The Woman Behind Our Favorite Fit Grids @Brooksfits
The internet can be a weird place, but at the same time it’s filled with strangers you feel somehow connected to. That was my initial gut reaction when I discovered @brooksfits, an instagram account dedicated to great unexpected styling. I love the account’s varied styling approaches and of course discovering new brands through the handle. When we were launching our new collection, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to partner with @brooksfits and get to see our pieces styled her way. Of course, I couldn’t help but want to share a little more about the styling genius behind the handle herself, Callie. Below an edited version of our conversation:
Callie Cockrell of @brooksfits
1. First of all, we only know you by your instagram handle @brooksfits, can you tell us your real name and how you landed on the handle?
My full name is actually Callie Cockrell. My middle name is Brooks, hence the name “Brooks Fits.” When coming up with a username for my outfit layouts I knew I didn’t want to use my first name because it felt too cliche. We use our first names for everything so I wanted to give my middle name a chance to shine. I loved the way “Brooks Fits” sounded together!
2. When did you start the "fits" and more importantly why?
I have always loved planning outfits for events or trips, it’s one of my guilty pleasures. I started creating outfit layouts just for fun in January of 2023. I was away on a travel assignment at the time. I was homesick and missed my best friends. Every year we talk about hosting a big “Galentine’s party.” However, since I was thousands of miles from home I knew that wasn’t possible. So, to help distract my mind from missing home I created some “Galentine’s Day” looks of what my friends and I would wear if we were all hanging out being girls together. I started to share my looks to instagram and TikTok just for fun and as a way for me to keep track of all the outfits I had made.
3. Do you have any experience in styling? If not professionally, maybe any anecdotes from childhood?
I do not have a “real” experience in professional styling. It is something I have an interest in pursuing and maybe one day doing it full time. I have always had a passion for putting together different outfits. When I was little I absolutely loved playing with paper dolls, the amount of endless possibilities for outfits was so fascinating to me. Of course, Barbie was also a classic. I loved getting new shoes and accessories for my Barbie dolls and dressing them up.
4. It's very clear that you have great taste, and it's very well rounded - can you share a little bit more about your love for fashion?
Having on a great outfit makes an experience that much better. Fashion is a way to express who you are as a person without having to speak. One of my favorite movies is, “The Dressmaker.” It does an excellent job at showcasing the impact of a good outfit.
5. Is this your full time job? If not, do you do something else?
This is not my full time job. I work full time as a travel nurse and surgery is my specialty. I graduated nursing school in 2019 and started traveling in 2021.
6. Our brand is called Recreational Habits, so it really focuses on things that you do outside of the traditional "9-5", besides @brooksfits do you have any recreational habits?
Yes! I go to the gym typically after work. I love exploring new coffee shops & bookstores on my days off. I also love a good shopping spree, even if I do not buy anything window shopping is always fun.
7. When window shopping, do you see any big trends happening?
I do, yes. I think bright colors will become more trendy as well as fun patterns. I also think more self expression and personal style will become more popular as well.
8. How do you manage work life instagram balance?
This is honestly something I’m still trying to get better at balancing. Working 40 hours a week on top of running multiple social media accounts can sometimes be a lot to manage. It is a current goal of mine to be better at balancing the two.
9. What are some of your go to brands and for what?
Some of my favorite brands are Stradivarius, Aritzia, VRG GRL, and Sabo Skirt. I love these brands for the cost friendly prices and the multiple options for everyday staples as well as unique pieces. For higher end brands, when I want to splurge, I really love Ganni, Khaite, and Isabel Marant.
10. Your perfect outfit?
I love this question! One of my personal favorite outfits I wore was similar to the one Princess Diana wore to the 1988 Guards Polo Club. A baseball hat, paired with a graphic tee and blazer, with jeans tucked into Cowgirl boots. I love elevated casual outfits for everyday wear. Also, Princess Diana is one of my favorite fashion icons, that is the reason I consider that outfit to be my perfect outfit.
