Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Finding Our Fab Vendors

I'm getting bombarded with emails asking "who was that great designer at your last Haute Market who sold_____?" Hey, that's great! So glad you loved our shopping. But don't you know you can find out who was at each of our shows by visiting our handy little Event Archive page?

Now you can check back on past events and find out who your favorite designers were and how to find them. Just click their logo or name and be linked to their web site (if they have one). It's that easy. Events are archived for at least one year.

Check it out. Happy shopping!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Bigg Ideas

I get tired of this cookie-cutter world we live in and sometimes have to just make a break for it. I broke the mold with my new holiday card design!

Check out this awesome new holiday card design I had designed by Bigg Eye Creations. For much less than buying a card off the shelf at the mega stores, and way more cute, you can get cards at Bigg Eye in which the character on the card represents you, the friend you're giving it to, or even your entire family! So unique!

My new cards feature a character from the Sassy Susie collection. I picked the girl that looked most like me, then customized her clothes. It was that easy. Suzanne, owner of Bigg Eye Creations, is so easy to work with and loves coming up with new ideas like this one. Plus she's a local gal, which we all love supporting our own, right?!

Visit Bigg Eye Creations online now and design a holiday card showing each of your family members, even the dog. Hurry because her holiday rush is starting and you want to be first in line.

Monday, October 29, 2007

Halloween With The Girls Next Door

One of my favorite shows, oddly enough, is the Girls Next Door on E!. Mostly because it just cracks me up, and partly because it insipres me to do some crunch sit ups while I'm watching.

I was excited to see Hugh's girls with their line of Playboy brand costumes this year and just had to share these fashions with you. A few weeks back they had a huge selection of these outfits at the Halloween store near 119th & Metcalf, in case you're still needing a sexy costume.

Of course Holly would be showing off this Angel costume since she's Hugh's number one girl. And I love Kendra in the combat girl outfit. Very "her". The costumes run $60-100 in stores and online. Get your haute halloween style quick before they run out.

Tickets are available for the Dec. 4th VIP shopping party. Get yours before they are sold out!

Friday, October 26, 2007

Find Comfort In A Cause

I love when I can combine more than one of my passions into a two-for-one deal. Shopping, I suppose, is more of an addiction or hobby. But supporting great local causes...definitely a passion.

Haute Market is a sponsor for the "Making Spirits Bright" shopping event tomorrow, Saturday. This benefits the "Abby's Run for the Heart" organization, plus it's fun for the whole family.

Please come out to Lenexa tomorrow and support this great cause. What a fabulous lesson to teach your kids....have some fun with the family, support a local charity...it's win-win my friends!

Print and share the flyer with co-workers, neighbors and friends: http://www.hautemarket.com/MakingSpiritsBrightflyer-HauteMarket.pdf

Shop from some Haute Market favorites: Frankie & Jules, jennyLou Spa, Ribbon Chick and Blingirl. Plus many more!
Stop by the Haute Market table and buy your December event tickets!

Cedar Ridge Parkside Community Center
8839 Lackman Road, Lenexa map
October 27th, 2007, 10am til 4pm
Come meet Sizzle the Bull from 12 to 2 p.m.!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Fun With Fur

What girl knows how to have fun more than Betsey Johnson? You know you can count on her for vibrance and extravagance. I looking for some fun furs, my virtual trip to the Country Club Plaza was a fun one.
I spotted this embroidered velvet fur-trim coat $435. It's available in two color styles. Good luck choosing just one. The embroidery on this comfortable coat is lovely!

For a shorter and more flirty look, I love the Kamila Faux Mongolian Fur Vest w/ Hood, $128. Also available is a style in leopard print.

There is also a huge selection of sale items in the online store. So shop in your comfie pj's with me today. Have fun fashionista's!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Comfort At Home

Next in the series of all things comfie, I'm going with PJ's. I'm the worst sick person and I can tell I'm coming down with something, so I'm ready to mope around in my pj's all day. Thank goodness pre-school now has a drop off lane instead of walking the kiddo's in!

I have a great pair of pj bottoms, otherwise known as "loungewear", from Old Navy. They tie at the waist and have chic little girly chairs on them, like a cushy chair you'd sit at a vanity. The pants are 95% cotton, 5% spandex and so, so comfortable. I found other prints online, now just $6.99 each.

