We at Broke & Chic are huge supporters of independent designers and artists. And with this in mind, here are four Etsy shops that have found a way to be both affordable and unique. In other words, these stores need to be on your radar (or birthday list).

1. Belle Costes

Belle Costes is a New York based jewelry designer who specializes in pure and simple designs for the minimalist fashionista. A good portion of her material is recycled vintage, and her stuff tends to range from $20-$45. B&C initially found this great shop on a fashion blog run by the shop owner’s 14-year-old daughter.

Browse this store if you need something unique to wear to an event or you’re trying to find that perfect gift for your best friend and don’t want to go down the cliche, “Forever 21″ route.

2. Moorea Seal

This is an Etsy seller that we also found by accident. While browsing Jux, I found a photo of these earrings that I knew I wanted in my collection. Clicking on the image to find details, I learned they were homemade and available on Etsy for $28! Digging deeper I also learned that she was a blogger.

Her jewelry is perfect for the minimalist girl who loves to add edge to her outfit. My favorite pieces are the “Diana Bracelet” which sells for $25, the “Gold Chevron Dangles” for $28 and “The Hourglass” body harness for $40.

3. The Purple Petal

This Richmond Virginia-based Etsy shop sells adorable rose earrings that are only $7 a pair. With 23 different colors to choose from, you’re bound to find a set that works for you!  I happen to also be a  fan of her “Pink Rose Pendant,” which sells for $12 and her “Rose Bobby Pins” which run at $14/set.

This jewelry is perfect for the ultra feminine girl who likes anything pretty and sweet:

4. Adimaa

This Vancouver based Etsy Seller specializes in minimal and unique laptop, iPhone and iPad sleeves.

I first found this shop after being disappointed by the cases sold by Apple’s own store. None of them were “me,” and all the ones at Best Buy and Target were either too boring or too young. I knew I wanted something unique and under $60, so I headed to Etsy and searched “MacBook cases” and finally found Adimaa!

He mainly works with felt-like wool and high-end leather. When I finally received my case in the mail I was more then thrilled.

Are you an Etsy seller? If so, share your shop with us!

The post Four Affordable Etsy Shops That Need To Be On Your Radar appeared first on Broke and Chic.

Way back when, studs and anything skull related were meant for the rebels living on the other side of the tracks and the disobedient teenagers of the 80′s. Well, in 2012 they’re elegantly meant for the office! How do you make studs office friendly you ask? Studded collars on elegant sheer tops. Now, collars have been popular since last summer, but mixing that fun trend with avante-garde studs creates one memorable piece of clothing.

Studs

Studs were seen all over the runway both last year and this year with sophisticated fashion houses including Valentino and Givenchy dousing their models with studded wallets, heels and jackets, but at a hefty price.

Finally, these tops are no longer off-limits for those who can’t afford the runway looks. Score your own sheer top with a studded collar for under $100 at many fine retailers including Topshop, Necessary Clothing and Zara!

Only $73.85 at Topshop

Only $48.00 at ASOS.com

Only $78.28 at ASOS.com

Only $59.00 at Urban Outfitters

Only $69.23 at ASOS.com

Don’t you just love rockin’ runway trends that don’t break the bank? Us too!

Tibetan Prayer Bracelets

Now for the skulls, “skull” is by no means a foreign word to the fashion industry. Back in 2007, skulls were worn by celebs young and old in the form of sheer scarfs. They quietly died down shortly after 2008. However, skulls have yet again found their way into our wardrobes, this time in our jewelry boxes in the form of Tibetan prayer beads.

$10.00 each at Paris Heroin Stars

I started noticing them at street venders all around Soho and Chinatown in early winter but didn’t think twice. On a recent shopping trip to the Converse store, I noticed hundreds of them in all different colors by the register and was in awe. I really liked them. Since that day last weekend I’ve noticed them on almost every wrist of those everyone would deem fashionable.

The hundreds of Tibetan prayer beads at the Converse store in Soho.

What are they?

Originating from Tibet, these beads help users contemplate the meaning of life and death during meditation. The skull is meant to help the mediator reflect on death and impermanence, and know that death is a fact, and that the closer that we can relate to death and embrace it, the sooner we can start living with love and compassion. A lot more meaningful than your typical summer trend.

What are your thoughts on Tibetan prayer bracelets and classy studded collars? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Skulls & Studs: Two Trends That Will Take Over Summer 2012 appeared first on Broke and Chic.