What They Wore

I haven't bothered to find out what others are saying...here is my unbiased opinion of the big night.

Bad ideas:
I'll get right to the point...
What in the hell was Gwyneth thinking? That dress, that hair..horrible! Apparently she and Nicole Kidman planned a twinsies hair night as they both had that same bad do.

Gwyneth, in that dress, looked washed out, hippy and blah. Definitely not the Gwyneth from past awards shows where she knocked it out of the park.

Jennifer Lopez or Helen of Troy?

Faboo list:
~Helen Mirren. Definitely dressed like a queen in this Christian Lacroix gown. Stunning.
~Reese Witherspoon. I like the dress on stage a lot better than on the carpet. But still very chic and beautiful.
~The Smith's..gorgeous! Jada wears this Carolina Herrera gown like the star she is.

Making Beautiful Music

I know one day I'll be able to say "I knew her when..." about the talented Jillian Riscoe. This young lady has a fabulous voice and great heart. She'll go far, fast. Enjoy our interview:

What is your favorite music “style” to sing?

I definitely love all types of music, but if I had to pick a “style,” it would have to be the pop/rock category…but with an alternative twist.

Where did you learn to sing like that? You sound like a seasoned artist!

Thank you Jennifer, I appreciate that! I’ve been singing long before my first day of preschool came along; I’ve been around and sang all types of music with many talented people along the years, so I guess I’ve picked up on some of it.

Have you taken voice lessons as well?
To tell you the truth, I began taking piano lessons first. A while after I started them my teacher suggested vocal lessons and I liked them much better. I began doing vocal lessons exclusively from about ages 7 to 13.

Are you really 17?

Yes ma’am…I just turned 17 a few months ago.

What was it like to record your first CD at 10 years old?

When the decision was made to record a CD, it was definitely cool and different for a normal 4th grader to do, I’ll tell you that.
My voice teacher actually brought up the idea to my parents and I….I recorded 10 cover songs. I think it did and didn’t phase me…I new it was different because I didn’t see a lot of little kids going in and singing in professional recording studios.

When is your new CD coming out?

As far as my new, all-original demo CD, it will be this spring of 2007. I’m very excited for everyone to hear it, I co-wrote all of it with the very talented Jeff Derdich, of the local band Fat Finger, who has worked with Jessica Harp, and it’s been great. It’s a new sound than no one has heard from me before and I can’t wait to get it out to everyone.
Also, I’ve begun to work with Song Factory Productions, who are an awesome group of guys who have a great line of credits. Big things are coming up and I appreciate the support you guys are giving me!

What do you see yourself doing in the next 5 years?

Big things. (Honestly, it’s a long list. J) I hope to be in a position where I’m working with talented, creative people and begin to accomplish my career goals and help out those who have helped me get to where I am with my career.
I'd love to be picked up by a major label, of course, but I'm not going to take the first one that picks me up and tells me to do this or that. I want to settle with a group of people that agree upon my goals and how well we can work with each other.
You have to be business savvy in this industry because there are alot of sneaky people out there, but I know there are also some awesome people and I'm on the hunt to find more.
A couple more things on the list: touring, "getting" to people with my music and creating success by doing what I love.

Do you have some gigs in town where people can come listen to you sing?

Over the years, I’ve sung all over locally. I’m hoping to have some live shows soon featuring new material; so you and your friends are most definitely invited to wherever they might be!

Thanks so much for your time Jillian! I hope to hear you live soon. J

Check out Jillian's MySpace page and see her video and listen to her fabulous voice!

Monday Make-up

Kansas City Makeup Artist Staci Broski of 7th Row has a professionalism and commitment that heralds her as an essential asset to creative teams & production projects. She has worked with incredible photographers, agencies, companies & artists. (not to mentioned did my make up for the KC Live interview s few weeks back!)
We sat down with Staci and asked for her most valuable tips…Here’s what she shared with us:

"My most valuable application tips would be….Take care of your skin.
Good water-soluble cleaners are the most effective, gentle way to cleanse your face.
One of my favorite things to do before a shoot is have the subject exfoliate. This insures the perfect application for makeup.
Exfoliating rids the dead skin cells & makes room for plumper cells to come to the surface.
Skin types that should stay away from exfoliating are:
Extremely sensitive skin, thin skin & those with skin disorders like rosacea, eczema,
dermatitis etc.
The surface of your skin sets the tone for makeup. Take time to prep your canvas before starting application.
....(Oil of Olay regenerist Microderm product ) is perfect. It's about $21.00 at Target.This will resurface the skin allowing the makeup to go on beautifully and look as flawless as possible.
(this product is GOLD and will help everyone look their best!)
For more information about Staci visit her website at http://www.7throw.com/ .

