More Haute Gifts...Great and Small

"All I want for Christmas is....."

1. Perfect for holiday parties (next year of course)...a Jessiesteele.com hostess apron. Patterns range from polka dots, stripes, toile and more...($30 and up)

2. Bobbi Brown lover on your list? Check out Bergdorfgoodman.com for this Shimmer Brick & Lip Kit ($55)

3. If your husband is like mine, then he loves a good cigar. Why not order him a subscription to Cigar Aficionado magazine? ($19.95/1yr $34.95/2yrs)

4. Tired of giving gifts from Bath and Body Works? Even if you're not, check out Luckychick.com for some fun pampering gift sets ($20 and up)

5. Know someone having a baby during the holidays? Why not give them a gift certificate to DreamDinners.com or Entreevous.com...not having to cook is always nice! ($$ to $$$)

6. This Hot Chocolate Pot from Williams-Sonoma sure beats those packets of powder! Make it from scratch quickly in the microwave. ($29.95)

7. Beer lover on your list?? Well if this isn't the HAUTEST gift then I don't know what is....check out the Beer Caddy from Neimanmarcus.com. A way to man's heart isn't just food....($99)

8. Why not give a Give Leather Train Case for the traveler! How gorgeous are these bags?? This one is even on sale...haute spot shopgive.com ($145 and up)

9. Who wouldn't love something from Hermes.com, where everything is...Haute...Why not a Silk Twilly ($115) or the Eau des Merveilles Eau de Parfum Natural Spray ($120)

10. Lover of collectable ornaments? Try the Sak Fifth Avenue Floral Ornament Set ($50)

The rumors have been circulating for years....

Now, Cincinnati.com confirms that Nordstrom will open a store at Kenwood Town Center in the space currently occupied by Parisian. We'll have to wait until the fall of 2009, but it will be worth it! Ikea is scheduled to open in Spring 2008 in West Chester.

Haute Gifts Under $100...

Feel like spending a little bit more on those ya'love...
Check out these Haute items!

1. Wine and cheese lover on your list? Vivaterra.com's slate cheese board set is a perfect gift ($69)

2. Riedel 'O' Merlot Gift Set from Williams-Sonoma ($79)


3. For the gambing man...a tie he'll be glad to receive. The Vineyard Vines Card Shark Tie. ($65) Not a card player? There's a design for everyone...from golf to sailing to flying! photo from vineyardvines.com


4. For the little ones...from fao schwarz: a classic rocking horse or ride-on toy ($85). The Stinger Snowboarding Sled ($89) will keep the older kids busy on snow days, and this Chemistry Kit 's 75 experiments will keep them entertained for hours!($85)

5. Seriously haute designer, Tom Ford, introduced his first fragrance from his eponymous beauty line...Black Orchid. A beautiful spicy floral blend, it's available from Neiman Marcus ($90

6. Your little sweetie will be just precious in a cardigan from Bella Bliss ($70 and up)

7. Everyone loves to receive jewelry, why not choose this 14K gold filled chain with 14K gold charms from Dirtyboutique.com ($63)

8. Someone needs to be spoiled with this handmade fox fur earmuffs with velvet headband from our fave....vivre.com ($95)

9. Keep your man's piggies warm with these Tahoe Shearling Slippers from Bananarepublic.com ($68)

10. Indulge someone on your list, or Santa, with Harry and David's Peppermint Martini Tray; martini mix and glasses, bar towel, peppermint bark and much more..($99.95 harryanddavid.com)

Haute Gifts for $50 and Under...

Make your list and check it twice!
Here are some gifts for a price that's nice!


1. From Horchow, this cute cocktail shaker is filled with 12 Godiva Truffles in three flavors: Cosmopolitan, Truffletini, & Strawberry Daiquiri. Yum! ($45) photo from horchow.com

2. A classic Pucci silk scarf...snag one on sale from Neiman Marcus ($42) photo from neimanmarcus.com

3. The Designers' Guild Blackberry Case in black or red leather allows access to the keypad and screen while protecting your investment. ($30)

4. If your guy likes to DIY, he'll enjoy the Black and Decker Laser Level ($39.97) at Lowe's.

5. For the little ones:

Brio My First Frogster is a great toy to bring in the car or on the plane...fun soft froggies that are quickly tucked away in their cute tote. ($39.99 from iqkids.com)

Wooden Pioneer Building Logs will bring back some fond memories...build cabins and forts (and memories) with your little guy or gal. ($29.99 from Constructive Playthings)

Bring the Nativity to life with this Wooden Nativity Set. ($29.99 at Constructive Playthings)

6. You'll definitely be invited back again when you bring your Haute hostess the Cucina Hand Soap and Lotion Gift Set. (on sale for $25.95 at Kitchen Universe)

7. Spoil the woman in your life or your best friend with these cashmere gloves from Red Envelope...(a haute deal at $38!)

