Allie’s Downtown Cool Style
Posted 408 days ago by Amanda Raye
Not only does Allie have an awesome bedroom, she has an awesome wardrobe too! If you don’t remember her, Allie is a student living in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan.
She moved to New York City over a year ago with her mom from a small southern town, and her hobbies include reading, photography, music, independent movies and knitting!
This won’t be the last you’ll see of Allie. We liked her so much that she is now Broke & Chic’s very own Social Media Manager! Give her a twitter follow.
- Leopard Sweater: $10 Old Navy (sale)
- Leggings: $10 Uniqlo
- Moto Boots: $30 Prima Donna
- Levi’s Jacket: Mom’s old high school jacket!
Q & A
B&C: What was your favorite winter trend?
Allie: Moto boots, moccasins and large knit head bands!
B&C: What is one trend you can’t stand?
Allie: Leggings with uggs. I like leggings, but paired with Uggs…no!
What do you think of Allie’s downtown style? Tell us in the comments below! PS: We’re digging the shatter polish!
Trend Alert: Are Flare Jeans Coming Back?
Posted 421 days ago by Amanda Raye
Victoria Beckham was recently spotted wearing dark wash bootcut jeans. Believe it or not, she rocked them!
Flare and bootcut jeans have been taking a vacation in our bottom drawer for about five years now — that’s a long time! Since then, skinny jeans have really stepped up to the plate, becoming our our go-to pair. Not only do skinnies flatter most figures, they actually highlight the awesome shoes we wear, while flares have always hidden our rockin’ heels and adorable flats.
So is it okay for them to come back? I think this resurge is all on us! Are we going to follow in Victoria Beckham and Katie Holmes’s footsteps? Or are we going to keep that pair of flares under our beds for a few more seasons?
Does age have anything to do with it?
Flare and bootcut jeans have never permanently left the closets of Katie Holmes (33), Jennifer Aniston (43) or Victoria (37). In the fashion world, this suggests that the 30+ crowd can rock them, while the 15-30 crowd can’t. That said, Disney star Vanessa Hudgens hasn’t really stopped wearing flare jeans either.
What do you Like More?
Katie in flare jeans or skinny jeans?
Vanessa in flare jeans or skinny jeans?
A guy friend of mine, who recently turned 21, told his mom she was wearing “out dated” jeans. An e-mail session began:
They are not waaay flared, just medium. I just bought them from Banana Republic and love the way they fit. Am I wearing OUTDATED jeans?
My response? No! It can take years to find that perfect pair that fits you in all the right places. If you love how your jeans fit, wear them!
Conclusion
In NY, the fashion capital of the world, I’ve made an effort to pay more attention to what people were wearing these past few days. So far, I haven’t noticed anyone wearing jeans other than the skinny variety…except for tourists. But the thing is, they didn’t just wear a cute outfit that happened to include flares. It was awful. Picture flare jeans, running sneakers, an “I ♥ NY” t-shirt and an LL Bean backpack.
To flare or not to flare is a messy question, and really doesn’t have one solid answer; it just has rules. If you never really gave up your flare/bootcut jeans, then it’s time. Stop at your local Forever 21 or Old Navy and snag a pair of affordable skinnies. If you’ve been wearing skinnies, then don’t be afraid to play around with other types of jeans: bootcut, flares, boyfriend, wide leg, high waisted. Just have fun and mix it up like Katie and Vanessa! Keep in mind that fashion is always repeating itself.
Rules
1. Stick to the dark wash variety.
2. Wear bootcut jeans — avoid the flare’s for a little while longer.
3. Always wear some sort of heel with them. Flats and sneakers will give you a 1999 look.
4. Try and wear a dressier top. If you’re in a t-shirt mood just accessorize with a statement necklace and a blazer.
What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
Fashion Advice: How to Appear More Fashionable
Posted 439 days ago by Amanda Raye
Style isn’t for everyone. Many girls like playing it safe with the usual “jeans and t-shirt look,” especially during the college years. It’s quick, easy and…lacks style. If you’re that girl but want to start entering the world of fashion, style and trends, then read this guide on how to appear more fashionable.
