“My style has evolved over the years from life experiences. After raising a dirt loving, high energy, full of life little boy my wardrobe needed pieces that I could throw on and know that they looked amazing without any effort. I tend to stick with black and other neutrals and I have fun with textures and animal prints (I cannot get enough leather even in this 90 degree heat). I would describe it as an ‘urban bohemian’ if that even makes sense.”
Brooke is an early fashion adopter who effortlessly incorporates edgy pieces and fringe trends into her daily outfits. In this Summery black and white look the gladiator sandal boots take centre stage. Their cut-out design, stiletto heel and buckle closure make them hard edge. Together with the pleather moto jacket they create a trendy tough vibe that is softened by pairing these pieces with a pretty, pleated white skirt. Skirt, yes, because our clever blogger turned her midi skirt into a flowy strapless frock! The white colour, whimsical oversized white sunnies and Brooke’s wavy locks add in the girly factor. A great way to juxtapose tough with feminine. A vintage Chanel wallet and gold watch with turquoise face finish off this edgy date night look.
Do you recognize the shoes? It’s fun to see how Brooke uses her Okala Pony Print Pumps, a YLF favourite, to add polish to this casual outfit. Our dainty-framed blogger pulls off the volume on top by pairing her striped grandpa cardigan and roomy fit biker jacket with boyfriend jeans that are just baggy enough. I love the light wash denim with the rest of the cool-toned colour palette. The skin peeking through the hectically distressed jeans adds structure, as do the rolled up cuffs. The Okala ankle straps are close to Brooke’s skintone, which lengthens the leg line. Buttoning the cardigan, and the built-up shoulder and knit cuffs on the jacket further help rein in the volume. The beautiful tan oversized tote is huge, but the supple leather and light colour aren’t overwhelming. Dainty necklaces and iconic Ray-Ban Aviators are the perfect accessories.
What a brilliant interpretation of the Sporty Luxe trend and Angie’s Summer White & Brown ensemble. Irregular juxtaposition lies at the base of this casual-day outfit that remixes sporty items with dressy fabrics. The fun track shorts with black piping are leather. Brooke’s legs are a similar colour to the shorts, which elongates the leg line. The fluid fit upscale bomber jacket is made of a dressy crepe de chine fabric that drapes beautifully. And that sassy leopard print just puts me in a good mood. Brooke has semi-tucked a simple white T-shirt to bookend the very on trend two strap Birkenstock sandals. The white adds pretty crispness to the look. Brooke’s gold-rimmed Aviators and 3.1. Phillip Lim bag also come out to play again, and work splendidly with the white & brown palette.
It’s no coincidence if you recognize several items. All the pieces in Brooke’s closet are well-loved, and she loves to create different looks with them. Here she is sporting the same pleather jacket and vintage Givenchy skirt as in outfit one. This time around she has pulled down the skirt extra low to create a nonchalant low-slung effect that’s in fun contrast with the dressy pleats. Brooke has partially tucked a silk python-print spaghetti strap top, which adds to the effortless “oh I just threw this on” vibe. The pleats on the skirt and tucked top provide structure, while the black with grey print, and big black sunglasses with white edges add visual interest. The jacket and gold studs on the ballet flats toughen up the look just enough to fit Brooke’s edgy style persona. The patent red is the perfect pop of vibrant colour.
Whether high-heeled or flat, Brooke has whole-heartedly embraced the knee-high gladiator sandal look. I really love how she is wearing these Grecian-inspired peds over her legging jeans here. It’s unexpected and creative. Our blogger isn’t afraid to do maximal, and there’s quite a lot going on in this outfit: a dotted shirt, trench coat with striped lining, piled on arm candy, sporting a necklace and scarf at the same time, and the tall sandal boots over the jeans. But the tonal colour palette of olive greens, gold and soft tan creates visual coherence and makes it all come together beautifully. Accessory-wise, I adore how Brooke threw in a preppy scarf knot as a fun contrast with the fashion forward vibe of the look.
Brooke loves fashion and over the years has developed a statement style that often challenges her environmental norm:
“I’ve never dressed like the people around me. Growing up I was always ‘too dressed up’ for everywhere we went, but I didn’t care. Those who love me appreciate that I like to stand out in a crowd. I am a stay at home mom but that’s my job so I dress for it. We go to the park and museums every day so why not wear a great outfit. You shouldn’t ‘save’ your special pieces for certain occasions. Just yesterday I took my son to the Art Museum in suede fringe shorts and animal print ankle boots. Did I get a lot of looks? Yes. Did I care? No, because it was a great outfit that I could do my job in and still look great. I say dress for yourself and NO ONE else!”
Sportswear meets casual trendy chic. This is another fab take on the Sporty Luxe trend, and my personal favourite. I love how the graphic black and white tee becomes more feminine when worn with the beautiful blues in the romantic patterned skirt. The volume of the boxy sports tee with dropped shoulders and wide, elbow-length sleeves is toned down by the slim-fit skirt. The just-below-the-knee length creates flattering outfit proportions with the top that covers the hips. Brooke bookends the dark tee with lace-up stiletto sandals. The crochet-like cut-outs add lightness to the look, where solid black footwear might have been too heavy. The exposed skin also lengthens the leg line. A chunky statement necklace is a nod to hip-hop culture that perfectly fits the mood of this look.
What do you think of Brooke’s edgy and fashion forward outfits? Let us know in the comments, and then check out the rest of our blogger’s outfit archives and pinboards for further inspiration.
