Color Play: Red + Tan
Eons ago, we once ran a column called Color Play - where we’d take two colors and smash them together in a series of styles. I’ve been so fixated on red & tan together lately… Color Play is my only salvation! (Our only other Color Play featured yellow & gray outfits!)
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Color Play: Red & Tan
Pants: TopShop Moto Kristin High-Waisted Pants, $80
Top: Scallop-Tiered Tank, $24
Jacket: QSW Sand Stripe Blazer, $98
Shoes: INC Bold Platform Pumps, $89
Dress: LO not EQUAL Slip Dress, $78
Sweater: Old Navy Button Back Cropped Sweater, $29.94
Coat: Noriko Cropped Faux Fur Coat, $82.59
Tights: TopShop Bordeaux Cotton Melange Tights, $2
Shoes: Steve Madden Pammy Wedge, $100
Pants: Old Navy Red Jeggings (sizes 16-30), $42.94
Top: Looking Forward Beaded Top, $28.99
Jacket: Textured Utility Jacket (from… Coldwater Creek! Can you believe it?), $26.99
Boots: MIA Nanette Boots, $64.99
Sunglasses: A.J. Morgan “Lana” Sunglasses, $24
Dress: OBEY Bel Air Contrast Dress, $88
Vest: DEPT Reversible Faux Shearling Vest, $98
Tights: Lands End Ribbed Tights, $6.99
Boots: Not Rated “Magic” Ankle Boot, $53.99
What are your feelings on red & tan together? Would you wear any of these looks?
Ostentatious! (or: Hobos With Great Shoes)
The lovely Lindsay started this post with these words:
“Recently, I’ve been on a “do everything that scares me” kick. I’ve been making cupcakes on a whim (I never have before now!), made all of my own Christmas gifts for my family, and bought really intense, bright, eye-catching shoes and actually wore them to a populated, public area without having an anxiety attack.
Proof:
They’re a big magical, aren’t they? Creative Recreation Dicoco Sneaker
…and now I’m stealing it, because I can. Also because I got ostentatious sneakers. But mostly because I can.
Truthfully, Lindsay’s ostentatious sneaker purchase finally kicked my ass into gear. All of my sneakers, from the bright silver DCs to my green and orange Saucony’s, are old. Like, they might as well wear dentures and use a coupon for the weekly special at the buffet. They don’t look old – shoe Botox – but they’ve lost all support and (embarassingly) they kind of stink. (Don’t hate. I know you’ve been there.) After Lindsay sent me an instant message with a link to her new purchase, I vowed to go on my own hunt. After many frustrating online searches and disappointing trips to the mall, I found these:
My shoes are so cool that they don’t even need to be pointing at you.
They’re by Call It Spring, they’re called “Sumlar“, and they were $50. Brand new. In season. $50. Yessssss.
Last night, Lindsay and I both wore our ostentatious sneakers at the same time, and that obviously meant we had to take photos of them…
…while sitting on the sidewalk, in ass-freezing weather…
…snapping photos with my phone while passersby gave us funny looks.
I think we may have accidentally transitioned from Broke-Ass Babes to Hobos With Great Shoes.
Lindsay is still a little perturbed by the “wow” factor that is bright white sneakers with polka dots on them, but eventually those sneakers won’t be so white…which means I’ll probably want to take a toothbrush to them because white snearkers are fucking sexy.
Ditto furry sneakers. Are they boots? Are the skate shoes? NO ONE KNOWS.
Tell me all about your last “wild shoes” purchase.
If You Love: Vivienne Westwood’s Pirate Boot…
Ahhh, the Vivienne West Pirate Boot.
This is the object of affection for many a boot-loving, stylish gal. (This gal, included.) But ringing in at $400-$980 – not possible.
Because of the style’s popularity, however, other designers took notes from the creative genius behind the Westwood brand, and learned that buckles are great and they should use them always. Their delicious slouch, their relaxed hardware… It’s everything you’d want in an everyday shoe. So, if you love the Vivienne West Pirate Boot, you can still get the feel of the classic – but these will be quite a bit easier on your bank account.
Nine West Cornflower: $76.99
Nine West Fango: $69.90
Big Buddha Casi: $64.99
Type Z Roland: $70.99
All Patched Up: The Elbow Patch Trend
If you’ve been seeing (& loving) more and more elbow patch jackets and sweaters lately, you’re not the only one. We’ve been watching them slowly trickle into the stores, silently. They’re like the ninja trend – just waiting to spring on us in all of it’s sexy professor glory.
I’m unbearably excited about this “trend” (ha, like it’s new, right?) for a few different reasons. One – it adds some non-serious class to any outfit. There’s a bit of a sense of humor in a top with elbow patches, which makes it pair awfully well with more classic wardrobe elements like pencil skirts, pleats, and slacks. Two – the versatility of an elbow patch sweater or jacket is really impressive! Check out the “How to Wear: Elbow Patches” section at the end of this post for ideas!
