May 13, 2013

Where I've Been

Hi everyone

I just wanted to write a little post explaining myself. Unfortunately I've been unable to write new blog posts recently (for like forever) because of a family emergency. My family is extremely important to me, and so I have put my blogging life on hold to be with and there for them.

I will however be back VERY soon, so stay tuned for my return to the planet.

Love always - BrokeandBeautiful

Apr 15, 2013

Prom Looks Under $200: Part 1



When I was in high school, mid-April meant one thing: PROM!! I absolutely loved prom, and I would spend months obsessing over what I would wear! So I thought I'd save you all some time and dedicate a few posts to affordable prom looks. Some people spend $200 on their prom dress alone, but there's no need for that! Hopefully I'm not too late and you haven't had prom yet!
If you're no longer in high school, that doesn't mean you can't still dress up! These pretty pieces are great for weddings or sorority and fraternity formals!!

The Look
Dress: $99.75 at ASOS,  Shoes: $17.80 at MakeMeChic,  Necklace: $6.80 at Forever21,  Earrings: $6.80 at Forever21, Pink Bracelet: $11 at Dorothy Perkins, Lavender Bracelet: $15 at Dorothy Perkins

OUTFIT TOTAL: $157.15!!!

Apr 13, 2013

Link Lovin: 4/13/13

Cupcakes, links
Image From Cupcakes of the Day

This week feels like its gone by so fast. I've been caught up in a slew of midterms and papers while also dealing with a nasty cold (Yuck!) and somehow its already saturday and I can't even remember what I ate for breakfast yesterday. Thank goodness for the weekend. I'm hoping I can use this time to decompress and get back in touch with reality before Monday comes and have another week like this one!

One thing I can always count on whether I'm having a good day or a bad one is the various wonders that can be found on the internet. Here's a list of my obsessions of the week:

Apr 12, 2013

Apr 9, 2013

ITEM OF THE DAY: Affordably Adorable Striped Blazer

Fashion, Shopping, Cheap Fashion, Striped Blazer


Blazer, Stripes, collage, Polyvore, cheap, affordable, fashion
Buy it Here

I love striped blazers for spring and summer. They're such an easy way to give a simple look more flare. I've been looking for a good striped blazer for a while now, but I didn't want to spend more than $60 on it.. and then I found this one!!! Of course I found it on Ruche. I include Ruche items in SOO many of my posts. I can't help it, the clothes are such great quality! They're a little pricier than other places but I think that's worth it for some items; blazers especially!! See How I brought that little rambly paragraph back around to my original point? Please forgive me, its midterms time and I am very sleep deprived!

Apr 7, 2013

SALE ALERT!!!

I haven't gotten around to finishing my daily sample sale post yet (very looong night!), but CHECK OUT BEYOND THE RACK!! They are having huge liquidaton blow out sales, with so many things up to 90% off!!!

Apr 6, 2013

23 Beauty Tips and Tricks for a More Beautiful You

pretty hair, hair care, hair
Hair Care Tips
  • Brush your hair from roots to tips every night. It disperses natural oils throughout your hair to give it some healthy shine. 
  • When rinsing out your conditioner… finish it off with some nice cold water to seal the cuticle and give your hair a shine boost
  • Similar to above; when blow drying, always finish with cold air to seal the cuticle. This also promotes shine and helps reduce post blow-dry frizz.
  • Only use a wide tooth comb when your hair is dry to reduce Frizz.  
  • Can't stand your roots showing between touch ups? Zig-Zagging your part will help hide them. 
  • For a gorgeous, beachy wave hairstyle; sleep with your hair (almost dry) in a ballerina twist bun. (this works better for long hairstyles)
healthy skin, skin care, dry skin
Skin Care and Beauty Tips
  • The back of your hand and inside of your wrist are much lighter than your face. Whenever you can, test skin makeup on your face or neck…. if this isn't possible, purchase a shade darker than your hand
  • When washing your face or applying product with your hands, ALWAYS do so in an upward motion! You always want to avoid pulling skin in directions that increase sagging….. powder should be the one thing you apply downwards to smooth down baby hairs. 
  • For very dry skin, put your lotion in a safe container and microwave it for 5 seconds before applying.
  • Check skin dryness by scratching a small area on your body with your nail. If the skin turns white: exfoliate and moisturize! 



