Makeover Contest

A special message from our friends at Bella B's:

Bella B's Boutique and our sponsors are searching for a lucky lady in desperate need of a complete makeover. Tell us in 200 words or less why you are our next deserving diva of an ultimate prize package valued at over $10,000.
Completed entries will be accepted online April 22nd through May 23rd. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. A current photo must be included.

Lucky You

Here is a great online deal to make you smile...
Shop LuckyBrandJeans.com , spend $150, and receive $30 towards your next purchase.

Rooted in rock ’n ’roll with a signature sense of humor, Lucky Brand Jeans stands for independent thinking, individual style and a feeling as authentic as love. Friends since youth, creators Gene Montesano and Barry Perlman shipped the first order of Lucky Brand Jeans in 1990, and have been renowned for their great-fitting, vintage-inspired jeans ever since.


These cute, fitted crops caught my eye. The Sweet Fuse which features a lean fit with two front pockets and two back pockets, $110.

Red White & Boom!

Buy tickets online today for Mix 93.3's Red, White & Boom!

Lifehouse
Gavin Degraw
Boys Like Girls
from American Idol...Blake Lewis
Metro Station
Ferras featured on American Idol
The Last Goodnight
Mix 93.3's own DJ Kirby
and the winner of Kansas City's Ultimate Band Search!

Tickets go on-sale Saturday, May 3rd at all Ticketmaster locations or buy them here.
It's the one summer party you don't want to miss.
Red, White and Boom 13! Click here to see videos by all the artists performing.

Mail From Max

Without fail, Max sends me mail. It's packed with beauty and surprises, making me feel special, happy, even filling me with a bit of glee.
I'd like to think that he singled me out of the crowd on that rainy February day, found out all my wishes and dreams, then decided to dazzle me with every fiber of his being.

In reality, the BCBGMAXAZRIA fashion show had hundreds of fabulous women in attendance, and if you are a fan of Max like I am, you know he already has a muse.

Still, the mailer had to have been assembled just for me. This metal mesh handbag, for example, must be mine. It's $118 at bcbg.com. Reminds me of a clutch that Carrie Bradshaw would raise to hail a cab.

For spring/summer, Max has a lot of black & white, but I did just find this colorful halter top that I'm going to have to grab before it's gone. $118 online at www.bcbg.com. Paired with the white pants it's great for work. Dress down a bit with denim. Don't forget to include a fabulous set of bangles!
Have a fab friday everyone!

Rain? No-Smudge Solutions.

It's raining, again. Time to pull out the water-proof mascara and anti fizz hair products. I quickly checked my sources for some mascaras in case you need to replenish your stock.Earth & Water Mascara Duo As seen on Oprah. Revolutionary Liquid-Flex™ Technology – Long-Lasting, Smudge and Smear Proof. Just $1.

Tarte's "Lights, Camera, Splashes. For all you super-sensitive mascara wearers: finally, a mascara that doesn't force you to wear your heart on your sleeve (or your face)!
This waterproof formula gives you the bombshell lashes you love, but stays put. The waterproof-denim covering protects your precious potion too! $18 at Beauty.com.

Also, this great news:
New to Beauty.com - Stila Cosmetics. Shop and be happy!

Spring Bunnies

A quickie blog post as I've promised my little people that I'm on a vacation from the hauteness.
So some beach wear seemed in order.

Check out these fun Retro Flip Flops from Playboy,
or the white embellished with rabbit heads and rhinestones.

Spell-challenged

yes, yes...I know...there were spelling errors in the newsletter today. I am spelling challenged at 6AM. Go figure. Maybe we'll start having contests to see who can find all the errors first. :) Now that would be a good one! Enjoy!

Treats for Tuesday

With the changes in the weather, the new spring colors popping up in the gardens, I can't help but want a change in myself. I feel the need for a new head. Since you can't yet order a new one to size via the net, I'll have to settle for a new hair cut and new make up.


