As history buffs will know, capes were once quite popular during the 19th century for both men and women. Today, they’re still common as rain-wear in various military units and police forces, but have been missing from the modern fashion world. Now, things are changing:
Capes were all over the place during New York Fashion Week last February on both the models and attendees. Below you’ll see Gabriella Wilde after attending the Burberry Prorsum show on February 18, 2013.
Below is fashion model Malgosia Bela wearing a cape in the Vogue Italia Couture Supplement by Paolo Roversi for the March 2013 issue.
Do you think capes will eventually make an appearance at budget stores such as Forever 21 and Necessary Clothing? We’re on the fence. Wearing a cape could either look stunning or weird, there really isn’t an in-between.
What are you thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
This uptown-chic faux hawk was by far our favorite hairstyle backstage at New York Fashion Week. When we asked celebrity hair stylist, Patrick Melville, the creator of the look, how to do it, we were shocked to learn that this intense hair-do isn’t difficult for us regular fashionistas to re-create at home.
The best part? Melville used only Aveeno products — we love seeing our favorite budget brands backstage!
First, Melville created lots of volume for his female version of the faux hawk using Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo. According to Melville:
One of the things I just love about dry shampoo is how versatile it is as a styling tool. For the Monika Chiang show, I applied the Aveeno Dry Shampoo to the root of the hair to create the texture and lift you see at the crown.
Below are five tips to create this faux hawk at home, a great look for a night out with the girls!
1. Wet the hair down with water, add a little volume spray at the root and apply a small amount of a styling glaze; blow dry hair with a paddle brush to help create shine.
2. Next, flat iron hair straight and apply Aveeno Pure Renewal Dry Shampoo to the root to create texture and lift. Next, use a tall comb to tease the root.
3. Take a paddle brush and smooth over hair for additional shine, your hair will still have a lot of volume up top.
4. Take a banana clip from the back of the head and tie it to create a faux hawk. Your hair on the side will be sleek, while hair on the crown will have volume.
5. Finally, tease the hair coming out of the banana clip to create texture, and spray a bit more dry shampoo at the end of the hair to create some separation to finish the look.
Think you’d ever try this look at home? Let us know in the comments below!
It’s no longer a secret: nail art is trendy. Over time, there’s always been a nail shape or color more popular than others, but now, nails have a new level of importance in the fashion industry.
Broke & Chic had backstage access at New York Fashion Week, and now we’re back to share the top nail trends from the likes of Emerson, Monika Chiang, Rebecca Minkoff and Charlotte Ronson!
1. Picture Frame Nails
Charlotte Ronson had a very 60′s mod vibe for her presentation on February 8th; the lead nail artist, Simcha Whitehill, wanted something just as unique as the era. She went with a simple black and white from Color Club.
How To: This look is easy to do on your own. To start, pick two different color polishes that you feel go together. Then, polish your nails as you usually would with the first color and wait a few minutes for it to dry. Then, with a different color, frame it. After that’s dry, take the first color you used and paint the tip.
2. Lace
Lace was used for the makeup backstage at Monika Chiang, but it was also used on the nails backstage at Emerson.
Before the show, the team of nail artists painted press-on nails with a lace design. They used press-on nails due to the short time span they had to work with backstage. But you, of course, can recreate this look on your own nail.
How To: According to Miss Pop, all you need is a dotting tool. You can find one at your local Sally’s for under $6.00. First, paint your nails using a pearl color. They used Pure Porcelain by Orly. After that dries, dip your dotting tool into a black polish and dot your nail three times. Then connect the dots!
3. Asymmetrical French Manicure
Nail artists from Lancome were the brains behind this look backstage at Monika Chiang. They ended up using Vernis in Love in Madame Tulipe and Vernis in Love in Noir Caviar. To add some glam, they added gold tips and gold rings to the ring fingers.
4. Oil Slick
Backstage at Rebecca Minkoff, the nails were done by Essie and the design was inspired by one of the metallic patterns used on her handbags. All five of the colors below were used on each nail to give that rainbow oil slick effect.
