Surprises, Tim Gunn, Kate Spade and Other Girly Things

I wasn't entirely sold on this event.  I have watched every season of Project Runway (have I ever mentioned that since I was a little girl all I wanted to be was a fashion designer?)  I liked Tim Gunn's TV Personality.  I haven't fallen in love with Lucky Brand denim yet.  But.  I do love Kate Spade (not surprising, right?) and after a friend asked to catch a ride with me, the deal was sealed. 

We arrived early, shopped the Kate Spade store (dress coming later this week) and found our seats (a true fiasco, but a story for another time.)  As we waited for the show to start, we discussed meeting Tim Gunn for the photo-op after the show.  I'm not one for photo-ops with celebrities (whether of the A-list or D-list variety.)  In my humble opinion, a photograph with someone famous isn't really that awesome.  An entire conversation?  That's pretty cool.  Getting their digits?  That's brag worthy, as long as you aren't a groupie or a "professional dancer".....

I wondered if I would find Tim Gunn personable.  I wondered if taking a photo with him would be like High School Graduation; that awkward moment where you have to pause while "shaking hands" as the Principal hands you your empty Diploma holder.  I didn't like the Principal and I'm fairly positive she didn't like me (and guess what? I don't have that picture.) 

The show started and I was pleasantly surprised it wasn't a standard fashion show where models walked down a runway to loud music.  They brought out two models at a time and Tim gave styling tips, suggesting why each outfit worked (and making one model tuck in his t-shirt; see the rule of thirds below.)  Tim was personable, charming, funny, entertaining and he had good advice:

Tim says the single worst capri pant, ever, is the cargo capri. I agree. Well, actually, denim overalls and the overuse of commas (haha) are far worse.

Tim loves belts - they can give proportion where there is none.

 Dress your bodies as a series of thirds (not literally - he specifically said, "Do NOT pull out the measuring tape." Don't create a line that cuts you in half. 

He also advised against dressing up Maxi Dresses. He thinks they should only be worn with flats dressed down (way, way down,) and should be accessorized with larger bags, not clutches.

He lent a tidbit of history (they are not "wife-beaters"): the tank top originates from France, where a pool is called a "tank." Thus, we have the tank top.

A few other pieces I loved:

From top left: Trench Coat, Jacket + Hat, Jacket, Hat + Swimsuit
After the show there was a Q&A, and I think by that time I was starting to feel like Tim was an old friend (I'm not too ashamed of my own cheesiness.)

After the show was the after party.  Not really, but there was a long line of people waiting to take a photo with Tim.  A few of my fellow Kansas City Bloggers were there and we talked, took photos and finally decided to get in line to meet Tim Gunn. 

As we got closer and closer, I started to feel a little bit giddy (again, I'm not too proud to admit that.)  I think everyone hoped they were wearing the right thing, haha!  My turn was up and it was nothing like my High School Diploma Staged Photo Op.  I introduced myself, Tim complimented my choice of "just the pop of leopard," and we snapped a photo.  I graciously told him it was so nice to meet him and then asked him a question.  And you know what?  That man held my hand throughout the entire (one-minute) conversation.  I left thinking that I wanted to adopt him as my uncle or something. 

Got my photos, chatted with the chicest woman we met in line and then headed home (but not before stopping at Natasha's for some macarons.) 

This is Meggy (from Chasing Davies) & Jen (yes, the tote bag says "what would Tim Gunn do?"  I can't help but think, "He wouldn't wear this bag, so why is his camp handing them out to us?")

I think it's about time I read that book of his (okay, I actually had no idea he had written a book until this event......but now I know he has another book being released in September!)

Do I Buy Shoes or Do I Buy Groceries?

Just kidding.  I love shoes, but not enough to starve for them, haha!

About this time last year, I posted here and here about Kohls and Shoes.  I love Kohls for their trendy yet affordable spring and summer shoes.  I love Kohls for their customer service.  I love Kohls for their stinking coupons that I can't keep track of (but they will let you "use" even if you don't have them!)  In my shopping cart:

 
 
 
 

Shoes Row 1: Sonoma, Sacred Heart. Row 2: Bucco Chassie, Elle. Row 3: Union Bay, Dana Buchman. Row 4: Mudd, Simple Vera Vera Wang. (shoes found here, then sort by brand!)