Stumbling across this great deal for E.L.F. cosmetics sure seemed like a cosmic force was agreeing with me. Check it out and go nuts with new Spring colors!

What should you look for in spring makeup trends? Lilacs are hot along with soft purples and blues. Start small and subtle. Baby step your way to a more bold look.

Red lips or nude? Both are great this season. I prefer nude look for day and then siren red for evening. Try a few different colors and find what looks great on you. Step just slightly outside your usual comfort zone and find something fab!

Barbie and her ROCKS

Layna and Alan Friedman Diamonds - Representing Barbie® doll's ultimate glamour and style, Mattel Brands introduces "Barbie™ Rocks by Layna and Alan Friedman" - a co-branded fine jewelry collection of pink diamonds, precious and semi-precious colored stones and rare metals for "girls" of all ages.

The collection will range from moderately priced jewelry, $185, to very high-end pieces, $15,000 and will include pendants, rings, earrings, charms, key rings and bracelets, as well as a signature "Barbie™ Rocks by Layna and Alan Friedman" heart-shaped clasp in Barbie™ pink gold.

As part of the partnership, both Mattel and Layna and Alan Friedman will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation.

A Clean Review?

MORNING BURST BY CLEAN AND CLEAR FACIAL SCRUB AND MOISTURIZER- by guest blogger, Shannon, of Olathe, KS.

I jumped at the chance to review this product… When asked to try out a morning scrub and moisturizer I thought why not?? Nothing but soap and water has ever hit this face ever… provided I wasn’t too tired to even do that after days end…Usually just brushing my teeth is enough to wake me when ready to hit the sack but I thought what the heck.. Here is what I thought:

Morning Burst.. does that mean you can only use it in the morning as I used it morning and night? Most of the time I really did like the smell of it. The scent I tried was lemongrass. The scrub itself had a nice scent as well as the moisturizer. The bottle itself advertises that it wakes you up so maybe it shouldn’t be used right before bed when those eyelids are heavy.

One little thing to be cautious of… the same applies to any other facial scrubbers that have little scrubby things in them (bursting beads they call them).. Make sure you stay clear away from your eyeballs when scrubbing your face. If you get those little bursting beads in there you will spend quite a bit of time getting them out...and boy will they hurt…

I think using a moisturizer has helped my skin a little bit… It does feel smoother. My thirteen year old tried both products as well and was set on them. There are so many products on the market today for skin care and I do not know that I would ever have specifically picked this one out as I am a cheapskate (soap and water) but did enjoy using them.

After-Hauteness

Good morning fashionistas.
Not so good morning if you are my feet. They, and the rest of my body, have the Haute Market hangover. Unfortunately it has nothing to do with alcohol but everything to do with throwing a kick-(beep) shopping party last night! I hope everyone had a smashing good time. Thanks to the sponsors for helping us put on such a great event, and thanks to the amazing vendors who, again, brought fabulous fashions and goodies for everyone to enjoy!

It was so fun giving our Grand Makeover to teacher-turned-fashion maven, Tara. I'll have photos to post very soon. She was a great sport and so were her supportive friends who waited patiently for Tara to get through her transformation. She definitely came out of her shell come picture time. Robbie Schraeder, the Haute Market photographer, is brilliant and pulling the fashionista out of the shy one's!

Tara - you still have a gift certificate coming to you so I hope you read this because I need your address!!

If you've tried to view the web site today, I think it turned in it's resignation yesterday. My dear webmaster was trying to accomodate all my demands so we could bring you even more fab features...and I guess it didn't work out because the web site is hiding somewhere. Maybe it has the hangover as well.
Well, poop happens. It has been happening in undesireable locations due to potty training our 2 yr old, and it's fitting that my "real life" and my "web life" bridge that gap and that my web site acts as stubborn as my two yr. old now.

