Monday, August 31, 2009
Daily Outfits - 08/29/09 & 08/31/09
White Shirt - Dots, clearance + coupon for $6.50 (July 2009)
Argyle Cardi - Liz Claiborne, clearance for $20 (July 2009)
Pants - Lane Bryant, clearance for $20 (2006)
Necklace - For Love/Forever 21, $11 (August 2009)
Leopard Flats - Target New Stock at Goodwill, $4 (June 2009)
On Saturday evening, Dave and I had a wine and food tasting event that benefited a local charity to attend. It was a formal event, so I actually got to dress up and treated myself to a new dress and shoes. It was a good time and I even met one of my Flickr Friends unexpectedly that evening!
Dress - Catherine's, on sale + coupon for $65 (August 2009)
Black Ruffle Cardi - Kohl's, clearance for $15 (Spring 2009)
Black Ribbon Belt - came with Dress
Brooch - Kenneth Jay Lane for Avon, $16 (2007)
Earrings - won from Unwrap Life's giveaway
Headband - For Love/Forever 21, $5 (August 2009)
Bow Heels - Paris Hilton/TJ Maxx, $50 (August 2009)
Don't forget to scroll down or click to see the September Inspiration Calendar and if you are a winner of the accesories gift pack! Have a great day!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Inspiration Calendar Participants and Winners!
Thanks to all the participants in September's Inspiration Calendar. I love the 30 looks that were submitted and looking forward to incorporating them with my wardrobe over the next month. As promised, I entered everyone names in a "drawing" to win an goodie box of accessories. I also decided to give away a couple of runner-up gifties too.
The winners are . . .
Becky of Gilding the Frilly won two scarves, a vintage necklace, ring made from a vintage clip-on earring and turquoise quilted wristlet.
ShopKim won the Echo Lilac and Black Scarf on the left and Krissi of What Would Krissi Wear won the Vintage Vera Scarf on the Right.
Congratulations!! Ladies, please email me your address soon, so I can get your goodies in the mail!
Also, for all of you featured in the September Inspiration Calendar, I would be pleased as punch if you add the badge below to your blog (but don't feel like you have to).
September Inspiration Calendar
Below are outfit ideas, color combos, and more to help inspire you to pull together your own great combinations all month long. If you want to check out the previous months' calendars look in the left column for the quick links.
Tuesday, 9/1 - Make it Bright like Treesaw
Wednesday, 9/2 - Look smokin' in a Pencil Skirt like Becky
Thursday, 9/3 - Color Combo: Aqua & Red like Diana
Friday, 9/4 - Make Bermuda Shorts Fab like Milly
Saturday, 9/5 - Get wild with Animal Print like Cindy
Sunday, 9/6 - Mad for Plaid like ShopKim
Monday, 9/7 - Sexy yet appropriate in Red and Leopard like Fashion Addict
Tuesday, 9/8 - Updated Vintage like Kyla
Wednesday, 9/9 - Polished Black and Ivory like Miss Amy
Thursday, 9/10 - Color Combo: Navy & Bright Green like Audi
Friday, 9/11 - Pair a dress over pants like Fair
Saturday, 9/12 - Tone on tone bright w/ a neutral like Meli22
Sunday, 9/13 - Girly Gingham like Danielle
Monday, 9/14 - Color Combo: Blue & Orange like Mariel
Tuesday, 9/15 - Style Mash Up: Rocker w/ Conservative like Tina
Wednesday, 9/16 - Take a night time item and make it work for day like Krissi
Thursday, 9/17 - Black with a pop of color like SneakerstoStilletos
Friday, 9/18 - Style Mash Up: Masculine with Feminine like Clare
Saturday, 9/19 - Accent with Red like D'Rea
Sunday, 9/20 - Pair a white tee and blazer like Sal
Monday, 9/21- Color Combo: Navy & Jeweltones like Sara
Tuesday, 9/22 - Unexpected Combo: Menswear & Animal Print like Evandine
Wednesday, 9/23 - Pair a vest with a skirt like Bella
Thursday, 9/24 - Add a scarf to a polished dress like Nic
Friday, 9/25 - Go super chic in stripes like Marianne
Saturday, 9/26 - Not quite Tights Weather, try grown up kneesocks like Hillary
Sunday, 9/27 - Pair a graphic tee with a skirt like AJ
Monday, 9/28 - Get Ruffly like Veronica
Tuesday, 9/29 - Color Combo: Red, White & Black like Boutique Girl
Wednesday, 9/30 - Taste of Fall with Plaid like Fashion Therapist
Don't forget, you can sync the calendar below with your iPhone, Blackberry or Google Calendar for quick and easy access to the daily inspiration. Have a super stylish September!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Daily Outfit - 08/28/09
Black Tee - TJ Maxx, $13 (July 2009)
Black/White Cardi - TJ Maxx, $20 (July 2009)
White Jeans - Thrifted, $4 (Summer 2009)
Flower Scarf - H & M, $8 (Spring 2009)
Turquoise Necklace - Vintage/Estate Auction, less than $1 (May 2009)
Raspberry Satin Flats - Nine West/Marshalls, clearance for $20 (2007)
Have a fantastic weekend, everyone! I will be posting the September Inspiration Calendar (its a lot to pull together!) and hope to have a special "fancy" outfit to share after tomorrow evening.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Daily Outfit - 08/27/09
Also, last time I wore this jacket I didn't snap it all like intended but the ugly silver snaps bothered me all day. I remedied this today by snapping the top one and pinning a brooch at the top (so Michelle O-like) and then simply covered the remaining two exposed snaps with brooches. I really like the look, and I think is elevates the look of my Kmart jacket quite a bit.
White Tee - Avenue, $13 (Summer 2009)
Lemon-Lime Jacket - Kmart, clearance for $17 (May 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, sale + promo code for $14 (May 2009)
Black/White Pinstripe Pants - Lane Bryant, on sale for $35 (2007)
Top & Bottom Brooch - Jewelry Expressions, BOGO sale - both for $10 (Summer 2009)
Middle Brooch - Kenneth Jay Lane for Avon, promo for $16 (2007)
Pucci Heels - Piperlime, 71% off + $9.03 rebate through ebates
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Reader Question - Add some spice to uniforms!
I have a good one for you...
I'm a new teacher who has to wear a uniform to school. We can wear any color polo shirt or button-front shirt with skirts below the knee, pants or capris in solid black, white, navy or khaki. (I'm lobbying for brown to be an option too. Ugh.)
The very worst part is our shirts have to have the school's logo embroidered on them! Gag me!
I didn't find out this was the protocol on dress until AFTER I was offered the job and accepted. I had visions of great outfits (I'd even made up a few already), and now I'm pretty bummed.
I wondered if you had any out-of-the-box tips for making the sterile polo-and-khakis combo a little less...sterile. I open to pretty much anything except super high heels because I'll be on my feet most of the day. Wedges, flats boots and/or 2.5"ish-or-less heels are definitely OK in the shoe department and all accessories are greatness.
Thanks in advance!
Sarah
Ah, Sarah, thanks so much! While at first having to wear a "uniform" seems a bit boring and bland it can be anything but. Luckily, you can wear any color shirt and several options for bottoms in color and style. The most important thing is to realize that you don't have to wear a white shirt and khakis every day to be in accordance with the dress code. You have options - use them!
Things to keep in mind while shopping for your new wardrobe:
-Look for shirts that have "extra" details like fun sleeves and french cuffs you can add cuff links too (lots of great pairs at thrift stores for mere dollars). Hopefully you can buy whatever shirts you want and have them embroidered with the crest!
-Make accessories your friend!! Add fun pops of color and patterns by adding belts, scarves, fun shoes and more to put your own personal spin on your outfits.
- Don't be afraid to add a "dressy" spin to your uniform by sporting skirts vs. the standard khakis.
- When fall and winter come you can add patterned and colorful tights for a fun pop.
Here are a couple of looks I pulled together:
Left Outfit:
Portrait-collar shirt – Newport News, $29
Slimming Solutions V-Neck Sleeveless Dress - Target, $29.99
Alloy Multicolor Swarovski Brooch – Enternal Sparkles, $19.99 (styling tip: use the brooch to secure the shirt over the dress like I did here with a cardigan)
J. Reneé Swirl Heels - 6pm.com, $19.95
Right Outfit:
Striped Ruffle-Placket Shirt – Old Navy, $14.99
Ponté knit pencil skirt – Newport News, $29
Basket Weave Belt – Forever 21, $9.80
rsvp Desi kitten heels - 6pm.com, $20.94
Left Outfit:
Oxford Shirt – Old Navy, $24.50
Floral Sprig Scarf – Forever 21, $7.80
Button-Pocket Twill Pants – Old Navy, $29.50
Zigi NY BrandI – 6pm.com, $26.16
Right Outfit:
3/4-Sleeve Button-Front Shirt – Old Navy, $14.99
Lotus Buckle Belt – Forever 21, $8.80
Black Skirt – Target, $14.99
Bronx Shoes Miro - 6pm.com, $48.30
Have a great school year, Ms. Sarah!
* Note: The shirts depicted here come crest free - the crest was for demonstration purposes only.
Daily Outfit - 08/26/09
I bought this skirt at the beginning of the summer and have thought about wearing it a couple of times, but never pulled the trigger. I wasn't sure what to pair with it maybe black - seemed too harsh, maybe red - nope, thoughts of Christmas flashed in my head!, maybe blue - I didn't really have the right blue. Then yesterday SheFinds (@shefinds) tweeted about Anna Wintour's style and I saw a picture of Anna wearing a simple white shirt with floral skirt. Coincidentally, today's Inspiration Calendar called for a Bold Skirt with a White Blouse - that sealed the deal aka this outfit!
White Shirt - JC Penney, on sale for $16 (Spring 2008)
Floral Skirt - Kmart, clearance for $12 (Early Summer 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, sale + promo code for $14 (May 2009)
Green Necklace - Charlotte Russe, $7 (August 2009)
Heels - Nine West/6pm.com, on sale for $20 (Feb. 2009)
Speaking of the Inspiration Calendar - a big thank you to all the entries for the September Calendar. Exactly 30 people sent in ideas/links, so the September Calendar will have ideas for every day - not just the work weeks!! I will be putting it all together and sharing soon. Also, I will be announcing the winner of the great accessories gift pack. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Daily Outfit - 08/25/09 & Reader Question about Shoes
(one picture just wasn't enough!)
Yellow Ruffle Front Shirt - Kmart, on sale for $12.50 (Spring 2009)
Black Jacket - QVC, on sale for $22 (August 2009)
Brooch - Jewelry Expressions, on sale for $4 (Spring 2009)
Black Belt - Thrifted, $0.90 (Summer 2009)
Black Skirt - Thrifted, $3.50 (Jan. 2009)
Shoes of Awesomeness - Emilio Pucci/Piperlime, 71% off + 7% rebate from ebates! Unfortunately, they still don't qualify as a fab find under $50 though!
Speaking of shoes, I have received a couple of questions regarding very heels so frequently and if I actually do wear the pair I photograph through out the day. I received this question last evening, so thought I should take a minute to answer.
Hi Kimberly,
I've been following the Fab Finds Under $50 blog for a while and love it!
I have a question about shoes...
You tend to wear a lot of discount heels; they look completely gorgeous,
but I find the less expensive shoes kill my feet! Do you have any
secrets for wearing cute and inexpensive heels without being crippled by
the end of the day?
Thanks!
Adriane
Well, Adriane, thanks for the question and the Fab Finds Under $50 love! I do have an array of heels with most of them falling under the $40 mark. Now a large portion of my favorite shoes are Nine West that are normally around the $80-90 mark, but I score on good sales for $20-25. Nine West is truly my favorite brand because you can get a nice, leather pair in fun colors and styles for a great price (heck, less than what Payless is charging lately!) if you watch your sales and utilize online discounters like 6pm.com.
Now, for the other pairs, I honestly don't have any tips! I have had pairs of $100 BCBGirls shoes that have absolutely killed and pair of $20 Payless ones that I could walk miles in. I think it all depends on the particular pair of shoes and their design.
I know a lot of people utilize various pads and insoles to help cushion their step, but I honestly only have these in one pair (and what do you know, they are a pair of $90 Naughty Monkey heels). Everyone's feet are different, and I feel fortunate that mine allow me to wear the heels I do with minimum discomfort. I wish I had some great secret to share, but unfortunately not!
As for the reader (sorry, I can't recall the name) that asked if I only sport my heels for pictures and then change into something more comfortable - nope! What you see if what I wear all day. Now, I admit my job is about 65% sitting in my office or meetings with the rest of it being out walking around my properties. I do keep an array of short wedges or flats around (in my car and desk drawer) for when I do need to walk around outside in the grass or around downtown since the cobblestones and pavement tears up heels so badly. But I would say I only swap out my heels of the day about 90% of the time.
Thanks for asking!
Monday, August 24, 2009
Daily Outfit - 08/24/09
(just one of Charlize's great looks)
I decided I liked the look of a shirt under the dress though and opted to try this sheer floral top which definitely turned out better.Black Tank - Old Navy, $2 (August 2009)
Sheer Floral Shirt - Dots, $18 (March 2009)
Black Halter Dress - Bahari/Thrifted, $6 (July 2009)
Red Belt - Target, $15 (Sept. 2006)
Heels - Oh Deer!/QVC, $65 (Summer 2006)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Daily Outfits - 08/20/09 & 08/21/09
I have loved the mini-floral patterns that popped up everywhere this summer, but I didn't own any until last week when I picked up this shirt. I love the rich reds and raspberry shades that are in it. Also, it gave me a great excuse to pull out these fun Nine West Satin Flats. They haven't gotten much use this summer unlike last ~ not sure why!
Sheer Floral Shirt - TJ Maxx, $17 (August 2009)
Blue Tank (unseen) - Old Navy, on sale for $2 (August 2009)
Black Pants - Macys, clearance for $32 (Spring 2009)
Purple Cardi - Avenue, clearance for $7 (June 2009)
Raspberry Satin Flats - Nine West/Marshalls, clearance for $20 (2007)
Purple Agate Necklace - Tori Spelling for HSN, on sale for $40 (August 2009)
Yesterday, I hadn't planned to take a break from blogging, but accidentally took my morning pics without the memory card in my camera! I did manage to snap one really quick once at work and just had to share since I was debuting a new pair of shoes!
White Shirt - Dots, clearance + coupon for $6.50 (August 2009)
Grey Skirt - Target, $25 (2005)
Tie Belt - came with skirt
Necklace (unseen, but pearls & flowers) - Forever 21, $13
Purple & Gray Heels - Shoedazzle, $39 (July Selection)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Fierce Footwear from flyJane!
Oh yeah, and in case these gorgeous babies aren't enough to entice you to shop this will be - ENTER CODE: IBLOGFLYJANE and receive $20 OFF your purchase of $100 or more !!
Which pairs are you going to grab?
Left Column Top to Bottom:
Liliana BARB Caged Gladiator Booties $49.90
Miss Me DREAM Snake Dress Sandals $34.90
Liliana FRESA Studded Booties $54.90
Right Column Top to Bottom:
Miss Me MUSE Snakeprint Flats 28.90
Anne Michelle SUCCESS-43 Open Front Booties $44.90
Wild Diva CHANEL Patent Dress Heels $39.90
Daily Outfit - 08/19/09
Black Sheath Dress - Target, clearance for $15 (2007)
Black Shirt (tied in front) - QVC, $20 (August 2009)
Black Heels - Shoedazzle, $39 (August 2009) - had to see but they have the cutest bows!
Earrings - Delaney's (local boutique), $15 (2006)
Necklace - Tori Spelling for HSN, $40 (August 2009)
Scarf - Valentino/Filene's Basement, $40 (June 2009)
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Calling All Fashionistas!!
Yep, that means you!!
I gain outfit inspiration everyday from looking at OPBs (other people's blogs), and I want to include some of those great inspiring outfits with September's Inspiration Calendar.
Please submit a blog link to an outfit you have worn (could be last week, could be last September - you pick!) to be included in the September Inspiration Calendar. There are 22 spots open - if I get more submissions than that I will draw names and if I don't get enough submissions I am going to have to come pestering you to submit an outfit pic (don't make me beg!).
If you submit a link by Tuesday, August 25 you will receive a chance to win a great "Accessories Gift Pack" I have put together that includes a new wristlet, two scarves, a vintage necklace, fun vintage ring and probably more!
You may submit your entry by leaving a comment on this post, submitting one via the Kontactr form at the bottom of the page or emailing me directly.
I can't wait to see your submissions!
Traveling Scarf #2 - Stop #9 Down Under Edition!!
Did you think the Traveling Scarves had gone MIA (if you are new to Fab Finds Under $50 read more about this awesome fashion experiment here)? I know its been a while, but both of them headed abroad and we all know how international mail can be.
This lovely scarf headed down under to the fab Deborah-Lee is enjoying cooler temps than most of us right now. She is wishing for spring while many of us drool over fall fashion right now!
In her words:
Once it arrived though I knew that it was too stylish for me to not try and at least come up with a style worthy of it's splendidness. The images of Rome on it just make me think about Italy and elegant women.
Today (earlier in the week) the Orthodox Church celebrates The Dormition of the Theotokos (the day that Mary died (and also when they opened her tomb to find her body gone).I have both Greek & Italian friends who are celebrating this very special day today. After I'd had my haircut I went to have afternoon tea with one of my Greek friends and her family. This outfit was just right for the ocassion and I got a few lovely compliments. I was able to share about the scarf and they all thought it was just a wonderful thing as well.
Dress: AutographShirt: Target
Shoes: Target
Bracelet: Big W
Necklace: Diva
Handbag: Fiorelli
Thanks so much for playing along, Deborah-Lee. The scarf will be headed back stateside soon as there are many more fashionistas on the list.
Daily Outfit - 08/18/09
Also, with this dress being satin even though it feels the humidity is about 98% outside somehow it still gets static cling. The fix - pinning a safety pin into the side seam to keep the cling at bay.
What fashion tricks keep you looking good?
Satin Dress - Thrifted NWT, $8 (Spring 2009)
Black Ruffle Cardi - Kohl's, clearance for $15 (Summer 2009)
Red Belt - Target, $15 (Sept. 2006)
Black Wedges - JC Penney, clearance + coupon for $7! (Aug. 2009)
Ring - Gift from the sweet Shop Kim
Sweater Clip - Church Rummage Sale, 10 cents (July 2009) & embellished by me
Sweater Clip Before:
With 5 minutes of time, miscellaneous beads and some glue I turned this nothing special sweater clip into an eye-catching necklace alternative (if I do say so myself!).
Monday, August 17, 2009
Reader Question - Denim Skirt and Vest
I am so glad I found your blog...If you only knew how much It has helped me thanks so much!!!! I have no clue as what to wear or fashion or anything like that....I always wear the same shirt with jeans and sneakers LOL
I had a quick question. Would you ever show us how or with what to wear a jean skirt? I just don't have a clue as to with what? I also have a jean vest sitting in my closet from Torrid but again with what? Everything I try to coordinate with looks wrong.