8. If the cute packaging of these candle and match sets don't have you hooked, the Dreamsicle scent will! 10.5 oz soy candles in super-cute prints from Girlshop.com ($35)

9. The latest in home fragrance, these Alora Ambiance grouping sticks from Beautyhabit.com will be a delight to anyone! ($50)

10. You can't go wrong with a gift of these Italian Illy Freddo Glasses...ideal for hot and iced beverages. ($48 from illyusa.com)

Haute Gifts Under $25

Check out these Haute gifts under $25...there's something for everyone on your list!

1. Bring this cute mitten ornament to your next ornament exchange. ($12 from anthropologie.com) photo from anthropologie.com

2. Decorate your tree with the sweet ornaments and support a wonderful cause. The children of St. Jude Hospital have decorated and inspired so many cute ones....from glass to ceramic

3. Cafe Du Monde coffee with chicory from New Orleans is a must for the coffee lover who will be glad to receive something other than a Starbucks card. Try the Beignets, too. ($8.50 and $5) photo from aldreahome.com

4. Sephora has tons of gifts in all price ranges for the beauty addict on your list! One fave is the Philosophy Candy Cane 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo & Conditioner ($18) photo from sephora.com

5. Snowman Boxers from Vineyard Vines...we all love Vineyard! ($24.50) photo from vineyardvines.com

6. Be sure to check out The Sarut Group's dog collar & leashes for the pooch in your life! This site...super Haute! ($18)

7. The sample sets from Deep Steep are totally indulgent! But deciding on a fragrance is the hard part! ($17.95)

8. For the hostess with the mostest, David Stark's Napkins with a Twist ($19.95)

9. Karen Klein's Florence Collection Candle Mini's are to die for! The fragrances are amazing. (scroll the the bottom of the Karen Klien link for the Mini listings) ($13)

10. For the Kiddos from Toys to Grow On! Okay this one was hard to pick just one item, so here are a few:
-Brush-On Washable Painters; set of 6 ($19.95)
-Magnetic Mosaic; fun for hours especially in the car! ($9.95)
-My Keepsake Portfolio; great way to store ALL that art! ($19.95)

11. Inspired by Mistletoe, the Fruits-passion.com home spray, hand soap, lotions etc...great gifts for the holiday party hostess! ($18)

12. Fondue anyone? Typhoonus.com has an adorable stylish version of this fun way to cook! ($20)

In the Haute Spot; Haute Jen and Gretchen

Welcome to our new section dedicated to interviewing Hautemommas!
Well, just Haute people in general! We thought we'd begin by interviewing...ourselves.

Check back often to see who's in the Haute Spot!
______________________________________________________

Haute Jen - Job: Hautemomma, and so much more...
Haute Gretchen - Job: Hautemomma, and so much more...

Jen, Famous For: Three inch heels, even on casual days
Gretchen, Famous For: The Ponytail

Favorite vacation spot?
Jen: Las Vegas
Gretchen: Seaside,FL

Favorite restaurant (local or not)?
Jen: Jack Fry's, Louisville and Mouse Trap
Gretchen: I am loyal to Grotto (formerly Harvest) on South Ashland...nowhere else even comes close!

Style icon(s)?
Jen: CoCo Chanel (red nails / pearls), Sherrie Krantz of VivianLives.com and Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti of Vivre
Gretchen: Eva Jeanbart-Lorenzotti of Vivre and Tia Cibani of Ports 1961-chic and elegant!

Favorite gift to give?
Jen: Monogrammed stationery, books and wine.
Gretchen: I love to give a good book...I just gave my husband a hilarious political satire for his birthday.

