Do you know the difference between vintage vs thrifted?  Let me explain…..with rising costs and new tariffs affecting retail prices, many of you are discovering the world of thrifting and vintage shopping. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there’s an important distinction worth understanding.

Vintage is about age and style—items that are at least 20-30 years old and represent the fashion, design, or cultural aesthetic of a particular era. These pieces are sought after for their quality, craftsmanship, and iconic style.

Thrifted describes how you acquired something—by shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops, or secondhand retailers. Thrifted items can be any age, from recent pieces to genuine vintage finds.

The distinction matters because vintage usually implies higher value due to age and style significance, while thrifted emphasizes affordability and sustainable shopping practices.

My Journey with Vintage Textiles

I’m passionate about the vintage side of secondhand textiles. There’s something magical about finding a special fabric that has been cherished by its past owners—people who also understood the importance of saving and reusing beautiful things.

I’m fortunate to have clients, friends, and family who appreciate this philosophy and want to be part of the journey. That’s why I created The Attic Gem Collection— modern designs made from vintage textiles that honor both past craftsmanship and contemporary style(be sure to click on the link to see the original collection).  Each piece tells a story. These aren’t just clothes; they’re heirlooms in the making—items you can cherish and pass down through generations, continuing the cycle of appreciation for quality textiles.

Below is a piece that I made in early 1970 that a friend/client, found while she was vintage shopping. Funny story we had lunch one day and she was wearing it wondering if I would recognize the piece!  Of course that is the first thing I noticed.  You can imagine my face lighting up when I saw the piece on her!!  These moments are what make what I do so worth it.   See a post here.

Here is a piece that I’ve repurposed into modern jacket that my client is now wearing from her cherished textiles.  See the video here.

Let’s Create Something Beautiful Together

Do you have a special textile waiting for new life? Whether it’s a cherished family piece or a vintage find you’re not sure how to use, I’d love to help transform it into something perfect for your current lifestyle.

No project is too small. Every unique piece of cloth deserves to be touched, understood, and transformed into something as beautiful as the fabric itself.

Ready to give your vintage textile new purpose? Reach out today and let’s discuss how we can honor your fabric’s history while creating something uniquely yours.

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“The Art of Simplicity is indeed an art. It appears effortless but requires tremendous expertise to execute well. In design, true simplicity is a refined skill. It comes only through deep understanding and disciplined practice.

Stripped to essential elements, good design maintains purpose and beauty. It achieves timeless quality. I confirmed this thinking during a Kintsugi exercise at a retreat. This Japanese art repairs broken pottery with gold. It embraces imperfection as part of an object’s beauty.

My philosophy creates simple designs with just the right flair to last a lifetime. It’s about knowing what to keep and what to remove. Each element must serve a purpose while celebrating imperfection’s beauty.

Read more about my philosophy: it’s never too late to make imperfection beautiful. 

Thank you to The Lotus Network Experience to have me as one of the Lotus Ladies.

Photo: Jennifer Lord Photography

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Here’s an idea on how to avoid rising tariffs in your wardrobe.  In a world of shifting supply chains and rising tariffs, it’s time to look closer to home for unique solutions. While businesses dependent on offshore sourcing are scrambling to adapt, we’re embracing a different approach—one that transforms forgotten textiles into bespoke treasures.

Your Hidden Gems Deserve New Life-Resist Tariffs

Do you have beautiful textiles tucked away in drawers? Perhaps a hand-woven shawl from your travels or a cherished fabric passed down through generations? These special pieces shouldn’t remain hidden—they deserve to be transformed into something you’ll use and love every day.

Why Choose Our Custom Textile Transformation Service and Tariff Hikes:

• Sustainable – Give new purpose to existing materials instead of contributing to more production
• Personal – Each piece carries its own history and meaning
• Unique – No mass-produced items, only one-of-a-kind creations
• Tariff-Free – Bypass supply chain challenges by using what’s already here

Click here to see a good example of what we do

Another example of our repurposing textiles:

Not your mother’s jeans, but my husband’s (handmade by me)

How to avoid tariff restrictions:

We collaborate with you to understand your vision and needs, then apply our design expertise to transform your textiles into functional, beautiful items perfectly suited to your current lifestyle.  Reach out here.

