Can I Tell You...about Brooke Jaffe.

I first met Brooke when she was a fashion editor at InStyle magazine. Our market appointments were always filled with laughter and juicy stories. It was no surprise when she moved from publishing to retail to become Bloomingdale’s Fashion Director, a position she held for a decade. She brought her editorial eye and passion for product to the luxury department store chain. But Brooke was always ready for the next challenge. A few years ago she packed up her bags and moved to Los Angeles. She quickly established herself as a fashion expert on TV commenting on fashion trends and red carpet looks. Most recently, she was appointed to be the Head of Public Affairs and Communications at Penske Media. All throughout her career we have kept in touch and she has always been so supportive of me and my brand.

While I was designing my Spring / Summer collection I kept thinking of sunny California and a kind of bag that Brooke might be able to wear different ways. Casual enough to wear while taking Ted for a walk and smart enough to wear to dinner. The #BrookePleatedClutch is crafted from soft supple yellow leather styled into a pleated, slouchy shape with a covered frame. The resin chain link handle and the skinny leather strap are both removable which allows this versatile clutch to be carried as a crossbody, on the crook of the elbow or tucked under your arm. Looking at Brooke’s smile, I think it’s safe to assume she loves the bag.

Read our Q&A and get to know Brooke:

What is your idea of happiness?

Being with my family , beach days, long walks with my dog Ted in the morning and afternoon, cooking and eating delicious food, waking up after 8 hours of sleep, sweaty workouts, singing and listening to music and laughing with friends.

What is your greatest extravagance?
Getting regular massages when it’s not Covid - they are medicinal for me.

Investing in quality groceries all the time.

What is your current state of mind?

I feel very grateful for my life. It’s been a hard year and I feel lucky to have been in Los Angeles surrounded by family. I also feel excited to see friends again. I miss the energy of connection in person. I am optimistic about the future and in some ways this last year allowed me to reset. I’m excited to wear fun clothing again. I am gravitating towards the brightest shades in the rainbow these days. Also YOLO- you only live once.

Whose style do you most admire?

My mothers - she isn’t trend focused and knows what works on her. She never tries to look like anyone but herself. I think that’s a gift to look timeless and stylish.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I’m proud of being brave enough to move across the country alone and during a time when I didn’t know what was going to come next. I took a chance and I’m so happy I did.

What is your most treasure possession?

Ted my angel baby (I don’t see him as a dog) he’s a spirit and the most wonderful creature in the world. He fills me with joy.

Who is your favorite writer?

My cousin Rosie Schaap, Brene Brown, Peter Schjeldahl and Shakespeare

Which living person do you most admire?

My parents- they march to the beat to their own drummer and they are fun, cool and keep it real

I actually can’t name the person I admire most because she is private but I admire her because she helps others every day. She is a pillar of strength and leads by example. She taught me some incredible lessons. I refer back to her wise words often and I admire how she has made helping others her life’s work.

Where is your dream destination?

I want to go back to Capri and explore more of the Amalfi coast - also always wanted to go to Puglia.

I will go to France anytime and explore more of the countryside - I love being in France and Italy :-)

I’d love to go to Thailand and Japan. And I’m always happy in Nantucket.

What is your motto?
I have several: Be solution oriented - a riff on my high school motto “find a way or make one”.

Be your most authentic self and stay present.

If you love the Brooke clutch or any other style from the Spring - Summer collection. use the code RAFELOVES at checkout and receive a 20% reduction.

Offer only valid for US residents and good until June 14, 2021.