What's in your beauty bag?
Jen: Fusion Beauty LipFusion Color Shine Bare, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, Lancome DEFINICILS - High Definition Mascara Black, Wet n'Wild lipliner #666 (I know...but I try not to be superstitious. It goes with everything!) and L'Oreal True Match powder.

Gretchen: I am a product-junkie and a beauty snob...I love Armani foundation and La Mer powder, Lancome FATALE - Exceptional Volume Sculpting 3D Comb-Mascara Black, Bobbi Brown gel eyeliner (the best!), Guerlain Terracotta Light Sheer Bronzing Powder Brunette 02 and MAC, Chantecaille or Chanel lipsticks, Gardenia Perfume Oil

Favorite hotel (local or not)?
Jen: Fairmont in Seattle or New Orleans
Gretchen: The Waldorf-Astoria in NYC

Cocktail of choice?
Jen: Red wine or Bombay Sapphire Gin / tonic with two limes
Gretchen: I am a big fan of the cosmo and love Chardonnay.

Style advice?
Jen: Always! look at your rear in the mirror before you leave the house!
Gretchen: Edit your closet frequently so that you know that everything in it fits and looks great...you'll save yourself so much time!

Beauty advice?
Jen: Pay attention to your eyebrows! Have them shaped by a professional!
Gretchen: Use a good sunscreen every day...it makes the biggest difference and may save your life!

What is style?
Jen: Knowing what compliments your body and wearing things with flair - be unique - it is stylish!
Gretchen: Your style is what others recognize as your personality conveyed through the clothing and accessories you choose.

What is at the top of your style / wardrobe wish list?
Jen: Concord, La Scala-hoping to get this year:)
Gretchen: Boots! I would love some camel leather stilettos and black suede!
photo by cameron wood photography

A little Gossip....

OK...there is no shortage of celebrity gossip these days....here are a few highlights:

There are unconfirmed rumors on a few sites that Laura Bennett had baby #6 on Saturday or Sunday. I can't find substantiated evidence of this, but I will be checking my online sources & let you know when the good news is confirmed!

This photo of her from bloggingprojectrunway shows a neck tattoo ala Jeffrey that has the names of Laura's children...how clever! Read all about her UES shower, shoes and all, at Project Rungay.

Britney partied in Vegas this weekend with Dancing with the Stars runner-up Mario Lopez.

Of course, Tom and Katie were decked out in Armani for their Saturday Scientology wedding ceremony in Italy (although it has been reported that they were already married in a civil ceremony in LA last week).

Chris Roinson files for divorce from his wife, Kate Hudson.

In Grey's Anatomy news, Ellen Pompeo got engaged on her 37th birthday to boyfriend and music producer Chris Ivery.

Check out People.com, Page Six, and E! for more!

Sephora in Louisville, Kentucky

Say it is so!!!

It's not 100 percent confirmed, but according to Oxmoor Center's job posting section of their website it is true!

Also Louisville's Business First article mentions the possibility of Sephora opening as well.

How HAUTE is that!!

Bella Bliss - haute quality and style

Spring is right around the corner!
This means you must check out the Spring 2007 line at Bella Bliss.

Hautemommastuff Holiday Event 2006

Shopping and Cocktails!

Thursday, Dec. 7th at 6pm!

Private shopping at Polkadots Boutique and Gifts!

Exclusive HMS discount on handbags, designer butt-lifting jeans, home accessories and so much more!

Then sample martinis and holiday snacks at Village Vineyards!
Also, learn how to make fun holiday cocktails and browse through their vast selection of fine spirits!

Of course everyone gets an HMS goodie bag too!

Reserve your spot NOW!
$10 per person
Pay via PayPal using our hautemommastuff@gmail.com account

Portion of proceeds to benefit Lexington Firefighter’s Toy Program

For more information, please visit hautemommastuff.com

French Women for All Seasons

Whether you're a bona fide francophile or not, you've probably heard of the wildly popular book, French Women Don't Get Fat.

Author Mireille Guiliano has done it again. Her 'have your cake and eat it too' approach to eating encourages women to savor delicious seasonal foods in controlled portions (a far cry form glutonous super-sized processed foods we are accustomed to stateside). She translates this mind-set to other parts of life as well...from fashion to entertaining.



Wine is food is my favorite chapter! As an executive for Clicquot, Guiliano has some great usable advice on selecting and enjoying wine.

