinny jeans, the pointy toe pumps bring structure to the look. I am very taken with this colour combo. Light grey looks more crisp when you pair it with white, and the purpleish pink gives it extra zing. A modern black clutch echoes the black trim on the jacket. The black footwear bookends Nikki’s dark hair.
Talented Nikki makes most of the clothes she wears, this is how she got started:
“I started sewing almost as a fluke, I made a maxi skirt in May of 2012 that was halfway decent and thought I may be able to do this. At that point I just jumped in and taught myself. I didn’t grow up having the desire to make clothes, it just fell into my lap. I draw a lot of inspiration from Pinterest and fashion magazines. In terms of patterns, I generally find a pattern with a basic structure which allows me to make alterations that fit my aesthetic. I look at the possibility of a pattern as opposed to what it was designed for.”
Nikki is a huge fan of leather and slouchy trousers, and here she is sporting both. I am fully and completely smitten with this dressy track pants outfit! Ladies with fuller bottoms and thighs sometimes shy away from roomier trousers, but Nikki has fully embraced the extra volume, and my word, she rocks the look. I also love the neckline of the peplum top, that emphasizes Nikki’s small waist and then flares out to skim over her curves. The roomy fit of the trousers around the thigh is flattering, while the elasticated tapered hems rein in the volume and create structure. Up top, the cropped leather jacket does the same. The large knitted cuffs echo the hems on the pants, and give the look a modern sporty vibe. Nikki’s ponytail with turned-up jacket collar adds playful pizzazz. The sunny yellow just makes me happy.
Nikki’s bombshell side comes out to play. The high-waisted body con pencil skirt emphasizes our blogger’s tiny waist and beautiful figure. The silk jersey fabric hugs her curves, and tapers in just below the knee, which creates flattering proportions. The elegant drape of the looser-fitting, sleeveless wrap blouse (a dress altered into a top) creates visual balance. The linen-esque material, leather strap belt and Nikki’s bare arms add structure to the look. Dainty T-strap pumps, an oversized marbled clutch in a rich burgundy-brown and big gold chain bracelet are the only accessories required to complete this outfit.
This is a brilliant alternative for the midriff baring looks we saw on the runways for Spring/Summer 2014. Wear a super cropped jumper over a boxy untucked shirt for a similar cheeky look without the extra exposure. Nikki keeps things streamlined by sticking with black and white only and opting for slim-fit bottoms with a bit of stretch. The tailored, collarless blazer adds polished structure, while the perfect length bottoms create a long, lean line. The front ankle slits reveal a sliver of skin, which gives the entire look and alluring and playful touch. The angular lines of the black clutch fit the strong, graphic vibe of the outfit. The warm gold accents are picked up again in Nikki’s eye-catching ring and bangle with mimimalist design. Classic red nails and lipstick complement the black and white
Haute fashion created at home. Can you believe Nikki made this fabulous wool tweed coat and the slouchy trousers herself! I have a soft spot for head-to-toe Winter white, and have always loved how chic creams and browns look together. A coat with elbow length sleeves is perfect for mild Winter temps, but can also take you all the way into Spring. Nikki’s clever solution for days when it’s too cold for bare forearms: leather and wool arm warmers. The mixed media effect is eye-catching and a little avant-garde. The sophisticated cream blouse — that looks like a blazer — forms a column of colour with the wool crepe trouser. The elasticated cuffs add a sporty touch to this elegant, fashion-forward look, and work beautifully scrunched over the edgy cognac sandal booties.
Be sure to hop on over to Nikki’s blog to check out the rest of her archives, browse her pinboards for more colourful inspiration, or shop her Etsy store where you can buy Nikki’s creations. But first let us know in the comments what you think about her style.
