30 for 30 Remix Challenge - - Sort of

The blog world is again a flutter with Kendi's 30 for 30 Remix Challenge. I think it is a great idea and a wonderful exercise to learn how to remix the items in your closet. However, its not for me (for a variety of reasons). I feel like I know how to remix things (after all I haven't repeated an exact outfit in over 3 years and it definitely hasn't been all new stuff!) without the challenge.

I also know that FFUF readers like remixing, seeing posts about remixing, "must have" items and making the most of the items in their closet. So, this time around I opted to do a hypothetical 30 for 30 challenge. I selected 30 items from my closet and over the next 30 days I will be posting a collage of a remix outfit in addition to my normal daily outfits (that aren't part of the challenge).

Here are the 30 item I selected for the challenge:




On Tuesday, I will post my first remixed outfit collage!

I have already established the 30 outfits (thanks to the Stylebook app on my iPhone), and still have some ideas so it looks like I will be posting more than 30 outfits. 

Daily Outfit - 01/31/11

Today is the big Pretty Little Liars Style Challenge! I chose a "Hanna" outfit for the day. It isn't a stretch for me as I regularly incorporate Hanna style elements into my daily outfits along little bits of "Aria" and "Spencer". I went with a Hanna look today because I was dying to wear this new blue skirt and polka dot top that I bought recently.





Polka Dot Top - Old Navy, clearance for $9 (Jan. 2011)
Black Cardigan - Walmart, $14 (Jan. 2011)
Key Necklace - Tiffany & Co/gifted last year on my birthday
Belt - NY & Co, on sale for $14 (2009)
Blue Skirt - Fashion Bug, clearance for $10 (Jan. 2011)
Patent Wedges - Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx, $40 (Dec. 2010)

Did you wear an outfit inspired by Hanna, Aria, Spencer or Emily today? If so, make sure you enter the Pretty Little Liars Style Challenge co-hosted by Fashion Momma and myself.

Click here to enter for a chance to win the $20 Amazon Gift Card!

My inspiration:

Pretty Little Liars Style Challenge

Don't forget tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 31, is the Pretty Little Liars Style Challenge. Wear your best "little liars" outfit tomorrow, click here, and fill out the form for a chance to win a $20 Amazon Gift Certificate!

Can't wait to see your look!

Call for Submissions: March Outfit Inspiration Calendar

I know I just posted the February Outfit Inspiration Calendar last week, but I am already thinking about March. Help me make another awesome calendar by submitting one of your great looks! Just fill out this form Feb.18. Thanks!

Same But Different

Do you ever buy something and think "yay! I got a great deal"? Then a little later see something that totally confirms your excitement and even expands upon it? Well, that happened to me this week.

Earlier in the week I was thinking "I want some fun skirts". I feel like I have been stuck in a black and gray rut lately. So, I was looking around online and found a fun sequined animal print skirt and a sky blue satin skirt on Fashion Bug's site. Both were on super sale and I ordered them right up. Then while checking out some sale purses on Kate Spade's site I came across two similar looking skirts for way MORE MONEY!! Granted the style is different, but one is sequined animal print and the other a pretty blue just like my Fashion Bug skirts.

I proceeded to do a happy dance and type up this post to share. :-)





Has this ever happened to you?  How do you celebrate?

Friend Friday - Blogger Mechanics

1. What technology do you use in blogging? (computer, camera, video camera, tripod, etc...)

I use my laptop computer (HP G72-B67) and sometimes my work PC (shhh, don't tell!), Nikon Coolpix S60 camera (sometimes the camera on my iPhone), and tripod. When I do make videos I use the webcam on my laptop or the video option on my camera.




2. What computer and online technology do you use? (blogging system, photo storage, photo editing tools, etc..)

FFUF is though blogger, but I do own my own domain. I host all of my pictures through flickr, and use PhotoScape, Picassa and just recently Photoshop Elements 9 for photo editing. Truth be told, I don't know anything about white balance and adjusting levels in the pictures, but I do love making collages!

3. What is your process for taking pictures?

My process is super simple and it takes me about 2 minutes in the morning. I set my tripod in the same spot in my living room, attach my camera, take 2-3 pics using the timer, snap a couple of more detail shots and that is that. I know the quality of my pictures isn't the best nor look like a mini magazine editorial shoot, but that isn't me nor FFUF's goal.
4. When it comes to backdrops for your photos what do you consider? Do you scout locations or shoot the same spot daily?

I scouted one located 3 years ago and it has served me well. :-)

5. If you could splurge and get one new piece of equipment what would you be buying?

Hmmm, maybe a different camera. It would be cool to have a nice one with a remote, but considering I take less than 5 pics a day it would be a big waste of moo-lah.

