It’s summertime and it seems like entertaining during covid is good thing to do, with the current restrictions in place of social distancing and few people.   My lovely yard is large enough where social distancing would be very appropriate.  So far we have only had one couple over for dinner.  We have enjoyed our evenings alone in our yard.  Isolation has been calming and creative for me as I love the peacefulness of my yard.  I am lucky as I realize that alot of people are in different situations and I acknowledge that.

Guest Writer

Dressing while enteraining can be fun.  I reached out to the wonderful Tammy Abramovitz and asked her to write a short blurb about tablescapes,  entertaining during covid and how she dresses for the occasion.  

 Tammy Abramovitz was named a Top 100 Hostess in 2018 by Salonniere Magazine alongside Oprah and Reese Witherspoon. She writes a monthly manners column for the Castle Pines Connection, the community she calls home.

Tammy’s personal passions include entertaining, community engagement, philanthropy and free range junking. You can find her camping near Pike’s Peak most weekends at the family cabin.

“I am thrilled to share my thoughts and insights for entertaining during the covid crisis. First and foremost, one must surrender any thoughts of perfection and embrace all thoughts of comfort and compromise. I’ve had a few very small gatherings with social distancing in mind, being out of doors and lots of good food and cocktails. I can assure you that you will be grateful to see your friends. You may or may not hug, but the stories can still be told and you’ll be glad that you made the decision to gather.

I’ve found that dressing is a gift AND a curse. If you wait until the last minute, you may or may not still fit in that fabulous column dress. But a breezy Caftan is always go-to for Summer entertaining!

And lastly, I have found such great pleasure in reveling over the party, reaching out to my guests after setting the date, making the invitation and having the dinner. A genuine gratitude for them, for coming to the table to laugh and eat and nourish ourselves in a difficult time.”

A Brooks LTD verison of a breezy Caftan.

With all of the stay at home orders, I too have become kin to caftan dressing. I find that they are comfortable while hanging around home and can translate into a fun dress when going out and about.  Add leggings and a tank underneath to make it alittle more casual and better for cooler days/nights.  This look will go way into 2021, and when the time is right, it’s a great beach cover up.

Yes, we will go beaching again.  Keep the right attitude. I believe that attitude helps in creating calmness and joy.  We have little control over the larger picture.  We need to be vigilant in our actions and stay safe.

I am hopeful that if you need some new trend to add to your current wardrobe a caftan would be the answer.  Below are my most recents, and there are more on the cutting table.

Retro Mesh Print on my shop page.

Photo:EJ CARR/Model:Rielly Blake

Navy mesh print, on the cutting table.  Last one!

Thank you for connecting with me.

There are all sorts of new ways of communicating and learning new paths of doing business is challenging me.

It’s been a wild ride and it’s just beginning, who would of thought that after 45 years of being in business I would still enjoy these challenges?  I am currently working toward a new collection that has me jazzed.  I think you’ll be suprised as to that direction.  It’s a thoughtful, fun way to add clothes to your already full wardrobe.  Stay tuned!

Here’s to your health and well being, thank you for following my brand.

Brooks

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Confused, Caring, Time for Change

Downtown Denver boarded up on a Friday afternoon.

“Black Lives Matter”

These few words of expression on this photo has ‘Black Lives Matter’ painted on the street leading to White House speaks to the ongoing support.

Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images

Women of Color

In my everyday dealings I am very connected to women of color that I call my friends and colleagues.  I am proud and honored to feature many women of color in many of  my designs.

Expressions in my shadow

More than a few words of expression on how I’m feeling seen through my shadow.

“To contemplate is to look at shadows”…..Victor Hugo

Learning to be wiser, better prepared, to listen, to help, to contemplate.

These short words can express my feelings and will help me understand better.

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Advanced Style’s Ari Seth Cohen outside of his book signing, flanked by myself and Judith from Style Crone, wearing her custom Brooks LTD headpiece

Ari’s blog showcases some incredibly fabulous New York City women, as well as some closer to (our) home – including my dear friend (and Brooks LTD model) Judith Boyd of blog Style Crone.  In addition to his blog, Ari also has written several books.  His latest, “Advanced Love,” is a collection of couples’ portraits “who prove that love is bound by neither the constraints of age or time.”  Judith had the honor of co-hosting Ari for his Denver book signing at local boutique Wild Flowers, along with shop proprietor Jonah Bradley.  Of course the occasion called for pulling out all the stops in creative dressing.  I was thrilled to find that Judith chose to wear her Brooks LTD oversized bow headpiece as a topper to her vintage purple dress.  This was a style that I custom designed with her in mind as my muse – hence it’s official name, “The Judith.”  I find that the more Judith and I work together, and the more our friendship evolves, her unique style consistently inspires me to discover new ways of expressing my craft.

