Summer is in full swing, and with this heat wave affecting most of the country, pool and beach time can’t be avoided. That said, finding the perfect bathing suit isn’t as fun as lounging around on the beach — but MiX Bikini changes that!
With MiX Bikini you can design your bikini from start to finish. From the color all the way to the cut. Want a leopard bikini top with a gold string and a black bottom? You got it!
My favorite part: you don’t have to just get one size. Most girls aren’t the same size top and bottom. You might need a large bikini top, but a medium bottom. MiX Bikini makes it possible!
According to their website:
Mix & match left & right triangle & halter-tops with classic & scrunchie bottoms & connect them with rings & strings to create thousands of bikinis. The more bikini parts you collect, the more bikinis you create. Reassemble MiX Bikini as much as you want.
Broke & Chic was given the opportunity to create two of our own MiX Bikinis. We tested them out on the beaches of Newport, Rhode Island over 4th of July weekend with Marcus Cooper as our photographer. Our models got tons of compliments on their MiX Bikinis during the shoot. What do you think?
Mix – The Interchangeable Bikini LookBook
If you you love what you see, head on over to Mixbikini.com to design and purchase your own! The best part about it? You won’t be spending any more than $50. It could even be less, it all depends on your design.
Will you be purchasing a Mix bikini this summer? Let us know in the comments below!
As another summer rolls around, so does a music-packed, mud-splattered season of festivals for us all to enjoy. British festivals are renowned for two things: Unpredictable weather and wellies!
Though the first does often add to the fun, it has an impact on the outfits that we had already planned for Leeds and Isle of Wight. Choosing the right footwear is always a hard decision, and many things need to be considered: comfort; practicality, and of course style.
For us girls, the last is definitely the most important, as festivals are a time for us to truly express our personal style without having to hold back. If you were too afraid to wear those neon sandals out of the door last week, now is the perfect time to step out onto the field with confidence and seriously cool steeze.
To help you decide which shoes to style the rest of your outfit with this summer, here’s a rundown of five on-trend footwear choices for the festival season.
Go Edgy With The Flatform
A new trend for 2012, the flatform keeps popping up everywhere, and for good reason! Without adding any extra discomfort, the flatform gives height and improves posture, and even better – they look so on-trend with almost everything!
The flatform is very much a statement shoe, especially if you go super high, but you can bring down their gregarious aesthetics by opting for a flatform or high-top sneakers.
High-top flatforms are getting snapped on a deluge of celebrities at the moment, so these are a great choice for comfort as well as style. Team your flatforms with a bright bodycon skirt and relaxed, grungy sweater. Pile on the accessories and you’re good to party throughout the night.
This season, the ankle boot is still very much on trend. To bring it up to speed with 2012, opt for a flat, fringed style. Minnetonka do a great range of boho ankle boots and moccasins that are perfect for all festivals, especially Gottwood and Secret Garden Party which both have a slightly boho, hippy vibe.
Team your fringed ankle boots with a printed maxi dress for serious boho brownie points, or opt for a floral summer dress if you prefer your outfits to have a feminine, girly tone. Not so practical if the heavens decide to open thanks to their suede finish, but let’s just cross our fingers for a dry weekend!
Creepers have become somewhat of a fashion statement this year. Once worn in the 70′s and 80′s by the likes of Bananarama, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, now they are worn by the likes of Rita Ora, Rihanna and Fearne Cotton.
Their chunky sole likens them to the flatform trainers, but with a suede finish and often a print, they have been translated from the Blue Suede Shoes of the 50′s into an edgy choice with a punk twist for 2012. They are going to be a popular choice for this season’s festivals thanks to their height and versatility – creepers look great with jeans, skirts and shorts.
Sandals are a great option for the European festivals like Benicassim, where sunshine is pretty much guaranteed! For the UK, sandals can sometimes feel like a regretted choice if the sky decided to pour down.
Choose sandals if you’re guaranteed dry weather, as they’re a practical choice if you prefer flat shoes. They’re a great choice to add femininity, especially if the rest of your outfit is on the more masculine side. Choose jeans, a pretty top and a leather jacket for a girly outfit with an edge, or go all out with floral prints and girly colours.
Go Traditional With Wellies
Wellies (rain boots) are synonymous with British festivals, and Hunter wellies are by far the most popular choice of brand when it comes to this practical choice of footwear. The only style you’ll need if the weather forecast looks wet and grey, you can truly make wellies a style statement of their own with the right outfit. Choose a pretty, fun playsuit to balance out the practicality factor.
So there you go! Five different choices of footwear for your chosen festival this summer. Which ones are you going to choose?
About The Author: Zoe is a professional fashion blogger with a penchant for festival style. She is currently writing for heritage handbag and footwear brand Jane Shilton.
What’s off-season shopping? It’s buying a coat in the summer, or buying a bathing suit in the fall. Why would you do such a thing? To be broke and chic of course (and you’ll save tons of money)! No, you won’t be able to wear your items until the weather calls for it again, but if you’re buying a pair of $100 boots at 75% off, why complain? Off-Season shopping can be an amazing thing.
Off-season shopping is when you buy something on sale because it’s no longer in season. Really focus on the staple pieces, such as coats, pants, black or brown boots, white button up shirts…etc. Below are tips on how to get the most out of off-season shopping:
Winter
Winter is the time to buy cute and trendy fall coats, like a trench! Just put it in your closet for those rainy days that Spring and Fall bring us every year.
Remember: A classic tan, beige or black trench is great for fall and spring, while a red, pink or yellow trench is typically best for Spring. Try H&M, Gap, Banana Republic, Zara and Nordstrom for a quality trench!
Prime Time: Late November/December
Spring
Spring is the time to buy heavy winter coats! Think winter while every store under the sun is dying to make room for light jackets, short sleeve shirts and cardigans. It’s always great when you can buy quality items that will last for years, instead of buying cheap coats that’ll only get you through one season. Buy a hat and scarf while you’re at it!
Remember: A peacoat is a winter classic for both men and women! Try Zara, dELia*s, Nordstrom, Macy’s and H&M.
Prime Time: March/April
Summer
Summer is the time to buy boots, jeans and cardigans! Every store will be making room for sundresses, shorts, bathing suits, sandals and tanks.
Prime Time: Early May/June
Fall
Fall is a great time to buy swim suits, shorts, tanks, sundresses, and sandals at an amazing price. Think 50%-75% off! Store racks will be filled with cardigans, jeans, sweaters, long sleeved shirts and light jackets, so all the summer stuff will be on sale.
Prime Time: Late August/September
Want to learn more about Off-Season Shopping? Just check out these past Broke & Chic posts!
According to their website:
