The Journey Continues

If you follow me on Twitter (which obviously you should because then you're up to date with all of my (mis)adventures instantly (@RachelABrooks)), you'll know quite well that I'm working from New York this week.  It's a bit of a multi-functional trip.

Helped a friend move into a new place... across the country.

Went styling with the insanely talented Cameron Forbes.

Did a photo shoot with the help of the also talented Suhaly of Culture of Creativity.

I make a little appearance in it as well.

And I did a LOT of talking about The Style Cooperative with some fantastic folks.  There is some great news coming up about it, so do stay tuned.  It won't disappoint!

A Weekender of Sorts

Last week, I had the good fortune of stumbling upon Solemates, a great lifestyle boutique that was moving to another neighborhood.  I was instantly drawn to the classic style of this yellow carrying case with a bright blue interior.  It was perfection and they were kindly willing to part ways with it.

This bag has quickly become my take on the classic weekender that at times slips into the busier week days in the city.  An actual suitcase as a weekender, roaming the city among the suits and cabs. This bag is my own little perfection.  

The sunglasses, they are fur. Both funny and fun.

Update (1/2011): As it turns out, Solemates is now called Sir & Madame, and they are all sorts of awesome. Wherever you see Sir & Madame sprinkled throughout the blog and my story, know that they provided me with the initial glory that is the Yellow Suitcase. Way good.

The Start of a Journey

A couple weeks ago when I left the blog on hiatus, I had needed to care of some personal things going on in my life.  While I was away, I was staying with my sister (a Peace Corps volunteer) who lives in the countryside of the Dominican Republic.  This was no vacation, my friends.

I'm talking no running water, spotty electricity, and I never once made it to the beach.  It was serious business.

When I left, I was feeling an overwhelming sense of urgency to make, do, create, and come back renewed.

The difference in atmosphere was incredibly inspirational, and the sounds, sights, and colors were magical.

Leaving Chicago for a while was the best coincidence that could have ever happened to me.

Because of the slower pace of life, I was able to concentrate on creating and planning things for when I would return back to the states.  Because internet was out of the question and I was getting antsy with things that I wanted/needed to get back to, I had returned with this incredible energy and eagerness to start.

Hiatus pt. 2

I've jetted away and won't have regular access to internet to share ideas and images with all of you.  More to come at an unclear date, but just understand, I'll be back with news and fanciness for all once again.

Live your dreams, and do it stylishly.

East to West, Then Back Again

Hi there! My apologies for such sporadic posts lately. It seems like I'm in a perpetual state of moving these days. Just earlier today, I arrived back home from an impromptu long weekend trip to Colorado with a pair of friends. Labor Day's long weekend is quickly approaching. Do you have anything planned?

Saturday, I had the chance to visit Idaho Springs and experience the charm of the Old West and how it intersects with modern style.

There were funky things.

Comfortable places.

Friendly faces.

And pretty pieces that left me wanting to come back again.

Shop images via Cafe Aimee

Power-Packed Travel Tips

It's tourist season in Europe, and I, like many other twenty-somethings, am jetting off for a couple of weeks to tour, shop, go out, and have a European adventure. With so much traveling, it seems like it would take a caravan of luggage to get through the long days in the city and coast, as well as prepare for the nightlife. Since this caravan only exists in my wildest dreams, packing light is becoming a mantra. So now it's time to make sure I'm traveling in good style, on a serious luggage real estate budget.

So today, I will be discussing packing your style in 20kg or less.

[ Inspiration ]
In a perfect world, how do you see yourself living in your destinations? Are you the sightseer? How about the one sitting at the cafe sipping tea in the afternoon? Or are you more of a shopper without a cause? Me, I'm more of an adventurer. I like to be prepared to try anything and look incredibly pulled together at any passing moment.


When I picture myself in London, I see saturated colors and practical flats that transition well into evenings in the local pub for live music. In Milan, totally vintage gamine style with hats and beautifully textured separates, appropriate for getting social in the plaza. In Greece, bright colored dresses, sandals fit for walking and motor bikes.



[ Utility ]
Where is the overlap in all of the dreamy scenarios of these short-term lifestyles? What am I missing that is just necessary for practical reasons? Where can I cut the fat?

From the looks that I'm envisioning, I see flowing dresses in a variety of lengths, beautiful/comfortable flats, and the rest of versatile separates in fabrics that are wearable in many different circumstances. Think silk tanks, scarves, a pair of trousers, and shirts that can be either dressed up or down. Unsure about the weather? Instead of packing bulky and often heavy jackets, layering provides a stylish and functional part of your day wherever you are.

As for the accessories:
Separate your shoes into categories- flat, heels, specialty. If you are a daily heel wearer, challenge yourself to choose your 2 most versatile. Then pick the one pair of flats and a pair of sandals that will become your staples for the trip. Bags can be fabulous, but stick with one large day bag that can double as a flight carry-on, and one small evening bag.

Since jewelry is quite heavy, be prepared to limit yourself to versatile pieces that are simple enough to wear daily, but can transition into evening seamlessly.


[ Signature ]
What makes your look special? I'd like to think of my (crazy, curly, personality that I call) hair as the distinguishing factor of my overall look. The only way it impacts my suitcase real estate is with minimal product. Since this is a key part to my daily style, I will pack to accommodate it. Whatever your signature is, make it a priority. It will make you more confident in whatever you are wearing.

While you may start to get more creative with your clothing combination as the trip comes to a close, remember that personal style can only be enhanced by exposure to new places. Feel comfortable with what you're in.