Brooke in New York

Pink For Fall

Thursday, September 15, 2022

Pink is THE color for fall 2022 and I am very much here for it!

This more muted, but still fun, trend comes after a summer of #BarbieCore moments and surprisingly, it’s so versatile!

Pink pairs perfectly with all shades of brown and I also love it styled against burgundy. So whether you go head-to-toe with a monochromatic look, or just add a pop of pink with an accessory, you’ll feel very on-trend!

And while a pink wool coat or luxe cashmere sweater may be a seasonal splurge, not everything has to break the bank. Check out my favorite pieces below. Some of which are from your favorite retailers like Target, Loft, and H&M!

Shop here!

Happy fall! (Finally)

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

Free People 50 Under $50

Monday, March 14, 2022

Some brands you hear or see and just think, "expensive." You might not even go into the store or to their website, thinking there's nothing affordable anyways. It's different for everyone, but one of those for me was always Free People. Maybe I saw something that I wanted but couldn't afford and since then I went on thinking everything in the store would be like that. Well, I was wrong.

I found 50 things from Free People (and FP Movement) under $50!

Never have I ever seen a brand with so many color choices on a single product! I highly recommend clicking into the product pages because so many of these things come in a ton of unique and pretty colors (like 20+ options) perfect for spring & summer! *I do not get paid for clicks.

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

Upper East Side, NYC Studio Apartment Tour

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

I've had a few different apartments in the city. From Midtown to Chelsea, and now the UES. This is the first apartment that is all my own (besides my puppy and his 200 toys). I don't have to worry about things being too girly for the boys or my many belongings taking up shared space.

Since people always wonder what a NYC apartment really looks like, I snapped some pictures of Barbie's Dream Studio to share. Surprisingly, mine's pretty big! Not pictured is my closet which is borderline walk-in (thank God!) but a little messy.

Bed side:

Fluffy, comfy, cozy. This is my little cloud!

My nightstand is a satin stool I got at work a few years ago when they were selling pieces from store displays. It’s one of my favorite things ever!

My grandpa collected wine crates to make furniture out of. My dad & I built this one on our own. The bottom boxes hold dog toys and bandanas and the top has jewelry, perfumes, sunglasses, and hair accessories.

Living side:

This is where I work from home every day. My coffee table lifts up into a desk. Wayfair has a lot of these!

I always have a cuddly pup next to me and usually there are at least 20 dog toys scattered across the floor.

I still have my winter decor on my mantle, but I don’t know what I’ll do for spring yet!

My sherpa chair was my first big home purchase for this apartment and it’s perfect for Sunday morning coffee sipping. Featuring my cute little hometown pillow.

I have an IKEA cube shelf dividing up the room so it feels like the living area where I work all day and the “bedroom” are separate spaces. Here, I keep all my pretty things like my thrifted Chanel sneakers, fancy Coach pillow bag, and collectible Barbies.

I’ve had a denim rack in all of my apartments because I’m just obsessed!

Detail shots:

Shop: Sherpa pillows

Kitchen & Bath:

Not much to say here, these rooms are pretty tiny but I try to keep them cute!

Bathroom fully styled by Target of course!

Shop:

Same curtain

Similar woven basket/decor collection

For links to more - check here!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

Home Inspo & Favorite Pieces

I moved into a studio apartment in NYC not too long ago (get the tour) but still haven't gotten around to making it 100% what I want. Although, I don't think anyone really gets to that point in NYC. But being in one room all day as I work from home, it definitely has to have a good aesthetic. My mind is always changing so I rarely commit to buying anything major or picking a theme.

Right now for spring, I'm looking at keeping my cozy neutrals but adding pops of color. Here are some of my favorite home items that I own and what's on my wish list!

One really easy way to switch up your interior is getting couch and pillow covers. They're so affordable and can be switched for different colors, materials, and prints by season. My real couch is a medium/dark grey but for this apartment I wanted a ‘cloud couch on a budget’ so I made-do with this cover from Amazon!

