Guest Post by Mademoiselle Meese
Today’s guest post is from Donyel from Mademoiselle Meese! This girl has a super sweet blog with wonderful recipes and photos of her beautifully styled outfits. I’m so happy she could do a little post for me!
I’m Donyel, from Mademoiselle Meese, and I am beyond thrilled that Roxie invited me to help guest post for you on Fabric Strips and Ruby Lips while she is away. Since we’re all aware of Roxie’s love of vintage, I thought I’d plan my outfit around some of my favorite classic pieces.
What I’m wearing:
Blouse: Banana Republic
Jeans: Banana Republic
Trench: Calvin Klein
Shoes: Me Too {old}
Jewelry: Tiffany & Co. and Hadaya


My love for simple clothing stems from one of my favorite style icons, Audrey Hepburn. Her elegant and effortlessly chic style continues to inspire me. Both on and off screen, Audrey Hepburn could often be found in a pair of skinny pants or denim. As she did, I prefer a dark wash, which is universally flattering.
When it comes to tops, pair your bottoms with a blouse well-fitted to your body type. If it’s too loose, the garment hangs off of you, and too tight shows more of you then should be seen. I prefer them in solid colors, so in this case, I chose a light pastel well suited to spring. The day was chilly so I threw one of my favorite trench coats, a la Breakfast at Tiffany’s.
Although I’m often seen in heels, there’s no denying that a pair of ballet flats are always perfect. They come in many shapes and patterns, so find one that suits you. Never skimp on quality or comfort. Audrey’s favorite was Ferragamo, but be aware that they do not come cheap.

Dressing like Audrey Hepburn is to know yourself and embrace what makes you unique. My personal style really developed when I looked critically at myself. I faced my flaws and played up my assets. And as a result, I have a look that is uniquely “me”.
How would you describe your style?
Guest Post by The Other Side of Gray
Today’s guest blogger is Annie from The Other Side of Gray! Annie has to be one of my favorite bloggers, she is so cute and fun and friendly. Plus she is a master of mixing prints and colors! I’m so happy to have her on my lil blog.



Hey guys! I’m Annie, and I’m so excited to be guest posting for Roxie while she’s away. I blog over at The Other side of Gray. What do I blog about? CLOTHES! STYLE! MY LIFE (with a side of sarcasm)! Sounds exciting, right? I typed it in caps just in case you were having doubts. Anyway, Roxie asked me to post an outfit and talk a little bit about who inspired it. I went with Jessica Day. You know, Jess from Fox’s sitcom “New Girl.” Have you guys seen it? If not - you should totally tune in. It’s a hilarious show, and I literally don’t stop laughing/giggling the entire time I watch. Plus, Jess, the main character played by Zooey Deschanel, has super cute style. She has a very fun & eccentric (and awesomely awkward) personality, and I think her style reflects that. She’s always wearing bright colors and/or cool patterns, which I LOVE. So I decided to use her for inspiration, and I put together the outfit below, a la Jess. I played a little game with the hubs (my photographer) and asked him if he could guess who inspired it. And he actually guessed right (on the first try)! So hopefully you can see the resemblance too :)
And in case you want to read a bit more about Jess & her style:
http://stylenews.peoplestylewatch.com/2011/11/01/zooey-deschanel-new-girl-style-2/
Guest Post by Just Take a Bow
Today’s Guest Blogger is Sarah from Just Take a Bow! This lovely gal has a style and a mind of her own. She is a whiz at mixing edgy pieces with the ultra feminine. I’m so overjoyed she’s here today@!
Hey there, friends! My name is Sarah and I blog over at Just Take a Bow. While she’s away, Roxie asked for some posts all about inspiration! I knew immediately who I wanted to write about and she happens to be another (more successful) blogger named Kristine.


I adore her ability to mix and match patterns, wear a scarf on her head like nobody’s business, and the girly style she rocks that I have never mastered. I also totally appreciate that she wears a sufficient enough amount of clothing that you can’t see her secret bits. Because I am definitely in the minority ‘round these parts for doing that same thing.
Shirt: H&M | Skirt, belt: thrifted | Shoes: Steve Madden
In tribute to my admiration for Kristine, I mixed some patterns of my own and wore a skirt length that she frequently rocks. Kristine also kicks some major butt at having great colors going on, so… I went all out with this ridiculous fangirl outfit, folks.
And yes… going all out meant my own interpretation of the head scarf. I can never manage to make that work, so I went with a fun headband instead. Next time, I promise to try and find a dreamy, warm sunset to take photos in, okay?
Guest Post by Threads and Buttons:The Inspired Kelley
Today’s Guest Blogger is Kelley from Threads and Buttons! I am so happy that she made her way onto my lil blog. Kelley is so cute, she has an incredible ability to thrift shop and tells hilarious stories! Her blog is so beautiful and the photography is fantastic, I couldn’t be more honored to have her here!
Hey there Fabric Strips and Ruby Lips readers. My name is Kelley, and if we haven’t met yet over at my blog Threads and Buttons, well then nice to meet cha (insert virtual handshake here)! Usually I’m over on my blog sharing outfit posts, thrifting tips, recipes, photographs (I’m actually a photographer), DIYs, and whatever else happens to be on my mind, but this morning Roxie was nice enough to invite me on over to spend the day with you guys while she is relaxing with family. So, I’m going to share an outfit post with you and then, as per Roxie’s request, give you some insight into what inspires me and my fashion.
On with the outfit!