How To: Achieve the look yourself by putting a small drop of each color on your nail. Immediately after, take a clean nail brush and swirl the colors together so they cover your entire nail.
What nail look was your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!
*A big thanks to Kristine of Beauty in NYC for having us cover Rebecca Minkoff, Charlotte Ronson and Monika Chiang in her absence.
The first few days of New York Fashion Week were brutal. It was either snowing, hailing, raining, sleeting and at one time, there was a full-on blizzard outside.
Weather drama aside, we at Broke & Chic still managed to find super stylish peeps who picked fashion over warmth right outside of the tents at Lincoln Center. Below are the top 7 trends we spotted at NYFW!
1. Cobalt Blue
Blue is such a striking color, especially against the snow. These five ladies really rocked it.
2. Bold Prints
Asymmetrical, floral, stripes, it doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s bold! These three fashionistas really nailed the bold pattern look.
Get a similar pair of floral pants from Forever 21 here.
3. Evening Jackets
Evening jackets are an up-and-coming trend here in NYC. They usually have a bold print and aren’t meant for warmth.
If you love the evening jacket look, definitely stay tuned for Christian Siriano’s collection for HSN. It’ll be out this Spring! If you can’t wait that long, check this one out.
4. Metallic Shoes
Get ready, metallic shoes are going to be a must with every outfit this Spring!
5. Hot Pink Accessories
If your outfit feels a tad boring, a bright colored accessory will make it pop! Whether you make that statement piece your hat or clutch, you’re bound to turn a few heads.
6. White
When I think of Winter, the color white always comes to mind. It’s a shame when people think we should shun it after Labor Day. These three ladies decided to ignore the silly rule, and we’re happy they did. They look awesome!
Get a similar pair of black and white pants at Charlotte Russe for only $25.00!
Get a similar pair of white platform shoes from Ami Clubwear for under $50 here.
7. Charcoal Dress Pants
We think Coco Chanel would approve. These ladies look fierce!
What’s your favorite NYFW street style trend so far? Let us know in the comments below!
In the fashion world, we’re usually two and a half seasons ahead of the game. All of next year’s Spring and Summer trends have been decided by top designers at New York Fashion Week, and will continue to be decided in London, Paris and other extremely fashionable cities this September.
After spending time backstage and attending quite a few shows, we noticed a common trend between designers: blue and embroidery. For the past two seasons, we’ve seen a lot of sheer tops, studs and flatforms. These trends will carry us into Fall and Winter, but once the s/s ’13 season hits, we’re going to start heading into a different direction. No more super badass “it-girl” fashion for a bit. Sorry Nasty Gal!
Next year it’ll be all about laid back glamour. Almost every designer last week showcased a collection inspired by early and mid twentieth century glamour. Think Anita Page, Mary Pickford, and yes, Rose Dawson from Titanic. Some designers stayed glamorous, but with more of a Jackie O inspiration…with a dash of wealthy 1950′s housewife.
Let’s look a little closer at a few shows and presentations B&C attended over the past week:
Renzo + Kai
The Renzo + Kai presentation was beautiful. They mixed modern prep with 1930′s elegance perfectly. All the models wore stunning heels paired with feminine socks, while wearing heavily embroidered dresses, gowns and jackets. The whole collection reminded us of Rose Dawson meets a 1950′s housewife.
According to the designer:
The collection was inspired by the “Bon Vivant” attitude and the Cafe Society Generation of the 1930′s.
Fotini: Backstage & Presentation
This collection had french inspiration mixed with a dash of The Stepford Wives. The Fotini S/S ’13 collection finds its roots in the muted color palette of 18th century French Painters. Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard — all of these artists used delicate colors to create sumptuous looks. According the the designer:
The collection is designed for a woman of mystery, elegance and grace; someone who imagines she is sitting for Fragonard to paint her in The Swing with cupid and cherubim fluttering around her.
