NY Fashion Week Buzz

The show schedule has been posted for New York Fashion Week where top designers will show their spring 2009 collections.

Michael Angel opens Friday morning, Sept. 5th, at 9am. Next up, one of my favorites, BCBG Max Azria. Last February Max showed us loads of subdued hues for fall. The constant: belts. No matter the design, it was belted. From soft flowing frocks to silhouette hugging ensembles, all belted and all showing a waistline.
A few pleated looks and many wearable designs graced the runway showing us a stunning and slightly more mature version of BCBG.

(Photos courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week)

How to wear it now?
Start small and work your way up. You don't have to pull off the exact look.

Try a simple BCBG top like the cotton poplin top for $118 at bcbg.com (left). Collared with front buttons, tiered cap sleeves and empire waist. A flattering and forgiving design suitable for many body types.


Step it up a notch. Start with some layers and a belt like this example from Macys.com, a short-sleeved jersey top. Not exactly the flowing fabrics of BCBG, but a good starting point.




Need a work look? Try this belted shirtdress from Macys.com (was $64, now just $38.40) and, since you're saving so much money on such a value item, add a fabulous jacket like this one found at Overstock.com by Cynthia Rowley for $149.99.


Don't forget to finish the outfit with fabulous shoes! Make me proud now fashionistas.

Fab Friday Fashions Under $100

For all you fab fashionistas gearing up for a shop this weekend, here are some fab Friday finds for under $100!
INC International Concepts Ruffled Henley $49 at macys.com. A versatile top with a bit of ruffle that can be dressed up under a jacket for work, or worn with jeans for a casual encounter. My favorite: machine washable.

Pair with a pencil skirt and these cute shoes in black/white by BGBGirls at Overstock.com, on sale for $69.99 - regular retail price $110.

Have an outdoor outing to attend? There are still some great concerts about town and you need a cool, yet hip look - not cut off jeans and a tube top please. Try this Lucky Brand Jeans Embroidered Camisole also at macys.com $78

Complete your look with these Utopia Sunglasses $88 at Lucky Brand Jeans. Offering 100% UVA/UVB protection, these sunglasses feature rock star-style wraparounds with open-end piece design. Peace symbol and Lucky clover at both ends of left temple.

Miss Sixty News

I am giddy with this latest news.

Fans of international fave, Miss Sixty, will celebrate this September. Miss Sixty has announced its partnership with Italian retailer Yoox for international e-commerce. It will launch just one day after the Miss Sixty Spring 2009 show on Sunday, September 7 in The Tent at Bryant Park.

The site will feature original content, including video and images from the show, celebrity sightings and product. Additionally, it will exclusively sell a limited-edition T-shirt

I'll do my best to get into the show and get some great footage to show all of you immediately so that you'll know what to expect to see on YOOX.com in just a few short weeks.

Great Hump-Day Deal

The Deluxe 5-piece gift featuring the very best of Prescriptives is free with purchase.

Receive a full-size Colorscope lipcolor in Posh Ginger (warm) or Rose Glow (cool), plus travel sizes of Colorscope Lip Gloss in Sporty (warm) or Sassy (cool), false eyelashes Plush Mascara in black, Super Line Preventor Xtreme and a luxury cosmetic bag.

Top Picks is FREE with any foundation or moisturizer purchase of $32.50 or more at Prescriptives.com.* Simply use offer code WARM for the Warm Set and COOL for the Cool Set at checkout to redeem this offer. *One per customer. Offer valid while supplies last.

Save The Date

The next Haute Market shopping party in Kansas City will be held October 9th, from 5-9 pm. Save the date on your calendar now. It might seem far away but it will be here before you know it.

Exciting new addition!
A Fall Trend Fashion Show for the Why Pink campaign, raising funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Raffle prizes spa services, boutique gift certificates and so much more!
This fashion show will not feature stick thin models 2 decades younger than our average guest. Nope, our models will be some of our guests, friends, store customers...real women wearing real clothes.

Pre-sale starts this week for our newsletter subscribers. Open everyone for purchase next week.

Summer Sales

My friends at Deegie's Carma just posted notice about further price reductions at their temporary pop-up store!
My hubby and I checked out the pop-up store a few weeks ago and spent a wad of cash on all the great designers deals. Hubby likes the Ben Sherman shirts. I think his was reduced so much that they paid us for it.
I scored some white Eight 14 jeans. I love this brand of jeans. I have to get them taken up about 3 1/2 feet because they are so long, and at the waist as well because apparently 7 foot models also have no waist definition. Aside from that, I love them. Since I've scored these on sale, it's not that big a deal to pay for altering. Remember...fit is IT.

Also in the shopping basket was a Diesel dress note here on a previous blog post.

Lots of great deals to be enjoyed at Deegie's Carma.

