Inspiration Calendar - 12/1 - 12/3

Oh wow, where did November go? I totally meant to have the December Outfit Inspiration Calendar up by now. However, here are some ideas (all via Pinterest) for the first three days. I will post the full month's calendar, including fabulous blogger submitted looks, this weekend!




Thursday, 12/1 - The power of a scarf!
Friday, 12/2 - Layer Lace Over a Button Up
Saturday, 12/3 - Casual in a Cardigan and Boots

Daily Outfit - 11/29/11

Some days I have a great inspiration for an outfit and some days (like today) I go with what is clean and doesn't need ironing. In this case, I kicked off the outfit with the pants. I thrifted these pants over the weekend for only 99 cents, came home and tossed them in the washer/dryer and boom made an outfit with them. Snow was also in the forecast so this cozy oversized sweater seemed like a good addition also.



Lion Blouse - Goodwill (Koret), $4.29 (Fall 2011)
Black Sweater - Macy's, on sale + coupon for $20 (Dec. 2008)
Plaid Pants - Goodwill (Nine and Company), $0.99 (Nov. 2011)
Cap Toe Wedges - Bandolino via Nordstrom Rack, $45 (Fall 2011)

Daily Outfit - 11/28/11

A lot of times I will see pics on Pinterest and other blogs that inspire an outfit of my own. Today's look is just a straight up copy though! I liked the leopard with the white bow blouse, skinny black pants and brown boots, and since I had all of the same pieces I just went with it.

Interestingly enough, I watched an episode of Felicity (I never watched the show the first time around, so I am watching the whole series on Netflix currently) where she copied a thesis paper for her art history paper while I wore this outfit.




Leopard Tee - Compliments of Just My Size (Fall 2010)
White Bow Blouse - Ashley Stewart, clearance for $20 (March 2011)
Black Pants - Macy's, clearance for $35 (2009)
Brown Boots - Kmart, on sale for $20 (Nov. 2011)

The look I copied:

Source: rachskalla.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Daily Outfit - 11/24/11

One look I have been repeatedly attracted to a slouchy maxi skirt/dress outfit. Now, this look works on super tall and skinny chicks, but what about me? I decided to give it a whirl on Thanksgiving Day for a cozy small dinner at my aunt and uncle's. I feel like the outfit looked better in person than the pic below, but one thing is for sure it was super comfortable and perfect for packing away a turkey dinner in.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day and holiday weekend!





Black Maxi Dress - Asos, clearance for $15 (Jan. 2011)
Mocha Sweater - NY and Company, on sale for $10 (2009)
Necklace - House of Harlow
Glitter Boots - Born/Thrifted, $7 (2011) + Glitter DIY

Some Inspiration Looks:

Source: jcrew.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: refinery29.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Source: elementsofstyleblog.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Also, Happy Cyber Monday! Don't forget to sign up and shop through Ebates to make your online shopping deals even sweeter! You can earn cash back rebates by just doing your regular shopping through Ebates and their 1,000+ retailers.

Daily Outfit - 11/23/11

Thrift Store Gold - - that is the best way describe this dress! I found this dress a couple of years ago at a thrift store for $5. I could tell it was vintage and it still had the original paper sales tag hanging on it. At the time it was too small, but I bought it anyway because I loved the print and just knew it was a great find.

The brand of the dress is Cover Girl of Miami (more info here). I did a little research and found out the brand was in business from 1951 to 1972, so even if this dress was manufactured during the last year it is 39 years old! It is amazing condition, and I got a ton of compliments on it the day I wore it. There are a few other Cover Girl of Miami Dresses online for sale on Etsy and vintage online stores. The range in price from $40 - $350. See what I mean, my $5 find truly is thrift store goal!!




Ruffle Front Cardigan - Thrifted (George Brand), $4 (Nov. 2011)
Dress - Thrifted (Cover Girl of Miami), $5 (2009)
Belt - Target new stock via Goodwill, $1 (2011)
Tights - Hue via Nordstrom Rack, $6
Heels - Michael Kors via 6pm.com (2010)

Another fun fact, on the show Mad Men Sal's wife, Kitty, wore a Cover Girl of Miami Dress in Season 1 (Episode 7).