The hair was lead by Linh Nguyen of Cutler Salon. The nails were lead by Teresa King, and the makeup was lead by Deanna Melluso of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics. According to Melluso:
To go along with the designers French and Wisteria Lane influence we went for a fresh clean look meant for the simple girl in control.
Nguyen kept the hair long with tons of volume and soft curls (just like Bridgett Bardot), and the nails were painted a simple nude color.
Simple nude nails.
The final makeup look. Fresh and simple.
Milly by Michelle Smith
This was one of our favorite shows held at Lincoln Center. Both the Milly ready-to-wear and accessory collections had tons of black and white mixed with neon.
The designer says she was inspired by the concept of surrealism. Again, the model’s make up was left extremely simple, with a pop of neon on the eyes. The lips were made nude, and only bronzer was added to the cheeks.
Whitney Eve
Broke & Chic got to spend time backstage at the Whitney Eve show. Whitney Eve was launched in 2008 by TV personality Whitney Port, and the collections evoke a girly nature with a touch of punchy sass. Growing up in Los Angeles and having lived in Manhattan, Port says she “blends the ease of California style with the sophistication and edge of New York City life.”
For hair, the models were given a messy up-do that looked sleek from the front, with white bobby pins criss-crossed on the side.
The nails were done by Zoya, using polish colors that matched the collection.
To get all the details about the makeup, we were able to have a quick chat with Kryolan’s lead makeup artist, Dominic Cruz. According to Cruz:
We went very simple. Nude lips, gold shimmer on the chin and cheeks, brown taupe on the eyes and dewey skin. We wanted a very translucent look.
Port says the collection was inspired by the crown jewels of London. The collection features prints that evoke precious stones and crystals. What do you think of it?
Clover Canyon
The Clover Canyon, Spring 2013 collection was inspired by the vibrant colors and textures from the American Southwest landscape. The allure of the open road, decked out cars, automobile metallic textures and the large open sky.
Since the colors of the collection are bright we all decided to go soft and whimsical for the hair, makeup and nails.
Edwards applied an imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails in ‘High Hopes’ – a pale and understated pink shade, for a whimsical take on the collection.
For the makeup, everything was kept pretty simple, except for the brows and cheeks…tons of bronzer! The hair, makeup and nails all blended with the collection so well!
All the flowers are embroidered on.
We have a hunch that Miranda Kerr would love these pants!
* A big huge thanks to Kristine Ayala of Beauty in NYC for sending B&C to cover Fotini, Whitney Eve, and Clover Canyon in her absence. She is a wonderful beauty and fashion blogger and I hope you all take the time to check out her awesome blog!
Trends to Expect
After paying close attention to these five collections on Day 6 of New York Fashion Week, we now have a good idea of what’s going to be trending in both beauty and fashion next spring.
Nude and Brown Pumps are going to be the shoe of choice for those nights out on the town. Both were prevalent for the Fotini and Clover Canyon presentations. If you’re girly yet daring, you might want to try wearing a cute pair of socks with your heels when March comes around!
Simple Makeup is going to be more common, so if you’re not a huge makeup fan, then 2013 is going to be the year for you! Barely there lipstick, gold eyeshadows, light bronzer, mascara and nude nail polish will be taking over your cosmetic bag. If you do like bold makeup, the deep red lip and bold brow will be in too!
Long Hair with Light Volume and Messy Up-do’s will be the hair-do’s of choice.
Embroidery is something that was in almost every collection this season. Beading and sequins will slowly but surely make their way into your closet.
The Colors for s/s 2013 are going to be blues and muted brights mixed with black, white and tans.
Day 6 of New York Fashion Week was by far our favorite. The streets were star studded, the weather was perfect and the street style outside of Lincoln Center and on the Empire Hotel rooftop was extra amazing. Not to mention the great shows and presentations! Broke & Chic got to cover, we can’t wait to share!
This fashionista rocked the metallic trend!
We spy spikes!