Your elbow patches vary in texture, pattern, color, and conventional shape and be put on almost anything with sleeves!
The third reason I love elbow patches? The DIY potential! Scrap fabric and an old blazer could – in minutes - become an all new, fresh piece for your wardrobe.
# Elbow Patch Styles Under $100
Grandpa/Professor-Style
Aside from any “ironic hipster” connotations – we love this because it adds an older-menswear feel to anything from a pair of slacks and a button-down to a frilly, pale pink dress.
Try this: Academia Cardigan from Need Supply, $64
Relaxed & Casual
As casual-but-not-really remains our mantra, sweatshirt-material jackets will always be right up our alley. Mixed with added to a graphic tee and sneakers, it’ll be the perfect layering piece (top or middle!) as we move in to spring.
Try this: Hurley Wilfred Boyfriend Hoodie from Zappos, $79.50
Equestrian
With broad shoulders, a nipped waist and bigtime structure in-between, equestrian jackets can add a heavy dose of polish and luxe to other structured elements.
Try this: Plaid Blazer from delia*s, $49.50
Subtle & Classic
This style is the equivalent of buying longevity insurance for your jacket. The color of the elbow patches nearly blend in with the overall color of the jacket, so the elevated style is definitely there, but with a streamlined twist. By not getting to wild & crazy with the contrasting colors, we’re adding years of wearability to your closet.
Try this: Modern Lit Lecturer Blazer from Modcloth, $44.99
Retro Bombshell
A little fitted sweater with some masculine features? What could possibly be sexier? Whether under a jacket or atop a pencil skirt – it’s a knockout.
Try this: Sweater with Heart Elbow Patches from ASOS, $63.63
Preppy
Everyone has their days when they just want to feel put-together. A preppy, plaid jacket can be your ticket to easy dressing. Add over a simple white t-shirt and skinny or straight-leg denim with flats or boots.
Try this: Grad School Ace Blazer from ModCloth, $95.99 (for some reason…?)
Well, you might have the best possible elbow-patch jacket on the planet, but if you don’t know how to wear it, or don’t feel confident enough in your pairing abilities to take it for a spin, we have gathered our favorite looks from Lookbook.nu for some style inspiration~
How to Wear: Elbow Patches
Are you a fan of elbow patches? How do you like to wear yours?
2011: Reflection of Style
This year was definitely a hedonistic venture, in terms of fashion, for both Jen and me. Jen discovered an immense love of huge, ass-kicking boots, and I stumbled upon a hidden love of bright lipstick and top knots.
Among our new discoveries were old favorites and classic standbies – winged eyeliner, skinny jeans and copious platform heels. But what’s fun about that? Here are some of our favorite “new classics” we fell in love with in 2011:
1. Maxi Skirts
We both fell hard for maxi skirts. The pajama-esque nature of their construction, not to mention the sheer versatility of the piece, make the maxi skirt a nearly perfect garment.
2. Florals
Did we age 40 years in 365 days? No, no. Florals were everywhere this year, and therefore unavoidable. We have an unbelievable blast with the Broke-Ass Babes just as summer was at its peak – we tea-partied it up around south Seattle.
3. Flares
With the return of 1970s style came flares. I definitely used to rock these in high school, so it’s officially been almost a decade since I last wore a pair. GAP unveiled their Premium Denim line, and Jen and I both snapped up these gorgeous, wide-leg flares.
4. Graphic T-Shirts
Graphic tees definitely went through an “uncool” phase for a few years, but we can no longer deny their appeal. We’re both casual-but-not-really people, so an interesting, comfortable t-shirt (reppin’ a local cupcake shop, no less!) is the perfect cherry atop a denim & platform sundae.
5. Patterned Tights
Oh man – Jen’s love for tights knows no bounds! She’s always had passion for solid colors, but this year, we ventured steadily into the world of patterned tights. These ostrich-print tights are some of our collective favorites (and there are a lot!).
6. JEGGINGS!
We were oh-so-hesitant to jump on the jeggings train – but now that we’re on it, we’re not getting off. Pajama-style for life!
7. Headscarves
A good 20 minutes of our weekly shopping experience is now devoted to head scarves. Such an easy way to hide an icky hair pile.
8. Not Wearing Black…?
I am usually a black-fanatic. This year, Jen and I both really explored the world of color, and found ourselves black-less (or damn near) on several occasions!
9. FLATS.
I’m 26. Jen is 28. We are officially on the “late” end of our 20s. This is a time when we feel comfortable dropping the “I only wear 4″+ heels…” prestige of our age group. Flats are some of the hardest-to-find elements of fashion, I think! There are so many flats, but the vast majority of them are utterly boring. We reveled in the quest to find cute, interesting flats – and we succeeded.
10. Jackets
While Jen might hold a fancy, corporate day job – she definitely doesn’t let it define her style, at all. We were consumed with the idea of interesting (often thrifted or vintage) blazers for everyday wear. Jen snagged a killer vintage jacket from a friend (who had thrifted it) during a trip to Mississippi.
