"IN" is Buying Local

Haute Market is proud to support talented designers. Two such designers we love are Sophie & Gwendalynn, and Squasht by Les. Both have been seen in Kansas City fashion events, and have had their fabulous products featured on TV.

This dress, by Sophie & Gwendalynn is a throw-back to the era of simplicity and structure. Think Jackie-O. A beautiful creation for a summer party or lunch with the girls.

S&G also designed the fabulous corset I wore to the West 18th Street Fashion Show. It is amazing what the proper fit can do for your figure! Show it off girls!! (both the corsets and dress are $175)

Squasht by Les, owned by Lesley Timpe, has been on the St. Louis fashion scene for quite some time and recently moved to Chicago to be closer to her team of sewers. She's making the trip to KC to show the local ladies some of her great creations, like this cute vintage-pocket Martini Lunch Dress in blue floral print. With adjustable shoulder straps it helps ensure a great fit and compliments many body types. $132 at Squasht by Les's online store.

Support local designers and grab their goods while you can because both of these featured designers are going places! With such fabulous patterns and craftsmanship, it won't be long until they are nation-wide!

See them both at Haute Market tomorrow. Last chance for online ticket purchases is today. Tomorrow they are $15 at the door.

Trend Spot

In: Sun Screen
Out: Sunburns & sunspots
Your skin is your largest organ. Take care of it or it will turn on you. Turn spotted, that is. Or dry and scaley, Yuck.
Wear sunscreen every day, year-round as part of your makeup routine.
Stila has an oil-free tinted moisturizer with SPF 30.

For reapplication throughout the day try Dr. Copeland's Lotion Mist Sun block with SPF 40. The 1oz mister is just $14.



In: Light Eyeshadow
Out: Black eyes

Stila has made it easy by rounding up 6 of their hottest shades in a handy pallete. This season, Stila brings a fresh approach to traditional summer shades with the Summer Eye Shadow Palette, showcasing a lighter wash of color. The palette features Stila's best-selling shimmery, summery golds and bronzes. $40 at Sephora.com


In: Bronzer
Out: nekked skin
I love my LORAC TANtalizer Baked Bronzer, for face and body. Use a very large, soft makeup brush to apply all over face. Even neck too. A little goes a long way. $28 at Sephora.com


Great freebies from Sephora! Get 7 Free eye samples with any $25 order on Sephora.com. Enter code EYESAMPLES at checkout. *While supplies last.

Haute Beauties

More about the upcoming Haute Market event in Kansas City! I'm so excited that it's nearly here because it will be bursting at the seams with fashion, beauty and pampering.

Are you looking for a little something to spice up your summer look? We have three beauty-related event sponsors ready to help you!

Entourage Institute is a fabulous local school of beauty and aesthetics where they strive to educate future icons, not students. Entourage will be doing complimentary makeup and hair touch ups at the Haute Market plus they have contributed a full-size bottle of conditioner for the goodie bags, retail value $20.

Advanced Skin Technologies, otherwise known as AST, is our med spa sponsor for the event. AST will be doing complimentary massages and makeup application with fabulous Glo Mineral makeup, a leader in the industry of mineral makeup. If you've been wondering about procedures like hair removal or BOTOX, now is your chance to get the scoop. Just visit AST's booth space for the info!

Lulu Salon is a great full-service salon in Overland Park. If you want to try something a little different, but not permanent, visit the Lulu booth at Haute Market for colored hair extensions. I've had mine in for weeks and love switching out colors every few weeks.

These are just a few of the great services available at Haute Market next week. Get your July 17th party tickets now!

Great Goodies

A new addition to the goodie bags is locally owned soap company, Great Cakes Soapworks. A fabulous minty smelling soap sample will be in all of the goodie bags next week!

Visit the Great Cakes Soapworks web store and order the new Carribean Diva soap! It is a combination of a famous designer perfume with a blend of fruits such as tangerine, pineapple, pina colada, sugar cane, and peach with a hint of tropical flowers, added to a creamy coconut scent. Yum!

Perfect for this humid weather we are having in KC, the Bug Off spray. DEET free. Made with insect repelling essential oils, this Bug Off Spray really keeps the bugs away.

Get a Diva Deals discount at Great Cakes Soapworks. 10% off your total order: use voucher code "JuneDiva" exp.07/31/08.

Support local designers and entreprenuers!

Haute TV

Hey ladies! It was an early day for Haute TV. I did a quick bit on FOX4 news this morning with the help of Miranda from the Lano Company.
Check out the video here.

