Genelle Brooks Contributes to Sheen Magazine October Issue

I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Sheen Magazine and give my thoughts on one of the year's biggest trends, mixing patterns. Check that out in the current issue and look for my style Q & A column in the magazine through 2012.

Nylon hearts Estelle's look as she sings under the California sky on a ten-city tour with Rosa Regale (www.RosaRegale.com). Donning a Black Halo dress (www.blackhalo.com), Miu Miu stingray strappies (www.miumiu.com), cuff by Alexis Bittar (www.alexisbittar.com) and Sorelina earrings and LOVE bracelet www.sorelinajewels.com), she celebrates the release of her latest single, Wonderful Life, from her latest album, All of Me.

See the Wonderful Life video, directed by Iren Sheffield of Robot Films, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK3I1Pu1oFs&feature=share.

See the story here: http://nylonmag.com/nylonblogs/blog/2012/08/06/we-love-this-picture-of-estelle/ 

Buy the album here: http://store.warnermusic.com/estelle

XO,

GB

Pattern Play

When it comes to style,  my theory is the best fashion blossoms when you understand that there are NO RULES!". I believe that you can wear whatever you please, as long as you rock it well! We have been taught that clothing only looks good when you match from head to toe, WRONG!   Try playing with patterns for some pretty interesting outcomes.  

Some rules and recs:

• You can wear prints on shoes, jewelry, tops, bottoms, accessories and everything in between....just not at the same time!
• The most accessible prints are florals, stripes, paisley, tribal, dots, animal prints, and plaids.  
• Mind your proportions for a balanced look.
• Color and texture create patterns....explore with both.
• Keep trying until it looks right.....this trend takes some practice for the less fashion savvy.

There are a thousand bazillions combinations, but it is up to you to make it FIERCE. A few examples: polka dots and tribal print...Prefection! Another would be stripes and florals. When you pick your own combination, remember  larger prints mixed with smaller ones will help your outfit flow. 

Good Luck!...and send us pics of your mix and match looks.

XO,
Shay
shay@genellebrooks.com

Is That VELVET?!?

Crushed Velvet/ Half-Moon Nails - alstanificon.onsugar.com

So a friend of mine showed me her nails the other day...and I asked her "Is that Velvet?". I was being funny, but she was like "Yeah they are!" So, I took to the Internet to do a little more research, and believe it or not...its an upcoming trend for Fall 2012.

• This is currently ONLY available at Sephora stores and online at Sephora.com
• Ciaté, a British nail brand, created a "do it yourself" kit that will be available in August, with colors like Mink Cashmere, Berry Poncho and Blue Suede
• The trick is a combination of layering a matte polish with a powdery texture that looks like crushed velvet for the textured effect
• For a cheaper way to pull of the trend (hint: inexpensive) go to a craft store such as Michael's and ask for similar material.
• Designers such as McQueen, Balmain and Gucci all used this trend during Fall 2012 Paris Fashion Week

Hope you like it!

Xoxo,
Shay-Shay

Carpet Diem

They say if you chase two rabbits, they both get away, but as an artist, there is a particular discomfort in being confined.  Being singly labeled a wardrobe stylist or interior designer never quite fit into my desire to work in multiple disciplines...nor did it reflect my ability, education or body of work.  Succumbing to one label also seemed to limit the potential of my business, which contradicted the ideas so thoroughly instilled by business school. With the hope of encouraging professional cross pollination, we will regularly salute designers that dare to take a leap of faith into uncharted territory.

So, as I observe the market, it is no surprise that an increasing number of companies are looking to crossover into new areas. The skills required to be exceptional in fashion design don't always translate to home furnishings, but these houses have translated their unique aesthetic to home furnishings, particularly luxurious carpets, wonderfully. Here's to seizing a sizable opportunity and building a solid (though soft) foundation in a new industry!

XOXO,

G

Alexander McQueen

 Calvin Klein

Fendi

Marni

Missoni

Paul Smith

Ralph Lauren

Vivienne Westwood

Art-fit: La Femme

Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires by Mickalene Thomas.

Celebrating the work of Mickalene Thomas being exhibited by the Santa Monica Art Museum (Origin of the Universe, open through August 18,  www.smmoa.org),  we created a look that is artful and edgy.  Much like the subjects of Thomas' paintings, angles are balanced with organics, for a composition that explores and challenges the elements that define femininity.

Art-fit: For Sport

Famed American painter, Ernie Barnes', work, Olympic Finish, is a kinetic piece that conjures the excitement and nostalgia of the world's premier athletic competition.  The Olympics are on the way (London 2012), and in the spirit of sport here are some athletics-inspired looks for Spring from some of today's most sought after collections. On your mark, get set, GO!

Akris

Isabel Marant

Lacoste

Nicole Miller

Pedro Lourenco

Rag & Bone

Ruffian

Stella McCartney