With the sales and coupon code SUNSHINE20 (for 20% off, expires May 3) my total is $253.47. 

While it's great that I'm getting 8 pairs of shoes for less than $300, I could also take that $250 and save it towards a pair of fabulous Christian Louboutins.

 

 Hmmmm....decisions, decisions.

What do you think?  Affordable, trendy shoes for one season, or save my money for a pair of shoes that will last me a lifetime (you better believe I will still be wearing those Louboutins when I'm 80!)?

Polka Dots + Pregnancy

What do polka dots and pregnancy have to do with each other? Nothing. 

Jacket: Forever21
Necklace: H&M (sort of similar here)
Top: Jcrew (similar here)
Bracelets: Target
Ring: Thrifted (similar, without the clasp, here)
Jeans: Old Navy
Handbag: Thrifted (fun option here, but is it real??)
Shoes: Banana Republic (similar here)

In other news. 

Now that I've had children (and I'm still in my "prime") I'm super-conscious of "looking" pregnant.  When shopping for tops (and dresses) I always have to wonder, "Does this look like a maternity top?"  "Is there even the slightest chance that someone will wonder if I'm pregnant in this?"  I'm not kidding.  Maybe it has to do with that time I was asked if I was pregnant.  And I wasn't.  At all.  In fact, I thought I was looking rather thin that day.  Anyway, the reason why I bring this up?

Either this picture makes me look pregnant or fat.  Yay.  Haha.

p.s. I'm not pregnant.  That bakery's been closed. 

Sun, Sand + Fried Plantains

Have you entered the DownEast Basics giveaway yet? Today is your last chance to enter!

InstaMiami*:

Loved my retro DownEast Basics swimsuit. 

Loved swimming in the ocean.  (Loved it.)

Loved the palm trees and the brightly painted benches.

Loved my girl friend, gelato and the reflection from my sunnies.

Loved food, Cuban style.  Limes.  Enough said.

*I'm still working on my Instagram skills. Who am I kidding? I'm still working on my basic photography skills!

DownEast Basics Giveaway (Think Summer + Swimming.)

DownEast Basics.  Modbe Swimsuit: Islander (in chevron.)  Do I really need to say more?

No, but here's a photo (gah! I can't believe I'm posting a picture of me in a bathing suit!)

Quality fabric, quality craftsmanship.  This (fully lined!) bathing suit is worth every penny (and it's a reasonable amount of pennies.) 
Isn't it cute?  Not me, the bathing suit (haha.)

A few other items from their April Line I have my eyes on:

Would you like to win an item from DownEast Basics Spring Line?  Maybe you'd like a cute new bathing suit for the summer?  DownEast Basics and I would like to give you 6 ways to win your favorite item:

1. Follow DownEast Basics on Facebook.  Leave a comment on their page with the item you hope to win.

2. Leave a comment below with the name of the item you hope to win, and be sure to leave an email address to contact you back at!

3. Follow Pretty, Polished, Perfect on Facebook.  You don't have to leave a comment, but be sure to leave me your Facebook name.

4. Are you on Pinterest?  Pin the item from DownEastBasics.com that you hope to win (be sure to leave us the url to your pin.)  Not on Pinterest yet?  Send me an email and I will make sure you get an invite!

5.  Follow Pretty, Polished, Perfect on twitter (@_TripleP,) and be sure to leave me your twitter handle!

6. Tweet about the giveaway!

Use the Rafflecopter below (it's super-easy) to complete your entries!

LEGAL Stuff: 18 years of age or older to enter. US addresses only, no PO boxes.  Only one item 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. 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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Champagne Wishes & Caviar Dreams

That's how this jacket makes me feel.  I need a Yacht.

Jacket: H&M (similar here)

Top: JCrew (similar here)

Necklace: JCrew (similar here)

Watch: Merona

Sunglasses: Forever21

Pants: Forever21

Shoes: Esprit

Please excuse the dirt.

Vacation Yo!

Yes, I just said yo.  I'm excited.  Sue me.

Watch the video to find out where I'm headed and to see my awesome dance moves.  No really.  They're awesome.  

Shirt: H&M (similar here)
Skirt: Forever21
Necklace: Jcrew (similar here)
Hat: Forever21 (similar here)

Don't forget, Thursday starts an awesome giveaway (so stay tuned, or I'll have to dance some more.)

