Daily Oufit - 04/30/09

Drawing upon inspiration from the amazing Archibald Maximillion's outfit this past Tuesday on Flickr's Wardrobe Remix I decided to layer on the scarf with a couple of necklaces today (thanks, AM) and while the final look is no where as perfect as her's it works for a rainy Thursday at work.

Also, I wanted to define my waist a bit without wearing a belt, so opted to tie my shirt at the waist. Hopefully it comes off as more chic than Daisy Duke, and I popped the collar for good measure.

Black Sheath - Target, clearance for $15 (Spring 2007)
Black Button Up Shirt - Bitten by SJP, $10-ish (Summer 2007)
Scarf - Thrift, $1.50 (April 2009)
Pearl Necklace - Thrift, $2 (2008)
Gray, Black & Cream Pearl Necklace - Avon, $15 (2006)
Heels - Nine West/Endless.com, $50-ish (Fall 2008)
Bangle - Dominique Cohen for Target, clerance for $5 (Spring 2008)
Hair - Large Bumpit!

Just a reminder that the Beauty Ticket Joey New York Bag of Goodies Giveaway goes through this Friday, May 1. You have up to three chances to win. Read more here and be sure to post all entries under this post! Also, don't forget to shop Beauty Ticket with promo code FABFINDSUNDER50 to save 10% off your purchased!

Daily Outfit - 04/29/09

I almost got rid of this dress last fall, but I am glad I decided to store it this past winter as it is was one of the first "spring" things I grabbed to wear after pulling clothes out of storage this past weekend. Kind of funny how that works sometims. This outfit is a great example of items that fall into the "oldie but goodie" category also.

Dress - Dots, $18 (2007)
Green Beaded Tank - Express, $15-ish (2004)
Black Ruffle Cardi - Kohl's, clearance for $15 (April 2009)
Black Belt - Dots, $6 (2005)
Necklace - JC Penney, clearance for $5 (Jan. 2009)
Black Footless Tights - Kohl's, 2 pack for $6 (April 2009)
Shoes - Coach (2007)

Prices Reduced!

I just reduced a lot of prices on items on my etsy - many dresses and purses for only $7!!

Shop soon for a great selection and many new, fun items coming over the next couple of days, so check back often!

Mix & Match Your Way to Endless Possibilities!

Ladies, a lot of you seemed to really like this post and all of the ideas it gave you to mix and match items in your wardrobe. I thought today I would show you 10 items (including shoes) and 10 possible outfits you can create with those items. The average cost of each item is only $25 and honestly, a lot of you probably already have similar items in your closets!

Let the mixing and the matching begin!! You can create outfits perfect for the office, errand running, picnicing, drinks out and more!

Shopping Information:
Anne Klein Flats - 6pm.com, $42.55
One Button Jacket - NY & Co, on sale for $34.97
Crochet Trim Top - Old Navy, $15.00
Printed Skirt - Kmart, on sale for $17
Tiered Solid Dress - NY & Co, $39.95
Serena Heels - 6pm.com, $36.23
Sheer Tee - Old Navy, on sale for $4.99
Giraffe Print Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $15.96
Bermuda Shorts - Old Navy, on sale for $15.00
White Pants - Old Navy, on sale for $23.47

Shopping online and looking for promo codes to save money? Check out Tjoos.com. They have the largest assortment of verified coupon codes from over 20,000 stores.

**More mix and match posts are coming soon including Reader Requests for Plus Size Options and SAHM wardrobes (I promise I haven't forgotten, ladies)!

Daily Outfit - 04/28/09

I feel so much more like myself today - I have on a skirt and I remembered to put on mascara!!

Last evening while watching TV I gave a quick thought to what to wear today and didn't have any ideas. So, I decided to look back to April 28, 2008 to see what I wore a year ago - it was this skirt. I decided to break it out again this April 28!

Black LS Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $3 (Feb. 2009)
Belt - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, $1 (Fall 2008)
Black/White Skirt - Gap, $50 (Spring 2005)
Green Necklaces - 2 strands from Macy's, $9 total (originally each strand cost $40!) (Spring 2006)
Heels - Nine West, online super sale for $24 (Jan. 2009)
Ring - ShopKim on Etsy, $7 (April 2009) (Seriously, go buy a ring - her stuff keeps getting cuter and cuter!!)
Bangs "Bump it" - Baby steps to big hair! I got this set last week, but haven't really taken the time to try them out. Hillary reminded me that I had received them when she posted some pics on Flickr last evening of wearing the large & xl bumpit herself. This morning I opted for the Bang Bump It.

