Get Your Spa Look

Who doesn't love that 'fresh-from-the-spa' look? Now you can have your "spa" and free samples too. SpaLook has free samples with every order. They also have some sweet Valentine specials:

Use code FSForU2Day for FREE SHIPPING on any purchase until 6-30-07.
Use code HeartSpa to receive 10% off any purchase of $50 or more. Expires 2/28/07.

Here is one sweet product: A light lotion with a Vitamin C reserve. Helps to tone your skin. Improves elasticity. Reduces skin irritations. Contains the New Multivitasphere active-agent to reduce the effects of light-induced aging, plus gives your skin a soft appearance. Now we can all use something like that!


Get your SpaLook and let us know how fabulous you feel!

Music Notes

The beautiful and accomplished Norah Jones has a new album out today. "Not Too Late" is in stores now, and it definitely lives up to all expectations one has of this talented young woman.

Still in her 20's, Norah has enjoyed several amazing years recently in her music career. Remember her sweeping the Grammy's in 2003? The rawness of her soothing voice and intimate piano playing is accounted for in every album she puts out.

This recent accomplishment was created with her long time friend, bassist, (and now boyfriend) Lee Alexander in the comfort of Norah's home studio. Norah says they recorded songs when the band was in the mood for it, and you can clearly hear their genuine pleasure in creating fantastic music on this album.

A Texas girl, who studied jazz and who got into music "because I love it and didn't want a real job", Norah has one heck of a non-job. Check out her new album and enjoy listening to another sweet success for Ms. Norah Jones.

Devilishly Chic

I finally got to watch “The Devil Wears Prada”. Not as good as the book, but the movie versions rarely are. However, I loved the clothes Anne Hathaway got to wear! No, not the plaid skirt and cerulean blue sweater (hideous indeed), but the “after” looks. And when she walked into the sample closet, I got chills!

So how does one put these outfits together AND at a price the regular chick can afford? It would be easy to walk into a sample closet and coordinate fantastic looks. It’s much more challenging to do the same at a local department store.

Many of the large department stores have personal shoppers if you want to go that route. But you can also ask someone on the floor. I try to seek out someone who looks put together themselves. If she can’t dress herself, definitely don’t let her have a try with you. I like to watch for someone who looks like a supervisor or that person fiddling with the displays. Chances are that person knows every item on the floor and can quickly direct you to something fabulous. I’m sure the clerks hate this, but if I can’t find the pieces I want, I’ll strip the display because it’s usually the size I’m looking for and the look is put together for me.

Haute Market wants to make this process very easy for you. When you come to an event, you’ll see that the vendors have been chosen, not only because they are fabulous, but because their works will compliment each other. If you find a great top from one designer, don’t hesitate to ask her to direct you to another designer who will have a fabulous necklace to go with it.

Watch my TV spot next week on NBC at 10am, Thursday, Feb. 8th as I mix and match pieces from all of our designers to create several chic looks. Be sure to get your Retail Therapy tickets now, before they run out…then you can score your own chic look while enjoying food, wine and good times!

Skin Deep

There are so many products and companies out there promising to make us look younger, healthier, sexier. I just want to look good. Simple, right? After all, the Haute Market TV appearance on KC Live is now less than two weeks away and I need to look haute hot!

I received this Hydroderm offer in my inbox and wonder if anyone else has tried it and has a comment? Better than botox huh? Well, if it doesn't involve a needle, that's better in my book.

So speak up ladies. Have you tried this? Have you tried any other products you'd like to tell us about. Leave a comment or email us and give us your tips, tricks, tried-and-true favorites.

Have a fabulous weekend and remember to purchase your Retail Therapy ticket before we sell out! Cheers!

New Product - Great Swag!

New product info just arrived in my inbox this week. You jet-setters will like this one. SkinMilk® has just released their 8 oz. shower gel. Smaller than the original 22 oz, it's a lot easier to take to the gym or throw in your travel bag.

SkinMilk® shower gel contains real milk proteins and vitamins A, D, and E to smooth and soften the skin, as well as White Lily and Comfrey botanical extracts, which help soothe the body. It's always great to have a shower gel that doubles as a moisturizer this time of year.

