Reader Question - Bridesmaid Dress x 2

I've been a reader for a while, and I love your style and ability to look so put together! I know it's a lot to ask, but I figured it couldn't hurt to email you to see if you could help me in my quest to accessorize my dress that I'll be wearing for two weddings within a week of one another in June, for one of which I will be a bridesmaid.

For the wedding in which I will be a bridesmaid, I need to wear metallic shoes, but I wear a size 11 and am tall, so I don't really like to go above 3" heel heights. To add to the criteria, I don't know yet if the aisle will be grass or flagstones, so I need to make sure 1) I don't trip, and 2) I don't sink in the grass! I'd also be really interested in hearing your ideas about how to accessorize and how to make the dress look different between the 2 weddings. Luckily, my husband will be the only one attending both, but there will still be pictures, and with baggage fees these days, I figure the less stuff to pack, the better.

Thank you for your time, and keep up the great blogging!

Katie
Katie, the good thing here is the bridesmaid dress is very cute and looks like a piece you can work into your wardrobe for many events to come which isn't common with bridesmaid dresses!

(tiny bit "peachier" IRL)

For the wedding in which you will be in I found a few metallic shoe options. Luckily, more and more retailers are expanding their size selection, so size 11s weren't that difficult to find. The shoes below are from easy to find and inexpensive retailers Famous Footwear and Payless.

Now, normally when I hear cobblestone and/or grass I would be drawn to finding a wedge heel, however wedges can seem bulky and not quite as dressy as what you need for this special day. However, there is a solution! There are great things called SoleMates. SoleMates are little "heel caps" that slip on your shoe's heel that protect the heel from nicks that can come from walking on uneven services and keeping you from sinking into grass

You can pick these little $10 goodies up at a retail store or order online. If you think the whole bridal party might be interested you can even set up a 10% discount!

Now for the second wedding you will be attending, you can take accessorizing this dress in a number of directions depending on what kind of wedding you expect it to be.

First off on the left, you can go with a "tortoise" looking wedge and silver/brown necklace for a bit of more casual twist.

In the middle you can see a more nighttime, glam look with either the crystal bauble necklace or floral statement necklace with a black patent heel.

On the right, you make the main focus either a bright, chunky turquoise necklace or longer multi-strand necklace. Finish the look with neutral wedges and you are set!

Shopping Guides:
Metallic Shoes
Accessory & Shoe Options

April Inspiration Calendar

Don't know what to wear in April? Here are a few ideas! To check out past months' calendars, click here.

Thursday, 4/1 - Dress like Betty Suarez (April Fool's!! - instead add a little pattern to your outfit)
Friday, 4/2 - Pattern Mix: Gingham & Polka Dots
Saturday, 4/3 - Denim with a Long Scarf

Monday, 4/5 - Drape a scarf around your neck & belt it
Tuesday, 4/6 - Stripes w/ a scarf tossed over your shoulders
Wednesday, 4/7 - Loosely belt a dress & jacket combo
Thursday, 4/8 - Add some dramatic flair with a large scarf
Friday, 4/9 - Try some suspenders
Saturday, 4/10 - Rolled up jeans & a cardi

Monday, 4/12 - Sheath Dress over stripes
Tuesday, 4/13 - Belt a scarf with Pants
Wednesday, 4/14 - Black, White & Gray Chanel-esque Combo
Thursday, 4/15 - Dress & Denim Jacket Combo
Friday, 4/16 - Crisp Preppy w/ a White Shirt, Scarf & Loafers
Saturday, 4/17 - White Tee and a Bright Belt

Monday, 4/19 - Belted Vest
Tuesday, 4/20 - Cropped Suit
Wednesday, 4/21 - Patterned Dress & Cardi Combo
Thursday, 4/22 - Two Options to Pick From: Accordion Skirt or Black/Cream Combo
Friday, 4/23 - Belted Stripes
Saturday, 4/24 - Sherbet Tones & Denim

Monday, 4/26 - Black Dress with White and Red
Tuesday, 4/27 - Lady-like combo of a skirt & jacket
Wednesday, 4/28 - Belt an oxford over a dress
Thursday, 4/29 - Navy/Yellow Combo
Friday, 4/30 - Stripes & Denim Layers with Gray Pants

Sync up with the Outfit Inspiration Calendar for easy access:


This month's looks are from the following:
CAbi Canary, Lands End Canvas, Lucky Magazine, Bazaar Magazine, Lacoste Ad, Tod's Ad, Talbots Lookbook, WorkChic Blog, InStyle Magazine, Ann Taylor Loft, and J. Crew

Giveaway - Great MultiplEYE mascara reviews

Who loves big, thick, long eyelashes? I know I do, so when I read about tarte introducing new MultiplEYE products to increase lash volume and length I nearly squealed out loud!