Please help!
Thanks so much,
Lady who thinks your collections are FAnTAStic!!!
Thanks so much for the love! Back in the spring I did share some casual looks to pair with denim skirts - check it out here! Honestly, I think jeans can be swapped out with a denim skirt in almost every outfit. One thing to keep in mind, watch your proportions by making sure that if your skirt or shirt is voluminois that the other isn't. Also, make sure that neither is too long as the overall look can come off as dowdy.
As for the denim vest - pull that thing out and get to wearing it, girl!! Denim Vests are popping up everywhere - in fact, just in the September issue of Marie Claire I spied at least three of them.
Here's a few looks to try for now and as the temps get colder.
Left Outfit:
Ruffled Slub-Knit Top – Old Navy, $15
Feather Print Teardrop Necklace – Forever 21, $7.80
Voile Floral-Print Pleated Skirts – Old Navy, $29.50
Dollhouse Celeste - 6pm.com, $25.88
Center Outfit:
Pleated Jersey Dresses – Old Navy, $15
Beaded T-strap Wedge – Go Jane, $18.90
Alma Stone Bead Necklace – Forever 21, $10.80
Right Outfit:
Sheer Roll-Up Camp Shirt – Old Navy, $20
Butterfly & Flowers Necklace – Forever 21, $7.80
The Diva Skinny Jean – Old Navy, $29.50
Bandolino Dacio 2L – 6pm.com, $31.05
Left Outfit:
Burnout tee shirt with necklace graphic - Lane Bryant, $49.50
Belt trimmed skirt - Lane Bryant, $49.50
Spanx® reversible Tight-End tights - Lane Bryant, $34
Nine West Danissa - 6pm.com, $29.95
Right Outfit:
Lightweight Scoop-Neck Sweaters – Old Navy, $20
Sweetheart Boot-Cut Cords – Old Navy, $29.50
Daisy & Paisley Scarf – Forever 21, $7.80
Type Z Annie Boots– 6pm.com, $44.34
Daily Outfits - 08/14, 08/15 and 08/17
I hope everyone had a great weekend! I didn't do anything super cool, but was busy the whole time with stuff around the homestead, dog sitting, etc. I did manage to do a bit of shopping as well!
Shirt - TJ Maxx, $16 (August 2009)
Black Elbow Sleeve Tee - Target, $6 (Summer 2008)
Pants - JC Penney, on sale ofr $20 (August 2009)
Heels - Nine West/Endless.com, $55 (Fall 2008)
I tossed this on to go shopping on Saturday morning and snag some $2 tanks at Old Navy. I was there right at 10 am when they opened so I wouldn't miss out on them like last time!
White/Gray Stripe Tee - Kohl's, on sale for $10 (August 2009)
Navy Vest - Thrifted, $2 (Summer 2008)
White Jeans - Thrifted, $4 (July 2009)
Necklace - Jewelry Expressions, $12 (Summer 2009)
Coach Flats - In Vogue Consignment Store, on sale for $32 (Summer 2008)
Last Friday I was still super tired from my 16 hour day on Thursday, so I sported a SUPER casual look to work.
White Tunic - Old Navy, clearance for $12 (2007)
Khaki Cropps - Old Navy, clearance for $18 (July 2009)
Scarf - Dots, w/ coupon for $6.50 (August 2009)
Snakeskin Flats - Aldo Outlet, $30 (Feb. 2008)
(Check out the tan lines on my feet from Thursday!!)
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Giveaway Winner!!
The winner of the $25 Famous Footwear Gift Card is . . . Jilliebeanie!!! 
Congratulations, Jill! Email me (kbrinkman79 @ gmail .com) or use the Kontactr form at the bottom of the page to let me know your address by Tuesday, August 18. Happy Shoe Shopping!
Thanks to all that participated in the giveaway!





























