Blow-Outs

Is it sad that when I hear the word blow-out I think of babies and diapers, not brushes and blow-dryers? 

I stopped by Kansas City's new (and very first) beauty bar: Parlor.  If you find yourself on the Country Club Plaza, stop by even if it's only to see the perfectly decorated interior. 
 
It's bright, clean and the perfect-shade-of-yellow chevrons (and comfy chairs) are the perfect mix of trendy and classic styles. I was scheduled with Caylee (another recent graduate) and chose the Voluminous from the menu.

See their website for a full listing of services, including special deals on packages.

Parlor stocks Sachajuan and O&M products for use and sale

The finished 'do (I swear I was happy, I don't know why I didn't smile!):

I had a chance to chat with Meg Haas, the owner and entrepreneur behind Kansas City's first beauty bar.  She's a local MBA graduate who thinks Kansas City's women are so fashion forward, despite the usual two-year wait for current trends to arrive, and they (we) deserve this!

The carry Becca and have a make-up artists available for appointments

Stop by 608 ½ W. 48th Street on the Country Club Plaza tonight (September 27th) from 7-9pm for their Grand Opening party!  Maybe I'll see you there?

I'm excited for the endless opportunities a fun beauty bar can offer besides a single blow-out: sisters' night out, girls' night out, wedding parties.....the list goes on.....)  

p.s. don't forget to tip your stylist - word on the inside is 20% or more (you know, if you really love the 'do!)

p.p.s.  the thought and opinions in this post are mine and only mine, though the services were provided to me free-of-charge.

Art Fair via Wi-Fi

This past weekend was the annually-much-anticipated Country Club Plaza Art Fair.  I look forward to this event every year (the parking, not so much – thank you Time Warner Cable, for the free VIP parking pass!)  Friday night was spent in the TWC (Time Warner Cable) VIP Media Lounge with many of Kansas City's finest bloggers.

L to R: Sarah's sister & Sarah, Kat, Michelle, Ellen & Jamie, Lisa, Meg, Emily, Sarah and yours truly.

Sorry Sarah!  This picture was just too cute to pass up:

We talked shop, life and free wi-fi (thank you again, TWC!) while gorging delicately snacking on appetizers (the Tuna Rolls are my new fave) and desserts from Seasons 52.

After the group went their separate ways, Lisa and I participated in the TWC sponsored Tweet and Go Seek.  I was completely shocked by how much fun we had running around the Plaza, seeking out these hidden tiles!  Of course, we ran into a few problems (you know how much I love math problems, right?): 

Sprint network + thousands of people in a three block radius = no coverage.  

TWC's free Country Club Plaza's wi-fi + their courtesy iPad* = problem solved. 

Lisa, me and our prizes

The Mr and I took our sons up to see the art, peruse the booths and generally bask in the fun atmosphere (and face-painting, courtesy of the TWC booth.)  We also fell in love with some new favorites (the Asian Pig Wings at Gram & Dun are to die for people, even the boys liked them…..and that’s HUGE!) 

Photo of Gram & Dun courtesy of  The Pitch

We met up with Lisa for a little bit more Tweet and Go Seek, and our last tile of the afternoon brought us face to face with the pretty-cool guys behind the game.  We found a total of 21 tiles (the word tile hardly does these post-recycled-material, multi-purpose masterpieces justice!)

Gear up Kansas City, Time Warner Cable is about to spoil their customers with innovative technology (and free wi-fi of course,) great customer service, and even better community presence.  Are you a Time Warner Cable customer yet?

*Did you know that TWC has an HBO app that lets you watch every single show, every single episode?  I wish TWC was available in my neighborhood, darnit! 

Social KC: Fashion's Night Out

The Country Club Plaza, the Power & Light District and Zona Rosa are the shopping centers in Kansas City that will be participating in this year's Fashion's Night Out.

What is Fashion's Night Out?  It was a "movement" started several years ago to help boost the declining sales in retail (at least, that's what I remember reading last year......)  Taking place on the Thursday during New York Fashion Week, cities across the globe celebrate their own version of Fashion's Night Out.  

On to the good stuff.  Last year, my sister and I visited the Country Club Plaza and had such a good time (I even considered flying her in for this year's festivities.)  Let's just say that the CCP captured my heart (and my loyalty) that night, and it is my destination for next Thursday night.  A quick run-down on just a few of my favorite stores and what they have planned:

First stop, 

Helzbergs Diamonds - receive a free pair of pearl earrings (free pearls? yes, please!) just for coming to Helzberg Collections, (one pair per customer while supplies last) plus, 10% of all sales donated to the local Make-A-Wish Foundation 

Halls - from 5-10 p.m., see hot fall styles (come see how I styled an Oscar de la Renta top!) DJ Mike Scott, score gifts-with-purchase (from Habitual Denim, Rag & Bone and more), and register-to-wins (from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Frye, Laundry, Persol, Eileen Fisher and more!)

