Broke and Chic

Posted 312 days ago by Amanda Raye

Don’t have the extra money or energy to run out and purchase a brush cleaner? Just use your mild face wash! Do it at night to insure they’ll be dry by morning. Remember…you should be doing this once a week. Get in the routine of doing this every Sunday night. That way you can start each week with a fresh makeup brush!

Don’t own any brushes yet? Try the brushes from eyes.lips.face for only $1/brush. Want to splurge? Try the Bare Minerals Buffing Brushes for $49 a set.

Posted 464 days ago by Amanda Raye

Madison is a 19 year old journalism student based in Virginia with a casual yet trendy style. She love to pair solids with simple patterns while following the season’s hottest trends.

I wouldn’t really call my style anything specific. I like mixing retro sophistication with the trends of today.

• Shirt: $9.95 h&m
• Skirt: $5.95 h&m
• Cardigan: $40 Urban Outfitters
• Wristlet: $9.99 Target
• Flats: $10 Burlington Coat Factory
• Sunglasses: Stole from boyfriend!

Q&A

B&C: Who are your style icons?

Madison: The classics, Audrey Hepburn and Coco Chanel.

B&C: What’s your favorite 2012 trend?

Madison: Color blocking!

B&C: What’s a popular trend you can’t stand?

Madison: I’m not liking the fact that flares and bell bottoms are coming back. I cringe every time I see them.

What do you think of Madison’s style? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Posted 466 days ago by Amanda Raye

Yvette is a hair stylist living and working in the beautiful city of Manhattan. She loves experimenting with her style and finds herself changing it up everyday!

Q&A

B&C: What would you call your style?

Yvette: It’s different every day. If I like it, I’ll wear it. I love being creative with my style.

B&C: Do you think your style has evolved over time?

Yvette: Yes! I’m much more sophisticated than I have been in the past. But I’ve always stayed true to myself.

B&C: If you could only shop at one store for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Yvette: h&m, they have good quality at a fair price.

Left

• Cardigan: $15 Target
• Top: $10 Target
• Belt: $7.80 Forever 21
• Necklace: $8 Target
• Skirt: $19.80 Forever 21
• Tights: $7 Asos
• Shoes: $70 Steve Madden

Right

• Dress: $20 Target
• Belt: $7.80 Forever 21
• Tights: $7 Asos
• Shoes: $70 Steve Madden

Posted 623 days ago by Amanda Raye

By Imani-Kai

Fall is officially here, college students all around the globe are pulling out their favorite outfits to rock around campus. Students at Frostburg State University told Broke & Chic their favorite looks and trends for fall, and how they got them on the cheap!

For Kristen it’s all about FRINGE! Fringe is definitely a trendy must-have. Whether it’s a bag, jacket or shirt, fringe can make an outfit! Try a black fringe bag; they go with just about everything. And for the bolder fashionista, try one with a hint of color.

♥Kristen’s studded fringe bag was found at Honeycomb Hideout for $50!

♥ Grab this bag for$59.99 at Urban Outfitters

Aleecia brings a little boho to campus with her oh-so chic MAXI SKIRT! These skirts have become a major must-have for fall 2011. They’re great for class and those nights out on the town! Pair your maxi with a cute jacket or blazer. Need some pizazz? Try a maxi in a bold color!

♥ Aleecia’s extra chic maxi was found for $40 at Zara!

♥ Get this black maxi skirt at Target for $15.

Maxi skirt’s not your thing? Try a MINI SKIRT! Pair it with tights or thigh-high socks. A mini skirt can give you that effortlessly cute look every girl on campus wants. Kate pairs her skirt with an adorable pair of tights and flats. She’s ready to rock the campus!

♥ Kate’s mini was found at Charlotte Russe for only $5 on sale. The tights were only $15 at Nordstroms!

Pleated Minis are another great look for fall!

For guys, the ever popular VINTAGE PREP look is back for yet another season, and don’t forget OXFORD BUTTON-UP’S! These classic shirts never go out of style. Try a bright color to give an unexpected twist! Hamid and Mark were more than happy to bring this classic trend back to campus.

♥ Mark’s red button up was found at H&M for only $20. He paired it with khaki jeans and Bass loafers!

♥ Hamid found his Ralph Lauren oxford button-up at a local thrift store for only $10!

As if every girl didn’t already know, LEATHER JACKETS are back! Fall is the perfect season to take out your fitted leather. It’s warm, trendy, and believe it or not, classy. Miranda strolls around campus in her moto-style leather jacket paired with a simple white tee and jeans.

It doesn’t have be real leather…but you already knew that right?!

♥ Miranda found her jacket for only $14 at a local thrift store!

♥ Only $32 at Forever 21.

