KCFW: Parties + Runways, Feb. 27 - March 3

It's that time of year again!  An exhausting (in the best way possible) week full of parties, planning, people watching, photographing, oohing and ahhing and general mayhem (lol!)  

Don't forget to join me and many of my fellow KC bloggers as we style models for the KCFW Kick-off party at the Garment District Boutique this Wednesday from 6-9pm.  

The official press release from KCFW:

Kansas City Fashion Week, LLC is excited to announce the kick off for our Spring 2013 five-day fashion experience with a public event held at The Garment District Boutique on Wednesday, February 27th.



The Garment District has been a boutique sponsor and supporter of Kansas City Fashion Week since it was established in 2011. “KCFW is honored to partner with The Garment District for our official kick-off event. They have been strong supporters of our events and their location is the perfect representation of Kansas City Fashion Week,” stated Teisha Barber, Executive Director.



This free event open to the public will include a live fashion show, styled by local fashion bloggers, and live entertainment provided by Kansas City Fashion Week’s official house DJ, GENT. Spirits will also be available and provided by Kansas Clean Distilled Whiskey, KCFW’s Presenting Sponsor.



The Garment District Boutique carries a variety of cutting-edge fashion designs and labels. This one-of-a-kind boutique offers consumers the opportunity to shop while also indulging in a cocktail. "We are proud to be a part of another season of Kansas City Fashion Week. The talent of designers and all those that come together to volunteer their time is such an exciting time for Kansas City's growth in the country's Fashion scene,” commented Annette Pinter, Sales Manager at The Garment District.



Wednesday, February 27th
6:00 pm – 9:00 pm



Featuring: GENT



The Garment District Boutique
1350 Main Street, KCMO
** Valet parking will be available on Main Street, directly across from The Garment District Boutique

For schedules and tickets (don't forget the tickets!) visit kcfashionweek.com.  

Won't be able to make the parties or the shows?  Follow me on Instagram and Twitter (@_TripleP) and Facebook (Pretty, Polished, Perfect) as I snap shots of the fashion-filled week!

Zaarly: Valentine's Specials for Kansas City

I'm excited to share this super awesome Valentine's promotion with you all! If you live in Kansas City, San Francisco or Seattle, you are in LUCK! From now through February 13th 5:00 p.m. PST (or when sold out), Zaarly (see my post about this fun bazaar here) will have unique gifts from $1, $5 and $10 that will be hand delivered to your sweetheart on Valentine's Day. For each Valentine you'd like to send, simply select the item you would like and in the special instructions section add your Valentine's name, physical delivery address, email address and phone number. Each person can purchase up to five Valentines of their choice (gotta save some for everyone else!) to five individual addresses.

Here is a look at what Kansas City is offering.

You'll have to visit San Francisco and Seattle for yourself if you are in those areas. If you are not in one of the three cities don't fret, you can still purchase an item to be shipped from here Zaarly National in time for Valentine's Day.

Again, this promotion is only good through February 13th 5:00 p.m. PST so that orders can be ready to be sent out on Valentine’s Day! Happy shopping!

p.s. visit Sandy's blog for a flash giveaway for gift cards to Zaarly for use before Valentine's Day!

Social KC: Zaarly (it might be in your in city too!)

Sandy invited me to tag along with her to a new conceptual bazaar, aptly named Zaarly (rhymes with gnarly, I'm not even kidding.)  I'm really excited about this idea, people.  Excited.

It's essentially a bazaar featuring local businesses (like a storefront) - doggy business, macaron business (and other bakeries,) (amazing) woodworking business (I love woodworking - it is such an amazing medium for art!,) jewelry business (yes please,) BBQ business (you know how I feel about BBQ right?)......just to name a few that we saw that night.  Each business had samples of their work, product for sale right then and there (using a simple android/iOS app) and the crowd was amazing.  I won't lie: it was a big shopping party.  And I think people are going to love it!  

I ended up purchasing a set of three bangles from Coki, and got a pair of free earrings for it!

The event was held at The Roasterie - such a fun venue!  And of course, what I wore:

p.s. Zaarly is running a special Valentine's special now through February 13th....

Algenist 10 Day Challenge (+ a TripleP Giveaway)

I'm aging, I don't even try to keep that a secret.  My sons are constantly keeping me on my toes, and life's constant changes seem to be accelerating the rate at which my gray hairs grow.  Aaaannnnnddd, that rhymed.  I'm always looking for whatever product can help me hide - or, if we're really lucky, erase.

When I was asked to participate in the Algenist's Concentrated Reconstruction Serum 10 Day Beauty Challenge, I was all in (I can commit to ten days, kids and all.)  I'm only on day 4, and I'm feeling good about it so far.  The scent is doable (it almost smells minty) and isn't overwhelming.  It's also very lightweight, which is great for nighttime - I am not a big fan of heavy creams and serums for sleeping!  While I haven't seen any major changes to my life-long friends "the wrinkles" yet, at  least I haven't broken out; that's huge in my book.