(Source)

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

I hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving Day, enjoying the day off from work, spending time with your friends and family, eating lots of good food or whatever brings you happiness!

Today is a good reminder to to actually tell you (versus just always thinking it!), thank you for reading Fab Finds Under $50 and the kind words you share with me. I have enjoyed blogging, "meeting" people and the opportunities that Fab Finds Under $50 has brought to me over these past few years so much. I am so thankful to all of you!

Daily Outfit - 11/22/11

I woke up with intentions to wear a wool pencil skirt and blouse on Tuesday for work. But when I put the outfit on the top was a bit too big, I didn't like the tights/shoe combo and it was pouring rain outside with the weather man saying we were going to get 2" of rain over the course of the day. So I said forget that, let's go more casual and comfy. So leggings, this dress (more tunic length for me), a vest and flat boots it was!




Polka Dot Dress - Jovovich Hawk for Target via Goodwill, $4 (Spring 2011)
Vest - Bitten by SJP, $9 (2008)
Leggings - 3 pack from Burlington Coat Factory for $15 (2010)
Boots - Walmart, $20 (Fall 2011)

Uncommon Goods for Holiday Gifts

This week kicks off my favorite time of year!! I love Thanksgiving and Christmas and getting to spend time with my family, picking out fun gifts to give, wrapping them, decorating, seeing all the holiday lights in the neighborhood and more. Like I mentioned a big part of the holiday season is shopping and picking out great gifts to give. I hate to give gift cards! I like to pick gifts that fit my loved ones personalities, so when I discovered Uncommon Goods I was thrilled! They offer "Unique Gifts and Creative Design" just like their tag line says. And the best part - - most of their offerings are fab finds under $50.

Check out some of their fun items and Stocking Stuffers:



How fun is this?! This Face Mug ($18) will hold on to your cookies or doughnut (it holds healthier snacks too!) along with you milk or coffee. I'm thinking my guy, Dave, would love one of these (plus it kind of looks like him - j/k!).




I don't know about you, but I have a lot of winos in my life that would love a Corkcicle (22.95). You place the Corkcicle into the freezer for at least 2 hours and then once you pour at least one glass of wine form the bottle you pop this baby down into it to keep the remaining wine chilled without diluting it. Plus it looks really cool!




Next up, these adorable Woodland Animals Finger Puppets double as ornaments ($12 each). I know I have a couple of little kids on my gift-giving list that would love to have an ornament that they could play with (okay, and maybe me too - that fox is cute!!).

Other fun Stocking Stuffer Ideas:
Coal Gum, Animal "Stoles", Travel Stub Diary, and Unzipped Glass Zipper Bag

And more Top Gifts: Mother and Daughter Letter Book, Whiskey Stones and Gift Set, Construction Plate and Utensils, and Stackable Lunch Pot



The good people of Uncommon Goods want to share a fab product with one of you too!  There are three chances to win.






I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Daily Outfit - 11/18/11

Since I started off last week with plaid and a sweater skirt I decided to finish off the week with a casual version of the same combo for Friday. I layered a gingham shirt under the plaid one and tossed on this newly thrifted black sweater skirt.





Gingham Shirt - Old Navy, clearance for $12.50 (Feb. 2011)
Plaid Shirt - Goodwill (Chaps), $4.30 (Nov. 2011)
Sweater Skirt - Thrifted (no tag), less than $1 (Nov. 2011)
Black Tights - compliments of Kushy Foot
Boots - Target, $15 (Dec. 2010)

And here are some recipes we are going to try this week (I'm already full just thinking about Thanksgiving meals later this week!).



Bubble Up Enchiladas (10 P+ per serving)

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Roasted Cabbage with Lemon

Source: kalynskitchen.com via Kimberly on Pinterest

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread (50 calories per slice)

Source: sundaybaker.net via Kimberly on Pinterest

'Tis the Season for Shopping!

The holiday season is fast approaching and with that comes SHOPPING!! We have Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday starting to take place at the end of this week. With that I thought I would share a couple of my fav ways to save money this holiday season.

(Love this lady and her crazy antics!)

