Makeup trends are so much fun, mainly because how we apply makeup and the colors we choose don’t change as often as our clothing. So what’s the next big thing?
We’ve all seen off-beat lipstick colors thanks to companies like Lime Crime and MAC, and we’ve seen the rising popularity of blue mascara, which can be very pretty when used with a simple black eyeliner. Now, we’re noticing white mascara.
Are you brave enough? Below are a few photos of this trend in action.
Most of us only wear black mascara. Yes, the idea of embracing a different look may seem terrifying, but it’s definitely worth a try.
There’s no way to avoid it; summer is a social season. From weddings and garden parties, to barbecues and vacations, there’s a definite need to transform your wardrobe in time for the warmer months. But where to begin?
Having a winter wardrobe cleanout is always a strenuous task, but it’s something we all have to go through. Need some fashion inspiration? Here are some combinations to ensure that you start your summer social life in style.
Vacations
Finding the right holiday wear can definitely be stressful. There are a million things you need to consider. What you’ll be doing during the day, the weather, maybe even what your kids need to wear; the list is endless! Our advice is simple: start planning and packing early.
For a beach holiday, your staple item is swimwear. Let’s face it, if you’re going to be out in the sunshine for hours, this is all you’ll need. Whether it’s a high waisted bikini or lingerie inspired one-piece, take the time to find the right style for you.
Going on a cruise? Then remember to take longer dresses for the evenings. Just a simple floor length silk number would do the trick. You can thank us later.
Garden Parties
Garden parties, cookouts and picnics can also be difficult events to dress for, as you never really know how formal the event will be. Will it be just you and a few friends? A family gathering? A big birthday celebration? Well, whatever the occasion, there is one item of clothing that’s ideal for any garden party; maxi dresses!
Maxis have the magical ability of blending in with any fashion crowd. For those who have an inkling that the get-together will be more causal, complement your combination with a pair of gladiator sandals. And if you want your outfit to be a little dressier, opt for wedges. It’s as easy as that!
Similar to garden parties, for weddings it’s a good idea to wear something fresh and summery. Again a floral maxi would be a wise choice. However, if you’re the mother of the bride or a ‘VIP’ of the event, then you need to think formal.
It doesn’t necessarily have to take a huge amount of effort. But if you’re there for the duration of the day, then you need to find something that’s appropriate for the day and the night. Keep it classic. An elegant midi dress coupled with some opened toed heels would work perfectly
What are your favorite go-to summer outfits? 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.
Believe it or not, summer is almost over and many people will be hitting the books in only a few short weeks. Here are a few things that aren’t only going to be trending on campus but also in the work place. Make sure all five are on your fall shopping list!
These add a sense of style to any outfit. They also add a bit of height without being uncomfortable. Go trendy with a studded pair or go simple for an office approved pair. Transition them by wearing them during the day with your favorite pair of jeans and at night with your sexy LBD! Below are a few Broke & Chic approved pairs!
Yep, they’re no longer just for prom anymore. Whether you wear a sequined blazer on a hot night out or wear a sequined skirt to the office, you’re sure to sparkle. Feel free to add some glitter to your cheeks too!
The slouchy bag is on its way out, mainly because they have a way of looking a bit unprofessional — there’s a reason they’re called the hobo bag.
The structure bag, on the other hand, adds sophistication to any outfit due to its boxy, stiff shape. Go edgy with a studded structure bag in a fun color, or play it safe with a classic black one. These bags are also only big enough for necessities, which will help prevent you from walking around with pointless extras.
If you do like larger bags but still want to try out the structured look, search for a satchel that is larger than 11 inches. Take a look at the Cambridge Sachel Co for more.
Put those short shorts and mini skirts on hold, this fall it’ll be all about the lowered hemline. Who says dresses and skirts below the knee aren’t sexy? Not us! This length will give your outfit a sophisticated British vibe. We’re still crazy about the maxi skirt, which will still be a do when fall officially hits, but get out of your comfort zone and try a pencil skirt that cuts off right below the knee!
