Fashion Followers

A few more celeb sightings for your Thursday morning...
Mary Kate Olsen attends the Rock and Republic show at the Tent in Bryant Park - actually smiling several times and appearing to be enjoying herself with seatmates Jessica Szohr and Chace Crawford. Loads of the young and hip looked on as R&R put on another fabulous runway fete. Of course the cell phones were passed around and the cool kids laughed about some unknown text joke, but otherwise they were perfectly well mannered.

Also in attendance was hottie Robert Buckley from the hit show Lipstick Jungle. I'm sorry I missed that sighting!

Fashion Week: Celebrity Sightings

If you've ever seen the paparazzi stalking around for celebrities, you know it's an eerie feeling. They were everywhere at New York Fashion Week just waiting for any celeb to come their way. Inside the tents it wasn't quite so bad, but you definitely knew when an A-lister was in the house because the place lit up with camera flashes like the fourth of July for about 60 seconds.

The Haute Market team made several sightings to share with you, but managed to do it from afar instead of the in-your-face treatment the starts usually get.

From left to right:

1-Miss USA and Miss Teen USA. (photo by J. Robert Schraeder)

2-Me with Jack Mackenroth, known for his too-short stay on Project Runway. What you may not know is that he is an All American swimmer. Hence the great bod. (more about Jack later)
3- Nina Garcia was kind enough to stop for a quick pic with me. Love her turquoise gems!

More coming in the coming days!

Box, Jab, Lose That Flab

Haute Market has partnered with Title Boxing Club here in KC to find out what the talk is all about. Be trained by "real" boxing and kick-boxing professionals and benefit from their real-life experience, not by someone who's read about it.

And how can a diva resist when they offer PINK boxing gloves?!? I might even get off my arse and give it a kick. Don't worry, we would definitely video tape the experience, if it actually occurs, so you could all have a good laugh! I think we should organize a lovely bitch-fight in their 18 x 18 ring and see what happens. New Haute Market event maybe? Hmmm...maybe not.

In just a few short weeks Title Boxing Club will open a bigger and better Overland Park, KS location since they have already become so popular and outgrown the original. Also located in Lee's Summit, Missouri!

Go get your gloves on girls. Get fit! Get a TITLE body.

Fashion Week Update

Happy Monday morning! It's mild and NOT raining in NYC today so I'm pleased as punch to get on over to the tents and see what other fabulous frocks will be sent down the runways.

Yesterday I spent some girlfriend time with my best friend who flew in to join me for a few days. We found 5th avenue and our budgets went to hell in a hand basket faster than you can say Prada. Speaking of which...it was my first time in Prada and I absolutely fell in love. All of those beautiful bags lined up and waiting for me to take them home...it was too much excitement for me. I couldn't decide as I loved almost all of them, so bought my favorite perfume for now. I'll be back Prada. Don't you worry.

Bag Borrow or Steal (who have changed their name to Avelle) gave me a fabulous bag to carry around at fashion week. I didn't know what bag they were sending over, so it was a major surprise to find this limited edition Louis Vuitton waiting for me at my hotel!

This Louis Vuitton 'Graduate' Monogram Jokes Tote is emblazoned with jokes dear to Richard Prince, the Graduate bag represents the essence of this artist from New York. Features a combination of acid colors and monogram canvas with karung snakeskin trim.

Thank you friends at Bag Borrow or Steal for lending me an amazing bag for my fashion week trip! I loved the surprise and definitely love the bag.

Keep checking back for fabulous fashion updates on the blog all week. Great news and trends will be seen on the newsletter tomorrow morning. Make sure you are subscribed!

Fab Friday in the Big Apple

Good morning fashionistas! I'm checking in from the tents at Bryant Park where it's been back to back shows for the last three hours. Fabulous collection, as always, from my man Max and BCBGMAXAZRIA. Soft silhouettes and flowing fabrics. I love the loose fitting fabrics that will be forgiving. Bright fuchsia, teal and more graced the runway.

