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.

Sex and the City Casting Call

OPEN CASTING CALL
Grant Wilfley Casting is holding an open call for background performers for
SEX AND THE CITY 2.

Seeking SAG and NON SAG to play:

Fashion Models, Celebrity types, Upscale socialites, Urban Club goers, Gays and Lesbians, International types (Middle Eastern, Arabic, Asian, European, British), Professional Soccer Players.

Open Call:Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Streetbet 6th & 7th Avenues.

SAG: 10am- 12:30pm
NON-SAG: 1:30p-4:00p

“au naturel” foot boost

Flexyfeet is the new flip flop is taking women everywhere a step in the green direction.

Flexyfeet are 100% vegan and 100% recyclable footwear so lightweight and airy, they'll feel better than bare feet on a warm summer day.

Designed by a foot pro, the innovative design utilizes an anatomic footbed and heel cup to improve posture while the toe crest help toes grip so you can strut confidently through your day. Matte insole reduces friction to stop feet from sliding, preventing blisters.

The Haute girls were given a pair to try out and we can say that they are definitely comfortable and easy to clean too! Absolutely ideal for hot summer days to keep your little piggies cool.

“I created Flexyfeet because women need supportive, breathable footwear for summer,” says Tina Aldatz, founder of Foot Petals. “Flexyfeet are flip flops with built-in Foot Petals, ensuring the wearer is both comfortable and stylish”.

Staying true to Foot Petals tradition, Flexyfeet are made with antimicrobial material to resist odor, an effect of sweaty summer soles.

Availble at www.footpetals.com for $22.95 in threee color choices.

Back to School Beauty

Getting ready to move back into your college dorm this August? Here are some affordable back to school essentials that fit anyone’s back to school budget!

Danielle Compact Mirrors When you need to take a quick look on the way to class or out with friends, whip out your fashionable Danielle mirror with real Swarovksi crystals. Available online at http://www.uppercanadasoap.com/ and http://www.amazon.com/ for $20.00-$25.00

SensiClear Acne Treatment Kit
Be sure to have clear skin this semester with the three step acne treatment kit available online at http://www.skinstore.com/ and http://www.sensiclear.com/ for only $19.95.

Simple Facial Cleansing Wipes
For those late nights when washing your face isn’t an option, grab a Simple face wipe for a quick clean before bed. I love these wipes for their pure freshness. I even use them on my boys. Great for removing the sunscreen.
Available at NYC Duane Reade drugstores for $5.99. Log on to http://www.duanereade.com/ for store locations.


Foot Petals Killer Kushionz
Stay comfortable when you’re on your feet all day and night with the Killer Kushionz foot insole from http://www.footpetals.com/ for $12.95 a pair. Foot Petals has loads of foot pampering products for just about any need. Makes staying on your feet a treat!

A deal for you....

Lilly's giving surfboards!

SURF’S UP on the LILLY PULITZER FACEBOOK PAGE!

Launching this today and taking place throughout the summer, Lilly Pulitzer will be giving away printed surfboards at random to fans on our brand’s facebook page!

To enter the contest, become a “fan” on the Lilly Pulitzer facebook page! They will be encouraging people to spread the word because the more friends you have enter the contest, the greater your chances will be to win!

To visit the Lilly Pulitzer facebook page, please visit the following link: http://www.facebook.com/lillypulitzer
The custom Lilly Pulitzer printed surfboards will be given out in a variety of different prints!

Twisted Metal Mama

TWISTED SILVER SHIMMERS WITH AUTHENTIC METALS

Miami, FL– July 2009 – Twisted Silver dives in with the sleek Montreal-based designer Aqua Di Lara swimwear line to heat up the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week runway in Miami on July 17th.

Classic trademarks of Twisted Silver’s attention gathering designs include eclectic and un-traditional designs, abundant and confident use of natural brass, and indulgent detailing in each individual piece. Boutique brand at its funky best. The natural blend of Aqua Di Lara and Twisted Silver is sure to create drama on the catwalk, poolside, and shores. The combination of swimwear and accessories doesn’t end on the runway with modern lifestyles inviting the oversized ring, multi stacked bracelets, or long and lean necklaces.

The cult favorite indie-line has the Blogosphere and Twitterland buzzing: Twisted Silver is creating and leading the fashion trends with their unconventional approach to jewelry design. Twisted Silver, Above and Beyond the Call of Jewelry.