The Three Don’ts
1. Flip Flops
They are lame, sorry just lame. They work when you are in need of a pedicure in the winter, are lounging at the pool or beach all day in the summer and if you have to shower in a communal bathroom…aka “dorm life.” Other than those three things, stay away from them. Why wear something that’s unfashionable AND bad for your feet?
Opt for a pair of sandals instead! They’re a much better alternative, and are just as easy to put on as flip flops.
Gladiators will still be hot for Summer 2012!
Try out a sexy pair of T-strap or Thong sandals.
If you must wear flip flops, get a pair like these ($14.80 at F21). They still have style & appeal to them!
2. Uggs
Yes, they are comfortable, but so are lots of other boots. In the fashion world, Ugg stands for Ugly. Unless you live in Greenland, don’t wear them. Opt for a cute pair of lace up or moto boots instead!
Motorcycle boots have a tough yet classy look to them.
Unlike Uggs, moto and lace-up boots work in the summer too!
Rachel’s lace-up boots would look adorable with a dress.
3. Denim Skirts
Let’s put it this way: if you wore it when you were in middle school, don’t wear it now. Instead, try a cute maxi or bodycon skirt! They are trendy, fashionable and just as easy to put on as your 12 season old denim skirt from Old Navy.
The Three Do’s
1. Accessorize
Accessories are such an easy way to make any outfit more trendy. Rings, bracelets, earrings, necklaces…they all work. Just stay away from the bling.
2. Red Lipstick
It’s a quick way to look fashionable and sophisticated. Red will never go out of style. Go to your local e.l.f. retailer and get a striking red for only $3!
3. Vintage
Worried about what’s in this season? Not sure if your outfit will work for the event you’re going to? When in doubt, wear vintage! Not all vintage has to be expensive, and sometimes you can even find a vintage treasure at a thrift store for under $10!
Read More: How to Vintage Clothing + Accessories at a Thrift Store & Off Season Shopping
What’s an outfit that would deem somebody “unfashionable?” Leave your comments below. We would love to hear from you!
Gap’s New S/S 2012 “Be Bright” Campaign
Posted 455 days ago by Amanda Raye
Gap, the casual American retailer known for their affordability and quality has just launched their new Spring/Summer line this past week. Headed with the title “Be Bright.”
Gap’s “Be Bright” Spring/Summer collection encourages you to have fun with color and to have fun with fashion. From candy colored jeans and khakis to bright and fun trenches. Their new collection allows you to let loose so your true colors can shine through! It’ll be a breath of fresh air when we start seeing ladies and gents sporting jeans in colors other than blue and red!
“Be Bright speaks to what has always been the heart and soul of Gap—casual American style that’s relevant for today and rooted in optimism,” said Seth Farbman, Gap’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “We’ve been infusing a new energy and confidence into our product and how we express who we are to our customer. It started with our 1969 jeans and premium black pants and continues this spring with our colored denim and khakis.”
Why is Gap’s new campaign worth talking about? Styld.by – a first-of-its-kind digital collaboration between Gap and six well-respected fashion and lifestyle blogs including Refinery29, WhoWhatWear, FabSugar, Lookbook, Rue and MOG. Using clothes from the new collection, each of the six partners styled unique looks from their point of view. The looks will live on the partners’ sites within a Gap branded experience where people can get style inspiration, learn about the products featured, and click to purchase right from the experience.
This is truly the future of online shopping, with Gap leading the way! The idea of a large retailer working with bloggers to create an online shopping experience is amazing!
Styld.by is an evolutionary way to take the idea of a traditional catalog and deliver it in a way that encourages people to engage with it in a place where they’re already spending their time, like fashion blogs and music sites. By asking our partners to curate our favorite pieces in a way that’s relevant to them, we’re giving consumers more than just our point of view,” added Farbman.
Gap’s “Be Bright” Lookbook
Broken-In Straight Khakis ($49.95) in fuchsia.
Always Skinny Cropped Jean ($69.95) in fuchsia.
Sexy Boyfriend ($69.95) in mint grey.