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 Evolving from its 1990’s origins, Brooks LTD creates memories to modern designs, transforming a treasured gown between mother and daughter.

This story beautifully illustrates the power of reimagining a piece of clothing for a new chapter in it’s cherished life. It demonstrates how quality garments can transcend their original purpose, adapting and evolving just as we do. Each piece carries memories while opening doors to fresh possibilities, bridging past and present in deeply personal ways.

This Brooks LTD custom dress bridges generations, read on for the shortened version…..

In 1990, the bride Carrie made a dramatic entrance on horseback wearing this stunning, custom-made gown by Brooks Luby.

Unconventional themes

While traditional venues were typical at the time, Carrie’s entrance was anything but conventional. This story likely resonates with those who appreciate unconventional wedding themes, venues, and attire.

Carrie circa 1990

Meet Zoe

Fast forward to 2023, and Carrie’s daughter, Zoe, got engaged. As athletic as they come, Zoe and her now-husband are avid travelers who seek out high mountain ranges for their adventures. Their lifestyle is exotic and always on the move, reflecting Zoe’s passion for health, fitness, and constant motion.

What you wear says alot about how you live and Zoe wanted this reflected in her gown with ease of movement in elegant fabric choices.

Fascinated by her mother’s wedding story, Zoe became enamored with the idea of wearing the same art wearable dress for her own wedding. Together with her mother, they opened the heirloom storage box that had preserved the gown for over three decades. To their delight, they discovered the original Brooks LTD label still intact, which led them back to me, the original wearable art designer.

Heirloom dress revealed

During our consultation, Zoe tried on her mother’s dress. It fit her like a glove, but she wanted to update it to suit her active personality and modern tastes. We lowered the neckline, removed the sleeves, took out the petticoat for a sleeker silhouette, and added a pocket for her vows – all changes that reflected Zoe’s style while maintaining the dress’s essence.

Zoe in her Mother’s gown after 30 years of storage, note the neckline, the fit and the sleeves, all about to change.

Transformation

New neckline, armhole and pocket details.

The Wedding Day

The result is captured perfectly in a photo that truly showcases Zoe’s personality. The image reveals the impeccable fit of the updated dress and her husband’s adoring look. Their smiles radiate joy and happiness, a testament to living a life together as a couple, the success of our collaboration and the dress’s transformation.

Wearable Art Clothing Designer

As the designer, I am forever grateful to have met Zoe after 30 years of knowing her mother. It gives me immense pleasure to help women attain the dress of their dreams. Working on my original dress was a treat, allowing me to appreciate its excellent construction from the inside out. The hand-stitched elements, luxurious fabric choices, and attention to detail – both in 1990 and now – make me proud to know that the dress has been passed down and worn with great pleasure.

For anyone inspired by this story or looking to breathe new life into a treasured garment, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can transform any meaningful piece – whether it’s a beloved jacket, a family heirloom, or a vintage find – into something that honors its history while celebrating your present self. I specialize in creative transformations that break conventional rules, helping you showcase your authentic self through reimagined clothing that tells your unique story.

Zoe’s infectious smile

Connecting in a personal way

Zoe and I at the final fitting

Memories to Modern: Transforming Treasured Clothing

Quality garments can transcend any purpose, adapting and evolving just as we do. Maybe you’re entering a new phase of life and want your wardrobe to reflect who you’ve become. Whether you’ve embraced your natural gray hair, shifted to a more relaxed lifestyle, or simply want to express yourself differently, your clothing should be a true reflection of who you are.

For anyone looking to breathe new life into a treasured garment, I can help transform any meaningful piece into something that honors it’s history while celebrating your present self.