Shoes: Target (Similar) – Jeans: Thrifted (Express) – Top: Thrifted – Belt: DIY shown HERE
Sweater: Thrifted – Necklace: Target then spray painted
When Roxie told be that my guest post should discuss what inspires me and my fashion, I was afraid. Is it just me, or does that sometimes seem like a question that is just begging for a cliché answer (although I KNOW that’s not the kind of answer Roxie was looking for)?
It kinda feels like that job interview question where they ask you your biggest flaws and you don’t know whether to be honest (“I tend to fall asleep at my desk around 3:30 out of boredom…”) or just totally make something up (“I push myself WAY too hard when it comes to filing paperwork and impressing big name clients.”).
For some reason I feel like I’m not fashionably inspired in the way I’m supposed to be. The runway isn’t very appealing to me, Vogue is not my Bible, and when I see a fashion blog with stiletto heels, flowing gowns, brand names that make my bank account cry, and an angry, hungry model starring me down, I tend to scream out of fear and never return to that site ever again (except perhaps in my nightmares). Instead, I turn back to the blogs that I enjoy.
I read blogs for lots of different reasons: Some of them are stinking HILARIOUS (Tales of an Ordinary House Wife, Feathers and Freckles, etc.); some of them are written by ladies that I would like to be friends with because they just seem too sweet to be real (Love Ramsey, Snappy Casual, The Daybook, Jen Loves Kev, etc.), some have beautiful photography (A Beautiful Mess,Girl and Closet, Ben Blood, etc.), and some put together outfits that are just too dang cute not to drool over (Kendi Everyday, Lucy Laucht, Sunday Crossbow, etc.)!
What I’ve found, is that in order for a blog to make it to my “daily reads” list, it usually has a balance of all of these qualities (silly, sweet author, appealing photography, beautiful outfits) while also possessing one more trait. The authors and their outfits are REAL. Not only do the ladies seem genuine, but their outfits look like something that normal people would wear in their everyday lives. Yes, we all like to get dressed up sometimes, and some of us live fancier lives than others (I would be one of the “others” in this situation), but are we really ALWAYS in high heels and silk dresses? If you are, awesome, say hello to the queen for me, but I’m not. So, while my list is EVER changing, these are the blogs (in no particular order) that I think fit me best and inspire me on a daily basis right now.
So yea, I know that was a LONG drawn out explanation, but that’s how I find fashion inspiration. Where do YOU look for inspiration?
It was great hanging out with you guys! Don’t be strangers, make sure to leave your inspiration location comments below and stop by my blog Threads and Buttons to say hello!
-The Inspired Kelley
Menswear Monday

When I got home from work today to snap some shots of my Hubster for today’s post I found him already in his pj’s and asleep (at 5pm!) So, I pulled up this great old photo from last summer, I have to say I like this outfit better than his ratty Pajamas. I think he looks like a member of Mumford and Sons, and he explained that he plans on taking all his fashion cues from the band. Which I think is nice for him, it’s good to have somewhere to draw fashion inspiration from.
Vest- RW&Co
Shirt- via Fairweather
Jeans- Old Navy
Hat- H&M
I hope everybody had a great weekend and an tolerable Monday!
much love.
P.S. I am still working on going through all the submissions you guys sent in to do a Guest Post, I hope to get through them all and make my final selections tonight. IF you would like to be considered send me tonight an email at roxiefitz@gmail.com
Flea Market Finds
I would like to apologize to all my beautiful followers for my absence this week, I caught a major cold and have been laid up for the past few days. But I am putting together another DIY for the weekend, but today I thought I would share my amazing Flea Market finds.

My hubster and I go to the Sunday Flea Market almost every week, but last week I really scored some great stuff. This woman was selling little bags full of old junk jewelery and I can’t wait to rework them and make them something amazing and new.

These were my two favorite finds. The little crab pin is so adorable and is inspiring me; I want to wear it everyday. The brass pyramid ring is huge on my hand, but looks fabulous.

This was my top find. It looks like Spartan head gear.

Flea market or thrift store shopping is so much fun and can be really rewarding. I got all these great treasures for under 20 dollars. So I encourage you to go out and find some amazing pieces. And look for things that you can rework and make better or different. Change things so that they represent a facet of your personality.
Hope you are all having a good week. Much Love.
My Fashion Favorites
Hello. To kick start my lil fashion blog I thought I would post some of my favorite pieces.

I love these Karl Lagerfield gun shoes, so dark and beautiful. My only problem with these shoes is I haven’t been able to figure out how to DIY it.

Oh, is there anything as beautiful and classic as Chanel? These vintage shades make my heart swoon.

Vivienne Westwood’s armour rings are tough but shiny and glamourous.


Alexander McQueen is one of my favorite designers. He incorporates my two favorite style element of dark (i.e. skulls) and glamour (i.e. deep reds, flowers).

Nautical wear is amazing. It seems to be always in fashion, it’s easy to figure out and replicate. This Dolce and Gabbana dress has stolen my heart.

I love headpieces. I love adorning my head with gems and flowers and feathers. I really think I should be living in England where they appreciate large fancy hats.

Lastly, Christian Louboutin shoes. He does both classic black and outrageous colors and gem or spikes. I find nothing more inspiring.
Up next, I’ll be laying down some serious DIY how-to’s inspired by the latest trends.