Designer Lusts

The bug has be in it's dirty little clutches this morning. With NY Fashion Week just a few weeks away my eyes have turned to seeking the great designer clothes on sale now. I've seriously been so obsessed this morning that I didn't realize it was 9 am and I hadn't yet posted a blog. I figured I'd take the easy way out and take you shopping with me.

Let's get on over to net-a-porter.com. Don't worry, it's not far. And I don't even have my contacts in yet, let alone in proper shopping attire, so join me in your pj's and let's have a look.

I've just added this darling Marc by Marc Jacobs dress to my shopping bag ($184 down from $368). I'm not sure how it will look on me, but I cannot resist the soft look of the navy velvet. It may be a bit much for September in NY, but it can't hurt to have it shipped to me for a try-on.

Oh but wait...this is a bit more summer-ish and I love the vibrant colors. Twisted-front dress by Single, just $189 down from $315. However it won't take me into fall as easily and I'd feel better if I could wear it at least twice.

Oh dear...here is another. Now my friends will have a good laugh because I'm probably going to be mocked as I said I wouldn't be caught dead in leggings after the mental scars of the 80's, but I might have to endure some scary deja vu to have this beautiful jersey dress by 3.1 Phillip Lim. Perhaps on my short self this dress will fall above the knee as the details claim and then I can carry on my ban of leggings. Was $430, now $215 at net-a-porter.com.

As you can tell, there are some fabulous discounts to be had online and in stores now. A few pointers on sale shopping: don't buy it just because it's on sale. Buy it because you will wear it, or it's not a savings at all.
Remember that you can often have jeans hemmed, taken in at the waist, etc. But once altered, it's yours, so be sure it can be altered correctly.
Enjoy!

A Sunny Idea

Who knew that sun protection could be washed right into your clothes? Not me, obviously. They say it won't change the color of your clothing. Clothing that apparently may not be shielding us from the sun like we thought.



For example, a typical white T-shirt is rated UPF 5. A single treatment with Rit Sun Guard is said to boost the t-shirts rating to UPF 30. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) describes the capability of the fabric to prevent UV rays from reaching the skin. It is relatively equivalent to SPF ratings for sunscreen.



Wow. Again, who knew? And I thought it was best to put the kids in a thin white t-shirt outdoors.

There Aint No Sun On Me

August is here in a literal blaze of glory. Well, glory is stretching it a bit because I don't recall saying so many derogatory words about other glorious occurrences. We've spent more in the last two summers getting new air conditioner parts than the price of a pony-hair Dolce & Gabbana handbag, and the purse is WAY cuter than the dang a/c unit. Probably not as cool.

So what are we to do with this heat wave and piercing sun rays? Protect of course!
Sunscreen is a must. Moisturizer with sunscreen, foundation with sunscreen. You can even mist your face later with a sunscreen.


Finally, wear a hat if you are really going to protect your face. After seeing how much it's going to cost to treat the sunspots I have from years of sunscreen free swimming as a youth, ugh! Who knew a dang hat could have saved me so much! This and other cute, physician endorssed hats available at Dermadoctor.com.

Lastly...one hot outift for this crazy heat:

I love this halter top at Dillards, $68. Just a bit of beaded decor at the top, but a light-weight little number, in this lapis color or black.

Several other halter style tops there that I liked by Michael Kors and BCBGMAXAZRIA. Keep cool, look hot.

Check back tomorrow for more ways to beat the heat, the UV rays, and look great doing so!

Designer Bag Sale!!

Life is good when designer bags are on sale.

Fresh into my email box is this fabulous note, from MadisonAvenueMall.com, about a few dozen bags they have at ridiculously low prices. Well, not incredibly ridiculous considering they aren't this season's handbags. But all the same...if you're dying to own a real Marc Jacobs or Prada bag...now is the time.

This Marc Jacobs Elise bag is just $399. That's about 1/2 off original retail.

This Prada for $299. Sporty little should-bag number it is. Strap can be shortened to carry as a handbag. Lots of deals to "bag" if you act quickly!

Smelly Stuff

I just got a new sample of Burberry's sexy, hip fragrance The Beat. I love it! I don't care for floral scents so this fits right in with my woodsy preference, yet has just enough floral to keep it feminine. Plus each time I smell it I pick up a different note. It's one of those scents that causes people to ask "what IS that perfume you're wearing?" And it's not because you're stinking up the place.

I scored my sample through Sephora.com as they give you extras when you spend a certain amount. 1oz of the eau de parfum spray is $50.

For an extra treat, grab this deal: 7 FREE eye samples with any $25 order on Sephora.com. Just enter code EYESAMPLES at checkout

Go Camo, In Style

Just when you thought you'd seen in all for camoflauge (and a large part of me wishes it would just go away) , Manolo Blahnik comes out with this adorable camouflage patent leather sandal with open toe and a 3 1/2" heel. $745 at Nordstrom.com. Who knew camo could be so chic? I think I've just been converted.