Visit the SkinMilk® site today to learn more about their great product line and wonderful moisturizers. And for all of you hip chicks planning on attending the Retail Therapy event Sunday, Fe. 11th ~ you will get your very own sample of SkinMilk® in the Swag Bags! Just be sure to have an advance ticket and arrive when the doors open at 1:00. Only 200 Swag Bags to give away.

Thanks SkinMilk®!

Band Interview: The New Tragedies

I had the pleasure of interviewing Bev Weidner of The New Tragedies this week. Not only is Bev a fantastic musician, she's a shopping diva like me! The New Tragedies' music is full of heart, soul and beautiful harmonies. It's the type I can listen to anywhere at anytime. Hints of country, folk and rock can all be found in these amazing tunes.

I hope you enjoy our interview notes, it's long, but worth it!

Jennifer: Bev & Aaron, your voices blend together so unbelievably well…what was it like the first time you sang together?

Bev: The first time we sang together was years ago in a park in our hometown, Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was in a band called the Paper Hearts and I was playing in a band called Tyko. This was before any romantic sparks flew. As a matter of fact, we were both dating other people at the time and we spent one afternoon at the city park, singing and laughing. But to answer your question we have always enjoyed the sound of our voices together.

Jennifer: And what about the romantic part? (readers – this dynamic duo married soon after Bev joined the band) Give us the ‘girlfriends’ version Bev…did you know right away?

Bev: I met Aaron through a group of friends I knew in Fayetteville. We were friends for about 6 years before anything romantic happened. His old band had a reunion show in Fayetteville on March 27th of ‘04. At this time he was living in Kansas City. After the show we spent the remainder of the night at a party handing the guitar back and forth, playing new songs we’d each written. Then we went to a coffee shop for breakfast, then back to my apartment where we continued talking, drinking coffee and wine (yes, in the morning). At one point I thought, “Why is he still here? Is this really happening?” After a few hours of noticeably growing closer and closer to each other on the sofa, we kissed, and immediately I knew that I had to move to Kansas City. And I did, literally 3 weeks later.


Jennifer: What do you see as your biggest challenge as an Indie artist?

Bev: The biggest challenge is simply getting the music out there. It used to be harder a few years ago, without itunes or Myspace. We’d love to have our music in a film or on a commercial, but getting it to the right person and place is key. I love the way music is passed around so freely these days. However, we all have the dream that we could live off the music. If the music is free, it’s hard to really live off of it. Also, as I have just turned 30, I find it harder to get out to see live music. Are we getting old? Possibly!

Jennifer: What has been the biggest reward?

Bev: Personally, my biggest reward with this band is playing with my spouse. Touring is easy with him, and practice is always fun. We work together extremely well because we don’t take anything too seriously. We love to play the songs because every word means something specific to us, and even if the audience doesn’t quite know what we mean, I know that when we look at each other on stage, we just get it. And I love that.

Jennifer: Which is your favorite song (of yours of course)?

Bev: Hmmm. My favorite song may differ from Aaron’s favorite. Right now it’s a new song we have called “90 Proof.” I love it because it’s sexy and it creates this dark, lusty mood. The words hint at a love affair and that’s always something I feel people can relate to. Plus, it’s just a blast to play. It rocks out in the middle, yet has a laid back verse. My favorite song on the album, though, would probably have to be “Talk To Me.” We have a video out right now on Youtube.com. It has a country feel, accented with pedal steel. Really, you cannot go wrong with the pedal steel.

Jennifer: How do you do it…being married to your “co-worker”. Do you live your work? Do you hum and harmonize while you’re brushing your teeth together? Or does the door close on the studio at the end of the day and you’re just Mr. & Mrs. Weidner?

Bev: You know, a lot of people ask us this, and really close friends know that in ways, we do and in ways we don’t. When we have people over we usually sit around the couch and play a couple of songs. Humming and harmonizing while brushing teeth? Not so much. We do have this funny dance though that we’ll do….oh, I won’t get into that here. I’d say it’s a mix. We will definitely sit around and work on something new that he has in his head, or while I make dinner he’ll fiddle around with some new for songs. So, yes, we live it. But we don’t obsess over it. It’s actually the perfect mixture.

Jennifer: What do you see yourselves doing in a year, in 5 years? Still making beautiful music I hope?

