Belts, baby dolls and Betsey

I love the fun, flirty creations put out by Betsey Johnson. The news that Betsey won't be showing at fashion week this February was very sad. Her shows are theatrical entertainment rather than simple aisle walking. But Betsey has a great online store with all her latest creations ready bagging.

One of my faves is this black belted coat with rolled leopard print cuffs. $375 online. Would look great with jeans and boots, my staple wardrobe lately.

Also in the online store and appropriate for this time of year are the adorable picks in the intimates category. This babydoll would be a nice ending to Valentine's evening. $72

Check out the Betsey Johnson online store now and put a little fun and flirt into your winter fashions.

Hearts, Red & Charity

The Heart Truth's Red Dress Collection show was one of my favorites last year at NY Fashion Week. Hosted by Laura Bush, the show models were all fabulous, famous women showing red dresses and gowns by some of the fashion industry's top designers.

This season, the charitable event features a different twist. This year, in addition to the Bryant Park production, The Heart Truth will auction some of the dresses via Clothes Off our Back, the celebrity clothing auction founded by actors Jane Kaczmarek and Bradley Whitford to benefit children's charities.

What can you score at the auction? The sequined Diane Von Furstenberg dress worn by Kelly Ripa. A Donna Karan creation sported by Rachael Ray. A Carmen Marc Valvo gown seen on Vanessa Williams, and more. I can't wait to see these designs!

A selection of the dresses will be displayed in New York at Rockefeller Center's Top of the Rock Observation Deck from February 14-21, and the auction begins at http://www.clothesoffourback.org/ on February 6. I'll be heading to Fashion Week on Feb. 14th and will definitely try to get photos posted of these amazing designs.

Kate's new line

Kate Spade just released a new line of bags, the Westbury collection. This beautiful blue shade is indicative of the spring colors to come. The slouchy style with drawstring is one we will see over and over this year.

About the line:
On New York's Long Island, the town of Old Westbury is a leafy pocket of stylish gilded-age estates which harkens to a time of grace and impeccable style. This collection is constructed of soft, supple tumbled and embossed cowhide in a smattering of sophisticated spring colors.

This bag, the Westbury Drawstring Opus, retails for $395 on katespade.com.

Featuring....

Featuring the amazing creations of Laura Timmons, owner of Vintage Moon Creations. Laura has been creating beautiful adornments for years. She has traveled around the country and several parts of the world to teach her techniques for Swarovski, writes for a national bead magazine and still has time to be a great wife, mother and friend.

Laura is known for her amazing crochet technique, pictured here in this gorgeous necklace.
With Valentine's Day approaching you might want to send your significant other to the Vintage Moon website in order to contact Laura and score your own unique Vintage Moon Creation.

Vintage Moon Creations will be one of 40 vendors setting up for your shopping pleasure at the Feb 8th Haute Market shopping party in Overland Park, Kansas.

Monday - for the men

I don't usually make a peep about men's products, but with Valentine's Day quickly approaching I thought I'd better find some quick solutions for us busy gals to buy for our guys.


Smooth and soothe your man with this great gift:
SHAVE ESSENTIALS by ZIRH.
This kit includes SOOTHE post-shave treatment, SCRUB exfoliator and a tube of SHAVE GEL.
Washing with SCRUB just prior to shaving helps remove excess oil and dead skin cells, allowing an even closer, smoother shave. A $61 value. 3 pcs. - $39.00

What is ZIRH?
An award-winning men's skin care line favored by celebrities and pro-athletes. ZIRH's simple, problem-solution approach, effective ingredients and industrial packaging are why ZIRH ranks within the top 3 men's skin care brands in the US and is sold in dozens of countries worldwide.

If your man travels much for work, he might need to trade in his raggedy travel bag for something new and chic.

This Perry Ellis Weekender bag. $119, with two 17" carry handles (Drop: 5") with snap-tab cuff and removable, adjustable shoulder strap with pad.
How the guys pack everything they need into something this small is a mystery to me. I mean, where do they put all the shoes?

To make him think only of you on those long trips, make sure you get to Haute Market and check out the lingerie, chocolate and body butters.
Stay tuned!