It’s back again! This time, don’t just stop at the moto jacket. Be adventurous by wearing leather dresses and skirts! Melissa from Office Style wore a leather pencil skirt with a lowered hemline in her “Make a Statement” post back in the spring!
Bindis have been gaining popularity across the pond as a style statement and have finally started to creep their way into the wardrobes of fashion forward ladies in the States.
Back in the day, bindis were decorations that signified age, status or religion throughout South Asia, specifically India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Now, bindis are still worn throughout South Asia, but have fallen into a much more light-hearted role.
This is not the first time bindis have become a fashion statement in the western world. Back in the 90′s, Gwen Stefani wouldn’t even leave her house without wearing one — most likely due to her relationship with No Doubt band member Tony Kanal. His family was from India and she became very interested in their culture and fashion. Today, celebs such as Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry and Madonna have been spotted wearing the bindi.
What do you think of bindis becoming an everyday fashion accessory for the hipster crowd? Let us know in the comments below!
In the past, sneakers paired with a skirt or dress was considered a huge no-no in the fashion world. However, Ms. Miley Cyrus has been spotted numerous times this summer doing just that. Instead of pairing her cute dresses with a chunky pair of running sneakers, she has chosen the thinner Converse.
Here she is leaving a Pilates class in Los Angeles, California rockin’ the sneaker/dress look. Believe it or not…it works! Like her simple black body-con dress? Get a similar one here.
Here she is again with her fiance wearing an adorable floral hi-lo dress with a pair of black converse. Her overall outfit might have looked cuter with a pair of flats or a funky pair of Jeffrey Campbell’s, but it still works. After seeing this look in a photo, do you approve? Let the Broke & Chic team know in the comments below!
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!
Cold winter weather can really put a halt to fashion. With everyone bundled up in fluffy warm down coats, bulky waterproof boots and warm knit hats, it can be hard to express yourself.
This year, we’ve done a great job transitioning our spring and summer clothes to the cooler months by adding blazers, boots and tights to our favorite sundresses. We can even spot fashionable ladies pairing their favorite pair of cut-off Levi’s with opaque tights and boots.
But there’s a new trend brewing here in Manhattan…sweater shorts. Shorts made only for those cold winter months. I’ve spotted them in quite a few street-style blogs based in Asia, not knowing if it would catch on in other parts of the world. Well, it has! What are your thoughts? Love it or leave it?
This Upper West Side girl is rocking a pair of $12 Uniqlo sweater shorts. She pairs them perfectly with her Vince Camuto tall boots and Gap cardigan! How do you wear your sweater shorts? Send your pictures to hey@brokeandchic.com
Q & A
Q: What’s your favorite winter 2012 trend?
A: I love textured and colored tights!
Q: What are a few trends you want to see go away forever?
A: I have too many, crazy nails, adult onezies and sneakers with dresses.
Q: When do you save and when do you splurge?
A: I save on accessories and splurge on clothes. I find they last longer the more money I spend. It’s quality over quantity for me. I’d rather have two pairs of expensive shoes than twenty cheap ones that hurt my feet.
Q: What’s your favorite store?
A: I don’t really have one. I don’t like to limit myself or my style. I do however like Gap jeans. I’m tall and they’re one of the only stores in my price range that have my perfect fit!
Do you love the sweater shorts trend? Check out Uniqlo, Forever 21, Etsy and Delia’s for a pair under $30!
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!
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: 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
This cozy and useful trend has been seen on every major celebrity this season, and now needs to be seen on you! Make sure this scarf is number one on your holiday wish list!
Other Names: Snood Scarf, Circle Scarf, Eternity Scarf, and Neck Warmer.
Over the past few weeks I have seen the fashionista’s of Soho rocking the infamous slipper loafer. What was typically only in the closet of your business minded father and the late Michael Jackson have now entered yours!
Have these shoes become the new ballet flat? And are you okay with that? I am; they are like walking on pillows, but still look cute with my LBD! Double win!
♥ Where to Buy: If you’re looking for a good quality shoe that’ll last you for seasons, I recommend the Madee shoe at Steve Madden. They’re between $60-$120.