Bev: Well, in 5 years we plan on having 2 kiddos, making more records and playing when we can! Ask me in 5 years and we’ll see how that actually goes!

Jennifer: anything else you’d like us to know?

Bev: Anything else? Let’s see, Yes, I can play just fine in 4 inch heels. My hair may be a different color from show to show, and Aaron’s scar from his birthmark removal is fading. It’s not a hickey. Thanks!

Listen to their music now on MySpace: www.myspace.com/thenewtragedies
Please visit The New Tragedies web site and pick up your own copy of their CD. www.thenewtragedies.com Catch their show at The Brick, in KC, MO. Feb. 24th.

My Man Oscar

The nominations are in and I’m giddy with anticipation. The countdown to another fashion frenzy begins. Of course I watch to see who wins, but I’m mostly loving the people watching. With such a fabulous list of women nominated for best actress, we’re sure to see some stunning looks. I can’t wait to see what Kate and Cate have to show us!

I can’t say that I’ve seen many movies lately, so I don’t have a lot to say about the nominations themselves. Little Miss Sunshine was one we recently rented. It was dark and a little dull through a lot of the movie, but the ending was so freakin’ hilarious that I’d actually watch it again soon, and I rarely watch a movie twice in one year.

Of course with a house full of boys, Pirates of the Caribbean will have our vote. I’m stunned that it isn’t on the “best costume” list. At least I can still drool over Orlando again. Ooh la la!

Now we wait. Feb. 25th is the big day, a date with Oscar. More info on the event here.

Choco Heaven

This is such a cute gift! Guys are so difficult to buy for at Valentine's. Dan's Chocolates just made it easier. You buy the box of chocolates, send them the photo and you get a fabulous personalized gift in return!
Dad's always love a photo of the kids. Take a great candid shot and go order some yummy chocolates. Chances are you'll get to eat them too, so it's a win-win-win situation!
Dan's has loads of fabulous chocolate gifts, which we ladies always deserve for some reason...or no reason. Stock up and have a few handy for upcoming birthdays, anniversarys, the "I haven't seen you since it first snowed and the kids are driving me crazy" gift. Whatever your needs, chocolate can usually cure.

Slacker

Oops..missed a blog today. We sold 46 Haute Market online tickets in 2 1/2 days! I feel like I've done nothing but stuff envelopes and make trips to the post office. If you ordered tickets online this week, they have been mailed.

If you don't have one of our cute pink tickets in your hot little hands or on it's way to you, you'd better hurry up. At this rate, we'll sell out before February hits! Remember, only advance ticket holders are eligible for Swag Bags.

Tickets are available online for $10 each or 10 for $80 if you have a group, payable by paypal - credit or debit. In person at any of the three Rajeunir Medical Spa locations - cash only, or the Beach Club Tan at 95th & Antioch - cash only. Plus you can buy tickets from any of the designers in our event.

Reserve Sunday, Feb. 11th because this shopping party is going to be fantabulous!!

My French connection

Earlier it was a pink connection, now I'm looking for the French connection. The Fleur de Lis is such a popular pattern right now, and I became obsessed with finding apparel with it done in a tasteful, yet sassy way.

I wish I looked good in a halter because I like this one from Baby Phat. Rhinestone and foil printing give Kimora's fleur de lis off-halter top extra sparkle. Simply lovely!

Of course I have to share an exciting tidbit with you about one of our vendors. LanoLip has new department, LanoLight candles and you are going to LOVE IT! Their new massage oil candle is absolutely divine! Introducing Lumiere De L'amour. The melting point is at such a low temperature that you can actually use the oil as a massage oil and it contains no wax. First, romantic lighting, then extinguish flame and OOH LA LA, instantly warmed massage oil! Come to the Retail Therapy event and be one of the first to try this sensual, amazing massage oil candle.


Lastly, this wouldn't be a proper French connection without some wine talk. Yeah yeah, so it's not French wine...it's the thought that counts. If you have a gift in need of giving, check out this chic set.

The Cabernet Wine and Cheeses Basket will definitely make someone's day arriving at their door step!
The traditional double lidded hamper holds your choice of one or two bottles of wine. Brie and Camembert cheese spreads, wine companion crackers, a cheese knife and two deep burgundy napkins complete the gift. A classic gift of good taste that never goes out of style.