And, a side note...a fabulous contest you can enter today with our friends at Charming Sam. Enter to win a $50 gift certificate for some of their fabulous jewelry designs.

More Swimming

Get ready for a fabulous swim suit season with the original designs from Cali Roberta, of Kansas City.

Pick from her latest creations or have your own custom made swim suit perfectly fit for your haute bod.

Custom designs start at $120, or choose a design like these pictured for around $80.

Cali also has cover-ups if you're a little shy, or maybe playing it coy.

Shop Boutiques This Saturday

Get your comfie shoes on girls. There is a new elementary school trying out their first Spring Boutique shopping event this Saturday. Jewelry, clothes, home decor and fabulous gifts!

Shop from many vendors who have been in recent Haute Market events. Sunrise Point Elementary, so new I can't find it on Yahoo maps, near 159th & Roe.

Sunrise Point Spring Boutique
Saturday 10-3.
15800 Roe Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66224

Wine Buzz

It's no secret that I'm a girl who loves her wine. After all, I am hosting two wine tasting events in a row. :) At our house, we like to have on hand, and try, several different types of wine. Our latest trip to Lukas Liquor not only helped me score their awesome wine bar for our next event, but also we found several great bottles of wine.

My latest favorite is Liberty School Cabernet.
From the web page: "Very dark reddish-purple, clear garnet edge. Blackberries and blueberries, ripe and fruit-forward. Juicy and fresh, sweet berry fruit and a whiff of vanilla; appropriate acidity.

I agree, fruit forward but I wouldn't say sweet. Definitely easy drinking. At around $12 or 13 per bottle, it's a good value.

If you prefer a sweet white, mine still is the Piesporter Michelsburg. I can never remember if it's the Schmitt Sohne or the Jakob Demmer. One of them carries it in a large bottle with a screw top. Perfect for a trip to our friends house where all the ladies love this wine. Very refreshing, moderately sweet and fruity. Always ends up empty.

Hope you find a few sips to enjoy. Feel free to leave a comment and let me know if you try these two recommendations. Cheers!

Fat Tuesday, Fat Sales

I dug up some sales this morning that you'll surely want to check out.

ULTA has a great 'free gift with purchase' offer. This 14-Piece Cosmetics Collection is yours FREE with any $17.50 purchase of ULTA Cosmetics or Formativ Skincare.

Collection includes Bronzer, 2 Nail Colors, Silkywear Lipcolor, Super Shiny Lip Gloss, Lip Plumper, Lip and Eye Pencil, Eyeshadow Palette, Lip Brush, Shadow Brush, Blush Brush, Oil-Free Makeup Remover, Mirror and Cosmetics Bag. You choose the warm or cool color collection.

Doing some decorating? Check out the Designer Linens Outlet. Save up to 85% on famous maker bed & bath. Nautica, Liz Claiborne and more. Plus they have a Presidents Day sale ending today. Save an extra 50% on decorative pillows and shams, use code PRESIDENTS7.

Super sales and savings. Happy Fat Tuesday!

Where Are They Now?

I'm going through Project Runway withdrawl so I started seeking out some of my favorite designers from the series to check out their latest designs.

Daniel Franco is making it big and still getting noticed. One of his fabulous designs was seen on the red carpet recently. Audrina Partridge ( on right side) of "The Hills" wears Daniel Franco in January '07.

While I don't like all the side cut outs DF does, his style is amazing, unique and he definitely knows how to dress a woman's body. Just not THIS woman's body. :)

Check out Daniel's MySpace page to see more of his designs and watch for his new line coming soon.

