Corridor40

Mimi Jung is a triple threat. Since quickly establishing her popular fashion blog, Brook&Lyn, as a must-hit, she has transformed the domain into a full-blown fashion empire. In addition to blogging about her personal style, Mimi attracts readers to her multifaceted site by way of a killer online boutique and info on her personal styling services. Recently, Mimi opened up to C40 about her sense of style, her workaholic attitude and the future of Brook&Lyn.

C40. How did you come up with the concept for your site? It seems you were one of the first fashion bloggers to include a boutique on your site. What inspired the store, and what made you want to further branch out and work as a stylist?

MJ. Brook&Lyn blog, which came first, started as just a simple documentation of and a much-needed outlet for my interests in fashion. Brook&Lyn Boutique began by accident, when I used my blog to sell a pair of boots. The boots sold within an hour, which inspired me to begin curating my own online boutique consisting of new, consignment and vintage items. Brook&Lyn Style started when my returning boutique customers started requesting assistance in creatively styling a purchased item and in searching for pieces for special occasions. Since then, it’s turned into a full-service personal styling and shopping consultancy. My newest addition is Brook&Lyn Shop, which just launched a few weeks ago. This is my new pride and joy! And, one more to go…Brook&Lyn Closet Swap, which is an online luxury closet swapping site that will launch, with fingers crossed, in October of 2010.

C40. Tell me about your personal style. How would you sum up your aesthetic to someone who may not be familiar with Brook&Lyn?

MJ. I think my personal style is constantly evolving. I may be interested in a very structured, minimal leather jacket one day, and—the next day—be drawn to a very flowy, ’60s vintage dress with the the most intricate embroidery. I can, however, say my style is never flashy or fleshy.

C40. What are you currently coveting?

MJ. A Globe-Trotter luggage set.

C40. How do you curate pieces for your boutique? Are the vintage pieces yours, or do you resell what you purchase at New York vintage shops?

MJ. Sometimes I attend estate sales, and other times I work with private vintage vendors. I wish it was as easy as reselling from NY shops; unfortunately, NY vintage is incredibly expensive at all levels. My prices would not be where they are if I was just reselling.

C40. Tell me about your technical/design background. Where did you learn to make clothes and jewelry? What inspires your creations?

MJ. My background is in fine arts and graphic design. I never had any formal training in fashion. I’m always inspired by different materials. If I see a material that I love, my mind immediately goes to a place where I try to figure out how to wear it.

C40. What is your biggest vice?

MJ. I watch A LOT of reality TV. A lot…

C40. As a stylist and personal shopper, is there any advice you find yourself repeatedly giving your clients? Why do clients typically come to you?

MJ. Most of my clients come to me for the “effortlessly-polished look”. Even on weekends, when you want to be comfortable, there is no reason to look sloppy.

C40. When you aren’t working on Brook&Lyn, what are you doing?

MJ. I’m always working on Brook&Lyn; it never stops. Right now, any spare time I have goes right into Brook&Lyn Closet Swap. Once that’s in a good place, I’ll be starting my next project—which is charity work I’ve been dying to do for a few years now.

C40. When can Brook&Lyn followers expect to find a Brook&Lyn clothing line on the site?

MJ. Good question! I hope by late fall; I’m working on something furry right now…that is all I will say. So, stay tuned!

Images via Brook&Lyn