064: BROOKE CALLAHAN
lives in tie pants and Porselli flats.
For this week's letter, I spoke with designer Brooke Callahan. You may know her from her eponymous label, which has quietly become a cool-girl signifier. Her colorful separates, distinguished by drawstring ties and easy silhouettes, strike that perfect balance between on- and off-duty dressing—casual without being sloppy. And her lookbook imagery is styled to perfection (I still dream about finding these green sneakers).
Brooke, predictably, has impeccable style herself. We first met years ago when she was working for the OG cult brand A.P.C. I've loved watching her evolution since then. By the way, Brooke started with jewelry, and she arguably pioneered the cord-pendant necklace trend that's everywhere these days.
These days, Brooke lives in a thoughtful mix of her own designs and other well-chosen colorful basics, with plenty of vintage thrown in. I asked her to tell me all about it.
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
My personal style has always leaned a bit preppy. Most days I’m in a button down, pleated trouser, etc. I have become a bit of a uniform dresser, which is extra easy in LA because the same pieces often work as well in December as they do August; you need less variation here so it is a bit easier to streamline and edit a wardrobe. As I get older I want to dress comfortably and I prefer ease over all else. "My Brooke Callahan pieces easily allow this while still enabling me to wear fun, happy colors without feeling 'boring' (or what I may have considered boring in the past). :)
How often do you shop?
I go to Scout once every other month — my husband gets his hair cut next door and I always tag along. I've been better about only shopping for things I really need, so I’m rarely tempted to shop online. I try to save shopping for when I am in NYC or Europe, which sounds so over the top, but I’ve become too lazy for the flea markets and I find LA retail to be a bit of a let down. That being said, I can mostly make what I need for the very easy LA climate, so it is not too hard to save shopping for vacation.
BROOKE’S MOST WORN
I have four colors but always need more
BC Tie Pants in Rice and an old blue Bergdorf Goodman button down
My perfect, orange Jil Sander sweater from ebay
Where do you shop the most?
If I do shop online it would usually be on The RealReal, eBay or Etsy. The RealReal often has amazing shoes, eBay has the best sweaters and Etsy is more for random impulse buys — most recently Hai Sporting Gear and Jil Sander. IRL I have probably spent the most $$$ at Scout, Lara Koleji and Thx God I’m a VIP in Paris.
Best buy of the last year?
My perfect, giant Armani trench from Scout changed my life and makes me wish for rain. It’s so big that it basically covers my whole outfit so I just have to think about my shoes.
What are you currently searching for?
Black leather flip flops with a thick strap, simple colorful leather bags, great clogs, a big cozy black cardigan, and oversized button downs always.
Vintage Levi’s 577
The best Levi’s cut for people with a butt/hips.
BC Cuff Tops and black Havianas
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Brooke Callahan tie pants are basically my everyday — orange, navy and rice are currently at the top of my rotation. If I’m running out to do errands I’ll usually pair with an old Hanes tee from eBay or a tank from Br*ndy M*hville (sorry) as we enter the summer months. If I have a long walk I’ll switch to my chacos but I’m in Havaianas whenever I can be. :)
A.P.C. cotton trousers from a few seasons ago.
(I bought three pairs)
Does your style change when you go to work?
I am super lucky to work for myself so my 'office' dress is super casual — often it's indistinguishable from my coffee run attire. But I do try and push myself to get a bit more dressed up (weather permitting ... I don't have AC in my studio or car) if I go into the studio or have an IRL meeting. During the latest heat wave I have been living in Brooke Callahan column skirts and wrap pieces since they are super breathable. In colder months, I am usually in jeans and a big, brightly colored cashmere sweater + black Porsellis with black socks.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
My style after 7pm is very different than my day to day. I use nights out as an opportunity to wear all my impulse buys and super special pieces I just couldn't pass up. I have waited literal years for some pieces to go on sale on the Souvenir Vintage Etsy page, like the amazing pink top from Iceberg that I wore to Genghis Cohen last weekend. I also try to get as much use as possible out of the somewhat impractical dresses I seem to collect while on vacation, so the below Chatal Thomass and Louis Feraud dresses (both from Thx God) get a good amount of wear.
What do you always travel with?
My studio mate Cleo Camp makes the best accessories. She recently made me a gold leather laptop case that I am obsessed with. I also have some simple zippered bags she made with beautiful antique fabric that I use to carry all my pills, lotions, brushes, etc. Clothing wise, Brooke Callahan pieces fold up so easily and take up almost no room in my luggage, so I always have at least a few pairs of pants with me :)
Love the floral skirt with the tee!
O Brooke Callahan. Since moving to LA 2 years ago I wear one (or more) of your pieces EVER single day. These are my most “where did I put it?????” …followed by TEARing thru bags.. pieces. I send them to wash/dry/fold or wash them in the shower. The best uniform.. thank you!! Xo