I'd love to tell you more but we must get in line for the Duckie Brown show. Rumor has it that Brad Pitt may be sitting front row. It's not just the clothes at fashion week!

NYC Ready!

Today is the day. Finally I'm off to New York Fashion Week again. It's Spring '09 at fashion week and the tents at Bryant Park will be hopping.

It's packing day right here at fashionista central. I have a dilemma. Do I stuff it all in one suitcase and risk having to pay extra for being over the weight limit, or just bring a second bag and pay extra for that, not having to squash everything? The added bonus of an extra bag is possibly having room for all the goodies I'll score on my shopping excursions. Also, as I'm staying with a friend for a few days and she has a 4th floor walk up. Yes, this means no elevator. All stairs. This is common in New York. It's foreign in my world. I'm not sure I can walk four flights with my handbag in tow, let alone two pieces of luggage. Oh, scratch that. Three pieces of luggage. I also have a carry on. Cripes!

While I ponder my possibilities I'll share with you a morning funny....
My husband and eldest boy came downstairs with curious looks on their faces.
"Mom, why do you need 8 pair of shoes if you're only there for 5 days?" (eight...what happened to the other two?!?)
Eight years old and already perplexed by the female species. Men, they just don't get it. Good thing they didn't notice the 4 or 5 handbags packed in there. And we won't event start with the outfits. Two per day at least! I love New York!!!

Brrrrr....

Fall (or possibly winter) just hit here in the Kansas City area. If it weren't raining I'd be a bit more excited. I love fall because it's just the right weather for wearing some layers and fabulous jackets. I've scored three fabulous jackets in the past week!

This khaki cropped trench by Fillmore was a huge diva deal for me as I picked it up for such a pittance at the huge Deegies Carma sale. Last time I was in, they had just one left, but there are several places online that carry it.
The photo shows the tie in the back. I prefer it in front, but either way, it accentuates the waist and gives you better shape.

Unfortunately the weather in NYC is supposed to be warm this week for Fashion Week. But that just means I have more room to pack handbags and shoes without all my jackets hogging the luggage space!

Shoe Whore Strikes Again

Shoe shopping is one of my new favorite hobbies. It gets slightly out of control at times, and we need to extend the house in order to make a larger closet, but it's all in the good name of fashion. A few of my recent finds:

Two Lips Two Lips Bitten Reptile Platform Sandal, mine are in all gray. $59.95 online at DSW.com, but mine were on sale in the store, I think it came to $20-30. These are a little bit tight fitting but well worth the wiggling to get into them. Ooh la la! Bakers has them online for $39.99 in brown. These will look hot with so many of my planned fashion week outfits that I can't decide which to pair them with!



Madden Girl's Lyisa Menswear Print Platform, just $39.95 at DSW. The purple colors follow the fall fashion trends and give a bit of oomph to an otherwise plain-ish black dress I'll wear them with. Patterened fabric upper, covered high heel and low platform, Also in a blue/brown/green version. I found them elsewhere on the web, but non as low priced as DSW. Zappos.com is $58, endless.com is $49.95.

Fashion Week Countdown

New York fashion week kicks off in just one week and it's finally hit me that it's nearly here! One of the highlights of my job is sending myself on assignment to Fashion Week. This year I'm dragging along our beloved photographer, Robbie.

J. Robert Schraeder is the professional name. You all know his as Robbie or "the Haute Market photographer".

Robbie has been shooting the Haute Market events for almost two years now. He's also done gigs for most of the magazines in Kansas City, many of the fashion shows and even our own KC Fashion Week in Fall 2007. It's only fitting that he steps up to NYC Fashion Week and goes "big time"!

While in New York we'll have a KC pow-wow as we meet up with my friend and fabulous journalist from the KC Star/Indulge Heather Renee, along with photographer Roy Inman.
It's going to be a fabulous trip and amazing week of gorgeous fashion.

Right now...most fun...all the invitations coming in the mail! These are no simple invites. These are intricate, beautiful and not inexpensive.

