Small Talk With Natalie & Erika of Fashionably Broke

The girls of Fashionably Broke are a dynamic duo - to say the least. Natalie and Erika have their own unique, incredible style and the best part is - their wardrobe is thrifted. I really admire those who can find such amazing pieces from the past and make them work in the modern world today. They're some of the sweetest girls around and aren't afraid to take risks. They have big dreams for their brand and I have no doubt they'll come true.

"we're sisters and we're best friends.
and I'm pretty sure one of us couldn't exist without the other."

I'm one of 3 girls so I know all about sibling rivalries, stealing clothes, and makeup. What are the ups and downs of collaborating with each other? Any discrepancies on how things should be done?

We definitely are familiar with sibling rivalries, however they used to be much worse when we were younger. These days, I seem to naturally take charge, as the older sister, and then Erika usually supports my decisions and gives the final OK on things, and that is the upside. I hardly ever post anything with out her consent. She has a great eye and I value her opinion so much so I always run everything I do, say, or wear by her. We just have very similar styles, so we hardly disagree, and that's really what makes us a great blogging duo! The only downside, is that she is still away at college, and although I try to include her as much as possible, sometimes I have to make decisions alone :( She always supports me, but I can't wait until she can be more hands-on! Fashionably Broke needs her!!

I love your style, it's so bold and bright. What's the most daring thing you've worn to date?

{N} I wore a floor length, tie-dye, blue and green, vintage 70's caftan, and my boyfriend and his friends were so confused by it, lol. I thought it was fab!

{E} I wore my dad's undershirt out, as part of my outfit. I laughed on the inside, but no one really noticed.

What's the most unusual, unconventional thing that's inspired an outfit?

Probably our grandma. Most people don't really TRY to imitate their grandmother's style, it is usually not so up-to-date. But that is not the case with ours. We literally fight over her hand-me-downs. She has been the biggest fashion inspiration in our lives. She worked in the Fashion Industry for many many years, so she still dresses better than us, and is a constant inspiration to our outfits! She just has a classic style that is always so well put together, I think we are always thinking of her when we get dressed. I even wore one of her blazers on a night out in Las Vegas, that's how stylish she is!

It's no secret you guys love accessories. What can't you live with out?

{N} I CAN'T live without my entire Stella & Dot collection, but my favorite piece would have to be my dainty, stackable, mixed metal rings. They work with every outfit, and are my go-to. I like to wear just one on each finger.

{E} I can't live without my new rose gold Michael Kors watch, simply because it is beautiful.

What other aspirations do you have for Fashionably Broke?

We would love to use it as a platform for freelance, personal shopping. We have people asking us "Where do you shop?" and "Can you take me shopping, because I never know what to buy?" more than anything else, so we want to fulfill that need for our readers.

What sets you apart from other bloggers?

We aren't sporting Prada shoes or linking our posts to Celine handbags. We know that that's not reality for the most of us. We strive to inspire people to wear what they love. Fashion isn't about how much things cost and style isn't about brand names. A good amount of the stuff we do wear are hand-me-downs from our grandmother or from like a Goodwill store in Blacksburg, VA, so really the possibilities are endless and that's what we want to preach to the every day girl.

What items are in your purse that you can't leave the house without?

{N} My Nikon D3000, because I always get inspired in the most random places, at the most random times. And a few lipsticks (yes, lipstick, NOT gloss), a couple pinks, and my staple, a good nude. A lip color is my savior to any last minute outing. And a pair of flats, I wear heels too often and I don't last very long in them.
{E} My J.Crew small wallet pouch, to hold just a few necessities, chap stick, my cat-eye sunglasses are a new fave, my iPod, and a bag of spicy almonds, yummmm!