Think you have great campus style? E-mail your pictures to hey@brokeandchic.com

Posted 632 days ago by Amanda Raye

 ♥ Leggings: $10 Mandee

♥ Shirt: $5 Target Sale

♥ Scarf: $5 Rumors Boutique

♥ Boots: $40 Double J Western Store

♥ Bag: $25 H&M

Posted 651 days ago by Amanda Raye

Every season I see more and more studded apparel, mainly bags and shoes! Instead of it looking punk, it looks more on the classy side! What do you think of this up and coming trend?

Jeffrey Campbell Litas $189.95

Burberry Studded Rain Boots $395

Alexander Wang Coco Duffel $850

Christian Louboutins $995

Burberry Studded Heels $940

The Broke & Chic Way

Walmart Studded Rain Boot $28.00

Target Studded Booties $39.99

Jimmy Choo for H&M $40.00

KMart $5.59

KMart $34.99

Mandee $27.50

Urban Outfitters $29.99

Posted 657 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.

Posted 669 days ago by Amanda Raye

Out of the house? College? Young Professional? Lost job? Too many bills? What ever it may be your wallet isn’t as full as it used to be ,or you no longer have that monthly allowance.

I know when I was in high school, all the money I made from working was my “whatever” money! I was able to spend it on clothes, shoes, haircuts, and of course MAKEUP. I became overly addicted to the expensive makeup brands such as M.A.C, Urban Decay, Benefit, Clinique and Stila. But when I went away for school and “grew up” I had to spend all my money on necessities such as rent, bills, and food. I had to find new makeup brands to love that gave me the looks I wanted for less. Some I like even more than the expensive designer versions!

Foundation

I went from Clinique’s $22 liquid foundation to the $8 L’Oreal True Match liquid foundation!

Powder

I went from Clinique’s $20 pressed powder to the $8 L’Oreal True Match pressed powder!

Mascara

I went from Benefit’s $19 Bad Gal Lash to the $8 Rimmel Sexy Curves, and I have to say it’s the best mascara I have ever used!

Lipstick

I went from the $20 a tube M.A.C. to the $1 a tube Sally Girl Lipstick from Sally Beauty Supply!

Blush

I went from Benefit’s $28 CORALisa to my $1 Sally Girl Lipstick. (Click here for instructions)

Liquid Eyeliner

I went from Benefit’s $20 Magic Ink liquid eyeliner to Eyes Lips Face $1 waterproof eyeliner pen!

Eyelid Primer

I went from Urban Decay’s $18 Eyeshadow Primer Potion to Eyes Lips Face $1 eyelid primer!

Eyeliner

I still use the waterproof retractable eyeliner from the Sephora Collection for $12 since it glides on nice and smooth! There are of course cheaper options, but they don’t last all day.

Do you have any budget makeup brands you love? Share them with us in the comments below!

Posted 693 days ago by Amanda Raye

• Shirt: $13.80 Forever21
• Skirt: $10 Forever 21
• Belt: $4.80 Forever 21
• Shoes: $45 Urban Outfitters

• Shirt: $48 Urban Outfitters
• Shorts: $55 Urban Outfitters
• Tights: $14 Urban Outfitters
• Necklace: $5 Antique store
• Bag: $10 Urban Outfitters (sale)
• Shoes: $25 Target

• Shirt: $5 Thrift
• Shorts: $15 American Apparel
• Shoes: $48 Freeports
• Bag: $25 Avon

Left

• Shirt: $4.50 Forever 21
• Shorts: $13.50 Forever 21
• Sandals: $10 Old Navy
• Bag: $15 H&M

Right

• Shirt: $15 H&M
• Shorts: $9.99 Aeropostale
• Bag: $18 H&M
• Shoes:$14.80 Forever21

• Shirt: $15.80 Forever21
• Leggings: $5 Rainbow
• Shoes: $30 Journey’s (sale)
• Bag: Gift

• Shirt: $8.99 Pretty Girl
• Leggings: $5 Rainbow
• Shoes: $2.50 Old Navy
• Bag: $40 H&M

Posted 698 days ago by Amanda Raye

Makeup can be a scary thing if you haven’t had much experience. It doesn’t matter if you’re 13 or 50. It’s never to late to learn the ropes. Just remember, makeup isn’t beauty. It’s just another way to express yourself!

Below are my beginner’s recommendations (that are low cost) to get you started on your first makeup kit. Once you know what you like, you can invest in something more expensive. The more money you spend the longer it lasts. So if you decide you don’t like bronzer, “throwing” away $2 sounds better than say $30.

Urban Decay: Is an American cosmetics company from California. It’s primarily sold in mid to high-end beauty stores, such as Ulta and Sephora. I love them for their highly pigmented eye shadows and eyelid primers. It’s definitely rock star makeup! Unfortunately, it’s $18 per individual eyeshadow, so I recommend going with one of their palettes. The Naked Palette for $48 has every neutral color you’ll ever need. If you want the bright colors go with the Sustainable Shadow Box for $36. They are also 100% “cruelty-free!”