To read more about Friend Friday check out Modly Chic. 

February Outfit Inspiration Calendar

It's another great Outfit Inspiration Calendar filled with other bloggers sharing their unique style. Thanks to all the participants that submitted looks (and if you didn't get yours in this time around, don't worry there is always March).




Tuesday, 2/1 - Animal Print and Stripes (Me)
Wednesday, 2/2 - Ruffles (image via LOFT)
Thursday, 2/3 -Wine and Olive Color Combo (Daily Jo Haiku)
Friday, 2/4 - Go Red for Women in a combo of red and black (Keep Warm)
Saturday, 2/5 - Tunic and Leggings Combo (Tall Girl Blogging)





Monday, 2/7 - 50's glam - belted cardigan over a printed A-line dress! (Fatale Fashion)
Tuesday, 2/8 - Perfect in a Pencil Skirt (Nobody's Princess)
Wednesday, 2/9 - Classic with a Funky Twist (Loving the Reflection)
Thursday, 2/10 - Pin and/or belt a waterfall cardigan into an asymmetrical silhouette (Interrobangs Anonymous?)
Friday, 2/11 - Slouchy Top with a Denim Skirt (image via LOFT)
Saturday, 2/12 -Day wear with a glistening side (ModlyChic)





Monday, 2/14 - Show Red some love for Valentine's Day! (OriginalCyn)
Tuesday, 2/15 -Dress up denim/black with a pop of yellow (Classroom Chic)
Wednesday, 2/16 -Monochromatic Pattern Mixing (Animated Cardigan)
Thursday, 2/17 -Belted Vest (image via DOTS)
Friday, 2/18 -Denim/Black with Silver (Daily Dose of Dana)
Saturday, 2/19 - Stay warm with a fun hat! (Fashion Flirt)





Monday, 2/21 - Make a bolero from a scarf (Mode Plus)
Tuesday, 2/22 - Animal print with a splash of teal (Weather Geeque Chique)
Wednesday, 2/23 - Grey and Blush Color Combo (Defying My Closet)
Thursday, 2/24 - Bright Colors and Bold Patterns (Stumble Into Style)
Friday, 2/25 - Feminine Lace (Getting Fine)
Saturday, 2/26 - Long Cardigan and T-shirt (Mrs. Hall in Training)

To check out past Outfit Inspiration Calendars by clicking here.

Sync up with the Outfit Inspiration Calendar for easy access on your computer or phone:




If you are a participant this month, please feel free to post this badge on your blog if you would like:




<center><a title="Fab Finds Under $50" href="http://www.fabfindsunder50.com/2011/01/february-outfit-inspiration-calendar.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5248/5379122967_73babf8508_m.jpg"/></a></center>

Stripes!

Stripes are a hot, hot pattern right now. They are always "in style", but their popularity has sky rocketed lately. The fashion myth that they make a gal look heavier is being disproved by all sorts of body types.

Today a few of my favorite friends and I decided to show how you can rock the stripes even if you do fall into the "plus size category".





Clockwise from top left:
Sara of Bombshell Beauty rocks the Lane Bryant Asymmetric double zip sweater jacket over a purple dress and accented with a black belt and boots (check out her post about stripes here).

I opted to wear the same sweater in the black/white combo with my (p)leather skirt over a chartreuse lace trim cami and popped on a pair of purple peep toe booties for extra fun.

Tina of T Minus T Plus rocked a cool juxtaposition of the striped sweater jacket over a light and ruffly dress with feminine heels and pearls (check out her post about stripes here).

I went for a casual look by pairing my striped sweater over a bright tank with wide legged jeans and finished off with a fun scarf.

Maddy of Plus Model Magazine kept things classic in an equestrian inspired look by layering the striped sweater over a button-up blouse and finishing with skinny pants (check out her post about stripes here).

Do you have either of these striped sweaters (or something similar)? How do you rock the stripes?

10 Classic Pieces for under $50

In a recent issue of Lucky Magazine they shared the 10 Classic Pieces that should be in every woman's wardrobe.


(click here or image above to view enlarged picture, image scanned from Lucky Magazine)

I am happy to report that I own all of these items with the exception of the Motorcycle Boots (but have some other boots that I think work well). UPDATE:  I found these great motorcycle boots on clearance for $19.96 at Avenue over the weekend, so of course I had to buy them!



If you don't, you might want to check out these great options all priced under $50:

Tees by BDG
Casual Jackets by Aryn K

Cardigans by Free People
Boots by Old Navy

Teen Girls' Dresses by Mossimo
Flats by French Connection