The Sexy Premier

It's finally here. Well, in 12 hours actually.
Our Sex and the City party starts at 5:30 tonight at Deegie's Carma. Our movie showtime is 7:30. Twelve short hours until we find out what Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda and Samantha have been up to, until we see the fabulous frocks and fashions that have been talked about for months.

Do you have your outfit picked ladies? I have my Carrie outfit ready. Fabulous party dress. Jeweled purse. Sassy shoes. One big bling ring and one bling bracelet.
Yikes! Need earrings! No time to shop. I think I'll make a pair just for tonight.

But first I must lead my non-Carrie life.....kids to the doctor, indoor play plans now that the rain is pouring down, etc. Looks like it's a craft day - help mommy make a new pair of earrings. :)
Then it's prep time. Hair, sunless tanner, pedicure.

Get moving girls. It's the twelve hour countdown. Wherever you may be partying and watching tonight, I hope it's rain free and fabulous!

A Carrie Quote: "Dreams change, trends come and go, but friendships never go out of style."

Sexy Stuff

SJP and crew have hit NYC with force and fab clothes. The fab four are touring the town, promoting the Sex and the City movie, wearing frocks that can turn you green with envy. SJP recently wore a silver gown by Nina Ricci that is so fabulous, I can't stop staring at the photos.

I am so excited for our Sex and the City party at Deegie's Carma tomorrow night. Sips and snacks, goodie bags, shopping discounts AND the movie! A true SATC-ish event.

So let's see how many are actually reading the blog today. I had several squeaky wheels begging, very kindly, for tickets to the party. I just emailed my main man, Dave, at the Legends Theater and snatched up 10 more tickets! Now is your chance. Read the blog regularly and you shall be rewarded. There are 10 tickets added to our online store. Go buy tickets and get into the hottest Sex and the City party in Kansas City!

If you don't get tickets to our party, try joining our friends at http://www.nightofindulgence.com/ for their SATC party in Independence, MO at the Fox & Hound.

Beauty Tip Winner

Did you hear your beauty tip on air yesterday?
Of the dozens of fabulous beauty tips submitted by our readers, I picked one that was easy to remember and do.
So congratulations to our winner, Megan H, from Roeland Park. You've won two tickets to Red, White and Boom - the ultimate summer concert, two tickets to the July Haute Market, and some fabulous swag from the Haute Market goodie vault.

Megan's tip: "Never leave home without blotting papers in the summer. Some women try to cover up shine and perspiration with powder, but when it's hot outside it can turn your face into a mess! Just blot off any excess sweat and shine and dab a lightweight tinted moisturizer onto areas that need some camo (great if you have some with SPF). I swear by this summer skin fix! "

Neutrogena Shine-Control Blotting Sheets $6.99 at drugstore.com. I found mine set on sale at Walgreen's for $5.59. A lesser expensive, though not as effective, option are the organic cotton round pads. Useful for dabbing at perspiration and a variety of other needs.

For more great tips and info on where to find the fab products I featured on FOX4, check the web page and don't forget to watch the TV clip!

Cheers!

Happy Monday!

I hope it's a vacation day for you too. Enjoy the day and check in tomorrow morning for a review of the beauty tips I'll give on Kansas City's FOX4 tv tomorrow around 8:50 a.m.

Cheers!

Get Shirted

Everyone is mad for shirt dresses right now. They can be found at every price range, in every color, in nearly every apparel store. It's an easy piece to grab out of the closet and accessorize with ease. I grabbed a few off the net to show you examples of the range of possibility.

This Tahari stretch cotton shirtdress $138 Macy's, is available in black and cobalt. I don't care for the pleated skirt, but a lot of people like this recent trend reminiscent of the 50's. The small belt gives it a crisp finish.



Macy's also sells this Style&Co. shirt dress. A bit more hip with it's long belt and button detail with patch pockets on the chest ($69). It makes a big difference in the look with the shoes you choose. Sass it up with a higher heel, possibly a more comfortable wedge for the work day.