What's special about this serum?

The Algenist Concentrated Reconstructing Serum is formulated with the highest concentration of Alguronic Acid and is clinically measured to visibly decrease the number of deep wrinkles by 25%* in 10 days.

Ready for the giveaway? Algenist is offering one of you lucky readers a chance to win a full-sized bottle (valued at $97!)

Entry is simple - sign up for Algenist's newsletter, and leave me a comment below (don't forget to leave your contact info!)

As an added bonus, Algenist would like to offer you all a free deluxe size Firming & Lifting Cream (valued at $25) with any purchase of $75 or more (use code 'MOREBEAUTIFUL'.)

*Average decrease in number of deep wrinkles measured quantitatively in a third-party clinical study of women age 40 to 60 following once-daily application.

While this post is sponsored by Algenist, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Almost Famous + San Pellegrino

Who doesn't want to be famous?  Would you settle for being almost famous?  I have religiously watched every season of Top Chef, and recently found out about another foodie competition (web series,) sponsored by San Pellegrino.



Now what can I do to be a judge?  I just want to try all those dishes (and of course I wouldn't mind a trip to Napa.....!)

Halls KC Warehouse Sale Update

I was second in line to get through that door, so keep in mind that my experience is different from someone who showed up at 9:30.......

When I left at 11am, they were letting one person in for every person that left.  And there was a line (although it was a Kansas City line, not a New York City line.)  If you make it in the door, there was a pretty quick moving line for the registers, but the line for the fitting rooms was a bit more tedious.  I will admit, I offered to share my fitting room with the cute older woman I had met while waiting in line.  If modesty, privacy and your own mirror are what you need, this sale is not for you.  There is only one mirror - so yes, everyone standing in line will stare at you while you march to the mirror for your turn to peek at yourself.  Hold your head high ladies, they are just envious they don't have a room yet.  Better yet, wear leggings and a tank and just try it on wherever you stand. (p.s. there is little-to-no cell phone reception in there.......)

If you can endure all that..............

Shoes:

Do not go back to shoes (far left corner from the front door) if you are claustrophobic.  It was barely manageable when the doors first opened, but when I left it was a mess of open boxes and scattered shoes.  No employee can get back there to clean it up either!  If you brave it, you might find a gem though.

Kids:

The world's smallest rack.

Jewelry and Accessories:

Tons of "costume" type jewelry, mass amounts of white watches, with a smattering of silver, a random assortment of belts and lots of colorful winter scarves, hats and gloves.

Dresses:

I may have bought the best of them, lol!  Satin Marchesa, Raoul tunic-types and fun one-shouldered dresses abound.

They had two pairs of Oscar de la Renta flats, and unfortunately I grabbed the wrong size (grabbed a 40, needed a 39!)   

Pants:

Tons of colored and patterned pants were still hanging when I left.

Tops and Sweaters:

Slim-pickings here.  But Men's has piles and piles!

Handbags:

Ted Baker iPad cases in patent leather.  And one lone Ivanka Trump purse that will probably still be there when you get there.....and will still be there when you leave.  Sorry, but it's the truth.

Men's:

DO THIS.  Take your man!  There was no one in men's, and they had the largest assortment of ties, scarves, shoes, jackets, coats, dress shirts, t-shirts, underwear........you name it - tell you husband to stop by.  The Mr was busy today, so he missed out on some really great deals (although I did snag the lone, rather normal brown leather belt.)  Someone bought out almost all the Men's Prada shoes (you can expect to see those on ebay,)  but there was still a good selection left.  I'm sure the men's Gucci coats are still pretty pricey, but the luxury item is a steal at this price!

What I walked away with:

It shouldn't be too shocking that I walked away with sequins, silk, wool and color.  Lots of color!

I couldn't resist this whimsical Kate Spade necklace and the Ted Baker bangles

My advice:  If you are in the area and have some free time, stop by.  I don't know what you will find (if anything,) and I would say it's a toss-up.  Maybe by 6pm there won't even be a line anymore.  Of course, there might not be anything left either.  Unless of course, you know a man who isn't too picky......

Halls KC: Instagram Contest + Warehouse Sale

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen some of my #HallsKC favorites.  Halls is currently running an Instagram contest:

Halls Kansas City Instagram Contest additional information

If that wasn't awesome enough, Halls has decided to try something new this year:

Halls Kansas City Warehouse Sale Additional Information

I've seen regular retail prices range anywhere from $95 - $6000 at Halls on the Plaza.  Fabulous clothing for $9.50 - $600 (that would the Oscar de le Renta)........yes, please!  It's in my neck of the woods too, so I will be there Wednesday morning, 9am sharp (I won't lie, I will actually be there early - you never know what a warehouse sale line will look like!)

The big question:  Will there be any Oscar de la Renta hanging from those racks??