Of course I pair my cute lounge pants with my Haute Market t-shirt. I love these shirts! So comfortable and soft. You can see the whole outfit in action by watching the recent interview on Kansas City Live. Brett Anthony was certainly impressed that we wore pj's on live tv. :)

I'm feeling generous because I have a dozen or so haute t-shirts left, so for a few days, they are 50% off in our Haute Market online store. Grab a few because you'll at least want one for the gym and one for lounging in.
Cheers!

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Goddess Feet

My love of shoes certainly can't compete with Ms. Marcos', Fab Lane's Kimora or probably even some of you fashionista's...but it's scaring the crap out of my hubby and causing him concern that he'll be kicked out of our closet soon.

I've been known to sacrifice my feet for fashion, limping around after a night in heels that were a little too high, dancing in boots that were simply made for walking. Thankfully, Apara came to my rescue recently when they contributed a foot-saving pair of Steppies to all the goodie bags for our Oct. 3rd shopping party a few weeks back.
As seen in popular magazines such as Vogue and InStyle, these luxurious products are definitely in style for us fashionistas!

The word "Apara" comes from the Hindu goddess name of Aparajita, whose name loosely translates to undefeated or above all others. This is how you'll feel when you have Steppies, Apara gel inserts in your shoes. You can buy online at Cosmeticmall.com for $7.99 a pair or in local stores like my favorite, DSW.

Not only is the product FABOO but the packaging is fabulous, a purse-shaped box! Check out all the other fabulous foot-saving products at Apara.com.

Were you among the lucky one's to grab a goodie bag at the last event? Please tell us what you thought of your Steppies and how wonderful they are for your feet. Just post a comment here using the link below. One lucky poster will receive a pair of free Steppies!!!

Monday, October 22, 2007

Creature Comforts

The weather sure flipped on us here in the flatlands, huh? With this rainy Fall weather comes my need to find, and pull close, all things comfortable and warm. This week on the blog you can find all sorts of things to keep you comfortable, warm, and snuggled should you be wanting to just crawl back under the covers.

One of my favorite goodie bag treats was about a year ago...SBS Teas gave us hundreds of bags of cocoa and tea. I was craving it today and revisited the web site to find this yummy Caramel Hot Cocoa. Made from only the finest ingredients, SBS Caramel Hot Cocoa™ is quite simply the richest, creamiest, most flavorful gourmet cocoa you have ever tasted. A silky smooth light chocolate flavor with a rich caramel taste. Decadent with water or double decadent with milk.

And...they have cookies! So you may as well add a few boxes to your order while you're there. Maybe even visit the free tea leaf reading page for a little fun too.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Friday Style for Jeans

This is the last day of my "dressing up jeans" series so I took a virtual trip to the Country Club Plaza in KC, MO, to scope out some fab tops for you.

Kimono-inspired top at BCBGMAXAZRIA $178 with comfie bell sleeves, plus it hits below the hip...more my style, as you know if you've been reading this week. I love the color, partly because it's not black which is too easy and predictable, and it will really pop next to a pair of dark jeans.


Check out this sequined jacket at Betsey Johnson.com. Cropped hoodie in black is sure to make you shine. $245.

Armani Exchange has this sexy pieced-foil tank online and on sale. Was $48, now just $34.99. Available in black or heather grey. I think the black is the best choice, paired with a sexy black jacket you'd be ready to roll.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

It's in Black & White

I hope you're enjoying this series of "Dressing Up Jeans". I'm having a ball shopping in my pj's before the sun, and the kids, are up. Here is what I found today:


From White House Black Market's online store, this fabulous floral print, gathered top will definitely make a bold statement. Feminine and fun. $78 (cream/black)

Also from WHBM, the Princess Embroidered Bustier. This top is gorgeous and will definitely turn heads. Elegant, silky bustier features romantic, shadowy embroidery, vented sides, boning and a hidden back zipper. It's certainly beautiful enough to put up with it being dry clean only. Dress it down with jeans, dress it up with a black jacket or pants. Either way, it's a wardrobe must have in my humble opinion.

Have you found that fabulous pair of jeans yet? Get moving girlfriend, before these fab tops are gone!