Want to be nicer to your bank account? This is an old trend that is making a comeback, so thrift stores will be filled with them! You might find a great pair under $10!
Like their blue cousin, they go with everything. It’s a great trend that should be on your back-to-school shopping list! Try H&M, Zara, Old Navy and Forever 21 for a pair under $30!
Remember that trend from the late 90′s? Well, it’s back and better than ever! It’s everywhere this summer, so give it a try and be the most colorful girl on campus! If you’re blonde, or followed last summers ombre trend, then you’re ready to go! Just pick up some Manic Panic for only $10.99 at your local beauty supply store. If not, go to your favorite hair stylist and have him/her lighten your ends! Add a little color to your life!
Inspiration
Nicki Minaj is EXTRA colorful!
Kate makes it look nice and classy!
Singer Cher Lloyd is rockin’ three hair trends at once!
Are you rocking this trend? If so, e-mail your pictures to hey@brokeandchic.com for a possible feature!
With D.C. being the US capital, it’s always been looked at as a headquarters for the political arena — never a major fashion city. But by virtue of being a city, innovative trends are born everyday!
Designers and big time labels such as Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, & DASH first aim for New York, Los Angeles and Miami, leaving D.C. to use a lot of creativity and resourceful tactics to recreate these glamorous looks. What’s hot off the runway has now become hits in the Nation’s Capital. This includes head wraps, inexpensive Hawaiian (or other nicely printed) shirts and vintage jerseys.
Prada (Fall 2007)
Prada
Stella McCartney (Spring 2011)
Prada (Spring 2011)
Head Wraps: Why are they trendy? Because they’re perfect for the hot and humid weather the summer brings. You’re able to get that frizzy summer hair out of the way in a trendy second!
Hawaiian Shirts: “Fruit” shirts have been all over the runway in recent months, giving Hawaiian shirts a come-back!
Vintage Jerseys: Anything vintage has been labeled trendy in the past few years. They’re also great for the summer months since they’re usually short-sleeved or sleeveless!
Where to Buy: Vintage, thrift, & consignment stores! All three are extremely hot markets right now for the fashionista on a budget.
Location: Washington, DC
Shirt: $10 Gap
Head Wrap: $5 Thrift Store
Harem Pants: $18 Forever 21
Reason For Wearing Outfit: “I’m addicted to wearing head wraps. I got this trend at my school (Spelman College) when I saw random “afro-centric” individuals walking around in them. It caught my eye because it concealed their hair and portrayed the beauty of their face. Now I wear it because it’s like an accessory. It adds my own swag to an outfit, it protects my hair from the heat and it’s easier to wrap my hair up instead of having to do it.”
Location: Baltimore, MD
Shirt: $5 Thrift Store
Hat: $3 Thrift Store
Jeans: $20 Forever 21
Reason For Wearing Outfit: “I like them because they remind me of vacation on an island and the patterns and colors are always bright and summer themed.”
Location: Washington, DC
Blouse: $7 Local DC Thrift Store
Jewelry: $5 Thrift Store
Head Scarf: $10 Forever 21
Reason For Wearing Outfit: “It’s my favorite top…but yet very classy.”
Location: Rockville, MD
Jacket: $8 Thrift Store
Jewelry: $7 Thrift Store
Skirt: $10 TJ Maxx
Reason For Wearing Outfit: “I love colorful patterns and African or tribal inspired prints. I thought this top paired with a simple black skirt and my favorite grey heels would be perfect for a night out!”
Location: Bowie, MD
Tank Top (1996 Olympics): $3 Thrift Store
Jewelry: $5 Thrift Store
Shorts: (Retro Green Trunks): $4 Thrift Store
Reason For Wearing Outfit: “I love being comfortable, fashionable, and bright all at the same time.”
No matter where you’re from, if you think you’re rocking one of these trends e-mail your photo to hey@brokeandchic.com!
Blogger and Jewelry Designer 
What do you think of bindis becoming an everyday fashion accessory for the hipster crowd? Let us know in the comments below!
$34 
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