Meet The Mavens

More Haute chicks you'll find at the Oct. 3rd Haute Market:

Good smells, great gifts. Candle Queen Candles has great smelling candles. I'm burning the Angel Wings scent in the kitchen to keep things fresh and smelling like I may have just baked something.

I can't wait to try the RED HOT MAMA ~ Very spicy Cinnamon...just like the little red candies.

If you have to buy a gift for a kid, you definitely need to check out Kits So Simple. They put together these fabulous kits that can keep your kids occupied, at least long enough to check your emails for the day. The kit pictured would be perfect for my boys, the Neon Playdough and Slime Kit, includes a stainless steel container with lid (which has a lifetime warranty), a reusable Ball canning jar and two flip top bottles as well as the materials to create two sets of neon colored play dough and create a slime experiment. Laminated instructions included.

Want fabulous, original jewelry pieces? Check out the incredible craftsmanship of the folks from Bokamo Designs. At Bokamo you will find some of the most beautiful glass beads you've ever set eyes on.

I've been buying their handmade beads for years and am a huge fan. Steve makes the beads and Terry combines them with other elements to create beautiful jewelry. What a pair, and what talent!

Get your tickets to the shopping party next Wednesday night to check out these, and other vendors, for yourself!

Online Makeover

I have been having so much fun this morning! I found an online hair make over tool to help me choose my new hair color. I have another Xiphium appointment - it's my hair color day. The cut went well Tuesday so now we just need to get my winter color going.

The hair make over tool is at In Style online. Choose a face shaped like yours. Make sure you are also choosing one with your same eye color. It's very important because the color of your eyes will play an important part of choosing the right hair color.

I've printed my "hair" to take to my colorist, Sam, at Xiphium. This is Kelly Clarkson's hair. No, that's not me on the left. You can only choose someone with features like yours. I chose a round face with light skin and blue eyes. I can tell you that I did NOT look good as Tyra Banks, Sienna Miller or Sharon Stone.

Go have some fun...the laundry can wait another day!

Event FAQ

The event is one week away and the designers are so excited to show off their goodies and offer our VIP's some fabulous discounts!

It's time for some event FAQ. Yesterday I had so many emails that my Outlook imploded and I lost the last 6 weeks worth of messages! If you have a question about the event, please check out the web site. Here are answers to some recent questions:

Do I have to buy a ticket, if so, where?
This fabulous party costs $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Buy tickets through our web store or visit one of the three ticket locations. Follow the BUY TICKETS link you see just about everywhere on our site for list of locations or to buy online.

How do I get the VIP discount card
It was mailed to you upon sign up to our newsletter. A link to it was also in yesterday's email newsletter and will be again next week.

I signed up for the newsletter, why don't I get it?
I send it out each Tuesday. Reasons you may not receive it have to do with settings on your end. Your server may be blocking it. Try signing up with a personal email, not a work email. Check your SPAM folder, maybe it's there. Maybe you mistyped your email addy when you signed up - try signing up again.

Can I still get a goodie bag?
No, they sold out a few weeks ago. But the event is still fantabulous so get your admission ticket today before those sell out too!

Again, please check the web site for event details. I actually had someone email me asking what is so different about it and why should she attend. I don't know how she found the email address on the web site yet missed all the event info. She probably shouldn't attend. ;)
Seriously. The party is so much fun. If you are a soccer mom like me, this is just what you need to treat yourself to a very girly, fun night out. If I get to go out to someplace other than Walmart and without the kids, it better have great music, fabulous discounted shopping, adult beverages, massages, make overs and all things girly so my friends and I can finally see each other someplace other than the soccer games. Haute Market has it!

Shape Up Your Hair

Want the 411 on hair styles for Fall/Winter. I asked my stylist, Vilma Subel, owner of Xiphium Salon, what to expect this season. I'm on my way to the salon in just a bit to shape up my own "do" for Fall.

Vilma says:

This season we are showing an array of all shapes and length of hair. Along with the feel of coolness in the air comes the essence of romance. Hair is flowing with waves and curls that are reminiscing of an era of beautiful curves and defined silhouettes. One of our favorite inspirations comes from the 1940’s when style was very feminine, sassy and yet strong in stature. We are pulling out the hot rollers and the curling irons to create volume and movement to the hair.

Short boyish looks are sneaking their way back in to fashion. Strong bob shapes are very popular right now. Just ask Posh Spice what she thinks.

