Day 3: Knits (and A Totally Awesome Giveaway!)

This post sponsored by Fresh Produce and Ross Dress for Less.

Knits can be tricky. They can hug every little roll and curve of your body.  They can sag and bag like nobody's business.  They can also be super-comfortable, and easy to care for (machine washable, yes!)  I have no rules, no guides, to give you (that don't involve a degree in textiles.)  I do however, have an exciting recommendation (and an amazing giveaway!) for Fresh Produce.  Their knits are thick enough, the stitching tight enough (but loose enough to still be breathable,) the quality superb, and the prices are reasonable.  I have worn this skirt endlessly for the past two summers, and plan to do so again next year:

(farewell summer!)

Fresh Produce, along with Ross Dress for Less, have combined to offer you (the wonderful readers with whom I would be nothing without!) a giveaway (in conjunction with Fashionista Events.*)

Entries are super easy - like the sponsors on Facebook, and then follow me! 
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*The Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years and Katy from ModlyChic, K Squared Glamour  is our co-host!   All Fashion!  Only FASHION event! Largest Fashion Giveaway event on the internet with $26,000+ in prizes, 100+ participating blogs and 3/4 million entries.  Each individual blog has a minimum of $125 prize! )

AND:

For every giveaway in the Fall Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, they gain one entry toward the FALL Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes.  Go here to enter Main Event==> $1000 in Main Event Prizes (<<< Link the words “$1000 In Main Event Prizes with this URL  http://stillblondeafteralltheseyears.com/?p=21194 ) including a $300 prize from Coupons.com.

Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, K Squared Glamour , Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Fall Fashionista Events Giveaway bloggers are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby.

Fall Trend: Black & White with Ross Dress for Less

When Ross Dress for Less contacted me about participating in a blogger contest for Fall Trends, I was like, "Heck yeah," and then I was like, "Duh."  I'm just kidding (but I did say yes, obviously.) 

Today kicks off a three week long contest, between me and four other bloggers, to see who represents this week's fall trend the best.  Our job?  Find an entire outfit, including accessories, for under $100.  Your job?  Vote* for your favorite outfit (pick me, pick me! lol) - you can vote once per day - by "liking" the photo.  Don't forget to like Pretty, Polished, Perfect on Facebook for your daily reminder ;)  You will be asked to enter your email address (this is where they will contact you if you win!) before you can vote.......

Photograph by the lovely Carla of CW Schildt Photography

I won't pretend that this is my most favorite outfit ever.  In fact, next week's is my favorite and while it also features a bit of black and white, it's main focus is leather details (come back next week to see it!)  However, it was under $100.  The dress was $19.99, the shoes were $39.99, and the necklaces were $12.99 and $19.99 (bracelets were included.)  Sadly, the red bench was not from Ross (though they had some fabulous chairs!)

Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to Carla of CW Schildt Photography.  I roped her into this project and she jumped right in without hesitation.  We had some laughs, some frustrations, some compliments, some strange looks.........

I will be completely upfront here: The Mr is the one who usually takes my pictures.  He isn't a professional, but I am comfortable as heck with him (shocking, I know - eye roll.)  I get so worried about working with people I don't know well, asking myself what will I do if we disagree on "artistic views" or what if they only want to shoot my bad side, or what if they hate me because I think I have a bad side (I do, trust me.)  Carla was great.  She realized what worked best for me, complimented me, made me laugh and was humble enough to take some of my suggestions.  She was also very patient.  She's new to the biz and says she learned from this experience (probably that she doesn't ever want to work with me again, lol!)  She also gave me a lot of great tips on posing (a model I am not)  Needless to say, I highly recommend her (so go support her and like her page!)

* The rules for the voting are as follows:

• Must be a fan of the Ross Facebook page to vote. If not already a fan just go ahead and ‘like’ the page to vote for your favorite blogger outfit
• Each person can vote once per day on their favorite outfit
• Only persons residing in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington and Wyoming who are at least 18 years of age can enter.
• Prior to voting, each person will be asked to submit an entry form with their email address. Once a winner has been selected, we will use the email address provided to notify them of their prize and to get further contact information to provide them with the Ross gift card.

TripleP Giveaway: Ross Dress for Less Back to School

Here's one of the fabulous dresses from Monday's shopping trip.  I might be wearing it for the next few days (oops!)

I mean, once I figure out how to tie a knot the right way..... then it will be perfect.  Any tips (on how to get those tail-ends to lay horizontally?)

While I can't reveal brands, I can reveal prices.  While $39.99 is one of the higher prices, I think this dress is worth every penny.

