Pretty, Polished, Perfect.: March 2012

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Once, Twice, and Sometimes Not At All

This month for FBFF, the topic is about wearing an item only once. 
*An article on the subject (read it if you want, I've got something to say......)

Am I a one-time wearer?
Yes. But never intentionally.  If you’ve read my blog and you really get me, you would know that I could never buy something thinking (or knowing) that I would only wear it once.  Price per wear rule wins, every time.  Consignment, ebay, donating (hopefully to a great cause,) giving to a sibling (I have a sister that willingly takes my old clothes, plus I know I can always get it back if I change my mind, haha!) or tear it up and use it a rag!
Do I feel the need to purchase something new for a special event?
I don’t need to,  but I want to. Who doesn’t want something new?  Of course I try to wear something different to each event, and I feel I’ve got enough in my closet already that this isn’t an unbearable feat.
Re-mixing? 
I’m sure my local grocers would say yes (you know, if they were actually keeping tabs.)  Fact: The Mr can correctly spot a new purchase 99.9% of the time.  Fact: I re-mix, re-use, repair and recycle.

Budget vs. Impulse.  The Mr has assigned me a budget.  I’m an impulse shopper.  On a budget. 
*My response to this article:
1. I was under the impressions that celebrities had thousands of FREE designer gowns delivered to their doors for events (free publicity, hello!) If that's the case, then we should never see them in the same dress twice. I wouldn't wear the same dress twice if I was recieving free gowns.....because I wouldn't have to.
2. Queen Elizabeth might have been wearing the same gown, but she's changed it with some well-placed.....appliques?  Did you know (*history lesson alert*) that it has long been a part of English culture to rework a garment instead of making an entirely new one?  This practice was more common amongst the poor, but even the nobles and royalty has gowns refashioned with new ribbons, lace, and tailoring.
3. The euphoric feeling of buying something new is not usually associated with the "I'm afraid of wearing something twice" syndrome, but it might be used as an excuse to justify the purchase (am I right??) 

In the end: if it makes you happy (and doesn't cause a burden on society or physical/emotional harm to anyone,) wear it once.  If it makes you happy (and again, doesn't cause a burden on society or physical/emotional harm to anyone,) wear it until it's threadbare and then wear it some more.
As for me and my closet......

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Girly Prep.

You may recognize this outfit from February


Jacket: Forever21
Shirt: Zara
Pin: Vintage, thrifted
Belt: Target
Skirt: Forever21
Shoes: Daisy Fuentes (via Kohls)

p.s. This is what bad posture looks like.


 
This post is brought to you by Open To Interpretation, by Amy Day to Day.


Amy Day to Day OTI

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Clockwork Orange

I love spring.  At least, that's how I feel in the dead of winter.  Then spring arrives,
as do the bugs,
the weeds,
the allergies,
the excessive humidity,
the birds chirping loudly outside my bedroom window at 6:00 in the morning........

Thank goodness for the beautiful flowers, budding trees, and mild temperatures. 


Necklace: Forever21
Jacket: Forever21
Clutch: Target
Dress: NineWest (via Marshalls)
Bracelet: Target
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini




 
It rained for three consecutive days last week.  During breakfast (on day three,) my oldest son asked, "Is there ever going to be a day in Spring where it doesn't rain?"

Monday, March 26, 2012

Minted.

I couldn't resist the mint jean trend.  They aren't very flattering on my man-ish legs, but guess what?


I don't care!  Bahahaha! 

But seriously:


Shirts: Talbots, JCrew
Pants: Revenge (via Kohls)
Shoes: Converse
Umbrella: Totes (via Target)


Earrings: Vera Wang (via Kohls)
Necklaces: H&M, JCrew outlet
Rings: gift from The Mr., Forever21
Bracelet: Target

Have you been "minted" yet?

Social KC: It's A Girl Thing, Halls Plaza

I'll be there.  Will you?

p.s. I love this mint....I am so ready for summer!

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Friday, March 23, 2012

Got Geek?

I’m a bottom-of-a-Coke-bottle-glasses kind of girl. I wish I wasn’t, but I am. And it’s time to update my Coke bottle bearing frames.


Now begins my hunt for the best priced pair of prescription eyeglasses.

First up: GlassesUSA.com

It’s tough for me to buy eyeglasses online - I wouldn’t buy them from any company who doesn’t offer a “virtual mirror” feature like this:


After using the virtual mirror, I’m considering these frames (not even kidding - they have a "vintage/nerdy" filter, haha):


This pair of frames, lenses included, will cost me $89!  With the high index lenses, it will cost an additional $29.  I'm a sucker for the coatings (special price for all three = $20.)  They are currently running an additional 30% off a pair (use code SPRINGSAVINGS.)  Shipping is free (within the US, use code FREESHIP10.) How much will these glasses cost me (pre-tax)?