Together, we can create unique transformations that showcase your authentic self through reimagined clothing that tells your story.  I encourage you to reach out,

This concept includes any cherished garment, I’ve been known to recreate pieces into wearables that break the rules and let you showcase your true newly discovered self where authenticity takes center stage.

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Enjoy go-to unique pieces when you open your closet doors.

Collaborating

Collaborating wearable art is inspiring, eye-opening, and fun. Lately, fun has taken the top spot on my list. Let me introduce you to Madeleine from Madeleine O’Connell Art.  Madeleine is a creative and talented painter and illustrator.  A mutual friend thought we would make a great team. Collaborating for a May 2024 pop-up at my Denver atelier and continung with another seasonal pop-up.

Hand painted on eco-friendly textiles

We enliven eco-fabrics with art and fashion, creating wearable masterpieces that are sustainable wearable art.  The result is a collection of whimsical, one-of-a-kind pieces that not only stand out for their distinctive designs but also for their commitment to environmental responsibility.

Collections

Our collaborative efforts have yielded a captivating autumn/winter collection that embraces the essence of cooler seasons, blending comfort with style in a harmonious array of pieces. These Artisanal hand painted designs range from delicate brushstrokes to bold splashes of color. Wearable art qualities  that captures the imagination and elevates the entire collection.

The collections are thoughtfully designed oversized silhouettes that embrace and flatter a diverse range of body types, creating a truly inclusive line. Generous cuts and strategically placed drapes offer comfortable ease without sacrificing style, allowing wearers to adjust the fit to their liking. Relaxed shoulders and armholes provide freedom of movement, while adjustable waistlines allow for personalized shaping.

Our creative synergy as kindred spirits ignites a boundless exploration of imagination and style. As a result, this collaborative journey not only pushes the boundaries of our artistic vision but results in pieces that radiate an infectious joy. Each garment we create is infused with the excitement of our shared creative process.  The  designs spark that same sense of delight and wonder in those who wear them.

In addition, we don’t want to show up wearing cookie-cutter clothing.  We are ageless beauties showing up in our own purposeful style.

We have unique voices that need to be heard, and expressing ourselves through how we dress is a perfect way to make an impression.

Madeleine and I showing off our second collaborative designs.  She creates her art on fabrics and I design and make the garment.

Reach out if interested in the collection currently not on the web site, DM is best.

Brooks Luby/BrooksLTD

Madeleine O’Connell/MadeleineO’ConnellArt

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In fact Betty will wear both pieces again, which is a testmament to the timeliness of my pieces.

Betty is a bad ass and we had a great time collaborating.

Timeless jacket style will be worn again and again with wardrobe choices already in her closet.

Working with Betty to create this look gave me so much joy.

Meet Betty

Betty is an avid traveler, very athletic, likes to swim with the dolphins, follow Bruce Springsteen wherever he may land and is curious about many things.  She has many hobbies and is an artist in her own right.  When her son announced his engagement, she was thrilled.   Since she is athletic, she wanted to emphasize her good form, posture and cover her arms as she gets cold.   One of the requirements was a certain color of blue.  Moreover, when you are restricted, it becomes a daunting task not to mention dresses are hard to fit and a bit confining for those who like to move with grace and ease.

After much research Betty reached out to me, came to the atelier and tried on several prototypes.   She asked if a full tulle skirt would be appropriate for a Mother of the Groom for a luxurious Chicago wedding venue.    Of course, I said yes and we were off and running.  She chose a short, cropped jacket(part of my prototypes) with a back flared detail in a specific color of blue silk shantung.  For the skirt (another prototype) we worked together to determine the layers of colors of tulle to create depth and interest when she walked down the aisle.  It was like layering paints on a canvas to come up with just the right mixture.

New Look, custom artful wearable

I like to think of this ensemble as a spin-off of Dior’s 1950’s design called the New Look 

.

