Leopard Shirt for Fall

Leopard has been “in style” for a while and shows no signs of going away. I have to say I am good with that because I like a little animal print from time to time. When working on a few personalized fall look books for some readers I came across this great Leopard Print Button-Up Shirt from Kohl’s. I have to admit I suggested it to two of the ladies so far because I think it is such a versatile piece (and may just have to snatch it up myself!).

The colors are a great neutral, it adds a punch of pattern, and it is a tasteful, structured way to add some animal print to your wardrobe. Another great thing about it is the top is offered in sizes Small through 3X and retails for under $50!

Click here for misses and here for plus

I had to give myself a little pat on the back too because two of my favorite blogs featured leopard print button-ups the week following when I selected it.

First up The Budget Babe shows Pippa Middleton wearing a similar blouse:




(image via The Budget Babe)

And secondly, Hillary of WhoWhatWear selected a similar top as a Fall Favorite:




(image via WhoWhatWear)

And here are a couple of the outfits that I put together for Amie and Nicole in their personalize Fall Look Books:







So, what do you think, will you be adding a versatile leopard top to your fall wardrobe? Or are you ahead of the game and already have one?

Daily Outfit - 9/27/11

I scored these Target Heels NWT at Goodwill on Tuesday night and wanted to be sure to wear them before it got too chilly this fall. I still can't believe I scored them for less than $5 plus they are super comfy.  Win-win!  Now if I can just keep my co-worker from snatching them off my feet (that woman loves my shoes!).





Raspberry Dress - Avenue, clearance for $15 (Jan. 2011)
Cardigan - Walmart, $14 (Fall 2010)
Necklace - Forever 21, $9 (Fall 2009)
Black Leggings - Burlington Coat Factory, part of a 3 pack for $15 (Spring 2011)
"Paz" Heels - Target New Stock via Goodwill, $4.50 (Sept. 2011) (You can get them here for $25)

Daily Outfit - 9/27/11

Judge's Robe . . . Hair Stylist Smock . . . These were just a couple of thoughts that went through my head about this jacket. I decided to pair the jacket with some wool shorts to keep it a little trendy and break up all the black satin.  I may button it up and belt it as a dress next time around.




Jacket - Linea by Louis Dell'Olio (QVC Brand) via Clothes Closet, $9 (Spring 2011)
Coral Top - Walmart, $12 (Sept. 2011)
Black Belt - Target New Stock via Goodwill, $1 (2011)
Wool Shorts - Thrifted (2009)
Necklace - compliments of Inexpensive Watches (2009)
Black Boots - Avenue, $40 (Fall 2010)

And just in case you were wondering my friend did great at Goodwill last evening.  We only had 45 minutes before the store closed but she got 5 pair of Target New Stock shoes, a Target New Stock Skirt and Pants and two other skirts - - can't beat that for less than $40!!

Fleece Tights - Get 'em before its too late (and cold!)

Last year I shared that I had a couple of pairs of fleece-lined tights. I felt bad talking about them because they were sold out much to the dismay of many of you. Now, considering most of us are still experiencing temps in the 60s or warmer fleece-lined tights sound too warm right now. However, I wanted to share they are available so you can grab them while they have them!

QVC is selling the same pairs I got last year (they seriously look just like tights, but have a super soft and cozy fleece lining that keep your legs warm while outside by not sweating while inside). You receive two pairs for $23.17 plus $5.47 shipping and handling (Item # A217083). They come in 6 different color combos and Sizes A – D (which goes up to 6’ tall and 220 lbs). Don’t forget to go through Ebates when ordering and get a 3.5% cash rebate. It's free to sign up for Ebates and there are no catches (I’ve been using Ebates since 2007 and love the “free money” I collect from shopping online)!




Also, I stumbled across some fleece tights from LTD Commodities (they really do sell a little bit of everything, don't they?!). They offer them with and without feet. The come in a 2 pack of a one black and one brown pair for $9.95 and sizes S/M or M/L (up to 6' and 195 lbs). I am sure the quality is different than the QVC pairs, but they might be worth a try.




Have you tried fleece-lined tights yet? What’s your favorite brand? Any tips on keeping warm in the winter months while wearing skirts and dresses?

Daily Outfit - 9/26/11

My camera just had a mind of its own this morning and the 1 minute I had to snap pics only produced this blurry shot. Oh well, you can see the basics - purple shirt and grey skirt.



