Haute Fashionista Army

Ddub’s North County Hub

2009-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Oceanside is located at the tippy top of North County San Diego. A quaint, sleepy beach town, which is known more for the military population than the fashion scene, is slowly changing that perception. Case in point, Ensemble, www.EnsembleBoutique.com, a mid priced clothing boutique, opened since Mother’s Day this year, has found a niche inside of the new Oceanside Terraces. This building is located on the west side of the Regal Theater, in the exciting new redevelopment district of downtown Oceanside. The address is 301 Mission Avenue, Suite 105. The hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11a-7p and Sunday 11a-5p. It is closed on Monday.

The owner, Sharon Olloqui, is a 20 year resident of Oceanside with an extensive background in retail. This includes a lengthy stint at J. Jacobs. She immediately greets you as you enter the shop and you feel as though she is a friend you’ve known for years. Her enthusiasm and knowledge about clothing and design is refreshing. She sells clothing and accessory lines by designers which are made in the United States. She describes her inventory as “hip, contemporary, casual clothing for both men and women.” 30% of the clothing is for men and nothing costs more than $200.00.

Casual they may be, however the designs are also very feminine, chic, and flattering. We all can appreciate this, no matter what our body type. These clothes are what I’ve coined,“Beach Elegance”. (I just made this up. Hey, it might stick). Upon entering the store your eyes are immediately drawn to the fact that there are many wonderful choices of clothing and accessories. A flower bouquet, fashioned out of newspaper, is stationed on a table surrounded by box purses and beaded jewelry. Ensemble specializes in creative, slightly out of the ordinary apparel. They would not all necessarily be sold at your local mall department stores. Brands throughout the store include: Free People, Mixie, Velvet, Scrapbook, Porridge, Pathway, Level 99, Lucky and more. The vibrant colors and prints can be worn casually, during the day, to the beach or dressed up for a night on the town.

My friend, Judy, bought a white sleeveless baby doll dress by Theme. The crocheted top and square neckline are most flattering to the bodice. The ruffles at the hemline makes her legs appear even longer and the flair adds a sense of fun. She can wear this with a pair of flats during the day, or dress it up with strappy sandals for evening.
What I like most about this boutique is that once you have shopped there, you know you’ll be back. I told at least five people about it the first day I visited. I felt as though I was a visitor in a major city and this shop was the norm. While the clothes are ultra hip the vibe is laid back and lends itself to letting you know you’ve found your new favorite boutique (FB). In the end, any purchase you make is going to insert a little more excitement into your wardrobe and also you are supporting American designers.

When Boy Meets Girl

2009-07-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

The androgynous look is something that has always intrigued me. I love wearing men’s style clothing such as vests, slacks, collared button down shirts, blazers, suits. They somehow make me feel more powerful and dominant. So beware because you do not want to mess with me when I’m in my Donna Karen navy power suit!

Armani’s Fall 2009 collection is filled with his classic tailored suits but with a seductive twist. The tapered leg and small waist make them very feminine. The metallic fabric adds a glamorous appeal and pairing shine with sky-high heels just tops it off like a cherry on a sundae.

Suspenders and a beret…too boyish or just enough?

A plunging neck line is sure to make you feel womanly in this suit.

The plaid adds interest to a plain black suit.

These looks are masculine but in a chic way. When a man has a well fitted suit on, he gains an air of confidence and let’s say, he walks with a little more pep in his step. And ladies, you can feel like this too. Not to mention, many men would agree that this look can be even sexier than being half naked. I would definitely have to agree. It’s the confidence that oozes from an individual in this type of clothing that is the attraction.

What do you think? Does your guy like this look? How do you feel in more masculine attire?

Written By: Linda Gonzalez

Eco Couture

2009-07-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

Recycled Denim Couture Skirt by Sugar Couture. 36 pairs of jeans were used in it's construction.
Our world is in a state of distress. We have used it up and now we must make amends. We need to recycle, and reuse. Innovative artists are finding creative ways to take everyday items and make them into fabulous works of art. I have been creating items from denim since I was a girl. My grandmother would take all of our old jeans and make quilts from them. I would sit there for hours running my fingers over the seams. It was an amazing feeling. Bits of my childhood preserved in patchwork. I recently went home for a visit and found the denim blanket in the linen closet and was instantly transported back. Now as a woman I too recycle denim. I do not make denim blankets but I do make Denim Couture. Many designers are getting into Eco-Couture. Below are a few examples of creating using found items. These items are a bit advanced for the home sewer, however you can find something around your home and try your hand at being crafty.

Dior Fall 2009 Runway

2009-07-14T08:49:00.000-07:00

Here’s a snapshot of a few looks from

Dior’s Fall 2009 collection.

My thoughts: Fun and Flirty!

I love the big shoulders and synched waists. The colors are still vibrant for the fall which is also great. I think in the fall most women get stuck in really dark colors and this is a fabulous way to bring in color to those drab cold days of the fall. I think we will definitely be seeing adaptations of these looks in the real world. The exposed lingerie, fitted jackets, and mini’s I can see women wearing out to an event. I can even see a toned down version being worn to work. These looks, for me, will never really go out of style. A great fitting jacket, a fun pop of color, a solid pencil skirts; long or short, are pieces that will be kept in your closet as long as they fit. Dior takes these classic items though and puts a sexy flair to them. Although we all don’t have bodies like models, we can still wear pieces like these that accentuate our best assets. Whether it’s your small waist, lean legs, or great cleavage, there is something in this line for everyone.

Written by:
Linda Gonzalez

Fashion Strikes Back

2009-06-28T16:12:00.000-07:00

Help us put an end to domestic violence! Haute Magazine will be hosting the first annual Fashion Strikes Back clothing drive! Haute will help women that are/have been victims of domestic violence gain a sense of self esteem and freedom from their abuse. We ask that if you are interested in support this cause you send us an email at hautemagazine@gmail.com or donate any amount you choose to Fashion Strikes Back via paypal at editor@hautemagazine.com. This cause will help many women and children free themselves from their abusers and take a stand toward domestic violence, gain the confidence to become productive women in our society. Please Help this great cause.

Drea Hull
Editor and Co Founder

Rockin' the Romper

2009-06-24T09:11:00.000-07:00

Rockin’ the Romper

The Romper, Jumpsuit, Onesie, whatever you like to call it, is definitely hot right now. How amazing is that, your whole outfit is one piece. No need to figure out what top will work with these bottoms. Throw on a cute pair of sandals and some accessories and you’re all set.

Just like Rihanna, I am a huge fan of the Romper. We’ve seen it down the runways, on the street and even on the playground. I not only love it for the convenience but also because it is so adorable.

This Ralph Lauren jumper is so elegant. The color is beautiful and the material is so silky, you just want to wear it.

Ralph Lauren Romper

BCBG also makes a fantastic romper. This color is very summer suitable and again we see the belt at the waist for added curve. The belt is very important in a romper because you do not want to look like you’re wearing a sack of potatoes.