Please, oh, please share with us your 2011 discoveries and new classics!
Shoe Porn: When Your Feet Do The Talking
Frida J. on Lookbook.nu
I’ve never really been a huge fan of bright colors or patterns in my clothing. On the occasion that I do feel a little bit louder than usual and particularly glitzy, I rarely go to jewelry or makeup – I go to shoes. As one of my favorite parts of an outfit, my shoe collection is not only the most voluminous portion of my wardrobe, but also the brightest and most unique.
New Year’s Eve is only of my favorite Shoe-Opportunity Holidays (SOH). That means, essentially, that it’s a holiday where I can bust out a crazy pair of shoes and it’s not completely strange or, God forbid, gauche…. (Frederick!?)
Fortunately, if you’re not in a place to drop serious cash on a pair of shimmering, wild shoes – fear not. Here are some killer heels under $50!
Dollhouse Brinn Wedge: $34.95
LC Lauren Conrad Peep Toe Platforms: $48.99
ASOS Leather Croc Effect Mary Jane: $30
Charlotte Russe Glittery Platform: $35.50
Nine West Knotted Pump: $49.50
Sam Edelman Wesley Wedge: $48 (marked down from $160!)
Which would you wear on New Year’s Eve?
Alloy’s End of Season Sale is On Now!
Oh, how I love the holiday season.
Alloy announced their End Of Season Clearance Sale and have forced salivation upon We, The Broke with a couple hundred already-inexpensive wares at 80%+ off. Here are some of the things that ended up in my cart somehow:
Raven High-Low Skirt: $14.99
Fleece Cozy Zip-Up Jacket: $34.99
Tux Oxford: $14.99 (!!!)
Gold Digger Tee: $14.99 (Don’t judge!)
Swing Coat in Ivory: $29.99
SHOP!
Post-Holiday Sales Under $50. You’ve Been Warned.
Happy holidays…or should I say, happy post-holiday sales? The sample sale sites were all pinging my email inbox this morning, like a second Santa.
There’s also this trapper hat, available via Shopafrolic’s OpenSky page, which I want so so so so bad:
And then there’s Alloy. They’re having their end of season clearance sale, which means up to 80% off their already ridiculously low prices. Here are just a couple of my favorites, before I leave you to search for coffee and, maybe, if I’m feeling adventurous, a leftovers-laden lunch.
I’ll be here, computing and eating and possibly napping, throughout the day. You can find more sales right here at Broke & Beautiful, as well as on our Facebook page. Want eco-friendly (but not granola-y) sales? Check out Awakened Aesthetic (EDUN under $100!), and like its Facebook page.
50% off Everything at NY&Co.! (Today Only)
(Top, L-R) Three Quarter Coat, $59.98; Slim Satin Pant, $22.47; The Faux Fur Vest, $31.98.
(Bottom, L-R) Retro Seamed Jegging, $28.47; Patent Leather-Trimmed Trench, $67.68; Lurex Striped Knit Pullover, $27.47.
I wouldn’t be a very good member of the Broke & Beautiful if I didn’t mention when something was 50% (or more) off. I really wouldn’t. I wouldn’t like it very much if you didn’t tell me about a 50% (or more) off situation. It would bring our whole friendship into question, actually. So. Don’t do it. & I won’t do it to you. Deal? Ok.
New York & Co. is having a one-day sale where everything is 50% off!
As if that’s not enough, all outerwear is 60% off! That’s right! Inexpensive coats in the season that you actually need them. The sale excludes New Arrivals, Clearance (sad day), and “NY Deals” (which doesn’t change the fact that I don’t know what it is). But, you can combine it with their “free shipping if you spend $100″ offer! Essentially, spend $100 on $200 of clothes, and don’t pay shipping. Sweet. (PS – Everything in this post is included in the sale!)
The sale is only in stores and online today, though, so get moving!
Shoe Porn: Boots By Alloy
This season, I am boot-obsessed. Even my sneakers are boots. (Oh no, you’re not seeing them. Not yet. Not until I wear them, gloriously, on Christmas day.) But boots are expensive – even the faux leather, faux fur kind. There are a very great online shoe shopping sites, including DSW and 6pm, but they can get kind of overwhelming. So many shoes, so many of them horrible, so much to sift through.
For me, Alloy.com is concentrated shoe-spiration. I always have at least one pair of their shoes on my wish list, including…
I keep seeing boots like this, pretty much everywhere I go, and for good reason. They’re so, so good. So good.
Here’s another pair. You know, in case you like black more. These are $20 more, but still under $75 for a pair of furry booties by a well-known brand.
This is what I’m talking about: four-star knee-high riding boots for under $50. The reviews say they are “expensive-looking.”
They’re like hiking boots, but not really. I like the teeny tiny wedges, which add just a little femininity.
I love the zipper in the back.
Warning: these heels are high and the material is not as epic as some of the other boots posted here.
