Posted 54 days ago by Amanda Raye

Coachella is only 16 days away! I personally get a lot of my style inspiration from street style photos snapped at the famed music festival; I just love the modern bohemian look!

If you’re heading to Coachella for the first time this year, think twice about your attire. Here are some suggestions for how to dress (and stay fashionable) for the temperamental SoCal weather:

1. Layer it on

When the sun goes down in the desert, temperatures drop. Be prepared for any weather by layering your wardrobe. Make the practical look chic by mismatching textures, patterns, and colors.

This trucker jacket from Levi’s is a classic. Its lightweight cotton material makes it perfect for layering. We like it in the light destructed finish paired with a flowy dress or over a plain white t-shirt with a pair of colorful shorts.

2. Don’t be afraid of color

Add contrast to the desert hues by throwing a pop of color in your outfit. This season, we like bold-but-beachy colors, like turquoise, coral and mint.

Have your boyfriend join in as well! These men’s 511 slim fit commuter shorts in oil blue from are the perfect way to brighten up his outfit.

For yourself, you can’t go wrong with a Gap T-shirt. The women’s colorblock slub baseball version is extra soft and slouchy, perfect for ultimate comfort and style. Pair the fire coral-colored shirt with cutoff denim shorts and comfy boots for a chic casual look.

Add an unexpected pop of color to your outfit with these Marc by Marc Jacobs retro aviator sunglasses in turquoise. The brown and blue hues pair perfectly with any getup.

3. Maximize comfort

When picking an outfit, don’t forget that you’ll be standing for most of the day. Opting for flowy, lose fabrics and flat shoes are great ways to look stylish while staying cool and comfy.

A white button-up would work perfectly with a pair of denim shorts, a black tank and a fun necklace. Opt for a comfy worn-in version of a button-up instead of a slim fit. We really like this lived-in wash pocket shirt.

If you’re more on the girly side, wear a maxi dress instead of shorts. This Free People maxi dress is perfect for warm days and cool nights and the flowy fabric gives you plenty of room for movement.

For you feet, you could always go with a classic sandal but we definitely recommend a boot. This pair from Seychelles are simple yet fun. They’re comfy enough to dance in and they’ll protect your feet from the harsh sun.

And remember, no music festival is complete without a flower headband! Either make one yourself by following this tutorial or purchase one here.

For more about traveling to Greater Palm Springs, and to enter to win a luxurious two-night stay at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells, go here. 

Read More:

• What They Wore: Coachella 2012
• Festival Footwear for the Fashion Forward Girl 

Posted 62 days ago by Amanda Raye

Traveling is expensive. Between the flight, car rental, gas, hotel, food and sight seeing, you’ll run your savings account dry. Below are 6 tips that will help save you a ton of money on your next vacation.

1. Take advantage of your connections

Does your older sister have a best friend living in London? Is your old high school friend teaching English in South Korea? Does your friend have a cousin in Miami? Is your neighbor studying abroad for a year?

Sit down and think of all your friends and relatives who live in different parts of the country, or in a different country altogether. If you can find a place to stay once you reach your travel destination for free, you’ll save a ton of money. Just take your hosts out to dinner once or twice. Also, don’t expect them to be your tour guide. Just because it’s a vacation for you, doesn’t mean it’s a vacation for them.

2. Plan ahead

Don’t buy your plane ticket a week before you’re set to leave, the tickets will be outrageous in price. Instead, purchase them at least three months in advance. Especially if your traveling during a popular travel time such as spring break and the first week of August.

We really like using Hipmunk when searching for flights. Hipmunk allows you to to see the price of multiple airline companies. You can also have flexible travel dates if you’re interested in saving even more money. Leaving just one day after you planned could save you hundreds.