Enjoy your day, and for you rocker chicks going to the concert tonight...say hello to Jon and the gang for me!

Diva Deals

Just a quick reminder for you before I head out to start setting up the event for all you fab fashionistas tonight. Truth be told...I just can't wait to go drive the Uhaul around town. Not that it doesn't look fab in front of my house along with our two rockin' mini vans :)

Diva Deal cards are available for pick up at the event tonight. You simply need to be on the e-newsletter subscriber list to have a free Diva Deals card.
If you already receive the newsletter, scroll to the bottom and click Update Profile to make sure we have your address - if you don't make it to the event, yours will be mailed.
If you are not on the newsletter list, sign up today!

As Seen on TV

I hope you had a chance to watch the Haute Market spot on FOX4. If not, view here.

I've had an inbox full of requests for more info about the clothing and accessories we had on the show. So here is a list with a few photos. You can get it all at Haute Market tomorrow night!

White top with ruffled collar from Gennaio, a boutique in Raymore, $35.
Black belted jacket, also from Gennaio, $59.
Joe's Socialite jeans, $175, and yellow handbag $55, from Denim Couture, in Olathe.
Jewelry by Vintage Moon Creations: chunky colorful necklace $85, long chain necklace with crystal pendant $40.

Next look was a fabulous teal halter dress designed by KC's own Sophie & Gwendalynn. A steal for an original at just $175! The designers of Sophie & Gwendalynn will be participating in their first Haute Market this week and we're excited to see more of their original designs!

Our next mannequin was wrapped up in this fabulous plum top from Gennaio. In line with spring trends, this ruffled collar and cinched waist top comes in several colors, $39. It was adorned with another fabulous necklace from Vintage Moon, $40.

Come to Haute Market tomorrow night and find these, and many more fabulous trends hot off the runways.

Shopaholic Goes Hollywood

Fans of the Sophie Kinsella Shopaholic series are rejoicing as word spreads that a movie is being made. Shopping, Hollywood and NYC brought together for another fab movie!

Isla Fischer has been cast as Becky Bloomwood. P.J. Hogan (Peter Pan, My Best Friend's Wedding) will direct. Jerry Bruckheimer will produce.
Becky Bloomwood has a fab flat in London's hottest neighborhood, glamorous friends, and closet for all fashionistas to drool over. However, Becky is not exactly a good money manager. Actually, she doesn't manage it at all...she simply spends and spends.

The Shopaholic books are great summer reads. British author, Sophie Kinsella, definitely started a phenomenon. I'm excited to see the movie...if it ever comes out. No news was available on a release date, but it is filming now. The 46-story architectural marvel, the Hearst Tower, currently being transformed offices of fictitious publishing company Dante West. According to Fashion Week Daily, the ground floor windows will be dressed to resemble luxury retail boutiques, including Anna Sui, Alberta Ferretti, Catherine Malandrino and Valentino.

I wish I could be in NYC to see the madness and confusion that will cause!

Now if only may could get here more quickly and bring with it the fab four: Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

Haute TV - Trend Report

It is difficult to keep up with and find all the latest trends. Haute Market maven's are always on a mission to keep our fashionista's looking and feeling great.
Watch the video from FOX4 TV to get a sneak peek at the fabulous finds available at the Haute Market shopping party next week, and learn a few tips to find the right trends for you.

The items featured, and so much more, will be found next week at Haute Market. Buy tickets now!

Unpack

Don't pack up your winter clothes just yet my Midwest mavens. Mother nature strikes and the temperature dips again. A perfect day to talk denim.

Today I made a quick trip into a place that I like to refer to as Olathe's little Couture secret...Denim Couture. Did you know that the burgeoning little city has a trendy little boutique carrying some of THE hottest names in denim?

Seven for all Mankind, Joe's, Citizen's of Humanity and many more! A den of denim.
Check out the denim selection at Haute Market next Wednesday because my new pals from Denim Couture will be at the event selling their beautiful boot cuts and more.


