Spread Love, it's the Brooklyn Way

Due to Manhattan's sky-scraping rent prices and Brooklyn's cultural diversity, my beautiful hometown has rapidly grown to become the creative hub of NYC. In recent years, there has been a flock of artists, designers, musicians and the like buying lofts and brownstones in downtown neighborhoods such as Bushwick, Greenpoint, Williamsburg and my personal favorite, Park Slope. The homey feel of NYC's most populous borough (an oxymoron, but hey, it's true!) makes the community of artists a family where everyone is free to truly express themselves. Jewelry designer Thea Grant describes Brooklyn fashion as "spontaneous, handcrafted, unique." When I walk down the street, each person has an individual style to them. In this weeks post, I pay homage to all my fashionable friends in their vastly differing styles:

Maya rocking a classic high-waisted skirt with tights while posing on a bike? just may be the EPITOME of Brooklyn.
Next up we have Jane, my quirky best friend who was a hipster before the term was even coined (you know, the kind to be whip out a baby harmonica at a party yet scream I'M NOT A HIPSTER when someone approaches her on it).

and in case you were wondering, here's her with the harmonica ...

These next pictures are from New Years 2011.
Matching is not a necessity to us Brooklynites. In fact, it probably makes you less fashion-forward. Green velvet jacket and striped crop top? I think, YES. Note Maria's classic American Apparel red velvet dress and Simone's absolutely fabulous jacket bought for $7 at a thrift boutique.

And don't you just love the way the boys are rocking flannels?! For Brooklyn boys it's all about the plaid and the kicks. A look at Simone from behind ...

Can you sense the symmetry with Simone and unidentified girl she is hugging - both clad in jean shorts, tights and rocker-chic booties.
Ilana, also clad in Amer Appar, this time with lamé leggings and a striped leotard.

A polaroid of Alison waiting for the train in a sweater of big cats and a denim corset ... matching is for the boring.

I don't want to forget about the older crowd, so let me throw in my mother's absolutely fabulous friend Grace, a designer herself. This skirt and bustier is of her own creation ... all for our Christmas Party!

While everybody is an individual, there is one fashion rule all Brooklyn girls live by: mixing and matching old with new. No Brooklyn closet is ever complete without a couple of Vintage designer items found at Beacon's Closet or the Salvation Army; nor will any outfit ever be complete without an American Apparel base.
'til next time,
Roxy