And the Winners Are . . .

The winner of the great Shock Boutique Purse is . . .

Rose!!

And the winner of the Tote from Shoes Got Sole is . . .

Lootz!!





Thanks to everyone who commented and entered the giveaways. Winners, I have emailed you.

30% off at Old Navy - Friday & Saturday

I told myself I wasn't going to do any shopping this weekend since we are leaving for vacation on Wednesday and I will be doing plenty there! Then I received an email from Old Navy saying that everything in their stores is going to be 30% off this Friday and Saturday. I did a little "pre-shopping" online to see if there was anything that caught my eye.

Oh boy, I'm in trouble - I'm not going to be able to stay away! Just look at these super cute tees, cardis, scarves and more!

Clockwise from top left:
Abstract Floral-Print Scarf - $12.50
Floral Jersey Scarf - $10 (how cute would this look with a black/white striped tee for some cute and chic pattern mixing?!)
Slub-Knit Jersey Applique Top - $14.50
Beaded Watercolor-Graphic Tee - $14.50
Slub-Knit Floral Watercolor Tee - $14.50
Watercolor-Graphic Tote - $16.50
Perfect Cardigan - $20
Origami Applique Cardigan - $26.50 (so J.Crew-esque at a fraction of the price!)
Perfect Cardigan - $20 (you know my love of stripes!)
Double-Strand Chunky-Bead Necklace - $10.50
Beaded Waterfall Necklace - $12.50
Bubble-Cluster Necklace - $12.50

The good news is even if I completely jump ship on my "no shopping" weekend and buy everything you see here I will only be out $130! Gotta love that!

From Old Navy's Press Site:
Let’s kick off Spring right, with tons of fab new clothes at even more fabulous prices! The 2-Day Super Sale at Old Navy has something for everyone with every item (except gift cards) on sale for 30% off, Friday and Saturday (1/29-1/30 only).
It’s super simple: you browse, you choose, you buy, you save – 30%! What an amazing chance to turn your closet into a fab wardrobe for the rest of the winter or start of spring. The savings are so huge you don’t even need a coupon!
In fact, we’re so sure you’re gonna love this sale so much, that no new coupons will be available at OldNavyWeekly.com until Sunday. All you need for the 2-Day Super Sale Friday & Saturday is a taste for fun, stylish fashion and savings.
Remember everything’s on sale – except the gift cards.

UPDATED - Here's what I bought at Old Navy during their 30% off sale. I didn't end up getting any cardigans because they didn't have any colors that I don't already have in my collection.

Old Navy Purchases - 1/29/10 by dddgirl79 featuring Old Navy t shirts

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Slub-Knit Floral Watercolor Tees, $12
Old Navy Womens Beaded Watercolor-Graphic Tees, $12
Old Navy Womens Slub-Knit Floral Watercolor Tees, $12
Women's Clothes: Women's Lace-Trim V-Neck Camis: Loungewear &..., $10

More Purses (and a Wallet) for Sale!

Thought I would list a couple of more purses to see if there is any interest since the Guest Room still looks more like a store than a bedroom! :-)

Coach Optic C Purse in Brown - $75 (includes Domestic USPS Priority Mail Shipping)
I purchased this purse at a Coach Factory Store about two years ago. I haven't carried it over 10 times. It measures approximately 11" W x 10.5" H x 3.75" W with a 10.5" drop on the woven strap. It has the cute Coach Turnlock on the top of the bag, lined with brown fabirc and has three interior pockets (one zip and two "cell phone" pockets) with exterior pocket. Signature Material with Leather Trim. purse originally retailed for about $250.

Coach Wallet with Key Ring - $25 (includes Domestic USPS Priority Mail Shipping)
This adorable small wallet is made of robin's egg blue distressed pebbled leather with brown accents. It would be a great wallet to use at work as it will hold money, access cards and keys. It measures approximately 5" W x 3.5" T. This wallet originally retailed for about $140.

Maxx New York Hobo Bag - $22 (includes Domestic USPS Priority Mail Shipping)
I purchased this purse from QVC a while back for about $65. It is a great color combo with the black pebble leather and light tan leather straps. The interior is a gorgeous floral print with lots of pockets and pen holders. You can clip the two straps together to create a cross body look. It comes with a white dust bag and measures approximatley 15" x 10" x 3" with a 7" drop on the shoulder straps.

Also, the Coach Satchel is still available. I've lots of interest, but no buyers.