First off, want to get a jump start and planning your Black Friday shopping strategy? Head over to BF Ads to check out all the good deals that will be released this Friday (click on Ad Scans - 7th option down in the left hand column is my fav way to look).

Small Business Saturday is a great initiative started by American Express last year to encourage people to shop local business. I encourage you check out some shops in your area or at least make a few Etsy purchases this holiday season (I have found so many good things on Etsy so far this year and the customer service is through the roof!).




And finally, Cyber Monday - the day everyone goes back to work and shops the day away. I am a big fan of online shopping throughout the year, but really like the stress-free shopping opportunities it provides this time of year in particular. Online Retailers offer great free shipping deals and promo codes that really help save money. Also, my #1 piece of advice for online shopping (year-round) is to sign up for EBATES!! Through this free service you earn rebate cash (anywhere from 1% - 20%) based on your online purchases at any of their 1,000+ partnered retailers. I know it can sound too good to be true, but I have been an avid Ebates shopper since 2007 and have racked up over $700 cash back (quarterly deposits into my Paypal Account - you can get checks too). You get $5 just for signing up, so do it!

If you need some inspiration to get to shopping, I have been clipping a few fun things on my Holiday Gift Giving Ideas board on Pinterest you can check out.  They range from thing from large retailers, etsy shops and ideas of things to make.  I plan on pinning a lot more in the coming weeks too.

Good luck shopping and be safe out there!

Daily Outfit - 11/17/11

I just had to wear my DIY necklace this week and thought what better way to make it work appropriate but to pair with a black turtleneck sweater. I added this new to me brilliant blue skirt and both got a ton of compliments on both all day long.





Black Turtleneck Sweater - TJ Maxx, $13 (Dec. 2009)
Necklace - Burlington Coat Factory, $10 (Nov. 2011) + DIY
Blue Pencil Skirt - Thrifted/Goodwill (Sag Harbor), $4.30 (Oct. 2011)
Tights - Hue via Nordstrom Rack, 2 pack for $12 (Oct. 2011)
Patent Wedges - Ellen Tracy via TJ Maxx, $40 (Dec. 2010)

Thanks for all the submissions for the December Outfit Inspiration Calendar! There are a few spots still open, so please submit one of your great looks!

Daily Outfit - 11/16/11 & Reader Question - Shopping & Weight Loss

This past weekend I was thrifting with a friend and we hit the jackpot on "80's Secretary Dresses" (you know the ones - bold prints, shoulder pads and lots of polyester). I have to admit I am attracted to these types of dresses, but often leave them on the rack for fear of looking too dated. However, I fell in love with this one and just had to get it (the fact it was less than $3 didn't hurt either). So today I decided to pair it with leather and black accessories so at least if I look like a 1980s Secretary I will be a bad ass 1980s Secretary!




Dress - thrifted (Enchanted Garden brand), $2.69 (Nov. 2011)
Necklace - Miz Outlet, $2 (Oct. 2011)
Belt - came with a shirt from JC Penney (2008)
Boots - Mootsie Tootsie via Burlington Coat, $30 (Sept. 2011)





Hello,

I love your blog and am inspired by your fashion choices AND your weight loss! I just saw on Twitter that you have lost 50+ lbs. on WW. I'm a WWer too, and have lost 40 since March.

Here's my question- how has your shopping style changed? What about your sizing? I feel as if it took me a LONG time to get from an 18 to a 16, but now I feel as if I will wear a size 14 within the next 10 lbs. or so. Did you have a similar experience? Also, as you bridge into regular misses' sizing, how will that change how you shop? I know that you do a lot of shopping at Goodwill, and I can understand why- NOTHING is more frustrating to me right now than having clothes that don't fit and not a lot of $ to replace them. But will you start shopping at other stores that you couldn't fit before? Are there any stores or even looks that you're looking forward to with a smaller body?

Sorry, I know that's a lot of questions at once. But I would love to see you answer some of these questions about weight loss, shopping, and fashion.

Thanks,

Leigh Anne

Leight Anne, thanks for the questions.  First off, a big congrats to you! Loosing 40 pounds is a major accomplishment. As of last night's weigh-in I am down 53.8 pounds and have my eye on 55 by next Wednesday (what a way to kick off the holiday season!).