At Target online I found a cheaper version of the shirt dress but it lacks the detail that make shirt dresses look put together and chic. The cap sleeve is nice, but it's missing the collar. It's leaning more toward the wrap-style. Still a comfortable piece at an affordable price, on sale for $29.99.

I'm pretty sure that I have a picture of my grandma in this dress. It just goes to show that the trends circle through time and resurface unexpectedly. Some come back to haunt us. I panicked when leggings came back. I'm still in therapy for what the 80's did to my wardrobe and tender teenage psyche. Dressing like grandma seems far less risky than dressing "like a virgin".

Our Homeboy

Did you hear the collective screams at a few minutes before 9pm last night? If you were anywhere near the Kansas City metro it would have been hard to miss. As our home-town boy, David Cook, was announced as the 2008 American Idol, the roar was unleashed our little metro finally had something to celebrate.
Part of me didn't want him to become so further tied to the Idol cult. I'd rather see him on his own, performing on his terms, deciding how he dresses and does his hair.
So hopefully he still gets to call the shots, choose his style and keeping amazing us.
Congrats David and the Cook family. KC is proud!

SATC

Stay tuned for news about our Sex and the City movie party, on premier night of course, Friday, May 30th. Save the date. Join us at the Legends theaters for the hottest ticket this spring!

Sex Sounds

Get the soundtrack for Sex And The City at Amazon.com
Spunky sounds of Fergie - Labels or Love. The amazing India Arie - The Heart of the Matter (originally by Don Henley). Even Jennifer Hudson, who has a part in the movie as Carrie's young assistant, sings a tune for the soundtrack. Ten days until the movie!!!

The Sex Guide

It's not what you think. I have no tips and tricks for that area. We simply drink a lot of wine and it all works out...though often results in a new addition to our family 9 months later.

No...this is all about your Sex and the City guide. Just two weeks until the U.S. release of the fabulous new movie we've all been waiting for. The ultimate chick-flick movie for you and your girlfriends to enjoy. Haute Market has a fabulous party in the works to celebrate the new show, shop like Carrie Bradshaw, and watch the movie with our big group of Haute fashionistas.

The Sex and the City characters are the ultimate fashionistas. Carrie Bradshaw, though fictional, is real in our minds and has become a fashion icon to the world. The stunning clothes, towering heels and quirky accessories gave us all a little something to aspire to.

Not that I have many places to wear such outfits. My only trip to Paris was with a toddler in tow and baby #2 baking in the oven...not much opportunity for a fashion statement. It was after baby #3 that I decided to step it up a knotch and become a fashionista. Now I'm planning parties and trips just so I can wear the fabulous frocks I find. New York Fashion Week is in just a few short months but I can't wait that long to shake the dust off some fab clothes and let them see the light of day.

So get out your girly dresses that would make Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte proud. Strap on your high heels, grab your best handbag and join me and the Haute crew next Friday night for the release party. Official announcement will be next Tuesday in the weekly Buzz, our e-newsletter. Details on where, when and how to get tickets will be included.

This will be THE SATC party to attend in Kansas City ladies. Do not miss your chance to see and be seen at our fabulous event.
Stay fashionable ladies.

As Seen In - SATC!

I am so excited for the release of the Sex and the City Movie. Tickets to see WICKED next week and SATC the next. My May calendar couldn't be better. Except that I should probably get a new pair of shoes that Ms. Carrie would be proud of.

The Christian Dior pair that Carrie wears several times throught the movie is not for shoe sissys with their 4.45" heels. Not to mention that the price tag demands that you love the shoes and plan to wear them until 2020.

The SATC movie will be the fashion-watchers dream with all the fabulous clothing, shoes and handbags. Get your tickets now because theaters are selling out!

Hookers in High School?

What in the heck is going on with high school prom fashion? Are these high schoolers or high-end hookers (excuse me...escorts is the p.c. word now)? Just because the dress is in the store doesn't make it ok for you to dress like a whore. A lot of stores carry a lot of stuff...doesn't mean it is all fashionable or tasteful. In fact, many of the local Kansas City stores don't even get the top fashions in the stores. That stuff goes to to bigger stores in bigger cites. So please don't settle ladies.