Traveling Scarf - Scarf #2, Stop #4

I am amazed at all of the unique color combos Scarf #2 has been combined with so far! I love it! I wore it with basic black & gray, Leslie wore it with gray & yellow, Sal left all eyes on the scarf by pairing it with neutrals, A wore it with lovely blue & brown, S paired with black and a pop of red, E wore it with purple and brown, and now Tara is accenting her olive, gray and denim outfit with it! Seriously, you all are proving what a truly versatile scarf this is!!

In Tara's Words:

Since I received the scarf on Saturday, I used it to accessorize my weekend uniform of jeans and a tee. I have an 8-month old baby boy, so I need to be comfy, but still look somewhat put together. When I saw the scarf in person, I decided to pair it with olive green to try out a complementary color scheme (at the risk of looking like a Christmas tree), and I think it worked. The gray cardi helped to pull it all together.

I just started following Kimberly's blog a few months ago, and was very excited to get in on this experiment! Scarves are not my accessory of choice, but this was a great way to force myself to try a new look, and I liked it! I look forward to watching the scarf continue its journey for more great ideas.

Olive tee - Kohls
Gray cardi - Old Navy
Jeans - Kohls
Black wedges - Aerosoles

Tara, you looked fantastic! Thanks so much for participating in this little adventure.

This scarf is headed to Allison in Minnesota soon!

Daily Outfit - 04/27/09 & Giveaway Reminder

I'm just not a khaki pant kind of gal. I found these on a good deal a couple of weeks ago and I liked the deep color of them and the sateen finish. However, I just feel so blah whenever I wear khaki pants. Its Monday - a good day to feel kind of blah! Oh yeah, and to top it all off I forgot to wear mascara. I hate that!!

White Tank - Old Navy, $7-ish? (2008)
Yellow/White Sheer Shirt - Target, clearance for $10 (April 2008)
Purple Cardi - Target, clearance for $7 (Feb. 2009)
Khakis - Walmart, clearance for $9 (April 2009)
Belt - Target, clearance for $4 (April 2008)
Necklace - prezzie from my awesome mom!
Snakeskin Heels - Colin Stuart/Victoria's Secret, super sale for $30 (March 2008)

Just a reminder that the Beauty Ticket Joey New York Bag of Goodies Giveaway goes through this Friday, May 1. You have up to three chances to win. Read more here and be sure to post all entries under this post! Also, don't forget to shop Beauty Ticket with promo code FABFINDSUNDER50 to save 10% off your purchased!

Daily Outfit - 04/25/09

I had a couple of errands I needed to run this morning before coming back home and doing laundry and other boring tasks so I just tossed on something comfy. I love dresses like this, by the way, because you can dress them up or down.

Dress - Target, clearance for $7.50 (2007)
Brown Footless Tights - Walmart, $5 (April 2009)
Snakeskin Sandals - Avon, on sale for $20 (2009)
Necklace - JC Penney, clearance for $4 (Fall 2008)
Sunglasses* - Juicy Couture/Overstock.com (Feb. 2009)

*Jennifer, are these the same ones you ordered? If so, great choice!! :-)

Beauty Ticket Giveaway!

Have you heard of the website Beauty Ticket? I hadn't either until recently and let me tell you it's awesome! Beauty Ticket offers premium beauty brands at up to 85% of their retail prices (click here to read more about how they are able to do this)! Their stock is always changing, but they offer brands like Smashbox, Stila, Lola, Joey, Prescriptives and many, many more.

The sweet people at Beauty Ticket have offered a fantastic deal to all Fab Finds Under $50 readers! Click here to save 10% off your total purchase or use promo code FABFINDSUNDER50 upon checkout (deal expires 06/01/09).

Also, they are giving away a Joey Cosmetic Bag filled with Joey New York cosmetics and skincare products to a Fab Finds Reader! Woo-hoo!

So, here is how you can try to win! You can receive up to three entries for this great giveaway.

1/ Look in your purse and count how many lipglosses and lipsticks you are currently carrying around - leave a comment with the number!
2/ Post a comment telling the brand and color of lipgloss/lipstick you are currently wearing.
3/ Post about this giveaway on your blog/website/twitter with a link back here. Leave a comment telling me you have done so and a link to it.

Entry deadline is Friday, May 1, 2009 at 5:00 pm EST. The winner will be selected on Saturday, May 2 and posted here. Be sure to check if you are a winner because you will need to contact me at that point!