So there you have it. My French-iness for the day. Make sure you get your Retail Therapy tickets, by the way!

Our Pink Connection

Looky who was on TV this morning...one of our very own Haute Market vendors from the November Pajama Glam party - The Pink Ribbon Connection.

Lisa Burton, owner, has a fantastic recipe/story filled book that celebrates lives lost to breast cancer.

This fantastic book is only $15 - a perfect gift for anytime and any reason. Check out Lisa's Pink Ribbon Connection site for loads of pink gear and support local designers! Plus, a portion of sales go to charity.

Congratulations Lisa!

That's the Ticket!

Get your Retail Therapy Tickets now! Just $10 gets you entry into our fabulous shopping extraveganza with 15 vendors, a wine tasting, food sampling and so much fun! Grab your gal pals and get your tickets while they last!

What are you using?

I must have been asked this question a dozen times this week. Suddenly the winter weather pounds us and everyone is itching to know (literally) what I'm using to battle dry skin. Well it just so happens that I have a few favorites I'm currently using, all donated by some of our fabulous Swag Bag contributors.

First for the kisser - I was trading off between my LanoLip Balm and my Botanical Earth Mint Lip Balm. Both are equally fabulous in my opinion, and they work. Except that I've run out of my LanoLip, ack!

For the rest of my bod I'm using Coconilla Moisturizer by AYU International. I went tanning yesterday for the first time in ages and, later, was a little tender in some places that don't normally see sun. I grabbed the Coconilla and was instantly soothed. Creamy and absorbs well. I actually don't even like coconut, but this one is scented so subtly, and mixed well with the vanilla, that I don't mind applying it several times a day.

The vest part about all these products, for me, the companies are all women owned in or near the KC metro. Botanical Earth is near St. Louis, the others are right here.

If you are in need of some winter skin therapy, check out my friends at these three companies; Botanical Earth, LanoLip and AYU International. Tell them Haute Market sent you!

Vulgar Vogue

Today I picked up some essentials...a bag of ice melt and the January Vogue issue. I usually flip quckly through the first 50 pages of ads searchng for some useful text or hint of what I should wear next spring. So I begin my usual flip when..WHAM, tighty-whities. Oh no...not the bad kind...these look good. Then I look closer (oh shut up...you will too) and WHAM...nudity. That boys' buns are showing. I barely noticed who the ad is for and I have no idea what their spring collection is about.

I finally tear myself from the two page ad and continue on my journey. After an hour of flipping and occasional reading, I still don't know what I'm supposed to wear this spring. I've been visually assaulted by Vogue. It's either huge photos of something none of us normal chicks would wear on our way to the grocery store, or a page crammed with so many photos I can't even focus.

Though I did read a wonderful article about Angelia Jolie and I dislike her a lot less now that she's a busy mom of three, like me. Ok, not quite like me...after all, I don't drive a motorcycle nor a single-prop plane.

Thank goodness our resident Fashionista starts work in just a few days. If I run across any more naked adverts, I'm never going to get my fashion research finished!

Check back tomorrow to see what is in store this week!

Web site rehab

It's finally finished (I think). The web site has been tweaked and given a fresh new look. I wish I could say the same for myself. I can't imagine how I must look having stared at the computer for 3 days.

I hope you like the new look of the site and enjoy the Fashion 411. I've recruited...ok bribed...an old friend who lives on the East coast where all the action is. She used to own a fashion web site and is a fabulous fashion writer. Plus she works for a big, cool company and rubs elbows with some pretty hot celebs. Let's hope she can find enough time for us little ol' Midwest gals to give us the scoop on what's haute!

Coming up on the blog: interviews with designers, biz owners and celebs. Some great coupons and discounts exclusively to the Fashion 411 readers....
and of course the countdown to Ticket day! Just two more days until you can buy tickets to the winter Retail Therapy event!

The Fashion 411

This is it! You've found it. The Fashion 411 is your spot for the lastest trends, hottest fashions and new news. A little snippet five days a week.
Featuring designers we love.
An occasional interview with a faboo musician, artist or celebrity.
Of course we'll share any coupons, deal and steals we find on the web.

Just consider this your daily dose of all things wonderful, fashionable and fun!