Handbag contest with Haute Weekly & Avelle

Hey peeps, it's nearly NY Fashion Week which means I have to pick a new handbag to take with me. The generous friends at Avelle.com (the new Bag Borrow and Steal - as seen on Sex and the City) lend me a bag for FREE for the week and I want YOU to help pick it out.


The winner will receive a $50 borrowing credit to Avelle.com!

How to enter:go to Avelle.com and search for the perfect fashion week bag. Once you have it, copy the URL for the bag info page and come back to Facebook and post it on our Haute Weekly fan page in the Comments section under this note.

I'll pick my top three of all the entries and submit them to Avelle. When they reveal which bag they are sending to me, I'll reveal the winner. In the event that more than one person had picked out the finally bag, we'll randomly draw the winner.

Go now to Avelle.com now and post because this ends Friday, Aug.28 at 5pm CST.


Fine print: winner will be picked from eligible entries. Must be 18 or older to be eligible. Must post the product URL in the correct comment field on the related contest note Haute Weekly's fan page. We are not responsible for miss typed entries or bad links. Eentry period is now thru Friday Aug 28th at 5pm CST.

One entry per person. Only valid where allowed by law.

Pampered piggies

Being on your feet all day AND being a fashionista can be a painful problem. So make sure you take care of your ten little pigs and stock up on the Foot Petals products.

The Haute team is loading up on the goods for New York Fashion Week, which equals a week of standing, running, climbing stairs and other fearful acts for our tired toes. We must be properly prepared

Our fave is the Tip Toes cushions. Great for those platform heels and continuing on to the after parties.
These are in just about every pair of shoes I own.
From $6.95 up you can even select from fun zebra prints, heart shapes and more.

For running around the subway tunnels we go straight for comfort. It's not like Anna Wintour will be catching the tube with us and mock our flip flops. Flexyfeet are designed by a certified podiatrist.
Flexyfeet are 100% vegan and 100% recyclable footwear so lightweight and airy, they'll feel better than bare feet on a warm summer day. With a breathable T-strap, the sandals are comfortable for any girl walking around town in the heat. $17.95


Two lucky fashionistas won our trip to NY give away and were spoiled with these Stiletto Stylist kits.
Keep your feet perfectly cushioned all day with Tip Toes, Heavenly Heelz, Strappy Strips, and Killer Kushionz. You will also be strutting safely in confidence with our Sole Stopperz.
At $44.95 it's money well spent for a 16 hour day on the go.

Check it out at http://www.footpetals.com/.

Macy's sale ends tonight!

Dooney & Bourke Handbag, Calf Zipper Pocket Sac, Medium 15" W x 14" H x 5-3/4" D, was $235, now just $140.99.
This and so many other fab handbags are on sale today.
Definitely a place I'm checking out today in case there are some must-have's to take to fashion week!

Project Runway is back!

It's finally back! Project Runway buzz is in full swing and already creating quite a stir. Unfortunately not so much here in Kansas City as our hometown girl was booted on the first episode for her failure to take her out-there concepts and "make it work". That sort of look is great for the 18th Street show and those wanting to be seen as "artists". When you're playing with the big boys it's a different set of rules.

Creating items you would give your right arm for is what Christopher seems prepared and able to do. His first look was so fantastic with it's beautiful texture and absolute wearable design. Let's hope that wasn't a one-hit-wonder and that we'll see many more pretties coming from this young man from Minnesota.

I do think this was probably the easiest challenge as it's so obvious what to make. If you want to be a big name designer you've studied red carpet looks and creating one should be something you've practiced before even going on Project Runway. Play time is over kids. Now it gets serious.

Want to do more than watch the show from your couch potato position? You can rate the runway - giving ratings to the looks presented by the designers. Watch videos and hometown visits for each of the designers. There is a blog, cut-clips and so much more.

I already have my eye on 3 or 4 designers but not quite ready to put money on them until after next week's challenge. Plus...those who have been booted have been spotted so our peeps with insider know-how will keep us Hauties informed, but now, we're not going to spoil it for you.