My design is different as I am a firm believer in comfort first.  Betty’s jacket was tailored to her figure, and skimmed her body in just the right places so when she moved the jacket moved with her.  If she lifted her arms to hug her friends, the jacket moved with her.  When she danced the skirt was a delight to maneuver in.  It was playful and whimsical.

Problem Solving

I am in the business of helping humans with solving problems in how they want to dress.  Betty had some ideas, I listened and with that we came up with the most comfortable appropriate ensemble where Betty got compliments all evening from both peers and her son’s friends.

At her son’s wedding reception, Betty was touched by an unexpected compliment in the ladies’ room. A friend of her son’s stopped her, and commented:  “Betty, your outfit is stunning,” the young woman gushed. “When I get married, I want my mother to look as cool and comfortable as you.” Betty felt a warm glow of pride by this kind gesture.

It’s always nice to feel that age is not a factor when dressing for important events and still achieve comfort and style along with elegance wearing classic designs.

Reuse

I trust Betty will separate the pieces as an additional way to include them in her wardrobe.  Her exuberant display when we had our fittings is apparent in the photograph below.

We believe that to reuse is an important feature to cherish pieces while keeping them out of the landfill.  Its a win win situtation.

Working with Betty and others who appreciate attention to details with an artistic flaire where collaborating and having a creative experience is what we have become known for.

Reach out here if you are interested in working with us.  

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Step into a realm where creativity knows no bounds. Our brand is a symphony of design, technique and meticulous attention to detail. Each piece I create is a unique masterpiece tailored to your individual style.

Designs from Brooks LTD in Denver, Colorado set you apart from the crowd.

For this reason, I created several showstopping looks for a Bastille Day fashion show in Denver, Colorado.   Vintage textiles combining with modern fabrics to create these breezy, one-of-a-kinds frocks.  Here you see where creativity knows no bounds.  Seriously, think table napkins!  Elegant, pristine and very rare from collectors of fine linens.

Photo:  Bahar Samani

Currently I am using tabletop textiles: exquisite napkins and tablecloths from vintage collectors. The quality of these materials is unmatched in today’s marketplace of fast fashion.

Sometimes I create the accessories that go with the designs, completing the looks.

Fast Fashion

You may wonder, “What is fast fashion?”.   It’s a business model that mass-produces cheap, poor-quality items meant to replicate recent high-end trends and designs. It’s considered ‘fast’ fashion because the production is fast and the life spans of the items are fast.  Consumers quickly discard the low cost made items for whatever the next season offers.

Fast fashion also has devastating consequences on the environment and the people who make the items.

Because of this, workers’ rights are eroded during the production process and the discarded clothing ends up in landfills.

Slow Fashion

In contrast we proudly embrace the concept of slow fashion. Slow fashion honors craftsmanship and quality materials. Our pieces are meant to be treasured and enjoyed, then passing down from generation to generation.  I like to call them wearable art work.

Experience personalized consultations

Finally, experience the luxury of a personalized consultation and our bespoke pieces that speak to your soul. Embrace the unexpected and infuse playfulness into your wardrobe with our timeless creations that promise to bring joy into your life. Celebrate the art of dressing authentically in a wearable art dress.

Discover the perfect artisian piece to elevate your style. Shop now

Reach out to schedule a one on one zoom call here.

Photo:  Bahar Samani

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I never really thought much about the Barbie craze until I saw the movie. The New York TImes describes the movie Barbie and is well titled On the Road and Out of the Box.

My vintage Barbie

Below you will see my real vintage Barbie dressed in a taffeta gown with a fur wrap. Yes, I had to dig her out of storage after I saw the movie.  I added the sunglasses to give her a more casual vibe.  From gowns to sunglasses I began to relate to how she affected my life and how Barbie shapes imagination.

Dreams do come true as Barbie shapes imagination

One thing Barbie has tried to show girls is that dreams do come true. And making those dreams a reality requires persistence, drive and the will to experiment.