Favorites:

Faux fur rug (more colors & sizes) 3x5 was $37
Linens & Hutch sheets/duvet *They always have big sales. I got all my sheet sets and duvet covers for 70% off on 2 different occasions.

Wishlist / Inspo:

Vintage Barbie & Ken Prints $30+ - my fave

I have been wanting one of the vintage Barbie & Ken prints for years now and finally feel confident that this is the one I want!

East Olivia Forever Florals $55+ *Vase included
Customized navy scalloped blanket $78 *Brand has more design & color options
Pink throw blanket $25
Flounce Trimmed Shower Curtain $25

April showers bring May flowers, spring cleaning brings redecorating!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

March Moodboard & Kelly Green Styles

Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Hello March!

For this moodboard I obviously chose the color of the season, kelly green, as my inspiration because it's fun and bright, and literally everywhere! I don't know how flattering it would be on me but I still love the idea of having a bag or shoe in this color and mixing it with all my neutrals.

This month, I want to simplify life. I tend to overthink a lot and let little things make me anxious so I added in some self care quotes. I also want to de-clutter my closet and have more of a staple wardrobe with simple, nicer pieces. I say this all the time but I'm really going to try now!

*Scroll down for mobile wallpaper

For the past few weeks I have been rounding up all the green things I see and love, along with pieces to style them with. Shop & get inspired:

Mobile wallpaper:

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

February Picks

February was a short, but good month. I went to a country concert with my best friend, ate some good food, drank espresso martinis (faves at Cafe Cluny), and enjoyed the few warm days we had. I also found or re-discovered some favorites and wanted to share!

1. Kiss imPRESS nails

My friend had these on one day and as someone who always paints their own nails and gets frustrated when they break or chip, I had to try. I'm now obsessed! They come in so many colors, designs, and shapes. It's super easy to apply them and cut down/shape to your liking. Some will last over a week, but the hand or fingers I use more will lift up after a week. They're stick/press on so I bought Kiss brand brush glue for when they start to lift up to prolong their life and re-use sets. I just purchased some new colors to try so stay tuned for more! You can also find these nails at drugstores, Target, and Amazon.

2. Everyday stud earrings

The Mejuri diamond mini studs were a gift that I have worn and loved every day since.

I also love little symbol studs like these lightning bolts from a small boutique. They're similar to STUDS brand and Mejuri also has a pair for super quality!

3. Sherpa slides

These cozy-chic shoes are only $20 (or less if you can find them on sale)! I have the cream color and they have held up really well through fall. They are just as comfy as you would think and even warmer! I'm excited to bring them back for spring because I wear them with everything. They're true to size and also come in grey, tan, and pink!

4. Basic tanks

I love these tanks from Target (more colors) and have black, grey, white, army green, and just ordered navy. They're super affordable ($8!) and perfect to lounge in or dress up to go out.

3 pack of all basic colors!

5. First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream

I use this on my body and face every single day! It's thick, but not too thick, and not greasy. It makes my skin feel extra moisturized and refreshed. The ingredients are really great too which is why I like using it for my sensitive face! I also use the FAB cleanser everyone loves.

6. Sephora zinc mud mask

I have quite the variety of masks to choose from when I need one, but this is my go-to. Ingredients are clean and it actually helps my skin feel detoxed and helps with breakouts. It's only $24 so I think it's at least worth a shot if you're looking for a feel-good and do-good mask!

7. Rae Wellness Complexion Supplements

I struggle with breakouts that are not too bad, but bad enough where it makes me insecure. I've tried different skincare products and just have given up on that hit or miss trial life. I saw these for only $14 and read such great reviews from people similar to me. I haven't taken them for a full month yet but I do feel that my skin is a little clearer and definitely smoother and softer when taking them consistently. You can also get these at Target!

Instagram @brooke.in.ny

February Moodboard (Wallpapers)

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

Happy February!

Working in fashion, it is officially the start of the spring quarter for me. I'm seeing all the new and upcoming launches of bright colors, florals, mini dresses, and sandals. So it's safe to say I'm already over winter. Luckily, January went by fast and our days in NY are getting a little longer again.