3. Travel during the off-season

Want to go to the Caribbean? Plan to go during the summer instead of the winter. Airline companies know people want to travel to a warmer climate when it’s below freezing where you live. So, they hike up the price. Most people have no interest in going to a tropical climate when it’s summer where they are but….it’ll be a lot cheaper for you. Hotels work like this as well. You also won’t have to buy new clothes, which is another travel expense that’s usually hard to avoid.

The same goes for colder climates. If you’ve always wanted to go to Sweden or England, go during their winter.

4. Use Airbnb

We’re huge fans of Airbnb! Say you’re going to London and don’t want to pay a ridiculous amount on a hotel and you have no connections there. Search Airbnb for people renting out their whole apartment or room by the night. Last spring, when we went to The Next Web Conference in Amsterdam, we used Airbnb and stayed in an adorable studio for only 60 Euros a night!

5. Don’t buy things for people

Whenever you travel, your friends always ask you to bring them back something, right? Well…don’t. It’s so easy to go overboard on those little trinkets with a photo of a landmark on them. Instead, just show your buddies the photos, they’ll understand.

6. Travel with a group

A lot of places will offer a discount the more people you travel with. Our favorite happens to be Away We Go Tours in Costa Rica. According to their website:

In an effort to reduce costs for our customers, all tours are based on a sliding scale.  Therefore,  the larger the group, the less the cost per person.

Have you recently gone on a budget friendly vacation? If so, share your secrets with us in the comments below!

Posted 80 days ago by Amanda Raye

If you’re in college, Spring Break officially starts today. This means there’s going to be more people than usual at airports, train stations and bus stations over the next week. Sadly, we all usually look like crap when we travel: sweat pants, ugly running sneakers, messy hair and smeared makeup.

Whether you’re hopping on a plane tomorrow morning or two months from now, follow these tips to still look stylish and presentable 40,000 miles up in the air.

1. Skip the makeup

Instead, make BB Cream your new bestie. Apply it when you leave your house and then again when you’re about to get off the plane, train, bus or automobile.

If you feel like you need something else, wear a light pink lip color. We really like the Revlon Balm Stain. If you have an important engagement to attend the second you arrive, keep your makeup in your bag and apply it in the bathroom either right before you land or the second you get to your destination.

Quick tip, re-apply the BB Cream, add mascara and then red lipstick once you get to your destination. Red lips are always sexy: no one will have any idea you’ve been in traveling for hours.

2. Wear sunglasses

Sunglasses will hide your tired, jet-lagged eyes, as well as the fact that you aren’t wearing much makeup. They’ll also help you fall asleep.

3. Stay hydrated

When we fly, our skin freaks out; the air is stale and dry. Just make sure you drink more water than usual during the days leading up to your trip to prevent your skin from getting blotchy and dehydrated. If you want to go the extra mile, purchase the Evian facial spray. It’ll moisturize, tone and refresh your skin. Just spray it on your face once you land and then re-apply your BB Cream.

4. Don’t wear sweatpants

Yes, they’re comfortable. But save them for the gym. There’s so many other pants out there that are comfortable and stretchy. Wear a pair of black or cobalt blue jeggings, a loose white, grey, or chambray button-up and a faux leather jacket. If you’re traveling to a place that’s warmer than your home base, have a tank top storred in your carry on.

Don’t think you’d be comfortable enough is pants like these, try a pair of stretchy harem pants in a fun print. Below, fashion blogger Brittany Arroyos is wearing an outfit perfect for brunch with friends and traveling.

5. Wear cute flats or oxfords

They’re cute, stylish and comfortable. You’ll also get through security faster with slip on flats that you would if you were wearing sneakers. Ankle boots with a slight heel aren’t a bad choice either.

6. Rock the high bun

Lucky for us, it’s currently very trendy. That way, your hair won’t be a problem the whole trip. You could also blow dry your hair and then put it into a braid. Once you get to your destination, take the braid out and shake your hair out for sexy beach waves.

Whether you’re traveling to an exotic island for eight hours, or riding a train to see your ‘rents for half a day, do it in style! 