Some of my childhood dreams was to create pieces for the red carpet and for high profile stars.  My most recent ‘red carpet’ moment -I was honored to create a bodice for the Grammy’s Red Carpet one year ago, read about that HERE

In addition,  I also had the honor to create a custom jacket for Shania Twain, it was intended for her to wear as a lifestyle piece and I did see her on Instagram wearing it.  What a thrill!

Now Shania is being recognized as a Barbie role model @shaniatwain  said,  “All I’ve wanted to do my whole life is tell stories of empowerment, independence and self-expression through my songwriting. Getting to do that and inspire women and girls along the way is the dream. It means a lot to expand my responsibility as a role model into the Barbie world, thank you @barbie and Mattel for creating this reflection of me.”

I feel the same about the pieces I create. The garments I’ve made for my clients are all pieces from my heart. My hope is that they will always give my clients a feeling of empowerment, self-expression and independence every time they wear them.

So thank you, Barbie, for inspiring us all to reimagine the many ways our lives can be well lived.

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Let us help to transform your keepsake textiles into our Legacy Jacket.  Perhaps you have a beautiful tablecloth you love and never use. Or maybe there’s a textile you couldn’t resist buying tucked away in a drawer. You might even have an actual piece of clothing from a loved one holding wonderful memories but isn’t something you’d wear.  We have a way to transform these keepsake pieces into something truly unique and totally wearable.

We are excited to share with you our ‘Legacy Jacket’ made from transforming keepsake textiles.  The  design features reworking vintage pieces that are perfect for those who love retro and vintage fashion and keeping memories alive. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and made to order, making them truly wearable works of art. The Legacy Jacket is also sustainably made in Denver, Colorado and completely eco-friendly.

Each jacket is made even more special with our creative use of visible mending and patchwork techniques.  These techniques add beautiful details and unique accents. Our slow fashion approach ensures that every Legacy Jacket is crafted with care and attention to detail, so you are enjoying  it for years to come.

Whether you’re looking for a statement piece or just want to add some color and personality to your wardrobe, our upcycled heirloom Legacy Jacket is perfect for you.

Join us in our commitment to sustainable fashion and get your own wearable art today!

Contact us here  or at designroom@brooksltd.net.

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By working with your hands, the process of mending also calms the mind and allows you to think deeply about things that are personal to you. It’s about the journey and not the destination although, in this case, the destination can have a beautiful visual effect. I shared my personal mending techniques with clients and friends at my private atelier last month and found that there is great interest in the age-old practice of mending.

There are a few reasons why the art of mending matters has such appeal. By repairing a garment you gain a better understanding of it from a construction standpoint and connect yourself in a way to the original maker.

“When we spend time patching, stitching, darning, or otherwise fixing torn fabrics, we ultimately deepen our understanding of quality, composition, and craftsmanship.”  —Excerpt from Mending Matters

Repairing a favorite garment

There’s also the environmental aspect. Mending can be a counterpoint to the dark side of consumption in the fashion industry. Lily Fulop, author of Wear, Repair, Repurpose: A Maker’s Guide to Mending and Upcycling Clothes, writes that “mending is an act of resistance — a rejection of the sort of capitalism that puts profit before the planet.” She even coined the term ‘Craftivism’ noting that the act of mending clothes is a form of activism that sends a message about reducing waste and minimizing environmental damage.

Mending can also improve your mental well-being. Taking time to do something with your hands, like the simple act of stitching, can create feelings of awareness and joyfulness. Mending is proof of the possibility of renewal. It also helps to reduce ‘eco-anxiety’ because it’s a concrete way to take action against the unsustainable practices in the fashion industry.

Working with your hands

Teaching Mending Textiles in 2023

I will be teaching Mending Textiles Matters classes at The Art Student’s League in Denver. (If these links don’t work for you, scroll to the search box and select Fall Adult 2023, Brooks Luby, from the dropdown menu.) Dates are Oct 6, 2023 and Nov 17, 2023. Hope to see you there!

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