Cockadoodledoo

Wow, it's very early! I'm up at and at 'em getting ready for the big blow out sale today. I don't think the roosters even get up this early.

I'm sneaking in a quick blog to remind you of the sale and give you some tidbits about the upcoming Haute Market event. I know that October seems miles away, but it will creep up before you know it (much like school starting in a few weeks).

Reminder: Summer Blow Out sale TODAY! You'd be crazy not to check this out. Every vendor will have everything at 50% off or more!

Announcement: I am so excited to announce that Aestheticare Medi Spa has joined Haute Market for the Oct. 3rd event to bring you live demonstrations at the event! YOU may be a lucky gal who gets to try a demo treatment.

Ok, so some of you don't want to admit to Botox or other "enhancements". I'd happily be a poster child if someone can get rid of my forehead wrinkle induced by repeated scowling at naughty little boys who practice artwork on my walls, leave bugs in their pockets and other mischievous doings.

At the Oct. 3rd event, you'll be able to talk to highly skilled and knowledgeable personnel about all the fabulous services offered by Aestheticare Medi Spa. I've already been inquiring about laser hair removal - I'm so sick of shaving.

More info to come. Keep checking back. Make the Fashion 411 blog your home page and stay in-the-know!

50% Off Sale!

Hey fashionistas, the biggest sale of the summer is almost here! Tomorrow is the big Summer Blow Out Sale.
Summer dresses, tank tops, jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, giftables and more!
Everything is at least 50% off!
Many of the vendors in this show have been in past Haute Market shopping parties, so you know it's going to be great stuff!
Free Entry.

Two convenient show times:

Tuesday, July 31st

9am to 1pm

6pm to 9pm

at the Blue Hills Country Club

777 W. Burning Tree Drive, KC, MO. (map)

Burning Tree Drive is about 1/2 way between 135th and 119th off of State Line Rd. West on Burning Tree to the sale!

Bring some friends and your comfie shopping shoes!

Flyer

Look to Fall

It seems like fashion shows are going on every week around the world. In my quest to find out what is hot for Fall 2007, I'm finding that the search is narrowed if I take the opposite approach and ask, "what is NOT hot this Fall?"


An array of cliche's come to mind:
Everything changes yet everything stays the same.
Look to the past to determine the future.


Trends for Fall 2007 are definitely reminicent of every era for the last century.
The space age look of sleek fits and metallic shimmer.
The feminine lacy looks of long ago.
It's all here, just in a newer version.


Colors are not quite the same natural hues, but some much more intense, color-rich choices. According to Pantone, we can look forward to Chili Pepper red, Lemon Curry, and Purple Wine to tempt our taste buds and our shopping cravings. While Green Moss is your typical sage-green sort of color, Stargazer is a beautifully rich, dark teal-like color that sounds perfect for a holiday dress. So don't wimp out and go all black again this year.


In a nut shell, it's pretty tough to put your finger on a single look that is IT for fall. The good news is that there are some fantastic new designs out there for us fashionistas to choose from. The key, for now, pick one look at a time. Don't try the metallic, with the lacy, with the sequins, with the deep teal blue, etc, etc. Find what works for you. Just make sure it doesn't include the same pair of jeans you've had since high school. Let go and let's go shopping!

Starring Fragrances

Ashley Peldon is more than just an actress – she's a gal with a serious nose for scents. When it comes to sniffing out the best of the best and concocting fragrances that are unexpected and irresistible, Ashley does it better than anyone else. Her latest endeavor is Starring...! Fragrances, the company she founded in 2006. The lineup includes everything from playful, dessert-inspired scents to sexy, attention-grabbing florals.

Ask anyone who's spritzed on The Child Star, the genius bouquet of yellow cake, cookies and graham crackers, and they'll tell you they can't get enough of Ashley's glorious creations. Or just ask me! Upon my request, Ashley whipped together a delicious blend of Pink Sugar (you know the one – the über-sweet scent that stole a million hearts when it debuted two years ago), amaretto syrup and whipped cream. The result? Fabulous, of course.

Starring...! Fragrances make awesome gifts, but they're ideal for a pick-me-up, too. Ashley also offers a custom blend service, featuring a variety of seasonal options tailored to the unique preferences of each individual. So whether you love hot fudge or strawberry sauce on your ice cream cone, or you just love a great lemon-citrus blend, you'll have no problem deciding on the scent of your dreams.

