Spotted: VIPs with Brooklit Cards

Today I'm excited to share new photos of VIPs I've had the pleasure of meeting recently who all paused for a pic with their favorite Brooke Hagel illustration.

First up, actress Vanessa Britting who chose my Eva sketch. Vanessa has such a charming and sophisticated sense of style, that Eva fit her perfectly. I spent a weekend at a destination wedding with Vanessa and was stuck by her look each day. I actually told her that I thought she was "sooo pretty and polished and always looked like she just stepped out of a Kate Spade ad."

To my surprise just 4 days after writing about Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman and putting her on my Golden Globe best dressed list, I had the pleasure of meeting her at a Project Runway All Stars event. I actually wound up in an elevator with her right at the beginning of the night but was so caught off guard that I totally choked didn't share that with her! Later in the evening I did decide to say hello and introduce myself, and Georgina chose my Mystie illustration to strike a pose with. Angela Lindvall, model and Project Runway All Stars host chose two of my cards, Vogue and Billowing Bride. Angela loved the cards and said she wanted one of herself drawn, which I was thrilled about and told her anytime, just pick your favorite look and I'm on it.

Normally people do choose the card that resembles them, meaning similar hair color or style. In the case of adorable actress Ashleigh Falls she took that to a whole other level! Its as though this card was drawn specifically of Ashleigh. (Which it was not. Remember this post? This is where this drawing originated.) The resemblance was so uncanny that Ashleigh even asked if she could use my illustration as a head-shot!

Last but not least is Project Runway All Star Mondo Guerra, who chose Allie as his favorite and legendary comic book artist Neal Adams who chose Vogue. Neal actually told me about getting his start in fashion illustration before moving onto comics! If you're not a comic person you may not be familiar with Neal but he has drawn most of the comic icons we know and love such as Batman, Superman and the X-Men.

(Previous VIP post here.)

New Print: Man Repeller

Last week after checking out the latest posts from the always stylish Leandra Medine, aka. the Man Repeller, I was inspired to pick up my markers and draw her in her sequined-pant fabulousness. (You know I love a sequin!) I like the sketch so much that I'm adding a print of her to my etsy shop, Brooklit. To purchase a print of Leandra, the Man Repeller, click here.

Leandra is one of the bloggers I like to check it with, who are your favorite fashion bloggers?

Best Dressed {Golden Globes 2012}

Awards season is in full swing and with that comes many inspiring and jaw dropping red carpet looks. In my effort to post more I thought I'd share my picks for best dressed from last nights Golden Globe Awards.

Charlize Theron absolutely stole the show in this stunning blush pink Dior Couture gown and diamond headband. Granted I'm sure that with her body she could wear a burlap sack and still knock em dead, this look from head-to-toe was perfection.

I love the art-deco vibe of Salma Hayek's black and gold beaded Gucci gown and adore Heidi Klum's sleek and sexy nude Calvin Klein backless dress paired with a turquoise statement necklace. The color combo with her tan skin and blond locks is so California-girl chic.

Georgina Chapman is always a favorite of mine in her beautifully intricate designs for Marchesa and this gown was no different. The wide gold lace neckline is exquisite and really stands out against the ethereal white draping. And last but not least, Claire Danes in this unique J. Mendel black and white open backed dress is a hit that certainly lands her a spot on my list.

Honorable mention's go to Shailene Woodley also in Marchesa, Elle Macpherson in Zac Pozen, Sarah Hyland in vintage Dolce and Gabbana and Nicole Richie in Julien MacDonald, all of whom chose beautiful gowns. Click here for all the Golden Globe red carpet looks.

New Year, New Brides

Happy 2012 everyone! Since its the start of the new year I decided it was time to add some new brides to my bridal fashion illustration shop, Brooklit Bride. Meet my pretty new prints: Julie, Spencer and Jasmine.

Julie's gown is a little avant garde with a delicate black lace overlay on a silk charmeuse mermaid silhouette. The look is accessorized with a black ribbon belt and orchids at the waist and hair.

Jasmine is my "new years diva" bride. She's illustrated in a slinky full length gown of white sequins and beads. Spencer's gown is more of a softened drama, with a large bow at the bust and classic a-line skirt.

Like my new bridal prints? Which illustration is your favorite?

(I'm sorry its been so long since my last post. One of my new year resolutions is to post more!)