BCBG Maxazria

Last but not least is this really youthful short romper. The pattern is vibrant for a more casual look. I can definitely picture myself in this. I mean…I will picture myself in this sometime this summer. I’m ordering it as we speak.

Missoni Woven Jumpsuit

So what do you think, would you rock the Romper? Would you wear it out on “date-night” or for a stroll on the beach?

Written by: Linda Gonzalez

Alice in Wonderland

2009-06-22T14:17:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when I opened my morning email to this little treasure! Tim Burton the mastermind behind Edward Scissor Hands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Corpse Bride and my most recent favorite Sweeny Todd is reinventing Alice in Wonderland! I am as excited as a goth kid in a creepy candy store! Johnny Depp playing the Mad Hatter and (gasp) it is the best thing I have heard all day! I am a diehard Depp fan owning almost every movie he has starred in I cannot wait until March 2010 for this movie to drop! It will be a Very Merry Un-birthday indeed.

Lash Out!

2009-06-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today I had the pleasure of meeting Jeannie Owens Lash Out founder.
Jeannie is a Licensed Esthetician and an eyelash enthusiast. She was very friendly and accommodating. Her salon a cute little bungalow situated in the Fay Center in La Jolla CA is a sweet as the owner. As Jeannie applied my very first set of eyelash extensions (a mix of Mink and J curl and C curl lashes... Eat your heart J-Lo) I relaxed to the sensation of cooling under eye gel patches as she and I discussed the type of woman that has the lash out extensions applied. Jeannie tells me her clientele comes from all walks of life. She has applied lash extensions on A list celebrities (she would not give me names) and college students on a budget. Women anywhere from 20 year old to 50 year old come to see Jeannie and let her work her magic on their lashes. Some lash enthusiasts even re-work their budgets to maintain their Lash Out extensions.
As I lay there relaxed and pampered I had my reservations. I have seen some really bad eyelash applications. Hoping this experience would yield a sexy not-trying-to-hard to be sexy look, and less Tammy Faye. I was more than pleasantly surprised. The eyelash application exceeded my expectations. They feel weightless on my eyes. They look sexy, not clumpy or fake and the idea that I can knock 5 minutes off of my beauty routine in the morning is thrilling beyond belief. NO MORE RACCOON EYES!! No More mascara! Viva Lash out!

Contact Jeannie: 858-205-3763
Email: Jeannie@lashoutpro.com

Summa Summa Summa Time

2009-06-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

It’s not quite summer yet but it’s definitely sandal time. I’m not talking flip-flops though. The summer trends for this year I’m seeing on all the celebs and fashion mags are gladiators, metallics, natural colors, what I like to call “bedazzled” and can’t forget the fringe.

Forever 21 – Can’t beat this price!

These are so fun and young. The neutral color makes them a wear-with-everything kind of shoe. Who doesn’t love that? The gold circle adds a little pizzazz. Oh gosh, do people still use that word, pizzazz?

These metallic gladiators can easily dress up an outfit but still keep it casual.

The gladiator trend is still hot! Just make sure to wear sunscreen on your feet when wearing these; they leave the worst tan lines. I would have attached a picture of my own experience but you don’t want to see these un-manicured feet.

Mossimo sandals from Target.

WARNING: When entering Target and are on a budget, do not allow the eyes to wander. Distraction may cause you to black out and leave the store with a cart full of items you had no idea you needed. Just thought I would do the responsible thing and give some caution. These great “bedazzled” sandals are affordable and so cute. They can be worn with a fun summer dress or some light linen pants. I know I’m getting these ASAP. Maybe I’ll order online to prevent any non-essential purchases because clearly these are an essential.

I don’t know how I feel about it yet. I think I have to let it grow on me.

For those of you like me, who refuse to wear flats unless it’s an absolute must or I’m so sick that I can’t even think correctly to put together an outfit, this sandal with a 3+ inch heel is awesome. It’s a “sandal” so it’s more casual but still Friday night worthy. I don’t know if I’ll be wearing them this summer but I do know that they will be this summer’s hot item.

What do you think about my favs? Are you adventurous with your sandals or are you a flip-flop kind of girl? What about this fringe trend? Who’s with me? Are you boycotting like me?

Written by:

Linda Gonzalez

Don’t have a bf? You can still dress like him.

2009-06-03T11:26:00.000-07:00

I am loving this trend right now! Ok, so I can’t steal a blazer from my non-existent boyfriend’s closet but I can go out and buy one. The “boyfriend” blazer is a staple for this season. It’s such a great item because it can be worn with almost anything and can be that key piece that makes you look “put together”.

For instance, you can wear it over a cute spring dress on a breezy day. Just a cuff of the arms paired with some gladiator heels and presto, instant outfit!

Feminine but not too frilly.

Now you ask, how am I to wear this running errands on a Saturday? Well, let me tell you. You can pair a cream or navy blazer with a graphic T, shorts and ballet flats. It’s comfortable and cute. Don’t forget the cuff! It’s a must.

Perfect for shopping for MORE boyfriend blazers!

For a night out on the town this is my favorite look of all. A cool metallic blazer scrunched up at the elbows with a plain V-neck and ripped faded skinny’s. This look can really say, “I have style and I don’t really care what you think.” I like the fact that it doesn’t look like you’ve spent hours trying on different outfits; even if you might have. And you still look on top of it without trying too hard.

Love, Love, Love!

Now it’s your turn to weigh in. Am I right, or am I right? Or am I just blinded by love?

Posted by Linda Gonzalez for

Cocktail Anyone? Rings that is.

2009-06-01T12:19:00.000-07:00

Accessories are sometimes hard to figure out. You don’t want to look like Mr. T with a pound of gold chains around your neck but you do want to showcase your individual style. My favorite accessory is a cocktail ring. Unless I’m going out on a Friday night I like to keep my jewelry to a minimum. Clinton and Stacy, from one of my favorite shows of all time, What Not To Wear, tell their viewers to remove one accessory before leaving the house because women seem to overdue it. Watch? Check! Necklace? Check! Ring? Check! That’s it. Of course having fun with jewelry on special occasions is always fun but for the day-to-day, 9-to-5-look, less is more. And don’t think if you only have a few accessories on that you can’t look stylish. Check out these fabulous rings, that even when worn alone instantly make you look super stylish and unique.

www.timelessdesigns.com

This company is really interesting. They are called Timeless Designs based in New York and they revamp existing jewelry and customize to your liking. These designs truly are timeless. These are a great buy because they are like the LBDs of jewelry; they will never go out of style.

Ileana Creations - Retro Swarovski Crystal Gold Plated Fashion Ring

These golden Swarovski Crystals are stunning. You can almost see the sun glistening through them. The cluster of different shapes makes it one-of-a-kind.

Raw Jewelry by JLRicci - Oval Carnelian Cocktail Ring

This oval ring can provide that pop of color when you’re wearing a plain or monochromatic outfit. This tangerine ring is great for the summer. So Refreshing!

