Daily Outfit - 07/31/09

Can you believe it is the last day of July?? Crazy! The summer has truly flown. I figured I should wear my white jeans while I can since it was such a labor of love to actually find a pair. I wanted a pair starting in the spring to replace my white pants for casual, but didn't know how hard they would be to find! Couldn't find a pair in a store I liked, ordered two pairs and promptly returned both and what do you know - ended up finding this pair while thrifting a couple of weeks ago! I couldn't be happier for $4!!

Patterned Top - Nicole Miller for JC Penney, on sale for $24 (Spring 2008)
White Jeans - Thrift, $4 (July 2009)
Koi Necklace - For Love 21/Forever 21, $6 (July 2009)
Shoes - Coach (2007)

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Daily Outfit - 07/30/09

I wrote just last Friday that I loved my accessories and we all know I love to layer also! However, I do know when to say when. This morning in my mind I was going to wear this outfit with a short sleeve mustard/gold cardigan over it and perhaps even a black belt. But then I realized I haven't worn this sheath with just a shirt under it in forever and thought the flower pins would be really cute just pinned directly on the strap. I'm definitely pleased with the look and glad to see that I can still realized that less is sometimes more!

Shirt - NY & Co, store promotion + coupon for $27 (July 2009)
Black Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (2007)
2 Flower Pins - Ny & Co, w/ coupon for $3.50/each (July 2009)
Shoes - Shoedazzle.com, $39 (May 2009) w/ DIY Soles
Necklace - Grandma Judy Collection

Daily Outfit - 07/29/09

I kind of feel like I should be on an island somewhere with this dress instead of going to work, but its going to be a fairly quiet day around here and I figured why not be comfy! Also, it is super gloomy today so why not sport a little color.

Happy Birthday Mom!! I hope you have a great day and year (and that I look half as good as you in another 26 years)!

Maxi Dress - Avenue, $53 (July 2009) **Edited to Note, the color "sash" part of the dress is actually all connected. I wish I could take credit, but it came this way. I normally don't pay full price but this caught my eye for sure!
Purple Cardi - Target, clearance for $6 (Feb. 2009)
Turquoise Necklace - Estate Auction (May 2009)
Black Sandals - Two Lips/6pm.com, sale for $20 (Feb. 2009)
Ring - made from a thrifted earring

If you follow me on Twitter you know that I had my hair done last night. As you can see I didn't get the blonde inverted bob or the "Rachel" that were suggested (ha!)! I am a tame lady when it comes to my hair, but I did get about 2-3" chopped and some carmely pieces added underneath. It makes a super cute pony tail now (not that I really sport those outside of my own house) and I'm so happy my gray is gone (at least for a little while)!

P.S. It's hard to take pictures of your own head!

Daily Outfit - 07/28/09

Well, nothing new here, but I have a long 13+ hour day today so I opted for comfort. I did decide to add a belt today and add in some various colors with the necklace.

Dress - Old Navy, w/ promo code for $20 (Spring 2008)
Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $10 (Spring 2008)
Necklace - Meijer, clearance for $5 (Spring 2009)
Navy Heels - Jessica Simpson/Macys, super clearance for $20 (Feb. 2008)

DIY - Manicures and Shoes!

Earlier today I shared my gradient manicure, now I wanted to share what I used to create the look. I went to Ulta and purchased 5 of their brand nailpolishes. They were on sale for $2 each, so it was a great deal. Here are the colors I used:

I wasn't sure how it would be received at work, but the couple of people who noticed really liked it.

My buddy, Hillary, did a couple of different versions too - check them out here.

Speaking of the fabulous Hillary, she shared an idea for an awesome DIY last week involving painting the soles of a pair of shoes. What a great idea! The couple of pairs of shoes that I have with red soles and my Betsey Johnson's with their hot pink/floral soles make me so happy. So, on Saturday while out I stopped by Michael's to get a couple of supplies.

What you will need:

The Acyrlic Pant I bought was sale for 50 cents each and the Glaze was about $2.30. I had everything else.

I used the masking tape to tape off the heel cap and the ball of the foot part of the sole. I decided since the ball of the foot was going to get scratched up anyway to not paint it. That way I don't run the risk of paint transferring from the bottom of my shoes onto the carpet, tile floor, etc.

I painted on about 4 coats just to make sure the color was nice and rich. After that was fully dry I painted on one coat of the glaze. The glaze was definitely a good idea. It is amazing the shine it added and helped finish off the look.

