Top Design Wednesday night at 11:00

Bravo's new reality competition, Top Design, premieres tonight at 11pm.

Top Design's 12 hopefuls will live in a Los Angeles loft and offer viewers a behind the scenes look at their competitve and creative world.

Host, Todd Oldham and judge Jonathan Adler were on the Today Show this morning...check it out.... The preview looks great...I'll definitely be staying up late to tune in!

photo from bravotv.com

Haute Valentine Gifts

Cookin' Up Some Lovin'

1. Heart Measuring Spoons

2. Heart-Shaped Measuring Cups

3. Hearts, X's & O's Silicone Cake Mold

4. Spring Hostess Apron

Love of Travel

1. Samsonite Black Label 'Vintage' Luggage

2. Mink Sleep Mask

3. 'Amour' Crystal Heart Paperweights
(perfect for your Valentine's office)

4. CocoCesca Sunglasses - in pink of course


Jewels, Gadgets, Handbags and...Jewels

1. Triple Band Pave CZ Ring Set

2. Caroline Hobo-Red

3. Robert Talbott Pink Concentric Cufflinks

4. Solio Solar Power Charger
(for the man that LOVES gadgets)

BuyBeauty.com - 25% off EVERYTHING

Hurry - this HAUTE sale ends on February 1st!!

Everything storewide is 25% off!!! From makeup, skin care, hair, fragrance, anti-aging products and more!!!
Brands such as Bobbi Brown, MAC, Shiseido, Gucci and more....

Enter promo code BEAUTY at checkout.

MAC loves Barbie - Barbie loves MAC

As many of you probably know, MAC is debuting the Barbie Loves Mac collection inspired by who else...Barbie!! Peter Lichtenthal, general manager of MAC cosmetics, says it is obviously designed for adults and intended to be a very sophisticated makeup collection.

The MAC ad says, '...Inspired by your favorite fashion idol for all you living dolls". The collection includes lipstick, lip glass, eye shadows, liquid last liner, blush, glimmer shimmer, beauty powder and nail lacquer.

Oh, and of course they've created a MAC Barbie retailing for $35!!! A definite must-have:)

Do you RAKKU?

I don't know there's just something about this that doesn't look so haute to me. Yes, I am always searching for a way to better organize my abundant shoe collection, but I am not sure I want a bunch of shoe-wheels.

I could be wrong, this might be amazingly helpful. If you've used one or know someone who has please let us know! My mother is actually going to purchase one so I will keep you posted on her review.

For now, my verdict is still out on the RAKKU...

3 Great Fragrances

Looking for a new fragrance for Valentine's Day?


The Aroma M Sampler Set includes large vials of their 11 fragrances beautifully wrapped like little candies. Try them all and find just the one (or 2 or 3) that you and your Valentine both adore! available at luckyscent.com




A.Maze is the newest release from avant-garde Dutch fashion label, People of the Labyrinths. Their first fragrance, Luctor et Emergo has a major cult following. You definitely won't be smelling either one of these on every other gal in town. A.Maze is a beautiful rose-based scent that won't remind you (or him) of Grandma. available at luckyscent.com



Vera Wang's latest, Truly Pink, is a romantic rose that's pretty and easy to wear. Try it at Macy's or Dillards.







photos from luckyscent.com and nordstrom.com

Get Haute!

Spring is in the air ...and Spring fashions are all the buzz in the magazines and online. January is almost over and Spring Break will be here before you know it....Yikes!! It's time to call in the pros!




Total Med to the Rescue!

They have extended their Special Offer of Buy three months and get one free!


No contract, no yucky frozen food to buy. Their program includes:

• Consultation with the doctor, an EKG and lab tests and Body Mass Assesment to determine the proper plan.
• Most medications are included and are given at your visit.
• You also meet with a dietician and are moitored monthly (or more often if necessary).
• Once you reach your goal, you join the maintenance program for a year to ensure continued success.

Check them out at www.totalmedweb.com.

A White Haute Spring

You either love wearing white or you hate it.

Either way there are some great white items out there this year, and here is a quick peek at a few. Gold also hits the season big accenting shoes, of course jewelry, and much more....