Be sure to leave a seperate comment for each entry (easier to track all your entries!). Also, this giveaway is only open to those readers with a Canadian or United States Mailing Address (sorry, international ladies - I will have something else for you soon!).

Thanks, all and good luck! And a big thanks to Jill and Beauty Ticket!

P.S. Even though I can't win, thought I would share my answers. I am currently toting around 7 lipglosses in various shades and I am wearing Fame by Smashbox.

Daily Outfit - 04/24/09

I decided to take full advantage of "business casual" Friday today. I really need to get out my spring/summer clothes from storage this weekend. With temps finally hitting the 80s I need some cooler options!

Blue Oxford Shirt - Old Navy, clearance for $8 (Fall 2008)
Black Cropped Pants - Dots, $16 (2006)
Scarf - Vintage Yves Saint Laurent/Goodwill Outlet, about 50 cents (2009)
Necklace - Grandma Judy Collection
Black Wedges - Nine West (2005) with embellishment by me (this is the third pair of shoes I have put these on and I love them!)

To all my morning readers, be sure to check back this afternoon for a super fun giveaway! Have a great weekend everyone.

Sunglasses!

I hate to jinx us (especially after the days of rain we have received here in the Midwest) by mentioning sunglasses. However, gorgeous sunny days like today and the promise of several more make me want to toss on a pair, go outside, crank the tunes and soak the sunshine in!



Here are some great pairs of sunglasses to welcome Little Miss Sunshine into your life with!
1/ Journee Collection Women's Green Retro Sunglasses - Overstock.com, $14.99
2/ F7252 Sunglasses - Heritage 1981 (Forever 21), $5.80

3/ F2552 Sunglasses - Heritage 1981 (Forever 21), $5.80
4/ Journee Collection Retro UV400 Sunglasses - Overstock. com. $14.99
5/ AE Flight 77 Sunglasses - American Eagle, $19.50
6/ Guess Women's Oversize Tortise Print Sunglasses - Overstock.com, $34.99
7/ AE Fresh Vibes Sunglasses- American Eagle, $19.50
8/ Giorgio Armani 398/S Shield Sunglasses - Overstock.com, $53.99 (see promo code below)
9/ F6175 Sunglasses - Heritage 1981 (Forever 21), $5.80
10/ Marc by Marc Jacobs MMJ0040 Plastic Sunglasses - Overstock.com, $49.99 (see promo code below)
11/ Metallic Gold Cruise - Free People, $14.00
12/Xotica Sunglasses - Free People, $24.00

Daily Outfit - 04/23/09

Meh - that pretty much sums up my morning so far. I've been going pretty much non-stop for a couple of weeks now and that resulted in me mindlessly sitting in front of the TV last night watching an old Lifetime Movie and not giving a thought to anything, including what to toss on this morning.

So, I went with basic black and tossed on a scarf and purple shoes for good measure.

Black Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (Jan. 2009)
Black Ruffle Front Cardi - Kohl's, sale for $15 (April 2009)
Scarf - Patricia Field for HSN, sale for $15 (March 2009)
Footless Tights - Kohl's, 2 pack for $5 (April 2009)
Purple Patent Peep Toe Sling Back Heels - Vera Wang for Kohl's, on sale for $32 (April 2009)
Necklace - gift from mom

Reader Question - Cardigans

Hey Kimberly! It's Andrea from My Chihuahua Bites. I was wondering if you had any ideas for places I could look for cardigans. I love to wear dresses in the summer but I hate my arms. For some reasons, my usual cardigans are looking raggedy and it might be time to replace them. I am looking for a three quarter length sleeve, both in the traditional cardigan and in a tie front shrug.

Andrea, I am with you - I adore cardigans. They are a great layering piece especially as we head to summer where it is hot, hot, hot outside, but usually freezing inside due to the AC. I pulled together lots of options in both misses (m) and plus (p) sizes. Also, I went ahead and included some short sleeve and long sleeve options as well.