~by East Coast Fashionista

About Town

Correction on yesterdays newsletter:
The Lenexa Spinach fest is Sept. 8th, not Aug. 4th. (Sorry, I was lacking coffee at the time)

Here is a list of unique some shopping events around town:

July 31st ~ Summer Blow Out sale. Blue Hills Country Club. Tues. 9-1 & 6-9. Flyer

Aug. 2nd ~ jennyLou Spa launch party at Bella B's Boutique. Thurs 6-8pm. Invitation

Aug. 9th ~ Girls' Night Out at the Girls' Wearhouse Thurs. 5-9

Sept. 7 & 8 ~ Old Settler's Craft Fair -downtown Olathe near the library. Fri. & Sat 9-9

Sept. 8 ~ Spinach Festival - Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa. Sat. 9-5

Haute About Town

Haute Market doesn't just put on a kick-booty shopping event several times a year. Here at Haute Central, we love helping to get the word out about other sales, shows and up-and-coming designers.

First, if you didn't get the chance to purchase our logo t-shirt, they are on SALE now in our Haute store! Over 40% off this great tee!

If you've been listening to Mix 93.3 lately, you may have heard that we are a sponsor for the Bella B's Diva Makeover winner's Reveal Party. Nancy Ross, of Shawnee, won the $11,000+ prize pot full of great things to get her from drab to fab. We're helping to throw her a great big party and YOU could be invited. We'll have a very limited number of invites to bring along a few Haute fashionistas. Keep checking back for info on how you can score an invite!

We're also sponsoring the Summer Blow Out Sale where you can score goodies from many of our past vendors at 50% off. Everything in the event will be at least 50% off! View the flyer for more details.

Stay tuned for more hot events and cool sales!

Dress It Up

Summer dresses are a must in this humidity and heat. The chic ladies of Hollywood can be found wearing long casual dresses. I went browsing the web for some good deals to share with you today.

Last Thursday I went to the open house for Aestheticare MediSpa and I wish I had a dollar for everyone who said "I LOVE that dress!". So I'm letting my secret out: Target, my friends. I was trying to find some inexpensive tank tops at Target one day and saw these beautiful, long knit dresses and tried one on for fun. It was so pretty! I snatched up a black and white version of the one pictured here. Now on sale for under $20! I love being a bargain shopper.



Overstock.com has a plethora of choices to keep you cool. This jersey knit dress features an embellished band and empire waist. This is a thin little number as it's jersey, so you may need a slip. Just $39.99 at Overstock.com

Great Skin, Great Party

Last night we did a little partying with the Aestheticare Medi-Spa group as they celebrated their 6th Anniversary with their annual open house. These folks know how to throw a good party! Catered by Dean & Deluca, music by our good friend Drew and loads of great demo's.

I watched a demo of the IPL Photo Rejuvenation. Very cool. I'm almost getting brave enough to start trying some of this stuff (I have a very low pain threshold). The gal having the procedure done only flinched a tiny bit each time the light flashed. Her skin was barely pink when it was finished. She had already done 3 procedures, this was her fourth. Her skin definitely had a more even skin tone and few sun spots that so many people have this time of year.

I saw my favorite aesthetician, Claudia, who just started at Aestheticare just a few months ago. She's thrilled to be on board with them and I was thrilled to see a familiar face. Even if she used to make my cry when I had my legs waxed. Note: probably not a great idea to try waxing while your pregnant if you get sensitive skin. Ouch! Again..I've got a low pain threshold. I could have used the epidural for the waxing.

So I'm really considering having laser hair removal on my legs. It can't hurt worse than waxing, surely. And once you've done a few treatments, you don't have to keep going back every six weeks to start all over. Think of the savings on no more treatments and no more painful waxing! Plus no more razor cuts because I'm rushing to shave all the time.

Yep, I'm nearly convinced that my birthday present this year should be some laser treatments. Hmmm...now if I can just move that November birthday to July so I can get started.

You know when your kids say "Mom, why are your legs always scratchy?" that you need to make some improvements. ;)

Them There Eyes

I found this great tutorial to show us all how to create that sultry smokey-eye effect. Watch and learn my fashionista friends.

What the???

Can you believe I got locked out of my own blogger account today? Ridiculous! Something about testing to prevent spam blogging. Like I have time to learn what that is and how to do it. Sheesh.

Ok, so while I'm griping...
"HEY LADY! Yeah you...the loud mouth on the cell phone. SHUT UP!" Can you believe that I went to the pool to chill out with the kids and had to listen to some gal yelling at someone on her mobile phone for a good 20 minutes?! All the while her kids are..um...underwater for all she knows. Geez people. Put the cell phone down and slowly walk away.
I know, I'm the pot calling the kettle black. But at least I realize it and put the phone down today.
I left it in the car while in the store with my kids even! God forbid someone gets my voicemail.
So this week try detaching the phone from your ear because it is not an accessory to your wardrobe. Nope, not even if you have it blinged. Nice try though.