Posted 139 days ago by Amanda Raye

New York City is a beautiful place filled with wonder, excitement and opportunity — the list goes on and on. Before moving here I used to look at New York as big, overwhelming and scary. It’s still big, but it is no longer overwhelming or scary, mainly because I know the do’s and don’ts.

As a tourist, I used to think NYC was Times Square…wrong! Here’s a guide on how to survive your first trip to the Big Apple!

1. Avoid Times Square

Everyone has to see it once, but don’t go believing this burnt toast-smelling, loud, obnoxious, expensive, dirty and hectic place is what all Manhattan is like. Go see a Broadway show, take a few pictures in front of all the big lights and then get out of there!

I used to live in the center of Herald Square not too long ago and what I hated the most about it was how expensive all the bad tasting food was and the amount of tourists.

Sorry guys! But Times Square is filled with tourists. If someone is rude or obnoxious they’re probably from a small town in New Hampshire and they’re staying at the Holiday Inn on 31st and Broadway.

If you are staying in the Times Square area, make sure you don’t get ripped off on your food. Instead of spending all your cash at Ruby Tuesday’s or Planet Hollywood, head to one of these wonderful Midtown Manhattan restaurants for a more authentic experience that won’t break the bank.

For pizza, head to Vezzo on 31st and Lex. For brunch, head on over to Penelope’s on 30th and Lex, and for that Seinfeld-era lunch joint, head on over to Johny’s Luncheonette on 25th and 6th. For great coffee, take a trip to Stumptown in the Ace Hotel on 29th and Broadway. Happy dining!

2. Pass On The Right

We don’t drive here. Walking is our main form of transportation and so there are rules. Just like in a vehicle, always keep to the right. Similarly you can’t just stop out of nowhere in the middle of the sidewalk — taking up space and holding up traffic. If you want to pause and rest for a minuet, just move off to the side.

3. Don’t Wear Flip-Flops

There is a time and place for flip-flops: the beach in the middle of summer. Your $2 Old Navy flip flops are not meant for the streets of New York.

For one, you’ll be doing a lot of walking and flip flops aren’t very good for your feet. Instead, you should wear a pair of something more comfortable, especially if you aren’t used to walking everywhere (hint: Converse and oxfords are a much better option). Secondly, it’s one of the most unfashionable things you can do in a city, sorry!

4. Visit Brooklyn

Brooklyn is a New York City borough that’s often overlooked by tourists. After all, it’s home to great thrift and vintage shops as well as a full frontal view of the Manhattan skyline…which is gorgeous!

Spend an afternoon thrifting in Williamsburg, shop in all the cute boutiques in Park Slope, eat at the famous Grimaldi’s Pizza in DUMBO, and sip a classic chocolate egg cream at the Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain in Carroll Gardens. Just like Manhattan, Brooklyn is filled with numerous neighborhoods, each with its own identity.

5. Visit During The Week

Visting a museum or going shopping in Manhattan on the weekend is just as bad as going to Ikea on a Saturday…don’t do it! Also, many NY museums have “pay what you want” days during the week. The MoMA is usually $25/person, however it’s free between 4-8pm on Friday’s. Do your research.

Now onto the shopping: Soho is a prime destination for tourist and residents alike. With affordable stores such as Necessary Clothing, Uniqlo and Forever 21, how can it not be?

But going into any store in Soho on a Saturday is just suicide. You’ll be standing in line for a full hour just to try on a shirt, and the crowd on Broadway will be ridiculous.

Instead, go shopping on a Monday or Tuesday in the late morning or early afternoon. The crowds won’t be so large and you’ll get better service. To avoid the annoying Broadway cattle walk, walk down Crosby St instead. It’s the street parallel to Broadway, which is much calmer and also the home of the famed Saturdays Surf.