And last but, not least, for those of you who would like to step out a bit more. The 70’s London Punk scene is a big influence this coming season for clothes and hair. Textured bobs, Teased and crimped hair wrapped and pinned up in free-style form and fun fringe (bangs) in all lengths compliment long and short styles.

Don’t be afraid to combine some of these looks to create your own style. We would love to show you how to create some of these looks at the next Haute Market event. Stop by and see us!

Vilma Subel, Owner
Xiphium Salon

Are You Getting the Boot?

I know they say the ankle boot is back, but doesn't this give you horrible flash-backs to the 80's and bad Madonna outfits? I just don't see how I can pull off this trend because I simply do not want to. I lived through the 80's as a teen and I hated it. I do not want to do it again. Then again, I said I'd never wear capri's when they first came out, gaucho's too...then they became a staple to my wardrobe after having a few kids. Don't worry, I think I've thrown out the last pair of baggy capri's. Ick. Only childbirth can make you crazy enough to buy something that ties at the waist and is otherwise shapeless.

For now I'm passing on the ankle boots because I fell in love with some tall, sexy boots over the weekend. Ok, maybe not some, more like 5. But I only bought 3. I don't know if I've ever stepped foot into Baker's shoe store at the mall, but I did on Sunday because of the magnetic pull a pair of boots had on me. Unfortunately, that pair didn't fit well, but the stretch boots were on sale for $50 a pair and I knew I couldn't pass up a deal like that. Especially when they fit me like I glove.

I pranced around the store in pair after pair of boots, finally deciding on something less boring than my regular black and brown pairs...eggplant and gray in the stretch boots, then a fabulous pair of black boots with a rockin' high heel. Talk about updating my wardrobe. Can you say "Haute Mama"?!? I can hardly wait to wear these.


Go get the boot then let us know what fab finds you make!

Meet the Mavens

We still have a lot of great designers to introduce you to for the upcoming Haute Market shopping party! Today it's the "giftables" gals. Loads of great gifts for you to start stocking up on holiday presents.

All Things Beaded, owned by Michelle Wilber, has the best barwear and serving pieces! I love the new wine bottle stoppers. The colorful beads and crazy wire twist make it a great gift for any happy occasion. Just $25 each.

The bowls and serving pieces from All Things Beaded have a place in any kitchen. Beaded wire adorns almost every dish and provides you with a very unique gift or goodie for yourself.

Visit the All Things Beaded booth at Haute Market and show your VIP Club card for a fabulous discount!

Next Maven is Terri Thelen, owner of Gladys & Irene. Terri finds the cutest gal pal gifts. Usually they are packaged in pink too! You never know what she's going to have as she's always getting new goodies due to the fact that she sells out of everything she finds, thanks to her great taste.
Girly make up bags, fabulous picture frames, and sweet note cards are just a few of the fab items you'll find at Gladys & Irene.

Show your VIP card to Terri and I know she'll give you a great deal.

Have a great weekend fashionistas. Stay tuned to the Fashion 411 blog next week for more Mavens with VIP discounts, news about the upcoming event and more! Get tickets now!

Out And About

Today's blog isn't particularly fulfilling, I apologize. I have a million places to be in the short three hours that my kids are at the babysitter. I'm very new to this kind of life. I don't remember how to do it. I think you gals need to share some tips with me again!
Many years ago I worked in the corporate world and had to get a little one ready for the day care. It sure seemed easier with a toddler and a baby. Three is about to put me over the edge!

So today let's talk about some quick tips.
Cheating on your make up. I have found that I can sometimes get away with foundation, blush mascara and lipstick. However I am seriously considering permanent eye brow make up because a girl always looks better with good eyes.

Clothes - duh...have them decided on and ironed the night before. That goes for the kids too.

Work - if you're like me and work from home, it's usually a nightmare keeping the work papers separated from the kids stuff. Mine usually ends up with drawings on them. I pack my bag the night before too. Last night I wrote my list of things to do, made sure I had all the paperwork, pens, charged mobile phone, etc.

So why am I still late? Who knows. But I'm getting better. At least today I don't have to come back home after dropping off the boys to finish my hair and waste precious baby sitting time on that versus going to my appointments.
Feel free to post a comment here and share your great get-ready tips!