MAC + Raquel Welch = A Chic Must-Have Collection of Makeup!

Never mind the fact that she's older than my mother...I want to look like Raquel Welch, now!



Her new collection for MAC is fabulous!! The tiger-print packaging is so fun, but the products are amazing!



Some stand-outs include:

• Bright Raquel Lipglass,


• Beautiful shades of green-grey, beige, pinky-brown, and light frosty pink in the Sultress Eyes shadow quad,


• Beauty Powder for the face in a chic tiger-print compact, and


• Glimmer Shimmer to add a pretty and sophisticated (not teenagery-glitter) highlight to the face.

Check them out locally at Macy's or online at www.gloss.com.

photos from www.gloss.com.

Stiletto Strength

A few weeks ago, I asked my physical-therapist friend for a few exercises I could do to increase my ankle strength. "Do you have an injury", she asked. "I just want to be able to wear stilettos to a party and not fall flat on my face" was my response. She suggested a few exercises...and they have really made a difference.

Crunch Fitness in NYC offers a stiletto strength class, but you can also get great results on your own.

Here are some exercises from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society to strengthen the ankles, and some core strengthening exercises from the Mayo Clinic. (Sorry we couldn't find any more attractive pictures:)) Of course, you may need to ask your Doctor before embarking on a stiletto strengthening regime...we don't want to be responsible for any injuries!

We've told you about foot petals, but another insert is available that claims to shift weight from the ball of the foot to the heel. Insolia inserts are available locally at CVS and at insolia.com.

photo from www.jimmychoo.com

Haute Kicks

Fun Wellies...A strappy sandal for the Spring...Classic Must-Have Patent Pumps...and Cute Peep-Toes!

See more of my Haute Kicks list at ThisNext.

Haute Bargains on Favorite Designer Brands

It is always fun to find great deals online!

Thanks to our friend at BeautyAddict, we've become big fans of Bombshellbargains.com. They carry an impressive list of designer brands.

The prices are already reduced, and since it's Canadian, you are getting an even better deal.

Here are a few haute deals:

- Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer $17.99 (CAD) - $15.25 (US)
- Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara $14.99 (CAD) - $12.70 (US)

- Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in Passion $14.99 (CAD) - $12.70 (US)
- Chanel Glossimer Gloss $21.99 (CAD) - $18.63 (US)

Worlds Apart

One of my favorite local boutiques!

Worlds Apart at Lexington Green carries many fab lines, including Nanette Lepore, A to Z, Michael Stars, and soooo many great jeans! They have awesome sales (there is a great one going on now), and have clothing and accessories for every occasion...cute dresses to casual tees!

Their amazing customer service is my favorite part of the shopping experience at Worlds Apart...the gals are always patient and never pushy (even if I have a child or two with me and need to try on lots of jeans to find the right fit).

So pop on in the next time you're out their way...and tell them Hautemommastuff sent you!

photo from michaelstars.com

HauteSkinCare

Haute must-have Skin Care items!

See more of my HauteSkinCare list at ThisNext.

Saddle Up

It's John Galliano's 10th anniversary as Creative Director for Dior, and he is celebrating by releasing 12 limited edition handbags. He created the first Saddlebag in 1999...and the rest is history. These new bags were inspired by his globe-spanning travel, yet each maintains the signature shape.

The new limited-editions will be available exclusively in Dior boutiques, but a more traditional (and user-friendly) version is easily found at eluxury.

photo from nytimes.com

HMS Featured in ThisNext.com's Blog

Check it out!

Hautemommastuff.com listed/quoted in Thisnext.com's blog entry titled 'A Blingy Spring' by Kristopher Dukes!

Hopefully you are familiar with Thisnext.com from our newsletters and / or blog...if not then you must visit. It's a definite Haute site!

Ski Bunny Beauty

Hitting the slopes anytime soon?

Here are just a few things to pack in your beauty bag...

1. Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ Creme deserves its lofty reputation. It contains Meroxyl, the ingredient of choice of dermatologists when it comes to sun protection.