P.S. have you purchased tickets to the Dec. 4th Holiday VIP Shopping Party? Haute Market is coming and this exclusive event will sell out. Don't be left in the cold. Buy today!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

BeJeweled with Jeans

Another in our series of dressing up jeans...today it's dressing up with jewels. The jeweled neckline is very popular this year. I love it because with very little effort, my outfit becomes instantly sassy. Combined with vibrant colors and a fabulous pair of jeans and a great pair of boots.. my, my it just screams DIVALICIOUS!
My goal was to be able to shop in my pj's, yet be able to find tops that would be in stores local to me in case I needed to exchange or see in person.
I love this colorful, sleeveless jewel-neck top found at Nordstroms.com by Lily White, only $38. It's long for those of us who don't want our belly-button on display.

Next up, from the "Hint of Mod" collection, this Kensie jeweled silk top $78 at Dillards.com. Stunning scarlet with your basic black, yet so beyond basic. Scoop neck and loads of bling.

Something a bit more basic but with the accessory built in, this beaded collar tunic from ArdenB. Baby doll design with a ruched bust is one of my favorites, gives a bit more oomph to the bust while forgiving my midsection that has been missing the gym lately. $88.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Dressing Up Jeans

Let's face it...a good pair of jeans is hard to find. Your size, shape and what you ate right before you put them on, make such a difference in how the jeans fit you. We'll stay away from the jeans for now because I would have to be with you personally to help you buy the right pair. Just make sure you bring a friend honest enough to tell you whether your butt looks good in them or not. So you go find the right jeans and then pair it with some of these cute tops.

Dressing up jeans, Part I:
I'm loving the ruffles this Fall. I've never been a girly girl, but something about the romanticism of a well placed ruffle really turns me on. (O Oscar belted ruffle-trim blouse at Macy's $89)

Bringing in a bit more Fall coloring is this Gibson ruffle-front blouse with smocked waist and high neck, available at Dillards.com, $69. A sexy sleeveless and ready for day-to-night action.

Go black with this very feminine frock. Ruffles up the front with a dressy little flair to the sleeves, by Esprit at Dillards.com, $39.50. Also available in brown or red.

All of these tops are available online so you can shop in your pj's if you like. Plus they are local stores so if you don't love it, it's an easy return or exchange. Have a great day fashionista's!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Late for my Date

Sorry fashionistas...I was late in posting the blog today. I'm Mom first, Fashionista second.
Now that we're back home I'll quickly drop a teaser about the blog this week...loads of fun tops will be featured this week so go find the perfect pair of jeans because I'll be showing you great tops for your bottoms.

Today go have some fun checking out the Haute Market MySpace page and make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter - it comes out every Tuesday morning!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Colorful Locks for Fall

Notes from Xiphium expert colorist, Christina:

It's Fall again and with the season comes gray skies, cold weather and cabin fever. In other words, time for you to revamp your hair color! It's all about eye-popping color and blinding shine this season.

For brunettes (or those who want to become one) now is the time to go richer, deeper or darker. Richen your dreary browns withs shades of chocolate, mahogany and copper. Then punch up that color with highlights of gold, honey and chestnut.

For the red heads, now is the time to go for it. Take your everyday auburn to show stopping candy apple.

Blondes, the time is here for chilling platinum ice and glowing golds to show off your inner glamour girl. If you aren't quite ready to go all out just yet, try an eye catching piece of color in your fringe. Or, ramp up your current style with a high shine gloss to add some non-committal color and shine and take your hair look to the next level.

Whatever look is for you this season, go for it. It's your time to shine and we'd love to help you do so at Xiphium! Check out the new location in the exquisite Mission Farms shopping area.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Super Sales

Yet another bit of shopping news for you today:

The Charitable Chicks are having their bi-annual sale at the Blue Valley Education Center on the NW corner of 151st & Metcalf. Many of the vendors you see at Haute Market will be there showing off more of their Fall fashions and giftables. 9am to 5pm.

Of course you know about the Macy's sale to benefit local charities as well. Several local charities have the 20% off card for sale, so call your favorite and ask them for it. Just $5 for huge savings this Saturday at Macy's.