Would you order glasses online?

p.s. did you see the way I integrated an awesome math word problem into my post?
I’m such a geek!

This post brought to you by GlassesUSA.com

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Goodbye Winter.

I realize this post would have been slightly more appropriate on Tuesday (you know, the first day of Spring?) but I'm so behind I completely forgot that yesterday was my blog's one year anniversary!  What?!?


Earrings: H&M
Jacket: H&M
Top: H&M
Necklace & Bracelets: Target
Skirt: JCrew Outlet
Shoes: Walmart


Yes.  My shoes are from Wal-mart. 

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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Polka-Dot Peplum (Say THAT Three Times)

And no, it doesn't count if you say it slowly!


Top: H&M
Necklace: Target (clearanced for $4.98!)
Ring: Forever 21
Bracelet: Vera Wang (via Kohls)
Skirt: Forever21
Shoes: Candies



I was worried I would hate the peplum trend, but gosh it makes me feel girly (giggle......smirk.) 

Have you peplum-ed yet?

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Candy Stripes

This was an outfit from February, on one of the rare occasions Kansas City had colder weather.


Jacket: Cynthia Rowley (Marshall's) (similare here.)
Top: Old Navy
Gloves: Target
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Enzo Angiolini
Bag: Liz Lange




Tuesday, March 13, 2012

G is for Green

Hi.  I don't really have anything to say except:



Cardigan: JCrew
Shirt: JCrew
Pants: H&M
Shoes: Old Navy
Cuff: Paparazzi Jewelry

Skinny jeans really accentuate my cankles and I have no idea why my foot is so awkwardly positioned.  Cankles and awkwardness.  That's me.  (laughing out loud and shaking my head.)

Green | Everybody, Everywear

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Leopards Eat Bunnies For Breakfast, Right?




Jacket: Forever21
Shirt: H&M
Skirt: H&M
Shoes: Daisy Fuentes (via Kohls)
Gloves: Banana Republic
Bracelets: Target
Purse: Vintage



No animals were harmed before, during or after this photo shoot.




The Winner's Are....

The winners of the 2012 Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event are:

Jessica McGhee

and

Leah Baird

 
Congratulations, you have both won a customizable dress from eShakti!  Check your emails for more information!

SPRING Fashionista Events Giveaway

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Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Groundhog Days


Back to the outfit:



Shirt: JCrew
Sweater: JCrew
Dress: H&M (worn here)
Jacket: Old Navy
Handbag: Forever21
Bracelet: Target
Shoes: Candies

Don't forget to enter to win (enter here) one of two eShakti customizable dresses (two more days left!)


Our Reflection Photo Challenge

Thursday, March 1, 2012

2012 Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event

A Message From Our Host,

"Welcome to the semi-annual Fashionista Events, ALL FASHION, ONLY FASHION, Giveaway Event. This is the Largest Fashion giveaway event on the internet, with 105+ blogs offering over $20,000 in prizes!"

SPRING Fashionista Events Giveaway


Prize #1: Sponsored by eShakti

One customizable dress (up to a $60 value). 
A few of my favorites*:


Be sure to check out the customization options available for each dress!

*read my review of this dress.  Jennifer helped me with my order, and she is so kind and helpful - you will absolutely love your shopping experience with eShakti!


Prize #2: Sponsored by eShakti
One customizable dress (up to a $60 value). 
Did I mention they sell skirts, tops, and accessories as well?


How to win: (Open to US and Canada residents only)
Simply follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter below (Two mandatory entries. 1. Visit eShakti, find your favorite dress, and leave it in a comment on this post. 2. Like eShakti on Facebook.  After those mandatory entries are complete, there are three more additional entries!)  Good Luck!

LEGAL Stuff: 18 years of age or older to enter. US & Canada Only! Only one dress per contestant.  Make sure to provide a correct email address so we can reach you if you win. Winner(s) will be contacted by email 48 hours after the giveaway ends. In most cases, shipping of prizes is the responsibility of the the sponsors who will be sending prizes to you directly. Your prize should arrive within 30 days, let us know if it doesn’t and we will TRY TO HELP OUT! Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Fall Fashionista Giveaway Events or the Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. Compensation was not provided. Opinions expressed are the blog’s own. This Giveaway is not affiliated with, associated with or promoted by Facebook or Twitter. Happy Entering! If you have any additional questions - feel free to send us an email!
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What I Should've Worn: Balloon Girl

Remember that photo with Balloon Girl (scroll to the end)?

Yes, it was awkward.....how does one pose naturally when they are afraid they might ruin the other person's dress?

This is my Pretty, Polished, Perfect. interpretation of a Balloon Dress:


Spectator: Forever21
Necklace: Target
Jacket: Thrifted, Old Navy
Dress: Old Navy
Shoes: Calvin Klein



What do you think?  Is this the conservative, preppy version of a Balloon Dress??

p.s. We've got a GIVEAWAY going live at 11:01pm CST tonight........

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