New Haute Goodies

I hope you have tickets for the Haute Market shopping party next Wednesday, the 16th. There are a lot of new designers and boutiques we'll be featuring, plus some old favorites that have just returned from market, which means fabulous new fashions for you to browse!

A newbie to the scene, Urban Hip Chick, a division of Girly Girl World out of Independence, Missouri. Designer, Jeanette Coons, with help from her talented husband, have designed this fabulous new ring that is the ultimate in BLING!

This giant Swarovski crystal sits upon the handcrafted sterling silver ring AND you can buy additional crystals in a variety of colors to change the look! That's right. The crystal can come off and be switched for a new color and a new look. This fabulous creation is just $50 and you can get one at the next Haute Market! Additional crystals are $8 each.

An old favorite back with new styles is Gennaio Boutique fromm Raymore, Missouri. This comfortable halter-style top is only $29. I have a handful of items from this trendy boutique that I'll be showing on TV this Thursday morning on FOX4. Watch as I feature several new trends and how to accessorize them.

A newbie to the Haute Market events, but not new to KC is the fab lingerie boutqiue Sophie & Gwendalynn. Designing their own fabulous and sexy lingerie collections, co-owners Amy Collier and Wendy Gillman began their collaboration while working together for an east coast wedding gown designer. Both women shared a passion for fashion, a keen sense of design, pattern making and construction skills, and meticulous attention to detail that is necessary for the wedding gown industry. Both women are originally from the Midwest.

Thankfully they returned to their roots and have been producing new and sexy lingerie lines year after year.

See these goodies and more at Haute Market!
Wednesday, April 16th 5-9pm, at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park.
You deserve it!
(21& over event)

Yowza at YOOX!

If you haven't yet stumbled upon YOOX.COM, then be prepared to fall fast and hard. The sale prices are so yummy. Who cares if it's last season? Know one will know, right? They say we're about two years behind here in the Midwest, so you should at least look fashion forward for another season! Any justification to save 75% or so on designer apparel is fine by me.
Here are a few I've picked out for you.

A favorite designers of many female celebs is Catherine Malandrino. This sweet and strappy 3/4 length dress in dark brown was $455, and now is just $159. Only size 4 is available.

The Mas Nada 3/4 length dress is only available in a size 6. From $359 down to $128 this satin-stretch number is a steal!


If I could ensure having a hot date, I think I'd order this gorgeous black dress by Diane Von Furstenberg. From $248 to $149, only size 2 available. Just a bit of a dip down the front, with a frilly little bit on the strap, makes this little black dress have a little more personality. Don't be surprised if it's sold out by the time you go looking for it. (wink, wink)


If you have ever wanted to own a Miu Miu piece, now is the time. Only size 8 available at YOOX.COM. It's unlined crepe with a little frill on the side. 100% silk. $1095 marked down to just $274. Seriously...did they have the interns working too late one night resulting in a bad typo? Ouch. Grab this if you want designer gals in your closet.


If you really want to show some personality, might I suggest an exclusive one-of-a-kind design? Agatha Ruiz de la Prada is best known for her eclectic personality and the passion that infuses every piece of her vast collection.
This colorful, 3/4 length dress will turn heads for sure.Each dress comes with its original sketch signed by Agatha Ruiz de La Prada.
Not on sale, but look at the $500 price tag as an investment in art. I adore the colors and think the bust-embellishments would bring a wandering eye to my chest for sure. Not something that happens often for me, I can assure you. The dress costs way less than a boob job and probably would garner even more attention. Could be the sort of attention that lands me in a padded room with no sharp objects...but it's not like that trip is far away anyway.

These are only a few of the dresses. Wait until you see the designer shoes at YOOX.COM! My hubby is hovering. He must think I'm seriously considering the $1010 pair of Alexander McQueen shoes. They certainly are stunning.

Fab Friday

Yay, it's Friday! Not that it's any different for me since I don't work outside the home, but it does usually mean that other people I encounter are in a better mood.
I've decided to take a break today and reaquaint myself with the loud little people running around here that I vaugely remember as my children.
It's been a busy few weeks of getting the new look of the site ready and gathering lots of fab Diva Deals for you to enjoy.