2. Barrier Cream

Skin Ceuticals Primacy Hydra Balm is a great multi-purpose product. Use it on your face (after allowing sunscreen to penetrate) to prevent wind burn. Coat your elbows and heels before getting dressed to prevent dryness & rub into hands prior to donning gloves.

3.Lip Balm

Keep a tube of Burt's Bees Weatherproofing Lip Balm in your pocket & reapply often.

4. Waterproof Mascara & Long lasting eyeliner

Chanel's mascara is great...pretty but not too dramatic for the slopes.

MAC Powerpoint Pencils come in lots of great shades and won't end up on your cheeks after a few runs.

Apres Ski

1. Lippmann Collection Bootylicious Luxurious Lavendar Spa Booties are a must!

Heat the removable lavender filled soles in the microwave for 2 minutes, then replace the soles in slippers, slip onto your feet and enjoy the fragrant, nurturing warmth.

2. Bailey's

enough said!

3. Frederic Fekkai Protein Rx Reparative Treatment Mask to undo the damage from cold, wind and indoor heating.

4. Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak will warm you up, ease tired & overworked muscles, and recharge the body!

Dancing is Haute

Yes I am secretly a fan of Dancing with the Stars. No, I don't get to watch it all the time b/c of our busy schedules but when I do, I LOVE IT! And yes I went to the tour show last night in Lexington, KY at Rupp Arena. I took a friend for her birthday and all I have to say, is it was...super haute!

Maybe it is the elementary school cheerleader, want-a-be dance team girl and ice-queen (ice skater) in me that makes me absolutely love watching this kind of dancing. I love Broadway and wish they still made movies like White Christmas, Singing in the Rain and all the other classic musicals. The tour is just that...one big amazing musical. The quality of the dancing, music, lighting, costumes, it is all so worth it! The band, that is part of the tour, alone was worth every penny!

Today's Fabulous Finds

Check out these Haute deals:

1. Print Pouch from Vire.com - $150 and way haute

2. Buybeauty.com is giving away a FREE Clinque eye shadow duo with ANY purchase - enter promo code SHADOW1

3. Bluefly.com is having their semi-annual BLUEsale - their biggest sale of the season!
Up to 40% off KateSpade, Prada, Fendi and much more...

Frye Boots - on sale for $169.99

Sergio Rossi pull-on boots - on sale for $299.99

Awww....

The Thymes has an adorable new line out for baby...Sweet Leaf.

The packaging is adorable, the scent light and fresh, and the ingredients less harsh.

The tree-hugger in me likes the fact that they are paraben-free and non-irritating...and the product junkie in me loves the precious packaging. I am using the soap & lotion for myself and the kiddos. They also have a great baby blanket wash. Finally, a baby detergent that doesn't irritate my little guy's skin (I'm getting tired of Tide Free).

photos from www.thymes.com

Glam.com receives $18 Million

How HAUTE is that!? Go Glam!

Coupled with the $18 million, CNET chairman Jarl Mohn joins them as a strategic advisor and investor.

Love to see our fashion sites and favorite haute spots making it big!
This [hopefully] helps keep their content fresh, smut up-to-date and online shopping state-of-the-art!!!

Not to mention, we love the fact VC's see the value in what we love and do!

Golden Globes 2007 Haute Picks

Always Stunning:
Heidi Klum of course was one of my favorites again.













A No Brainer Haute-Couple:
Pitt-Jolie team once again is just...HAUTE!

Scariest Pair:
Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore; well if it isn't hollywood party/playboy meets hollywood reformed [drug/alcoholic] legend (love her but seriously together...ah, no)

Best Fashion Risk:
Cameron Diaz - I know the dress isn't great, but hey she totally pulled it off. Personally love her new hair too!

The Scariest of ALL:
Vanessa 'Lioness' Williams - what was she thinking???

Pictures courtesy of InStyle.com

How familiar is this!!!!

Family Guy - Stewie Teasing Lois

Thanks to my haute hubby I had a great laugh this morning!

Haute Read

The Big-Ass Bus is Comin' to Town!

Jill Conner Browne - author of The Sweet Potato Queens' First Big-Ass Novel: Stuff We Didn't Actually Do, but Could Have, and May Yet will be signing copies of her book this Friday at Joseph-Beth.