Fashionable Event Tonight

If you don't yet have tickets to the Bella B's Fashion For Hope fashion show, you might just be able to score a few before the day is done. However I have a good feeling that it will sell out and not have tickets available at the door. Get to Bella B's today for your tickets. VIP tickets are sold out but the $20 patron tickets are still well worth it!


Fashion For Hope going to be a top fashion event of the summer featuring 48 of Bella B's hottest looks for summer into fall, all to benefit for Hope House. Hope House provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence to help heal and rebuild lives free from abuse.


Enjoy seeing the Lucky Strike bowling lanes be converted to runways and rub shoulders with some of Kansas City's most fashionable folks!


Check out the fashion show tonight!

Where: Lucky Strike, 1379 Grand KC, MO Power & Light District

When: Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Doors Open at 7pm Fashion Show begins at 8pm

FOR TICKETS:Visit bellabsboutique. com or fashionforhope. com

Raccoon Eyes

Last night was the longest, loudest storm in the history of storms. I'm not sure I slept a wink. As I stumbled to the kitchen to make coffee, I successfully managed to start the coffee, however I didn't manage to put the pot back in the coffee maker. At this point in the morning I knew things were bad and that the rings under my eyes were probably making a guest appearance today which I could only turn into a positive by realizing that it would give me something great to blog about today.

Alas, we're out of cucumber. Really, that works. Just about anything cold will help reduce puffiness so feel free to get a wash cloth, soak it with the coldest water you can get out of the tap, roll it up and lay it over your eyes. Rest for a few minutes and you should look and feel a bit more refreshed quite soon.

Concealer is definitely a must today. I rarely have to dig mine out but on the occasion that I must, I often use a Mary Kay brand concealer ($9.50 online).
It's handy, goes on smoothly for me and I found one in a good color match for my skin. Color matching is one of the most important things with concealer. If it's not a good match you could risk making matters worse.

Too Faced has a concealer with ingredients to help reduce puffiness. Herbal Eye Concealer is a loaded cocktail of ingredients that banishes bags, brightens the appearance of dark circles and reduces troublesome puffiness. Things like apple extract, parsley extract and other naturals help fight the raccoon eyes. $19.50 online.

Feel free to comment here or email me with your remedies for a sleepless night!

Local Lusts

In my numerous romps around town trying to find hot fashions I couldn't help but stop to check out the temporary pop-up store for Deegie's Carma, soon to be relocated to an undisclosed location in the south Overland Park/Leawood area. (I know...very 007, huh?)

I found this super sexy zipper-front dress by Diesel, only mine is in a tasteful black color. Plus, mine was a mere $200 while online I just found one for about $325 at ASOS. Ouch. Lucky us for having the Deegie's Sale in the KC metro!

Check out Haute Market on MySpace and see my new profile pic and me wearing my fabulous corset custom made by local designer Sophie & Gwendalynn. I might just have to auction off the top now that I've worn it on tv, at the West 18th Street Fashion Show, and the recent Haute Market event. I know it's only Kansas City, but I'm not sure it's fashionable to be seen in the same thing so many times. Hard not to when it's so fabulously fitted and made of such fine silk fabric.

Little Pink Book

Here is a great find to start your week. A full face of make up in one little pink book. Too Faced gives you an entire palette for easy beauty. Plus it fits easily in your handbag for touch ups throughout the day.

Collection includes an herbal concealer duo (in two shades to custom blend your own); a bronzing/blush powder; eyeliner (pewter and black) and brow powder duo (chocolate and tan); an eyeshadow trio in cocoa shimmer, frozen roses (golden pink), and champagne glimmer; and a lip gloss duet in shades of pearl pink and vanilla latte (chocolate shimmer). Everything you need for a fresh summer look. $29.95 at Sephora.com

Fashion for Hope

Fashion For Hope is a unique fashion event featuring styles from Bella B's Boutique, a benefit for Hope House. 816-461-HOPE (4673)

Every 9 seconds a woman is beaten by a man who says he loves her! Hope House provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic violence to help heal and rebuild lives free from abuse.

Check out the fashion show!
Where:
1379 Grand
KC, MO
Power & Light District

When: Thursday, July 31st, 2008
Doors Open at 7pm
Fashion Show begins at 8pm

FOR TICKETS:Visit bellabsboutique. com or fashionforhope. com

Purchase your tickets in advance!
A limited number of tickets will be availible at the door!
Tickets $20. 100% of the proceeds go to Hope House!!!!

Resisting Water

Water resistant goodies at Sephora. Perfect for these hot summer days, lazing by the pool.