Back to the prom dress issue. These girls are just that...GIRLS. There is no reason for them to be wearing a dress with the back cut out down to the butt crack and the front cut down nearly to the belly button.
People wonder what is wrong with kids these days??? Try this folks...tell your kids NO once in a while.
If a skin revealing, barely covering dress is what your daughter is allowed to wear to prom, imagine what she'll wear on a night out in college. Put some condoms in her purse because that will be the most responsible thing you do as you let her out of the house in that number.

I'm not sure if I'm glad to not have girls, or worried that my boys won't keep their tongues in their mouths or say something lewd when their dates show up looking like high-paid street walkers. My husband, however, probably looks forward to the show. Thankfully we have about 7 more years to watch as the trash fashions evolve.

More Brush Lust

Recently Haute Market featured an article about makeup brushes. Marie Claire magazine also had a take on brush lust, proving that while sometimes you need to splurge for the best outcome, there are a few inexpensive winners out there.

e.l.f. is one brand receiving the buzz about brushes with their concealer brush, no. 5 on the photo, at just $1. I still opt to spend more on a foundation, bronzer or all-over brush. But for a concealer, $1 works fine for me! An e.l.f. deal: FREE SHIPPING on $45 order. Coupon:SHIP45

One tip I've learned...the cheaper the brush, the more likely the hairs will fall out and the ends be uneven, which feels more scratchy on your face than a good brush with proper construction and finer hairs.

There really is a difference. I think the best brush should be foundation, if you use a powder foundation. Your overall blender/powder brush is next. I like this one featured in Marie Claire, ninth one on the row, from Clinique.
Also at least one good brush for the eye make up. Throw away those tiny sponge-tip applicators. The rest I've gone cheaper on and seem to be doing ok.
Good luck ladies!

Crazy for David

Kansas City was mad for David Cook last Friday. My friends at FOX4 had the best time with David in the studio Friday morning. Check it out here.
I hear that his performances were fantastic and that his busy day was packed with emotions and memorable moments. Like the fact that David had never performed in front of such a large crowd before.
I would love to see David win Idol, but I think either way, he's going on to be a star. What I really hope is that he and brother, Andrew, team up for a fab duo that will really rock our socks off!

Faking It

If you're new around here...I'll let you in on a fab tip that everyone should know:
fake lashes are the new sliced bread! Do you really think all those Hollywood starlets have eyes like that naturally? Ok, a few do. The rest are totally faking it. And...who cares? If you've ever tried it and seen a photo or video of yourself after, you're on the same train I am. Of course I am sooo thrilled to find e.l.f. cosmetics has a set of fake lashes for just $1. I'm absolutely serious. Just $1. It's worth it just to experiment. Add a dozen to your cart and you're set for months (well..that is, if you don't get out much, like me)! (Natural Lash Kit)

Speaking of experimenting...I need to. I have my standard every day look...well, every day. Then there is the tv makeup and that I've memorized from the occasional sessions with my professional make up artist and friend, Staci Broski. She'll probably frown on me for buying the cheap stuff...but it's a great way for me to try and learn babe. Don't hate me. The tv make up is great, but when I'm on at 8am, that makeup doesn't carry over too well in the early light of day.

So in my e.l.f. shopping bag today is this $5 kit for smokey eyes. It comes with a lash curler, which I probably haven't used since prior to the last democratic president was in office. Also a set of instructions claiming 5 products for $5 in 5 minutes. I should probably video tape this one. It might win comedy of the year.

Here is a deal for you: FREE SHIPPING on $45 order. Coupon:SHIP45

For the Love of the Bag

Depending on the day, I could be obsessing over shoes or bags...it's a toss up. Today, it's bags. After spending a gagillion on bags and being totally busted by my hubby, I've turned to an old friend Etsy.com, in search of emerging designers with fab style sense and eye for detail (not to mention price tags that won't get me the third degree).