Purple Shirt - Lane Bryant, clearance + extra sale + coupon + gift card compliments of Lane Bryant $0! (would have been $10 w/o the gift card) (July 2011)
Gray Maxi Skirt - Dots, clearance for $12 (Sept. 2011)
Black Belt - came with a vest compliments of Ashley Stewart
Necklace - Avon, $10 (2009)
Boots - Mootsie Tootsie via Burlington Coat Factory, $30 (Sept. 2011)

Tonight I get to hang out with one of my high school friends (Hi, Lara!) that is in town from Utah. She reads this blog and sees all the great stuff that I get at Goodwill, so she is hoping we have time to hit up a Goodwill. So, send us some thrifting mojo please so she can get some goodies before heading back out west!

Daily Outfit - 9/23/11

Friday kicked off the first day of fall and with it being kind of rainy and cool I decided to embrace fall completely. I love fall fashion so much - cozy sweaters, boots, scarves and more. Speaking of boots, how awesome are these? They remind me of a pair that a reader asked how to style last year (check out that post here).




White T-Shirt - Target, $9 (2007)
Mocha Sweater - NY and Company, sale for $10 (2009)
Jeans - Lee Slim Straight via Goodwill, $3.50 (2011)
Scarf - Banana Republic, gift from my mom
Boots - Dots, $28 (Sept. 2011)

Daily Outfit - 9/22/11

Yesterday a co-worker asked me if I had any jumpsuits or rompers. At first I thought no, but then remembered this one I ordered from Kmart in the late spring. It was one of those things where I could get free shipping if I spent a little more so I grabbed this jumpsuit. I hadn't worn it yet, but when I got home from work yesterday opted to try it on and decided to give it a go for today.




Jumpsuit - Kmart, on sale for $12-ish (May 2011)
Black Ruffle Cardi - Kohl's, clearance for $15 (Spring 2009)
Necklace - NY and Company, $10 (2010)
Heels - Coach (Spring 2011)

And some Friday Fun:

Source: thesmallobject.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: blessyoursweetheart.tumblr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: weheartit.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Daily Outfit - 9/21/11

This dress has been a fav piece of mine this summer. I tossed it on often on the weekends with a black belt and black sandals (like I did here). I knew there had to be another way to style it, but I was drawing a blank.

Then the other day I saw a look paring an olive green dress with a highlighter yellow color (I'm pretty sure it was in Plus Model Magazine). I immediately pinned it and knew I would be re-creating the look soon.




Dress - OneStopPlus.com, on sale for $18 (May 2011)
Yellow Swing Jacket - Kmart, clearance for $17 (Late Spring 2009)
2 Gold Belts - Target new stock via Goodwill, $0.50/each (Spring 2011)
Bangle Bracelet - Avenue, part of a set for $4 (Sept. 2011)
Gold Watch - gift
Gold Sandals - Coach (2007)

Inspiration Look:

Source: flickr.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Daily Outfit - 9/20/11

Earlier this week the Radio DJ reminded me how the days of summer are limited and it will soon be officially fall. I thought I should wear these summer pants one last time before that happens. I decided to do a little pattern mixing and pair the pants with this paisley cardigan.




Blue Shirt - Old Navy, clearance $6 (Late Winter 2011)
Paisley Cardigan - compliments of Marshall's (Spring 2009)
Stripe Pants - Gap via Goodwill, $2.15 (Sept. 2011)
Heels - Forever 21, $25 (Spring 2011)

What clothing item(s) will you be packing away for fall?

Daily Outfit - 9/19/11

I love it when you see an outfit that inspires you to wear something that has been hanging in your close for while. That is totally what happened with today's outfit. I saw a picture from the J.Crew Spring 2012 presentation (below) that made me want to wear blue with a "shiny" skirt. I opted to go with a blue shirt vs. denim (since it was a business casual day at work). Also, I've seen lots of lovely ladies wearing chunky necklaces on the outside of their shirt collars, so thought I would try that out also.




Blue Shirt - Ralph Lauren via Goodwill, $4 (Summer 2011)
Necklace - DIY (2009)
Skirt - Isda & Co/Thrifted, $5 (March 2009)
Heels - Pour la Victoire/TJ Maxx, clearance for $41 (May 2010)

The inspiration:



Also, I know some of you are Weight Watchers out there, so if you have access to the Weight Watchers website and want to be friends let's connect. I'm FabKimberly (just like on Twitter). I'm not really sure what all you can do with it, but I know you can share recipes, encourage each other, etc.