Alison Kelly was another one of my favorites. Though not one of the top dogs, I think she will be there in time. Check out her site to see her latest collection.

Keep the up and coming designers in your sights. They'll be the fashions we're following soon!

Join the Circle

Our friends at SAFEHOME have a new group dedicated to helping spread awareness and end the circle of violence. Check out the new MySpace page for the SAFEHOME Circle.

The SAFEHOME Circle is a group of adult professionals who provide fundraising and volunteer support for SAFEHOME, a non-profit organization whose mission is to break the cycle of sexual and domestic violence and abuse. The SAFEHOME Circle offers opportunities to meet new people and network with other professionals while playing a vital role in SAFEHOME’s efforts to serve victims and their families.

Save the date!
Wine-Tasting fundraiser at Tonic, 7938 Santa Fe Drive in Overland Park, KS.
Friday, March 30th.
Tickets $30. All proceeds benefit SAFEHOME!
To purchase tickets please call 913-378-1512 and speak with Michele. For more information about SAFEHOME, visit www.safehome-ks.org.

I hope you can make it to this event! We've already booked our babysitter and are using this as our couples night out. It's a great opportunity to support such a fantastic cause. Cheers!

Haute Bods

I promised you a tip on how to get a haute, hot bod in time for swimsuit season. Keep an open mind now my dear because no one knows what you do in the privacy of your own home.
Me? I'm fine doing my moves on the dance floor...but hey, where ever, just try it.
So let go and let yourself have some fun. If you can sit still during this song, then I don't know if there is hope. If you're like me and you just have to get up and dance...well, I think if we do this daily we'll be haute & hot by spring!
Enjoy this hot video and watch the dancing they do around the 3 minute mark. It's sure to shed pounds.

Perfect Day for a Swim

Today would qualify more for the polar bear swim, but we still need to start thinking swim suits. I know..."Ugh". After three kids I'm not exactly first in line for the hottest new bikini, I am, however, very excited about these chic cover-ups I saw on the ANK Fashion Show video.

Full cover-ups like the one pictured left (about $100), beautiful skirt covers, and more are available this season in a variety of colors and styles.

Something in a more affordable price range, still with a bit of style, can be found at Target.com. This gauze-like tunic is just $16.99. However, I do not want to catch you in those awful eyelet skirts or terry tube dress covers.

Stay tuned for more great blogs this week. Now that we have our swim suit hunt started, we must get grooving for that haute summer bod! Cheers!

Get Out!

There is no school today...great. And if you're in the Olathe school district, like me, you also get to enjoy no school Thursday, Friday and Monday. Thank goodness there is another great shopping event this week. Just in time to give us a break from the cabin fever.

Haute Market is happy to introduce the Girls Wearhouse. This cute little boutique is becoming less of a secret every day. Open just two days a week, and once a month for a girls' night out event, The Girls Wearhouse is located one block west of 162nd and Metcalf.

This Thursday, from 5-9, enjoy shopping from several of Haute Market's recent vendors. Vintage Moon Creations, jennyLou Boutique, Two Chic Blvd., All Things Beaded, and Urbantique Designs will all be at this Thursday's girls' night out event.

jennyLou will have a discount table of products up to 50% off! Two Chic Blvd. and Vintage Moon just confirmed that they have a clearance rack of items, some up to 90% off!

The Girls Wearhouse, 7230 W. 162nd, suite D., Overland Park, KS.

Get out of the "cabin" and into this girly little boutique full of great products!

The Morning After

Thanks to everyone who attending the Retail Therapy event yesterday. It was a packed house for the first hour, but it was worth it! Many enjoyed some great deals, and sipped some yummy wine. The JCCC Culinary team did a spectacular job on the food. Lobster, salmon..my we were spoiled!

Hey ladies...let us know your favorite Swag item!

I was so pooped that I missed the Grammy's last night! I'm sending out a "YOU GO GIRL!" to fellow sorority sister, Carrie Underwood, for capturing the best female country vocal performance for "Jesus, Take The Wheel" and best new artists awards. The photos circulating show her in a stunning evening dress and some beautiful earrings. Please tell me she has hair extensions because hair that long and gorgeous is just isn't fair otherwise!