Candy Stripes Part II

Remember this jacket?  

Top: Ralph Lauren (similar here and here)

Necklaces: Target (similar here)

Skirt: Old Navy

Bracelet: Target

Clutch: Loeffler Randall for Target (similar here)

Shoes: Daisy Fuentes (similar here)

Are you still wearing Polo shirts?  Do you think polos are in, or are they out?

p.s. I've got a great giveaway coming to the blog Thursday, April 19! 

It's a Girl Thing: Recap

I know this is wildly outdated, but I'm going to post it anyway. 

What I wore:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Target

Dress: Nine West (see similar here.)

Bracelets: Target + Target

You know the women's shoe department is good when it looks something like this:

Dresses (oh be-still my beating heart; dresses merchandised by color.)

They had dresses brought in just for this event:

 I couldn't leave without trying one on....... 

Dress: no longer available

Shoes: Zara

And I had to treat myself to one of Christopher Elbow's Caramel with Fluer de Sel chocolates. I die. 

I love everything about Halls.  I love that it's a department store with everything (I mean that; I dare you to find something they don't have.)  I love the way the fragrance and cosmetics department smells.  I love that they have a spa (I just found that out!)  I love that they carry Manolo Blahnik and L.K. Bennett (see shoe department.)  I love that the store associates feel like family.  I just......love Halls.

p.s.

TripleP in the Kitchen

Join Dine & Dish and Cookin’ Canuck for the California Avocado 4th of July Blast, 

sponsored by the California Avocado Commission.

Baked Avocado Fries

(adapted from this recipe, which was adapted from that recipe, which was adapted.......)

Source: morethanmary.com via Erin on Pinterest

¼ C all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ¼ C Italian Seasoned bread crumbs

2 perfectly ripe California Avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced into wedges

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees (Fahrenheit.)

Dredge the avocado wedges in the flour (coat them real well,) dredge in beaten egg (coat them real well, again,) and then dredge them in the bread crumbs (you got the real well part, right?)  Lay on a baking sheet (I rubbed a little bit of olive oil on my pan.)  Sprinkle a little bit of salt over the wedges, and then lightly sprinkle olive oil over them (I placed my finger over the opening to "sprinkle" because I'm fancy like that. Haha.)  Bake for about 15-20 minutes (Mine were almost burnt at 18 minutes.)  Take them out of the oven.  Eat them.  I forgot to take pictures.

Even my children ate them.  That is a miracle.

Have you ever watched the Food Network (or Cooking Channel) and they have those awesome videos of the food bubbling up in the hot oven? No?

My kitchen is one of the most well-used areas of our home.  I spend a lot of time cooking, cleaning, baking, cleaning, hanging out, cleaning, playing games, cleaning, entertaining and more cleaning in my kitchen.

Top, Old Navy.  Pants, JCrew.  Necklace, Forever21.  Bracelets, thrifted (similar here) and Target.

I read an article the other day about bloggers appearing to be perfect (sorry, I can't find it or I would link to it - it was a good article!)  I know, I know.  I even use the word in the title of my blog.  I know I am not perfect.  The title of my blog is about what I wish I was, what I am always seeking and what I love; it is my search for all things pretty, polished, and otherwise perfect.  I've got a number of photographs that are far from pretty, my dishwasher could use a good polishing and look!  My kitchen isn't perfect:

Did I mention I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.......cleaning?

Pastel + Peplum

Why is it that when you try on an article of clothing/accessory/shoe in a store, you fall in love with it and think it looks great?  Then you get home, put it on and notice all of its' flaws and unflattering ways?

Is the high of a new purchase (or the excitement of a possible new purchase) akin to the beer goggle effect when drinking alcohol??

(you know it's bad when this was the best picture.....)

Jacket, Kohls. Denim, Kohls.  Shoes, Old Navy.   

I am not even kidding when I say that I nearly giggled when I tried this jacket on in the store.  I thought it was perfect.  I loved it.  I loved peplum.  I loved......the magical endorphins that must have been coursing through my veins as I looked into that store mirror. 

Mirrors lie.  Apparently my own eyes prefer to decieve me.  But photographs; not only can they speak a thousand words, they never lie (unless, you know, altered by Photoshop.)

The Instagram (@_TripleP) version of this outfit:

(not any better, huh.)

And before I forget, this post is brought to you in part by: