Lash Bash

I love using fake lashes for a special event. It's especially fantastic for photos and/or tv. The extra oomph it gives eyes can be a stunning look. But it's obviously not for every day. Mascara, however, I use almost every day. It's a staple in my make up bag for sure.

Today I bring you the scoop, and my humble opinion, on five mascaras I've tried in the last week to help you make your lashes beautiful, in less time, this holiday season.



Maybelline's Great Lash mascara has been an old favorite of mine. However now that I've been experimenting, I'm not so taken with it. I found, that for my lashes, the brush pieces are too far apart, giving me clumps and that the mascara isn't going on very well. Not giving me much length or volume.

Avon Astonishing Lengths - I think it's on sale for $2.99 for a reason. The brush pieces are too thick, as in there is so much brush per section that it can't separate my lashes. The space between the sections would be good otherwise. So it went on messy, clumpy and left me frustrated.

Revlon Lash Fantasy® Waterproof Primer & Mascara, primer/mascara combo seemed like something fun to try. The primer part was easy and seemed to give a good first coat to my lashes. The next step, the mascara, wasn't as impressive. It didn't give me precise separation like it claims.

Rimmel Lash Maxxx has been my favorite lately. I love the unique applicator giving me fantastic lash separation and great length and color. My only complaint is that it dries so quickly that I have to get it right the first time because a second coat can get clumpy. The fact that I get good results overall makes it my fave.

My other fave is my old MaryKay waterproof mascara, but it's the old version and I haven't tried the updated model. I'm speaking of the one that was pink with the gold lid. The brush was a bit too long for me, but the coverage was very easy. It didn't lengthen quite as much as the Rimmel, but again, the benefits outweigh that one thing. I can do this one in the car, while the Rimmel really needs a steadier hand.
In the end, my fave is Rimmel Lash Maxxx because when it counts, this one gives me the best result.

I hope this helps your holiday party preparations. Look for more tips and reviews this week!

Winter Woes

Cold weather got you down? Holiday commitments have you in a bind?
Oh get over it and enjoy yourselves!!!
Good grief. This is the time of year when you can layer together all those great pieces and wear your faboo clothes to super parties!
Need some help?
These last few weeks of 2007 I'll be concentrating on bringing you tips for make up application and reports on some great products. Plus advice for dressing to WOW them.
Not before I share with you some great footage of the fashion show with Tm Gunn last week. :)
So stay tuned for more about the Gunn, lash out report mascara and so much more!
Happy Monday!

Fashion Royalty

Yesterday was a whirlwind of TV interviewing and celebrity chasing.
The TV spot at FOX4 went so well and Laura Thornquist is an absolute hoot! She's definitely Haute Market fashionista material. What you can't see behind that big desk is that she has some great taste in foot wear!

I was more nervous than ever because I was told that Tim Gunn was to be in studio that day too! I missed him at the station but I chased him down later at Dillards for the Liz Claiborne fashion show. I was so befuddled with stars in my eyes that I didn't even think to have the person next to me take our photo together. But I did get a great one later of an old college buddy of mine, who is of course a Haute Market goer. She and her mom were tickled pink to be having a photo opp with the fashion guru himself.

More news and some video will be coming next week. Right now I'm still trying to preserve the Tim-essence on my hand that he shook. :)

The Haute Hangover Strikes Again

Are you feeling it? It's nothing to do with alcohol...it's just the exhaustion after being at such a fun shopping party.
It was so wonderful to see so many faces I recognized of my repeat guests, but also all the new faces. So many Haute Market virgins were in the room last night. It was such a treat to see you all and have a smaller event so that I could work the room and visit with so many of you.
Thank you for coming!
And OH MY...the shopping frenzy was a blast! I even had time to shop this time. I hope those of you who made it to the event last night had an enjoyable time and that you'll be back for more. Many of you walked out with arms loaded full of clothes, gifts, and more! :)

The Wine Bar did a fantastic job with the food display and Chef Terry always cooks up amazing treats for us. Mouthwatering meatballs, delightful desserts...yum! Thank you guys!!

I hope you all have wonderful holidays and that you'll be back to party with us in February for the next event. 2008 will be a wonderful year!

Cheers! Jennifer

Concert Hangover?

I know some of you gals have it. Which of you is dragging your booty out of bed with ears still ringing? Miss Hannah Montana blazed into Kansas City last night, which may have been a treat to see, but it's the thousands of screaming little girls that I could do without. No earplugs big enough, no Valium strong enough.
Ugh...I cannot imagine the fashion and hair woe's some of you may have had to deal with as your darling little girl turned to crazed concertess.

If you were at the concert last night, share some details!
My boys want to know how the Jonas Brothers were (my three monsters do a great impression).

Now that Miss Montana is heading out of town, what will the radio stations talk about? I swear if I heard about it one more time!
Who knew that just when we thought we were rid of Billy Ray, he'd be back. Thank goodness he spawned a child with talent.

Pretty Printz

As usual, I went to the shoe store for a pair of shoes, came out with 4. Now I find reasons to wear my cute new shoes so everyone can see.

One of the things I bought that you won't see is like a secret little treasure just for me....me and my feet anyway. Treasure your feet with the Printz foam inserts. I thought I loved the Steppies that Apara contributed to the October goodie bags...I think I love the Printz even more!
They are a bit more thin than the Steppies. Great for when I'm barely squeezing my feet into a pair of must-have's.
Plus the Printz come in several different girly prints: zebra, blue camo, tiger and more! Hence, the name. (unfortunately no graphics yet to show you)

Apara saved the shoe day once again, and the balls of my feet for my ultra-high heeled shoes.

Three-inch high heels have you down? Apara picks you up and puts your feet at ease. Can you tell that I love these things? I swear this is not a paid advert! You don't know how many shoes I have that I never wear because I'd have to sit or else be crippled with pain. Now...nothing some ibuprofen and some Printz can't handle!
I bought mine at DSW. You can also purchase online at Cosmeticmall.com.