Here is your chance to win a tarte Multipleye mascara (retail value $24)! To enter simply leave a comment on this post telling me why you need or want the MultiplEYE mascara*!

If you aren't sure if you need the mascara, just read all of these great multiplEYE reviews. Also, want really smokin' eyes? Pair the mascara with the tarte eye couture day to night eye palette!

*One entry per person. This giveaway is open to US Residents only. Enter now through Tuesday, April 6!

Daily Outfit - 03/30/10

I must really love this necklace, belt and shoes together. I sported the combo just last Thursday, but I think the rest of the outfit is different enough not to seem like I am wearing the same thing. Today is going to be a 13+ hour day by the time I get home again since I have a couple of evening meetings set up. I wanted something comfy yet pulled together and think this combo fits the bill.

Dress - Dressbarn, on sale for $28 (worn as skirt) (Early Fall 2009)
Rope Tee - Walmart, clearance for $5 (Feb. 2010)
Necklace - Ebay, $20 (March 2010)
Belt - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, $1 (Feb. 2010)
Heels - Payless, $25-ish (Spring 2009)

Winners!

Yay!!! I am excited I get to announce a couple of winners today!

First, the winner of the N V Perricone No Foundation Foundation is C (Comment #4).

C, I sent you an email, so be sure to respond with your address.

Next, the winner of the Price Is Right Challenge is Jennifer S. While her itemization of my outfit was off, her guess of the total cost was within $0.62!! I'm glad you all seemed to like this little guessing contest - I will have to keep that in mind for the future!

The breakdown:
Shirt - $2.99 (from Kmart)
Cardi - $2.99 (from Kmart)
Jeans - $46.80 (Macy's)
Necklace - $4.80 (Forever 21)
Total - $57.58

Jennifer, email me your address so I can send you the pack of goodies (kimberly @fabfindsunder50.com).

Thanks to everyone that entered. If you like Giveaways be sure to check back later today for another great one!!

Reader Question - Stripe Vest Outfits

Love this blog, first of all!

I recently purchased a long, navy and white striped cardigan vest from Old Navy. I was really drawn to the stripes and nautical-ness of it, but now I'm at a loss for what to wear it with, specifically what to wear under the vest!

I'd love to get your input!

Thanks SO much! :)
Anne

Anne, thanks so much for your email and sweet words! While you didn't send a picture, I'm pretty sure I tracked down the same vest you bought. I have been tempted buy this vest myself as I love the top part of it and of course the stripes!

You can do so much with this vest and below are just six examples of outfits you can try with your new vest.

Left Outfit - For work you could layer the vest over a navy blouse, and toss on a colorful necklace and gray pants for a pulled together look.

Right Outfit - For a casual look layer the vest over a pretty graphic tee, paired with shorts (or jeans) and finish off the look with cute sunglasses and sandals.

Left Outfit - Layer the vest over this cute shirtdress for a multitude of occasions and finish off the look with a summer tote and wedge sandals.

Right Outfit - Create a crisp and polished look by layering the vest over a bright yellow top and white pants.

Left Outfit - Try a little something different with this outfit - Wear the vest as a top by layering it (buttoned up) over a tank and tuck it into a skirt, add a lightweight cardigan over the vest and finish off with heels and a necklace.

Right Outfit - For a casual look wear the vest unbuttoned over a maxi dress and toss on a fun wide brimmed straw hat and sandals.

Well, Anne, there are a few items. I think you are going to find this vest to be a year-round staple very soon!

Shopping Guides:
Top Set
Middle Set
Bottom Set

What Time Is It?

Ever since the 5th grade when I fell in love with Swatch Watches I have worn a watch daily. I know it seems a little silly considering I could just glance at one of the two cell phones I carry or a multitude of other electronic devices that surround me. However, I just love watches and feel a wee bit naked without one on my wrist.

Apparently, a lot of fashion mags are loving them too. As you can see below Marie Claire, Bazaar and Elle all show lots of watches in their April Issues.

Unfortunately, the vast majority of the watches they feature are $1,000 +!

If you want to add a timepiece or two to your collection here are some great ones from Inexpensive Watches and the best part is they all range from $13 - $28!! What a great, frugal way to add a little something extra to your outfit.

Classic Black and Oversized just like the ones Marie Claire and Bazaar featured.

Gorgeous brown which goes fantastically with all of the coral, turquoise, green and lilac clothing items that are plentiful for Spring and Summer. Bazaar and Elle are also fans.



But let's not forget that spring is upon us and what better way to celebrate the season than with a bright colored watch to add a little pop!

So how about you? Do you wear a watch? Think you might grab a new one for Spring?

Click below to start shopping!