Rachel Leigh - Gumball Ring

This is so appropriately named the Gumball Ring, doesn’t this picture make you want to eat it! OK…so that’s just me. I can’t remember the last time I had a gumball, years probably. Anyway, sorry, tangent. Back to the ring. The uneven gold detail around the rim give it a vintage feel with a very modern color that I hear/read will be a big hit this summer.

What is your favorite accessory? Do you wear rings?

Fill in the blank. I can’t leave the house without my favorite ______?

Posted by Linda Gonzalez for

Look Fresh Faced for Spring

2009-05-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and we are all looking for the perfect look. This season the look is barely there makeup, dewy skin and hair parted down the middle. Think boho chic and less boho this season. While we still love a vibrant eyeshadow we also love the effortless beauty of a fresh face. To achive this look think less is more. Even out skin tone with a shade that matches your natural skin tone, blend well. We don't want that tell tale line of makeup on our chins no do we girls. Pat lips with same color foundation that you used as your base and powder lightly. This will give your lips a full nude look. Apply black eyeliner on top and bottom lids smudge into lashes for a smoldering smokey look add two coats mascara and a sweep of blush! DONE! perfectly pretty and ready for the day.

Thigh high boots / over the knee boots trend 2010

2009-05-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

When it comes to 2010 fashion trends we're facing a year of subtlety and tradition. And while many of us will be wearing classical silhouettes and subdued colours we'll all be in need of making them pop; after all, doesn't every fashionista want to stand out from the crowd?

For women that 'stand out' look is just about to get a whole lot easier thanks to the hottest trend for shoes in 2010: thigh high boots.

Over-the-knee boots by Loewe, Hermes, Hussein Chalayan, and Louis Vuitton

When leggings go bad!

2009-05-18T13:25:00.001-07:00

80’s Bunco! My inspiration for this blog.

The trend has been around for some time now, (Although I’m secretly wishing it will never go away because how can you beat an elastic waist band?) and there are no complaints here. They’re great and totally figure friendly for a woman of any size…but you have to know when to draw the line. This is what I’m talking about.

Two-toned; more like too much!

Or this

I think Edward Scissor Hands got his “fingers” on these.

Oh wow! Why can’t we stick with solid leggings ladies? I mean, I know the frayed thing is back. And I will probably give in to the early-90’s-acid-washed-ripped-knee-trend soon but shredded leggings? Really?! This may be one of those styles where I will have to do as my 3rd grade teacher said and “Just say no!” There are only a few times these would even be appropriate. Either you’re a back-up dancer at a Lady Gaga (link to http://www.ladygaga.com/splash.aspx ) concert or you’ve magically transferred yourself back to Bayside High and Lisa Turtle is your unofficial stylist. Now please see how I think leggings should be worn. I think with a few simple pieces, leggings are very flattering.

What do you think? Too boring?

How do feel about the legging trend? Is it over? Do you own a pair…or ten? Are you a legging fashion offender?

Women's Best Friend

2009-05-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

We can never trust men, our co-workers, nor can we trust this economy......but a woman can always count on her handbag to make her look fabulous. This season, designer handbags are colorful and embellished. And they all include three words in their descriptions..Leather, Leather and..yes..Leather. Bright Pink leather. Lime green leather. Metallic leather.
My pick for this summer is an amazing Valentino oversize bag. It can fit anything and everything and has impeccable detail. (Below)
(Valentino Bag PIC) Valentino "Rose Vertigo" Leather Shopper, $2,395. Available at Nordstroms.com

Now let's talk Metallic. Yes, its loud, but metallic leather handbags are great for the sophisticated "Wall Street" working women who don't want to bore us with the typical black leather suitcase! Many designers including Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Marc Jacobs are adding metallic leather to their collections this season.
(MARCH JACOBS BAG PIC) . MARC JACOBS "Jen" Satchel $825

Milk & Honey

2009-05-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Haute Magazine will be shooting an live in store fashion editorial spread on 5/23/2009 at Milk & Honey in Solana Beach CA. This boutique is the perfect mix of Art, Fashion and Lifestyle. It imbodies the spirt of Haute Magazine and we are so pleased to have met owner Karissa Von Esch. Please stop by the boutique and pick up a little something to jump start your summer wardrobe! This is a great little shop for the girly girl with an edge.
“My inspiration comes from the idea of a chandelier made out of sheet metal, it’s strong and elegant. Every woman should feel that way too.” Owner Karissa Von Esch

Introducing...

2009-05-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

HAUTE Magazine would like to introduce our two newest contributing bloggers!

Danielle DeDora is what you call a "FashionAddict". Whether its high-end couture or discount shopping at local markets, she is always looking for the next hottest trend. Growing up in San Francisco, she worked for many well-known companies including Levi-Strauss and Nordstrom's. During these years, Danielle because a self-taught freelance fashion designer representing her personality and charisma within her clothing. In 2007, Danielle moved to San Diego and opened her own clothing store on the beach of La Jolla. She constantly attends various fashion shows and the LA fashion mart sample shows to keep her updated on current trends. Her influences are Betsy Johnson, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix and Marchesa.

Hola! Let me introduce myself, my name is Linda and I'm your new contributing fashion blogger. Tune in for funny fashion stories, that you can hopefully relate to, and some fashion insight. My credentials, uh, does watching Project Runway count as designing experience? I'm just a normal girl who loves following the latest trends. Fashion is life! Join me.

They always fit!

2009-05-12T10:31:00.000-07:00

Can you relate? You’re feeling ugly or fat or too thin, whatever it is that day, you’re at the mall and nothing fits… nothing! Not even the leggings look right. But finally when you think you’ve had enough, you see them. You see them from the corner of your eye. They’re just starring at you. You can almost hear them saying, “Hey, psss, you, over there. Try me on. You know you want to.” Oh, what an amazing pair of shoes can do for a woman’s legs and not to mention her self-esteem.
Shoes, unlike a pair of this season’s hottest skinny jean, will always fit. Strappy, stiletto, gladiator, flat, wedge they are all fabulous in their own way. And they can each make you feel like all your worries are gone. Well, at least for the moment. Am I a psycho about shoes? Does anyone else agree with me?

As you can see, shoes are my vice! What’s your favorite wardrobe piece or accessory item? What small fashionable purchase makes you feel better on a bad day?

The One-Shoulder Trend

2009-05-12T08:52:00.001-07:00

The One-Shoulder Trend

The one-shoulder trend is finally here and it has hit hard! Whether its an evening gown for the Grammy's or a one piece swim suit for you caribbean vacation, it has "classy" written all over it. We first saw this trend amongst fashionista celebs and now we are seeing them more on the streets. The one-shoulder look is feminine, sophisticated and sexy.

For the 2009 Golden Globes, we spotted many celebs wearing this look including Cameron Diaz in Chanel and Sandra Bullock in Christian Dior (below).

The one-shoulder look is complete with a chunky earring and strappy heals. No necklace required! The look already has a great emphasis on the neck and collar bone so adding a necklace is not necessary!