Holiday Time

I was just sitting here racking my brain for something holiday-ish to post about. Maybe decorating for the holidays, dressing for the holidays....
then my Outlook chimed that a new message arrived.
I simply have to share this joke with you and wish you a happy Friday!

Three men died on Christmas Eve and were met by Saint Peter at the pearly gates.
"In honor of this holy season" Saint Peter said, "You must each possess something that symbolizes Christmas to get into heaven.

"The first man fumbled through his pockets and pulled out a lighter. He flicked it on.
"It represents a candle", he said.
"You may pass through the pearly gates" Saint Peter said.

The second man reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys.He shook them and said, "They're bells."
Saint Peter said "You may pass through the pearly gates".

The third man started searching desperately through his pockets andfinally pulled out a pair of women's panties.
St. Peter looked at the man with a raised eyebrow and asked, "And just what do those symbolize?"
The man replied, "These are Carols."
And So The Christmas Season Begins......
(thanks for the joke, Julie - you made my job easier today!)

Snap!

I joined the new hairless craze! Well, not completely. I am starting with my underarms to see how it goes. So far, so good. I survived!
Some of my visits to the med spa have left me a little woozy. Remember the Botox incident? (see prior blogs for details - I'm not reliving it again for you)

The laser hair removal was a SNAP! Seriously. Like a very quick, tiny hot snap. Then the laser-thingy got really cold to relieve the treated area, so all was good.
It took about 15 minutes to do both underarms and then I was outta there to run my other errands. Easy peasy.
I'm a huge baby when it comes to pain, so believe me when I tell you that this is no big deal. If you've been wanting to try but didn't know what to expect...well, now you know.
I may even get adventurous and try the bikini area next!

Becoming Redundant

A new home-party type beauty biz is creeping across the country. I came across it at the event I visited last week in Miami.

BECOME is a brand of skin care boasting "age resistant" products, developed in Australia and selling world-wide.
You host a "home clinic" instead of a "home party".
The marketing is done well and the packaging is beautiful.

There is no make up to this line. Strictly skin-care.
Hydrating serums, cleansers, body wash, etc.
I respect that aspect. They aren't trying to do everything. They are focusing on a more specific need and trying to be the best.
However, the multi-product sample packet was suspiciously similar to that of an Arbonne sampler. I don't have patience for a 4-6 step skin routine at morning and night, and the tiny packets all attached together...trying to rip them open once my hands were wet, some spilling because they were liquid...ugh...I made a mess. I'm more of a two-step gal, sadly. Then I cheat with a little Botox later. Hey...I'm not saying it's the right way...it's simply my way.

It seems the ladies we met in Miami are on the ground-floor of this new-to-the-USA product line. It was great to talk to them and hear their excitement. I love hearing women talk about something they are passionate about.
There is no telling how long this will take to spread to our beloved Midwest, but if the excitement of those ladies is contagious, it won't take as long as fashion typically takes.

And the Winner is...

Congratulations to our two winners of the "Refer A Friend" contest:
Jennifer R., of Overland Park, referred Jen G., of Shawnee, (which makes it easy on me for remembering names)
and they both won the following prize package:
~Zeno acne eliminating device donated by Aestheticare Med Spa, retails at $175!
~A first-time massage at Massage Envy, $39.
~Two admission tickets to the February Haute Market shopping party!
Each of them scores that great prize pack worth over $200 each!

Now for some buzz:
Have you seen the new kid in town...at Macy's?
Jenni by Jennifer Moore is the cutest and most comfortable line of intimates that I've tried in a long time. I love these cute hipsters (no that's not me). Just $7.50 each or 4 for $19.98 at Macys.com.

Long-sleeved thermal Henly on sale for just $14.99 and the comfortable terry-knit sleep pants only $11.99! I can't believe the prices for this comfortable line of goodies.

Important Event Notes

Some quick reminders on this happy Monday!

Today is the last day to get entries to the "refer a friend" contest.
Check out this prior blog for complete info.
Prize package worth over $200 each - two winners! Winners will be announced in the Gift Guide email out tomorrow, Tuesday.

Tuesday, Nov. 27th, is the last day to buy tickets online for the Dec. 4th VIP Holiday Shopping party where guests will enjoy 25% off everything in-stock from our designers at the event! Great last-minute gifts at great prices!!
Very few tickets left so get yours today.

This week I have some great product reviews, news about a new line of beauty products hitting the scene and more!
Make the Fashion 411 Blog your home page! Just click your Tools button at the top of the page, Internet Options and Use Current.
Stay in the know with Haute Market!

Shopmania

Are you sipping coffee and surfing the net after a long morning of shopping?
Me neither. At least, not the early shopping part.
Not that I haven't been awake for a while. Nothing like cramming a family of 5 into a little hotel room and having a noisy two year old who wakes at 5:30.

Nope, I'm not braving the cold to do shopping this early.
We only have shopping to do for the kids at this point. I shopped for my friends at the last Haute Market and off our gift guide last week. So nah nah...I'm almost done. ;)

If you need more shopping help, there will be 6 more great gift ideas in this upcoming Tuesday's newsletter as we feature PartII of the Holiday Gift Guide. I'll also keep reseaching to find great new fashions, deals and steals as always. I wouldn't want to let down my loyal fashionistas.

I'm signing off because the hotel pool opens at 7am and I have to get the little monster out of the hotel breakfast room before we're kicked out.

Cheers!

Sales and Silliness

The early bird gets the worm today. I just heard about a sale this Friday and I am SO mad that I won't be here for it!

Two Chic Blvd. is having a sale this Friday from 10am to 3pm and if you've not been there when there is a sale...trust me...you don't want to miss this.
It's not just clothes either. For the holidays they have stocked up on loads of gift items!
jennyLou Spa body butters and chill pill bath fizzies are currently available at their store and have discounted prices if you by multiples! Every gal on your list needs a body butter!
Girly Cocktails are a new line of drink mixes that you also need to pick up for your girlfriends.
Of course there are plenty of great new items for you, my pretty fashionistas. MEK jeans just arrived, great jackets with faux fur trim...all the rage this season, and so much more.
AND...Two Chic Blvd. has tickets for the Dec. 4th VIP shopping party. Get yours now. We're just about sold out here at Haute Market central.

Ok, now for the silliness...My Michelle has a new work out plan for you. Get some new shoes from Two Chic this Friday...make sure they have a decent heel height...then go walk about 5 miles. Helps if you pretend you're in South Beach. Of course you may stop to shop while on your work out. Guaranteed to make you burn the next day. Between the two of us, after walking like that, were were some hunka hunka burning loves the next day. Of course now we're back to being spoiled Midwest girls who walk no where and drive everywhere. Yes, even to the mail box occasionally. We sure have it easy here. :)

Cheers!

Fun Fashion from South Beach

We managed to do a little bit of shopping in South Beach last week and wanted to show off our favorites. Stumbling upon a fun little boutique turned out to be quite a good time. Especially when the sales clerk is a cute young man from some where in the Carribean telling you that you look great in everything you try on! And for some reason the store had two cages with the most adorable puppies inside. I guess it was bring your pet to work day.

Michelle found this great top that cinches slightly at the waist with a stylist black belt, buttons up the front and is the most amazing color of purple - "the color of the season" (our cute boy kept reminding us).

I found only this simple little shrug and upon asking what it was made of, our cute boy-clerk didn't miss a beat when he said "puppy". I thought I would pee my pants! So Cruella DeVille I must be, for I bought the "puppy shrug" and it was all I could do to not ask the rest of the cute internationals we encountered if they wanted to pet my puppy. Instead My Michelle and I giggled every time someone commented on it and asked what it was made of...laughing to the point of hysterics. And that was pretty much how the rest of the night went in South Beach.

And if you want to stay awake in order to party 'til dawn like the locals, I suggest a Cherry Bomb: a very large daiquiri glass filled with several shots of cherry vodka, Red Bull and probably some other stuff but I couldn't recall on account of being high on Red Bull. Dancing machine I was...sleepy I was not.

View more South Beach photos on our MySpace Page.
Cheers!

No Place Like Home!

Dorothy hit it on the nose with that one.
I am so glad to be home. Miami is nice in that the weather is gorgeous and the beach is amazing, but at lot of it I could do without.
The drivers are certifiably insane. Someone is always honking at another, running reds and cutting one another off. Makes getting anywhere such a feat, and a miracle to do it in one piece.

I love our clean streets, smooth roads and the gentle beep-beep someone does if I'm still day dreaming (or yelling at the kids) when the light turns green.

I will miss the warm sand and cool ocean breeze. That's for sure. The outdoor cafes are also something I'll miss. Walking down the sidewalk on Ocean Drive takes you, literally, thru the middle of the restaurant seating and right next to amazing displays of their delicious platters, all to tempt you to stop and enjoy.

Time did seem to move a little more slowly in South Beach. 10 minutes resting on the hammock felt like an hour.

The shopping in Miami was ok, but really nothing more than we can get here. The shopping party we attended was definitely a let down. I was hoping to get some great tips and ideas. I left with a bit of a swelled head because I was so happy to learn that Haute Market is definitely unique, chic and full of great vendors. We have it good here gals...in so many ways.

Check out the Haute Market MySpace page for more great pics. Remember to get the hottest ticket in town this week - the Dec. 4th Holiday VIP shopping party is about a dozen tickets away from being sold out!

Quick Hello!

Hey fashioinistas. We're hanging in the hotel room, watching the waves...and of course we're listening online to Mix93.com. I just IM'd the morning crew...did you hear them talking about us just a few minutes ago? Ha Ha. Even in South Beach people are talking about us.

We checked out another shopping party company last night. Dang KC gals...you've got it good with Haute Market. My Michelle and I are so excited to see that Haute Market is definitely classy, chic and has the BEST vendors ever!!! I bought two things last night...sad.

It's my birthday!!! Just a few minutes until we find a Starbucks then go get our massages. This massage place is on an island, smaller than what we're on now. Can't wait! Massages pool side, Watsu pools...yum yum.

I can't say that there is a lot of fashion to report so far. The legs are long and the skirts are short. Except for this guy.....

Mi Miami!

We're here, we're here! The beach is literally just a few paces out the back of our hotel. I have a feeling this is going to be a good trip my friends.
My Michelle is having a Bloody Mary and is so bloody tickled about it. That and all the hot bods jogging on the boardwalk right behind us!
I'm ready for shopping and lots of research so we can write off the trip and send you lots of fun photos.
Yikes...speaking of hot bods and photos...a photo shoot is going on right now and ooh la la....I can't concentrate enough to type. Gotta go.
Once our room is ready we'll get some photos downloaded for you.
Tonight we check out the big shopping party and tomorrow is massages and shopping.
Catch ya later Midwest gals!
This is your Miami Fashionista, signing out!