Speaking of Weight Watchers, I was cleaning some stuff out of my closet and came across a pair of pants that Lane Bryant gifted me last summer when I was at their Headquarters. I just had to try them on to see the difference 44 lbs can make. Click here if you are interested in seeing.

Polka Dots

Today the Outfit Inspiration Calendar called for polka dots. I'm not going to lie polka dots make me super happy, and my collection of them is growing. However, I still want MORE! So, I thought I would share some fun polka dot finds that are also fab finds under $50.

Day Dresses at Macy's
Earrings by Betsey Johnson

And just in case the polka dots didn't make you all that happy, I dare you to watch this video and not smile and maybe even dance a little in your seat!

Daily Outfit - 9/16/11

This past Friday felt like fall big time so I layered on a cardigan, jeans and some fun flats. The outfit actually started with the shoes because I hadn't worn them in a while and I knew these new (to me) jeans would be perfect with the flats. I opted to go matchy-match and top off the outfit with purple and red.

As for these jeans, I spotted them on thrifting trip earlier this month. I loved the dark wash with no distressing and the "skinny" styling. The inside said "Lee Slim Straight" but there was no tag with a size on it. I am a pretty good judge of size (which is a good thing when thrifting just like I shared in my Thrifting Tips post), and these looked just right. Since it was 50% off day at Goodwill the store and fitting room were crazy busy, so for $3.50 I took a chance and bought them. I'm glad I did - - the fit is perfection! Love it when you run into such a thrifting find!




White Tee - Old Navy, clearance for $6 (Jan. 2011)
Purple Sweater - Target, $20 (Fall 2008)
Red Necklace - H & M, $13 (Summer 2011)
Jeans - Lee Slim Straight via Goodwill, $3.50 (Summer 2011)
Plaid Flats with Stripe Bow - Coach (Late Winter 2011)

Personalized Fall Look Book - Sold Out

Fall is a glorious time of year, but it can leave a gal feeling a little daunted when it comes to what to wear. More layers are required, new trends are hitting the stores, and making sense of what you already own and how best to wear it this season can be a little confusing. Let me help!

By using items you already own combined with a few new items that I strategically choose for you based on your lifestyle, size and shape I will create a whole new variety of mix and match fall outfits.



How it works:
You provide me with pictures of 12-20 items (shirts, dresses, pants, shoes, etc.) that you already own and love – key pieces in your wardrobe. Fill out a quick “style survey”. Based on that information I will create a personalized Fall 2011 Look Book for you. It will include my Fall 2011 Trend Report and Inspiration Board, a shopping list of 7-12 items (all with price points under $50) that will help fill in your wardrobe for fall, and outfit collages for 15 - 25 outfits that are created from your already owned items and the new items suggested. The PDF Look Book will be delivered to you electronically via email within 7-10 days (hopefully sooner) of when you submit the pictures of your items and complete your “style survey”.

Since these personalized Look Books are very time consuming I currently only have spots for 5 clients.

Three more spots added!!

Currently sold out, but email me to be notified as soon as a couple more spots open up!


Once you pay your spot will be confirmed via email and you will be provided instructions on how to share you pictures (quick and easy online upload) and a link to the style survey. Remember, the quicker you submit your pictures and survey the quicker you will receive your personalized Fall 2011 Look Book.

Any questions let me know!

Feedback from previous customers:

Thank you so much! This is great. Now I am even more excited for some fall weather. :) - Danielle

Thank you for the lookbook you provided me. It has been wonderful. The put together and outfit skill doesn't come naturally to me at all and your pictures and suggestions have helped me out immensely!!! I've purchased several of the items(almost all!) and even a few that were inspired from your suggestions so you thank you. - Nina

I'm so excited! You have given me such great ideas! I had no idea that my wardrobe completely consisted of solids until you pointed it out! These are all so cute and I will incorporate the stripes and polka dots as soon as my budget allows. - Amy

A sneak peek inside one of the personalized look books:






(closet items already owned)


(my suggestions for additional items to be purchased)

Just three of the 30 looks I created with the 30 items.