Change, change, change, things are always changing. After six years of building this biz, Kim Brooks Style has taken on several iterations and each time we grow and learn what works.
One thing that has become clear, is that formal blogger does not fit in my style kit. While I love to bring you style info, the writing schedule it takes to carry out a daily blog is better left for those who want to do it full time.
I style.
So this week, we say goodbye to our old format and move forward.
Much more visual, clean, and what we do best.
Short style tips will still come via Facebook, Instagram, +Twitter and a visual blog will continue via Tumblr, we hope you will follow along.
See you soon, my fashion friends!
K.
Is it strange to be thankful for so many good things in a calendar year, but also so anxious for this year to be done? So much, how I am feeling.
Late this fall, I hit my 5 year mark with Pink Pagoda Style now Kim Brooks Style.
So many experiences and projects through those, that I never would have imagined.
The people I’ve met and the teams I have become a part of, so very grateful.
The art created, WOW. Working with people through their growth, amazing.
Not just creative growth though, so much personally.
New goals, new visions, and some serious streamlining on all.
I am happy for all that happened in 2014 but am truly looking forward to putting all that I have learned into action for 2015.
Wishing you the best for a fun New Years Eve but also for an amazing year in 2015.
xo K
Our drawing was held at 12pm today and the winners are:
Morgann Crook
+
Lisa Schilling.
Thanks to everyone who entered and to Chrysmela Catch for giving us these fabulous gifts.
Still have some last minute shopping to do?
Be sure to check our our “Current Faves” page for some suggestions.
Have a fabulous weekend!
K.
In case you don’t follow us on Facebook, we are currently doing a giveaway for not one, but two pairs of Chrysmela Catch. See the last post below for details on them, but basically they are a must have for anyone who wears pierced earrings with a post. There will be a random drawing for one gold pair and one platinum pair and they will be sent out to the two winners this Friday evening. Drawing is Friday at 12pm PST. So head on over to https://www.facebook.com/KimBrooksStyle and look for the post with this picture. You can enter there.
If you are not a Facebook user, send us a quick email with your favorite holiday style (decor or fashion) and your choice of gold or platinum to kim@kimbrooksstyle.com and you will be entered.
Over a year ago, I introduced you all to a product that was a little wonder behind your big jewels.
Here is the original post: http://kimbrooksstyle.com/not-pretty-but-oh-so-helpful/
If this is the year where you’ve got some post back sparklers on your list, make sure you add an order of Chrysmela Catch to go along with them. Kind of like a super affordable insurance policy to protect those babies.
Since the last time we chatted about these wonder backings, a lot has updated in their world.
In November of this year, they were featured in People Magazine.
They are now available in Platinum, 23K Yellow Gold, and Rose Gold for $50/pair. You can find them at Amazon.com or Joyus.com.
In fact, Joyus put together this great little video to show you the CC’s in action. Check it out here.
And finally, the exact patented mechanism made with surgical steel (no gold) can be purchased for $44 here.
Whether you are breaking out the fancies for the holiday parties or you receive a pair in a pretty little box this season, be sure to add a pair of Chrysmela Catch to the mix.
Well, I just came off a wild week!!! Fabulous, tiring, and oh so busy.
Let’s start with last Sunday and my Sporty Shoot with Photog Felix, MUA Jaaron, and Model Camille.
Next up for Tuesday, I got to work with some new to me folks.
Model Erin, photographer Tereza and East Coast MUA, Veronica.
Wednesday was officially crazy. Running around town doing pulls for the next 2 shoots.
Thank you Banana Republic Bellevue for being so kind!
Thank Goodness for friends who have an “AKA Martha Stewart” after their name.
Audra was able to join me on a commercial set Friday to style our wonder bird.
Didn’t she do a fabulous job?!?!
A behind the scenes shot from the same day. Half the team was new to me, and it was a true pleasure to work with these talented folks.
Models Billy and Kristin, MUA Katya, Photographer Emin and Creative Director Bruce.
The next morning we were up and at ’em again, this time, same team but different models and different locale.
Meet Rattlesnake Lake. And yes, it was cold. And wet. And windy.
And finally the last shoot of the week. A holiday theme, a perfect way to end my week.
And there were shoes. I’ve mentioned I really like shoes, right?
A little sneak of what we were up to. Tree styling, fashion styling and some fab makeup and photography by Shyn.
Finally some back door returns.
What a whirlwind. What have you been up to?
Sometimes you just have to.
Monday mornings are never my friend to begin with but the day after a full day photo shoot, I am, officially, a slug.
Unless there is a door to door service taking me to a warm beach in the tropics, I usually feel that the perfect day would involve a heated blanket, some fleece jammies, and someone cooking my favorite comfort foods. Throw in a book, some magazines and perhaps some mindless tv and I am set.
Hello!!! Reality called. Not happening.
We all have those days. But instead of trudging out in the world with your Lulu’s and Uggs (yes, that topic again!), we can fake it.
This is today’s outfit that I’m taking from my Fashion Daily on Instagram, to show you how it’s done.
If you were to bump into me, I think you’d probably think that I am put together and I wouldn’t be worrying about looking like a slob.
But I’d have you fooled. Underneath my coat, is a tee, a hoodie and some leggings. I have my comfort, you have the visual, I need you to see. All it takes is one great piece.
For one reason or another, I get in color moods.
