Meet The Muse : Allison Karaba

We just love seeing how Allison from @thethoughtfulcloset styles her Bryr clogs!

Your name: Allison Karaba 

Where you live: Dexter, MI

What you do: my husband calls me the CEO of our family. I’m currently a stay at home mom & content creator with a passion for style/design, knitting and gardening.

Your instagram/website: @thethoughtfulcloset

Isobel: We've been really inspired by your daily outfit posts on social. How would you describe your style?

Allison: Definitely eclectic. My style tends to eb and flow based on my mood. One day I’ll be in a dress and sneakers the next day sweats and clogs. One thing that has always been consistent is that I love contrast. Whether it’s textures, color or mixing and matching styles in one look, I love unexpected combinations. 

 Isobel: What does a thoughtful closet mean to you?

Allison: This has evolved for me over the years. I used to operate with a capsule wardrobe tied around a color scheme. I quickly realized that I needed more flexibility with my style. My clothes are a creative outlet for me and with my capsule, I’d find myself getting bored or hating what was in my closet which was the exact opposite of what I was trying to achieve. Today a thoughtful closet means making intentional purchases that are both a need and a want and being ok with that need or want changing in the future. It’s continuing to shop with small brands or second hand and giving myself some grace if what I decide to purchase doesn’t end up working out for me.

Isobel: Last year we created reBRYR, which is a community resale platform. I know you're really passionate about thrifting and second hand. Can you tell us a bit about why?

Allison : I really enjoy shopping second hand for a variety of reasons. First, I feel like I’m being a more responsible consumer if I scour a resale site for something I want just in case it’s already out there. Second, it can make items that may have not been accessible for some more obtainable via a lower price. Finally, I really love curating my clothes so hunting down a piece that I’m excited about and have been waiting for is something I truly enjoy. 

Isobel: Has your style changed since you had kids, and how?

Allison: Yes and no. When I had my first baby boy I had also just moved across the country from Portland, OR to Michigan so it was a big overhaul in the lifestyle department. Everything changes when you have your first kid so it’s natural for that to spill into your clothes. I have always thought that it’s important to wear things you love and I clung to this philosophy even more after having kids. Sometimes I’m playing on the ground in a summer dress and other days I’m living in the coziest sweatpants. All feel like me and I think that’s what’s important. The only thing that really changed due to kids is that all pants and ideally dresses must have pockets now. I can’t live without pockets. 

Isobel: What Bryr clogs do you have and which is your favorite? 

Allison: I have the Worker Clog in Natural, Zoe Platform in Marigold, Chonks in Kelp & the new Chonk Slides in Fennel! For everyday wear I’d have to give it to my Zoe platforms. I know they’ll go with everything but if I want a statement shoe that is super comfortable, I’d say the Chonk. If someone asked me which style they should go with for their first Bryr purchase those would be my recommendations! 

SHOP ALLISONS CLOG CLOSET