I hope you have had a chance to browse through the site, check out the Diva Deals and watch the Juvederm video. Even if you think getting your face pumped full of fillers isn't something for you'll try, you will still have a hard time not watching. It's like seeing a car accident. You can't help but look. Only this time there is a better outcome.

It's time to get your Haute Market shopping party tickets ladies! It will be here before you know it and you don't want to be left out. Our last event had a great turn out, but got pretty busy, so we will be letting advance ticket holders in the doors first.

Have a fabulous Friday everyone!

Wallet Conscious

Don't ask me why I was looking at Petite Sophisticate because it's not the place I normally go for fashion. It was mostly out of curiousity to challenge myself to find something I could recommend.

While I'm not 100% certain, I can say that this silver blouse may turn out ok with a fabulous pencil skirt. Or it could make you look like a diner waitress.

Sheened taffeta blouse is playful with polka dots and velvet trim. Contoured shape skims the body, fabric belt cinches the waist.
$49.00 sale $34.30

Here is one that I definitely cannot recommend unless you truly want your waist to appear huge and wide. I cannot understand why anyone is allowed to produce such unflattering pieces. It reminds be of the tummy bands one can wear after having a c-section...only in pink instead of the ugly flesh color of norm.

Sometimes you gotta show the good and the bad to appreciate it all. :)

Big Needles & Bad Words

My oh my...it took two weeks to edit, mostly for my fondness of the s-word due to the extremely visible presence of needles in the room...but the Juvederm treatment video is finally ready for your to gawk at.
Yep, I got the juve and it's all on film. Don't watch if you're squeamish about having blood taken or seeing needles because you've not experienced squeamish until you've seen a needle go into someones LIPS. Yikes.

Was it worth it..totally. I nearly passed out because I get myself so freaked out about stuff being put into my body like that. You'd think after three babies, two of them by c-section, that I'd be a much tougher cookie. Nope. Take my blood, give me an epidural...I'm cool with that. But it was still worth it, dramatic as I am.
Will I do it again? Probably. I have that sexy pout without even trying!

Put a video camera and three other people in the room and tell me to smile for the camera? Shoot...not if you don't give me wine with that!
Here are some before and after pictures. Check out the filled out lips!


Here is the link to the video.
Big thanks to Aestheticare, Kansas City's premier medical spa at College and Roe, in O.P, Ks.

Trendz Schmendz

Do you feel that most days it's just easier to put on the same old thing rather than risk botching a trend? That's what I'm here for sista!
Trend tip: one at a time!
Don't try to mix too many trends at once.
Start small and work your way up.

For example...one growing trend is darker nail colors. Don't just just on board with black nails. Take some baby steps and work your way up. I think black is too goth and prefer a dark blue. OPI has a great new color in their 2008 India collection. Yoga-ta Get This Blue! It's tough to find as it's flying off the shelves.

Cover Girl has a few fun shades like this, CoverGirl Continuous Color 3 In 1Nail Polish, Rouge Vamp 096 It's a plum-ish shade. Not super dark, but eases you into the trend beyond reds and pinks.

CoverGirl CG Boundless Color Nail Polish, Midnight Magic 610 this is definitely dark. Here is the thing...try it out. If you don't like it, take it off. It's not like a bad hair-color experience. Experiment and have some fun with it.
Don't forget your quick-dry top coat! And Puh-lease don't let the color chip and get yuck. Just take it off!

Post a comment and let us know your favorite color in the dark-movement.

Spring Style

Looking for some nice Spring looks and good deals, as usual. I stumbled across this Kensie Girl Dress at the Buckle for $68. Fully lined, stripes and polka dot dress with hidden side zipper, junior sizes 3-11 available online. I like this updated version of a vintage style.

The Buckle also features Sugar cosmetics now if that floats your boat.

Fashion Disaster

Oh My GAWD!!! I am so glad that I'm heading back home today because I cannot sit through another fashion show this week. Last night's St. Louis Fashion Week show had so many designers showing that it was passed most of the models' curfews by the time the show was over.
It doesn't help that the shows all start late, but when one tries to cram more than a handful of designers in a single night, you are setting yourself up for disaster.
What is really unfortunate is that a large part of the crowd just up and left! There were a few fantastic, up and coming, designers that were showing toward the last half of the show and I think they really got gypped.

Jamie Phyl and I got to talk briefly before the fashion show . What a great young lady and fabulous designer. She told me that her inspiration for some of the collection showing at St. Louis Fashion Week was the fabulous Jackie O. And oh my...it certainly showed in this fabulous yellow ensemble, complete with large, fabric-covered buttons. It's easy to see why Jamie is gaining notoriety very quickly around the country!

I also loved designs by ZETO, English Clientele and Sohung Designs. Photos, video and hopefully some interviews will be ready for you next week on the Haute Market Style File page.

My sources tell me that backstage was an unorganized mess with too many inexperienced interns trying to run things. Other than the tardiness of the show, you could not tell that things were amiss because what the designers sent down the runway was, for the most part, executed flawlessly. The models rocked the catwalk! Those poor girls were hungry, tired and walking in shoes that did not fit. Several fell out of the shoes but those pro's kept on walking like nothing happened. Kudos to them all!
Designers...my heart goes out to you. I can only hope that the trunk shows you are holding this week give people a chance to really see your designs and appreciate your efforts.

If you are in St. Louis today, make sure you stop by The Time Boutique from 12-4pm to see the work of Phyl Couture, ZETO, Sohung and many others.

I'm heading home to KC now. Hopefully I'll be back to visit you soon, St. Louis. Haute Market is hot to get here and show the St. Louis fashionistas a good time!

Fashion Week Scoop

My mission today...to find these shoes shown on the St. Louis Fashion Week runway last night. Love them!

The runway shows last night were pretty decent. Some of the designs were a bit of a bore, but at least the show seemed well executed. A double runway was used, allowing more guests a front-row seat and longer look at the designs. Three large screens for closer look at the show for those in the cheap seats. They were even kind and accommodating to us press peons. Not always the case when you are covering an event.

It was a bit of a long travel to get from the VIP reception area to the runway show area. I guess you do what you can with the space you have...but obviously no one was thinking of how cranky all these fashionistas would be when their feet started hurting. :)

I loved the Black Halo line. For me, it was the most practical and wearable. Designer, Laurel Berman, definitely knows her stuff and how to design for women. Fabulous!
I'll have video soon!

Today I spend the afternoon with local designer, Lesley Timpe, Squasht by Les. She's already excited about participating in the summer Haute Market event and I'm so excited that she'll be returning to KC for the show. She's made several appearances at the Wearhaus shows downtown...somehow I've convinced her to come to the 'burbs! Stay tuned for more from St. Louis Fashion Week!

The New Fashion Capitol?

Good morning fashionistas. I am reporting to you from St. Louis Fashion Week.
Last night was the kick-off evening featuring fabulous local designers at the Contemporary Art Museum. The lighting wasn't great but I did get a bit of footage to share with you.
The designs sent down the runway were very impressive and I even purchased a dress of my own after the show from Squasht by Les. Lesley Timpe has traveled to KC a few times to bring her designs to us and I hope she'll be returning. (Just need to up the limit on my credit card first).

I'll check in tomorrow with more runway news.


My new dress from Squasht by Les

Pack Up & Go!

You would think that packing for a St. Louis Fashion Week would be easier than packing for New York Fashion Week. While this is true in theory, I didn't know what I was up against in New York and was mostly there to work and be comfie on my feet anyway. New York Fashion week is back-to-back runway shows from 9 in the morning to 9 at night, for seven days. You need long-wearing shoes, and an umbrella. Unless you have a limo waiting outside for you to go freshen up, you may most likely look like complete rain-soaked crap when you get a photo op with Niki Taylor. Lesson learned.

It's not that I think any celebs will be gracing the venues this week, the shows are only at 7pm and are followed by chic after-parties at some of St. Louis' hottest clubs. And since the runway shows take place in the hotel/casino where I'll be staying, I can run to my room, freshen up, and even change outfits! I will most definitely be making use of (finally) many of the cute outfits that normally do not see a world outside my tiny closet.

I finally have all my fab new spring shoes packed, my dusty outfits....then I needed some jewelry. Haute Market has kept me so busy that I've stopped my 4 year old jewelry design business. But that doesn't stop me from designing for myself. I needed some fabulous BLING for this event. Who do you turn to for the best bling? Swarovski, or course! As luck would have it, there was a small bead show in town over the weekend. I was privy to the secret-stash of mega bling. 18mm crystals! 25mm is an inch, so imagine the size of these beads. At about$10 a bead, you don't find these often. I was in love!

I also found some beads to finish my Channel look-a-like charm bracelet. if I'm going out of the biz, I must do it in style.

I'm off to shuttle the kids around, grab my rental car, get nails done and go storm St. Louis. I'll blog from there after I sleep-in for the first time in 9 years.
Fingers crossed - I might find some great venues to take Haute Market on the road to St. Louis for all you St. Louis fashionistas!

Cheers!

Season Confusion

I feel a rambling bunch of babble coming on so I apologize in advance. It's just that this daily switching of temperature and seasons has me so dizzy and confused that I'm at a loss for what to blog about. Do I give you more fall/winter tips and styling advice? Do I finally get to talk about spring-wear? I don't know! Yesterday, on Easter, it was snowing! What the...???? It may NOT snow on Easter. Plain and simple, we must not allow it. How on earth can one be expected to dress the children in those horrible polyester costumes full of ruffles and too-big bows to traipse around the yard picking up eggs that are sinking in the mud and collecting snow flakes?!?!?
Something must be done.

In the mean time...wear whatever the heck you want. Snow boots, open-toed sandals, leggings or halter top. You just never know. Since a large portion of the population is still trying to wear clothes left-over from high school and/or college days (obviously not Fashion 411 blog readers), you probably don't have to worry about the fashion cops just yet. After all-they are still home having bouts of seasonal bi-polar symptoms as they turn circles in their closets trying to decide what to wear.

Tomorrow I will be off my soap box and in a better frame of mind to toss out advice. For now I'm too dizzy to move.

Here is a little something to spice up your life and help out with that spring fever buzz...Great deals at Frederick's of Hollywood.

If you have some great dresses with a low dip for cleavage, might I suggest the Triple Feature Bra? The Triple Feature is the first and only bra of its kind to offer the three most sought-after elements in one bra. Smooth, triangle-shaped cups provide a barely-there look, foam bump pads with gentle underwire provide natural lift and a deep plunge design allows the bra to be worn with the lowest-cut fashions. It comes in eight colors with matching panties.

I am not a regular at Frederick's, or any lingerie store for that matter, so I did not know that they now carry shoes, dresses and more. No, not stripper clothes. These are tasteful and cute. Look at these block color shoes I spied. Very trendy and "now".
I wish I could wear tube dresses because they have some colorful strapless numbers that would be perfect for an evening out. Unfortunately you have to have a "rack" for the dress to set itself upon.


I also found a panty sale burb in my inbox and wanted to pass it along to my fellow fashionistas. It's tricky to buy undies online but I found a 90 day return/exchange policy on the Frederick's site. Just make sure it applies to your purchase.
Happy Friday!

Shoe Whore

She's back. The wicked shoe whore took over my senses and sensibility yesterday and forced me to buy more shoes! She'll do almost anything to get a fab new pair of shoes. And with all the amazing new spring styles and colors, how is a girl to resist?

The bargain fashionista in me just cannot pass up double points week at DSW. And with the grip of the shoe whore so tight I find myself slipping my feet into every brightly colored shoe I can find. It's a tremendous rush and I can feel the inner struggle tugging me in both directions. practical voice: "you have a pair of black shoes with a rounded toe", fashionista voice:"but the one you have is matte finish and these are shiny!"
Must buy shiny black shoes.

I adore these patchwork-like shoes but the toe was too long and pointy for me. Could someone please go buy these shoes so I can adore from afar?

I browsed the clearance section where I'm always sure to find great deals. My last trip to the "aisles of discount & drooling" resulted in two pair at about $20-ish each!

Ths time I food the cutest pair of brown shoes with a chunky heel and a little bit of light blue trim, and a rounded toe. Perfection! Except I rarely wear anything brown. I did what any good gal pal would do. I called a friend to see if I could buy them for her.

On making by way toward the front to check out, I realize there is a small section I did not feast my eyes upon. Probably not much there...but let's have a look-see. After all, it's on the way to the handbag section.
And to what to my wandering eyes do appear? The most luscious little pump and it comes in pair!

What can I say? It was lust at first sight. The inner struggle was painful, but brief. I cannot resist anything BCBG.
Heck yeah I took these babies home! But not before I searched for a complimenting bag.
I suck in my breath as I see, hidden behind some cheap knock-off bags, something large and silver...The SAK! I grab it before any prowlers can snatch my find.