EDITED:
photo of the view from our room. Uh huh...that's the ocean out there!
And one very bad photo of us after rolling out of bed and getting on a plane for 3 hrs...but at least we have palm trees! :)

Countdown to Sand

Some days I just don't know what to blog about. Some days don't turn out to be fashionista days. Today is one of them...already. Too early for kids to be fighting, email to be crashing.
I'm going to have to focus on sand.
Usually I hate having sand all over me...right now I'm thinking of how good it would feel to lie down on the hot sand on Miami Beach.
After that, I'll stroll over to Ocean Drive and do some window shopping, maybe even slip in to a few boutiques and get so crazy that my credit card company calls to make sure someone didn't steal my card. :)
Ahhhh....now I'm feeling better. (note to self to bring extra credit card)
I've got the camera battery charged to take lots of photos and videos for you.
If I haven't tossed this damn laptop out the window, I'll have it with me to keep posting blogs this week and hopefully give you a peek at the Miami fashion scene.
I'm sure My Michelle (the detail guru) has her typed and printed list of what to pack, so I'm going to buzz her and see if I can copy that list.
I've got the mini bottles of X-Rated Fusion Vodka for making our on-plane drinks and toasting to my first girls' trip. So my job is done. :)
This is the KC Fashionista signing out from the Midwest. Next blog I'll be the Miami Fashionista!
Cheers!
(p.s. I have 35 tickets on me for the Dec. 4th event, available only thru online purchase. The vendors each started with 5, except Two Chic Blvd. who had 10. So check with them if you want to buy tickets other than online)

Tanked My Travel Toast

I am not a happy lush today. I've just read the list of permitted items for air travel and it looks like they are going to put the kabosh on my bringing a big bottle of champagne on the flight. Also on the list of no-no's is my sword, saber and cattle prod. Good to know.

The TSA has 86'd my plans for toasting my first girls trip until we reach Miami. The worst part is that now we have to schelp around to find someplace to get our goods. At least they'll probably have fresh orange juice.

Now what in the world does a midwest girl pack for South Beach? Thankfully I was in shopping mode all summer and picked up some great summer dresses when My Michelle and I went searching for deals at several end of summer sales. Those outfits with tags still on and shoes that have barely scuffed soles are doing dances in my closet knowing they'll be on the beach in just a few days.

Hey chic chicks, post your travel tips right here on the blog. And if you know a great place we should visit while in Miami Beach, definitely let us know! I'm off to my friends at the Wine Bar & Lukas Liquor to get some mini bottles, because under 3oz is allowed. Yahoo! (oops, there's the yahoo-ing again).

TSA Prohibited Items List

On The Road Again

I don't get to travel a lot having such young kids, and I've NEVER been on a girls weekend. So I am totally thrilled to be going to Miami this week with My Michelle. (You know...the one who does all the work at the events so that I can have fun?) I have to refer to her as My Michelle, because one of my fave vendors is also a Michelle, Michelle of All Things Beaded, so when we talk about them behind their backs ;) we need to know who is who.
Anyway...

My Michelle and I are going to Miami this week to check out another party program - the one that inspired me to start Haute Market - and to celebrate my b-day.

My first girls weekend EVER and it's on the BEACH! Yahoo. Hmm...better stop with the yahoo-ing so it won't be so obvious that we're tourists from the Midwest. Probably will be obvious since I'll have no trace of a tan.

This week I am researching travel tips. All these new rules and regulations about what you can bring on the plane have me concerned. I need to know that we can bring our ingredients to make Mimosas. We're flying out at 7am and I think the occasion calls for a drink!

Feel free to post or email your travel tips here.
I can't wait to scope out all the Miami fashions and share them with you, my loyal fashionistas!

Sex, City and the Eco Bag

I still watch re-runs of Sex And The City as I anticipate the completion of the upcoming movie staring my 4 fave gals. While we wait, HBO can keep us busy shopping for memorabilia.

My chic NYC friend just sent me the link to this eco-friendly dry-cleaning bag with a Carrie-quote on it.
"I like my money where I can see it...hanging in my closet."
Amen sister. $29.99 at the HBO store online.

Remember we have the newsletter contest going on...over $400 in prizes await some lucky subscriber. Check below for Tuesday's blog post for info.

Safety Alert! Toy Recall

I won't usually post about toys and kids...but today it's very important. My kids begged for the Aqua Dots and thank goodness I refused because now they are being recalled around the world.

The news reports say that the product, made in China, allegedly has a coating that has been made with a very toxic chemical that can cause severe reactions in children if the pieces are injested.

Quoted from a report at MSNBC.com:
"Scientists say a chemical coating on the beads, when ingested, metabolizes into the so-called date rape drug gamma hydroxy butyrate. When eaten, the compound — made from common and easily available ingredients — can induce unconsciousness, seizures, drowsiness, coma and death."

Kids and pets...we all know they eat stupid things. Keep them safe.
Throw it deep into the trash today my friends. Don't risk it.

Who's Preggers?

This facination the media has with who is or isn't pregnant in Hollywood is slightly amuzing, but bordering on bordom.
Christina Aguilera just announced she's pregnant. Oh really? Duh CA. We could tell that from a mile away. Plus, remember your good friend, Paris, she announced it for you months ago at the late night party? So sorry if we didn't act surprised for you this week at your official announcement.

Then there is Jennifer Lopez still denying rumors. Honey...do you really need the media attention that badly that you need to string them along until you make an "official" announcement. Even your clothing designer is blabbing it all about town. Not to mention that your beautiful bump is totally showing.

Listen girls...flaunt it, show it and tell the whole world about it. Congratulations!

Photos by Jacob Andrzejczak/Getty Images

Sweeps Week

**EDITED TO EXTEND CONTEST!**
Everyone else has sweeps week, so we want in on the fun.

It's CONTEST TIME! We want to be the biggest and the best and we need your help. Please share the Haute Market newsletter with all your friends and co-workers. You could be well rewarded.

Win a FREE *massage and a Zeno zit-zapper, one for you and one for a friend!
Plus two free tickets EACH to the Feb. 10th shopping party.
That's a prize package worth over $200 for each of you!
Here is how it works:
Open the newsletter that we send every Tuesday.
Click the link at the bottom to Forward To A Friend. Send to all the chic chicks in your address book and tell them to sign up for our fabulous weekly newsletter and to put YOUR NAME down as the "how did you hear about us".
It must be your first and last name.
For every person that signs up, referred by you, you get an entry to the drawing.
If you win, we'll pick one of the people that you referred and she wins too.

Get it? Spread the Haute word and you could win. It's that easy! We'll draw the winners next week and announce it in the Gift Guide newsletter coming out Tuesday, the 27th!

Remember, your friends must list your name in the "how did you hear about us" field of our sign up form online.

Special thanks to Aestheticare Med Spa for the Zeno Acne Clearing Devices and to Massage Envy for the massages!
*Massage certificate value=$39. One hr massage for new customer is $39. Winner is responsible for any taxes and gratuity.

Looking Picture Perfect

Not to brag, but a lot of my friends thought I looked really great on my recent TV interview. I take no credit for that. It was my make up artist, Staci Broski. She's amazingly talented.
One little trick she used on me that day was fake eyelashes. They were so awesome! I'm sure that close up I looked like I had a tarantula on my eye...it sort of felt like it too.

I found some individual lashes that might be a good start for novices like myself. Ardell Duralash at drugstore.com, and they are on sale with free shipping. Not bad! They have some good reviews, even from a KC local. I think I'll give these a try for my upcoming photo shoot. Let me know if you've tried them and what your thoughts are!

Finally Friday

This is definitely the busy season and if you're looking for some great shopping, it's everywhere. I'm exhausted looking at the event calendars of all my Haute Market vendor friends. Some of those crazy gals are doing two shows a DAY! Nutty!

I'll be hanging out at church tomorrow. Well, I'm hoping for holiness by association, actually. There is a craft show at Trinity Lutheran Church, 7740 hedge Lane Terr, in Shawnee, tomorrow from 10-3. I'll be there with December event tickets on hand should you want to swing by and get a few for you and the gal pals.

Several of my vendors are in the Ladies of Charity sale going on at the Ritz Charles. Mandy's Way, All Things Beaded...I know those two are there and have December event tickets with them too.

Have a great Friday everyone! :)

Shop for Safehome

There is another great shopping event on the horizon.
Shop in Overland Park tonight from 5-9pm. Enjoy refreshments, massages, and of course, fantastic shopping. Many Haute Market vendors will be there selling there wares so get there early to grab your favorite things.

This mega trunk show takes place inside the Holy Spirit Catholic Church – St. Elizabeth Hall, on 103rd between Quivira Rd. and H-69. (map)
There will also be some great raffle items and the proceeds from this evenings event will benefit the Keeler Women's Center and SafeHome.

Hope to see you there!

Finding Our Fab Vendors

I'm getting bombarded with emails asking "who was that great designer at your last Haute Market who sold_____?" Hey, that's great! So glad you loved our shopping. But don't you know you can find out who was at each of our shows by visiting our handy little Event Archive page?

Now you can check back on past events and find out who your favorite designers were and how to find them. Just click their logo or name and be linked to their web site (if they have one). It's that easy. Events are archived for at least one year.

Check it out. Happy shopping!

Bigg Ideas

I get tired of this cookie-cutter world we live in and sometimes have to just make a break for it. I broke the mold with my new holiday card design!

Check out this awesome new holiday card design I had designed by Bigg Eye Creations. For much less than buying a card off the shelf at the mega stores, and way more cute, you can get cards at Bigg Eye in which the character on the card represents you, the friend you're giving it to, or even your entire family! So unique!

My new cards feature a character from the Sassy Susie collection. I picked the girl that looked most like me, then customized her clothes. It was that easy. Suzanne, owner of Bigg Eye Creations, is so easy to work with and loves coming up with new ideas like this one. Plus she's a local gal, which we all love supporting our own, right?!

Visit Bigg Eye Creations online now and design a holiday card showing each of your family members, even the dog. Hurry because her holiday rush is starting and you want to be first in line.

Halloween With The Girls Next Door

One of my favorite shows, oddly enough, is the Girls Next Door on E!. Mostly because it just cracks me up, and partly because it insipres me to do some crunch sit ups while I'm watching.

I was excited to see Hugh's girls with their line of Playboy brand costumes this year and just had to share these fashions with you. A few weeks back they had a huge selection of these outfits at the Halloween store near 119th & Metcalf, in case you're still needing a sexy costume.

Of course Holly would be showing off this Angel costume since she's Hugh's number one girl. And I love Kendra in the combat girl outfit. Very "her". The costumes run $60-100 in stores and online. Get your haute halloween style quick before they run out.

Tickets are available for the Dec. 4th VIP shopping party. Get yours before they are sold out!

Find Comfort In A Cause

I love when I can combine more than one of my passions into a two-for-one deal. Shopping, I suppose, is more of an addiction or hobby. But supporting great local causes...definitely a passion.

Haute Market is a sponsor for the "Making Spirits Bright" shopping event tomorrow, Saturday. This benefits the "Abby's Run for the Heart" organization, plus it's fun for the whole family.

Please come out to Lenexa tomorrow and support this great cause. What a fabulous lesson to teach your kids....have some fun with the family, support a local charity...it's win-win my friends!

Print and share the flyer with co-workers, neighbors and friends: http://www.hautemarket.com/MakingSpiritsBrightflyer-HauteMarket.pdf

Shop from some Haute Market favorites: Frankie & Jules, jennyLou Spa, Ribbon Chick and Blingirl. Plus many more!
Stop by the Haute Market table and buy your December event tickets!

Cedar Ridge Parkside Community Center
8839 Lackman Road, Lenexa map
October 27th, 2007, 10am til 4pm
Come meet Sizzle the Bull from 12 to 2 p.m.!

Fun With Fur

What girl knows how to have fun more than Betsey Johnson? You know you can count on her for vibrance and extravagance. I looking for some fun furs, my virtual trip to the Country Club Plaza was a fun one.
I spotted this embroidered velvet fur-trim coat $435. It's available in two color styles. Good luck choosing just one. The embroidery on this comfortable coat is lovely!

For a shorter and more flirty look, I love the Kamila Faux Mongolian Fur Vest w/ Hood, $128. Also available is a style in leopard print.

There is also a huge selection of sale items in the online store. So shop in your comfie pj's with me today. Have fun fashionista's!

Comfort At Home

Next in the series of all things comfie, I'm going with PJ's. I'm the worst sick person and I can tell I'm coming down with something, so I'm ready to mope around in my pj's all day. Thank goodness pre-school now has a drop off lane instead of walking the kiddo's in!

I have a great pair of pj bottoms, otherwise known as "loungewear", from Old Navy. They tie at the waist and have chic little girly chairs on them, like a cushy chair you'd sit at a vanity. The pants are 95% cotton, 5% spandex and so, so comfortable. I found other prints online, now just $6.99 each.

Of course I pair my cute lounge pants with my Haute Market t-shirt. I love these shirts! So comfortable and soft. You can see the whole outfit in action by watching the recent interview on Kansas City Live. Brett Anthony was certainly impressed that we wore pj's on live tv. :)

I'm feeling generous because I have a dozen or so haute t-shirts left, so for a few days, they are 50% off in our Haute Market online store. Grab a few because you'll at least want one for the gym and one for lounging in.
Cheers!

Goddess Feet

My love of shoes certainly can't compete with Ms. Marcos', Fab Lane's Kimora or probably even some of you fashionista's...but it's scaring the crap out of my hubby and causing him concern that he'll be kicked out of our closet soon.

I've been known to sacrifice my feet for fashion, limping around after a night in heels that were a little too high, dancing in boots that were simply made for walking. Thankfully, Apara came to my rescue recently when they contributed a foot-saving pair of Steppies to all the goodie bags for our Oct. 3rd shopping party a few weeks back.
As seen in popular magazines such as Vogue and InStyle, these luxurious products are definitely in style for us fashionistas!

The word "Apara" comes from the Hindu goddess name of Aparajita, whose name loosely translates to undefeated or above all others. This is how you'll feel when you have Steppies, Apara gel inserts in your shoes. You can buy online at Cosmeticmall.com for $7.99 a pair or in local stores like my favorite, DSW.

Not only is the product FABOO but the packaging is fabulous, a purse-shaped box! Check out all the other fabulous foot-saving products at Apara.com.

Were you among the lucky one's to grab a goodie bag at the last event? Please tell us what you thought of your Steppies and how wonderful they are for your feet. Just post a comment here using the link below. One lucky poster will receive a pair of free Steppies!!!

Creature Comforts

The weather sure flipped on us here in the flatlands, huh? With this rainy Fall weather comes my need to find, and pull close, all things comfortable and warm. This week on the blog you can find all sorts of things to keep you comfortable, warm, and snuggled should you be wanting to just crawl back under the covers.

One of my favorite goodie bag treats was about a year ago...SBS Teas gave us hundreds of bags of cocoa and tea. I was craving it today and revisited the web site to find this yummy Caramel Hot Cocoa. Made from only the finest ingredients, SBS Caramel Hot Cocoa™ is quite simply the richest, creamiest, most flavorful gourmet cocoa you have ever tasted. A silky smooth light chocolate flavor with a rich caramel taste. Decadent with water or double decadent with milk.

And...they have cookies! So you may as well add a few boxes to your order while you're there. Maybe even visit the free tea leaf reading page for a little fun too.

Friday Style for Jeans

This is the last day of my "dressing up jeans" series so I took a virtual trip to the Country Club Plaza in KC, MO, to scope out some fab tops for you.

Kimono-inspired top at BCBGMAXAZRIA $178 with comfie bell sleeves, plus it hits below the hip...more my style, as you know if you've been reading this week. I love the color, partly because it's not black which is too easy and predictable, and it will really pop next to a pair of dark jeans.


Check out this sequined jacket at Betsey Johnson.com. Cropped hoodie in black is sure to make you shine. $245.

Armani Exchange has this sexy pieced-foil tank online and on sale. Was $48, now just $34.99. Available in black or heather grey. I think the black is the best choice, paired with a sexy black jacket you'd be ready to roll.

It's in Black & White

I hope you're enjoying this series of "Dressing Up Jeans". I'm having a ball shopping in my pj's before the sun, and the kids, are up. Here is what I found today:


From White House Black Market's online store, this fabulous floral print, gathered top will definitely make a bold statement. Feminine and fun. $78 (cream/black)

Also from WHBM, the Princess Embroidered Bustier. This top is gorgeous and will definitely turn heads. Elegant, silky bustier features romantic, shadowy embroidery, vented sides, boning and a hidden back zipper. It's certainly beautiful enough to put up with it being dry clean only. Dress it down with jeans, dress it up with a black jacket or pants. Either way, it's a wardrobe must have in my humble opinion.

Have you found that fabulous pair of jeans yet? Get moving girlfriend, before these fab tops are gone!

P.S. have you purchased tickets to the Dec. 4th Holiday VIP Shopping Party? Haute Market is coming and this exclusive event will sell out. Don't be left in the cold. Buy today!

BeJeweled with Jeans

Another in our series of dressing up jeans...today it's dressing up with jewels. The jeweled neckline is very popular this year. I love it because with very little effort, my outfit becomes instantly sassy. Combined with vibrant colors and a fabulous pair of jeans and a great pair of boots.. my, my it just screams DIVALICIOUS!
My goal was to be able to shop in my pj's, yet be able to find tops that would be in stores local to me in case I needed to exchange or see in person.
I love this colorful, sleeveless jewel-neck top found at Nordstroms.com by Lily White, only $38. It's long for those of us who don't want our belly-button on display.

Next up, from the "Hint of Mod" collection, this Kensie jeweled silk top $78 at Dillards.com. Stunning scarlet with your basic black, yet so beyond basic. Scoop neck and loads of bling.

