Personal Stylist Inspired by Palisades ‘Laid-back Luxury’

By SIERRA DAVIS | Pali Life Editor

It is no secret California is often the fashion world’s greatest muse. A hot spot for designer boutiques, top stylists and fashion experts, the easy-breezy West Coast has influenced designers like Saint Laurent, Michael Kors and Tommy Hilfiger among others.

From Beverly Hills to Hollywood, Angelenos are constantly drawing style inspiration from their neighborhoods, but according to designer and stylist Laurie Brucker, it’s Pacific Palisades style that stands out as the iconic California look.

“The world looks to the Palisades for that laid-back luxury style,” Brucker said. “This community takes care of themselves and cares about their appearance, but they are family oriented and active. Palisadians are detail oriented and put together in a very functional way.”

A Palisades native, Brucker made a name for herself in New York City, where she worked for Glamour Magazine and designers like Betsy Johnson, Daisy Fuentes for Kohl’s and Worthington for JC Penny before returning to her California roots to create her own company LaurieBStyle.

“I knew I had to come home to reignite my passion. P2 is one of the first places I shop in the Palisades. It has a very breezy, California vibe with a luxurious twist. That’s the Palisadian way,” Brucker said. “I love BOCA and it’s been amazing to see Elyse Walker grow. I also think Happy LA has really mastered the iconic Palisades style. It’s very well thought out.”

Now a certified image consultant and personal stylist, Bruckner uses her keen eye for style to inspire positive life changes through wardrobe. Through her one-on-one consulting work, Brucker goes into closets across Los Angeles working with clients of all shapes and sizes to help them love their bodies and enjoy their clothes by designing unique, personalized wardrobes.

“Style can help you reach your goals by providing an image that projects your most empowered self. That’s the true you,” Brucker said. “Looking great and feeling great work hand-in-hand and that is something I want my clients to have every day.”

Hand-picked to represent Stacy London from TLC’s “What Not to Wear” in her exclusive style army, Style for Hire, Brucker said there is a big difference between fashion and style. It doesn’t matter if you’re wearing something from Diane Von Furstenburg or from Macy’s, according to the stylist.

“Style is about teaching people to wear clothes well, to wear what’s right for them and to create a unique look that reflects who they are and who they want to be. Style is confidence. Fashion is just the clothes,” she said. “If you feel fantastic in what you’re wearing, you exude confidence and you can change the world.”

While Brucker does everything from closet and style rehab to 9-1-1 personal shopping, she has one go-to style tip that works anytime, anywhere.

“When in doubt, belt it out,” she said. “A good belt can change everything.”

Brucker’s experience designing fast fashion for the mass market, taking high-fashion runway trends and making them understandable and relatable for everyday wear, is very much weaved into what she does now.

“Being a stylist embodies everything I am and want to be. I care so much about people. I love being around people, investing in people and styling is about the person more than the clothes,” she said. “Our clothes and our style reflect how we feel about ourselves. We all have to get dressed everyday and when you do, it’s a chance to say ‘I love my clothes, I love my body, I love myself.”