Smashbox Bionic is the first ionic mascara—it will leave you with longer, stronger, and more voluminous lashes! The specially-engineered brush coats lashes with our revolutionary long-wearing, water-resistant formula for a dramatic full lash. Aloe, silk, and wheat protein strengthen and condition $19 at Sephora.com


L'EXTRÊME WATERPROOF - Instant Extensions Lengthening Mascara
Instant Extensions Lenghtening Mascara
Exclusive Fibrestretch™ formula with supple fibers extends lashes to the extreme.
Patented extreme lash brush weaves on lash extensions.
No smudging. No clumping. Just extreme length and ultra-long waterproof wear. Available in black and brown at Sephora.com for $24 each.


Work-Out Makeup All Day Wear Long-lasting makeup for all skin types. Water-resistant. Stays fresh-looking through heat, humidity, activity. Semi-matte finish. $19.50 at Sephora.com

Fashionista Camp Out

For a girl that grew up as a tomboy and loved running around the lake area all day, I sure was a priss over the weekend.

I couldn't help it, I've been converted. However, as a mom of three boys I've got to get back into the swing of things where worms, fish and dirty lake water are concerned.

Here are a few things I recommend having on hand.

SKIN SO SOFT Bug Guard Plus. Bug repellent & sunscreen in one. Easy one-step application versus making the monsters hold still for bug spray then sunscreen.



A hat to keep the yuck off your head and the sun off your face. My choice is the Go Girly or Go Home company hats. If I absolutely have to wear a hat, it's going to have to be girly and cute. $36 online and at Haute Market events.


Some very cute flip-flops were in order as well. These are from Two Chic Blvd. in Overland Park, KS. they have a new location filled with cute summer tops and fab shoes!

Charming Idea

Charms and jewels aren't just for your wrists. Your handbag can be charmed as well.

Limited edition bag accessory from Yves Saint Laurent, features a solid Elle perfume and a fuchsia pearly lip gloss, incudes notes of Freesia, Jasmine, Patchouli. Smells good. Looks good. Another great goodie from YSL. I just wish it came in more scents and colors.

$56 at Sephora.com

The Haute Hangover

If you're tired from the tips of your toenails to the top of your head, that's quite possibly a Haute Market hangover. Power-shopping will do that to you. Of course, so will a few fabulous chocolate martinis.

An enormous thanks to everyone who attended the Haute Market shopping party last night! You chicks were fashionable and fun! We had the best group of guests who were patient when the lines to the dressing room got long, when the isles got so crowded because so many women shopped for hours. Thank you!

The 40+ vendors and sponsors deserve much thanks and applause for setting up such fabulous displays and beautiful booths for guests to shop. Thank you all! Some of you drove thru a state or two to get to KC and I appreciate it.

Last night's Haute Market shopping party was so fantastic and so fun that it makes all of the hard work and heavy lifting very worth it. And if you read the blog much you know I'm highly allergic to exercise, but this 2nd birthday party was worth breaking a sweat over!

Drew6 boys - you guys were fab! Thank you for providing great dance music. It's always a fun time listening to original pieces, even if you did sneak in a little Johnny Cash. ;)

So many thanks are due that I couldn't list each one. Please know that as a guest, we appreciate your participation in Haute Market events and hope you'll be a loyal fashionista for years to come! I'm taking the weekend off, well, at least the next few hours :) See you Monday here on the Fashion 411.

Ins & Outs

IN:
well-fitted jackets. make sure it's proportioned well for you body too. If you are short, wear a short style that stops near your hips. It will make your legs look longer. Most everyone can pull off the longer jackets if it's fitted. Slim fitting pants are in order for a long jacket. You don't want to look in the mirror and start having flash backs of "hammer-time".

This blue jacquard number is by Free People which several of our Haute Market friends carry, as well as Nordstroms.



IN:
platform shoes.
I go for the wider heel with platform shoes to keep me a bit more balanced. Sergio Rossi Patent Leather Platform Sandal, $850. You can pre-order this style from the Nordstrom Fall 2008 collection and be totally "IN", but possibly broke. Also seen a lot on the scene is this bondage-style design. Notice the zippers. Remember Carrie Bradshaw's shoes in the Sex and the City Movie, by Chanel? Bondage babe. Wide straps and lots of them.

For a less expensive version, try Lovemyshoes.com when you'll find these GUESS brand sexy round-toe shoes with criss-cross straps and crocodile embossed leather with 4.5" heel for $99.98.

Hope to see you at the Haute Market shopping and pampering party at the Ritz Charles in Overland Park, KS. From 5-9pm you can shop, lounge in our new lounge area while you listen to Drew of Drew6 playing a few of his great songs, have a cocktail and so much more. You deserve it!