Kicking off the week of shows is Australian designer, Michael Angel, at 9am Friday the 5th. Michael Angel debuted at NY Fashion week last fall but has been no stranger to the runway in Australia. His Fall '08 collection, in a few words....colorful, strong, bold. I loved it!

Michael's blog shows a very small picture of his spring '09 collection. Such a stinker teasing us in that way!
I see some airy, light fabrics and beautiful, soft colors. EEK! I can hardly wait.

ULTA-mate Makeup Box

ULTA has the ultimate makeup kit for just $19.99. a 50 piece collection valued at $150.
WAIT! With their latest coupon you can get it for even less. Enter promo code 95193 at check out for 20% off any one item.

This collection includes 28 eyeshadows in shades such as Sandstone, Deep Sea, Wisteria Lane and Aztec Gold. 12 lip colors, 4 cheek colors, 2 full size lipsticks, 2 liners, 1 bronzer, 1 translucent powder.
Two full lipsticks in Iced Cappucino and Sheer Berry.
Plus 7 eyeshadow applicators, 2 lip brushes & a travel face brush.

Two layers and major organization and color choice. What a great back-to-school gift for your collegian, birthday gift for a friend and colorful treat for yourself!

Also just in the inbox:
Calling all Smashbox lovers...Get fab in 5 with this set of Smashbox must haves that will leave you looking gorgeous in a flash.

Kit includes: Photo Finish Primer SPF 15 with Dermexyl Complex, Bionic Mascara in Jet Black, new cream eyeliner pencil in Midnight Brown, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener and their new Fusion Eye & Cheek color in On In 5.

A $141 value for just $47.

As Seen on TV

Did you catch the Haute tv time on Kansas City's Fox4 station this morning? If not, we'll have the video posted soon. If so, you're probably wanting more info about finding the great deals I showed you on tv.

I found a few items at Forever 21 a few weeks ago which inspired the idea to do a piece on fashion finds, outfits under $100. Not exactly my forte' as of late, but we all need a challenge.

It was the first time I shopped the store and I wasn't sure I could make it through the racks and racks of clothing. However with my eagle-eye ready I went on a mission and pulled out some pieces that could be used for work, for cocktails and more. Pieces that could pass for a higher priced item, rather than the under $30 versions that they are.

High-waisted Denim pencil skirt $19.80.
I paired it with a white top with a bit of a ruffle down the front and a chic thin black belt at the waist. I couldn't find it online, but did spot a similar style/fit at forever21.com for $19.80.

Part of the challenge is the fit. An expensive item still looks bad on you if it's not the right fit. Don't try to hide parts of your body with baggy clothes. Learn the right shapes and sizes and work with the right silhouette.

Now the fun part, accessorizing. Since I saved such a bundle on the clothes I figured that my hard worked earned a splurge on accessories and extras. However, your fashionista knows how to shop. I found a beautiful pashmina/silk scarf at Frankie & Jules for just $20. A fabulous half-trench jacket at Deegie's Carma, which in the current sale was about $30, down from around $70!!!

Next is the real kicker. The Prada bag that I borrowed. Yes, borrowed! Not from a girlfriend, but from Bag, Borrow or Steal. It's my 5th or so bag from them and I love the concept. I search for the bags I want and borrow them for as long as I like. Instead of dropping $180+0 for a similar style in brown I found at Neiman Marcus, I used a coupon at Bag Borrow or Steal and have the precious purple bag for a month for a mere $150! That's special membership pricing and with a coupon, but still an amazing deal to carry Prada for a while. Get your own Bag Borrow or Steal a PRADA Bag.

I also borrowed two fab bags by Betsey Johnson. One of which I'm going to "steal" for sure. That means that if you love a bag, you let them know you want to keep and and they'll charge it to your account. Simple. Especially great for someone like me who changes her mind, and her handbags, often.

Watch the tv clip!

You're Invited

The next Haute Market shopping party is just around the corner and I hope all the fab fashionistas can attend.
There will be a fabulous fall trends fashion show feauturing outfits you can buy that night from our over 40 vendors and boutiques!