The Goodie Grab

It's official...the countdown has begun, and so has my anxiety attack. The clearest indicator that the event is around the corner (besides the fact that my stress level exceeds anything the good people at Xanax can remedy) is that one cannot walk through my garage because of all the boxes of goodies. Yeah baby...it's almost event time and the goodies are arriving daily.

Would you like a sneak peek at some of the treats you'll get in the goodie bags? I thought you might. :)

Yesterday I received a huge shipment from SkinMilk. Their new SkinMilk Smoothies, shower gel, smell so sweet and yummy that it's difficult to choose one favorite scent. I put the raspberry gel in my shower but one of my kids got to it first. He loved it and constantly asks to use it now. Hey, at least he's getting clean. Though I should probably get a different scent for him to use so he doesn't remind me of my Strawberry Shortcake doll I had as a kid. I think we're going for Peach & Cantalope Smoothie next.

Check out the SkinMilk Smoothies online and go grab one for yourself at the store. Show some love to the SkinMilk people for continually sending us loads of goodies for your bags! This time it's a full-sized product in your goodie bag!!!

Botox Cosmetics also sent a little something too. Something with some bling! Every goodie bag will have their chic t-shirt inside that is blinged up with rhinestones. These shirts are so cute! They are slightly fitted and, following the latest trends, they are longer than a regular T. Very comfie. A big thanks to our friends at Aestheticare for getting these t-shirts and for attaching a coupon for 50% off your first laser treatment! Wow!!

Make sure you get your Haute Market shopping party tickets now so that you're not waiting at the door, or worse, before they sell out!

In The Trenches

I think a woman should have at least one fabulous coat in her closet, if not five. Today I look at the trench and bring you some of my favorites from the web.

From Dolce & Gabbana, the Ruffled Trenchcoat. At a whopping $1995...my quest continues. (Saks Fifth Avenue)

Macy's has this great white Calvin Klein trench for just $274 and my is it pretty! Very classic, very chic. Especially with a great pair of boots.

Or, perhaps you want to take a walk on the wild side. Also at Macy's is his shorter version of the trench by INC. In a fabulous black & white giraffe print, this may be your ticket to getting edgy this Fall. Just $129 AND comes with a free gift with purchase offer. See store for details.

That's it from the trenches ladies. Make sure you have your Haute Market shopping party tickets to see more of the latest fashion trends and have them all to yourself!

Emmy Hair

My favorite part of the Emmys? The hair. The ladies of Hollywood may have been modeling some pretty frocks, but it's the hair that caught my eye.
Ellen Pompeo was stunning with a surprise "do" that was so opposite to her usual mousey straight bore that are simply stared. I barely noticed the fabulous Michael Kors gown she was wearing! (photo: Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic)
Grey's Anatomy co-star, Katherine Heigl, won the Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series and looked beautiful in her white, Zac Posen gown. But it was definitely Ellen who stole the show with her stunning style.

Did you notice all the fabulous color? Red, raspberry and crimson show-stoppers. Thankfully it was just the men in black.

Speaking of the men...did Hollywood have a shortage of razors? Good grief guys. It's the Emmy's. Shave the shadows!

What's Happening

Britney's career is going down the tubes. JT is flying high after all his wins. Posh Spice is top diva at Fashion Week. And people are partying at the Toronto Film Festival.
Boring.

What is exciting is all the stuff going on in Kansas City right now!
Tonight is the Safehome benefit concert at Verizon Amphitheater. Tickets are available through the Safehome web site or at the door.

The Shawnee Town Arts & Crafts fair is tomorrow, Saturday. Admission is $1 and my friend Terri, of the chic shop Gladys & Irene, will have Haute Market tickets available at her booth! Located at 11600 Johnson Drive and runs from 9am to 5pm.

Also tomorrow is the Chocolate Festival. Admission is $8 (cash only), kids 4 and under are free.and provides you with loads of yummy sampling. Held at the OP Convention center, this event benefits the Friendship House/Catherine's Place. 9am to 5pm.

Waldo Fall Festival, 75th St. & Wornall. Saturday, September 15, 2007 10AM-5PM. Admission is free! A fun-filled family day of entertainment, games, music, booths and food. Bring the kids for all the games.

I know there are loads of other things and I can't list them all. These are a few fun places to visit for what seems will be a beautiful weekend in Kansas City! Enjoy.

Complimentary Tickets!