Getting Out and About

A few things going on around the KC metro area to help you make your weekend plans:

Tonight:
Two Chic Blvd - Girls Night Out 5-9pm
Clothing at 60-90% off!!!
OPEN- 10am-9pm, So. Overland Park
www.twochicblvd.com

Friday:
Drew6 plays at J.Gilberts in Overland Park
acoustic solo
6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
www.drew6.com

Saturday:
After Hours Premier Party at The College Basketball Experience
1401 Grand Blvd. next to the Sprint Center, 7pm.
Free appetizers all night! Cash bar available.
Tickets: $12 at the door.
After Hours is a cutting-edge, late night talk show that's all about Kansas City. Watch the Season 2 premiere Saturday, Jan. 24, at 12:30 a.m. on KCTV5

Love country music? Check out my friend Lance Combs at the Homeplate Bar & Grill in Pleasant Hill, MO. More info at www.lancecombs.com

Party Arty at the Nelson.
Join young Kansas City professionals at Party Arty—Bloch on the Rocks, a fundraiser that supports the Museum and allows us to fulfill our promise to the community by providing a free resource for arts education and enjoyment.
Saturday, 8pm. The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Bloch Building.
Tickets will sell out fast, so reserve your spot on the red carpet now at www.partyarty.org or call 816.751.1ART.

Need a place for the kids to hang while you enjoy the city? Check out Kids Park. You can drop kids off for an hour or five, or all day. It's great for the kids and reasonably priced. They play, do activities, and even have theme nights on weekends. My kids love it!

Enjoy your weekend in Kansas City!

What She Wore

I'm not sure that any first lady has been so watched for her clothing selection than Michelle Obama. The fashion world waited on pins and needles to see whose gown she chose for the ball. That esteemed honor went to the talented young designer, Jason Wu. The one-shoulder gown was custom designed for the first lady.
I'd like to know what shoes she wore and her secret to surviving 10 inaugural balls last night!

For the swearing in Obama wore former Anne Klein designer, Isabel Toledo's design. A beautiful ensemble with Swiss lace detailing and jeweled neckline. Wisely chosen as the citrus tones are a hot color for Spring.
Looking for a bit of lace for yourself? I found this Valentino Roma dress at Yoox.com on sale for $310.

At the Kids Inaugural: We Are the Future concert at the Verizon Center in D.C, Michelle wore J. Crew.
Earlier this week she wore Narciso Rodriguez.
The woman has more designer gowns than a movie star at this point. I will definitely be watching as our new first lady and style icon moves into her new position, and hopefully, her very large new closet.

Hey Jill (Biden)...we'll be watching you too.

Shopping Party

The Haute Market shopping party is back in the Kansas City metro.
Sunday, February 8
12 to 5 pm
at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS.

Shop from a selection of some of the city's best boutiques and designers, plus a few from out of town are coming in just for you!

Women's apparel such as trendy fur-trimmed jackets, loads of denim to choose from, dresses perfect for a night out, sexy pajamas (Valentine's Day is coming!) and so much more!
Scarves in dozens of colors, fashionable handbags and fabulous shoes.
Plus girlfriend gifts, a bit of home decor, body butters and lotions.

Haute Market has it all.
Don't miss this great party and the chance to hang out for some much deserved girlfriend time. Enjoy a massage and a cocktail or two while you're shopping.

Tickets on sale now at www.hautemarket.com, or from any of our vendors. See site for complete details and vendor list. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Must be 21 or over to attend.

Blue Winter

Has the winter chill got you feeling blue? Give yourself a boost with winter's blue trend and turn your blue mood around.

Great new bags for borrowing at Avelle - the new Bag Borrow or Steal.
I love this beautiful blue bag by Perlina, with glossy patent leather and a crinkled look. Retail value $240, can be yours for just $25 a month to borrow until you've found a new love.

Since a fashionista must have coordinating accessories, I found this great cocktail ring by Lori Bonn. Titanium blue drusy set in sterling silver. Size 7. Retail value $175, can be yours for $345 per month.

Out of the Inbox

Here are some great deals straight out of my inbox this morning:

Bakers at bakersshoes.com has up to 70% off boots and an extra 25% off all Ed Hardy accessories. Plus free shipping for orders over $125.

Ulta.com has buy two get two free on Ulta products. Buy one get one free on L'Oreal products. Subscribing to the Ulta newsletter also brings extra goodies to your inbox. Mine has a 20% off coupon! That's definitely incentive to take a trip to the store on a cold Midwest day.

Don't forget to subscribe to the Haute Weekly newsletter for more great deals, tips and fashion news. Tickets on sale now for the Feb. 8th Haute Market shopping party in Overland Park, KS.