Now on to the questions! How has your shopping style changed? To be honest, my shopping over the past few months has been almost exclusively at thrift stores. I have seen such a swing with my sizes and needed to replace almost all of my bottoms and dresses. Plus, as you know I like having a lot of variety so hitting up Goodwill and Value World has been the way to go for me.  I don't have endless funds for my wardrobe so thrifting was a great way to get a lot of variety without breaking the bank.  What about your sizing? Back in February (before I joined WW) I was wearing an 18 (and some 20s). Today I am in 14s with a few 10s and 12s (in skirts and dresses). Like you I felt it took forever to get out of my 18s, but now it seems like items are fitting me differently every couple of weeks and most of my old clothes are simply too big to make work. Also, as you bridge into regular misses' sizing, how will that change how you shop? To be honest, I find this a little daunting. I was so used to going into plus size stores and plus size sections which were much more limited in selection. The idea of being able to go into any store in the mall or the larger sections at discount and department stores is a little overwhelming to me. This past Friday I was with my mom at Burlington Coat Factory and while I could have shopped in the misses section I didn't. Granted I am trying to be good and focus on holiday shopping right now too. But will you start shopping at other stores that you couldn't fit before? Definitely! I have in mind some "big ticket" items I want to get when I hit my goal weight (a DVF wrap dress, a gorgeous pair of leather boots that fit my calves). If I will actually splurge on them when the time comes is another story. However, I know that I will definitely change the stores I shop at because my past plus size stores won't be an option for this new body I am working on. Are there any stores or even looks that you're looking forward to with a smaller body? Hmmm, I would definitely like to shop at LOFT more and not have to search high and low for XLs or the few 16/18s that they stock. H&M will also get a lot more visits.  I would also love to get a pair of Christie Flare Pants in red from Victoria's Secret. While I could already fit in a pair I have held off because I don't want to drop $70 on a pair of pants that won't fit in a month or two. As for looks, I am definitely enjoying wearing jeggings/skinny jeans more (and not feel like my tops need to be w/in 2 inches of my knee caps!). Also, I don't feel the need for my hemlines to be to the mid-point of my knee or longer.  I am sure there are other things too.

Thanks so much for the questions. I hadn't really sat down to think about some of this yet, so it was a good exercise. I definitely know my shopping with change, but I have to say I have been so grateful for Goodwill and Value World. Without thrift stores my wardrobe would have been in major trouble!

Daily Outfit - 11/15/11

I am loving leather this fall! One thing I am sad about no longer being able to wear is my black pleather skirt that I bought back in 2010. I have had my eyes open for a replacement skirt while thrifting, but unfortunately all the fab black leather skirts seem to be no bigger than a size 6 (insert sad face here!). I did come across this croc-embossed brown pleather skirt this past weekend and just had to get it. Another thing I have been wanting to try is wearing a cardigan backwards. I decided this mustard colored cardi would be a good one to try the look with (see it worn the "right" way here).




Mustard Cardi - Target, on sale for $20 (Dec. 2009)
Scarf - Thrifted (Tidi), $3 (2009)
Skirt - Thrifted (Lane Bryant), $3.69 (Nov. 2011)
Heels - Missoni for Target, on sale for $28 (Oct. 2011)

Leather Inspiration:

Source: ralphlauren.com via Susana on Pinterest

Source: chictopia.com via Tracie on Pinterest

And backwards cardigan inspiration:

Source: meetvirginiadesign.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: canvas.landsend.com via Julie on Pinterest

Source: anntaylor.com via Ellyn on Pinterest

P.S. Don't forget to submit a look for the December Outfit Inspiration Calendar.

Fashion Inspiration: Birds

Bird Patterns came on strong when Miu Miu introduced their swallow pattern back in Spring 2010, and the trend is still going strong. Ms. Dita Von Teese looked gorgeous and classic while wearing a skirt with colorful birds on it recently.

(image via CocoPerez.com)

eShakti has some amazing bird pieces available currently.

And the best part - you can save $20 off any eShakti purchase with code FFUF0811.