Costume Designs {The Hunger Games}

Hello Katniss Everdeen! InStyle contacted designers to come up looks for Katniss' show stopping fire costume for the opening ceremony scene. One of my closest friends, designer Renaldo Barnette, has been freelancing for Nicole Miller and got to take a stab at this costume design project. (Being a bit of a Hunger Games fanatic, I think I may have been more excited about it than he was!)

(Nicole Miller)

Although I may be bias, I think Renaldo really hit the nail on the head with this one! He truly captured her fierce transformation into a strong and beautiful woman while maintaining her essence (with her signature braid) and the drama of the moment with the cape and headpiece.

(Rachel Roy)

Rachel Roy's interpretation is also a stunning illustration, however it may be a little too avant garde. (If anything could be avant garde in "the Capital.")

(Charolette Ronson)

The Hunger Games is currently filming and I can't wait to see it and soak up more of Peeta, Gale, and Katniss. If you'd like to see more of the designer costume designs, check out InStyle.

(Tibi and BCBG)

This trilogy is one of my recent faves and I'm thrilled its being brought to the silver screen. Hopefully there will more more costume design illustrations leaking out as well.

Fabulous Doodles 2011 Gift Guide

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for your fashion-design-major little sis, your artistic 4 year old niece, or your impossible to shop for yet fabulous bff? Well look no further, because I've assembled the perfect gift guide for the fashion loving artist in your life.

(1. Button Box $16.99, 2. Aphrodite USB hub $29.99, 3. 101 Things I learned in Fashion School $6, 4. Sketchbook $12.95, 5. Portable Sewing Machine $24.99)

The first gift of the guide, for The Fashion Student is the (1) jumbo button box. It's ideal for art supplies (or jewelry) and is on my personal wish list. The (2) Aphrodite USB hub adds the right amount of kitch to any workspace. (3) 101 Things I learned in Fashion School is an incredibly informative little book for any design freshman. These (4) sketch books are the ones that I use for all my illustration work. They come in 2 different sizes, have thick bright white paper, and perforated edges that make a clean tear. The (5) mini pink sewing machine would be great for that last minute hem adjustment. (Or for a person with a tiny apartment who's too lazy to get out their big sewing machine from storage. . .like me :)

(1. Fashion Illustration Mini Print $6, 2. Snapshot Frames, set of 5 $10, Button Magnets $25 3. Gold iPhone Receiver $78, 4. Kate Spade iPhone Case $40, 5. Valentino Book $47.25)

For The Hard to Shop for Fashion Friend: My (1) fashion illustration mini-prints would be great for any fashion minded girl. Maybe your bff with a new office or apartment to decorate? The button or snapshot frame magnets would be adorable to adorn a cubicle or fridge. The Kate Spade gold dot iphone case is my new favorite thing! I have it, and get comments on it daily. (And the limited edition gold retro hand held phone is just begging to be paired with it.) Buying a book about your friends favorite designer is brilliant. I received this beautiful Valentino book as a gift. It not only contains a plethora of stunning photos and sketches from the legendary designer but also looks amazing on a coffee table.

(1. Chanel Print $9.99, 2. Color Pencil Studs $5, 3. Doodle Pocket Mirror $8, 4. Sterling Scissor Necklace $16, 5. Pencil Case $9, 6. Fashion Illustration Flat Note Cards $10)

Little Etsy Extras: Looking for that extra little gift thats the perfect unique handmade addition to your gift, Etsy is the website for you. Can't afford Chanel, you can pick up this beautiful (1) signed pencil drawing print. The (2) colored pencil stud earring make for a fun and quirky gift. A (3) pocket mirror from my shop would be a great little addition to a cosmetic or handbag purchase. The (4) sterling silver scissors are a great charm necklace for any designer, crafter or artist. The chevron striped pouch makes for a very chic pencil case and a pack of (6) fashion illustration flat note cards from my shop would be lovely to get in the mail thanking you for the fabulous gifts.

(1. Jumbo Clipboard $167, 2. Crayon Maker $44.98, 3. Face Plate $10.99, 4. Aquadoodle $43.88)

For The Little Artist: In my doctors office I fell in love with possibly the coolest looking (1) wall easel/clip board with a roll of paper to continuously draw and paint. The (2) Crayola crayon maker would have been life changing as a child! With these (3) face plates its now okay to play with your food. And last but not least, (4) Aquadoodle, the toddler toy that allows them to make art with just water. I've played with this at my friends house and I love it! (I've actually fought with a 3 year old over the water pen!)