Fashion on a budget

The economy is definitely causing some hurt, but I do believe it is getting better. At least it doesn't cost almost $70 to fill up the gas tank. It has, however, made me halt my shopping, or what I would rather call "research".

I've thought of ways to liquefy my assets. All those dresses in the closet that I've worn too many times, the one's I never wore at all and still have tags.
Should I organize a swap? Sounds fun, but I really don't have the time.
Perhaps ebay? But even there the designer dresses are going for such a fraction of their worth.
I just bought my first Diane Von Furstenburg dress for $365 in September. I wore it twice. I can't stomach selling it for $50. currently it's at Net-A-Porter (shown above) for $255.50, so maybe there is hope.

I just spotted a great black and white BCBG dress on ebay. Regularly almost $300, right now bid is at $90.99. What a bargain!
If you are looking at adding new pieces to your wardrobe, check out ebay or other similar websites.
Or get creative. Take all the "no longer wearing" items out of the closet and lay them on the bed. Think about how you might be able to layer an item to make a new look. Often a short sleeved dress can be put over a white long-sleeved dress shirt.
Try belting an a-line type dress, or getting a different color belt for an already belted outfit.

I'd love to know your ideas. Have you ever hosted or been to a swap? Tell me what you have done to conserve yet still look chic.

Silver Nails

Get Kate's nail color.
Did you notice the platinum nail polish on double Golden Globe winner Kate Winslet last night?

I found a match at beauty.com. A beautiful platinum frost by Lippman, $15. Said by reviewers to last longer than other nail polish.

Fab Friday Finds

Good morning fashionistas! Yay...it's Friday! That means a list of deals and steals sent to the Haute mailbox shared with you!

In Overland Park, KS:
Two Chic Blvd has huge winter discounts going on through tomorrow, Sat. Jan. 10th.
Boots 50% off. Loads of apparel with new discounts 20-75% off.
Check it out at 16070 Metcalf, Overland Park, Kansas 66085


In Omaha, Nebraska:
Runway Boutique is celebrating a grand Re-opening with winter sales and fabulous discounts.
The store has been expanded and beautified. 2504 S 132nd Ct, Omaha, NE. 68144

On the web:
Buy One T-Shirt, Get One T-Shirt FREE at ShopEcko.com! Offer ends 1.12.09

Are you in the mood to exercise per your new year resolution? Make sure your little piggies are comfie with a great pair of shoes. Take 10% OFF all athletic styles at Onlineshoes.com! Huge selection of athletic shoes and apparel. Offer valid Jan 1 - 12. Shop Now!

Luv Lulu

I absolutely adore Lulu Guinness handbags. This bag, Poodle Parlor, is a perfect example of the humor in the chic bags.

Famous for her scarlet red lips, her iconic signature found on many of the jewelry pieces, handbags and vanity bags. Carried by stars around the world, this is high-class with flair.


Standing out in a crowd is rarely so glamorous and fun at the same time. It's definitely a signature style and you can make it all yours. though it's rather difficult to find in my area so I often score my artful bags from Avelle (Bag Borrow or Steal).

Right now you can get 30% off in the sale section at http://www.luluguinness.com/. Keep in mind that it is a UK based store so prices are in pounds, not dollars, plus there is the shipping. But for those interested in veering off the beaten path, following her own drummer, all roads lead to Lulu.

Well Groomed

A hot product for brows and bikini area that is all the rage: the Bikini Perfect Deluxe set. A fabulous tool for keeping your brows and bikini area in neat condition. The handy bag keeps all your razor attachments together and is great for travel.

Includes six attachments for every level of irritation-free percision, bliss lemon+sage body butter, bliss lemon+sage body scrub, bliss ingrown hair eliminating peeling pads, and the bliss drawstring travel bag. Your new friend for keeping hairs in certain places well groomed.

Need a kick to your workout plans?

TITLE Boxing Club will usher in the New Year with a new location in the Kansas City Metro!
The third club will open on January 2, 2009 at 151st & Antioch in the Trail Winds Center by the Incred-A-Bowl in south Overland Park, KS.


Enjoy explosive total body POWER HOUR workouts at three convenient locations. Each club offers a heavy bag station where trainers lead you through boxing or kickboxing workouts that can help you burn up to 1,000 calories.
Plus, members have access to all the boxing, kickboxing and MMA training and equipment you expect at a TITLE Boxing Club, including a regulation-sized TITLE boxing ring, speed bags, double end bags, free weights and cardiovascular machines.

Check it out and start something new and healthy for you!