Eyes Lips Face: Also known as e.l.f. Cosmetics,  is an international cosmetics brand based in New York City. All of their products are under $5, making them my favorite cosmetics company out there. I’m in love with their $5 eyeshadow palettes, $1 eyeliner pens, $1 mascaras, $1 bronzers, and their $1 eyelid primers. They are also 100% “cruelty-free.” You can find e.l.f. at Target, Kmart, Walmart, Dollar General, and of course on-line.

Rimmel London: Is a British based Cosmetic company that has some of the best mascaras I have ever used. My favorite is the Sexy Curves Mascara in Extreme Black ($7). I’m also in love with their 60 Second Nail Polish($3). It really does dry in about a minuet. Find Rimmel at Target, CVS and Walmart.

Sally Girl: Is a cosmetics brand sold within Sally Beauty Supply stores. I’ve become a huge fan of their eye shadows and mini lipsticks ($1.) You can find these products only at Sally Beauty Supply stores. Click Here to find the location nearest you.

New York Color: Also known as N.Y.C, has many different types of cosmetics: eyeshadow, foundation, bronzer, blush, eyeliner, nail polish, mascara… I’m personally in love with their lipsticks, which are never over $2. Go to their website to find locations.

Wet ‘n’ Wild: Is another low-cost cosmetic brand found in many locations. Their products are usually under $8. I love the Mega Eyes Defining Marker ($4.99.) Go to their website to find a location nearest you.

Take about an hour and just apply and remove until you learn what you like! It helps to rip a few pages out of a magazine of a model/celeb sporting a look you love so you’ll have something to follow.

Looking for Coverage?

The first step to finding the perfect shade of foundation, concealer, or powder is to see a professional. There’s no way to try on cheaper brands (Almay, L’Oreal, Cover Girl), so splurging at a makeup counter your first time will help you find the right match — plus you’ll learn the skill of applying it! I highly recommend M.A.C, Clinique and Bobbi Brown. Trust me, it’s definitely worth the upfront cost! As a makeup artist, I constantly see girls wearing the wrong shade of foundation. After learning the tone and shade your skin needs, it’ll be easy to pick out a cheaper alternative of your own! My favorite being L’Oreal True Match. They make it very easy to find your shade!

Need more help?

I highly recommend Bobbi Brown’s Makeup Manual: For Everyone from Beginner to Pro ($32). Her book is easy to understand and follow, plus It’s filled with step by step instructions and great tips. Also check out MAKEUP.COM and Allure Magazine.

Posted 707 days ago by Amanda Raye

When I finally received my first Nikon, I was so excited that I rushed to Target to look for the cutest camera bag. I walked right over to the electronics, and was unfortunately surprised to see that all the camera bags were around $50. I sadly walked away, and noticed the “lunch bag” aisle.

These bags were perfect! They were the same size, padded with compartments and had a strap, just like the $50 ones. I ended up buying the cutest lunch bag for my camera. It’s even temperature controlled!

Check out Target, Walmart, Kmart, or even your local pharmacy!

Posted 715 days ago by Amanda Raye

We had an 80′s comeback between 2002-2005 with leg warmers, netted gloves, vibrant tights, and short skirts over pants. It was mainly popular with the under 17 crowd and almost completely disappeared when the status bag trend took over. But I think it’s back with a whole new twist! Since 2009 I’ve seen people rock the acid wash skinny jeans, fitted neon shirts, and mood rings, but  in the past 6 months its become trendier than ever. I’ve seen it everywhere, and from every sub-culture. What do you think?

Try American Apparel and Forever 21 for fitted neon shirts and tanks ($25 and under!)

Try Hot Topic (only $2.99) or thrift stores for a real vintage mood ring!

Try H&M, Forever 21, Target, and Necessary Clothing in Soho for acid wash skinny jeans ($30 and under!)

Posted 757 days ago by Amanda Raye

The Daydream Frenzy blogger is a “broke” fashionista based in Texas. Check out her blog if you want to see more affordable style!

Location: Texas

Romper: Target
Lace top: Target
Belt: Forever 21
Boots: Forever 21

Shorts: Forever 21
Belt(headband): Forever 21
Shirt: Old Navy
Shoes: Target
Sunglasses: Target
Necklace: Gift

Dress: Forever 21
Belt: Forever 21
Shoes: Forever 21
Ring: Grandma’s Ring

Tank: Forever 21
Shorts: Forever 21

Posted 785 days ago by Amanda Raye

I just bought this 32 piece Eyeshadow Collection by e.l.f for only $4.99 at Target. I can’t wait to try it out! e.l.f hasn’t let me down yet.