Tomorrow we'll be back with your regularly scheduled program! :)

Rockin' Rings

From the desk of:
East Coast Fashionista

A couple of friends have dubbed it "elegant and feminine." A few others have looked at me like I'm crazy. Most seem to agree, though, that my new flower ring rocks in its own unique way. You can see that it's massive, but that is actually what makes it special. Kenneth Jay Lane is no stranger to stuff like this – his jewelry is extravagant but affordable, showy but realistic. And with no other rings to show off (take note, prospective suitors), this one easily takes pride of place and steals the show.

I've taken to wearing it on weekends with flirty skirts and dresses, but surprisingly it doesn't look out of place at the office with a crisp pantsuit. This is available in just about every color of the rainbow, and there's even a more costly pavé version that outshines just about everything in the room. This white version is just the thing for these sublimely hot months, though. You'll have to pick up the black or red version if you want something to wear as it cools down.
Be forewarned: It's one of those accessories that tends to cause envy amongst friends and stares from passersby. Both good things, of course. (At just under $90, it's also pretty easy on the bank account!)

Save The Date

Are you ready for another Haute Market? It's about 2 1/2 months away now and we are busy little bee's at HM central lining up great vendors, fabulous sponsors, and great goodies just for you fashion mavens.

What to expect at the next shopping party?
Well, the point is shopping and we'll have about 30 vendors - some returning with great new Fall lines, and many new vendors as well.
A fabulous DJ spinning tunes to keep us in the shopping mood.
Prize drawings.
A great night out with your gal pals!

Make sure you are receiving our e-newsletter because early bird specials may be coming shortly!

Fab Friday

Fabulous sales to get you through the weekend:

Beauty Brands is having their liter sale! Go load up on your favorites.

Enjoy a great discount for shopping online at Couture Candy. 20% off all French Fifty wear. Expires July 31, 2007, so get there quickly if you need a last minute swim suit that is hot and sexy!


Shoes.com is having a fab sale as well. If you are a Fashion 411 regular, you know I'm a shoe whore. I'll do anything for a shoe sale. And it's like those potato chips...I can't stop at just one. So when I find a sale, I get a little cooky.
This sale expires Aug. 6, 2007.
I'm wary of ordering shoes online because I'm not an easy fit, but the return policy is so great! I love that I can shop from home instead of wrestle with my three wild boys while trying on shoes. If I'm not watchful, you'll find my boys on another aisle prancing around in high heels. A proud father this does not make.

Hanging Out

I know, I'm totally late on posting the blog. I have a friend's daughter over playing with the boys to keep them out of my hair a few hours a day. Instead of really working hard and making the most out of my babysitting budget, today I'm enjoying coffee before it turns to sludge, catching up with gal pals and thinking up new ideas for our next event.

I'm so excited to announce that Xiphium has signed up as a Platinum sponsor for our next event. They will again be providing fabulous hair do's and expert make up applications for some lucky guests.

A tip for you...be sure that you're not only on our e-newsletter list, but that we have your mailing address so you can get a special surprise soon. Just open one of our newsletters, click the PROFILE link towards the bottom, and fill in the blanks.

Stay tuned for more surprises and announcements!

Hairy Affair

Are you as tired of shaving as I am? It just takes up so much time. Time that many of us don't have due to work, kids, and the fact that the maid never shows up. ;)

A few days ago I received a free razor from Venus as part of a test panel I'm on. I already use one of their razors, but apparently they have to have twelve different designs and a new one each month to keep you guessing. This new deal, called Venus Breeze, has some sort of rubberized contraption on either side of the blades for moisturizing. Looks strange but I gave it a whirl.

First off, I did not cut myself which I often do when using new blades. Hooray!
The moisturizing doo-hickies were pretty slimy at first, once mixed with the shaving cream, but it was tolerable.
My legs turned out pretty good. Nice and smooth.
Underarms was another story. There was so much bulk to this razor that I couldn't get it close enough to my skin to shave - so luckily I had my other razor still in the shower with me and used that.

My vote: I like using this new Venus Breeze, but not enough to stop using my plain old Venus razor.

On another note...should you be so fed up with shaving, there is always hair removal. My list of things to do today includes calling my friends at Bella Skincare and setting up some appointments to laser zap my underarms.

Let us know what works for you, what has not. Post comments right here on the blog and share your thoughts. You might even win a prize for doing so!