Coach Heritage Stripe Large Satchel - Khaki Signature Coated Canvas with Geranium Trim - $150 (includes Domestic USPS Priority Mail Shipping)
Coach didn't sell this color combination in the stores or online. They did only a limited run of it and sold it only by ordering it directly from their Jacksonville, FL Distribution Facility (I was lucky enough to have a sales associate check for me when I told her my wish of the Geranium Color in the Large Satchel). It was part of the Heritage Stripe Collection when it first debuted for Spring 2008. It's lined with bright geranium-colored satiny material and is such a fun bag! Measures approx. 12" W, 7.5" H, AND 6" D. I only carried this about 10 times and it comes with the dust bag. The purse originally retailed for $350.

If interested in any of these please email me at kimberly@fabfindsunder50.com. If you are an international reader and interested please feel free to email me also and I can check if there would be any additional shipping charges.

I prefer Paypal as its quick and easy and secure, but would be open to a Money Order from domestic readers. Please feel free to email any questions or leave a comment on this post.

Daily Outfit - 01/29/10

Today's Outfit Inspiration Calendar called for Ruffles and a Boyfriend Cardigan, and I was happy to oblige! At my last job we never had Casual Fridays, and I have to say I really like having one day a work week where I can be more lax in my wardrobe. Sorry to those of you that don't get a casual day!

Purple Ruffle Knit Tee - Macy's, super clearance for $10.50 and purchased with a Gift Card (Jan. 2010)
Gray Knit Boyfriend Cardi - Walmart, clearance for $7 (Jan. 2010)
Super-Wide Leg Jeans - Lane Bryant, clearance for $16 (May 2008)
Scarf - Partricia Field for HSN, clearance for $15 (Spring 2009)
Booties - Coach
Diamond Solitaire Necklace - Gift (diamond from my Grandma's wedding band)
Watch Necklace - compliments of Maurice's (Fall 2009)

Also, I received a question about how I was wearing my scarf yesterday. I took a more detailed picture last evening and updated the post, so if you were wondering check it out!

Another Celebratory Giveaway!!

What's better than celebrating my blog's 1,000th post with a giveaway? Why it's celebrating it with 2 Giveaways!!

Today's giveaway is sponsored by the great folks over at CSN Stores. Have you heard about CSN Stores? They offer merchandise from over 200 Stores - everything from barstools to beautiful bags!

Speaking of bags, check out this great Baggalini Expandable Tote in a hot animal print from Shoes Got Sole.

It would make a great work tote, reusable shopping bag (it can hold up to 8 bottles of wine!) and much more! Also, its made from recycled bottles!

You have up to four entries to win this fabulous carryall!

1) Visit Shoes Got Sole or one of the other 200+ great CSN Stores and tell me what's on your wishlist.
2) Follow my blog (though Blog Lovin', Google Reader or with the Google Friend Connect Option at the bottom of the place) and tell me you are.
3) Follow me on Twitter and leave a comment telling me you.
4) Leave me a comment with a link to a picture/outfit to use in future month's inspiration calendars along with a brief description of the look (i.e. patterned dress with a pop of red).

You must leave a separate comment for each entry on this post (don't use the Kontactr form at the bottom of the page - it won't count), and leave a valid email address with your comment.

Entries are due by NOON EST on Sunday, January 31, 2010. I will select the winner at random later in the day on Sunday, January 31 (I will post it here and email the winner).

Open to US Residents only (sorry international readers - please know that I love and appreciate you too!).

Daily Outfit - 01/28/10

Today's outfit is falls right in line with what the Outfit Inspiration Calendar called for - Black and White with Brown Accents. It worked out perfectly too because it gave me a reason to wear this gorgeous muted leopard print velvet Kenneth Cole scarf that I snagged for a deal at a Consignment Store last fall (still has the $90 price tag on it and I got it for $14!). Since the scarf is a mix of brown and black I opted to wear brown boots and a brown belt despite my jacket and skirt being black.

White L/S Tee - Walmart, $7 (Jan. 2010)
Scarf - Kenneth Cole/Out of the Closet Consignment Store, $14 (Fall 2009)
Purple/Black Brooch - Ann Taylor Loft, super sale for $4 (Dec. 2008)
Black Jacket - QVC, $25 (Summer 2009)
Black Skirt - Thrfited, $3.50 (Jan. 2009)
Brown Belt - Michael Kors/TJ Maxx, $13 (Dec. 2009)
Brown Boots - Target, $38 (Fall 2007)
Pretty Bobby Pin - Shop Kim/Etsy, part of a set for $5 (Fall 2009)

Calli Emma made a guest appearance earlier in the week, but today Smokey wanted to say hi and to make sure you enter the great Shock Boutique Giveaway!