Tune in to FOX4 today at 8:50 am as I join Laura Thornquist once again to talk fashion! It's a sneak peek at the fabulous finds at Haute Market!

HALT! (er)

The halter top is everywhere this Spring so be sure to grab one that is original and trendy at next week's Haute Market. Most of myy boutique friends are so fresh from market that they have everything underwraps and ready to reveal next week. So I grabbed a few photos from Macy's to give you some ideas of what to look for. I did manage to snag one great photo just now from Kansas City designers at Sophie & Gwendalynn.

Beautifully embellished with a small bow on the front, ties around the neck at the back. A beautiful shape to give you some curves and enhance the bust area. I love it!!

MICHAEL Michael Kors Geometric-Print Trapeze Halter Dress $159.50. The dress ties at the back behind the neck and is about knee length. I'm not a huge fan of the trapeze-style because I think it's more flattering to show the waist. However, this particular piece is a good option for those not comfortable with a tight waist area.

Tommy Hilfiger has this bright Geometric-Print Halter Top at Macys.com for $79.50. This is also a bit forgiving in the waist area, without being too full and maternity looking.

Watch tomorrow on FOX4 in Kansas City as I join Laura Thornquist to show more spring fashions and some complimenting accessories!

New Haute Goodies

I hope you have tickets for the Haute Market shopping party next Wednesday, the 16th. There are a lot of new designers and boutiques we'll be featuring, plus some old favorites that have just returned from market, which means fabulous new fashions for you to browse!

A newbie to the scene, Urban Hip Chick, a division of Girly Girl World out of Independence, Missouri. Designer, Jeanette Coons, with help from her talented husband, have designed this fabulous new ring that is the ultimate in BLING!

This giant Swarovski crystal sits upon the handcrafted sterling silver ring AND you can buy additional crystals in a variety of colors to change the look! That's right. The crystal can come off and be switched for a new color and a new look. This fabulous creation is just $50 and you can get one at the next Haute Market! Additional crystals are $8 each.

An old favorite back with new styles is Gennaio Boutique fromm Raymore, Missouri. This comfortable halter-style top is only $29. I have a handful of items from this trendy boutique that I'll be showing on TV this Thursday morning on FOX4. Watch as I feature several new trends and how to accessorize them.

A newbie to the Haute Market events, but not new to KC is the fab lingerie boutqiue Sophie & Gwendalynn. Designing their own fabulous and sexy lingerie collections, co-owners Amy Collier and Wendy Gillman began their collaboration while working together for an east coast wedding gown designer. Both women shared a passion for fashion, a keen sense of design, pattern making and construction skills, and meticulous attention to detail that is necessary for the wedding gown industry. Both women are originally from the Midwest.

Thankfully they returned to their roots and have been producing new and sexy lingerie lines year after year.

See these goodies and more at Haute Market!
Wednesday, April 16th 5-9pm, at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park.
You deserve it!
(21& over event)

Yowza at YOOX!

If you haven't yet stumbled upon YOOX.COM, then be prepared to fall fast and hard. The sale prices are so yummy. Who cares if it's last season? Know one will know, right? They say we're about two years behind here in the Midwest, so you should at least look fashion forward for another season! Any justification to save 75% or so on designer apparel is fine by me.
Here are a few I've picked out for you.

A favorite designers of many female celebs is Catherine Malandrino. This sweet and strappy 3/4 length dress in dark brown was $455, and now is just $159. Only size 4 is available.

The Mas Nada 3/4 length dress is only available in a size 6. From $359 down to $128 this satin-stretch number is a steal!