Miranda's outfit was contributed by Two Chic Blvd. Thanks chic chicks!
I was wearing a custom corset by Sophie & Gwendalynn and will wear it at the July 17th party so that you can get a closer look. My jacket was also from Two Chic Blvd.
The Lano Bracelet will launch at Haute Market so get there early to make sure you get one. This is the hot acccessory this season!

Swag In the Bag

The Haute Market swag bags are filled with great goodies! We have a new bag style and new goodies. Check it out...

Local soap maker, Great Cakes Soapworks gave a sample of wonderful soap for your bathing enjoyment!

Lulu Salon is contributing sample size tubes of Dumb Blonde, a great hair reconstructor. Especially after all the chlorine and lake water you've been subjecting your hair to.

Apara footcare is giving us grippy steps. Great no-slip bits for your shoes.

Entourage Institute is contributing hair conditioner as well. Another great hair product to counter-act all the hair abuse.

Dr. Michelle Copeland, New York plastic surgeon with fab skincare line, is sending sunblock and clay mask! Great treats for your skin.
Huge value in our great new bag.

Tank Of A Deal

A quick find to start the week....
I needed a decent looking tank top for the weekend tip to the lake and I needed it quick. I didn't want an ugly tank, I wanted to look a bit feminine, not like I was about to go catch me some catfish with grandpa.

As luck would have it, I was in Target getting a few more weekend necessities and they a great tank top. It's not much to brag about, but it beats the ribbed cotton tanks. It's ruffled at the edges, not too fitted, but shaped well so that it doesn't hang like a tent (tents are for sleeping in, not wearing), and it was only $9.99. No worries if the boys jumped on me with dirty hands, or (more likely) chocolate faces thanks to the spoiling of the grandparents.

30 Days of Shimmer

Since today is basically everyone's Friday, I thought it would be great to send you off for your long weekend with a fab find.

DailyGloss™ is a 30-day supply of CARGO's award-winning lip gloss, packaged in individual tear-away pouches. Each sealed "bubble" is filled with vitamin E-enriched, llong-wearing lip gloss. At Sephora.com for just $12.

I love that CARGO has something in mind for my indecisiveness. A few shades to choose from depending on the mood. Or start with a lighter shade for day, then apply the darker shade for happy hour.

For even more variety, CARGO's GlossBox™ contains fourteen shimmering and sheer lip glosses, packaged together in a convenient travel case. Ultra easy to carry seven colors on-the-go.

Boutique Opening New Location

My friends at Two Chic Blvd are celebrating as they open the brand new store location at 161st & Metcalf in Overland Park, KS. The perfect new location was searched for for months. Then the scramble began. With only a few weeks to ready it, owner Missy Hutton turned a raw space into a chic boutique worthy of being called Two Chic Blvd.

Check out fresh new inventory that includes dozens of summer tops perfect for your holiday weekend plans and parties. Boxes and boxes of great summer shoes. I'm always ranting about those horrible flip-flops women wear everywhere...now you can own chic sandals that are flip-flop style, but not a style flop.

The new store opens July 8th at 10am!

Sex On TV

It's hard for me to admit this, but I have friends who have not seen Sex and the City. No, not the movie...the TV series! Any of them! Ugh...it breaks my heart.

Rather than shame them I'm trying to be a bigger person (as I snicker behind their backs) and find a way to help (so they won't keep embarassing me).
The online HBO store has the complete series in a gift set - though only a true fan would likely spend the 200 smackers to own it (normally $299.95 but it's $100 off right now). One can also buy on season at a time for about $30.



And girls, you know who you are...don't try to talk me into throwing a party so you can watch these (unless you are offering to bring the drinks). Please take the time to watch all the SATC episodes, then see the movie. Maybe then you'll understand my strange but endearing attraction to my other friends, Christian, Manolo, Prada...oh shucks...who am I kidding, if it has a 3"+ heel and an animal print or reptile skin on it, I'm in love.

What to Wear?

A special Saturday post about Red White and Boom - Mix 93.3's fabulous summer concert in Kansas City. (RWB FAQ's)

It has come to my attention that several fashionistas are at a loss for what to wear to the concert today. Never fear...your KC Fashionista is here for you.

Halter tops are "in" and sold just about everywhere. I found a fun, cool top at Macys.com and it's on sale for $25.11. We have several Macy's locations here in the KC metro and they open at 10am. Plenty of time to grab this top (in Jr's section) and get to the concert.
White shorts are so hot right now, but probably not a good idea for a 9 hour concert.