Something a bit more basic but with the accessory built in, this beaded collar tunic from ArdenB. Baby doll design with a ruched bust is one of my favorites, gives a bit more oomph to the bust while forgiving my midsection that has been missing the gym lately. $88.

Dressing Up Jeans

Let's face it...a good pair of jeans is hard to find. Your size, shape and what you ate right before you put them on, make such a difference in how the jeans fit you. We'll stay away from the jeans for now because I would have to be with you personally to help you buy the right pair. Just make sure you bring a friend honest enough to tell you whether your butt looks good in them or not. So you go find the right jeans and then pair it with some of these cute tops.

Dressing up jeans, Part I:
I'm loving the ruffles this Fall. I've never been a girly girl, but something about the romanticism of a well placed ruffle really turns me on. (O Oscar belted ruffle-trim blouse at Macy's $89)

Bringing in a bit more Fall coloring is this Gibson ruffle-front blouse with smocked waist and high neck, available at Dillards.com, $69. A sexy sleeveless and ready for day-to-night action.

Go black with this very feminine frock. Ruffles up the front with a dressy little flair to the sleeves, by Esprit at Dillards.com, $39.50. Also available in brown or red.

All of these tops are available online so you can shop in your pj's if you like. Plus they are local stores so if you don't love it, it's an easy return or exchange. Have a great day fashionista's!

Late for my Date

Sorry fashionistas...I was late in posting the blog today. I'm Mom first, Fashionista second.
Now that we're back home I'll quickly drop a teaser about the blog this week...loads of fun tops will be featured this week so go find the perfect pair of jeans because I'll be showing you great tops for your bottoms.

Today go have some fun checking out the Haute Market MySpace page and make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter - it comes out every Tuesday morning!

Colorful Locks for Fall

Notes from Xiphium expert colorist, Christina:

It's Fall again and with the season comes gray skies, cold weather and cabin fever. In other words, time for you to revamp your hair color! It's all about eye-popping color and blinding shine this season.

For brunettes (or those who want to become one) now is the time to go richer, deeper or darker. Richen your dreary browns withs shades of chocolate, mahogany and copper. Then punch up that color with highlights of gold, honey and chestnut.

For the red heads, now is the time to go for it. Take your everyday auburn to show stopping candy apple.

Blondes, the time is here for chilling platinum ice and glowing golds to show off your inner glamour girl. If you aren't quite ready to go all out just yet, try an eye catching piece of color in your fringe. Or, ramp up your current style with a high shine gloss to add some non-committal color and shine and take your hair look to the next level.

Whatever look is for you this season, go for it. It's your time to shine and we'd love to help you do so at Xiphium! Check out the new location in the exquisite Mission Farms shopping area.

Super Sales

Yet another bit of shopping news for you today:

The Charitable Chicks are having their bi-annual sale at the Blue Valley Education Center on the NW corner of 151st & Metcalf. Many of the vendors you see at Haute Market will be there showing off more of their Fall fashions and giftables. 9am to 5pm.

Of course you know about the Macy's sale to benefit local charities as well. Several local charities have the 20% off card for sale, so call your favorite and ask them for it. Just $5 for huge savings this Saturday at Macy's.

I hear that this is the last weekend for the Renaissance Festival. Great fun for the family - get those kids out and let htem run their little legs so they'll take a great nap while you're out shopping!

Don't forget your Dec. 4th Haute Market tickets. They are quickly dwindling away.

More Fab Shopping

Since Haute Market only comes around every two or three months, I have to have a few local favorites to keep my shopping addition fed. So I turn to Macy's on occasion, especially when the occasion is for a great cause.

This Saturday, Oct. 13th, you can enjoy 20% off your purchases at Macy's (restrictions apply) if you buy the special coupon card. For $5 you get your discount coupon and the full 5-smackers stays with the charity.
My friends at SafeHome have these great discount coupons and I love to help them out, so give them a buzz to get your card today.
Call 913-432-9300 and grab a card, plus a few for your girlfriends.

Haute Stuff Happening

Good morning fashionistas! I have loads of tidbits for you this morning.

Thanks again to the over 700 guests who attended last Wednesday's fabulous shopping party. Browse the full photo collection at Simply Images Photography and order your keepsake photo today.

Next shopping party:
Dec. 4th, 5:30-9 at the Wine Bar next to Lukas Liquor near 135th & State Line Rd.
Only 250 guests, all get a gift sack of goodies! Buy tickets fast because none will be available at the door.

Shop for a Cause:
Most of you have heard of Abby's Run for the Heart, taking place this weekend at Town Center Plaza. Did you know there will be a fabulous sale a few weeks later to benefit the charity as well?
40+ vendors, loads of activities for the kids
Oct. 27th, 10a to 4p
Cedar Ridge Parkside Community Center
8839 Lackman Road, Lenexa
Haute Market is a sponsor of the event and we'll be selling tickets for the Dec. 4th show at this event. Hope to see you there!

Make Up for Fall

Another fab guest writer for you today:
Joanna from Xiphium Salon:

With the change of season comes a change of color and not just the leaves on the trees. Make-up palettes take a dramatic change for the season with pop-inspired hues.

Don't let yourself fall into the same color rut. Try to stray from the typical browns and blacks. This season dress your eyes up with deep greens, electric blues and rich pinks. Explore Aveda's new eye color duos in Honeycomb/Bluebell, Green Mist/Seaglass and Guilded Gold/Antique Rose.

Try a change of eyeliner as well because liquid eyeliner is back! Vamp up your look with mod inspired cat eyes. Can't find the perfect liquid liner? Try using your mascara.

Remember to give some attention to your cheeks and lips. Compliment your skin tone with lux pinks and reds. Coral, cranberry and brick are definitely the colors to highlight your face. Be daring, try them as eye liners as well! Give your lips some sass with glossy reds, golden toffees and shimmering purples.