And now to the really good part:  The Giveaway!  We are keeping this simple - 'like' Ross Dress for Less on Facebook (feel free to leave them a note on their page letting them know your favorite back-to-school trend) and don't forget to like my Facebook page while you are there.

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*This post brought to you by Ross Dress for Less

Back to School Shopping - Ross Dress for Less Edition

When I think back-to-school shopping, I think clothes and shoes. Maybe a new backpack (let''s be honest here, it's been a long time since I bought - or needed - a backpack for myself,) maybe some new pens and pencils.  Then I get to Ross Dress for Less and I can't help but check out every department, scouring the racks and shelves for hidden treasures.  Like these (the latest trend):

And the shoes.  Ross rarely disappoints in the shoe department.

Even the furniture is almost always tempting.

Rows of children's shoes in every style (I will always love the boat shoe and simple skate shoes.)

New handbags (it can be hit or miss, but when it's a hit....it's out of the park.)

Jewelry (how cute are these bow bracelets?!)

And of course, the clothing.  I love, love, love their racks of dresses.  I mean, there are some real doozies, but more often than not, there are some major finds (I'm saving today's fabulous finds for a later post, sorry!)  I thought the striped pants were a great trend (but not for my tree trunks) until I saw Robin Thicke wearing them at this year's Video Music Awards.  Or maybe it was Robin Thicke and Miley Cyrus.  Who knows?  If you find you want to try this trend, Ross has a great pair (finally with a decent inseam!) for under $20....

And, um, how perfect is this jacket?!  Perfect army green fatigue color, great shape, right on trend.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a Ross Dress for Less Gift Card Giveaway! (and a look at my fabulous dress finds!!)

Ross Dress for Less Grand Openings (+ a Triple P Giveaway!)

The long-awaited day has finally arrived (at least for me and my very local readers.)  July 20th will mark the Grand Opening at not just the Olathe, KS store, but an entire handful of new stores across the country (including Arizona, Illinois, Tennessee, California, Virginia, Missouri, Nevada, Texas, Maryland, Florida and Oregon.)

When Ross Dress for Less opened the first of many stores in the Kansas City area, they invited bloggers of different niches to a special breakfast where we received some history about the company (and ate some Big Biscuit goodness); this breakfast was of course followed by a little bit of shopping at the new store (see the post and pictures here.)  They offered our amazing readers a giveaway then (and another when the Lawrence store opened) and I will give you three guesses what they would like to offer you all this week (and the first two guesses don't count, lol!)

 Be sure to like their Facebook page.....they will soon be launching their Back-to-School Savings in Style promotion where you’ll have a chance to win three $100 gift cards each week for four weeks!  p.s. they do these facebook giveaways often (so I think the follow is worth it!)

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*While I do enjoy shopping at Ross, and all these thoughts and opinions are my own - this post and giveaway are brought to you by Ross Dress for Less. 

Shopping KC: Ross Dress for Less (plus a Triple P giveaway!)

When I got the email inviting me to the Grand Opening of the Ross Dress for Less store, I immediately accepted.  I kinda fell in love with this chain-store when they first opened in the Kansas City area last fall.  Rumor has it there is a store currently being prepped to open in Olathe, and trust me - when I find out when it is, I will social-media the heck out of that information.  Would you like to win a $25 gift card to Ross Dress for Less (and more prizes)?  You can enter the giveaway here (super-easy entries!)  Make sure you like their facebook page, they have some really great giveaways in the works (like giving away a $100 every week for four weeks!)

What's so great about this store?

a) It's like a treasure hunt (I can't leave the store without at least glancing down every aisle,)

b) the prices are generally better than other discount retail stores and

c) it has a little bit of everything.

Not unlike a thrift store, I have a little map of where to head first.  Shoes.  Does that surprise anyone?  After shoes, I head to dresses (I couldn't help but long for a daughter - or even my little sister - to dress shop with), from there I peruse the handbags, move onto the furniture, meander through the household goods, sneak a peek at any food items and then I wander through the racks and racks of tops, pants and skirts.  On my way out, I stop by the kids clothing, detour through the toys and then take a quick glimpse of men's.  To round out the experience, I glance through the jewelry in the last few feet to the cash wrap (last fall I snagged this beauty!)

Like any grand opening, the store was crazy hectic (I'm pretty sure all of Lawrence, minus the hungover party-goers, and there were customers who were giddy with excitement (I'm not even kidding - the things I heard......I can't even repeat,) and some who didn't think the long lines were worth it.  Those who thought it was worth it made out with some great deals, and a free re-usable tote bag (which was way too small for all the goodies one can find in these stores, though I can't complain about free eco-friendly totes!)