Beauty tips for eyes
  • Carefuly apply mascara to the back of your eyelashes before the front to visibly boost lash volume. 
  • To stop your eyeliner pencil from smudging, by applying a similar or darker shade of powder eyeshadow on top of it. 
  • For intense lash curl, use a hair dryer to heat up your eyelash curler before using it.
  • When applying eyeliner, try to pull your skin as little as possible. Tugging on the skin around your eyes increases wrinkles and sagging

Lip Care and Beauty Tips
  • Before bed, use a wet washcloth to rub off any dry skin and then apply something moisturizing (lim balm, chapstick, lip butter … whatever). You can also use a lip scrub instead of a washcloth. 
  • Apply lipstick/lipgloss while smiling to make sure you don't miss any spots. Don't Forget The Corners!
  • Pat a small amount of concealer around your lips to prevent lipstick from smudging. 
  • Running out of your favorite lipgloss? get the most for your money and place the tube upright in warm water. Any gloss you couldn't get to will run down to the bottom of the container. 
  • Apply clear gloss to the middle of your lower lip for an instant plumping effect. 




  • If you put too much perfume on, dab some rubbing alcohol on the area. This will tone down the smell without adding a smell of its own. 
  • Always be sure to wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and keep your skin looking young. This is especially important between 10am and 2pm, as this is when the sun is the most dangerous. 
  • When using product that don't come in tube or pump bottle, use a clean cutup, instead of your fingers, to get the product out of the container. This prevents the bacteria on your fingers from getting in, and keeps your products fresh
  • Take care of yourself: so much of your external appearance is a result of how you treat your body, not what products you use. 

New Sample Sales Today (April 6)



At Beyond the Rack: (sign up here)

Women:
Vintage Louis Vuitton, Cool Contemporary Style, It's in the Bag, Spring Mode Skinny Jeans, Spring Capris Leggings and More, All Day Comfort: Shoes, Time for High Style, Fashion Flashback: Polka Dots. Stripes. and Prints from $16.99, Beach Goddess, Dressy Euro Flare


Home:
Ready Set Jet, Maison Grand Luxe, Queen of the Kitchen, Bedding Bliss, Slipcover Steals, A Peak of Chic (5PM), Simmons Beautyrest Mattress Event (5PM), Modern Masters Art Gallery (5PM)


At Gilt: (sign up here)

Women:
Accessory Spotlight: NauticalR.J. Graziano Jewelry,  Run With It: Saucony Sneakers & More, Wardrobe Essentials: Everything You NeedPerfectly Polished: Nail Color & More by Julep, Refresh Your Jewelry BoxTropical Fusion: Island Prints & Bold Colors, Weekend Favorites Feat. Label & Thread

Home:
Rosanna: Spring Preview, Sisal & Natural-Fiber Rugs, Down Bedding by Grand Hotel Collection, Casual-Chic Table Linens, The Essential Bathrobe, Up to 80% Off: Bedding Stock-Up


At HauteLook (sign up here)

Women:
Pumped For SpringBLEULAB DenimLast Chance Boots, Gracia, Chaudry, Get The Look: Mixed Metals, Wardrobe Revamp: Fashion Under $50, Bags We Love, Fever, Stand Out Studs, Paris Tools, Best Teeth Bleaching

Home:
Budget Deals: Revamp With Vintage Decor


At Ideeli (sign up here)

Women:
ANM, Beyond the Beauty, Blossoming Styles: Dresses and Separates, FENDI: Shoes and Handbags, Fine Jewelry up to 70% off, Get Moving: Spin Class, Gypsy 05 & Akiko: up to 70% off, Latique for $49.99, Mix & Match Swimwear, Olivaceous, On the Bright Side: Dresses and Separates, out on top: Classic Blouses & More, Raid our Closet: Contemporary Apparel and Accessories, Raid our Closet: Evening Dresses and Jewelry, Raid our Closet: Day Dresses and Watches, Sophisticated Eveningwear: Dresses and Gowns, Statement Necklaces, Top Sellers of the Week, Unaluna

Home:
Jura-Capresso


At Modnique (sign up here)

Women:
Jewelry Box Essentials Blowout: Designer Jewelry, Spring Dresses, EF Studio Cosmetics, Tosca Handbags, 2013 Wedding Jewelry Trend: Chandelier Earrings, Pretty Summer Shoes & Handbags By Hypnosi


At My Habit: (sign up here)