I safely manage my way out the door, positively beaming. I have a fabulous new set of accessories, hundreds of new DSW points and know a reward check will be coming my way soon. Victory is sweet (and slightly expensive).

It's a sunny day in Kansas City. I wonder how many of you will storm the doors of DSW today. Shop quick. Shop smart. Shop for color.

Can't make it out to the stores thanks to all the monsters being out of school for spring break? Check out some little treats I found at Overstock.com:

This colorful and happy polka-dot shoe by Betsey Johnson. The 'Lanica' strappy sandals feature bold polka dot print. Just $72.99 at Overstock.com, unfortunately only red is available in sizes 5.5 or 6.5 at the moment.



These colorful pumps don't look too comfortable to me and they only have white available, but the colors are fabulous and will at least give you an idea of the trends to look for.




If you want a real bargain on fabulous designer shoes (and wear a size 8) these are definitely one's to lust. Stunning hot pink patent leather open-toe pumps with black piping. Authentic Prada sandals feature an open toe and a closed heel with an ankle strap. Was about $528, now $351.99. Yum yum.

Search Overstock.com for:

Great deals

It looks like it might be a sunny, dry day here in Kansas City so I searched for a great savings event to get my blood pumping.

A 25% discount on make up? Yeah...that's a good start to the day.

Are you a member of the DSW rewards program? If not, sign up. Head on over to get double points on your shoe purchases thru March 22nd.

I found the most fabulous pair of bright orange, high-heeled shoes there a few weeks ago. The spring trends have definitely arrived and are eager to see your tootsies!

The FAQ on our events

It's no secret that the Haute Market events are the cat's meow, but it's still new to some so we're breaking it down for you here so you know what to expect out of us and our fab events!

Who is behind Haute Market?
One woman started Haute Market in June '06 (that's me). A year ago I brought on a sales rep and over-all fab helper so that Haute could grow and grow. We're two moms, like many of our readers, who need something more than the love and attention of our children to get us through each day.

What is Haute Market?
Haute Market is two-fold.
A fabulous shopping party held several times a year in the KC metro area (and soon expanding to other cities).
It is also an online mini-magazine focused on fashion and beauty, plus covering related events around town and the nation, like local fashion events and major fashion week shows. We want to be your source for quick and up-to-date fashion and beauty information.

What are the shopping events like?
-It is NOT like a craft fair! There is fabulous music by our DJ who also acts as MC to keep the crowd energized and having fun.
-We give away LOTS of prizes.
-The boutiques and designers are hand picked based on their product quality and ability to provide guests with fashion-forward designs.
- the shopping is intense as it's only a 4 hour event. Women get in, grab a drink and get shopping.

Are children allowed?
No. I don't know about you, but I am with my children (3 boys) nearly 24/7. I want to get dressed up, fix my hair and go out with my girlfriends to do something just for me.
Haute Market events are 21 & over so we can have a kid-free environment and sip some grown up drinks.

What else besides shopping?
If you've bothered to get dressed up, fix your hair, put on make up...do you really think we'd let you just shop? No way...besides fab shopping Haute Market has complimentary beauty services: massages, makeup touch up, and more. Each event might have different services offered, but there are always wonderful things going on to make you feel pretty and feminine.

Other perks:
Each event will feature the Grand Makeover - one guest is plucked from the crowd and given a new look!
We have also teamed up with Mix 93.3 and Escape Limousine to bring 8 ladies to the event in style. Complimentary admission, goodie bags and limo ride to and from the event! (Registration starts soon on the Mix web site)

Haute Market is a destination for women. We want you to escape the daily toll of working, taking care of kids and let you enjoy just being you. Enjoy the company of girlfriends you've lost touch with, shop for something fresh and new to add to your wardrobe, and relax while you're pampered by our many complimentary services.
Like I said...it's the cat's meow. :)

Macy's Sales

Gearing up for spring at one of my favorite haunts, Macy's has two sales coming up that I'm saving my pennies for.

Macy's One Day Sale. Step into Spring and Save 20-50% + Values & web busters! Valid 18-March through 19-March, 2008. I do hope this fabulous coat dress by Michael Kors is part of the sale!

Next on the Macy's calendar is their Easter sale March 20-23, 2008. Save 10-50%.
See site for restrictions and terms.