*This post is brought to you by Ross Dress for Less and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

TripleP Giveaway: Spring Fashionista Event

Imagine waking up super early on a Saturday morning, slipping on an easy (but still cute, come on) dress (courtesy of JUNIEblake,) a pair of equally cute sandals (maybe from Ross Dress for Less?) sliding on some chic accessories (R Treasures Boutique for the win!) grabbing your super-chic, uber-green forager tote (thank you CivitasNow) and heading to the local farmer's market.  Maybe you'll meet up with your girlfriends and you can impress them with your laissez-faire style.  Maybe you'll meet the man of your dreams (thank goodness you look cute, right?)  Maybe you just don't care and simply want to snag the best produce before anyone else........

Enter to win a $45 credit to JUNIEblake (a trendy online boutique that specializes in modest clothing,) a $25  gift card to Ross Dress for Less (the retailer that sells designer goods at up to 60% off the retail value,) the <3 ring and arrow bracelet from the trendy and playful R Treasures Boutique, and to round out your outfit - the forager bag (made from what?!) from the super-green (and let's face it, super-hip) company CivitasNow.

*New Sponsor Alert - Meadowbelle Market has just joined the party, and would like to offer one lucky reader a Dual Birthstone Ring!  They sell handmade sterling silver and gold jewelry - they also take requests and customizations!

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*follow the Rafflecopter link if the form doesn't load.  Hoping to participate but don't have a US address?  Leave a comment below.

Like Giveaways? These great bloggers are linking up with me this week for the great Fashionista Giveaway Event (don't forget to enter the grand prize drawing!):

For every giveaway in the Spring Fashionista Event that an entrant enters, they gain one entry toward the Spring Fashionista Events Main Event Prizes. Go here to enter Main Event==> $1200 in Main Event Prizes

The Main Event Prizes total $1200 and include:

 ■$600 White Gold and Citrene Stone Necklace from Emma Parker Diamonds (WOrldwide)
 ■$100 Amazon Gift Card (WorldWide)
 ■$250 Gift Card from Midnight Velvet (clothing, accessories and home decor) (US ONLY)
 ■$250 in Shoes from Bobbi-Toad (adorable children’s Shoes) Worldwide

*The Spring Fashionista Giveaway Event is hosted by The Chief Blonde at Still Blonde After All These Years  and Katy from ModlyChic . K Squared Glamour  is our co-host!

*Still Blonde after all these YEARS , Modly Chic, K Squared Glamour and Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway or the Spring Fashionista Events Giveaway are not responsible for sponsors/bloggers that do not fulfill their prizes or for any product failure or harm caused thereby. 

Winners to Announce + ANOTHER Triple P Giveaway

Last week was the end of the super-awesome Fashionista Giveaway Event, and I know you are all waiting to find out if you are the lucky winners!

If you stopped by the Blue Bird giveaway, the lovely winner is a Kansas City local!

I hope you aren't burnt out on giveaways.......

Ross Dress for Less has finally come to the Kansas City area!  Several local bloggers and I were invited to shop the store before the grand opening, and they even treated us to breakfast.  Which, well......was at a cute little breakfast place aptly named The Big Biscuit.  A Ross Dress for Less Representative, from San Francisco, said that the restaurant had been chosen for its' mid-western feel (this comment was made before I'd seen the place for myself.)  The food was good, the atmosphere friendly, but I'm still trying to decide if that was an insult or not, lol!

I've never shopped at a Ross store before - I will be the first to admit, when I travel to cities with great shopping, there's a long list of stores (Zara is always at the top!) but Ross wasn't one of them.

What can I say?  I loved it.  It's like a cross between a Burlington Coat Factory (which could be either a compliment or an insult depending on how you feel about that store) and a TJ Maxx/Marshalls, with a side of thrifting (except everything is new at Ross.)  The prices are better than TJ Maxx/Marshalls (sorry TJ Maxx - you know I still love you - but it's true!)  Merchandise is constantly changing, there might be an entire rack of the same coat, or a lone single one (that's just your size!)  Just like with any bargain or thrift store - buy it now, because it won't be there when you come back (don't walk away from it either - it might not be there a second later.)  I found two great pairs of shoes, each under $40, a cute sweater ($8!!) this fabulous coat ($18!!) and an assortment of jewelry (all of this for under $25!)

Meet some of the amazingly talented Kansas City bloggers!  Suzanne was my +1 for the event - she is the sweetest person you will ever meet.  Yes, I headed for the shoe department first (duh.)

Now who wants a Ross Dress for Less gift card?

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