3 Essentials That Should Be in Every Man’s Wardrobe
Posted May 3, 2013 by Emma Brown
Men have finally started to take fashion seriously…it’s been awhile, thanks to the terrible ill-fitting clothes from the 90′s and the “bro” look that’s still running rampant in the suburbs of the United States.
I recently went to Holland and couldn’t find one guy in baggy, unfashionable clothes…not one in all of Amsterdam. When talking to a few Dutch and English friends, they didn’t even know what a “bro” was…yikes…we need to catch up.
Below is what we believe to be the top essentials in men’s clothing via the help and guidance of a London based pal. If your boyfriend is lacking, share this with him…stat!
Grey suits
Everyone needs formal clothing on standby for those important events, and typically men tend to opt for the classic black suit. However in our opinion, grey is the better choice. Although you may believe that black is suitable for any occasion, a grey tailored number is definitely more versatile and will prove to be a refreshing addition to your wardrobe.
What’s more, the beauty of these is that there are suits available for any budget, and the quality is never lost. You can easily pick up a sharp looking combo for less than a hundred pounds. Lovely.
White shirts
Similar to the suit, you’ll be lost if you don’t have the staple shirts you need for your day to day shenanigans. Whether you’re attending your mate’s birthday party, a christening or even a job interview, a simple buttoned shirt is the ideal option for any social outing.
But, if you’re not a fan of such sophisticated attire then we recommend that you at least invest in one white shirt. As we’ve mentioned already, it’s effortlessly stylish and perfect for a number of events. You can thank us later!
Well fitted jeans
The majority of you will probably be thinking that we’re stating the obvious; who doesn’t have jeans in their wardrobe? However the key to this is ‘well fitted.’ Not the ones which you’ve worn for years that are ripped, frayed and have a life of their own. We mean smart jeans, ones which you could comfortably wear to a family meal and know that your mum would approve.
However, finding a decent pair of well fitted jeans can be hard to find. It can take a significant amount of effort and money to find the right ones for you, but you’ll certainly benefit from the end result.
Do you think the men in your life are stylish? Let us know in the comments below!
Tying the Knot: Who Pays for What?
Posted by LearnVest
We’re way past the age where we have to stick to certain outdated rules when it comes to weddings, such as the bride’s parents footing the bill for most of the wedding.
This tradition stems from the times when parents had to include a dowry to make the bride more attractive, since she won’t be able to earn income. These days, many couples are splitting the costs evenly among themselves, with and without their parents.
Take a look at the traditional cost breakdown of a wedding for reference. But keep in mind that no one is required to follow these rules — it all depends on your own situation.
Bride pays for:
Groom’s ring
Wedding gift for groom
Gifts for bridesmaids
Bridal party luncheon
Transportation for bridal party to wedding
Groom pays for:
Engagement ring and bride’s wedding ring
Wedding gift for bride
Gifts for groomsmen
Marriage license
Officiant’s fee
Wedding wear
Honeymoon
Boutonnieres for groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers
Bridal bouquet
Corsages for mothers and grandmothers
Transportation for groomsmen to wedding
Bride’s family pays for:
Engagement party
Invites
Wedding planner or coordinator
Wedding dress
Bridal party transportation to wedding
Reception
Vendors
Ceremony
Their own attire
Gifts for the couple
Groom’s family pays for:
Rehearsal dinner
Alcohol at the reception (optional)
Their own wedding wear
Gifts for the couple
Wedding party pays for:
Their own attire
Best man and groomsmen host the bachelor party
Maid of honor and bridesmaids host the wedding shower and/or bachelorette
Gifts for the couple
Guests pay for:
Their own attire
Transportation
Gifts for the couple
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Bad day? Then Perk Up With These Feel Good Buys!
Posted May 2, 2013 by Amanda Raye
Feeling confident can sometimes be difficult, especially if you’re having a bad hair day, bad skin day, or just a bad day in general. Not to worry, as retail therapy might just be the answer to all of your self-esteem problems – sometimes a good old splurge on yourself is all you need for a little pick-me-up! Read on for a quick guide to the best feel-good items which will improve your mood within seconds of splashing that cash!
Pretty Lingerie
Treat yourself to a brand new set of lingerie and reap the benefits of an improved mood. A new bra or a pretty pair of briefs may not be obvious gifts for yourself, but they’ll make you feel feminine and confident again in no time. Whether you’re looking for petite or plus size lingerie, some gorgeous new undergarments are great for restoring confidence and comfort while going about your day.
Go for a cute floral under-wired bra, a girly body-shaper for optimum support, or try a black lacy lingerie set to feel chic and glamorous. Feel free to mix and match according to your mood and outfit, and remember that it’s important to feel happy with what you’re wearing under your outfit as well!
A Cocktail Dress
Nothing beats a brand new cocktail dress for a fabulous occasion. If you’re feeling down, or you’re not quite feeling yourself, then why not organize a ladies night where you can show off a gorgeous new dress?