I received a comment inquiring on how I wore my scarf, so I took a close-up once I got home. it's super simple - I just put the long rectangle scarf around my neck and pinned up one of the ends with a large brooch. To finish it off I belted the lower part of the scarf and my jacket covered the end of the drawn up end of the scarf.

1,000 Posts & a Giveaway

Ladies (and gentlemen?), I am so pleased to announce that this is my 1,000th post!!! Can you believe it? Who would have every thought I would have so much to say and share over the past couple of years. Please indulge my slightly nerdy side for a moment:

First Post: Tuesday, January 8, 2008
First Outfit Post: February 11, 2008
First Comment Received on: February 27, 2008
First Day I received multiple comments on the same post: April 10, 2008

(Lesson to be learned: If you are new to blogging - stick with it and people will start to read and comment on your posts!)

Fun Facts about Fab Finds Under $50:
158 - number of countries readers/visitors call home!
2,500 - average number of daily readers
308 - the number of comments received in the past month (more than the first 6 months of blogging combined!)
751 - Number of days I have loved blogging and being a part of this super supportive community!

Top Three Referring Blogs:
Already Pretty (Thanks, Sal!)
Academichic (Thanks, A, E & S!)
My Wardrobe Today (Thanks, Allie - I will always consider you one of the pioneers of daily outfit blogs!)

Top Google Searches (so nice to know that the vast majority of my visitors actually want to be here!):
fab finds under 50
fabfindsunder50
fab finds under $50

Most Random Google Searches bringing peeps to my page:
sausage spread on rye - cat poop appetizer
police outfits under 30 pounds
hand shaped couch

All of the other searches I can honestly say I have written something about (or at least something halfway similar). Unfortunately, the 2,000+ Google Searches bringing people here over the past month have nothing on the hilarity of this lady's!

Now on with the good stuff - A GIVEAWAY!!

Shock Boutique is giving away this awesome Chain Handbag to one lucky Fab Finds Under $50 reader!

You have up to four entries to win this fab purse:

1) Visit Shock Boutique, come back here and leave a comment tell us what you are loving on from the SB site.
2) Follow Shock Boutique on Twitter.
3) Friend Shock Boutique on Facebook.
4) Tell me how you found my blog and approximately when.

You must leave a separate comment for each entry on this post (don't use the Kontactr form at the bottom of the page - it won't count), and you must leave a valid email address with your comment.

Entries are due by 11:59 pm EST on Saturday, January 30, 2010. I will select the winner at random on Sunday, January 31 (I will post it here and email the winner).

Open to US Residents only (sorry international readers - please know that I love and appreciate you too!).

Daily Outfit - 01/27/10

Today the Outfit Inspiration Calendar called for a denim shirt with skirt showing a look from a recent J.Crew catalog. While I love the look, it is a bit too casual for my work environment. So, I opted to wear this denim-esque ponte knit dress.

This outfit is a great example of why I seldom pay full retail prices. There are so many great deals to be had out there and today is proof of that. If you add it all up, I saved approximately 78% off of normal retail prices on this outfit by buying items on sale, using promo codes and shopping at TJ Maxx.

Dress (has the cutest off-center buttons) - Fashion Bug, on sale + promo code for $9 (Jan. 2010)
Cardigan - Carson Pirie Scott, super clearance for $14.50 (Jan. 2010)
Green/Blue Striped Shirt - Old Navy, clearance + promo code for $6 (Jan. 2009)
Belt - Thrifted, 30 cents (March 2009)
Heels - Cole Haan/TJ Maxx, $40 (Dec. 2009)

Today is a BIG DAY at Fab Finds Under $50 - be sure you check back later today for a fun announcement and a giveaway!

February Outfit Inspiration Calendar

It's back! The Outfit Inspiration Calendar is back for it's 10 installment! Can you believe it?! I can't, but I know I have enjoyed having the calendar for days when I just can't figure out what to toss on, and I hope you do too!

Monday, 2/1 - Rockin' in Leopard (and my birthday!)
Tuesday, 2/2 - Vest & Cardi Combo with a Bright Colored Blouse
Wednesday, 2/3 - Boyfriend Cardi and Skirt/Dress
Thursday, 2/4 - Go Highwaisted in a Skirt
Friday, 2/5 - Go Red for Women in a Vest and Skinnies Mix
Saturday, 2/6 - Combo: Gray & Stripes

Monday, 2/8 - Boyfriend Blazer & Skirt Mix
Tuesday, 2/9 - Belted Jacket with a Pretty Tee
Wednesday, 2/10 - Tunic & Blazer Combo
Thursday, 2/11 - Go Girly with Pearls
Friday, 2/12 - Soft Hues a la J.Crew
Saturday, 2/13 - Go Casual in Denim & Red

Monday, 2/15 - Mix it Up - Animal Print & Another Pattern
Tuesday, 2/16 - Make a "Nighttime" Dress work for day
Wednesday, 2/17 - Color Combo: Black and Tan
Thursday, 2/18 - Classic Black & White Mix
Friday, 2/19 - Boyfriend Blazer & Scarf
Saturday, 2/20 - Stripes, Denim & a Fab Necklace

Monday, 2/22 - Bow Blouse and Vest Combo
Tuesday, 2/23 - Look Scholarly in Cream & Tweed
Wednesday, 2/24 - Pattern Mix: Plaid and Polka Dots
Thursday, 2/25 - Skirt Dress as Jacket
Friday, 2/26 - Be Pretty in Soft Neutrals
Saturday, 2/27 - Rock it in Royal Blue

Sync the Fab Finds Under $50 Calendar with your iPhone, Blackberry, Google Calendar or print it for easy access!

Want to check out past months' Outfit Inspiration Calendars? Click on the quick links in the left-hand column!

Do you share your inspired outfits on your blog? Be sure to leave a comment with a link so we can all be inspired by your looks!

Do you follow the calendar but don't have a blog (or even if you do!)? Join the Fab Finds Under $50 Calendar Inspiration Group on Flickr and share pictures or collages of your inspired looks! It's a great group of gals that share lots sweet words!

This month's looks are from the following:
Seventeen Magazine (Feb. Issue), Shock Boutique, Looklet, Lane Bryant, Forever 21, NoaNoa, Talbots, Dots, Anthropologie, Shop Ruche, Banana Republic and Chico's

Daily Outfit - 01/26/10

I admit it - I was totally selfish when I included this picture in the January Outfit Inspiration Calendar.

I knew I had this skirt (which I had only worn once) and this cardi (which I had never worn) with the awesome detailing on the back (see detail picture below), and this inspiration picture would prompt me to pull them out and wear them. Also, I think it is a totally cool color combo!

Black Turtleneck - TJ Maxx, $13 (Dec. 2009)
Gray Cardi - TJ Maxx, $17 (Dec. 2009)
Skirt - Thrifted, $0.69 (Spring 2009)
Black Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $10 (2008)
Gray Heels - Nine West/TJ Maxx, $35 (Fall 2009)
Necklace - NY & Co, on sale for $20, (Summer 2009)

PURSE UPDATE - The Longchamp has been sold and will be making its way to Monica in NYC today (thanks, Monica!). I have updated yesterday's posting with pictures of my actual Coach bag. I have a couple of interested readers, but nothing official yet. Feel free to email me if you are interested!

Lastly, Calli Emma wanted to say "Hello and be sure to check back later since the February Inspiration Calendar will be posted this afternoon!".

Spring Trend - Now & Later Bonus Round

A lot of you really liked the Spring Trend Now and Later Series of posts over the past few days. So, I thought I would do a couple more to share over the next week or so (I have lots of other fun posts to share too!).

Today's item, the Statement Necklace, isn't a new trend, but it is one that is definitely sticking around for a while. Personally this makes me very happy as I think Statement Necklaces are a great way to add some va-va-voom to even the most simple outfits.

Glitter Lucite Bib Necklace - Charlotte Russe, $12.50

The Looks:

Get glammed up for a night out on the town with this wrap dress, necklace and a fab pair of shoes. Also, layer a pair of metallic fishnets over a pair of tights - you will be sparkly and warm!

Tie-Front Wrap Dress - Old Navy, $29.50
Basic Tights - Charlotte Russe, $4.99
Metallic Fishnets - Charlotte Russe, $8.99
Black Peep Toe Heels - 6pm.com, $30.00

In the spring, you can easily shed the tights and still wear the great dress, necklace and heels!

Or you can kick it casual in the mix of a simple top, beat-up jeans and fun espadrilles (complete with sequins!).

