SOPHISTICATED WITH A DASH OF SWAGGER—THESE LOCAL TRENDSETTERS PROVE THAT STYLE IS INDEED A STATE OF MIND.
Philanthropist and Author
Hot off the heels of debuting her premiere novel, Sideline Confidential (Greenleaf Book Group Press) Brooke Bentley Gunst is just getting started. The native Houstonian has a heavy hand in the community—having just moved to a board position for Homemade Hope (a nonprofit her sister, Blair Bentley, founded), where she served as the development director for several years, Gunst is on the host committee for several galas this fall including the Children’s Museum. When asked about her top career highlights, she notes, “Writing Sideline Confidential! I worked in the NFL nearly fifteen years ago and got the idea to write The Devil Wears Prada set in pro football.” What’s next for this tour-de-force? “People have asked me about writing a sequel, so my brain is churning on ideas for that,” shares Gunst. “I also have a couple of other novels percolating. Stay tuned!”
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: I love this quote by Yves Saint Laurent: “Fashions fade, style is eternal."
MY AESTHETIC: Sporty chic. My look is contemporary and classy while being effortless and put together.
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: An engraved gold band from my husband. He gifts from the heart.
MY UNIFORM: Mother's Hustler jeans, a Veronica Beard top, and Golden Goose sneakers.
WHAT'S IN MY BAG AT ALL TIMES: Supergoop Unseen sunscreen. I spend a lot of time outside, golfing, hiking or watching my sons' games.
GO-TO SHOE: Valentino Rockstud sandals
BEAUTY STAPLE: COSMEDIX Opti Crystal Eye Serum. It's the best for plumping fine lines around the eyes, and I also use it around my lips.
CURRENT OBSESSION: A teal blue Alexis dress I got from Tootsies. It matches the cover of my book perfectly.
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: My Oscar de la Renta wedding dress from Casa de Novia. The moment I tried it on, I knew it was perfection.
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Jeans! They are the staple of my wardrobe.
SIGNATURE SCENT: My dear friends Lucy and Mary Firestone created the most soulful fragrance, Wild Precious Life. They live in Santa Barbara, and the fragrance captures the calming scents of the California coast with layers of sandalwood and honeysuckle.
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: The Rising Sun roll at Kata Robata
SIGNATURE SIP: Margaritas with fresh lime juice—gotta have fresh lime juice!
BEDSIDE READING: Hello Stranger by Houston author Katherine Center
Entrepreneur, designer, creator and founder of Exiza
”I’ve always wanted to start my own business, so to do so with a brand centered around empowering women has been the most challenging yet fulfilling thing I have done so far,” shares Reagan Bregman, who launched athleisure brand, Exiza. “I’m a creative at heart, and I’ve really been leaning into that these last few years. And I feel like I’m just getting started.” She and her husband (Astros third baseman Alex Bregman) founded the nonprofit organization Bregman Cares, which provides resources to children with autism, at-risk youth & the Houston community. “During COVID, we teamed up with the Houston Food Bank to help get meals to children who were missing the meals they got at school,” notes Bregman. “It’s so fulfilling for me to give back to a community that has been so amazing to us.” When asked about her fashion philosophy, this style setter shares: “Where what you feel good in. It’s all about confidence.”
WAKE UP TIME: Whenever my son wakes up—which is usually 7:30 or 8. I try to soak in every minute of sleep I can get
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Wear what you feel good in. It's all about confidence.
MY AESTHETIC: I'm a little all over the place—usually casual, edgy or sporty. I'm definitely into streetwear.
STYLE CRUSH: Zendaya. She can do no wrong.
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: The ring my husband gifted me for our second anniversary.
MY UNIFORM: Right now loose black cargo pants, a nude baby tee and Travis Scott SB lows.
WHAT'S IN MY BAG AT ALL TIMES: DIBS lip definer and some sort of lip balm
GO-TO SHOE: My Jordans. All of them.
BEAUTY STAPLE: Fenty freestyle cream blush in Rose Latt e (soft bronzed nude)
CURRENT OBSESSION: loose pants, ha!
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: Confidence
SIGNATURE SCENT: Chanel CHANCE Eau Fraiche Eau de Toilette
BEST ADVICE: There's only one you; lean into what makes you feel alive, and never let what other people think get in the way of doing what you really want
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: Nancy's Hustle Burger and Dove milk chocolates
SIGNATURE SIP: Spicy marg with tajin on the rim
BEDSIDE READING: The Artist's Way
Celebrity Love Architect and Author
They say the early bird catches the worm; however, for Kailen Rosenberg, sometimes being a night owl pays off. Rosenberg shares, “Wake up time depends on how late I’m up at night creating my next great venture for people to have amazing love!” As the founder of top-tier matchmaking service, The Love Architects, Rosenberg has nearly 30 years of relationship knowledge and services to clients all over the globe. She recently debuted her latest tome, Real Love, Right Now (Brilliance Audio). What’s next for our favorite Cupid? “I am very excited! I’m out to change this world when it comes to dating,” she shares enthusiastically. “Ultimately, how singles find, and experience love so that through healthy and happier relationships, we can build a better world.”
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Be and do YOU, no matter what.
STYLE CRUSH: Cindy Crawford, Kate Middleton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sienna Miller
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My cross necklace thoughtfully gifted by my son while in Jerusalem.
MY UNIFORM: A great pair of jeans and a classic white blouse, with a black, navy pinstriped, or white blazer, paired with fun, chic, and comfortable loafers or booties and a classic handbag each showing personality on their own with small diamond studs or pearl earrings.
WHAT'S IN MY BAG AT ALL TIMES: Black Tom Ford Sunglasses, Sisley 13 Sheer Beverly Hills lip balm, wintergreen chewing gum, my red or black drugstore cheaters, hand cream gifted by one of my sons, MAC Studio Fix Set and Blur face powder, cash for tipping.
GO-TO SHOE: Gucci loafers, Dior sneakers, Prada and Miu Miu booties, Fendi combat boots and TODs leather and macrame knot slides
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: My sliver metallic Dior overcoat I purchased in Londonfit's fantastic whether with a great pair of jeans and a classic white blouse or a beautiful suit.
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE ENOUGH: love, kindness, and life teaching
SIGNATURE SCENT: I have so many! Currently, my favorites are Cosmic Cloud by Louis Vuitt on, Tardes by Career Barcelona, White Suede by Tom Ford and A la Rose by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris
BEST ADVICE: Always seek to understand, meet others with love and grace especially when it comes to yourself, and look for the teacher in all that comes your way. Finally, the next moment can be fully brand new, it's up to you.
WARATTAYAR (LUKKAEW) SRASRISUWAN
Founder and owner of MaKiin Concepts
“It is a common tradition in Thai culture for us to have both an official name, used for formal identification purposed and a parent-given name used in everyday life,” shares Warattayar Srasrisuwan, who goes by her parent-giving nickname Lukkaew. Since opening Kin Dee in 2020, the founder and owner of the hospitality group, MaKiin Concepts, has been rising the ranks within the city’s culinary community. With other buzzy spots, including M Express Thai Kitchen and MaKiin—which recently took over the ground level of Hanover River Oaks, Srasrisuwan constantly strives to educate the Houston community about thailand’s culture and heritage through design and cuisine rooted in tradition and authenticity. And this foodie is just getting started. “I will continue searching for talented individual chefs and other skilled individuals in the hospitality business, partnering with them to expand MaKiin Concepts Hospitality Group,” she says. “My goal is to become the epitome of Eastern uniqueness in the hospitality industry.”
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Dress all day / everyday it is so convenience to put on 1 piece zip and done
MY AESTHETIC: Simple Elegant
STYLE CRUSH: Clair Underwood (Robin Wright) in House of Cards.
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: Watches time is most precious! mY unIfOrm: Dress, heels and an oversize handbag.
WHAT'S IN MY BAG AT ALL TIMES: Laptop, iPad, a stack of paper mail unread, unopened and a cosmetic bag.
GO-TO SHOE: Ferragamo Peep Toe (sadly, they no longer manufacture)
BEAUTY STAPLE: MAC Studio Fix foundation
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: Patek Phillipe Nautilus Rose Gold
SIGNATURE SCENT: J'adore by DIOR
BEST ADVICE: Never think you will be overdressed or underdressed, be you!
ZODIAC SIGN: Libra
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: THAI hotttt spicy papaya salad
SIGNATURE SIP: Extra dirty martini
BEDSIDE READING: Encyclopedia Galactica by Isaac Asimov.
BEDTIME: What is that?
Founder and owner of KB Design HTX
“You can never have too many cowboy boots,” shares Kelly Broesche. This mantra shows the exact pizzaz and panache Broesche carries out in her everyday life. As the founder and owner of the niche jewelry line KB Design HTX, she has put her creative spin on a hobby-turned-profession—creating a one-of-a-kind experience through permanent jewelry. “I have always been creative and am a sculpture artist,” shares Broesche. “I enrolled in jewelry design classes at the Glassell School on a whim and ended up taking classes there for four years.” Launching her moniker business in 2018, Broesche brings a bespoke offering. “I always love getting to know each client and hearing what brought them in for their permanent jewelry piece,” she says. “Often, people come with loved ones to share the experience or commemorate a special milestone. Hearing their stories is always really special to me.” Stay tuned because we hear that an expansion might be in the works..!
WAKE UP TIME: I'm always up before the sun rises at 5:30 am
FASHION PHILOSOPHY: Sequins, fringe and cowboy boots go with everything!
MY AESTHETIC: Western with a little sass.
MY MOST CHERISHED ACCESSORY: My canary diamond ring my husband gave to me for my 50th birthday.
WHAT'S IN MY BAG AT ALL TIMES: Tom Ford Soleil Frost lip balm
GO-TO SHOE: Miron Crosby cowboy boots
BEAUTY STAPLE: Sunscreen!!
CURRENT OBSESSION: Judging from my Instagram ads, it's everything disco!
ULTIMATE FASHION SPLURGE: I really want to design a custom Teressa Foglia cowboy hat for my upcoming birthday party!
SIGNATURE SCENT: Le Labo Santal 33
BEST ADVICE: It is never too late to chase your dreams!
THEME SONG TO YOUR LIFE: “Caught Me at a Good Time" by Paul Cauthen. The lyrics “Got a pocket full of hl yeah! Why not? Might as well yeah!" is the mantra I live by!**
LAST MEAL ON EARTH: A California Turkey sandwich from Bird Bakery, a Portillo's Chicago hot dog, a Virgil's root beer float, and my daughter Katy's famous banana pudding!
BEDSIDE READING: I'm currently re-reading All the Light We Cannot See in preparation for the Netflix film adaptation this fall
BEDTIME: I can usually be found sound asleep on the sofa by 9:30 pm
Photography by: From top: PORTRAIT BY AL TORRES; PORTRAIT BY ALLISON ERMON PHOTOGRAPHY; PORTRAIT BY KATE MORRIS; PORTRAIT BY SEAN RAINER, COURTESY OF MAKIIN CONCEPTS; PORTRAIT BY STUDIO SARAGUSA