No girl can say she's going at it alone in this big world because surely she has a great gal pal or two backing her up. Haute Market is no exception. I have been so fortunate this past year and often refer to Haute Market in the "we" sense. We wouldn't be a "we" if it weren't for some fabulous friends volunteering to help with the events. So I'm always on the prowl for great girl friend gifts and little surprises.

Bigg Eye Creations has been a huge supporter of Haute Market and we're so excited that you can now purchase the Sassy Susie cards (and friends) online! Even more exciting is the exclusive discount we've been given! Buy any pack of cards and receive a FREE mixed 1/2 pack (5 cards) of Sassy Susie greeting cards and coordinating envelopes! Just mention Haute Market when completing your order!

Did you attend the last Haute Market event? Check to see if we caught you on camera. Purchase a print of you and your gal pal from our photographer, Simply Images Photography. Send a photo with your note card and you're all set and looking like a fab friend!

Staying cool in this heat is no small task but you can certainly do it in style with the fab fashions and cool summer dresses.

This sassy little number can be found at Frankie & Jules, often a vendor at the Haute Market shows. Owner, Julia Morgan, has an eye for what's hot and brings some of the best styles to us each season. Frankie & Jules has several dresses and cool summer tops to choose from.

The Gap has several dresses on sale through their online store, sure to fit your style and budget. This jersey knit halter-style dress would be great for a backyard BBQ or dining out on the town.

Don't forget to wear a sassy pair of strappy sandals with a bit of a heel for that extra feminine kick. You're sure to turn a few heads!

Haute Body

Yes, yes, yes...I know the recipe to the Haute Body drink that was featured at our Haute Market shopping party last week. It was torture having to try out different drink mixes and sample them all, but I finally concocted my favorite blend of our two sponsors' drinks: X-Rated Fusion Liqueur and Nutrisoda.

The Haute Body:
1/2 can of Slender Nutrisoda
1 shot of X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
top with OJ to taste.

Enjoy responsibly. This one's strength sneaks up on you the next morning if you aren't careful.

Cheers!

Haute Dior

Dior kicked off the fabulous week of fashion at Versailles Palace, giving A-list fashionista's a first look at Fall 2007 styles. Inspired by some of the most talented painters, such as Picasso, John Galliano crafted a colorful line of couture fashions and received a rare standing ovation. With beauties like Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bundchen wrapped in his beautiful creations, how could the crowd not love this new line? (Photo: Rex USA).

I certainly wish I was partying on the manicured lawns and luscious gardens at Versailles. This 60th Anniversary party was fit for a king complete with flamenco dancers, fire eaters and fabulous eats.

On the Ready-To-Wear scene, Zac Posen did not disappoint with his sillouetted creations full of femininity. I was surprised by all the black (hoping for more color this fall), but Posen adds texture and layers that make you just want to touch. (Photo: Marcio Madeira)

Posen says that as he's matured, his ability to appreciate and design for a woman's body has matured as well. Maybe he should teach classes on that for the rest of the men in the world ;)

Stay tuned to Haute Market and be in-the-know for the Fall Fashions just around the corner!

Haute Goes Def

Every girl deserves a little reward for her hard work, so I took my right-hand (and best addition to Haute Market), Michelle, to the Def Leppard concert last night. We rocked OUT! Can you imagine how many calories you burn by dancing for an hour straight?

The venue was absolutely packed and full of fun people all around us. Of course most of them were in diapers when the majority of the Def songs were first released, but they boogied with us none the less.

Pour Some Sugar On Me was definitely the highlight of the night and it induced a little dirty dancing from us all. Definitely a night to remember!

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July! Cheers!

In Other Words

Hey ladies! We want to hear from you. It's easy for us to write all about our Haute shopping party and how great last Thursday night was for the gals of Kansas City. But it would be much better coming from you!

Post your party review right here on the blog and you could win a prize. Each person who posts a review is entered into the prize pot: free jewelry, note cards from Bigg Eye Creations, pampering kit from jennyLou spa, gift certificates and more!

Just use the link below to post your review to let us know what you and your gal pals loved about the Haute Market birthday party. With over 600 women in attendance, there have to be a few of you with something to say.

Cheers!

Recap

There have got to be so many hot chicks in Kansas City after the shopping frenzy last Thursday night at Haute Market!

I would love to hear from you gals that received the FREE massages from Infinite Fitness. Tell us how it was!
Also, there were a lot of ladies getting new hair-do's and make up applications FREE from Xiphium Salon. Give us the scoop! The rest of us have inquiring minds.

October 3rd is the next Haute party. It seems so far away, but we'll be doing lots of great things and Haute surprises until then. So stayed tuned to your fashion connection in Kansas City for the best in shopping, sales and fabulous fashions!