1/ Open Front Knit Cardigan Jacket - Target, $14.99 (m & p)
2/ Tie Front Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $39.99 (p)
3/ Ribbed Flyaway Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $19.99 - 24.99 (m & p)
4/ Cropped Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $16.99 - 21.99 (p)
5/ Screen Print Tie Front Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $24.99 (p)
6/ Pleated Cardigan - Kohl's, $24.00 (p)
7/ Ruffle Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $29.99 (m & p)

1/ Ruffle Front-Tie Cardigan - Lane Bryant, $34.50 (p)
2/ Crochet Trim Pointelle Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $39.99 - 44.99 (p)
3/ Crochet Tie Front Shrug - Lane Bryant, $39.50 (p)
4/ 3/4-Sleeve Cardigan - Old Navy, $29.50 (m & p)
5/ Elbow Sleeve Shrug - OneStopPlus.com, $19.90 (p)
6/ Embroidered 3/4 Sleeve Cardigan - OneStopPlus.com, $34.99 - 39.99 (p)


1/ Perfect by Carson Kressley Cardigan Sweater with Rosettes - QVC, $55 (Item #A90118) (m & p)
2/ Denim & Co. Printed One Button Cardigan with Inset - QVC, $33 (Item #A87113) (m & p)
3/ Denim & Co. Short Sleeve Button Front V-neck Cardigan - QVC, $19.75 (Item #A69943) (m & p)
4/ Du Jour(R) 1-Button Flyaway Cardigan - QVC $42.50 (Item #A77267) (m & p)

Also, while I was at TJ Maxx on Monday they had several cardigan options ranging from cardigans made from lightweight t-shirt material for $16.99 to adorable pastel floral patterned ones for $24.99. If you have TJ Maxx near by it would definitely be worth a trip!

Don't forget - there are many other options to layer over/under dresses besides a cardigan. I have done a blazer (here and here), a simple tee underneath, a button-up shirt and/or sweater, and more!

Lastly, I know this post is very OneStopPlus.com heavy, but considering you can shop 7 plus size women's stores at once it is a great way to cover a lot of ground quickly. Also, use promo code WW21785 anytime between now and 12/31/09 to save $20 off a purchase of $75 or more.

~~Hot Tip - Thanks to Tracy for sharing the website alight.com (offering sizes 14 -30). I took a quick look and they have some cute cardis and tie frong shrugs with the majority of them only being $22 - 25!

Daily Outfit - 04/22/09

I have eyed this skirt a couple of times lately while at my fav thrift store, Value World. It was $4 and seriously, I have a couple of black skirts already. Well, recently it was marked half off plus I was shopping with a 50% off coupon (are you doing the math here - yep, we are talking less than a dollar). I decided at that price I needed to give it a better look. When I flipped it around and saw the cute white detailing and buttons at the kick pleat I was sold!! As an added bonus it isn't lined, so it will be good for the hot temps that are promised to get to Indiana sometime soon!

Paintbrush Tee - Vera Wang for Kohl's, on sale for $21 (April 2009)
Patterned/Jeweled Cardi - TJ Maxx, $20 (April 2009)
Purple Suede Belt - Kohl's, on clearance for $9 (Feb. 2009)
Skirt with Cute White detailing on back at kick pleat (see detail pic) - Thrifted*, $0.98 (April 2009)
Black Tights - Hue/Macy's, $10
Purple Heels - Nine West/Endless.com, sale for $55 (October 2008)

* I use "thrifted" for anything I purchase from Goodwill (regular and outlet/by the pound), Value World, and Salvation Army Thrift Stores.

Also, I spent some time last night updating my Blogroll with blogs I have been following in my Google Reader. If you see your blog listed, but would prefer it not to be let me know. Also, I am sure I overlooked a few, so please if yours isn't listed but you would like it to be email me!

Reader Question - Easter Necklace

I have received a couple of inquiries as to where my awesome "Easter Necklace" from my mom is from. It is totally fantastic, so I can't blame you for asking!




It is the High Polished Bead 18" Necklace & Earring Set from QVC (item # J32539) for $20 plus shipping and handling (can you say AWESOME DEAL?!). It is available in goldtone and silvertone. Unfortunately, the silvertone is sold out at the moment, but waitlist is available. I adore this necklace and have already worn it three times in the past week.

If you decide to order it, don't forget to go through ebates and get a 3% cash rebate!

Lots of Fun New Stuff Going On!

A great new website is launching today called Frugal Fashion Focus. The website acts as a hub for gathering information about one of our favorite subjects, Frugal Fashion, and offers it all at one central location. Fab Finds Under $50 is one of the featured blogs which I am so excited about! Be sure to bookmark the site and check it often for tons of great information!

With that, for those of you that visit my site (vs. getting updated through Google Reader and the sorts) you may have noticed some new stuff to the left. The first is at the top of the left column you will see my "Frugal Fashion Focus Featured" Badge - you can use this as a direct connection to the FFF site.

Also, farther down in the left hand column you will see this:

This is a great wizard that pulls not only content from Fab Finds Under $50 for the given keywords, but also content from all of the Frugal Fashion Focus featured blogs. Its a great way to find out more info on a topic that interests you.