But were not only seeing this trend on the red carpet. Well-known designers like Michael Kors and Dolce and Gabbana are adding one-soulder pieces to their swimwear collections. They have a elegant look while keeping the "sexy" factor!

One-shoulder swim suit by Trina Turk. Neiman Marcus.$107

Be Bold when mixing colors this season

2009-05-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

We are LOVING this color combo! Most people would gasp at the idea of wearing orange and blue together however they are infact cross-complimentary colors.For example, in the HSV color space, complementary colors (as defined in HSV) lie opposite each other on any horizontal cross-section.
In color theory, two colors are called complementary if, when mixed in the proper proportion, they produce a neutral color (grey, white, or black).
So when in doubt look at the color wheel. Any cross-complimentary colors will really POP when paired with each other and colors from the same palette or side of the color wheel will get lost when mixed with each other. So this season be vibrant and wear a bit of orange with blue. We love the streamlined look of the Orange top and vibrant blue trousers. Be sure to pair this look with minimal to no accessories as the colors are quite vibrant and demand a lot of attention. Too many other additions may distract from the vibrant statement you are trying to make. Also remember to go neutral on the makeup. Think sun kissed not matchy matchy. No reason to step outside looking like a clown!

Swine Chic

2009-05-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Depending on which news source you turn to today swine flu is either behind us or just about to decimate the world's population. I personally feel it is a consipiracy created by the pharmacutical companies. I also think cable T.V. is a conspiracy so what do I know. Whatever eventuates its influence on the public's psyche is undeniable, and accordingly the fashion industry is jumping onto the bandwagon. Introducing swine flu chic this is the next best thing since sliced bread! I am ordering a mask in every possible pattern and color and swine flu or not I am going to wear my mask with pride, I will probably match it to my bag LOL. My pesonal favs are the zipper, skull, lips, and of course the pink OINK! Leave it to the fashion community to make a joke out of a supposed epidemic! YAY FASHION!

The Sweater Dress

2009-02-04T11:17:00.000-08:00

Pictured above here are The Gap's European Collection--Cotton Cashmere Wide-Striped Dress, $78; Pleated-Neck Mini Dress, $98; Sweater Dress, $78.
Sweater Dresses are the cutest way to look great and keep it casual. In these few weeks before spring the weather is still leaning towards winter, sporting this chic wear will feel and look great with leggings or any preferred pair of stockings. Some sweater dresses can vary from formal to a more "independent" look like photoed below, another piece from Noirohio Vintage. This teal and white argle knitted sweater dress is real cute for going out with friends downtown or checking out the local show. When it comes to accessorizing with sweater dresses, the terms of shoes is always an important standard to cover. Formal sweater dress, can be worn with both stockings and heels. As for informal more casual sweater dresses, refrain from wearing heels for the simple fact that over accessorizing with extravagant shoes can be overkill for a more simplistic night out.

If the sweater dress you choose to wear has a print or specific theme going for it adding some light jewelry can really bring out the art of the piece. Remember bulky or "thick" necklaces sometimes can overpower the outfit, make sure that when you accessorize with jewelery to think "minimalist". Perhaps instead of wearing a complete set--Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, Ring--to bring it down a notch. Mix it up maybe wear a necklace with a ring, or a bracelet with earrings. Too much bling isn't always a beauitful thing.

Did you hear us on Art Rocks Radio??

2009-01-22T15:27:00.001-08:00

If not here is your chance!

http://wsradio.edgeboss.net/download/wsradio/artrox/011409/segment2011409.mp3

HAUTE Intro Rate $1.99

2009-01-20T16:04:00.001-08:00

We are now offering an intro offer on your issue $1.99 can't beat that with a stick!

Rock The Mini-Dress

2009-01-03T14:54:00.000-08:00

Mini-Dresses really are the way to go for three reasons alone: they are cute, above the jean-based outfit, and great to party in and look good. As you all know it is pictured that the thin and slenderizing outfits are always the best choice. With the Mini-dress the best way to achieve this look is to accessorize your mid-point with a belt. One for show not only dresses up that triangular shape that most dresses naturally project, but also allows more definition of your body to be revealed. Pictured here is a mini bib dress with puffed 3/4 sleeves by Noirohio Vintage, an online ebay shop and clothing company. This look is completed with the black webbed tights and black tie pleather belt, thus creating a two toned scheme for the entire look.

Noirohio Vintage is known for their individualized mini-dresses and interesting skirt combination's, many of which follow the philosophy of focusing the center of the body with a belt or tie off piece. Like this look here with the green and black pinstriped silk button-up blouse tucked into a contrasted black material high skirt. The accessory of the skinny belt keeps the definition although the focus of this outfit is obviously the beautiful black silk bow tie, that of which hangs low still showing some neck. A great all together piece for heading to a local art event with friends or a small film premier downtown.

Perhaps you want to take it casual but still keep it unique, mix basic and less formal items with a more printed and dressed up item. For example this ensemble shown below by Calico Fashion fixes a standard black deep v-neck tee tucked into a cute small floral hip skirt looks good for any in town date at the coffee shop. Again the addition of the matching leggings is essential during the colder months and to add that bit of class to your overall look. Keeping a flow with a specific color scheme is a great way to keep your style tasteful and organized.Remember to always dress accordingly for whichever event you make an appearance at, Check out Noirohio Vintage and Calico Fashion for more fashionable collections!

Eco-Chic is all the rage!

2008-12-03T13:36:00.000-08:00

Within this new age, inventors, designers and activists are reforming their ways of material usage and consumption. Ever since the inconvenient truth surfaced everyone's been jumping in on the go green campaign. Organic designs among the fashion world, as you already know can be costly.

In Downtown San Diego the Museum of Contemporary Arts holds a monthly event entitled "TNT" or "Thursday Night Thing" which is a free event to the public complete with an interactive activity for all ages, live music outside near America Plaza Trolley Station for those 21 & up. When you hear the word contemporary, what do you think of? Ikea? Experimental music? Try contemporary fashion.

December's TNT showcased an "Eco-Chic" fashion show right there outside the Santa Fe Train Station in the heart of SD. Debuting as "What Goes Around Comes Around", the show was put on by several local donors including SD Commission for Arts and Culture, San Diego CityBeat Magazine and radio station 91x San Diego's Alternative music. The music outplayed the simultaneously passing Blue Line Trolley, the chairs lined up the dark carpet, and the deep blue lighting felt like the final touch.

Although this was no ordinary show, every single one of these designers fed off an Eco-friendly inspirations to make their creations with re-usable materials anywhere from vintage pieces from the bottom of the closet to fabrics up to 100 percent biodegradable. 10 designers, 10 unique styles. Designer Sally Bee created her line by scrapping recycled bedding such as sheets and pillows into fun gowns and formal wear.

This dress by Anh Q is a great red-carpet piece for celebs or artists alike. Showing off the back in a particularly tasteful way says "I've got more that meets the eye". Which ladies, is always a good aura to give off when it comes to style.