I hear that this is the last weekend for the Renaissance Festival. Great fun for the family - get those kids out and let htem run their little legs so they'll take a great nap while you're out shopping!

Don't forget your Dec. 4th Haute Market tickets. They are quickly dwindling away.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

More Fab Shopping

Since Haute Market only comes around every two or three months, I have to have a few local favorites to keep my shopping addition fed. So I turn to Macy's on occasion, especially when the occasion is for a great cause.

This Saturday, Oct. 13th, you can enjoy 20% off your purchases at Macy's (restrictions apply) if you buy the special coupon card. For $5 you get your discount coupon and the full 5-smackers stays with the charity.
My friends at SafeHome have these great discount coupons and I love to help them out, so give them a buzz to get your card today.
Call 913-432-9300 and grab a card, plus a few for your girlfriends.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Haute Stuff Happening

Good morning fashionistas! I have loads of tidbits for you this morning.

Thanks again to the over 700 guests who attended last Wednesday's fabulous shopping party. Browse the full photo collection at Simply Images Photography and order your keepsake photo today.

Next shopping party:
Dec. 4th, 5:30-9 at the Wine Bar next to Lukas Liquor near 135th & State Line Rd.
Only 250 guests, all get a gift sack of goodies! Buy tickets fast because none will be available at the door.

Shop for a Cause:
Most of you have heard of Abby's Run for the Heart, taking place this weekend at Town Center Plaza. Did you know there will be a fabulous sale a few weeks later to benefit the charity as well?
40+ vendors, loads of activities for the kids
Oct. 27th, 10a to 4p
Cedar Ridge Parkside Community Center
8839 Lackman Road, Lenexa
Haute Market is a sponsor of the event and we'll be selling tickets for the Dec. 4th show at this event. Hope to see you there!

Monday, October 8, 2007

Make Up for Fall

Another fab guest writer for you today:
Joanna from Xiphium Salon:

With the change of season comes a change of color and not just the leaves on the trees. Make-up palettes take a dramatic change for the season with pop-inspired hues.

Don't let yourself fall into the same color rut. Try to stray from the typical browns and blacks. This season dress your eyes up with deep greens, electric blues and rich pinks. Explore Aveda's new eye color duos in Honeycomb/Bluebell, Green Mist/Seaglass and Guilded Gold/Antique Rose.

Try a change of eyeliner as well because liquid eyeliner is back! Vamp up your look with mod inspired cat eyes. Can't find the perfect liquid liner? Try using your mascara.

Remember to give some attention to your cheeks and lips. Compliment your skin tone with lux pinks and reds. Coral, cranberry and brick are definitely the colors to highlight your face. Be daring, try them as eye liners as well! Give your lips some sass with glossy reds, golden toffees and shimmering purples.

Want a product for your eyes, cheeks and lips? Aveda's Face Accents for the fall compliment every skin type. Sienna Glow, Ruby Vapor and Petal Lights are the perfect accent for every feature and this season they come with their own special blending brush.

Make a statement ladies. This Fall's make-up is all about sophistication with an edge. Check out all the new colors by Aveda at Xiphium Salon.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Event Recap

There were over 700 guests in attendance Wednesday night at our fabulous shopping party! I hope many of you enjoyed a bit of hair pampering at the Xiphium spot like I did. My cut and color were done last week, then Vilma added loads of curl to my hair prior to opening the doors. It was so much fun to have a sassy "do" that night!

How 'bout those awesome goodie bags, huh ladies? WOW!

A full size SMASHBOX Cosmetics product - the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light. Retails for $36!Their latest primer innovation! Perfect for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin, this oil-free, 60% water based primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth matte finish all day.

The yummy Nutrisoda drinks can be found at several area grocery stores like Price Chopper and Hen House.

I love the blinged-up BOTOX shirts that Aestheticare hooked us up with. PLUS Aestheticare attached a great coupon for their services.

A "Dip Me In Daquiri" Chill Pill from jennyLou Spa. Just drop in a warm tub (after you've locked the door and grabbed a glass of wine) then watch it fizz and bubble as it delivers softening ingredients to your skin.

So many products, it probably took you a while to rummage thru the bags. :) Check out our goodie bag page for links to all of the contributors and our vendor page for the list of all the fabulous vendors and designers.

