My Blog Goes to College



A little while ago I was contacted by representatives from the Style Design College. They are fans of Fabulous Doodles and asked if I would give approval for some of my posts to be used in within their curriculum. I'm so honored that select illustrations of mine, tutorials, and photo's will be used to help teach aspiring designers and illustrators. Style Design College has campuses in Milan, Italy and South Africa. For more about them, click here.

(Images above from my blog archive; Sequin Tutorial, Secret Weapons (tools), E-Drop Off (commission), Face It.)

Costume Design by Vera Wang {Bride Wars}



As you probably know, I love finding costume design sketches. Combine that with a wedding and I'm in heaven. I recently found this Vera Wang bridal sketch for Kate Hudson in the romantic comedy Bride Wars. I've always loved this dress and actually have it in a file for future "sketch-spiration" for BrooklitBride. Doesn't Kate's "bridal beauty" in this film just scream draw me. (Maybe one day I will and we'll see how my version compares with Ms. Wangs.)

Best Dressed {SAG Awards}



Last nights Screen Actors Guild Awards did not disappoint in the red carpet department. Viola Davis was greek goddess perfection in her white and gold Marchesa gown and Jayma Mays had her best red carpet look yet in this Reem Acra sequin stunner.
Octavia Spencer looked flawless. Her Tadashi Shoji ensemble highlighted her curves and her up-do, makeup, and accessories were simply beautiful. A perfect look to accept her award in! (Yay to Octavia and the cast of The Help!) Sofia Vergara who although a little predictable in her red carpet looks, did rock her fuschia Marchesa gown and sleek high ponytail. And last but certainly not least was the lovely Rose Byrne who went for something out of the box with a Ellie Saab sequined jumpsuit. With her blunt-bob hair style she was channeling 70's glamour. She's such "a sketch" in this look, I may just draw her.

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!)