This particular artist used 100% organic bamboo fabrics, organic cotton, silk remnants of other dresses, and recycled materials from old clothing. "The dresses were influenced by geometric shapes as well as the colors of rocks and boulders". Wearing Earth tones, especially in semi-formal wear can be the easiest way to comprise a calm and natural look.

Being earth-friendly never looked so good!

Whats in it for HIM?

2008-11-28T10:16:00.000-08:00

For the most part, the lumberjack look is actually really cool. The flannel, the dark jeans and boots, simple either up in high elevations or down here on sea level. These BDG Dark Skinny Raw Jeans by UO are great for the fall/winter season. It works for the common young male out doing his daily business, with intent of looking presentable and effortless.

For men, style is a whole different spectrum. There's always that classic "I don't care much throw on a band Tee and I'm out the door" look. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, although boys as you've noticed its starting to get a little chilly, even out here on the coast. What can we do to fix this?

The most important focus of a fall/winter outfit for guys right now is the coat. You want something to keep your warm and still look fresh, but buying the first wool checkerboard blazer from the thrift shop isn't going to cut it. Just because it's old doesn't mean its vintage, right? This khaki wrinkled twill French coat by Mark Jacobs Fall/Winter 08 line dresses up well. A more casual cover up can always be a cardigan like the one shown below is another off Jacobs line, this black long sleeve broken jaquard cardigan hangs well on thin and medium-framed guys. Definitely a classy touch.

One thing to beware, as I've said the indie scarf is fading out. For both women and men. Grandma's knitted present may actually become one of your favorites this year. It is one thing to keep your neck warm, but it is another to wear only for popularity. Be sure when you accessorize not to do it uselessly, acquire taste and modesty above tacky fads.

Dark jeans, and warm colors turn heads. Dress and accessorize in a more subtle fashion *i.e. no hats and wrist sweat bands, excessive necklaces and or bracelets, rings.* Girls like to see a man for who he is, don't hide under extra clothing pieces. Too cluttered, messes with the "clean look".

For more apparel ideas stay tuned!

Winter Vintage Look

2008-11-26T13:30:00.000-08:00

It's tough finding what your looking for when it comes to dressing cute for winter. Especially if your from southern California; One: you never know if it's gonna be cloudy and windy one day or bright and warm the next. Two: Shopping against the mainstream overly worn competitors seems impossible! You want to acquire a unique look, not own one of 200,000 dresses made by Urban Outfitters, right? This is where the beauty of online shopping prevails, not to mention those local exchange and thrift stores really get more bang for your buck.

For tall girls: to get that slimming look contrast a baggy top or coat with tights to show off your legs and still stay classy. (i.e. This Herringbone Pointelle coat works well with a set of high boots) When wearing a large coat such as this make sure that your dress isn't too long, you don't want to hide the legs. The classy look is always timeless, you'll turn heads without demoralizing yourself by wearing a skimpy outfit. Those long legs could say more than you know.

For shorter girls: Heels and boots are a yes, but only accompanied by some set of tights. (These shoes by UO are stylish and not over the top when completing your own outfit, UO shoes are a good choice.) Never wear bare legged, unless you are hoping to work the corner. Long dresses do not work well with your height, and short dresses can make you seem a bit needy. A little above the knee is your best bet, and for the season tight petty coats are great!

When we say vintage, we do NOT mean become the reincarnate of Audrey Hepburn or Twiggy. These women became icons for establishing their original style and each woman and man has the same personal potential. Become your own icon by keeping up to date with the trends and altering them to fit your own style. Let's do a practice run.

Start off with one initial dominating piece of clothing, in this case we'll choose this piece by Backseat Vintage. The 3/4 sleeve should be enough on a semi-cold day downtown in San Diego and the thick material is enough to keep you warm but not bother you. To complement this it is very easy to mix it up with adding either argyle or some herringbone tights by Stockin Girl to dress up the legs and keep you warm. If you go with the argyle you might be going for a more fun look, the herringbone gives off a more serious sexy look. Always keep in mind, the way you dress says a lot about your personality.

Another way to dress up this already adorable dress is to add a scarf. Stay clear from the overdone "indie scarf" commonly worn by urban kids near and far. Instead choose something simple you'd be surprised what some simplicity can add to an already printed outfit. See below the poppy woven scarf by Cyberoptix, clean, cute, and simple.

"Keep it cute, or put it on mute"

SD Fashion Week Update

2008-11-22T16:11:00.001-08:00

Hello all! I'm Amanda Schoepflin, the new blog contributor for Haute Magazine's online press. I'll be here regularly keeping you all updated on what's up and coming both locally and among the fashion world. If you ever have any questions feel free to email, I or another associate will be pleased to assist you.

In San Diego it is only customary to have a Fashion expose also known as SD Fashion Week once in October with the winter line then again in March for the spring line. To get ahead start I figure why not lets get a look at who's coming out for this years line up of designers! Every style has its designer, working behind the "seams".

Logan A. Shultz aka Loganberry Crumble is featured as "kind of a big deal" down in Lancaster Pennsylvania. Designer. Artist. Student. Musician. Where does he draw the line? In his first year at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Shultz scrapes pennies to get what he wants. Being fairly new within the fashion design community, with only two months of experience under his tight belt he has managed to land a spot as the 16th designer showcasing some of his creations at San Diego's Fashion Week in March of '08. Releasing a small and very experimental line entitled "Charlamagne and Penelope".

Although little is known about this debuting line, when asked about the Charlamagne and Penelope collection Shultz says, "its pretty much an alternative style, something for everyday people, to represent that fact that if I don't feel like I wouldn't wear it, then I don't want to make it."

Stay tuned for more updates for SD Fashion Week!
Thanks everyone.

--Amanda Schoepflin

Hautes Fashion Do's & Don'ts!

2008-07-06T02:04:00.000-07:00

Too bare, too young, too tacky: these things all make for some very interesting fashion don'ts. See Hautes favorite Do's and Don'ts.

And Away We Go Ladies.

Do wear color near your face.
Do soften the hard lines of a suit with a lace top underneath.
Don't wear sweaters so long that they make you look short.
Do borrow your husband's clothes.
Don't wear acid-washed jeans.
Cropped pants can make you look shorter.
Do wear a hipslip or minimizer under tight clothes.
Do have a stash of basics on hand: T-shirts, leggings, black socks and tights.
Patterned leggings can make legs look heavier.
Monochromatic outfits are one of the best slimming secrets there is.
Don't overaccessorize.
Lies, Lies, Lies
* Nice girls don't wear white after Labor Day.
* You shouldn't wear suede shoes in summer or patent leather in winter.
* Handbags have to match your outfit.
* Black is boring.
* If you wear two pieces that are both navy, the colors have to match.
(It's all but impossible.)

Elements of Style
Do...
* Try something that's "not you" once in a while.
* Adapt trends so that they work for you--and adapt is the key word
here. A plaid minikilt isn't for everyone, for example. But if you love
the look, try a longer plaid skirt.
* Hold on to a few of your favorite outdated pieces. You never know!
* Add a couple of stylish, inexpensive things to your wardrobe each season.
Don't...
* Force yourself to wear something for somebody else.
* Dress like a teenager.
* Mix two seasons in one outfit.
* Wear really casual shorts or beach sandals on dress-down Fridays.

