Laurie Bracker is a full time stylist, image consultant, blogger, and all around fashionista. Laurie's spunky personality matches her spunky style and let's face it, they both brighten all of our days. Laurie was a fashion designer in New York for 7 years and after that went on to received a degree from FIT for Image Consulting. She now resides in bright and sunny LA, recently being certified by Stacy London from TLC's What Not To Wear as well as joining Stacy's Style for Hire (to name a few of her qualifications). The list literally goes on and on and what she has accomplished is not only impressive but highly respectable. Laurie mostly works with private clients but also offers styling tips, photo inspirations and outfit posts on her site, twitter feed and Facebook fan page so you don't have to be a client to benefit from her knowledge and talent. I was really excited to feature Laurie as our blogger of the week because I think she has something different to offer and the knowledge and experience to back it up. Want to know more about Laurie? Read on for her fabulous interview!
Name and blog: Laurie Brucker / LaurieBstyle.com
City: Los Angeles, CA
How did you start blogging?
In January of 2009 I had a one way ticket from New York City to Los Angeles. I was leaving behind a seven year design career working for various private label brands and choosing to change my destiny by starting my own business as a personal stylist. in February 2009 I took a part time job as a writer for Examiner.com. I was the LA Women's Style Examiner and I covered everything from fashion events, to trends to my adventures in style. And the rest is really history!
How would you describe your style?
My style is eclectic, wearable, bold and yet still attainable. I love to mix high, low, and vintage into one look. But as an entrepreneuress I always wear what is age appropriate, professional and never without a touch of sass! Is possible to embody all those things in one look? Absolutely! Confidence is my best accessory so no matter what style combination I go with, I always feel great and that makes me look great.
Are you a vintage lover? Why?
I think saying that I am a vintage lover is an understatement. I have an affinity for old things with character. I yearn for unique pieces that have soul and a story. My eyes are drawn to them. I can feel their energy. (Is that crazy to say? Well call me crazy!) There is just something about a fantastic vintage piece that can look so modern and fresh but also has depth. I am a frequent flea market shopping and have been scouring vintage stores and trading posts since 1998. I still have the very first vintage piece I've ever bought.
What is your favorite era? Why?
Oh that is a great question. I think because my personal style is so eclectic, perhaps a combination of eras? Maybe the chic feminine feel of the New Look circa 1957 mixed with the sexy and daring gypset of the 70s? Throw a splash of Art Deco 20s in there and now we are talking!
What are your go-to items right now?
Right now I've been veering towards updated and modern classics: fantastic pencil skirts, statement necklaces, and bold blazers. I'm a huge accessories fan in general so everyday I go to layering on a mix of contrasting accessories themes and make them all work together.
How do you mix vintage into your wardrobe?
Typically when I am getting dressed, I start with a modern piece and then pile on all of my vintage accessories giving my look dimension and contrast. I love what a perfect vintage necklace or belt can do for a modern outfit.
Who is your vintage fashion icon?
I absolutely love the eccentric style of David Bowie. I live for style that is rule breaking, style game changing and actually revolutionary for the time. Great style can change the face of fashion. David Bowie was Epic!
Present day fashion icon?
For present day I've always love Gwen Stefani, like David Bowie she is the ultimate in pushing the style limits, but there is something about her that is so fabulous and chic. Plus I love her style versatility. She can wear drop crotched pants, kicks and a wife beater with red lips, or a couture gown. She is just beyond. I love her. She's also my karaoke songs of choice...
What is your favorite thing about Market Publique?
What I love is that most of the pieces you can see styled on a real girl. Vintage clothes especially are tough to fit, and it's hard to judge fit when you are buying online. So It makes me feel more comfortable purchasing pieces because I'm seeing on a real body!
Thanks Laurie, you are truly fab!