Lover her shoes? Us too! Snag a similar pair here and here.
This fashionista rocked bell bottoms perfectly! Think you can rock them too? Snag a similar pair here and here!
Love her peplum skirt? Snag your own here and here!
Love her studded bag? Get a similar one from H&M for $49.99! Can’t get enough of her varsity sweater? Get your own here!
She’s sporting the trendy plum lip color! Are you brave enough to wear it?
Get a similar clutch from Necessary Clothing for only $34.99! Who knew a scary weapon like brass knuckles would find a place in fashion! Her nude pumps are awesome too!
The verdict is in: Not only will the bold lip and strong brow be in this Fall, but it’ll carry us into Spring! That’s what it was all about backstage at Naeem Khan the other day.
We got to sit down for an extremely quick chat with the NARS Director of Global Beauty, James Boehmer and the lead hairstylist from Bumble and Bumble, Neil Moodie.
According to Boehmer of NARS:
The inspiration was Wallis Simpson, so to make the look more updated, we focused on a glossy, very vinyl-texture lip to contrast the matte texture of the skin.
The skin was left very matte and the eyes very simple. The wow factors came from the bold and elongated brow. To get the look Boehmer used Bali, Coconut Grove Single Eyeshadow.
For the lip he got extremely creative. He wanted a lip color that would look amazing on all the models. He started with the “Jungle Red” lipstick and overlaid it with “Damned Velvet” matte lip pencil, “Never Say Never” velvet lip pencil, and to finish it off, he added “Place Vendome Larger Than Life” lip gloss.
Plum might be the lip color of choice for Fall but it’ll be all about deep red this upcoming Spring!
Also inspired by the 1940′s look, Moodie went with the classic chignon. His vision was “elegance in royalty”, giving the models a powerful look without being too over-the-top. He went with a center part to add even more of a statement.
The nails were done by Dashing Diva. They wanted a classic womanly manicure with an edge. They ended up using their Color fx in red.
The hair, makeup and nails tied in beautifully with the gorgeous designs of Naeem Khan. The collection was inspired by The Duchess of Windsor, exotic gardens, fiery skies, and the Arabian Sea.
According to Khan:
The focus of this collection is drawn from elemental beauty, and cultural landscapes: the intricacy of Moroccan art, geometric patterns, and delicate metalwork, as well as floral imagery, burning desert sunsets, and crashing ocean surf. These concepts were literally, and figuratively, translated into prints, beading, thread work and laser cut leather designs.
The collection has evoked to encompass daywear and separates keeping true to the high embellishment and timeless glamour.
Would you ever try the bold lip and strong brow look that graced the Naeem Khan runway?
After catching a few shows yesterday, B&C decided to capture some attendee street style by snapping some photos right outside of Lincoln Center. We hope you enjoy!
If you love all these looks but are afraid of the commitment and possible damage, then chalking is for you!
Chalking is a technique that can give you this unique hair without bleaching. Best of all…it works on dark hair too! It’s something fun you can do when you’re in the mood for a temporary change that can make a big impact.
What You’ll Need
Soft Pastel Chalk (no oil)
Water Filled Spray Bottle
Gloves
Blow Dryer
Flat Iron
An old t-shirt you don’t mind ruining.
1. Take a 1-inch strand of hair and wet it with a spray bottle (skip this step if you have blonde hair)
2. Apply gloves and take a pastel of your choice. Rub it on your hair strand until it’s at your desired vibrancy.
3. Blow dry the hair strand until completly dry.
4. Go over the strand with your flat iron. This will help set it in. Make sure it’s on its lowest setting.
5. Brush and style as usual!
This will wash out during your next shampoo, so do as many strands as you’d like!
*Warning* It might stay in your hair for a few shampoos if you have natural blonde hair.
Check out this video tutorial from the wonderful Kandee Johnson as well!
Beautiful Hair Chalking Results
What do you think of this rainbow hair trend? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
We have a hunch that Miranda Kerr would love these pants!