Myself and two friends (both in Brooks LTD!) enjoying ourselves at Ari Seth Cohen’s book signing

Ari and Judith’s discussion that night left me with a newfound appreciation for the art of dressing.  It was a joyful reminder that fashion can have deeper meaning than just being the clothes on your back.  And oh how radiant Judith looked next to Ari in her vintage taffeta dress and Brooks LTD headpiece!  It’s opportunities like these that bring an extra dose of excitement to what I do.

Advanced Style’s Ari Seth Cohen signing his latest book, Advanced Love

Latin Fashion WeekStyle Crone’s Judith Boyd backstage at Latin Fashion Week Colorado modeling her custom Brooks LTD headpiece, The Judith, along with a Brooks LTD artfully decorated jacket and sweater knit dress.

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Photo credit: Erin Lassahn Photography

The wedding was this summer and I had the pleasure of dressing them and their mom for the festivities. Today I will concentrate on Erin, Megan’s sister who stood in for the bride as the only bridesmaid. I had a blast working with all three of them, and since we started several months ago, it helped to make the design process more relaxing and all about pure fun. That’s something I strive for when creating dresses of women’s dreams.

The color choice was based on the bride’s desires. Fun, happy colors that will look festive and bright in the urban industrial wedding venue: Moss Denver. Once you’ve chosen your wedding venue, picking colors for your bridal party is always important, too!

Photo credit: Erin Lassahn Photography

Erin fell in love with some lace pants at my atelier, so with that in mind and the turquoise color choice, I searched for the perfect fabric that would create a pant to go underneath a silk skirt in the same color. I tied all of the elements together in a hand-stitched decorated waistline of her wrap skirt. Note the touches of red to pull out the color of her shoes. No detail is left undone.

Photo credit: Erin Lassahn Photography

I believe that the back is just as important as the front. That is why I chose to decorate the center back with an exposed zipper. The sleeve detail is also visible front and back.

Here is a snippet from the actual fitting. I use Erin as the fit model to change up the original idea of a dolman sleeve to a set in sleeve. Things change as we go along. Yes, it’s me who does the designing, fitting, sewing, and cutting. One of a kind ensembles need that one-on-one special attention; why not work directly with a local designer you can trust?

One of the details I always prefer is to look toward the future. I wanted Erin to be able to wear these pieces again, not just for the wedding. I suggested she wear the skirt with other tops, maybe a tight fitting sweater with leggings when the weather gets colder. The lace pant would look great with a tailored white shirt and the lace bodice works well with a dark colored pant and jacket for a day into evening look. The choices are endless and makes this a sustainable ensemble that she will wear many years from now. For other fun, sustainable fashion designs, check out my lifestyle ensembles online!

Photo credit: Erin Lassahn Photography

Congratulations to everyone! I loved working with these creative ladies. Thank you for the opportunity.

And did I mention how much fun we all had during the process?

Contact Brooks LTD for a Custom Ensemble Designed Just for You!

Whether you’re attending a wedding as a bridesmaid or mother of the bride, or you’re celebrating your own wedding or other major milestone event, you deserve to feel stylish in a unique piece made with your personality and body type in mind. Reach out to me for a custom dress that fits you perfectly.

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Meet Jessica, a power house woman who I had the pleasure of dressing a few months prior for a Cancer League Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion show.

During our first consultation, we picked out the perfect fabric for her summer frock, took measurements and I sketched a design appropriate for the Kentucky Derby.  Fast forward to look at the fabric draped on my mannequin to see the grainlines:

Jessica had picked out several hat options and we chose one in particular that would be a subtle contrast to the color of the dress. I chose silk organza in that color for the lining which would show because of the high low hem and would be a subtle design detail.

The first fitting was a muslin to get the bust point and neckline in the exact place necessary.  The muslin was a bit small and needed adjustments, which is always the case and it’s why we start with a prototype.  

After the corrections are made and a new muslin is cut, I use that as my pattern to cut the fashion fabric out and then the sewing begins.

At the second fitting I tweak the fashion fabric on Jessica’s body. You can see from the photo below that in order for the dress to fit snuggly at the waist I have to take it in and insert structures so that when she moves the dress stays taut.  

At the final fitting we have a good time documenting the final garment. It was most important to me that the bodice fit perfectly, that no bra lines are showing and that the décolleté is correctly exposed.

The hat needed some decoration to set the dress apart so I added white feathers which went with the whimsy style of the dress.

As I mentioned above, relationships are often formed during the dress design process. Jessica and I have a lot of future plans together. Both of us being breast cancer survivors, we are passionate about empowering women for early detection and self-examination. Jessica has started an organization to help educate women, called Night Out with “The Girls”. She has creative ways to make the educational process effective and fun. Definitely check it out!