The Safehome Circle is putting on this fantastic concert Friday night and we want to help them sell out the event!

Thursday, Sept. 13th, the first 25 benefit concert tickets sold thru Safehome will also include a complimentary Haute Market admission ticket for our October 3rd shopping party.

Tickets are just $30 each, in advance at http://www.safehome-ks.org/. Entry includes food, 2 drinks and soft drinks. Plus cheap drinks at the cash bar and fabulous music all night long. It's from 7-11pm so there is plenty of time to have dinner, see part of the kids' football games and still come hang out with all this chic people.

This may be the last concert at Verizon Amphitheater! What better way to end the season with Drew6, a benefit for Safehome and a few hundred fabulous and chic Kansas Citians?!?

Buy tickets thru the SafeHome web site.

Be there and be seen as we party with the SafeHome Circle group, Drew of Drew6, Kelley Hunt, and more fabulous Kansas City people.

Complimentary Haute Market tickets are only available through this offer with SafeHome concert tickets today, Sept. 13, 2007.

New Man in my Life

Practically on the eve of my 10 year anniversary, I fear an affair may begin. His name? Brian Atwood. His shoes? To die for.
Mr. Atwood has outdone himself this season, making me, a small town girl, light up like the stars on a midwest night. I actually had the thought that my two year old wouldn't miss the meager college fund we've started. We can always start saving again...someday. After my Atwood shoe fetish wears off (God forbid!).

This season is about unexpected color and I love the subtle color of this patent platform, 4 1/2 inch heel in Bordeaux. Also comes in Stone color, but why be so dull when you have this sweetie to pick from? $525 at Saks.

Another of my Atwood lusts is the Savannah shoe in pink. I can't find it anywhere on the web and can only hope that they will carry it in the store I'll visit in Miami in a few months. I just have to see and hold this lovely specimen for myself. Hopefully I can sneak a photo of it in the store because I doubt I'll be able to justify the price tag once I find it.

Some cheaper versions:
Betsey Johnson in red at Zappos for $162
As always...happy shopping ladies. Make sure you get your Haute Market shopping party tickets. About 1/2 are already sold!

Botox Babe

While I might not be the poster child for BOTOX®, my experience comes with one damn funny story, and I got a free t-shirt!
I don't know how to set up this story without being way too long-winded. I'll try to give you the short version. But seriously, even if it's long..sit down, shut up and read. It's damn funny.

A week ago today was my consultation at Aestheticare Med Spa. I was so pumped and had been looking forward to the appointment for two weeks! Unfortunately my kids' babysitter, who only watches them one morning a week, had a family emergency on my ONE morning. So I did what any good mom would do...I packed the portable DVD player, loads of snacks and my 2 and 4 year old in the car and went to my appointment!
As if having my boys there wasn't tempting an anxiety attack..the fact that I planned to get injected with Botox® certainly was.

It's not that I'm afraid of needles. Two of my three kids were born by c-section and I welcome any stranger with an epidural needle in hand.
It's the thought of the needle inside my body that gets me a bit freaked. Especially one that is injecting me with something. (I guess having gut-wrenching contractions tends to get your mind of the needle part of it all) Take my blood if you like, but putting stuff into me makes me think about it way too much. Add that to the fact that I tend to hold my breath and you have disaster written all over it.

Honest to God...I had five tiny pokes and they were NOTHING. Nothing! But my nurse, Faith, explained later as we were sitting together on the floor (uh huh..the floor) that I have some freakish talent (ok maybe "talent" is a stretch, but it's my story) where I constrict my blood flow (probably due to the breath holding thing) and therefore can quite easily pass out if I'm anxious, not to mention, starving after only 3 cups of coffee all morning. Hey, I didn't say I was smart...just anxious.

After popping up off the nurse's table I took a few short steps to the door, which turned black, then quickly bright as the light at the end of a tunnel, then black again. At which point I recognized what was happening, being a pro at passing out, and quickly sat my sad self down on the floor. Poor Faith - thank goodness she's been a nurse for ages because she's new to Aestheticare and I certainly broke her in to her new role. :) So Faith and I bonded for a while on the floor while I sipped green tea, ate a granola bar, and the marketing director played soccer with my kids (in her high heels, I should add).