The Why Pink Fashion Show is a fundraiser for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Why Pink is a new organization that will use a unique photography angle to raise funds for worthy causes.
Get your photo session scheduled today. The photos are done in black and white except for spot coloring of something pink. Use any prop you like. A pink top. Pink handbag. A flower. It's your photo, your creation, and your way to give to the campaign.

The Why Pink photographers will be on hand at the Haute Market event to take your photo! Pose with a friend or on your own. Bring a prop or use one of ours. We'll have lots of fun items to choose from - a pink feather boa perhaps?

Buy tickets today to the best shopping event in Kansas City. Don't be confused by cheap imitations. Haute Market is the the KC metro original, the best and the only one bringing you the hottest trends and fall fashions!

Slave to Sephora

I am addicted to deals. Not just any old deal that comes my way. It's the freebies Sephora adds on to my online orders. It's addictive. I love to place my goodies into my shopping bag then, though I know it's coming, I still act surprised when the "choose your freebies" page comes up! But the absolute best part?!? When the mail arrives! Because, although it's only a few days, I've forgotten that it's coming and forgotten what goodies I chose. It's like having a birthday but getting everything you love!

I get particularly giddy when Sephora sends me the inside scoop on a deal to share with all my fab fashionistas. FREE 10 day trial of bare minerals. A sample of foundation and necessary brush for flawless application can be yours with any Sephora.com purchase. Just use code 10DAY at checkout (while supplies last).

I recently hired my fabulous makeup artist and friend, Staci Broski of 7th Row, to give me a personal makeup consultation (which I highly recommend). She used the Laura Mercier foundation primer and I really liked it. So that will probably be my purchase today in order to claim my bareMinerals freebie.

Get your goodies today before they run out!

Music of Menopause

The Hilarious Celebration of Women and The Change®
August 23 – October 26, 2008, Kansas City, MO.

Menopause The Musical® returns to American Heartland Theatre in Crown Center for a special engagement this fall after breaking many records at the theatre two seasons ago.

Set in a department store, where four women with seemingly nothing in common but a black lace bra meet by chance, the musical pokes fun at things such as hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and eating binges. The show is brassy, wacky, and knee-slapping hilarious and runs at American Heartland Theatre August 23 through October 26, 2008.

Upcoming KC metro events:

Plaza Art Fair - September 19, 20 & 21st. Country Club Plaza, Kansas City, MO. Experience the Plaza as it's transformed into and outdoor art gallery. Over 200 talented artists from across the country with treasures to tantalize the eye.

Hours:
Friday, September 19th, 5 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, September 20th, 10 am to 10 pm
Sunday, September 21st, 11 am to 5 pm

Mom Jeans

If you don't know what "mom jeans" are, that could mean one of two things. You do not own them, or you are wearing them now and don't even know it.

How to know if you're wearing mom jeans?
A few signs could be:
~they allow for your "poochy" area to hang out further than your bum sticks out giving the appearance of having a small innertube hidden inside, thanks to the incorporation of pleats.
~the waist band is elastic.
~the top of the jeans meets the bottom of your bra.

If you discover that you indeed have "mom jeans" and you wish to rid yourself of them, please just throw them away. Don't feel you need to give them to someone. If you have mom jeans, chances are you know how to make a quilt out so you can cut the jeans into squares or something more eco-friendly like that. Go for it.

Enjoy this hilarious video spoof from SNL.

Sweet Rockin'

This clever goodie was tantalizing me from my inbox this morning and looked so sweet I was nearly prompted to buy some and bake cookies. Then the mist cleared and I realized the only baking these cute cutters would see is if I gave them as a gift.


The Cookie Chaos set is new from the Punk Rock Kitchen. Each set includes a recipe booklet full of crowd-pleasing cookie recipes like "Max's Kandy Cities," "Peanut Butter Slackers," and "Loft Party Makeouts," suggestions of punk rock tunes to listen to while baking, and a copper guitar cookie cutter.

Check out the "boobtique" at BUST.com for your own set of chaos.

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.