Feel free to leave a comment here and tell us what your favorite goodie is!

Thursday, October 4, 2007

The Morning After

Do you have party hangover too? Wow, what a night last night!

Thanks to all you hot fashionista's for coming to party with the Haute Market gals at the Ritz Charles last night! It was fun, hectic at times, but everyone was so kind and patient - Thank you! It's not easy keeping a room full of almost 1000 people (mostly women) happy, but everyone seemed to have a great time and showed losts of smiles for our camera men!


Thanks to the many volunteers who helped work the door, the goodie bag table, the Pajama Program area and more.
Thank you to the sponsors for supporting Haute Market and making the event such a success.
The vendors and designers..you rock! What fabulous goodies you brought to Haute Market for our chic ladies.

Keep your eye on the blog and our Tuesday newsletter for reviews of the party + BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Thanks everyone!! ~ Jennifer

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

It's Party Time!

Tonight is the big night ladies. So many wonderful designers to shop from, great demonstrations and loads of prizes to give away! Many of the vendors are offering discounts to our VIP Club members, just flash the card.

Did you catch our spot on Kansas City Live yesterday and the fabulous interview with Brett Anthony? It was so great to be able to do such a huge promotion for the Pajama Program. Remember to bring a pair of new kids pj's to the event tonight to be entered into the Girl Friends Prize Package for Four, worth over $500!!

Special thanks to Staci Broski, of 7th Row, for my fabulous make up. Staci wil be at the event tonight because she is also a producer for the upcoming hit show, After Hours. Most of the cast and crew will be at Haute Market to meet all of you and let you take a peak at the recently filmed pilot.

Feel free to come in PJ's, or dressed to the nine's. It's up to you girlfriend. We will have a special photo area where you can snap a shot of you and your gal pals to remember your fabulous girls' night out.

See you there!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The Party Scoop

I hope you are as excited as I am about the Haute Market shopping party tomorrow night! You deserve a few hours out of the house and out of the office to enjoy yourself and just be YOU!

Have you heard the rumors about an upcoming holiday event? Find out the scoop tomorrow night and be the first to sign up! Plus scoop on upcoming KC area events - be in the know!

There is so much going on at the event tomorrow night, so I'll try to summarize for you here. Please visit the web site for more details and information.

~21 & over event
~Cash Bar available
~Free tasters from many vendors ~ Frozen Drinks R Us, Cookies by Connie, Edible Arrangements.
~We do not serve dinner, so eat before hand or catch dinner after shopping with the girls. A great night out!

There will be many live demonstrations too!
~Aestheticare Med Spa will do Botox demo's so you can see what it's like. They will also have nurses and consultants on hand to talk about service and answer questions.
~Hair and make up touch ups by Xiphium Salon.
~Massages by Massage Envy
~A photo area, just like on the red carpet. Snap a photo of you and the gal pals, by Robbie Schraeder of Simply Images Photography.

So much more. I'm on TV today so I've got to run. Get your tickets asap! Ticket sales end online at noon today!!

Monday, October 1, 2007

Celebrity Bag Watch

Keeping up with the celeb trends isn't easy, so the Haute Market Fashion 411 is here to help. Today we're taking a look at celeb handbags and bringing you a summary of our faves.

First, remember that a handbag isn't just utilitarian, it's also an important accessory. In other words, moms...ditch the diaper bag after a year (or earlier). Or keep the diaper bag for diapers and carry a small chic bag for you.

Second, a bag can coordinate with your outfit, but please don't play the matchy-match game. Mix it up a bit.

Animal instincts: many celebs are toting bags in crocodile and snake-skin looks right now. I love the texture of crocodile as it adds some dimension to an otherwise plain bag. Many of these bags are large and in charge. I can't imagine what these celebs need to carry in there, or that some of them even have the strength to hold such a large bag..but whatever.

Handbags are now incorporating the belted look. As if Jimmy's shoes weren't to die for, now he has equally amazing handbags. This slick red leather bag, Riki, is a mere $1525, a lot less than some of Choo's other beautys.


Closer to my price range (but still out of it) is this Adrienne Vittadini bag in subtle gray, priced in the mid $200's.

You can get more affordable versions of these bag styles at the Haute Market shopping party this Wednesday!