Daily Outfit - 03/26/10 & Giveaway

Welcome to the Price is Right! Okay, I'm not Bob Barker or Drew Carey, but I thought I would make today a little interactive and extra fun for a Friday. Below you can see my outfit for the day, but instead of sharing the prices I paid for each piece I thought I would have you guess.

The person who is closest to the total price without going over will win the prize pack of accessories below from my personal stash. If there is a tie I will split up the accessories (at my discretion). If it by chance gets bigger than a 3-way tie I will randomly select a couple of winners through Random.org.

The outfit:

Shirt - ??
Cardigan with Ruffle Trim - ??
Jeans - ??
Necklace - ??
Booties - Coach (Dec. 2009)
Purdue Bracelet - Gift from a friend (Go Boilers!!)

To enter, please leave a comment on this post with the total amount you guess I paid for the for the shirt, cardigan, jeans, and necklace (don't include the shoes, any other jewelry or anything else in your guess) by the end of the day on Sunday, March 28. I will name the winner(s) on Monday, March 29.

Tips:
- I won't be including sales tax or any possible shipping charges in my total amount.
- I have worn the jeans and the necklace on the blog before (but I rounded up the price when posting it), but the shirt and cardigan are new.

Have fun and remember, help control the pet population. Have your pets spayed or neutered!

Accessories to be given away include Gray/Lime Green Knit Scarf, White Necklace, Navy/Khaki lace print sash/scarf, vintage silver disc stretch belt, green/red/coral/white large square scarf, and "crystal" pendant necklace.

What's In My Bag

Preppy With a Twist* is having a fantastic giveaway right now for a gorgeous Talbot's Purse. One of the ways you can enter is by sharing what's currently in your bag. Well, let me just say I love seeing what others carry around, so of course it is only fair for me to share what's in my bag!

1/ Cooler E-Reader & Case
2/ Coach Camera Case & SD Card Reader & Palm Pre Phone
3/ "Work Wristlet" full of Building Access Cards, Work Phone & Lots of keys
4/ Coach Wristlet full of Coupons & Store Promos
5/ Coach Cosmetic Case w/ Mirror, Lipgloss & Powder
6/ Juicy Couture Sunglasses Case (w/ Aviators inside)
7/ Antrhopologie Notebook for random lists and ideas
8/ Coach Checkbook Cover
9/ Louis Vuitton Wallet
10/Purse Organizer that holds my earbud holder, pen, reusable bag, lipglosses, lots of gum, iPod Touch, hand lotion

What's in your bag? There are a couple of more hours to enter!

*If you don't already read this blog, you need too! Mariel sports some seriously awesome combinations that are comprised of a mix of high and low priced items, great colors and more. Plus she's a sweetie!

Reader Question - Closed-toe Summer Shoes

I love love love spring and summer, but it is also the time of year that I start having wardrobe issues. Are there any cute, affordable shoes out there for spring and summer that are not open toe? I always have a difficult time with finding shoes for work in warmer months, especially to go with dresses and skirts.
Morgan

Morgan, thanks for the question! While, at first thought Spring and Summer screams sandals and showing off those pretty pedicures there are still lots of ways to incorporate S/S '10 trends into your wardrobe with closed-toe shoes.

First up, soft feminine ruffles, floral prints, colorful wedges, and pretty patterns are aplenty in closed-toe shoe options.

Also, cute girly oxfords are hitting the scene hard and this trend is perfect for you with its closed-toes. Neutrals are also great because they keep things light and can make your legs look a mile long and you can never go wrong with classic espadrilles.

Shopping Guides
Ruffles, Floral Print, Colorful Wedges and Pretty Patterns Set
Oxfords, Neutrals and Espadrilles Set

Daily Outfit - 03/25/10

Sometimes you just have to wear an outfit that is all about the accessories and this is one of those outfits. With a big ole necklace like this I opted to keep things simple. At first I was going to layer a white button up shirt over the dress, belted, and under the jacket, but decided I didn't want to deal with all of those layers today.

Black Dress - Target, clearance for $12.50 (Jan. 2009)
Jacket - Simply Fashions, clearance for $7 (March 2009)
Cream Belt - Target New Stock @ Goodwill, $1 (Feb. 2010)
Cream Heels - Payless, $25-ish (Spring 2009)
Necklace - ebay, $20 w/ shipping (March 2010)

Reader Question - Maxi Dress Toppers

I love your blog, you have helped me with so many fab finds. I just bought the attached maxi dress from NY & Co. It's reg. $60, but I used their mailing list coupon and got it for $35! But I feel like it needs something over it, like a jacket of some kind. Can you help me find some casual and more dressy items that would work over top? I'm border line plus-size, like some plus stuff is too big, and some non-plus stuff is too small--sucks!

Thanks!
Sara

Sara, that is a great dress and way to be a bargain shopper with your coupon! Since you said you are border line plus-size I made sure to shop retailers that offer more "misses" sizing (vs. juniors) and offer a good variety of sizing (like NY & Co and Old Navy).