I adore this wallet by Cotton Purr. This designer, out of Georgia, has more than her southern flair going for her. The construction looks fantastic. I love the colors that are spot on for Spring trend matching. It even has 6 card slots that can hold 2-3 cards each! You mean I can carry all the kids' dental cards, health insurance cards, my driver's license and 1/2 dozen credit cards? You're singing my song sister! This is WAY more trendy than the boring COACH wallet I've been carrying and a way better price. At just $34 each...I can afford this and not wince each time I spill coffee on it.

Colbie Concert

Friday, May 2nd, was the Colbie Callait concert in Kansas City. A few of us fashionista's sweet-talked our way into the private balcony to enjoy the show like no one else could!
The concert was held at The Uptown. A beautiful and historic theater that I hope I'll visit more often.
It was really fantastic to see an up and coming artist in such an intimate venue. The innocence and pure joy in a newer artist is something you don't get to enjoy often because eventually a big managing company swoops in and takes over, mutating some artists into something they are not. I don't see this happening to Colbie. Stay real girl.

Video clips of the concert on the Haute Myspace page.

Certain Girls

Jennifer Weiner, writer of many great chick lit books, has a new book, Certain Girls, that she talks about on this Podcast, recorded 4/13/2008.(This recording contains explicit content.)

Philadelphia author Jennifer Weiner writes novels and stories full of wit, spunk, and sharp insights into human nature. Her 2002 novel, In Her Shoes, was adapted into a critically acclaimed film starring Cameron Diaz and Shirley MacLaine; and her other books including Little Earthquakes, Goodnight Nobody, and The Guy Not Taken have all topped nationwide bestseller lists. Kirkus Review describes Certain Girls, the sequel to the smash debut, Good in Bed as "a touching examination of both the comic and tragic moments that mark the mother-daughter relationship."

Check it out.

Mascara - Guest Blogger

We put another product to the test. Lancome's Courbe Virtuose mascara.
It's claim:
A LANCÔME FIRST:100° LASH CURVE WITH DIVINE LENGTH ALL DAY.
CurlGuard™ formula lengthens and holds a divine lash curve for 12 hours.
The KeepCurl™ brush provides an outstanding eyelash curler effect.
Long-lasting formula is virtually smudge-proof, tear-proof and easily removable.


This is what our guest blogger, Judi, had to say:
"Here is the scoop on the Lancôme Mascara that you had me try. I have been trying it now for about 3 weeks and I use my own one day and the Lancôme the opposite days. Not sure how much this mascara is but it did take me a couple of tries to get used to the shape of the handle. You have to hold it a certain way to be able to apply the makeup. I usually put my eye make-up on early in the morning 7ish but with this mascara by about 5 or 5:30 I started to get black eye under my eyes. It did not last all way and it also would ball up on the tips of my lashes... not sure what that is all about. Anyway I would have to say I would stick with something else before I would go out and buy this one. "

Ooh, sorry Lancome. At just over $20 per tube, this isn't one I'll go try to give it a second chance either. I'm still loving my L'Oreal Telescopic mascara. You have to be patient at first to learn how to use this new style of brush, but it gives my lashes such great color and length, it's worth it.
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Zit Zapper Report

Good morning fashionistas. In our quest for a bit more beauty, it's nice to know that a new tool is on our side. The Zeno Zapper is a hand held unit that helps minimize and destroy blemishes. I think it's a genius idea.

Back in November we ran a contest in which two of our lucky readys won a Zeno Zapper. Here is what one of them has to say about it:
"The Zeno Zapper truly works. The heat from the zapper kills the bacteria of the blemish and it actually does decrease the size and redness in a day or so. I was bummed that it doesn't work on "cycstic" blemishes, since I tend to get those. But overall I like the Zeno Zapper. " Jen G.

A huge thanks to Aestheticare Med Spa for donating the Zeno Zappers. Visit Aestheticare for your own Zeno Zapper. They are located on College Blvd. in Overland Park, KS.

Also available at Beauty.com.