If you haven't read her books, you've got to check them out...they are laugh-out-loud funny!!!

photo from www.sweetpotatoqueens.com

iMania is Haute...

Want the latest and greatest in technology?

The new iPhone combines 3 products...a revolutionary mobile phone, a widescreen iPod with touch controls, and a breakthrough internet communications device with easy- to-access email communication, maps, search and genereal web-surfing functions.

The screen and technology is too cool!
Check out all the functions at the Apple iPhone demo.

Haute Online Boutique

One of my absolute favorite online boutiques is Standard Style. They carry lines from lots of cool designers featured in magazines like Lucky and InStyle. (Think Alexander McQueen, Adam + Eve, Catherine Malandrino, Theory and Vince among many others.) The site is super-easy to navigate, they have phenomenal customer service...and awesome sales and deals!



They have the best selection of jeans (like my fave Joe's), beautiful shoes and boots, great accessories, and carry a fab selection of men's clothing & shoes, baby/kids clothing and accessories, even gifts, books and music.



Standard Style's brick-and-mortar boutique is located in a suburb of Kansas City and is owned by a husband-and-wife team who left California to return to their roots and bring a West Coast vibe to the Midwest. Sign up for their e-mail list and you'll receive generous online discount codes. Check out their Style Lab...this issue on fashion icons has some great reads!



What's your favorite online site? Leave us a comment & let us know!
photo from standardstyle.com

Metallics are Haute

Make a bold statement or a subtle update with one of these haute new accessories.

See more of my Metallic Accessories list at ThisNext.

Free Gift!

Readers of Lucky magazine will recognize the name Jean Godfrey-June as beauty editor and writer of monthly column the beauty closet.





I read her new book, Free Gift with Purchase, one evening during the holidays as a mental health break. It was a cute, quick read telling of her career from Elle magazine to a failed internet site to Lucky. There are a few usable tips, but the best part of the book are the references to "Above the Fray" (an editor at Elle...similar to, but much less scathing than Devil Wears Prada).


And speaking of free gifts with purchase, look at what can be yours with a $95 purchase from Nordies.
photos from nordstrom.com and amazon.com

Best Drugstore Bargains of 2006

We do love Sephora, department stores and others, but hey Haute bargain is a Haute bargain. Here are just a few from this past year:
______________________________

Hair

1. Tresemme Tres Two extra hold hairspray - Stylist Choice from Project Runway

2. Suave Sleek - shampoo, conditioner, and smoothing cream (smoothes as well as Matrix)

3. Garnier Fructis Style Brilliantine Shine Glossing Spray - awesome for days you skip shampooing, throw it up in a pony-tail to tame major fly-aways

4. Aussie Dual Professional Heat Protector and Leave-in Conditioner - not heavy and allows comb-through immediately without needing to drench hair with product

5. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette - Shampoo / Conditioner won't fad color!


Skin

1. Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

2. Nivea Visage Q10 Advanced Wrinkle Reducer Eye Cream SPF 4

3. Clean & Clear Maximum Strength Invisible Blemish Treatment - swear by this, get a blemish, don't pick just dab this on in the morning before makeup then again at night and it will be short lived!!!

4. got2b in your face pure intent clay masque - with avocado, Kaolin clay and rosemary

5. Roc anti-wrinkle, Retinol Correxion line - all of these are wonderful and haute price!


Makeup

1. Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Blush - in Blushing Rose

2. Prestige Cosmetics Blushing Duo Combo - Blush / Highlighter in Seagrass

3. Maybelline Volum' Express Mascara

4. CoverGirl concealer stick in neutralizer - the BEST for under eyes since it's a neutral color it fads right in and does not make you look like you have a tan under your eyes!

5. Vital Radiance color extending lip pencil in Rose - dual liner / lipstick

6. Sally Hansen Lip Inflation - not bad for drugstore! I'm still partial to my LipFusion, but Go SALLY!

Resolution #2 - Work Out More

Even if you don't need to lose weight, we can all benefit from working out. Decrease your risk of cancer, heart attack, and diabetes (among other things)...and firm up in time for Spring Break!