6. Learn How To Hail A Cab

Stand on the side of the street, look straight ahead and put your right hand up when cabs begin to approach. If a black cab stops, DON’T GET IN! Stick to the classic yellow NYC cabs only. I hailed a cab and made the mistake of getting into a black one, while going from 31st st to Union Square. The driver charged me $20, when a yellow cab would have only charged $4.50. If a black cab does stop, just wave him forward and keep looking.

Cab drivers also don’t know exact addresses — you have to give them cross streets. After hailing a cab, get in, shut the door, then tell them your destination. Lastly, don’t forget to tip your driver 15%.

If you want to avoid all this confusion, and don’t mind spending a little more, download the Uber app onto your phone. It’s a wonderful car service.

7. Take Advantage Of Your Smart Phone

Before arriving in NY, make sure you know how to use Google Maps. Also, download Yelp for finding restaurants fast, Scout Mob for discovering great food discounts and City Transit to navigate through the Subway system with ease.

This is just a start. New York is an amazing place, and you’ll have fun and fall in love with it if you just follow my simple tips! Have you been to New York City before? If so, what are your favorite parts about it? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted 211 days ago by Amanda Raye

New York City may be one of the greatest travel destinations on the planet, but you’re not going to see the REAL New York if you simply stick to the tourist areas. Yes, Times Square is fun the first few times, but once you’re ready to move on, we have the guide for you.

Broke & Chic teamed up with MTV Travel Co to show you exactly where to go and what to do to get the perfect NY experience on a budget! Here’s an excerpt:

As a New Yorker living in Midtown, I usually have an empty wallet and a constant urge for shopping. On the few days I can hit the town, I start my day with a $4 cup of motivation. A medium latte from Stumptown Coffee Roasters located at the entrance of the Ace Hotel on 18 W 29th St. Beautiful foam art included. I’m then going to start shopping at Buffalo Exchange on 114. W 26th St. in Chelsea. Buy/Sell/Trade stores are an amazing take on thirfting and they’re popping up all over the USA. No two are alike, so always stop in to see what they have.

Interested? You can read the full piece on MTV Travel Co!

Also, if you have a killer NYC spot to share that we didn’t mention in the link above (there are so many places worth talking about), definitely tell us in the comments.

Posted 270 days ago by Amanda Raye

Last week, Broke & Chic attended Beauty Editors Day at Saks Fifth Avenue. We tweeted and Instagramed the whole event so I hope you had the opportunity to tune in if you weren’t able to attend.

I sat down with the wonderful Alyssa Hertzig of Shape Magazine (read our interview with her here) and Milly, the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan For Latinas. I even received a makeover from a talented makeup artist at Clinique as well as a skin analysis at Ioma, which is a luxury skin care company.

Afterwards, Broke & Chic had the opportunity to interview two more editors as well as two fashionable bloggers!

Corynne Corbett from Essence Magazine

Corynne is the Beauty Director at Essence Magazine. Make sure you follow her on Twitter!

B&C: What are your favorite beauty products?

Corynne: Today I’m working with Panhaligon’s, the fragarance company. My favorite scent from them is Malabah. I love it because it’s unique, spicy and sexy making it so I won’t smell like everyone else on the street. It also isn’t overpowering.

I also love bright colors, whether it be a bright bold lip or a bright nail. I’m a huge fan of the lip color Lady Danger from MAC and the Thakoon nail collection from Nars.

Another thing I can’t get enough of  is luxurious skin care products such as the cleansing lotion from La Mer. It makes you feel like heaven when you’re washing your face.

B&C: What do you foresee the fall beauty trends to be? 

Corynne: There are going to be tons of beauty trends this year from the nude and neutral face, to the traditional red lip all the way to the really bushy bold brow.

I think it’s interesting to see the brow coming back like that. The bleached brow is another old trend that is starting to come back. A few others are braids, hairstyles from the 1940′s, plum influence in both fashion and beauty and nail art.

In the olympics, all the athletes had to wear the same uniforms. Their nails was the only thing setting them apart.