Women:
Donald J Pliner Shoes, W118 by Walter Baker, C'N'C CoSTUME NATIONAL, Chloe & Theodora Jewelry, Spa Time: Bath & Body Must-Haves, Up to 75% Off: Must-Have Lingerie, Up to 70% Off: Kova & T, Melissa Shoes, Up To 80% Off: Halston HeritageLevi's Made & CraftedDelman: The Signature Ballet FlatsDL 1961 Premium Denim, Ivanka Trump Handbags, Timeless Jewelry from Fraydee Collection, Calvin Klein Footwear, Colorful Knits & Tops from Shae, Marrakech

Home:
John-Richard Collection, The Quintessential Quilt, Glowing Recommendations, John Boos, Pop Accent Rugs, Love Your Lighting, Up to 80% Off: Cozy Essentials, Better Basics, Art & Cuisine, Transform Your Bathroom, Candice Olson Lighting, MIU France, Ecorce d'Orange


At RueLaLa (sign up here)

Women:
Proenza Schouler, The Spring 500: Season Inspired Styles, Back to Basics: Shapewear Loungewear and Intimates, The Dash: Shoes to Snap up in a Hurry, The Jewelry Box, Take it Outside: Activewear,  

Home:
Bellino Fine Linens, Stylishly Done: Weekend Brunch, Weekend Project: Swap in Fresh Home Accents, Cuddledown

Apr 5, 2013

Item of the Day: Closet Signature Sequined Dress




sparkle, dress, flapper, 20s, beaded, low back, shine bright
Buy it here


I just discovered Closet Signature last night; deep into my second hour of procrastination. I was searching through the site, which contains a collection of some very cute, amazingly priced clothes, and some items that aren't quite my style, when I discovered this dress. Its a very simple white shift dress speckled with gold sequins and a beautifully gold beaded trim. (Side note: its ON SALE from $70!!). I love the 20s feel this dress has, while still looking modern and trendy. 


Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Closet Signature, these opinions are purely my own.  

New Sample Sales Today (April 5)


At Beyond the Rack: (sign up here)

Women:
Work it 9 to 5, Spring Dress Code, Irresistible Intimates, Ed Hardy and More, Fashion Flashback, Spring Shorts, Curvy Suits and Tops, Timeless Beauty: Dresses, Lise Watier Beauty, Neutral Territory: Nude Footwear, Get a Leg Up: Tights and Leggings, City Chic, Beach Goddess: Swim Separates, Timeless Jewels, Spring Pants, Curvy Bottoms, Light Up the Night: Dresses, Eyewear Boutique, Ladylike Accents, Top of the Tops, Color me in Style

Home:
Fashionable Floors, Start Having Fun in the Kitchen, Bedding Beauty, Super Rug Sale, Take the Cake: Everything you Need for a Summer Party


At Gilt: (sign up here)

Women:
Stuart Weitzam, Z Spoke by Zac Posen, Tracy Reese, Zoe & Sam, Isabel Lu, French Sole by FS/NY, Designer Swim Shop, Jewelry by Miguel Ases & more, Carlos Falchi, Watches by La Mer Collections, 7 for all Mankind

Home:
Tumi Luggage


At HauteLook (sign up here)

Women:
Volcom Swim, Armani Sunglasses, Designer Estate Watches, Romeo & Juliet Couture, Volcom Apparel, Bobeau, GUESS Dresses, Shoes We Love, GUESS Footwear, Spring… Break into Fashion, Romeo & Juliet Handbags Blowout, Accessory Shop, Sparkle for Spring, ZIGIny, The Dolls Factory Cosmetics, gellie beans Nail Gels, My Amazing Blow Dry Secret

Home:
Outdoor Concepts Furniture, Whimsical Garden Kits and Gifts, Colorful Outdoor Living 


At Ideeli (sign up here)

Women:
Eva Franco, Mark + James, T Tahari


At Modnique (sign up here)

Women:
Shae Spring Apparel, Italian Made Apparel By Cocogio, Shine On: Gold Jewelry Deals, Funky Handbags And Shoes, Venetiaurum Jewelry, Italian Made Sandals By La Bellatrix, Sunglasses: Jimmy Choo. Ferragamo. Tod's, Furla Handbags Made In Italy, White Mark Dresses, Pearls Pearls Pearls


At My Habit: (sign up here)

Women:
Elizabeth and James Jewelry, Liebeskind Handbags, Bella Luxx: Tops and Tunics, Heavy Metals: Shimmery Shoes and Bags, ESQ Movado Watches, Up to 75% off: Polished Pieces, Work It: Pumps, Up to 80% Off: Fiel, Get Fit: Workout Attire, Under $50: Silk Scarves, Everyday Denim & Tees