I'm opting for my denim shorts and of course will be wearing my Haute Market t-shirt, which will be on sale at the event for just $10 each! If we find you wearing a Haute Market shirt or carrying one of our bags around...you just might score a set of tickets to the next Haute Market event!

Back to your fashion hunt:
Please...can you ditch the flip flops for a comfortable, fashionable pair of open-toe beauties?
When you visit the Haute Market booth to meet Drew of Drew6, do you really want to be wearing a sloppy outfit and flips? NO!

Another cute top that will be breezy and cool, Miss Chievous Printed Flutter-Sleeve Top. $21 at Macys.com and likely to be available in store.

Get shopping girls, then get your cutie booty to the concert at Sandstone. Make sure you visit the Haute Market booth, found near the main stage and across from the VIP area. We'll be featuring hair extensions by Lulu Salon for just $5, Haute Market event tickets, Haute Market t-shirts PLUS a visit from Drew and the guys who will be giving away several hundred of their new CD's and you can get a new Drew6 t-shirt for just $15!

The Haute booth is definitely going to be the hot-spot!

Get the Look - Fab Friday Sale

Still looking for a fabulous swim suit?. Try this popular halter-style by Billabong, as seen in CosmoGIRL. On sale now at Buckle.com. Available in green or black background color. Top and bottoms sold separately, limited sizes still available.



Check out the dozens of other swimsuit styles. Mix and match to get what is best for your body type.

Into the Weekend

What's on your social calendar this weekend my fab fashionistas?
Nothing exciting you say? Oh drab. Let me help:

Thursday:
Prepare toes for weekend of sandal wearing. Try peppermint foot cream by jennyLou Spa. Grab the whole gift set for a quick at-home pedicure. Includes moisture-lock foot socks, the peppermint cream, toe separators and exfoliating scrubber/brush.

Our friends at Frankie & Jules have a few tubs of the cream left and we'll have plenty of fresh inventory at Haute Market!

Shop the moving sale at Two Chic Blvd. from 10-2 for a cute new summer top to wear this weekend.

Friday:
Call girlfriends and organize for day at Red, White & Boom. Mix 93.3's fab summer concert.
Shop for comfortable sandals that shoe newly treated tootsies.

Saturday:
Sleep in a bit, it's going to be a long day.
Attend Red, White and Boom.
2:30pm Drew6 on the main stage!
3pm hightail it over to the Haute Market booth to get free Drew6 CD, meet the guys from the band.
Get colorful hair extension put in hair by Lulu Salon
Buy Haute Market tickets for the July 17th party.
Enjoy the show.

Sunday: by all means...rest, love!

Sporty Spice?

This morning I threw on a comfie shirt which happened to also be a bit sporty, grabbed some shorts, threw hair in pony tail, glanced in mirror and gasped. Not the "oh my gosh I'm looking so fab I'm going to give Heidi Klum a run for her money" gasp. It was the "what in the hell was I thinking when I bought this top?" type of gasp.

Oh yes, now I recall. My husband thought I'd look cute in some sporty clothes. We were browsing through the sport shop at the Legends Shopping Centre (he was browsing, I was begging to be released to go next door to BCBG).
Every time we go to that shop he says something like, "you should get some nice sneakers and some Adidas shirts...blah blah blah...they would look cute on you".

I'll admit that my Adidas t-shirt is cute-ish...only because the word Adidas is written in pink, flowing handwriting. And it must have been hand sewn by tiny little silk worms in a tiny little shop somewhere exotic and faraway, because it is so amazingly soft and comfortable.
However...let's not forget the GASP scene earlier. This is just not "me". I no longer play sports or do anything to exert myself beyond a shopping marathon or chasing my littlest monster when he shoots out the door, naked (we're potty training, sort of).

Without a valid reason to wear said sports attire, I don't see the point in putting myself through it. My friends know that I don't work out and that the only other reason I'd run is if a mugger grabbed my Prada - and only then would I ask for the purse back and let said mugger have all the other contents (take the keys to my minivan, sure. Have fun with that).

I spent all of my adolescent and college years in sports. I was a gymnast for as far back as I can remember. I was stronger than most of the boys. Remember that episode of Friends where they talked about Monica being freakishly strong? That was me. I helped our friends move furniture - well, I moved the dresser up three flights of stairs while the guys emptied cans of beer. I did cheerleading, track (running under protest of course), flag football, etc. I'm done being as strong as the boys and nearly as fast. I don't need to look like I just came from the gym in my matching velour sweat suit. I certaily do NOT wish to move any more furniture, EVER!
So why the hell don't I go change out of my Adidas shirt and put on something pink and bedazzled with swarovski crystals and stop whining? Hmmm? Good question.