When I think of February, I think of everything lovely. Flowers, tasty treats, dainty details, and lots of pink! This is easily one of my favorite inspo-collages to date. It's a mix of darks and lights, simple, girly, and a little sassy!

I definitely feel a certain vibe or aesthetic for each month and tend to bring that out in what I shop for, how I dress, and activities I do. And whatever that feeling is, I pin the heck out of it on Pinterest. So I decided to start taking those feelings and inspirations, and putting them together into monthly moodboards. Everyone creates these for the new year, but being a Libra I am very indecisive and change my mind and feelings constantly, so one board isn't going to feel the same to me for an entire year.

I hope you enjoy the Feb moodboard and feel free to save and use it for your own desktop and phone wallpapers. If you do, tag me on Instagram! I created versions with and without the month so they can be used at any time.

Desktop:

iPhone:

Pre-Spring Picks & Outfits

Thursday, January 27, 2022

It has barely started to snow in New York but here I am shopping and getting excited for spring. Spring vibes for me are light neutrals with some pretty colors, and layering pieces to mix and match. I also love any outfit that can be worn with sneakers but still look put-together, especially for outings in the city. Even better if you can wear the same look with heels! My go-to place is H&M because everything is pretty basic yet trendy, and versatile for different looks and seasons. Also, their quality is often great for the price!

H&M has a ton of new arrivals with more being added every day so I pulled together all my favorite things and what's on my wishlist. Plus, shoes & bags (my addiction) from some other brands that caught my eye. The best part? Mostly everything is under $50!!

I did pull the trigger on some pieces...

I like the preppy-sporty look of the graphic crewnecks under my coat, with jeans and sneakers.

The matching creased jersey set (which also comes in a taupe color) is so versatile and comfy. I loved it with chunky sneakers but the fit was off for me so I'll have to return.

H&M is also my go-to for denim. Their jeans are always on-trend and I can count on them for consistent sizing across styles which makes it so easy to order online.

Some of these jeans, shoes, and bags come in other great colors too!

Tips: If you become a member at H&M, you get points to rack up and save $ on future purchases.

If something is 'coming soon' just add it to your favorites, and from the favorites page, you can add it to your cart and select a size.

Clothing Picks:

Shoes & Accessory Picks:

2022 Moodboard

Thursday, January 20, 2022

New Year, new blogging.

I've had this same blog since 2015 (wild!) and it has certainly changed vibes over the years. Once I graduated college, I started a very busy corporate job and

had the lovely stress of moving apartments in NYC a couple of times. While I was still shopping a lot and styling outfits for work or different occasions, I lost the energy and motivation to take 'good enough' pictures, writing posts, etc. but the interest and creative ideas were still there.

What I'm starting now is taking this re-branded blog as a casual hobby, which is what it has always been. Losing the pressure of needing professional photos or getting a lot of follows/views. It will be nice to have a creative outlet again and be able to put all my ideas and finds somewhere.

I like to create wallpapers every once in a while to remind myself what my goals (big or small) are and of overall inspiration for life, home, and style. Here is my moodboard for the upcoming year and some of my goals and ideas for it.

⋆ Self care, and more of it. Lemon water, skincare, sleep.
⋆ Enjoying more of the little things. Flowers, iced coffee, wine.

⋆ Drink more espresso martinis!
⋆ Take more time off. I never used to use my PTO if I didn't have anything planned. Just to sit in my apartment and watch TV? I might as well work. However, I felt like I deserved to use up all my PTO this year so when it was hitting the deadline, I took off weeks at a time for no planned reason and it felt really great! I got to sleep more, cuddle my dog more, and reset. I will definitely be taking more days here and there just because.
⋆ Travel more, anywhere. Just getting out of the city more whether that's more time Upstate, more beach trips, or whatever.

⋆ The quotes speak for themselves.

I also like to make a few versions with different feels and color schemes to use depending on my mood. Here's my pink, girly, bright one and some mobile wallpapers I currently have set on my phone.

Small Town Sundays