Home:
Tempaper, Emissary Lighting, Vera Wang Bedding, Your Culinary Toolkit, West Coast Chic


At RueLaLa (sign up here)

Women:
Its a Match: Dresses by Personality, Layer Lightly: Spring Jackets, Da-Nang, Marc by Marc Jacobs Sunglasses, Gorjana, British Invasion: Alexander McQueen & More, 

Home:
3pm ET - Weekend Project: Swap In Fresh Home Accents

Apr 4, 2013

ITEM OF THE DAY: Go Jane Colorblock Sunglasses

Blue and Green



Fuchsia and Green




Pink and Mint




Plum and Mustard




Yellow and Coral




CELEBRITY LOOKS FOR LESS: Lucy Hale

tie dye dress, topshop, pretty little liars, aria, urban outfitters

THE DRESS: Urban Outfitters - $29.99

LUCY'S STYLING:

  • BELT: unknown
  • PURSE: Michael Kors Jet Set Woven Crossbody (Mocha) - $128 NO LONGER AVAILABLE
  • SHOES: Topshop - $130
  • BRACELETS: unknown


ALTERNATE STYLING:

Apr 3, 2013

Victoria's Secret PINK MLB Collection


Support your Team here

I'm not the biggest sports follower. I can't sit through 5 minutes of a football game, the only reason I know march madness involves college basketball is because of my brothers, and I couldn't name a soccer team if my life depended on it. For most of the year, I am the biggest airhead when it comes to sports, BUT from the beginning of April until the end of October, everything changes. 

I've loved baseball for as longer than I can remember, literally. I have numerous photos of myself as a newborn sitting happily on me dad's lap at Giants games wearing my infant-sized baseball cap. 

Sure, when I was 10 months old, it was easy to find me clothes to support my favorite team, but as I got older, I got picker. Don't get me wrong, I love baseball, but I also love looking good, and I can't bring myself to spend money on clothes I don't feel good in. 

Up until a few years ago, I found it almost impossible to find affordable, cute MLB gear that fits right and actually goes with my wardrobe. So at every game I went to, I would wear my 10-year-old Giants hat because I didn't want to buy anything else. But then I discovered the VS PINK Major League Baseball Collection!

Victoria's Secret comes out with a new, limited edition, MLB collection (They also do an NFL collection for you football fans) every year filled with trendy, and relatively affordable apparel adorned with the logos of every major league team. 

I am in LOOOOVE with this year's collection. Sequined hats and shirts, fringe tops, even bandeaus!! Now my only issue is not spending all my money buying every item they have. Check out the collection for yourself, and comment with your favorite baseball team!!



Mar 17, 2013

Trends for Less: Spring Pastels

collage, clothes, pastel, fashion, affordable, yellow, purple, blue, dresses

Get Them For Yourself!
1) GoJane: Textured Metallic Clutch - $27.50
2) Lulus: Butter London Molly-Coddled Lavender Nail Lacquer - $15
3) Forever 21: Opaque Rhinestone Necklace - $12.80
4) Frock Candy: Mint Filgiree Button Earrings - $10.00
5) ModclothDrifting in Pink Dress - $52.99
6) Nectar: Color Coded Denim Skinnies, Lavender - $47.99
7) Lulus: Party Heart-y Pink Heart Earrings - $10.00
8) Ruche: Confection Macaron Trinket Boxes - $9.99
9) Ruche: Garden Dream Bow Flats - $26.50
10) Urbanog: Royal Banquet Dress - $35.20
11) Ruche: Sunshine Days Applique Top - $32.99
12) Forever 21: Faux Suede Pumps - $29.80
13) Keds: Champion Spring - $40
14) Necessary Clothing: Waldorf Bow Blouse, Lavender - $25.99

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/6576447/?claim=6rsyth9x33g">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Sale Alert!: Lucky Brand Beaded Top


Get it HERE

Mar 12, 2013

New Sample Sales Today! (March 12)

At Beyond the Rack: (sign up here)

Women:
Career Dresses, Lady Like Luxury, Pretty in Florals, Full Figures: Best Dressed, Ladies Suits and Seperates, Proenze Schoulder Handbags, Burberry Boots and Outerwear, Spring Collections by LA Class, Wardrobe RefreshLevi's Buffalo and Foxy Jeans, Parasuco, Spring Knits: Bold and BrightFabulous Flats, Sneaker Wedges, Luxury Watches, Indulge in Diamonds and Pearls, Epilady, Avante Garde Footwear, Christian Louboutin, Designer Watch Boutique, My Tribe and More, Cosabella and Betsey Johnson, Sunsational Swim Essentials, Balmain, Iron Fist, SSH-OES, Go for the Gold, A Pop of Color Jewelry, Clutch me if you Can, Fresh Spring Fashion, Global Fashion