Before I go, I suppose I should give a moral to my soap box moment so as not to waste an opportunity to enlighten you.
Be who you are comfortable being. How 'bout that for deep? HOWEVER, I say so with a caveat: just because I say comfortable does not give premission to be a slob. Comfortable, clean and put together, please. Your t-shirt does not have to be borrowed from your husband. It should fit your fabulous figure. If you must wear those hideous, $1 flip flops out in public, please at least make sure your toenails are decent. But by all means, get your comfie butt to the next Haute Market shopping event and let me help you find a little something that is comfie but still makes you look like a girl. :)

The Hair Affair

Shaving is taking too much valuable time out of my life. I'm treating my underarms (laser hair removal) and that's as far as I can go considering each time I do so I kiss away another pair of shoes. Imagine how I feel about dropping a few grand to do my legs! For now I'm trying out different hair removal creams to give you my review and help guide you to a smoother self.

I tried VEET. I really thought it would work but after two tries, it went in the "T" file (as in trash). The first time I tried it, it didn't remove the hair, so I put a bit more on. They aren't kidding about not going over the time limit. I must have went over because part of my leg felt burned. I gave it a try a few days later. Still no luck. I didn't see a visible improvement.

Our old friend, Sally Hansen, has a new spray that caught my eye. Spray-on, shower-off. Sounds intriguing, eh? I didn't realize it until browsing drugstore.com, but it also comes in an extra-strength version. I used the regular and did ok. Spray-on in the shower and wait 3 minutes. Hmmm...that's awkward, hanging out in the shower, not showering. I rinsed and had to repeat because I didn't see much hair coming off. The repeat worked, sort of.

The thing is, I don't think any of these will 100% get all the hair.
But I did like the spray. It was easy. Almost mess free.
However...I used it three times and it was gone. Plus it only gave me about an extra day of getting by, whereas shaving is 24 hrs at best.
I'm not sure the benefits are enough for me to stop shaving and use this stuff at around $8 a can. But at least there weren't any shaving bumps after. It's probably something I'll use a few times a month.


For those that want to do it the old fashioned way...I've been using the Venus razors for years and like most of the versions. If you're going to use a shave gel, you might as well use one that claims to be hair-reducing like this one from Noxema. Plus a fresh cucumber smell.

Of course I can't send you shopping without a coupon! Get free shipping with your $25 drugstore.com order. Offer ends 06.25.2008. Hey, with the price of gas as it is, you might as well buy all the products you normally do at the online store, save with a coupon and save gas!

Suckered by the Sample Sale

If you haven't seen our sister site, the MOBsLounge (Mothers of Boys Lounge), then you should check it out. Especially since my friend and fellow blogger knew about a sample sale that I didn't know of and posted about it there! The NERVE! :)

My feet (and Discover Card) thank you, Christine. I jumped right on to the Kate Spade site to check out the sample sale. I bought an adorable pair of shoes and can't wait to wear them to something fabulous around town.

The sample sale is over but there are other items on sale at KateSpade.com. Show a little love to our Kansas City girl.
The shoe pictured here is not on sale, but who needs a sale to justify buying beauty?!? The open-toe, satin pump has a 3.5" heel and can be yours for a meer $318. Plus, it's my favorite AND Kate's too. We have so much in common. The love of accessories bonds women.


I see a few handbags I want as well. At least Kate will be able to afford a flight home once I finish shopping. Hmmmm...I wonder if we can get her here for our Fashion Week. Kate, I'm sure you read this...call me dear. ;)

Let Out Your Inner Fashionista

Who can honestly say she's never wanted a pair of heeled, poofy house shoes? Oh yeah? Well you're a dirty liar!
I know you're inner fashionista cries out for something a little less tame on occasion. Mine doesn't actually cry out for much more than a good nights sleep anymore. She got a muzzle once the third baby popped out. But I can still here her faintly whispering, "must have maribou feather slip-ons".

After all, I work from home a majority of the time and could use something to make myself feel special while doing so.
Do you think it would be overkill if I also purchased the sexy, red kimono? I bet the UPS guy would pass out from something other than the humidity this summer.

I found my goodies at Pajamagram. Slippers $39.95. Silk/rayon kimono $119.95 - also available in plus sizes.
A great place if you need an original gift. They send your gift in a hatbox!