Color
Wear black with navy. Trust us! Both of them also go with...
* cream * white * beige * brown
...and the combinations are timelessly elegant.
Don't wear too many colors at once.
If you find an inexpensive, basic item that fits well, buy it in several colors.
10 Must-Haves For Fall
(To Buy or Dig Out from Your Closet)
1. White blouse
2. One perfect dress
3. A pleated or A-line skirt
4. Boots--tall or short
5. A mohair sweater--yes, they're back
6. Anything plaid
7. A pea coat in navy or black
8. A short, fitted blazer or a long, tailored style
9. Tapered trousers
10. Pretty pastels--a jacket, sweater, skirt or all of the above

Dressing Up
* Do wear black for an evening affair if the event is black tie.
* Do keep dyed shoes in the closet with the bridesmaid dress.
* Do take advantage of the "Bring 'em back--shoes, that is--we'll dye
'em black" policy. Don't, however, wear dyed shoes if there's any chance
of snow or rain. The color is likely to bleed.
* Do carry a small evening bag and don't overstuff it.
* Do sew Velcro on strapless bras and on your dress to keep everything in place.
* Don't wear a casual watch with very dressy clothes.
* Don't wear a casual jacket over a fancy dress.
* Don't wear anything too tight, too sexy or too see-through.
* Don't wear uncomfortable shoes.
* Don't upstage the bride in something that's too attention getting.

Classics
Do's
* Pearls. Need we say anything more?
* A chambray shirt under a blazer.
* The perfect little black dress. Every closet should have one.
* Twin-sweater-sets that do double duty in your wardrobe.
* Opaque hose with Lycra spandex are a girl's best friend.
Don'ts
* Anything that's obviously left over from days of yore-
-especially if it's polyester with topstitching.
* Linen in winter.
* Skirts so narrow that you can't walk.
* Jogging suits when you have no intention of jogging.
* Too many patterns at one time.
The All-Time, Best-Ever, Never-Fail, A-Number-One Figure Do:
Learn to love your body, flaws and all.

Figure It Out
Do...
* Buy elastic-waist pants and skirts--they're more comfortable.
* Emphasize your best feature: Great legs? Wear short skirts.
* Create balance by wearing shoulder pads--they can make your hips look smaller.
* Wear loose, comfortable clothes in soft, drapey fabrics. They're forever forgiving.
* Road test bodyshaper pantyhose before you wear them.
* Buy a supportive bra--everything will fit better.
* Wear dark opaque hose or tights with short skirts.
* Match hose to shoes for a slimming silhouette.
* Choose belts that match your pants for an unbroken line.
* Opt for pinstripes rather than wide vertical stripes.
Do...
Make sure your hemline suits your legs:
* If you love your legs, anywhere above the knee is fine. (Above midthigh is pushing
it, though, no matter what your legs look like.)
* For heavy legs, go below the bottom of the calf.
* If you have heavy ankles, stick to longer lengths, but don't try to cover them since you
only trip on your hem. Slip on a pair of matching opaque hose instead.
* Treat yourself to a new outfit when you lose a few pounds.
* Opt for jackets with soft, body-skimming lines.
* Take advantage of cover-it-all tunic tops.
* Wear layers of streamlined knits, not bulky ones. They're universally flattering.
* Make sure you have one outfit that you know you'll feel good in--even on "fat" days.
Don't...
* Wear a skimpy dress unless you're sure that you look good in it--absolutely sure.
* Fall victim to the whims of fashion and wear ultrawide-leg pants--especially if
you're petite.
* Reveal too much when you wear leggings. Even if your rear end is supertoned,
always wear a top that covers it.
* Buy pants or skirts without checking out your rear view. And when you try on
pants, always sit down in them.

Figure Fantasy vs. Figure Fact
Buying something a size too small will inspire me to lose weight.
Maybe, but it's much more likely that you'll never wear it.

Battling the Bustline
If you're large-busted, skip...
wide belts, long necklaces, big pins

And go for...
Blouses that minimize:
* softly draped (but not oversized) styles in silk or polyester.
* simple V necklines without pockets.
Dark colors on top, light ones on bottom.
A bright jacket over a dark top.

Taming the Tummy
If your stomach is not as flat as you would like it to be, skip...
tucked-in blouses, cropped tops, belted jackets

And go for... tunic tops ... loose jackets ... softly pleated pants

Slimming the Bottom Half

If your hips and thighs are less than svelte, skip...
leggings, big patterns below the belt, narrow trousers

And go for... * loose-fitting trousers * long jackets * long flowing skirts

5 Faux Pas
(No Matter What Your Figure)
1. Tops that draw unnecessary attention.
2. Jeans that don't fit perfectly. Finally, there are styles for every conceivable
figure--flaws and all.
3. Long full jackets paired with long full skirts.
4. Anything so tight that it looks as if the seams might split.
5. Stiff, boxy jackets. Not only are they unflattering, they're uncomfortable
as all get out.

Investments
Good eyeglass frames. Don't, however, wear them on a clunky chain around
your neck. If you must, choose something a little more subtle.
-A good, versatile scarf that goes with the colors you wear most. And
look for silk crepe versions. They're usually easier to tie and more
likely to stay that way.
-A well-made jacket in a 3-season fabric--lightweight wool or gabardine.
What's the mark of well-made? Look for fully lined versions with sturdy,
well-sewn seams.
-A good bag that will last for years, big enough for all your essentials,
but not too big.
-At least one well-made pair of pants (or a skirt, for that matter) that
you can wear for three seasons. By the way, pleats are fine as long as
they're not stiff.
-A pair of classic pumps. Look for: leather, heels no higher than two
inches, and a natural, versatile color like black, navy or ivory.

Jewelry
Do...
* Wear ivory and tortoiseshell, but only if they're fake.
* Assemble a collection of good, basic costume jewelry:
* a pair of matching gold bangle bracelets, or a gold cuff not wider than
an inch and a half.
*link necklaces in varying lengths.
* a pair of simple gold hoop earrings, or gold button-style clip-ons.
* Buy a two-tone watch so that you can wear it with silver or gold jewelry.
* Keep your jewelry organized. Even egg cartons or plastic silverware trays will do.
* Wear large earrings if you're a large woman--you're among the few who can
carry them off.
Don't...
* Wear jewelry that jingles when you walk.
* Pierce your ears more than twice in each lobe. Never wear earrings so heavy
that they stretch your lobes.
* Mix your metals. Silver jewelry is out of the question if your jacket has
gold buttons.
* Wear rhinestones before 6 p.m.
* Squeeze a large neck into a dainty choker. It just doesn't work.