Home:
US Polo ASSN White Sale, Denby and Splendide, Canvas Pop, Prestige Luxury Rugs, Your Dream Bed and Bath, Spring is in the Air, Cuisinart, Better Living, Organizers, Bedding and Bath Clearance, Zen Living, Map Art from Michael Tompsett, Macbeth Electronics, Popart Favorites, Home Sweet Home, Luxury Furniture, Kitchen Clearance, Bedroom Solutions, Furry Friends


At Gilt: (sign up here)

Women:
Shoshanna, Casadel, VBH Luxury Handbags, MiH Jeans, Spring Trend Alert: Dress like a Lady, Fine Jewelery by Karma Jewels & more, Luxe Designer Prints, Brands we Love: Tucker & more, Ava & Aiden, Wardrobe Essentials: Everything you Need, Jewelry by Grand Bazaar, Narciso Rodriguez

Home:
Jonathan Adler, Colorful Rugs


At HauteLook (sign up here)

Women:
Dresses under $30Dresses under $40Dresses Under $60Dresses under $100Designer Dresses, M Missoni, Hugo Boss & more, ALEXIS, Missoni Accessories, Voda Swim, Jack Rogers, Linea Pelle, Fornash, Gentle Fawn & Left on HoustonColor Story by mariechavezPick your Pair: BootsFancy Flats, Bioelements skincare, C.Z. Falconer Spring Cashmere, Etoile: Diamond infused nail polish, Amrita Singh

Home:
Artist: Vincent Van Gogh, Image by Charlie Bedding & Accents


At Ideeli (sign up here)

Women:
Beach Bound Bikinis, Blaque Market, BLVDBoho-Glam Pieces, Breil Watches, Bright and Bold Jewelry, Get Moving: Boot Camp, Greg Anthony, Jones New York, KC Designs, Kenneth Cole, Lovely Layers, Philadelphia Picks, Raid Our Closet (Womens' Shoes, Classic Apparel, Contemporary Apparel), VFISH, Almost Gone: Designer Shoes, Bamboo, Celeb Style: Cap Toe Shoes, French Sole, Get Lifted, MLE Poetic Licence

Home:
Big Boss Kitchen Electric, Blissliving Home, Haan Steam Mops, His & Her Storage, Holiday Entertaining, Honey-Can-Do, Jenni Chan Luggage, Laundry Necesseties, Mrs. Prindables, Organize Your Bathroom, Reliable Steam, Zevro



At Modnique (sign up here)

Women:
Celebrity Favorites: Hellmuth, Fendi Sunglasses, Feminine Frocks & 39 and UnderCharles David Womens' Shoes, Spring Inspired Apparel by Titis, Spring Knits, Luv 2 Luv, Silver Under $35, Voir Voir & Harve Bernard Dresses, Affordable Jewelry, Carlo Monti Watches, Girl on Fire, Serious Skincare, 2013 Engagement Ring Trends, Pearl Necklaces and Bracelets, Blaque Market, Louis Vuitton Handbags 



At My Habit: (sign up here)

Women:
Linea Pelle Jewelry, Calvin Klein Footwear, Nearly Nude Shapewear, Lulla by Bindya Scarves, Mid-Summer Staples: Zero + Maria and Paul & Joe, Linea Pelle Handbags and Accessories, Pura Lopez, I Coloniali, Handbags and Accessories Under $100

Home:
The Kid's Room, Art & Cuisine, Luxury Bath Towels by Lenox, Arda Glasswear, Badash Colorful Glass


At RueLaLa (sign up here)

Women:
Wardrobe Classics: 200 Tried and True PicksStyle by Number Sale (Under $30, Under $60, Under $100), TART Collections, Dolce & Gabanna Women, C&C California, Dana Davis, The Fresh Diet: Redeem Online, The World of Armani Women, Work It: Womens' Office-Ready Clothing, Birkenstock, Andrea Candela, Keep your Cool: Heat Ready Linen, Reading Room, HUDSON Jeans, The Watch Reset

Home:
Better Together: Home Accents by the Pair, Coordinating Kids' Decor, Color Color Everywhere (Sheets, Rugs, Bathroom, Walls, Kids')