Below you can see I pulled together a white linen blazer and a slub knit cardigan that can even be belted if you want more of a streamlined silhouette.

You can never go wrong with a classic denim jacket either. Other options include an open-front casual vest or lightweight knit shrug.

Enjoy your new maxi dress - there is so much you can do with it!!

Shopping Guides
Top Set including Blazer & Cardigan
Bottom Set including Jean Jacket, Vest & Shrug

Daily Outfit - 03/24/10

Since I wore a Blazer over Stripes twice last week I decided to ignore the Outfit Inspiration Calendar today and wear a pretty new dress! In fact, this dress might look somewhat familiar as I just featured it yesterday in response to a Reader Question.

I opted to have the dress customized with 3/4 sleeves vs. the cap sleeves that came on it. As I have said before I don't really care for my upper arms, so covering them is key. Plus, with this modification it made the dress more seasonless and appropriate for a multitude of occasions.

Dress - eShakti, $50 + $15 for modification (March 2010)*
Vest - Simply Fashion, clearance for $5 (Spring 2009)
Belt - came with a dress
Necklace - Forever 21, $7 (Feb. 2010)
Heels - Michael Kors/6pm.com, $55 (Dec. 2009)

* I have received a couple of comments/emails about eShakti and how I feel about their clothes and process.

First off, eShakti is a company that offers size 0 to 26W and every garmet is "customizable" with sizing, sleeve type, length, and more. The modification does cost $15 extra per garment.

I have to say while I tend to be a super bargain shopper, I am willing to pay the extra money for eShakti items. I love being able to modify the garments and their stuff is so cute. A lot of their offerings have a fun Anthropolgie-vibe that is hard to find in plus sizes. As I wrote above I don't like my upper arms and prefer the items I wear to hit at least at elbow length. Do you know how hard it is to find those in cute summer tops? Nearly impossible! Most of eShakti's items are customizable with 9 different sleeves types.

Also, they are super quick! I ordered this dress on Friday, March 12 in the evening along with a top - both items I specified different sleeves on. I received the package at my house on Monday, March 22. Now that is fast!

As for quality, the garments are very nicely finished off. Their Cotton Satin is a lightweight cotton, but they double it or add a lining so there are no issues there. The shirt I ordered had embroidery along the top which is absolutely gorgeous and well done.

I'm a fan. But keep in mind, if you try it and aren't pleased they have a very nice return policy.

Disclosure - eShakti did provide me a complimentary dress (not this one) for review purposes.

Reader Question - Sexy Plus Size Dresses

My husband of 13 years and I are planning an overnight getaway in the near future. I would love to surprise him with a sexy dress for our "date". I am a plus-sized gal and definitely not into fashion so I'm a little clueless. That's another reason why it would be a huge surprise to him if I were to actually pull off an awesome outfit.

Things to consider would be that I'm a size 22/24 and just recently gave birth to our third child so I'm a little extra soft in the middle currently. I do not care for sleeveless as I feel that my arms are quite unattractive. We are also pretty conservative people so I don't want to be too revealing. I believe sexy can be achieved without revealing all of my secrets to everyone I encounter. I'm not opposed to an outfit where I could throw in some fun. Such as fishnet stockings or the like. I'm not very skilled at walking in heels though so that my not be doable. I'd love to see what you could come up with!

Please help this poor fashion ignorant woman.

Thanks,
Amy C

Amy, congrats on the 13 years and 3 children. You deserve a weekend away and a new hot outfit!

I am totally with you in believing that you don't have to expose all your goodies to be sexy. :-) Also, I am totally with you in not being a fan of my upper arms. I am always amazed at how many dresses are made either sleeveless or with cap sleeves. However, there are still options that do have sleeves.

eShakti is a great company that offers a wide range of sizes (0-26W) and you can customize their items for a nominal $15 fee. The dress below is shown with cap sleeves but you can select from a total of 9 different sleeve types to have this dress modified with (along with size and length modifications)! I actually just ordered this same dress with 3/4 length sleeves, and I know it will be great for work, casual weddings and more! Bonus - sign up with eShakti and receive a code to save $15 off your first order!

Accessorize this gorgeous blue dress with glitzy earrings, a gold evening bag and low metallic wedges and you will be looking ha-ha-hot!

This great pink dress can be dressed up with a fab pair of earrings, textured hose and a pair of sweet kitten heels.

Lastly, this eShakti dress is an instant classic with its wrap styling and will not only be perfect for your date night but an array of functions and events in the future. For your date night add a bauble necklace, sequined clutch and another pair of metallic wedges.

Have a great weekend away and enjoy knocking your hubby's socks off when he sees how glam you can be!

Shopping Guides
Blue Dress
Pink Dress
Black Dress