Broken-In Straight Khakis ($49.95)
Slouchy Slim Fit Jeans ($69.95) in yellow.
Denim Washed Khakis($59.95)
Always Skinny Cropped Jean ($69.95) in surf pipe blue.
What are your thought’s on Gap’s new “Be Bright” collection? We at Broke & Chic are loving the colored khakis for men! Men deserve to have some color in their lives too!
The Broke Fashionistas of the Upper West Side
Posted 497 days ago by Amanda Raye
New York City is a beautiful city filled with unique neighborhoods and boroughs, each showcasing its own sense of style. Today, Broke & Chic spent time in the Upper West Side neighborhood of Manhattan, taking photos of fashionable ladies on a budget!
The Upper West Side is home to Central Park, The Dakota and many colleges and universities including Columbia, Fordham and The New School, so of course this neighborhood would have great style. Go see for yourself!
- Blazer: $16 Strawberry
- Jumper: $24 Forever 21
- Boots: $180 Macy’s
- Hue Socks: $6 Ricky’s
- Belt: $30 Zara
- Hat: $26 Urban Outfitters
Q&A
Q: What’s your favorite winter 2012 trend?
A: “I’ve seen a lot of guys in bow ties lately, I love it.”
- Shirt: $17 h&m
- Pants: $54 Urban Outfitters
- Necklace: $8 Forever 21
- Boots: $80 Journey’s
Q&A
Q: What’s your favorite winter 2012 trend?
A: ” Wedge heels and leggings”.
Q: What’s one trend you’d like to see go away forever?
A: “Those awful MC Hammer pants”.
Broke & Chic can agree with that!
- Shirt: $32 American Apparel
- Tank: $2.80 Forever 21
- Leggings: $40 Nike
- Bag: $60 Urban Outfitters
- Ugg Boots: $120
I’m a dance major, I have to live in workout clothes. I’ve had to learn how to incorporate my dance class outfits with my everyday outfits so I don’t always look like I’m going to the gym. I have numerous pairs of Nike running leggings, to save money I wear them when I go out with friends too.
Q&A
Q: What’s your favorite winter 2012 trend?
A: “Circle scarves for sure!”
Q: What’s one trend you’d like to see go away forever?
A: “Highlighter yellow skinny jeans. All neon colors really.”
- Dress: $25 h&m
- Cardigan: $10 Old Navy (sale)
- Tights: Ricky’s
- Boots: $20 Macy’s (sale)
- Belt: “It was attached to another dress!”
Q&A
Q: What’s one trend you’d like to see go away forever?
A: “I have quite a few, men in extremely tight skinny jeans, not fitted with a slight taper, but skin tight barely breathe skinny jeans. Ugg boots, they’re expensive slippers that stand for ugly. Last but not least, expensive clothes that look used. Just go to a thrift store please.”
This isn’t the last you’ll see of the Upper West Side. Stay tuned for more broke fashion from here and in other New York City neighborhoods. Can’t wait? Check out The Broke Fashionistas of Greenwich Village!
PS: We’re not just about NYC. Think you’re a Broke Fashionista? Send in your photos to hey@brokeandchic.com
When is the Best Time to Buy a Bathing Suit?
Posted 627 days ago by Amanda Raye
Right now! Fall is just a few short weeks away, meaning swimming season is just about over. Stores are trying to get rid of anything summer related to make room for fall attire. You can now buy a quality $80 dollar suit for next to nothing (50% to 75% off). The better the quality, the longer it’ll last. Check out Kohl’s, Macy’s, Everything But Water and Nordstrom’s.
If you’re to impatient and can’t wait the 8 months to wear your suit, try going to H&M, Target or Old Navy when it starts getting warm again. They have the cutest suits for a great price, but they’ll only last you one season.
Broke Fashion # 31
Posted 639 days ago by Amanda Raye
This girl knows how to dress!
- Shirt: $13 H&M
- Jacket: $25 Old Navy
- Skirt: $10 Mystique Boutique Manhattan
- Sandals: $7.50 Forever 21
Do you have great style on a budget? Submit your pictures to hey@brokeandchic.com
Previous