J. Crew - shop, eat, and a free FNO surprise when you spend $100 or more

H&M - DJ (because when does H&M not have a DJ?), giveaways, get 30% off your favorite item, enter to win a chance to attend a private performance by Lana Del Rey

Burberry - champagne (oh wait, I don't drink!) appetizers and a free gift with purchase.

Kaplan's Fabrics - If I can make it in time, a 7pm fashion show with designs by local designers, seamstresses and students of Cherry Barthel. After the show, discuss how to turn your fashion ideas into a reality with seamstresses and designers. Create your own scarf - choose fabric, hem it in the store and take it home. Drawings for a giveaway.

Kate Spade - complimentary Mini Indulgences from Seasons 52, plus great giveaways and discounts (and come on, shopping!)

Michael Kors - a handbag giveaway? don't mind if you do!

N Valentino - they had me at cupcakes, plus 20% off contemporary men’s and women’s collections, plus custom fittings from Paige Premium Denim, Joe's Jeans, Hudson, Rich and Skinny and AG

Panache Chocolatier - Chocolate samples, iced tea, coffee (the BEST European Truffles, ever!)

And if you plan to stay for the eateries......

Gram & Dun - (the best meatballs ever!) After Party 9pm-midnight. Get your invitation at Standard Style for one glass of complimentary champagne and Happy Hour Prices.

The Melting Pot - $5 chocolate fondue (from 9-10:30pm)?  How could anyone refuse??

For a complete listing of CCP events, visit countryclubplaza.com.

Kansas City Social: Marathon-ish Edition!

Holidays, sales, warm weather?  Yes, please (and it's about time!)

The Legends Outlets Kansas City is my first stop.  It might also be my last.  I made up a list of the stores I absolutely had to hit and it might be a bit marathon-ish:

(Remember when I said I like to make fun of myself?  Yes, those are gift cards taped to the front of my shirt.)

White House Black Market Outlet (Just opened today!)
Old Navy Outlet
Ann Taylor Factory
J.Crew l crewcuts Factory (I received an email coupon for 20% off purchases of $125  or more, good through June 23.)
Gap Outlet Coupon Offer*  Coupon: 15% off your purchase of $75 or more
Banana Republic Factory Store  Coupon Offer* Coupon: 15% off your purchase of $100 or more
Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH (think FATHER'S DAY - June 17)

Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store

TJMaxx
Charming Charlies (no sales known, but I don't need a sale to entice into this store!)
Forever21

*coupons found at the Legends Facebook page.

If I make it through that list, the Country Club Plaza is my next stop:

Kate Spade
H&M
Halls
JCrew
Anthropologie
Victoria's Secret (7/$26 sale on panties.....TMI?)
Burberry (still waiting for a fabulous trench coat to go on sale!!)
Panache (because I can't leave the Plaza without at least one European Truffle!)

And don't forget the Half-yearly Sale at Nordstrom!

Whew.

 (I hope you are laughing at my expense here.....)

Will you be taking advantage of the sales this Holiday?

p.s Don't forget to enter this awesome giveaway (ends May 31st!)

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!)

That Time I Forgot To Title My Post...

What do H&M, Panache Chocolatier & The Mr have in common?  The Country Club Plaza. 

It's become a custom for The Mr and I to get together for lunch whenever I shop on the Plaza.  It's a date we share with our youngest:

The sweetest (and extremely spoiled) little man:

Goodies from Panache:

 My favorite candies from Panache are actually the European Truffles (refrigerated in a box, no photo) and these Red Apple Caramels:

And what I wore (I know, the suspense has been killing you, right?  Haha.)

Necklace: Target.  Cardigan: Forever21.  Top: Kohls.  Jeans: Old Navy (similar here.)  Shoes: Forever21 (similar here.)  Bag: Forever21

Versace for H&M Fashion Show

Last night, H&M held the fashion show featuring the line that Donatella Versace created just for their stores.  Per the usual fashion party, lots of A-listers showed up, as well as a bunch of people that (let's face it) we have no idea who they are.  Here's the Youtube version:

I cannot wait to shop this collection!  Here are some of my favorite pieces:

Versace for H&M by prettypolishedperfect on polyvore.com

I loved these photos from the Lookbook:

images courtesy of Google

H&M is finally opening up shop here in Kansas City (hallelujah!)  The grand opening of the Country Club Plaza store is set for Thursday, November 17 (Versace collection will be released on November 19th!)  The store will be located at 440 W. 47th Street (next to the Gap at the corner of 47th & Broadway,) and will include ladies, mens, young ladies and men, lingerie, accessories and a full childrens department featuring newborn to 14.  In celebration of opening day, H&M on the Country Club Plaza will offer the first 200 shoppers in line an H&M T-shirt and Access to Fashion Pass, valued from $10 to $300, in addition to fantastic opening offers and giveaways!

I was so disappointed when H&M backed out of the Legends Outlets KC when the mall was first built, and now I am hoping that H&M will become a staple in KC will stores throughout the area! 

Will you be one of the first 200 shoppers?

p.s. did you see the underwear I can't help but buy The Mr.  That's right: you know you want some for your man.