I also painted a pair with purple. This pair has a rubber sole vs. the hard plastic of the pair above. It required about 7-8 coats of paint to get the coverage I wanted.

Thanks again for the idea, Hillary, I love the extra "pop" these are going to add to my outfits!

Calling all Swappers!

Do you live anywhere near Columbus, Ohio? If so, be sure to mark your calendars for the big "Swap-N-Shop" event that is going to take place on Saturday, October 3, 2009. One of my favorite bloggin' buddies, KT, is the genius behind organizing what is going to be a truly amazing event.

Now, how does this Swap N Shop Work???
1) Bring your still cute items items you are no longer using
2) This includes clothes, purses, shoes and accesories
3) Receive "swap bucks" good during the event only
4) Use your "swap bucks" to "purchase" items brought by other swappers
5) Have fun! Don't forget to tell your friends!

Click here to read more, and hopefully I will see you there!

Daily Outfit - 07/27/09

If you follow me on Twitter (FabFinds50) you know that I never even left the house yesterday. It was a great Sunday to just lounge around. Well, I was still in the lounging mood this morning as I slapped snoozed several times for a total of 25 minutes! If there was any question as to what I was going to wear today last evening there sure wasn't this morning - black pants and tee it was!

White Tee - Target, $9 (Summer 2008)
Blue Open Front Knit Cardi - Kmart, clearance for $6 (July 2009)
Zebra Belt - Target, clearance for $8.50 (Spring 2008)
Necklace - NY & Co, Sale + Coupon for $11.50 (July 2009)
Black Pants - Lane Bryant Outlet, $30 (June 2009)
Heels - Nine West/6pm.com, $20 (Feb. 2009)

Over the weekend I painted a lot of things - including my nails. This isn't anything new, but I decided to try out a "Gradient Manicure" after seeing Lauren Conrad sport it in purple/lilac shades in the most recent People Style Watch Mag and a friend sharing a link to The Coveted showcasing a similar manicure.

I'm definitely not a hand model candidate, but I think it's a fun alternative.

As for what else I painted I will hopefully be able to share that tomorrow!

My Top Four Accessories

Friday's post stirred up a lot of comments about accessorizing and one of my lovely readers posed this question:
Where should I start to build my accessories??

I looked through my daily outfit posts and pinpointed four accessories that I think are a great starting point. In fact, I wear at least on of these types of items almost every day. Now, keep in mind this is on top of the earrings, bracelets and watch that are my daily go-to items.*

#1: "Non-Color" Statement Necklace in either gold and/or silver tone
To Buy: Fancy Medallions Necklace - Forever 21, $5.80 (available in gold or silver)
Example of me wearing: Here

#2: Black Belt
To Buy: Braided Rope Belt - Forever 21, $12.80 and Winged Elastic Belt - Forever 21, $6.80
Example of me wearing: Here

#3: Scarf
If you style tends to be more dressy then get a large square satin/silk scarf. You can wear it around your neck, as a belt, tied on your purse and more. If you tend to be more casual then get a lightweight scarf you can pair with jeans and a tee.
To Buy: Crowns & Chains Satin Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80 and Plaid Tie Dye Scarf - Forever 21, $8.80
Example of me wearing: Dressy, Dressy, Dressy and Casual

#4: Statement Ring
It's a great way to add a small dose of pizzazz!
To Buy: Mystic Jewel Ring - Forever 21, $4.80 and Owl Face Ring - Forever 21, $5.80
Example of me wearing: Here and Here

*If you want to read/see more about my daily jewelry click here. I have made a few updates to my jewels though - the Assher Cut Stud Earrings have been replaced with a pair of diamonds set in white gold earring studs that were gifted by "my girls" for my 30th b-day, the Tiffany Tag Bracelet has been replaced with this Tiffany & Co. Bracelet that Dave gave for my recent b-day as well, and lastly, my "I Love You" ring is currently MIA. I hope I find it soon because I really do miss it.

Daily Outfit - 07/24/09

You don't have to be a long time reader of Fab Finds Under $50 to know that I LOVE my accessories. Today's outfit is a prime example. I see woman everyday that would have just left it with the shirt, cardi and jeans like this:

But not me, I tossed on a belt and scarf as well to add some more color and pattern.