Support local - made in Kansas City

Haute Market is just a month away (Sept. 24th) and we've filled our vendor list with outstanding boutiques and designers. All local Kansas City businesses!

What girl doesn't love jewelry? We have some of KC's hottest jewelry designers at the next Haute market event.
DeSal Jewelry owner Sally handcrafted this beautiful cuff bracelet. The cuff is formed of 16G sterling silver wire and Smokey Quartz, freshwater pearls and sterling silver beads are wire wrapped to the cuff for a truely unique 'encrusted' look. $85 at http://www.desaljewelry.com/



Shearer Deeva Designs is another KC area designer with a flair for bling. An array of styles and services are offered by this designer, from heirloom mother's bracelets to personalized soldered charms to unique jewelry pieces. http://www.shearerdeevadesigns.com/default.html

Also being featured are over a dozen of KC's hot boutiques with the latest fashions and fabulous trends.

Get tickets now to the Sept. 24th Haute Market shopping event.
5 to 9 pm
at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS.
21 & over event.
$10 admission in advance, $15 at the door (while supplies last).
Goodie bags may be purchased in advance for an additional $15 each, while supplies last.
www.hautemarket.com

Support local businesses!

PreSale Happy Hour in Brookside, MO

You are invited to join ShopGirls today!

Pre-Sale Happy Hour

Monday, August 17th from 4-6 pm

They will be closed until 4:00 to get ready for the big sale. Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to be one of the first to see the great deals! Make it a Party!! Bring a Friend!!!

ShopGirls
6245 Brookside Plaza
Kansas City, Missouri 64113

Tell them you heard about it from Haute Market & Haute Weekly. The best source for shopping in Kansas City, Omaha and beyond!

New for nails

Your wardrobe isn't the only thing that needs refreshing occasionally. Your nails could probably use a new look as well.

NARS brings back vintage colors in 5 limited edition shades.

I instantly zeroed in on Tallulah - the rich grape color.
But the orange ChaChaCha looks and sounds quite happy too.

At just $16 for a bottle of quality nail color, I think both can be justified in going to my shopping bag.

Hauteness loves HauteLook

HauteLook.com, fabulous site for exclusive designer product sales, will set up a suite in the Bryant Park Hotel during NY Fashion Week for us weary travelers who cover the shows
I am positively giddy because they have an entire schedule of events including a trunk show, snacks and my favorite, cocktails!

The space will be professionally designed to help us chill and get some work done.
"We want it to be a home away from home for those writers who essentially spend the week in the Tents," explained Carlota Espinosa, HauteLook's vice president. "The idea is that people will come back daily."

Oh yes Carlota, I will be there repeatedly. We Haute chicks need to stick together. (ooh, and just checked my email, the she says I CAN wear my fuzzy slippers in the suite. SWEET!)

And hey, who knew....I haven't shopped in a while (saving myself for NY) but just logged into HauteLook and I have a $30 credit. Rock on! You can too if you join and get a few of your peeps involved as well. Nothing better than a free shopping trip!

Penny's breaking free?

I just have to share this article with my fellow Midwestern fashionistas who share the frustrations of being assumed as unfashionable just because of our geographic location.

This article had me nearly splurting out my drink due to the in-your-face cold hard facts.
Enjoy.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/13/fashion/13CRITIC.html

The $2 tank!

With the muggy August heat, now is the perfect time to stock up on the ultimate hot weather staple that can also be worn under cozy layers this fall.

You can never have too many rib-knit tanks! So, this Saturday, August 15th, get your favorite tanks for only $2 each at your local Old Navy location.
Available in a variety of color choices including solid, stripe and print…these won’t last long!

*Please note this promotion is available in stores only with a limit of 5 per customer on select styles only while supplies last.

A castle for divas!

It’s a real, restored castle right here in Kansas City. And, like most castles, this one comes complete with a classically trained chef who prepares flawless, fresh dishes; a wine cellar fit for a king; and a five-star staff ready to fulfill your smallest whim or your grandest plans.