If I could ensure having a hot date, I think I'd order this gorgeous black dress by Diane Von Furstenberg. From $248 to $149, only size 2 available. Just a bit of a dip down the front, with a frilly little bit on the strap, makes this little black dress have a little more personality. Don't be surprised if it's sold out by the time you go looking for it. (wink, wink)


If you have ever wanted to own a Miu Miu piece, now is the time. Only size 8 available at YOOX.COM. It's unlined crepe with a little frill on the side. 100% silk. $1095 marked down to just $274. Seriously...did they have the interns working too late one night resulting in a bad typo? Ouch. Grab this if you want designer gals in your closet.


If you really want to show some personality, might I suggest an exclusive one-of-a-kind design? Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is best known for her eclectic personality and the passion that infuses every piece of her vast collection.
This colorful, 3/4 length dress will turn heads for sure.Each dress comes with its original sketch signed by Agatha Ruiz de La Prada.
Not on sale, but look at the $500 price tag as an investment in art. I adore the colors and think the bust-embellishments would bring a wandering eye to my chest for sure. Not something that happens often for me, I can assure you. The dress costs way less than a boob job and probably would garner even more attention. Could be the sort of attention that lands me in a padded room with no sharp objects...but it's not like that trip is far away anyway.

These are only a few of the dresses. Wait until you see the designer shoes at YOOX.COM! My hubby is hovering. He must think I'm seriously considering the $1010 pair of Alexander McQueen shoes. They certainly are stunning.

Fab Friday

Yay, it's Friday! Not that it's any different for me since I don't work outside the home, but it does usually mean that other people I encounter are in a better mood.
I've decided to take a break today and reaquaint myself with the loud little people running around here that I vaugely remember as my children.
It's been a busy few weeks of getting the new look of the site ready and gathering lots of fab Diva Deals for you to enjoy.

I hope you have had a chance to browse through the site, check out the Diva Deals and watch the Juvederm video. Even if you think getting your face pumped full of fillers isn't something for you'll try, you will still have a hard time not watching. It's like seeing a car accident. You can't help but look. Only this time there is a better outcome.

It's time to get your Haute Market shopping party tickets ladies! It will be here before you know it and you don't want to be left out. Our last event had a great turn out, but got pretty busy, so we will be letting advance ticket holders in the doors first.

Have a fabulous Friday everyone!

Wallet Conscious

Don't ask me why I was looking at Petite Sophisticate because it's not the place I normally go for fashion. It was mostly out of curiousity to challenge myself to find something I could recommend.

While I'm not 100% certain, I can say that this silver blouse may turn out ok with a fabulous pencil skirt. Or it could make you look like a diner waitress.

Sheened taffeta blouse is playful with polka dots and velvet trim. Contoured shape skims the body, fabric belt cinches the waist.
$49.00 sale $34.30

Here is one that I definitely cannot recommend unless you truly want your waist to appear huge and wide. I cannot understand why anyone is allowed to produce such unflattering pieces. It reminds be of the tummy bands one can wear after having a c-section...only in pink instead of the ugly flesh color of norm.

Sometimes you gotta show the good and the bad to appreciate it all. :)

Big Needles & Bad Words

My oh my...it took two weeks to edit, mostly for my fondness of the s-word due to the extremely visible presence of needles in the room...but the Juvederm treatment video is finally ready for your to gawk at.
Yep, I got the juve and it's all on film. Don't watch if you're squeamish about having blood taken or seeing needles because you've not experienced squeamish until you've seen a needle go into someones LIPS. Yikes.

Was it worth it..totally. I nearly passed out because I get myself so freaked out about stuff being put into my body like that. You'd think after three babies, two of them by c-section, that I'd be a much tougher cookie. Nope. Take my blood, give me an epidural...I'm cool with that. But it was still worth it, dramatic as I am.
Will I do it again? Probably. I have that sexy pout without even trying!

Put a video camera and three other people in the room and tell me to smile for the camera? Shoot...not if you don't give me wine with that!
Here are some before and after pictures. Check out the filled out lips!


Here is the link to the video.
Big thanks to Aestheticare, Kansas City's premier medical spa at College and Roe, in O.P, Ks.