Accessories

Belts
* Do wear a belt with a gold buckle if you are wearing gold jewelry.
* Do cover elastic waists with belts or scarves.
* Don't assume that you must, in every circumstance, match your belt and
shoes. But don't stray too far afield either.
* Do wear a belt whenever you wear clothing with belt loops.
* Do wear belts made of leather. If they aren't, they should at least
look like they are.
* Do replace belts when they start to look shabby. Or take them to a
shoe-repair store for reconditioning.

Scarves

* Do iron them on low!!!
* Do think twice before you wear a print scarf with a print outfit. To
make it work, you need a dotted jacket and dotted scarf, for example.
* Don't wear a long one dangling from your shoulder. Even if you can
manage not to lose the thing, it screams fashion victim.
* Do keep scarves folded in clear plastic containers or in plastic bags.

Bags

Whatever you do, DON'T...
* carry more than two at once
* overstuff them
* carry anything bigger than a bread box.

Do learn at least one great way to tie a square scarf.
* Fold in half to form a triangle; then fold it, from the point end
toward the flat side, until it's about 1 1/2" wide.
* Wrap around neck from front to back.
* Bring ends back around to front and knot.

Just Say No

* Impossibly trendy jewelry like nose and navel rings
* See-through clothes
* Extremely high heels
* Fake Chanel anything
* Baby-doll dresses
* Slouchy socks
* Huge shoulder pads
* Fishnet stockings
* Ankle bracelets under pantyhose
* Baggy sweatsuits
* Aprons, unless they're in the kitchen
* Thigh-high skirts
* The schoolgirl look
* Bra tops
* Socks and sneakers with a suit
* Ultra-cropped tops. If your belly button shows, skip it
* High heels with jeans
* Sunglasses at night or indoors

5 Closet Classics

* Organize your closet by item (all skirts together, all jackets
together etc.) rather than by outfit or color. You'll see more
mix-and-match potential.
* Invest in shoe trees. They'll keep your shoes
in better condition (we promise) and keep all that closet clutter to a
minimum.
* Slip belts over hangers.
* Buy padded hangers for delicate items.
* Keep longer clothes on one side of the closet.

Shopping
Do...
* Buy things that go with at least two other things you already own.
* Shop in consignment shops.
* Ask salespeople to call you when they know there is going to be a sale.
* Shop in the men's department for basics. They're usually much cheaper
and offer a larger variety.
* Buy it if you absolutely love it. Next time it may not be there.
* Keep receipts in case you want to return something that goes on sale. And
don't be shy about doing so!
* Take advantage of the convenience of catalogs. But be careful! It's easy to
overspend if it doesn't feel like you're shopping. Before you pick up the phone:
Set a limit.
Make a list.
And for every piece you plan to order, take something out of your closet and
lay it in front of you. If you see things piled up, you'll be less likely to
lose your head.
* Ask about free tailoring and personal-shopping services.
* Take a friend along with you. Not only can she can tell you how things look
from the back, she can save you from yourself--"A hundred dollars? For that???"
Don't Be Afraid to...

* Check the sales racks in better department stores.
* Say no to a salesperson.
* Spend a little extra for a classic item that you know will last.
* Ask if the store will discount an item for a missing button or a loose hem.

The Extras: Maintenance
Do...
* Hem your cuffs. And bear in mind that if you're tall, you can get away with
a wider cuff.
* Treat your clothes with loving care. And buy clothes you can afford to take care of.
* Hang woolens out for 24 hours after wearing them to air them out.
* Clip out labels from sheer blouses and bras.
* Use liquid detergent when washing darks.
* Dry-clean and store winter clothes in the summer, and vice versa.
* Bleach whites that are bleach safe.
* Save time and iron only the cuffs and collars of blouses you are wearing under a
sweater or jacket.
* Redye black jeans when they start to fade.
* Keep white canvas sneakers white by soaking them in one part water to one
part bleach.
* Use spray starch.
* Sew bra hooks onto shoulder straps that always slip.
* Carry a portable sewing kit in your purse.
* Buy a steamer to dewrinkle your clothes in a jiffy.
Don't...
* Try to wash something that says "dry-clean only" unless you're willing to part
with it for good.
* Rehang clothes that are in need of repairs. Fix them first.
* Hang sweaters.
* Alter expensive clothes yourself, unless you really know you can.

The 7 Deadly Shopping Sins

* Wearing lace-up shoes--you'll double your time in the changing room.
* Spending more than you should on trendy items. If you absolutely must have
that silver lame blouse, set a limit before you get to the store.
* Buying on impulse just because something is on sale.
* Using a credit card when you can spare the cash.
* Shopping without a list, even if it's just in your head.
* Looking like a schlump when you shop. If you don't put some effort into your
hair and makeup, you'll feel like nothing looks good on you.
* Shopping with your husband. Why torture one another?

Keep It Classy Not Trashy My Fellow Haute Girls!
xoxo
Fashionista!

Model Call

2008-06-30T13:27:00.000-07:00

HAUTE Fashion Magazine is now looking for FRESH NEW FACES!! for future EDITORIALS and Fashion Show PRODUCTIONS

We are looking for Fashion, Commercial and Swimwear Models, breakdown as follows:
Only submit photos if you meet these requirements! No exceptions!
Female: All ethnicities, ages 15 - 25, 5'6" - 5'11",
dress size 0 - 6, 37" hips or less, and beautiful, striking looks.
Male: All ethnicities, ages 18 - 25, 5'11" - 6'1", suit 38R - 42R, handsome and striking looks.
We are looking for established models and fresh faces.

Please send a small photo or two in
JPG FORMAT ONLY!
Do NOT send ZIP files, bmp files, doc files, word files, etc!
AOL users, please send one picture ata time.
(AOL automatically puts pics in a ZIP file and we can not open ZIP files.)

Please email photos, measurements, age and contact information to:
hautemagazine@gmail.com

You must include the following stats with photo:
Age - Height - Weight - Chest - Waist - Hips - Dress - Shoe - Hair - Eyes - Ethnicity

Bring your books, comp cards, photos with you and come camera ready for a test shoot if selected for an interview.
If unable to attend, you may email photos, measurements, age and contact information to:
hautemagazine@gmail.com

Please read the following 14 Terms and Conditions first!

1. We can not accept submissions by URL or web site. (Sorry, but it takes too much time to search web pages looking for model # 34977, 28th picture down on the left!)
2. You must be at least 15 years old at time of submission.
3. If you are under 18, you must have parent's permission to submit photos and stats.
4. You must include your full name, age, address, phone number(s) and recent photo.
5. We are now accepting submissions from male models as well.
6. You do not have to submit professional photos - snapshots are fine.
7. If selected, we may contact you if you are under consideration.
8. There is no 'questionable content' on this site and we are not associated with any sites that have it.
9. Your information and photo will never be used for any other purpose without your permission.
10. Any compensation to model will be at our discretion.
11. You will not receive a personal reply to your submission unless you are up for consideration.
12. Terms and Conditions are subject to change at our discretion and without notice.
13. We are not accepting submissions from third parties at this time.
14. An interesting look is a factor, of course, but a pleasant and cooperative attitude is equally

Director of Creative Services
Mark Vargas

Visit these sites

www.photographybymarkvargas.com

Location: Everywhere!
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Compensation: no pay

Sugar Couture on the Fashion Week San Diego Runway

2008-06-23T09:57:00.001-07:00

Tickets Now on Sale - Fashion Week San Diego

We know you've been waiting and, finally, the time has come. Fashion Week San Diego tickets are now on sale. There are a limited number available to the public so don't wait or your chance to experience the world's only bi-national fashion week will be gone!