Renee Kelly's at Caenen Castle is located in Shawnee, Kansas on Johnson Drive. It's a great place for a dinner party, girls night, wedding and so much more.

Enjoy gourmet dinner in the 30 seat wine cellar. Throw a great party in the 100 seat main hall complete with 3 hand-carved European fireplaces.

How great would it be to send out invitations stating the location as a castle?!?

THURSTY THURSDAYS Now Open!
5pm-8pm Live Music, Drinks and Small Plates
Great place for after work drinks, or finish up your business meeting on the patio!
Live Music:
August 13 Heather Thorton
August 20 Brian Ruskin
August 27 Paul Cormaci
September 3 James Rijos

Check out this hidden gem today or visit with them at the next Haute Market event!

Our 1st Magazine Fashion Spread!

Recently I had the honor of being asked to organize, direct and style a magazine fashion shoot. Of course I said "YES!".
Today the much anticipated first magazine shoot I've orchestrated is here and yep..I'm tooting my own horn.

Thank you Angie at Lakehomes Magazine for this fabulous opportunity!

A special thanks to my beautiful friend Sharon who modeled for me, Jen Thomas - owner of Last Tangle Salon for putting up with me and my particulars about every strand of Sharon's hair, to Somalia Zalzala for impeccable makeup, and to our photographers Amy and Trevor Goodwin who shot more beautiful photos than I ever thought possible. The entire team made picking just a handful of photos, out of at least 100 fab one's, my toughest job.

Also thanks to our friends at Lake Quivira who opened their beautiful homes to us on a busy weekend which made our backdrop breath taking.

More fashion for Target

Announces Rodarte as the next GO International Designer

Rodarte to launch affordable limited-edition collection for Target.

Target announces Rodarte as the next limited-edition designer for GO International®, an innovative program designed to offer guests reasonably-priced fashion created by world-renowned designers. Kate and Laura Mulleavy will launch their exclusive collection available at most Target stores nationwide and online at Target.com. The women’s fashion collection will launch on December 20, 2009, and be available through January 31, 2010.

Additional information, images and sample product for the Rodarte for Target collection will be available in November 2009.

Meanwhile we've seen that the rumors are true. BCBGMAXAZRIA has teamed up with little country darlin' Mylie Cyrus to launch a line in Wal-Mart. Cheap t-shirts, brightly colored ruffly shirts and more.

Max...I love what but what in the hell were you thinking? Wal-Mart? That sure misses the target. I am less thrilled to by a designer clothing brand that is also represented at Walmart. Unless they will serve me champagne in Walmart like you do in the BCBG NY store :)

Last Summer Vacation Days

I don't know about the rest of you fashionistas but I am counting down the days until school starts. Of course I love my boys, but I think absence can make the heart grow fonder. And they haven't had much absence from me in the last few weeks resulting in frayed mommy nerves.
(need retail therapy!)
I hunted for a few ideas to pass the time and make the remaining days more memorable.
I know...what's the kid/family post all about? Well never fear dears....this still involves shopping and fashion!

The Legends at Village West in KC has a great incentive to shop:
if you spend $75 or more at any Legends store or restaurant, you can turn in a coupon for one free Schlitterbahn water park ticket.

You can do a bit of back-to-school shopping (for which mommy does also get something new for August) then take the rascals to the water park and wear them right out.
Head to the Legends to shop on Saturday and enjoy the free concerts too!

Of course my fave store at the Legends is BCBG.
I did major damage at the BCBG outlet in Napa a few months back, then later visited the Legends to find they also had some of the current trends, not just two season old frocks like outlets tend to carry.
So scoot on over and find something like this embroidered eyelet dress ($99 at bcbg.com).
This is a versatile dress to get some mileage out of. Dress it down for casual day, or grab some heels and bling for a night out.

We usually hit Old Navy for the boys. They wear out their clothes so quickly so at least Old Navy isn't expensive and yet trendy enough that the boys are sure to find something donning a guitar or skull.

For tonight:
Planet Beach in Olathe and Haute Market are giving a fabulous spa party! One spot may still be open. If you want to join us call Planet Beach 913-397-0158 for details.