Go for something daring and explore what’s hot this season, and you could end up feeling like a new woman! Try bold and bright colors such as an electric lime green or a vibrant orange and experiment with length: nothing says confidence like a bodycon mini dress. Whether you’re donning a beautiful skater dress or a sophisticated maxi number, make sure to dress to your shape and show off your curves!
A Pair of Platforms
A new pair of super-high platform heels can be the best pick-me-up present. Pair them with your brand new dress and go for a pair which screams chic and stylish. Whether you’re rocking some chunky wedged ankle boots or some elegant heels, you’ll look and feel amazing in your new shoes. Don’t be afraid to be daring with your choice – why not go for some color-block hot pink and purple platforms? A burst of color in your wardrobe might be just what the doctor ordered, so get browsing for your feel-good pair of shoes!
It’s as simple as that: three little feel-good treats for yourself which may just be the best remedy during an awful day and a horrendous mood!
Actress-turned-musician Logan Tracey Dishes on NYC, Music and Her Style Icons
Posted May 1, 2013 by Amanda Raye
Broke & Chic recently teamed up with actress-turned-musician Logan Tracey for a budget friendly photo shoot. Logan moved to New York City after graduating from college with her heart set on being an actress. She’s since had quite a few amazing gigs over the years, but recently realized her true passion is music.
Last year she began recording her debut album For Sale with producer Michelangelo Sosnowitz. According to Logan:
I find more joy recording in the studio than I ever imagined. When you’re recording an album it’s almost like a contant rehearsal – meaning you get to be adventurous and have fun and only keep the best takes
Read our interview with Logan below where she tells us her debut album For Sale, how she saves money, what she wished she knew when she first moved to New York and what it’s like changing careers.
Broke & Chic: What was your goal with this album?
Logan: To make some fun music with my producer (and friend) Michelangelo Sosnowitz! But the main goal is to get it placed in television, film and commercials; and we’ll play some live shows in NYC this summer.
B&C: What was it like realizing your passion was no longer acting?
Logan: I’d say I found something else that is as exciting as being an actress. And don’t get me wrong, I love acting and working on projects, but for me the best part of any creative endeavor is to play and have fun with your team/crew/friends – and this was all that!
I think what I like about working with Michelangelo and working on this album is that I had more creative control than one often does as an actor. We worked together to mix and listen and remix all of the tracks and I am really proud of them all in their own way.
B&C: What’s your favorite song on your album For Sale?
Logan: All of the tracks are really different and my thoughts on this change but I love Way From Here – that’s the first track on the album and the first track Mike and I recorded. I also really love Say Goodbye and Belong. I think lyrically they have some twists in them and the melodies are just lovely.
B&C: What advice would you give the guy or girl who’s interested in becoming an actor?
Logan: Be patient, be committed, do your very best every day, and don’t get crazy.
B&C: New York is expensive. What are some tricks you’ve learned since you’ve been here in order to save money?
Logan: I never buy bottled water anymore, and try really hard not to buy coffee and I make sure to get great deals and shop sales always! I usually just think, “Do I actually need this?” and basically the answer is usually no.
B&C: Who’s your music and style icon?
Logan: Music is kind of all over the place, Simon & Garfunkel, Florence and the Machine, Eva Cassidy is amazing, Ella, but I also love Taylor Swift (I’m so sorry, guys!). Style-wise I die for Blake Lively. I think she’s gorg and always looks flawless.
B&C: What are your go to stores when it comes clothes?
Logan: I love JCrew, Splendid, and Banana Rebublic for work/put together looks. And Forever21 can’t be beat. But my secrect for events and fancy occasions is Rent the Runway. I love it.
B&C: What’s one thing you wish you knew the day you graduated from college?
Logan: It’s not a race — you have plenty of time.
B&C: What’s your least favorite trend at the moment?
Logan: PASTELS! They so don’t work on me.
B&C: What’s your favorite trend?
Logan: I’m loving the all white head-to-toe look and florals. So cute.
B& C: What was your most memorable experience recording this album?
Logan: The whole thing has been incredibly exciting, but I think the best part is how excited my friends and family have been about it. I have been singing forever and it’s really fu nto share it with them. To give them something tangible that they can hold in their hands and listen to.
B&C: What was it like seeing your songs on Spotify and iTunes for the first time?
Logan: It’s pretty badass.
B&C: What do you think your next step is?
Logan: To get the album into the hands of people who make tv, film commercials. To get it out there for people to listen to. We really just want to share it with everyone. People tend to like different tracks and are drawn to differnet things about the music, which is so cool.
Her album For Sale can be found on iTunes, Spotify and Amazon, so make sure you check it out! If you want to learn more about Logan, be sure to follow her on Twitter and Facebook!
*A very big thanks to our photographer, Laura Gallant and our makeup artist, Jackie Risotto.
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