Congrats to the other ladies who rocked the award show as well. Dixie Chicks, Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige kicked some grammy booty!

Later this week...photos from our event and talk about swim suit season. ACK! Some great looks hot of the runway and to the Fashion 411. Stay tuned!

Ticket Update!!

If you are looking for tickets for the Retail Therapy event and don't want to pay online, I've just heard from my friend Jennifer, owner of the Beach Club Tan...she has some tickets left. If you're near 95th & Antioch, you can buy tickets at her location on the SW corner through tomorrow, Saturday!

What They Wore

No, I haven't heard from Regis & Kelly yet, but I remain hopeful. ;)

Many ladies have emailed me asking to give them info on what our models wore yesterday on KC Live. Here is the list.

Julia ~ Tank top ($49.95) and matching jacket ($99.95) embellished with crystals on an appliqued cross. Also has matching sweat pants.
Black suede handbag $45 and sunglasses from jennyLou boutique. Cluster necklace by AppleScraps $40 (one of the pieces says "kiss me".


Laura ~ Bali-inspired blue tunic $40
Long necklace with semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystal cluster $35.
Matching bracelet $50 & earrings $30.
Chanel inspired sunglasses and black hobo-style handbag ($45), jennyLou boutique

Leigh Ann ~ Fleur d'lis long sleeved tee ($21.95) & fitted black jacket with white stitching ($74.95) both from Frankie & Jules.
Offset pendant handcrafted from find silver and bronze on 30" strand of kukui nuts $100, by Rare Adornment.
Red Faux croc handbag $36, jennyLou Boutique

Amy ~ Day-to-night outfit by Frankie & Jules in browns and creams. Top $34.95, skirt $30.95
Brown handbag from jennylou
Soldered pendant with bird scene by Apple Scraps $40.

Jennifer ~ Long black sweater/jacket from Frankie & Jules $34.95. Can tie or has a belt.
Ribbon necklace with fuchsia pendant by jennyLou $32.

TV Day!

Yay! We all looked fabulous on TV and I didn't look nearly as nervous as a felt. Whew! Well, my friends said it was great, my hubby said "you looked like you were going to pee yourself at first." Thanks hon'. I actually was desperate for the loo right before I sat down. :)

My tips for TV. Do NOT drink 3 cups of coffee prior to. Do definitely hire Staci Broski to do your make up. I felt like a million bucks having treated myself to a professional make up application. I think I looked pretty swell too. Staci, thank you so much!!

The models were fantastic! And they are all designers/vendors in our Retail Therapy event this weekend. Visit their booths and you'll probably find them wearing some of the items from todays modeling. You can easily get the same looks. Just ask any vendor for help and we'll put together a replica, or another fantastic look just for you.
In order of appearance was:
Julia Morgan ~ Frankie & Jules
Laura Timmons ~ Vintage Moon Creations
Leigh Ann Prier ~ Rare Adornment
Amy Cecil ~ Apple Scraps

Pictured left to right: Julia, Leigh Ann, Jennifer, Amy, Laura.

Way to go girls!

Community News: Family In Need

Skip your latte today and donate that money saved to help a local family in need. This could be your child, your newphew, your neighbor, your child's schoolmate.
I'll summarize the email that was in my mailbox today:
Cory is an extraordinary 11 year old boy who once enjoyed playing on his Blue Valley Football team and other regular boy things. Now he's lucky to be able to go to school and learn with the rest of his friends. Cory was diagnosed with a horrible muscle cancer last April. He has undergone over 50 chemotherapy treatments, dozens of radiation treatments and endless needle pokes.

His parents, according to friends, are Cory's angels. They have teamed up to be sure Cory has a sterile home, is never alone when staying at the hospital. They can change his chest tube, his sterile patches and know every protocol for every treatment he needs.

It's a 24 hour job. And that also includes taking calls from collection agencies, holding their jobs, going thru stacks of mail and bills, trying to keep their house, their cars and everything that is "home" to Cory. Not only is Cory's well being at stake, so is everything else in their lives.