Want a product for your eyes, cheeks and lips? Aveda's Face Accents for the fall compliment every skin type. Sienna Glow, Ruby Vapor and Petal Lights are the perfect accent for every feature and this season they come with their own special blending brush.

Make a statement ladies. This Fall's make-up is all about sophistication with an edge. Check out all the new colors by Aveda at Xiphium Salon.

Event Recap

There were over 700 guests in attendance Wednesday night at our fabulous shopping party! I hope many of you enjoyed a bit of hair pampering at the Xiphium spot like I did. My cut and color were done last week, then Vilma added loads of curl to my hair prior to opening the doors. It was so much fun to have a sassy "do" that night!

How 'bout those awesome goodie bags, huh ladies? WOW!

A full size SMASHBOX Cosmetics product - the Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light. Retails for $36!Their latest primer innovation! Perfect for oily, acne-prone or sensitive skin, this oil-free, 60% water based primer refreshes on contact while oil absorbers provide a smooth matte finish all day.

The yummy Nutrisoda drinks can be found at several area grocery stores like Price Chopper and Hen House.

I love the blinged-up BOTOX shirts that Aestheticare hooked us up with. PLUS Aestheticare attached a great coupon for their services.

A "Dip Me In Daquiri" Chill Pill from jennyLou Spa. Just drop in a warm tub (after you've locked the door and grabbed a glass of wine) then watch it fizz and bubble as it delivers softening ingredients to your skin.

So many products, it probably took you a while to rummage thru the bags. :) Check out our goodie bag page for links to all of the contributors and our vendor page for the list of all the fabulous vendors and designers.

Feel free to leave a comment here and tell us what your favorite goodie is!

The Morning After

Do you have party hangover too? Wow, what a night last night!

Thanks to all you hot fashionista's for coming to party with the Haute Market gals at the Ritz Charles last night! It was fun, hectic at times, but everyone was so kind and patient - Thank you! It's not easy keeping a room full of almost 1000 people (mostly women) happy, but everyone seemed to have a great time and showed losts of smiles for our camera men!


Thanks to the many volunteers who helped work the door, the goodie bag table, the Pajama Program area and more.
Thank you to the sponsors for supporting Haute Market and making the event such a success.
The vendors and designers..you rock! What fabulous goodies you brought to Haute Market for our chic ladies.

Keep your eye on the blog and our Tuesday newsletter for reviews of the party + BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS!

Thanks everyone!! ~ Jennifer

It's Party Time!

Tonight is the big night ladies. So many wonderful designers to shop from, great demonstrations and loads of prizes to give away! Many of the vendors are offering discounts to our VIP Club members, just flash the card.

Did you catch our spot on Kansas City Live yesterday and the fabulous interview with Brett Anthony? It was so great to be able to do such a huge promotion for the Pajama Program. Remember to bring a pair of new kids pj's to the event tonight to be entered into the Girl Friends Prize Package for Four, worth over $500!!

Special thanks to Staci Broski, of 7th Row, for my fabulous make up. Staci wil be at the event tonight because she is also a producer for the upcoming hit show, After Hours. Most of the cast and crew will be at Haute Market to meet all of you and let you take a peak at the recently filmed pilot.

Feel free to come in PJ's, or dressed to the nine's. It's up to you girlfriend. We will have a special photo area where you can snap a shot of you and your gal pals to remember your fabulous girls' night out.

See you there!

The Party Scoop

I hope you are as excited as I am about the Haute Market shopping party tomorrow night! You deserve a few hours out of the house and out of the office to enjoy yourself and just be YOU!

Have you heard the rumors about an upcoming holiday event? Find out the scoop tomorrow night and be the first to sign up! Plus scoop on upcoming KC area events - be in the know!

There is so much going on at the event tomorrow night, so I'll try to summarize for you here. Please visit the web site for more details and information.

~21 & over event
~Cash Bar available
~Free tasters from many vendors ~ Frozen Drinks R Us, Cookies by Connie, Edible Arrangements.
~We do not serve dinner, so eat before hand or catch dinner after shopping with the girls. A great night out!

There will be many live demonstrations too!
~Aestheticare Med Spa will do Botox demo's so you can see what it's like. They will also have nurses and consultants on hand to talk about service and answer questions.
~Hair and make up touch ups by Xiphium Salon.
~Massages by Massage Envy
~A photo area, just like on the red carpet. Snap a photo of you and the gal pals, by Robbie Schraeder of Simply Images Photography.

So much more. I'm on TV today so I've got to run. Get your tickets asap! Ticket sales end online at noon today!!

Celebrity Bag Watch

Keeping up with the celeb trends isn't easy, so the Haute Market Fashion 411 is here to help. Today we're taking a look at celeb handbags and bringing you a summary of our faves.

First, remember that a handbag isn't just utilitarian, it's also an important accessory. In other words, moms...ditch the diaper bag after a year (or earlier). Or keep the diaper bag for diapers and carry a small chic bag for you.

Second, a bag can coordinate with your outfit, but please don't play the matchy-match game. Mix it up a bit.

Animal instincts: many celebs are toting bags in crocodile and snake-skin looks right now. I love the texture of crocodile as it adds some dimension to an otherwise plain bag. Many of these bags are large and in charge. I can't imagine what these celebs need to carry in there, or that some of them even have the strength to hold such a large bag..but whatever.

Handbags are now incorporating the belted look. As if Jimmy's shoes weren't to die for, now he has equally amazing handbags. This slick red leather bag, Riki, is a mere $1525, a lot less than some of Choo's other beautys.


Closer to my price range (but still out of it) is this Adrienne Vittadini bag in subtle gray, priced in the mid $200's.

You can get more affordable versions of these bag styles at the Haute Market shopping party this Wednesday!