Thank you, Jessica, for choosing me as your couturier for this project. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for our next venture! 

You can also read more about this project on Denver Post’s Your Hub!  

Looking for a custom designed dress for a special occasion?

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.  

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Red Taffeta Shirtwaist Gown with defined waistline and full skirt.

I met the Editor of the magazine, Elizabeth Hamilton, several years ago. We connected with one another, as we both have a love of fashion. Elizabeth has been in the fashion industry for over 20 years and she has been modeling for Donna Baldwin Agency, the largest full service talent agency in Colorado, since 1994. You can read more about her on the magazine’s website here.

Between my former retail shop in Cherry Creek North, being a Colorado native, and having a love for animals, I was described as a perfect fit for being featured in Cherry Creek Now Magazine.

The pieces for the photoshoot were all inspired by my belief that women should be able to dress fashionably in the countryside and cityscape. I primarily used fabrics in the designs that can be intermixed and re-combined to create unique looks. Some of my favorite fabrics used in these pieces include crisp taffeta, lycra ponte, laser cut pleather, French lace, and Italian cellophane bonded fabric.

I believe the utilitarian shirtwaist style dress will be a staple in one’s wardrobe, so why not make it in a luxurious fabric? The simple sheath and the trendy jumpsuit are pieces to add to your current wardrobe.  Add a baseball cut “truth” jacket over any of these pieces and you can be at a gala or a country outing. 

To see the entire Black & Red collection online, visit my Lookbooks page. You can also head on over to see the full spread in the online magazine. 

As always, these shoots take a village. I could not have had a better team to execute this fabulous high fashion spread. Many thanks to:

Stylist: Mary Spicer 

Photographer: Hardy Klahold 

Models: Christine Olyer

Janina Lawrence

Mallory High

Hair: Mark Gallegos 

Makeup: Bethany Joy Geraghty 

Venue:  TAHA Suri Alpaca Ranch 

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Each season, I am exposed to the newest technology of fabrics. In order to keep fashion fresh and interesting, the textiles need to be innovative. The latest technologies are 3D, pile and tactile fabrics.

3D fabrics are definitely one of my favorites, and whenever I can’t find them, I create them. This makes my fashion designs more distinct and one of a kind. One print may be the underlayer of the overlay print, which creates a 3D effect when the fabric moves. It can be hard to notice unless you see it in real life.

Laser-cut fabrics are also becoming mainstay in the industry, for everything from bridal gowns to outerwear. I was thrilled to run across an interesting pattern that was laser cut on tulle fabric. Stay tuned for the final result! I have a roll of it now in my studio.

Shredding fabrics and using a quilting technique can create an interesting design. When applied to a garment, it becomes intriguing to the fashion-conscious woman.

I also get inspired by the environment and what is happening culturally. When I was walking the streets of New York on my annual trip this summer, this window display resonated with me. The word “truth” has really become a mainstay in our political climate today. I know deep inside that I was creating graffiti on my clothes last November using the word TRUTH. Although we all try to be the first to do something, it’s impossible! 

These are just a small sampling of the fabric I choose to work with. They are always changing, so I can’t get too attached to one fabric because of this. This holiday season in 2018, be on the lookout for more texture, dimension, and a contrast in drape and fluidity in fashion designs. Thank you for following my story, and be sure to check out my Instagram feed for my latest updates and inspirations!

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Special Events Call for a One-of-a-Kind Ensemble

Some of the most important events in your life should be celebrated in a way that makes the occasion truly memorable and completely unlike your average day. And your wedding isn’t the only celebration that calls for a custom dress, either!

Whether you are a mother of the bride, an honored guest at a red-carpet style event, or hosting an elegant gala or party, hiring a custom fashion designer can be one of the best ways to dress to impress!

Custom Dresses Are Made to Fit You

Rather than a handful of sizes that are made to fit a wide range of people, custom-made clothing is exactly that: custom-made for you and no one else. A custom-made dress can be made to suit your height, body type, and/or skin tone in a way no store-bought dress ever will.

Working with a Designer is Fun!

It’s a fun experience to collaborate with a designer who can create a vision with your ideas in mind and bring a unique ensemble to life. Although the process to work with a designer is longer than your typical shopping experience, it can be far more exciting, especially when you know the end product will be like nothing else out there!

More Personality

Hiring a designer also means you can talk about ideas that add more character, flair, and uniqueness in the design that is specifically suited to your individual personality and style. After your initial consultation, we can begin to sketch out a few ideas for your dress or ensemble’s design. 