Two Chic Blvd in Overland Park, KS is having their monthly Girls Night Out with fun, fashion and major discounts! 50% off clothing, jewelry and shoes.

Shop & support local businesses!

KC Model Call

Haute Market announces another fabulous shopping party in Kansas City with the addition of the 2nd Annual Why Pink Fashion Show, for which we need models!

Why Pink is a fabulous Breast Health Awareness campaign that uses photography to capture memories, while supporting breast health charities. Over $4000 was raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation in 2008 through portrait sessions and various events. One of the premier events was the fashion show at Haute Market.

For 2009, Why Pink is partnering with the Greater Kansas City Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The 2nd annual Why Pink fashion show at Haute Market will be a runway celebration of those who have successfully battled breast cancer. If you want to strut your stuff to celebrate you, let us know! Email to let us know you are interested and for the model requirements.
We will also have a few models walking in honor of someone they have lost to breast cancer, but who still deserves celebrating.

If your company would like to donate to the event in some way, let us know! There will be a silent auction and raffle. Haute Market will sponsor the fashion show so that all of the funds raised can be donated to charity!

For more event info visit www.hautemarket.com/events.shtml
Tickets will be available for purchase by Aug. 15th.

Guest Blogger: On lashes

Welcome to this week's guest blogger: Donetta Taylor, Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center, Licensed Aesthetician

Thick, long, dark, gorgeous eyelashes are in!
I just love long eyelashes, turn green with envy when I see those butterfly wings on those teenage boys who could care less...its just not right!

But finally there is an innovation in the lash market and we are hooked. It does not require messy glue, no special tweezers and even worse are those scary vibrating wands next to your beautiful peepers.

Its Latisse!! And does it ever work. It is the only FDA approved prescription treatment that will make all of your friends gawk at your baby blues.. and it is so simple...just once nightly you apply your Latisse with the sterile applicator and WOLA in 2 months you will be the hit of the party.

To find a doctor near you who is familiar with Latisse use Find A Doctor at Latisse.com or just give me a call at Kansas City Skin & Cancer center at 816-584-8100 and see if Latisse is right for you..

Until later,The Queen of Creme

Donetta Taylor
Kansas City Skin & Cancer Center
Licensed Aesthetician

Botax? The new circus...

There is much buzz about a proposed tax on elective cosmetic procedures. Depending on what you read, you may or may not believe it or support it.

Here is the lowdown on our research in the wee hours this morning:

FOX News says "Off the table"

...reports that while the 10% tax on cosmetic enhancement type procedures was indeed a real proposal thought up by some moron (my word) in the treasury department as a way to pay for the $1 trillion dollar health care reform circus (again, my word)... Trish Turner, contributing editor, says "most members of the finance committee have not heard of it" and therefore is assuming the proposal is off the table.

Ms. turner also writes that a Senator she interviewed also had not heard of it and laughed while discussing it.

Yeah...that was pretty much my response too.

Other interested parties in this supposed proposal would have you believe that this is a current government issue and is cause for immediate action, outrage and temper tantrum throwing.

There is even a petition "Stop Bo-Tax!" if you feel so compelled.

The writer of the post regarding the petition claims the medical aesthetics industry is under attack.

Really? I'm sure the government has that on top of the list of things to do today.

So, if I go get my Botox refreshed for approximately $150, does someone out there really think I'll squeal about an extra $10.50 on top? I won't like it, but not going to make me show up on Senate steps or sign a petition.

If one can afford the $5000 procedure, will the $500 tax really make a dent? Perhaps, but that's the price you pay, as they say.

Now what may get an even bigger stink from our fellow Americans who don't even have the right to vote is that there may be a proposed tax on video games to "discourage inactive lifestyles".

Hmmm...I wonder if they will tax my computer or internet access more as I sit here only excercising my fingers....

or my books as I sit on my (getting larger) derier on the deck of my house which too is taxed...or take away the tax relief I get from those three little hooligans I'm watching from my post run around on the rest of my property, which is taxed.

It never ends..

Wow, there really could be a new circus coming to DC.