Cream Tee - Target, clearance for $6.50 (July 2009)
Olive S/S Cardi - Target, $25 (July 2009)
Jeans - Avenue, clearance for $20 (July 2009)
Scarf - For Love 21/Forever 21, $9 (July 2009)
Belt - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, 50 cents (Spring 2009)
Shoes - Nine West, clearance for $25 (Feb. 2009)

How about you? Do you think simple is the way to go or do you love your accessories like me?

Reader Questions - His & Her Wedding Outfits

I realize you focus mostly on women's fashion, but I've got a conundrum involving both me and my boyfriend and an upcoming wedding.
A friend is having a destination wedding. We have been invited to a celebration of the marriage in her hometown when they get back.
This "Afternoon party", as she terms it, is at 2:30 on a Sunday in the reception hall at the local community centre. This will be the first time that my boyfriend meets this group of friends, and I've been given advanced warning that at least 2 of my ex-boyfriends will be in attendance (oh, the joys of small towns), so looking fabulous is a must.
Do you have any suggestions of appropriate attire for us at this oddly timed and possibly slightly awkward wedding reception?
-Cara

Cara, I loved this question because it forced me to look for Men's clothes a bit. However, after I did it made me even more grateful that I am a woman. We have such a better selection of clothes and styles and there are such better deals to be had!!

Now, for potential outfits . . . I always love it when couples are color coordinated without being overly matchy-matchy. Here are a couple of options that I think both of you will look super hot in and those ex-bfs will be super jealous that ex is now part of their title.

Her:
Two-tone convertible halter dress – Newport News, $39
Jacquard Floral Pashmina by Ashley Cooper – Boscovs, $7.99
Etched Floral Cuff- Forever 21, $5.80
rsvp Nova – 6pm.com, $27.20

Him:
1MX Shirt - Vibrant Stripe – Express, $59.50
Original Producer Stretch Cotton Pant – Express, $54.50 (in Light Charcoal Gray)
Reversible Plaque Belt – Express, $39.50 ($10 off with any pant purchase)
Stacy Adams Pedro – 6pm.com, $46.00

Her:
Ruffle Layer Woven Dress – Forever 21, $22.80
AK Anne Klein Sparkles – 6pm.com, $42.55
Moving Koi Fish Necklace Set – Forever 21, $4.80
Retro Floral Wallet – Forever 21, $7.50

Him:
Executive Shirt Button Down - JC Penney, $24.99 (drop the tie and kick back the sleeves)
Original Producer Stretch Cotton Pant – Express, $54.50 (in Cement)
Reversible Plaque Belt – Express, $39.50 ($10 off with any pant purchase)
Fratelli PS-8458-02 – 6pm.com, $48.88

However, my most important advice is to have fun, be super friendly and don't let it be awkward with the exes. You are all adults, say hi, introduce your current boyfriend and chat with their current ladies. Have a great time!

Daily Outfit - 07/23/09

Pairing this black and white skirt with plain white on the top seems a bit boring and predictable. But I think with the addition of the green necklaces, purple shoes and the jacket's interesting detailing it keeps the look from being a yawn.

White Jacket - Kmart, clearance for $15 (July 2009)
Black/White Linen Skirt - Gap, $50 (Spring 2005)
Green Necklaces (2 strands) - Macy's, super clearance for less than $10 for both (Spring 2006)
Purple Slingback Heels - Vera Wang for Kohl's, on sale for $32 (Spring 2009)
Flower Ring - Dots, $6 (March 2009)

Daily Outfit - 07/22/09

A lot of people are anti-black/brown combos. However, I think the combination can totally work, and is a nice alternative to all black while keeping a certain "chicness" to the outfit.

Black Tank - Old Navy, $7.50 (July 2009)
Brown Cardi - NY & Co, on sale + coupon for $20 (Spring 2009)
Black Skirt - Thrifted, $4 (Spring 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, on sale + promo code for $10 (Spring 2009)
Snakeskin Heels - Steven/Victoria's Secret, super clearance + promo code for $37 (Feb. 2008)
Koi Necklace - For Love 21 (Forever 21's Accessory Store), $6 (July 2009)
Scarf - Gucci/Thrifted, $3 (Summer 2009)

Reader Question - Sundresses with the Bubbies in Mind

Hi Kimberly,

I discovered your blog a month or so and am hooked. I love the looks you put together and the way you play with color and texture. Thank you!

I'm hoping you can help me with a shopping challenge. I'm going to the beach in a couple of weeks and really want a few light sundresses I can throw on to walk on the beach that could also be dressed up a bit for dinner. I've lost some weight and am down to a size 6 but am a larger chested and have been having trouble finding sundresses in my size that a) have a bust area with enough room/fabric to accommodate my bust- I'm not opposed to a little cleavage but I don't want it all out there if you know what I mean, and b) with a strap configuration that allows me to wear a supportive bra.

I'm open to maxi dresses but I think I'd get more mileage out of lengths just above the knee.

Any suggestions for me?

Thank you for doing what you do!
Katie

Katie, glad you are enjoying Fab Finds Under $50. Luckily, it seems since the average bra size had increased in the recent past to a 36C from a 34B clothing designers have taken that into account and fun summer dresses that provide coverage are aplenty. Here are just a few that I came across:

Left to Right:
Embroidered Voile Dress - Old Navy, on sale for $12.99
Embroidered Dress with Tassel Sleeve - Ann Taylor Loft, on sale for $39.99
Cross-Front Ruffle Dress - Old Navy, $29.50

Left to Right:
Ruffled Jersey Dresses - Old Navy, on sale for $19.99
Squareneck Floral Dress - Ann Taylor Loft, on sale for $39.99
Embroidered Woven Dress - Forever 21, $22.80

Also, if you find a dress that you like that has super skinny straps, don't forget that you can layer a wider strap tank or tee under the dress. It's a great way to provide more coverage for a supportive bra and add more detail to the outfit with color, texture or detailing.
Left to Right:
Maxi Dress - Target, $29.99
Long Layering Tank - Old Navy, clearance for $5
Keyhole Tank - Target, $12.99

As for dressing up these dresses a pair of wedge sandals and some fun jewelry can take these dresses straight from the beach to dinner out. Have fun!

Daily Outfit - 07/21/09

I didn't sleep well last night, the dog didn't sleep well, Dave didn't get home till 11 pm and was back up at 5 am. Talk about being snoozy this morning. I opted to grab a comfy outfit that didn't take much thought this morning. That is one nice thing about such a bold pattern - you don't have to do much to it!

Navy Patterned Shirt - Old Navy, $24.50 (July 2009)
Navy Belt - Kohl's, super clearance for $2.90 (Spring 2008)
Gray Cropped Pants - NY & Co, $30 (Spring 2005)
Navy Heels - Jessica Simpson/Macy's, super clearance for $20 (Feb. 2008)

Daily Outfits - 07/18/09 & 07/20/09

Happy Monday, darlings! I hadn't planned to take a 3-day vacation from blogging, but the weekend slipped away before I knew it. But, I'm back and hopefully much more regularly. Also, I have a whole list of Reader Questions that I am working on. I wish I could get them all answered more quickly, but as you all know somedays there is just too much to do!

On with the show though . . .

Today I needed an outfit that would see me from work to drinks and a gab-fest with my some of my girlies after work. The weather is supposed to be sunny and 82 today, so the plan is to sit outside at the restaurant we are headed to. Linen pants and a short sleeve light-weight sweater seemed like the perfect combo.

Green Sweater - Old Navy, clearance for $13 (July 2009)
Black Tank - Old Navy, on sale for $7.50 (July 2009)
Linen Pants - TJ Maxx, $20 (April 2009)
Heels - Unisa/TJ Maxx, $35 (2006) + DIY Embellishment
Scarf - H&M, $13 (2008)
Necklace - QVC/Gift from my mom (Spring 2009)

On Saturday I tossed this on to go shopping with my Aunt for a couple of hours (and, I may have tossed it on for a couple of hours of shopping with my Mom yesterday too!)

White Bird Tee - Walmart, $8 (Spring 2009)
Gray Knit Cardi - mark/Avon, $20 (2007)
Jeans - Avenue, clearance for $20 (July 2009)
Scarf - TJ Maxx, clearance for $4 (July 2009)
Coach Flats - In Vogue Consignment, on sale for $32 (Summer 2008)

Daily Outfit - 07/16/09

This outfit is a great example of Baby Step #1 to adding color to your predominately black wardrobe. All of the actual clothing items are black, however, I attempted to keep the look from being "boring" with a scarf, necklace and fun shoes.

Black Sheath Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (2007)
Black Cardi - NY & Co, sale + coupon for $20 (Spring 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, sale + promo code for $10 (Spring 2009)
Pearl Necklace - Burlington Coat Factory, $5 (Spring 2009)
Scarf - Yves Saint Laurent/Thrifted, less than $1 (Spring 2009)
Shoes - Naughty Monkey, compliments of Solestruck.com (Fall 2008)

Speaking of Solestruck, check out their pages and pages of awesome sale shoes for under $50. I am really loving these Jeffrey Campbell Loafers and these awesome burgundy patent heels by Charles David Burch just to name a few!

Daily Outfit - 07/15/09

I feel a bit like a vintage kitchen towel today. Don't get me wrong I love the print on this dress, but it isn't like anything else that I wear so I always feel a bit off. However the bright colors are the perfect thing on a stormy day like today.

Dress - Burlington Coat Factory, $20 (Summer 2008)
Green Tank - Old Navy, $7 (Fall 2008)
Red Caridgan - Lane Bryant, clearance for $6 (Spring 2008)
Belt - Bitten by SJP/Steve & Barry's, $9 (Summer 2008)
Necklace - Vintage/Thrifted, $2 (Spring 2008)
Shoes - Nine West, super sale for $25 (Winter 2009)

Reader Question - Add Some Color!!

Looking in my closet I notice that my go to clothes are black. Black cardigans, tshirts, dresses, ect. Even some of my friends have commented on how much color is missing from my wardrobe. I feel like I wear the same outfit going out all the time: Black tank top, cardigan, and jeans. I'm currently a size 16 and feel like color is scary! In my mind color accentuates tummy pudge on me yet I've seen it done well on other people. Can you help me start to incorporate color? I recently bought a bright green cardigan from old navy but it's been glaring at me from the closet ever since! Any advice you could give would be amazing! -Kelly

Kelly, I can totally relate to this!! I went through a spell right after college in which I bought everything in black. A friend/co-worker used to tease me almost daily about my "black wardrobe" and would practically dare me to wear color. It got to the point I had to force myself to buy color.

I would walk into a store, spy a black top, then stop myself from buying it and look for the same style in a different color. Now, this did result in months of standing in front of my closet thinking, "man, I wish I had this shirt in black!". However, as time went on I was glad I had more color in my wardrobe. After all 95% of the time when you see a woman sporting a "great outfit" it will be filled with color ~ not black. So shake it up and start looking more like Rainbow Brite instead of Elvira!

Oh yeah, about feeling like color accentuates certain pudges you would rather camoflauge - I think this is more about the fabric and the cut of the clothing item than the color. However, if you are still feeling a bit self-conscious start out by adding deep purples, navys, grays, emerald greens and browns. They are still dark colors, but will add a nice change from all of the black.

However, color is still key, so here are some baby steps to adding color to your wardrobe!

Step #1: Start by adding a couple of accessories in a bright color to your black ensembles.

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Plastic Rose Necklace - Urban Outfitters, $18
Quilted Stretch Belt - Buckle, on sale for $6
Nina Fidelma-NL - 6pm.com, $46

Step #2: Add a layer of another bright color and a fun patterned accessory/pair of shoes for a fantastic dose of pizzazz!

Items from above, plus
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Chinese Laundry Barca - 6pm.com, $33.35

Step #3: Continue to get use of all of your black accessories, but add them to outfits whose core items are colorful.

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Calvin Klein Grommet Belt - Bluefly, $30
Nina Fidelma-NL - 6pm.com, $46

Step #4: Soon you be using black minimally in your wardrobe and feeling like a knock-out in color!

Lorraine Dress - Delia's, $44.50
Lightweight V-Neck Cardigan - Old Navy, $24.50
Calvin Klein Grommet Belt - Bluefly, $30
Geometric Swirl Platforms - Charlotte Russe, $32.99

Daily Outfit 07/14/09

I really wish I had a green belt, so I could have participated in the Inspiration Calendar today. I feel a bit off that I haven't done it much this month, but with the new job I have selected my outfits more on what my day's schedule looks like - meeting, property tour, outside/inside, etc. However, in looking at the remainder of the week's "inspirations" I just might be able to do them all!

Polka Dot Dress - Dressbarn/Thrifted NWT, $5 (May 2009)
Black Shirt - NY & Co/Gifted (2001!!!)
Purple Belt - Steve Madden, clearance for $6 (Spring 2009)
Necklace - Thrfited, $4 plus chain (to lengthen) and ribbon I had already and inspired by J. Crew (Spring 2009)
Heels - Unisa/TJ Maxx, $35 (Summer 2006) and bejeweled by me (get your embellishments here)