Along with the delicious recipes, this chapter makes French Women for All Seasons a definte Haute Read!

photo from amazon.com

What Do You Like? You'll Like This!

How often do we see something in our SMUT (People, InTouch, etc..) mags and say; "God, I love those Guess boots!" or "What kind of watch is Eva Mendes wearing?" or "I love Kate Moss' bag, what kind is it?"

You must check out like.com! Totally a Haute Site!!!

Preppy Potato

I had seen Preppy Potato belts on friends and other gals on the street and thought, too cute, but never asked where they got them. Well, Hautemomma Sarah Havens, and a few of her friends threw a Preppy Potato party recently and oh my goodness.....



You must check it out! Now, at first when I went to the site and saw the reindeer belt, I thought...no. Then I kept looking and these belts are really...HAUTE!


At the party I seriously could not decide. There were / are so many cute combinations of fabrics, buckles etc..! A definite HAUTE item! and GREAT gifts for the holidays!

Seeing Red...in a very good way-

The Red Gap tee ads are all over the November issues of the magazines I read. The Red campaign is the brainchild of Bono and Bobby Shriver in response to the AIDS epidemic in Africa.

The Manifesto at www.joinred.com states that it is not a charity, but a business model. By choosing to purchase Product Red items, medications are distributed to people who are stricken with the disease. Pretty simple.

Some of the global corporate partners are Emporio Armani (cool sunglassses, watches & more),Motorola(red RAZR), Gap(tees,accessories & more), Apple (red iPod nano), American Express, and Converse (Chuck Taylors).

You can submit a video for possible inclusion on the 'video wall' on the www.joinred.com homepage and tell the world what (Red) means to you. How cool is that?! photo form www.joinred.com.

Two More Days 'til Victor & Rolf at H&M

Have you seen Victor & Rolf's new collection for H&M? Head over here to check it out!

Dutch design duo Victor (Horsting) and Rolf (Snoeren) have collaborated to bring their conceptual art-meets-fashion designs to the masses via H&M.

Here are just a couple of the designs in the collection which is available in store November 9th. (Unfortunately, H&M does not offer online shopping).

If you're at all interested, you'd better gas up and head to Indy today as previous designers' special collections (Stella McCartney for example) have sold out in a matter of hours!

The blouse, skirt and shoes pictured above are $34.90, $49.90 & $99.90, respectively. The trench at left is $129.

My dear haute husband is travelling to Detroit and I have begged him incessantly to fight the crowds for me and bring these home...sure, he's supposed to be deposing some expert on something or other, but hitting H&M would surely be lots more fun. I'll let you know if by some miracle he comes through for me! Otherwise, I'm sure there will be plenty of crazily price-inflated pieces to be found on Ebay later this week.

photos from www.hm.com

Still Me

I went to the Washington Post's website to catch up on the news and of course wound up here...

Still Me...The Cool Mom's Guide to Staying Hip. There are great must watch, must read, and must listen recommendations for Hatuemomma and the little ones, but what really caught my eye was the interview with Laura Bennett from Project Runway. She has a great simply elegant style and a collection of shoes that even Carrie Bradshaw would covet! All this while raising five (with #6 on the way soon) children, working as an architect and running 5 or 6 miles a day...and I thought I was busy...ha!
photo from www.washingtonpost.com

Haute Halloween Friends!!!!

Check out these Halloween Cuties!

Thank you to these Haute Mommas for submitting costume photos;

The Adorable Monkey - Grace Mitchell - Haute Momma Eli

The Famous Buzz Lightyear - Nash Dotson - Haute Momma Jen (no free gift for me:)

Handsome Superman - Max Martin - Haute Momma Kristi

Cute Clifford - Clay Monohan - Haute Momma Kayla

The Precious Flower - Emma Havens - Haute Momma Sarah, the cowgirl with her hubby the hobo

Your FREE gift is on its way!! and our FREE gifts are...well...Haute...

Spring is in the Air

Sure it's 30 degrees outside and you haven't even started Christmas shopping yet, but head over here and check out style.com's spring accessories report. There are so many cute must-have bags and shoes, it'll make your head spin!

One favorite is the Marc Jacobs Metallic patchwork Little Stam.. a fitting follow up to this Fall's Quilted Stam Hobo.

photos from style.com and neimanmarcus.com