Ok...but to the main point of the story...Botox®. Yes, I love it! Yes, I'll do it again (as long as Aestheticare will take me back). Yes, I promise to eat first and possibly try to get a prescription for Xanax beforehand.
I am loving the results and it's only been a week. I noticed a small difference on the third day, a noticeable difference on the fourth day. Now I can barely see the lines that I used to refer to as "crevices" between my brows. It must have taken 7 years off my face because I didn't have those creases in my forehead before I had my three boys, the oldest of which is now 7.

To the staff at Aestheticare: thank you so much! You were so great to me while I camped out on your floor. My boys think it's a great place and can't wait to go back and play soccer with Miriam and "ball-catch" with the "boss man".

While I won't be the model for the Botox® demo at Haute Market, someone will and you will get to see it LIVE. Make sure you have your tickets before they sell out because you won't want to miss this shopping and pampering party!

BOTOX® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc

Bright Fashion Trends

Fall fashions are full of fun, bright colors and what better way to kick off the season than a star studded night of people watching at the VMA awards.

Rhianna is breathtaking in this hot pink dress that hugs her like it loves her.

Colors are in ladies. Put some va va voom in your wardrobe this year by getting some greast color on!

Fab Friday Find

I love going into an ULTA store. Something about all that beauty potential, gadgets and gizmos...it just wraps around me and pulls me into it's haven. I recently visited the location at 119th & Blackbob, my own personal Mecca. I needed help figuring out how J.Lo and Angelia use a tiny little hair clip to look so fab. One of the stylists, Jen, was kind enough to show me exactly how the stars pull back a little chunk of hair, starting at the forehead, and secure it at the back. The secret is a little bit of back combing. Who knew?!?

This morning my inbox had a great treat inside. 20% off your entire order at ULTA.com plus free shipping on orders over $50. As much as I love my periodic store visits, I do enjoy shopping in my pj's from the comfort of my own home. Check out this great deal and print off your own coupon for store use or use it right at the online store.

Happy shopping and happy Friday fashionistas!

A Divalicious Night

Last night Michelle and I attended the Reveal Party for the winner of the Bella B's Diva Makeover. What a fun night! To see someone who we knew had an inner diva lurking within her, make the transformation to let that diva shine through a bit, was so fabulous!

Winner, Nancy Ross, worked for 3 months to get her body in shape. She got a new hair do, make up and so much more. Nancy is not one for being the center of attention, but you can tell that she is excited to let her Diva-ness out just a bit.

The party was held at Brio Tuscan Grille on the Plaza. Brio has a gorgeous upper floor with a full bar and many private rooms that can be opened up for large events, or split into smaller, more intimate dining rooms. The staff was so fabulous in helping make this event special and the food was incredible! Kudos to Brio.

Jenny Matthews, of Mix 93.3, was on hand to introduce Nancy to the guests. After a quick thank you speech, a slide show of Nancy's journey was played so that we could see how far she came on her transformation from drab to fab.

Congratulations Nancy! You are beautiful inside and out and I hope you continue on this road of taking great care of yourself and flaunting your "hauteness"!

Concert for a Cause

"Think outside the box, get into the Circle".
Check out this fantastic concert event to benefit SAFEHOME! Our good pal Drew, of Drew6, will be there to help the cause. Get your tickets today!



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.

Win Skin Treatments

Haute Market isn't just shopping. You can win the chance to be a demo-model for a Crystal-free Microdermabrasion demo at the event. Just be at the event and cross your fingers that we draw your ticket number!

At the next party, October 3rd, we welcome Aestheticare Medi Spa & Lipo Dissolve Center. They will be doing live demo's of several skin treatments: Botox, Restylane and Crystal-free Microdermabrasion.

Microdermabrasion is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments in the US, and for good reason. Microdermabrasion has proven to be an excellent treatment for overall improvement of skin texture and tone with no downtime.

AesthetiCare uses the DiamondTome System, a crystal-free system that gently exfoliates the skin using stainless steel, diamond encrusted wands and light suction. Due to the advanced design of the DiamondTome, they can actually show you exactly how much skin was removed during your treatment, offering you tangible "proof" of the success of the treatment.

Crystal-Free Microdermabrasion offers improvement of wrinkles, sun-damage, acne and acne scars, and overall poor skin tone. An initial series of 4-6 treaments is recommended to achieve the maximum results, and then a maintenance program of one treatment every 4-12 weeks.

Get your tickets to the next Haute Market today! It's October 3rd at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS.