*Photo courtesy of* ***@carolijn_braeken***

Vintage Soul, Modern Play with Carolijn

At Mini Style, we’re always drawn to homes and wardrobes that feel layered, thoughtful, and full of personality. @carolijn_braeken embodies that spirit beautifully with her signature approach to style: a thoughtful mix of vintage and new, applied seamlessly to her girls’ wardrobes, her own closet, and even her interiors.

Her one unbreakable rule? Balance. Rather than following trends, Carolijn gravitates toward timeless vintage pieces that bring soul and character, then mixes them with playful, modern accents. Before buying anything new, she always tries to source secondhand first. With years of experience as the former owner of a preloved children’s store, she has more than a few sourcing tricks up her sleeve.

Materials matter, too. Carolijn avoids synthetics whenever possible, favoring natural fibers for daily wear. The only exception? A beloved Disney dress phase that lasted almost two years for one of her daughters, which she admits was entirely worth it.

Favorite Looks for the Girls

Her go-to outfits capture everything we love about Mini Style dressing: effortless, playful, and full of contrast.

Vintage cotton dresses paired with Crocs or chunky sneakers
Oversized, colorful vintage knits styled with leopard leggings
Each look feels nostalgic yet completely current.

Childhood Film Inspiration

Carolijn’s biggest style muses come straight from the films she loved growing up. She still finds inspiration in the whimsical wardrobe moments of Matilda with its ruffled socks, sweet dresses, and classic shoes, as well as the bold and playful spirit of Pippi Longstocking, especially that unforgettable yellow and pink outfit worn by Annika.

Favorite Brands

Carolijn gravitates toward brands that prioritize quality, comfort, and timeless design:

Each of these labels reflects her love for soft color palettes, thoughtful cuts, and clothing made for real childhood movement.

Carolijn’s style proves that building a wardrobe with intention doesn’t mean sacrificing playfulness. Her world feels collected, not curated. A little nostalgic, a little bold, and always effortlessly cool.

Follow along with her daily vintage finds, layered looks, and family life on Instagram at @Carolijn_Braeken