Here are a few picks to keep you looking Haute while you sweat!


1. Nike Air Zoom Moire sneaks are a great lightweight shoe for running.


2. Nike + Sphere Pro Jacket is warm, water and wind resistant and breathable all at the same time...with a flattering fit!



3. iWorkout for iPod...it's your personal trainer on your iPod. 101 videos, illustrated fitness guides, nutrition & diet info and lots more!

4. Invest in some equipment...a stability ball, weights and bench for at-home, and resistance bands & a jumprope for travel. I like getfitsource.com.
5. Consider joining a gym. Get a friend to go with you and the time will fly!

photos from eastbay.com and apple.com

Haute Man Bags

Don't let your man walk around looking like Bob the Builder with everything attached to his waist!

Thanks to our gals at Bag Snob they've hunted down these Haute bags for the men in our lives.

Resolution #1 - Be more Glamorous

Rut: (noun) a settled and monotonous routine that is hard to escape.

We are all guilty of the wardrobe, makeup and especially the clothing and accessory RUT!
Well Haute Mommas check out the sites below and find something that makes you feel glamorous!! You deserve it, right!?
_________________________________________


1. Jet Ring by Andrew Gn

2. Fox Ear Muffs by Adrienne Landau

3. Timeless Crystal Watches from shopintuition.com

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Disco Ball Rings from shopintuition.com.
Very cool, but unfortunately Britney has been spotted wearing these:(

5. ANY braclet from Isharya!!
These women are the coolest and their jewels well...haute.

6. Bond no. 9 fragrances (just because!)

7. Viv Chiffon-Black bag by Lauren Merkin

8. Cut -out pump from Victoria's Secret
Wear them with jeans and a sexy top!

9. Little Black Strapless Dress by Cynthia Steffe at girlshop.com

10. Elsa Peretti letter pendants at Tiffany & Co.

HauteSpot Interview: Annie Williams, Salon Eight

Annie Williams - Hair Maven and Salon Owner
Salon Eight 121 Malabu Dr, Lexington-KY 40503
(859) 278-0058

Annie Williams is a true Haute Momma! At just 25 years old she has been cutting and coloring hair for some time now and has a major 'who's who' clientele list. Not to mention the recent opening of her salon, Salon Eight. She is a true talent and amazing with cut, color and product knowledge.

________________________________________

Favorite vacation spot?
Anywhere HOOOOOTTTTTTT!

Favorite restaurant (local or not)?
Local: Rossi's
Asheville N.C.: SALSAS-can't even begin to tell you how fab it is!

Style icon?
Marc Jacobs, I guess. He has great classics. I also like Chloe a lot lately.
As for just an icon.................she isn't now, but she probably will be some day.
Sandra Oh -a.k.a. Dr. Yang from Gray's Anatomy!

Favorite gift to give?
I recently gave my dad an indoor orange tree with full-sized, seedless oranges.
It was a hit, and I thought it was unique

What's in your beauty bag?
EBTKS( Everything but the Kitchen Sink)
(FYI - HMS loves this acronym:)

Favorite hotel (local or not)?
Locally, I think that Campbell House is the best.
Not locally- I like small, local hotels; not chains when I travel.

Cocktail of choice?
Either a red bull/vodka( i know, i know) or a Downtown, which is a Salty Dog( Grapefruit and vodka) w/o the salt rim. Oh, and always the Bubbly.

Style advice?
Personalize it!
Wear what makes you comfortable, accessorize with complimentary colors.

What is style?
An outward expression of what's inside

What is at the top of your style / wardrobe wish list?
A fantastic black, cropped blazer and some great running shoes are what I'm scouting for these days

Hair advice?
Always COMB through product in wet hair; this ensures that it is evenly distributed, creates consistency. Also, don't overdry the top of your hair, it gets the brunt of the damage anyways. Instead, section it out of the way with a clippie and save the top for last!

High Maintenance 90210

Tonight at 10:00 on E!

"God help the help when world-class chefs, butlers and nannies have to satisfy the rich, the famous and the demanding."

Will you watch?
quote and photo from eonline.com