Dolman sleeve cotton satin top - eShakti, $34.95
Weekend Jeans - Old Navy, $34.50
Nadia Espadrilles by Gabriella Rocha - 6pm.com $14.75

Daily Outfit - 01/25/10

Ahhh, Monday - they seem to roll around so fast! However, they make up about 1/7th of your life, so better enjoy it.

Today the Outfit Inspiration Calendar called for Polka Dots, so I thought it would be a great day to break out my new polka dot bow tie. I have wanted a bow tie for a while now and kept thinking I would find one at a thrift store. However, whenever I would find one it would be pre-tied and wouldn't work with the look I had envisioned. So, when I won a gift card I could use at ABCNeckties (an affiliate company of Handbag Heaven, Affordable Scarves and Inexpensive Watches that I highly recommend!) I knew I had to order one up!

Magenta Button Up Shirt - Roaman's, super sale for $6 (Jan. 2010)
Black Dress - Target, clearance for $12.50 (Jan. 2009)
Bowtie - ABC Neckties, $21 (purchased with gift card - Jan. 2010)
Belt - Came with Dress
Black Heels - Aerosoles/6pm.com, $25 (Sept. 2009)
Diamond Solitaire Necklace - Gift

Just a few of the many ways I have worn this dress over the past year:

Have a fantastic week, ladies!

Purses for Sale!

Those of you that follow me on Twitter (@FabFinds50) know that I sold one of my Louis Vuitton Purses on ebay recently. Well, I still have lots of purses that I rarely use, so thought I would see if there was any interest for them here since Ebay can be a pain and auctions nerve-wracking for both the seller and buyers.

SOLD - Longchamp Le Pliage Tote/Purse - Black with Brown Leather Trim

I purchased this bag at the Longchamp store at The Forum Shops at Caesars in Las Vegas in February 2008. I haven't carried it more than 15 times, and it's still in fantastic condition. I can take pictures of my actual bag and email them to you if you are interested. It's great to use as a purse or tote to haul your lunch, etc. in to work. Then it folds up nicely and can be tossed into another purse/bag. More details on Longchamp's site here.

Retails for $88, asking $44 (includes Domestic Priority Mail Shipping)

Coach Heritage Stripe Large Satchel - Khaki Signature Coated Canvas with Geranium Trim
Updated with actual pictures of my purse. Coach didn't sell this color combination in the stores or online. They did only a limited run of it and sold it only by ordering it directly from their Jacksonville, FL Distribution Facility (I was lucky enough to have a sales associate check for me when I told her my wish of the Geranium Color in the Large Satchel). It was part of the Heritage Stripe Collection when it first debuted for Spring 2008. It's lined with bright geranium-colored satiny material and is such a fun bag! Measures approx. 12" W, 7.5" H, AND 6" D Again, I only carried this about 10 times and it comes with the dust bag.

Originally retailed for $350, asking $150 (includes Domestic Priority Mail Shipping) I've had a couple of interested readers, but will sell it to the first lovely lady that "shows me the money".

If interested please email me at kimberly@fabfindsunder50.com. If you are an international reader and interested please feel free to email me also and I can check if there would be any additional shipping charges.

I prefer Paypal as its quick and easy and secure, but would be open to a Money Order from domestic readers. Please feel free to email any questions or leave a comment on this post.

Thanks for helping me turn our Guest Room back into a bedroom instead of purse storage! :-)

Spring Trend - Now and Later #5

Last, but not least, I think a colorful bag is a great way to welcome spring with open arms! However, it is a fantastic way to interject color into your winter wardrobe also and wish the gray winter skies away.

Green handbag(Lauren Woven) - Handbag Heaven, $39.95

The Looks:

What better way to liven up a tone-on-tone brown outfit than with a punch of color from your handbag!

Shawl Collar Cardi - Old Navy, $26.50
Brown Tank - Old Navy, $8.50
Belt - Forever 21, $8.80
Shorts - Forever 21, $19.80
Assets Tights - Target, $14
Peep-Toe Booties - Torrid, $32

When the warm temps arrive this bag will look fantastic with a maxi dress, lightweight scarf and sandals!

Maxi Dress - Target, $24.99
Multi-Colored Scarf - Affordable Scarves, $8.03
Earrings - Forever 21, $2.80
Gladiator Sandals - Target, $9.98

I hope you enjoyed these Spring Trends Now and Later Posts over the past couple of days.