Save 10%! Enter Code pptr10d at checkout! Expires Oct 15th.

Hot Stuff

Many designers and businesses choose the fabulous Haute Market events when it's time to launch a new product. They know we have the fabulous fashionistas with discerning taste!

The next shopping party, July 17th in Overland Park, KS., has many treats in store for you. One is the launch of a fabulous new beauty & fashion item from The Lano Company.

Healing, protective Lip Color in wearable fashion!
The Lano Company has created the perfect combination for women who want to look and feel great with this beautiful designer-inspired bracelet with 3 interchangeable ends.

Unscrew the ends to reveal a tube of lipgloss with it's own tiny applicator. The gift set comes beautifuly packaged with a bracelet, three sets of interchangeable ends for a variety of color choices, and four lip gloss refill tubes.

An amazing value for this dual purpose product. Not only will it look fabulous on you, but you will be the best friend of the year when you give this gift set! I've tried the bracelet on and I love it. The fact that the lip gloss is artfully hidden inside means I have one less item to schlep around in my handbag. And I'm not stuck with one color choice since it has the interchangable ends. I can be pink and silver today, gold and silver tomorrow.

You can pre-order the product now to guarantee that you get one before their first production is sold out, but no one gets to have it in her hot little hands until the Haute Market event, July 17th!

I See London I See France

The neighbors saw my underpants.
Another reason why you should always be wearing flattering underpants.

This is definitely one for the fashion faux paux records, though it was so under the radar that I should just keep it private. However, for those who thing Haute Market is this big conglomerate, I like to remind them that it's just me and a few gals trying to have a fun job while juggling the mommy-hood ball.

Yesterday I kept the mommy-hood ball proudly in the air while the fashion ball took a crushing fall. It is all very simple and innocent. I started to put on my swim suit to get a few minutes of sun. I got the top on right before the monsters started fighting and causing the usual ruckus. I paused to break up the fighting. Then another monster needed help getting juice, which meant if I didn't run, the juice would be on the kitchen floor. I don't know what else occurred in that short amount of time, but eventually we got outside.
I on the deck so no one could see me in the two-piece, the kids down in the yard.

At some point I readjusted my towel which required standing up, turning around, etc. In other words, I did a full 360 giving anyone in eye-shot a glance at the fact that, I only just realized, I did not change my bottoms and therefore was outside in my underwear. Fortunately my neighbors know what I do and, if anyone saw, probably thought it was the new thing to have a red top and black bottoms. I was, at first, appalled. Then figured it would only be obvious if I actually went in to change, plus, who knew what the monsters would do if left out of sight. I wrapped up with my sarong and just kept on sunbathing. Our beige-housed neighborhood could use a little color anyway.

Event info

Ask and you shall receive (sometimes).
I love event feedback (especially from you nice folks, not so much from the cranky ones).

Event updates and new features:
~A few ladies have asked for someplace to unwind a bit. Shopping is hard work and you want a place to chat with the girls, grab a drink, right?
Done. We now have a lounge area!

~You want new vendors? Done. I have about a dozen vendors totally new to Haute Market. Clothing, jewelry and more!
~You want the latest and greatest fashions? Done! Plenty of my fave boutiques are returning with all new summer merchandise!

~Bigger sizes needed? I've asked the boutiques to get some larger sizes my my voluptuous friends.

~AND... because many of you asked so kindly....you can bring your college-aged daughters to shop with you! This event will be 18 & over to help create a great mom-daughter night! ONLY for
this summer event.

Oh, yes...did I mention at least 12 times that DREW6, winner of the MIX 93.3 Battle of the Bands will open at the most awesome summer concert in Kansas City for artists like Jordin Sparks, Lifehouse, Boys Like Girls (just to name a few)? And that the one and only DREW of DREW6 will be performing at the next Haute Market? So for those of you who asked for cute young men to be present at Haute Market....DONE! Plus he's bringing the keyboardist, Steve. Ask and you shall receive, fashionistas.

Come celebrate our 2nd Haute birthday in style at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS. July 17th from 5 to 9pm. Buy Tickets.

40 vendors, discounted pampering services, free makeup touch ups, and so much more!

Great Deal For Guy

Ok, really it's guilt-free shopping. Call it what you want. You spend $25 or more online at Sephora.com and get this sampler for your man. Simple and makes you seem like the sweetie!

I just couldn't resist this offer and can't wait to make it seem like I'm sharing my coveted swag with my man. Hey...you work your angle and I'll work mine, sister. My MO is purchase, distract. Purchase for me, distract him from noticing.