Maybelline sponsors NY fashion week

Cosmetics leader, Maybelline New York, along with sports, entertainment and media company IMG, announced that the beauty brand will serve as the official cosmetic sponsor for IMG Fashion’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City’s Bryant Park.

Maybelline New York will support a selection of well-established as well as up-and-coming designers including Charlotte Ronson, Tracy Reese, Michael Angel and Erin Wasson x RVCA. The makeup teams will be led by Charlotte Willer, the brand’s Global Makeup Artist.

“Solidifying a partnership with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York is truly exciting for us, and even more so as we have already been sponsoring similar events in Amsterdam, Berlin and Moscow,” said Cyril Chapuy, Global General Manager of Maybelline New York. “As the #1* makeup brand worldwide, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the world’s most respected fashion platform, which happens to be in our home town.”

“Through this amazing platform, we look forward to bringing our vast beauty expertise and inspired creativity to the exciting world of fashion and of course to our consumers,” said David Greenberg, President of Maybelline New York-Garnier USA.

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome a global brand of the caliber of Maybelline New York to our lineup of sponsors,” said Peter Levy, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “With the obvious brand association and the endemic nature of the businesses, we couldn’t have hoped for a better fit.”

shopping and pampering and massages OH MY!

Tomorrow night in Overland Park, Kansas (KC metro) Haute Market takes on the fashionistas. This all out night of fabulousness and fun for the girlfriends starts at 4:30pm Thursday, July 16th.

Fashion show featuring the REAL women of Kansas City,
chance to win a trip for two to New York during fashion week this September.
Plus enjoy massages, makeup and hair style stations. Shop trendy maxi dresses, hot handbags and so much more at Haute Market tomorrow night.
Goodie bags are sold out but admission tickets are still available online and from our participating vendors.

Get it now baby!

About friends

What is it to have a good friend? Someone to chat with when you're blue? Someone to shop with and who will tell you if those jeans actually look good, or honestly make your behind huge?

You've had, and hopefully still have, a friend or two that you can always run to.

It's possible that it's your turn to return the favor or perphaps just gather all the girls for a great girls night out.

Well, you're in luck. Haute Market is this Thursday and it's the best girls night out event going on. Tickets are still available online, but hurry. We are getting close to a sell out and you do not want to be left out of this shopping extravaganza.
The event admission gives you access to over 30 boutiques, designers and vendors selling just about anything a fashionista desires.
There will be a hair and make up station, massages, a fabulous fashion show and so much more.
Call your girlfriends, set it up, get the tickets and be there!

Another Haute shopping party July 16

Just one week from our third birthday celebration and another fabulous Haute Market shopping party. We're even planning a fabulous fashion show featuring some of Kansas City's "real" women and housewives!
These are no ordinary models...they are our newsletter subscribers, readers and guests! Nearly 20 models ages 18 to 50+. All regular women with enough moxy to strut down the runway in front of their friends. Gotta love it!

Oh yes...can't forget this little tidbit...this fashion show features some men' wear and some fabulous men wearing them! ;)

Also featured at the July 16th Haute Market in Overland Park:
The Last Tangle Salon (95th & Antioch)
Complimentary dry-styling and makeup touch-ups.
Stylists from the Last Tangle have recently done work for local magazine shoots, and have been tapped for a national magazine. Nice!

At the Last Tangle you can enjoy more than a fabulous cut and color. Relaxing spa pedicures, waxing treatments, eye enhancing last extensions, expert makeup services and more.

http://www.thelasttangle.com/

Get tickets now for the July 16th Haute Market shopping party in Overland Park, KS. $10 in advance, $15 at the door while supplies last. Join the hundreds of women who know what a great girls night out shopping extravaganza is all about!

Featured Boutiques

The Haute Market shopping party is just around the corner so we thought we'd share a few boutiques with you to wet your appetite for shopping!


What’s a Happy Hour without some drinks, fun gifts and a friendly game or two?
Have a wine lover in your life? Want something new, fun and reasonable to give as a gift or make yourself? Then you are in luck! Simply blend wine glace with your favorite wine to create a fun and delicious frozen wine beverage. All you need is a blender, ice and your favorite wine.

With drink mixes like "CosmoRita", "Wine-a-Rita", and "Peach Bellini"...what's more to love?

Do you feel like getting your cowgirl on? Try some chic pink skull boots from Longhorns & Lace, a cowgirl-chic shop in Paola, KS.

Both of the above boutiques will be at the July 16th Haute Market shopping party!