Whether you are someone who absolutely loves all things shimmer and shine, or you dream of a more modern and minimalist design, you can brainstorm with a designer to create an ensemble just for you! You can even talk about specific fabrics and colors that go perfectly with the type of event you’ll be hosting or attending. 

Contact a Custom Dress Designer in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.

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Here are some helpful questions to ask during your initial consultation with a custom dress designer:

What might our timeline look like?

Be sure to communicate with your dress designer about when your event is before ordering a dress. This will help you both to better prepare for how much time you have, when fittings should take place, and approximately when you’ll be able to pick up the dress before the big event.  We usually allow 6-8 weeks for a custom gown and less time for smaller projects.

My clients are always happy when I can incorporate pockets.

What are my price options?

Custom designed dresses can vary in price in a few key ways. If you already have a specific budget range in mind, talk about your ideal and maximum budgets for this product. This helps in determining the design elements and the fabric choices.

We require a deposit of half down at the time of the order, one quarter before we cut into the fashion fabric and the balance upon delivery.

Which fabrics might work best with our vision?

Designing a custom dress should be a collaborative experience. After you explore ideas that may work for your wedding or special event, ask your designer’s opinion on which fabrics might be best for bringing your ideas to life.  Certain fabrics will respond to specific design lines.  Let your designer be the guide for what is best for your ensemble as a designer has the expertise you are looking for.

How many fittings will I need and are fittings included in the cost?

Typically, you may only need a couple of fittings, but for more extravagant ideas there may be more required.  At Brooks LTD we pride ourselves in having samples for a client to try on before the fitting process begins. Below is an example of a muslin prototype that has the fit and design lines that the final garment will have.

Talk with your designer about the numbers of fittings. At Brooks LTD, additional fittings are included in the overall investment of the dress design, once a price is quoted we do not change our price unless the client adds something to the original request.

What types of undergarments should I wear?

Every dress design will be unique, so ask your designer for thoughts on appropriate undergarments to wear in a way that will be flattering and won’t negatively impact the way the dress looks on you.  It is very important that you as the client bring or wear the exact underpinnings to each fitting as that determines the fit, so it’s a waste of time to have a fitting without appropriate undergarments. And don’t forget: shoes are also part of the fitting!

Delivery of the final product.

At the final fitting you will try on the finished product which will be pressed and ready to go.  We prefer to take a few photos for our records, we ask each client to pose on delivery day. Each gown is packaged so that it will travel well, whether it is locally or headed for a drive to your venue.

Contact a Custom Dress Designer in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.  

Thank you to Frances Photography for these great photos!

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Not only is a custom-designed dress made to fit your body, but you’ll love being able to wear something tailored to your fashion vision and style — especially if you have something extraordinary in mind that is more specific to your individual personality.

But when it comes to working with a custom dress designer, there are a few important things to look for before your commitment. Here’s what you should look for in a dress designer to find one that’s right for you.

Experience & Expertise

When you meet with a potential designer, ask how long they’ve been in this line of work. Those with more experience will often have a better perspective on the dress shapes, colors, and fabrics that can help you create an entirely unique ensemble. Hiring a designer is also requires trusting in their expertise and guidance, so you’ll want someone who can bring a professional opinion to the table.

And although there are many clothing designers out there, find someone who has a background in creating high quality ensembles (such as gowns, dresses, skirts, jackets and blouses) so they can better suggest the right fabrics and style for such an important event.

They will also know the right questions to ask you in return, making the design process smoother and more transparent, so you clearly understand each step the entire way.

Portfolio

This tip may sound obvious, but it can be one of the most important to helping you find the right designer. Look through samples of work they’ve done in the past. See which dresses they’ve designed that you may or may not want to borrow inspiration from.

Honesty

You should feel comfortable with the person you’re working with, and this requires a good amount of honesty and transparency. It’s better to hire a dress designer who is up-front about what may or may not be possible (say, with certain fabrics that may not match the style you’re going for), than someone who says “Yes” to everything and doesn’t achieve your vision in the end as they promised.

Creativity & Artistry

You aren’t looking to have someone create a custom dress if you’re hoping to wear something unoriginal, so look for a designer who thinks outside the box!

Ask for their insights, ideas and opinions. Creating your dress should be a collaborative effort in order to bring an out of the ordinary design to life. Work with an artistic dress designer who uses creative design elements, and you can feel confident as you walk into your event with an ensemble that is truly “yours”!

Contact a Custom Dress Designer in Denver, CO

Whether you’re looking for a truly unique wedding dress, an elegant mother of the bride dress, a creative gala or party dress, or other artful ensemble creations, reach out to Brooks LTD for a design that suits you and fits perfectly! Contact me online or call 303-573-3801.  

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