Also, as you can see above I am now a member of Independent Fashion Bloggers. I am hopeful it will be a great resource for fun information to share with you, as well as, bring more fabulous ladies to Fab Finds Under $50.

Thanks and have a great day!

Daily Outfit - 04/21/09

Today is a my Monday and it certainly feels like it!

While shopping yesterday I came across these pants which are perfect for this time of year and into summer. One thing I have realized is my pant selection is seriously lacking, so I'm glad I spotted these.

By the way, it is supposed to be 80 out by week's end - I need to get out my spring/summer clothes!

White Bird Tee - Norma Kamali for Walmart, $8 (April 2009) You can't tell in this pic or in the online pic, but the bird's tail fades the faintest shade of pink - I really like it.
Pink Jacket - Target, clearance for $15 (March 2008)
Black/White Wide Leg Pants - TJ Maxx, $20 (April 2009)
Black Heels - Nine West/6pm.com, on super sale for $20 (February 2009)
Necklace - Meijer, clearance for $6 (April 2009)

Also, while shopping yesterday at TJ Maxx I spied this gorgeous metallic Brahmin Wallet. It normally retails for $125 and I scored it for $40. At that price I couldn't resist it!

I also bought some fun new stuff for home including a new floor lamp while at Ikea. I swear you could spend a day at that place. I think we logged about 3 1/2 hours before we moved on to the next stop on the list.

Have a great Tuesday, all!

Daily Outfit - 04/19/09

Good morning, ladies! I am off work today and headed out for a day of fun and shopping with my mom. We originally planned for a day up in Chicago, but given the rain and overall nastiness that is covering the midwest we opted to postpone those plans for a sunny day. Instead we are headed to Ikea in Cincinnati.

So, I thought I would share what I wore out last evening to a casual dinner since I am still in my pjs right now!

Tee - Vera Wang for Kohl's, on sale for $21 (April 2009)
Black Ruffle Front Cardi - Kohl's, clearance for $15 (April 2009)
Jeans - Target, $27 (2008)
Necklace - Easter Present from Mom (2009)
Purple Booties - Kmart Online, $19.99 (this style is currently on sale for $14, but I don't believe purple is still available online) (March 2009)

Also, there is lots of fun new stuff on my etsy. Unfortunately, I didn't get everything posted I planned to due to my internet being a little wonky and slow last evening. All the items below are newly added or will be added in the next day or two.

Have a great day, evening!

Reader Question - Fun Work Totes

Any advice on fun totes that are business appropriate? I will be entering the job market soon and all I have are backpacks!


Oooh, there are so many possibilities! Of course the "business appropriateness" of the totes is dependent on what type of career field you are going in to. Here are several options to pick from that vary from the more casual side to straight up "corporate world".

Clockwise from Top Left:
Simply Vera Vera Wang Abstract Reversible Tote - Kohl's, on sale for $47.40
Zipper Trim Tote - Forever 21, $29.80
English Shopper's Tote - Levenger, on sale for $149.95 (now, I know this is more than my normal $50 and under items; however, this bag is normally $358. Levenger makes high-quality items and with using and abusing a work tote on a daily basis it would be worth the investment!)
Taylor Cinched Tote - Handbag Heaven, on sale for $56.06
Belle tote with Italy flannel wool in light grey - christystudio on Etsy.com, $50
Clockwise from Top Left:
Corsica Tote Bag - Levenger, on sale for $119.95 (regularly $348 and definitely worth the sale price)
Black Triple Handle Tote - Target, $22.99
Patent Leather Magazine Tote Bag - Lands' End, on sale for $39.99
Sailcloth Messenger Bag - FlutterByButterfly on Etsy, $45
Conrad Weekend Tote - Handbag Heaven, $45.86

Good luck on entering the full-time working world and hopefully you will find the perfect work tote for you!

Daily Outfit - 04/18/09

~~ Casual Saturday ~~
Just tossed this on to run some errands to the drugstore, Sam's Club and some shoe shopping - didn't even bother to curl my hair!

Black L/S Tee - Walmart Online, clearance for $3 (Feb. 2009)
Jeans - Avenue, on sale for $17 (Nov. 2008)
Necklace - inherited from my Grandma
Gold Belt - Thrifted, 90 cents (April 2009)
Gold Wedges - Victoria's Secret, on sale for $30-ish (2007)
Scarf (on wrist) - Thrifted, $1.30 (April 2009) - I was so excited to find this scarf since it has black in it. I can find hundreds of scarves with navy, but ones with black are hard to come by!