Unfortunately their insurance has a $250,000 cap. That was used up a long time ago. Cory's parents sound like amazing angels and he is lucky to have them. But these angels sound tired and in need of a few extra wings.

If you can help, please visit their web site and make a donation to Cory's fund. If you cannot donate at this time, a simple prayer is a thoughtful donation of your time.

So skip that latte today and send a few buckaroos Cory's way. It will put a higher spring in your step than any amount of caffeine. We'll also have a collection container at the Retail Therapy event this weekend.

To My Adoring Fans

Ok, I'm totally kidding. Don't think that I have my head in the clouds. I've had so many great emails this morning that I thought I'd answer some common questions about my pending celebrity status right here. (ha ha)

Yes, I am excited to be on TV. Yes, I'm TOTALLY nervous. I'm actually NOT an extrovert, so this will be quite an adventure. The KC Live hosts, Brett & Meredith, are really great people from what I hear. Several of our recent Haute Market vendors have been on their show and have nothing but wonderful things to say.

Yes, I finally have my outfit picked out. As of last night about 10pm. It's nothing special, I want the models' outfits to be the focus. Luckily I do not have to model. Just talk. And lordy can I ever talk!

I'm most thrilled for what this opportunity can do for my designers and vendors. It's tough starting your own business and putting yourself out there. You have to wear many hats, hear a lot of "no's", and have a great support system of other biz buddies. I hope Haute Market continutes to bring great designers and boutiques together forming great business relationships and creating some fantastic shopping events!

I hope you have your tickets for the Retail Therapy party this Sunday. The swag bags are awesome, the designers have great products, and you'll hear the details for the next big event coming in just two months!!

Cheers!

Sneak Peek

The Retail Therapy event is nearly sold out! Get your tickets now or be left out in the cold!

At the event, we are hoping to unveil the next two to three events, so bring your calendar and schedule your year full of girls-night-out events with Haute Market!

Schedule your Tivo for this Thursday at 10 am on NBC to watch some of the Haute Market girls on KC Live. We'll be modeling several outfits that you can purchase at the Retail Therapy event, complete with handbags, jewelry, sunglasses and more. Plus see the goodies that we'll be stuffing into the pink swag bags for the first 200 advance ticket holders in the door on Sunday, Feb. 11th.

Making Up

Too busy, don't care, just not a girly girl. Many excuses for not making yourself up, all very lame. Come on ladies. It's not that tough to dash on a bit of this and that to go from 'blah' to 'ah-ha'. I'm no pro, but I'll pass on tips to you that were given to me over the years.

Eyes can be the most revealing part of a person. What do you reveal? Drab, tired and overworked? Or haute hot hottie?
Here are a few easy fix ups:
Brows. Bushy and bold is NOT in. My friends at Beach Club Salon Maximus on 95th and Antioch have a great eye brow waxer to fix you right up!
Next, if you have light brows, give them a bit more color and definition. I was taught, by makeup artist Stacy Broski, to use a narrow, slightly stiffer brush, and apply some of my dark brown eye shadow to my brows, which are very light. I love that I don't have to buy a second product for my brows.

For your lids, apply a lighter base color all over. Next put the darker color on the lower part of the lid and into the crease. Sometimes I'll use a light color to apply a very thin line just under my brows and on the outsides to create a lighter effect and more pop.

Of course, you must use mascara if you weren't born with lusious long lashes like my husband and 3 boys. How unfair is that?!?

Now you have no excuse girl friends. I expect lovely lashes, lids and brows from you now.

This & That

One week until Haute Market is featured on NBC's "KC Live" tv program! Tune in at 10 a.m. next Thursday to see me and a few of our designers show off some great looks you can get at the Retail Therapy event.

We still have some tickets left, but you'd better get yours quick. We're running low. You can buy tickets conveniently online, or from any of the designers in the show. See the ticket page for details and more locations.

VIP's!!! You must be on our VIP list (newsletter) to get hot haute deals. Bring your VIP card that is sent to you via email upon sign up. Many of our designers are giving exclusive discounts to VIP members! Just join the newsletter for VIP status plus special ticket discounts, early event invitations and more. There are a lot of perks for being a Haute chick! Join now!