Style Lovers, we all know we cannot live life without a friend. And I truly hope you can all one day have, or ALREADY have, a friend like Brooke (@bmariephoto) Holmes. Not only did we often sit in a coffee shop, brainstorming, soul searching and just supporting each other. She needed some style advice, so she called on me, and now I’m sharing with you!
STYLING BROOKE HOLMES
Brooke, like many of us, is a busy mom (she’s got two beautiful girls by the way), wife to a hard working husband who JUST graduated with his doctorate, works a photography business from home and a part time job outside the home. Yes, she is a busy woman! BUT, she loves to look her best, and sometimes that’s hard on a budget.
Off we went to TJ Maxx in The Woodlands, Texas (before I moved to Dubai), and found her some really amazing pieces. So many, I will be splitting this Styling Session Share into parts, so I hope you stick around to see them all!
Brooke is tall, I’m talking 6’1″, a former volleyball player, and wanted some pieces that elevated her look for meeting new clients for brand photo shoots (she did some for me! Remember these, these and these! Some of my favorite shots ever…..), heading to work or just date night!
LOOKS WE FOUND
BEFORE
We loved this top because it was flowy, vertical stripes, colors Brooke liked and an interesting hemline. The cropped pants are a great style for tall gals, and ideal for a photographer who has to climb, crouch, bend and find all the angles for a great shot. Brooke being tall, doesn’t love a heel, so these tan leather sandals seemed like a great neutral. Except, when we put it all together, it definitely left alot to be desired.
AFTER
We tucked in the blouse, and did a slight untuck for breathing room, added a neutral belt to give her a waistline to break up the pattern and the pant, then a short, block heeled sandal. Still comfortable for walking and not adding a ton of height. Just a couple little tweaks, and we were both very excited about how much more “BROOKE” this look was. Not to mention can be worn 3 out of 4 seasons (4 out of 4 if you layer a great blazer with the tank in the winter). SCORE!
NEXT!
These next two looks still are with the cropped pant, since we felt like they were easy winners and super versatile. We’ve got a totally different look with a floral tank to add brighter color, pattern and maybe more for Spring / Summer occasions. I show it when it was untucked and again, just doesn’t quite translate as cute as we had thought. Tucking it in made all the difference! While the white top with the black pattern is also pretty season-less, yet, has a totally different vibe than the other looks.
Voila! Some outfits you can throw on and walk out the door. This one just takes a belt and a tuck in of the top, and it’s polished!
Below you will see how a patterned button up blouse, with 3/4 length sleeves and a front tie, to take it from professional looking to a little more casual, trendy everyday style! And this look can work with jeans, a bright colored pair of shorts, or even a denim or pleated skirt. Versatility is always key. Before buying any new piece for your wardrobe, try to make sure you can wear it with at least TWO other items you already own! That ensures you will wear it right away
Brooke also has a tall torso, so leaving this blouse untucked in the back covers that up a bit and again, we love the casual easy going style. And of course, I agree fully, the shoes are perfect for all the outfits.
For Styling Brooke: Part 2, you’ll see great skirts and shorts! Stay tuned friends! xo Taryn