I can’t really tell you why or where they come from but the current color scheme in my brain is white and gold. Despite the chilly temps, don’t be surprised to see me dawning my white denim sometime soon on Fashion Daily Instagram.
What are your current colors?
Photo Credits:
As part of my new once a week blog plan, photo shoots get once a month coverage. This week I thought I’d share the breakdown of a recent one.
The behind the scenes, behind the scenes, if you will.
Day 1. Test shoot. The team meets up, along with the model to test looks, makeup ideas, and poses.
Everyone does everything, photographer on hair, stylist on lighting….
A chance to play with outfits and have some fun. When the real shoot happens, we are on a strict schedule , test is the time to play and adjust.
Although just a test, some beautiful photographs can result.
Day of the Editorial Shoot. We have all plotted our looks with hair, makeup, wardrobe and poses on Pinterest.
Private boards are the best for secret team planning. We can reference them throughout the shoot.
Quarters can be cramped, outlets can be scarce.
While the beauty team works their magic, the photographer and stylist go through the wardrobe and finalize the looks for the day and have the head to toe looks ready to roll in order of shots.
Beauty dept. has the look down. Isn’t she pretty??
Time to head out from the studio and get some location pictures.
On location, constant adjustments happen, from hairspray to pins, to a lip retouch. The team is a walking drug store, along with lights and cameras.
Hey, can someone go add some money to the parking meter???
Being a visual lot, there will be some side pics……
The team maximizes our time by grouping our looks together that use the same makeup and only minor hair adjustments. There will be changing in the car or any dark corner where the model can hide. Superman wasn’t the only one who could use a phone booth right about now…
After 3-4 looks, back to the studio to switch up the beauty for the last 3 looks. Then a return to the streets to finish the day before the sun sets.
After 8 hours (on this shoot) and lots of grab and go snacks, it’s a wrap. Some fabulous photos emerged from this shoot and are already off in the submission world to be published. Watch for them in the coming months when you can see the results of this day.
Thanks for coming along on this shoot and seeing what goes on during a day in the life…..
Team shown: Julin, Cris, Jaaron, and Ashley.
Since this is the first week back at answering some style questions from you, I’m going to start us off with a repeat. Below, is a question from N. He is hilarious and I really had fun in answering this. Make sure to get me your style questions, no matter how basic or dramatic, through email or FB. Hope to hear from you all!
Kim, over the years I’ve corrupted my poor child into a full blown label whore; reminding her there is no shame in wanting to be stylish at a price point her future older, likely retired husband should keep her accustomed to. We even have our own special look we give each other when we witness someone mispronounce a designer’s name or glare at her red-bottom shoes that scream “you can’t afford me!”
Admittedly I find myself in predicaments where I wonder when is enough…well too much? I’m styling her for a wedding this summer and found the perfect D&G dress for her to wear. Immediately I start pulling accessories to pair with the dress. Hermes clutch, Givenchy pumps and a Chanel bracelet. The problem with being a label hoarder is that you find yourself questioning style on different level than others; like is label layering okay? Yes your overall look is amazing but now you have this mismatch of designers smattered across your body like a Jackson Pollock painting. What is your thoughts on label layering and when is it overwhelming to a look?
-N.
Perfectly timed video from I-D Magazine.
I love this question. I had to post the entire thing for sheer entertainment purpose.
Thanks N. for the great question AND fun blog content!
First off, let’s just say that your designer thing is going to narrow your daughters prospective partner pool by, oh, let’s say 97%!!! We all love the designers and the goodness that they produce but one does not need to revel in that at 100%. Back to that in a bit.
The thought of doubling up on designers bothers me less than, head to toe in just one. As always there are exceptions to every rule (ie: a Chanel look) but if one wears a complete outfit, accessories included, of one designer, one is now dawning the designers personal style. Not their own. There is no creativity in that.
My exception. Head to toe Chanel.
And head to toe anyone, seems like a lot of money spent on what could be sourced for so much less. (Again, minus the outfit above).
Head to Toe Gucci. Pieces could be from Ann Taylor, Zara, Macy’s…
An ex Michael Kors employee in a copycat outfit 100% sourced from Zara.
At least mixing up the designers, there has been thought put into the look. With this collabrative look , you will want no more than one “label” to show. As in monogram or red based shoes. Anything above that, looks like one is trying to hard. Let the cut of the jacket or the fabric of the dress speak for itself.
Mixed Designer Look.
The above look is from three designers (not including shoes) and the retail is $2155.
Why not buy the designer shoes that you can wear with lots and then go less on the pants (TopShop), sweater (J.Crew), and shirt (Brooks Brothers)?
Gisele in H+M clothes.
Now, to go back to my first statement about your daughters eligible dating pool, why only designer? Learning to pick out some fabulous investment pieces and pairing them with lesser known names (or God forbid, private label!!!!) is a skill in itself. Finding the goodness at all price points is a worthy talent that could come in handy, if let’s say that her dear husband, J. Howard Marshall, passes away of old age and his family sues your dear daughter for the entire estate. Being able the pair that Target tee with the Chanel jacket, with the Gap jeans and Aldo shoes will keep her styling even without the big budget. Spend the big bucks on the more traditional pieces, ones that are timeless and she can get ton’s of use out of them. Whether coats, purses, shoes, some amazing cashmere or leather. Then learn to shop at lower price points for the trendy and for the items that take the wear.
With all that saved doe ray mee, your girl can spend her dollars elsewhere.
You can thank me now.