Seth Howard from Esquire Magazine

Seth is a senior editor at Esquire magazine, hear what he has to say about fashion trends for men!

B&C: What do you think will be trending this fall in mens fashion?

Seth: For the past couple of seasons we’ve seen a lot of bold colors and patterns. I think we’re still excited about the patterns but the colors are getting more toned down and refined. We’re starting to see a lot more jewel tones and bringing it back to the classics.

For the past few seasons people have been touching on the Mad Men vibe, but it seems we’re going even further back to the 20′s and 30′s: Interesting and modern cuts but built on those older silhouettes. 

B&C: In your personal opinion, what popular trend are you getting tired of?

Seth: I’m kind of over the Sperry Topsider craze.

B&C: What’s the new shoe?

The chukka and desert boot are starting to get a lot of attention. And since we’re going back to the older vibe of mens clothing and tailoring, a lot of men are going for brogue oxfords.

Clarks Desert Boot: $95.99 Zappos.com 

B&C: What do you think of the brogue oxford with bright colored bottoms?

Seth: I think they’re fun. It’s a great way to fuse the past with the present. Cole Haan and Mark Mcnairy do a good job with this. Another company called Walkover  has a similar style with a better price point.

B&C: What are your favorite mens grooming products both budget and luxury.

Seth: On a budget I would have to say Neutrogena. From my experiances they have some of the best products on the market at a budget price point (personal preference, not a solid endorsment).

For luxury I’d have to say Re’Vive. Esquire was paired with this company for Beauty Editors Day since it’s what I use in my daily routine. It’s definitely on the higher-end when it comes to price, but the technology behind it and the results you get make it worth it.

B&C: What do you think about all the shaving salons opening up all over New York City? Do you think they’ll last? 

Seth: Those personalized services are something men are enjoying so I think they will last. There are a lot of bespoke men’s companies popping up all over. There is a company called Alton Lane which does custom men’s shirts and suits here in New York as well as a few other cities.

Men are starting to really want those services that were offered to them decades ago and that are still offered for women. We’re starting to reclaim our stake by taking the time to pamper ourselves a little bit more than we used to.

Meet Ariana Marsh from Swagger New York

Ariana is a stylish editorial intern at Swagger New York.

B&C: What’s one beauty trend you’re excited about for this fall?

Ariana: I really love the colored eyeliner trend. I think a cat eye in blue really makes a statement.

B&C: What’s a beauty trend you’re tired of? 

Ariana: I’m not really tired of any of them quite yet. I just don’t like when things are over-done. You have to either highlight your eyes, lips or cheeks. Not all three.

B&C: What’s one fashion trend you’re excited about for this fall?

Ariana: I love all the textures and colors coming in. I love the tweed and wool as well as the leather skirts and lowered hem lines. I’m a big fan of tea length dresses.

Leather Skirt with lowered hemlin: $153 ASOS

B&C: What do you think of the turn out for Beauty Editors Day? 

Ariana: I think it’s been great so far. It was awesome to see all the magazines that came together to support Look Good…Feel Better.

Chastity Palmer-Davis from GlitterBuzzStyle

Chastity is the creator of GlitterBuzzStyle. Make sure you follow her on Twitter!

B&C: What’s one trend you’re excited about for this fall? 

Chastity: I’m excited that color is still a transitional key look for the fall. It was a hot thing for the summer time, but it’s still something women need to embrase for the fall season because it’ll give a fresh statement to any outfit.

Photo Credit: LookBook.nu

B&C: What’s one beauty trend you’re tired of? 

Chastity: Really bold eye makeup. I think women should keep their makeup classic and feminine. Some girls just need to tone it down a bit.

B&C: What do you think of the turn out today? 

Chastity: It’s great. It’s good to see all the editors connecting with their readers.

Were you able to attend Beauty Editors Day? If  not, make sure you mark your calendars for next year!

Read More: Fall Beauty Tips And Trends With Leah Wyar Of Cosmo