Don't miss this unprecendented event taking place September 28 - October 5, 2008 at the Sheraton San Diego Marina and Hotel.

Fashion Week San Diego - Tickets Now on Sale
Fashion Week San Diego is offering a limited number of tickets to the general public and now is your chance to purchase them. Various ticket prices are available, ranging from single day passes to VIP passes, which will get you inside the hottest fashion shows and most exclusive parties all week long.
Click here to purchase tickets now!

Fashion Week San Diego - Designer Lineup
Fashion Week San Diego is the world’s only bi-national fashion week. The event will highlight the fashion industry that thrives in Southern California, presenting designers from both the United States and Mexico.

“This in-depth look at Southern California’s fashion culture is absolutely unprecedented,” explains Allison Andrews, president of Fashion Week San Diego. “A seamless display of a fashion culture that knows no borders will mesmerize San Diego this fall.”

This year's killer lineup features the following designers:

• Amillie
• Charmone Shoes
• Fashion Overdose
• Fuegorosa
• G-Star
• Jeans for Justice
• Jorge Corella Designs
• Lauren-Elaine Designs
• Lizz Russell
• Lust4Luxe
• MADE Jewelry
• Nelli USA
• Parris Harris
• Sergio Alcala
• Stacie May
• Sweet Petites
• Ximena Valero
. Sugar Couture

Click here for the inside scoop on the FWSD designers.

Competition: Design the Fashion Week San Diego T-Shirt
Have you ever wanted to be a designer? Well, here is your chance! Collar Free is hosting a design competition for the Fashion Week San Diego T-Shirt, which will have a minimum of 1,200 copies printed. If you want to see your design show up all over Fashion Week San Diego 2008, simply log on and submit your design.

Voting will take place next month and the winning design will be announced on July 30. In addition to seeing your design all over FWSD, the winning designer will also receive: $500 and a host of prizes.

Also, don't miss Collar Free's official launch party, taking place this Thursday, June 26, at the Ivy Hotel in downtown San Diego. Get there early for free cover and a hosted bar, courtesy of Veev vodka.
Visit the site and submit your design now!

Want free tickets to FWSD? Join us at Bayley Boutique!
Join us at Bayley Boutique in Del Mar for your first chance to win tickets to Fashion Week San Diego. The party, which will take place on July 17 from XX to XX p.m., will include hosted eats and drinks from Veev vodka, Honest Tea and Le Chef Exotique.

In honor of opening week at the Del Mar races, the event will include a competition for the best hat and the winner will receive free tickets to Fashion Week San Diego.

Stop in before or after the races to one of our favorite boutiques in San Diego! For more information, email info@fashionweeksd.com.

Thank you for being a loyal member of Fashion Week San Diego - the world's oly bi-national fashion week. Stay in the know about all of the FWSD happenings through this newsletter. We will have parties throughout the summer, exclusive ticket giveaways for our members and behind-the-scenes bios on our designers and models.

We look forward to meeting you all this fall!

Helping out a budding designer

2008-06-16T07:58:00.001-07:00

Your girl Drea is one of the designers on the SD Fashion Week Roster!!
We will be showing in the huge Finale show! This is HUGE!!!!! Due to a family emergency the $$ We were saving to send Drea to Fashion week had to be used so now we are a bit short! We are asking our true friends and family to donate a mere $1.99 to the cause!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE help this budding designer make her dreams come true by donating $1.

99 this is less than a coffee at starbucks costs!

go to www. myspace.

com/sugarcouture and click donate!

REPOST THIS if you LOVE SUGAR!!

Haute Mens Suits

2008-05-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

'There's no such thing as a designer of menswear, it's only history. The suit around the world is based on the English suit, which began in about 1670. Any man, whether he's American, Japanese, French or whatever, who wants to be seriously well dressed, looks to the Englishman's suit for how to achieve it.'

The Western civilized world – and much of the Eastern – has adopted English national dress. In 1649 King Charles was executed and with him went doublet and hose. The history of the suit – in its earliest form a knee-length coat, waistcoat and breeches – begins with the Restoration. Unlike in France, where the aristocracy was concentrated at court, the English nobility was scattered about the countryside. Sport played a decisive role in shaping fashion, and by the late 18th century the frock coat was cut away for riding. A hundred years later the tails were removed altogether and the suit in its modern form appeared.

The suit is foremost a masculine garment, both in its simplicity of decoration and emphasis of the male form. Its matching fabric in muted colours forms the backdrop against which the colour and finery of women's clothes are displayed. The V shape rising from the tapered trousers to the jacket's padded shoulders sets man distinctly apart from woman.

The suit jacket comes in two varieties: single- and double-breasted. Single-breasted jackets have notched lapels and usually two or three or four buttons, two being dated and four showbiz. Only the top, middle and middle two buttons are done up, respectively, these being level with the natural waist and the jacket's narrowest point. Double-breasted jackets have peaked lapels and the jacket fronts overlap, with only the top working buttons done up. The number of vents is largely a matter of taste, although single-breasted jackets tend to have none or one; double, none or two.

There is less scope for variation in trousers. Turn-ups (called cuffs in America), while perfectly acceptable, are presently not la mode. If present, they are ½ inches deep. Belts, appropriate with separate jacket and trousers, interrupt the matching fabric of the suit; in their place side fasteners or braces are preferable. Vertical front pockets, and one back pocket, are correct. Waistcoats are made of the same fabric as the suit, apart from with morning coats. Like the jacket it should have (notched) lapels. By tradition the lowest waistcoat button is not fastened.

The single most important aspect of a good suit is fit. Always begin with the shoulders. Here the suit should be close-fitting, with little space for the cloth to indent against the arms. The collar must not gape at the back. The arm holes should be high and the sleeves narrow. The jacket should be just long enough to cover the seat entirely. A close-fitting garment around the legs has always been important in defining the masculine figure, first in the form of hose, then breeches, then trousers. Accordingly, trousers should be cut narrow through the seat and thigh and have one or no front pleats – not two.

Buying a Suit

Like architecture and typography, a suit is built up out of minor variations on inherited wisdom. Small deviations speak loudly. 'Never in your dress altogether desert that taste which is general,' advises Bulwer-Lytton. 'The world considers eccentricity in great things genius, in small things folly.' Your first couple of suits should be dark blue or dark grey. Black suits, apart from evening clothes and at funerals (and even here navy is perfectly correct), look cheap. First learn to wear with ease a plain navy suit, white shirt and solid navy tie, which is not as easy as it sounds. Once you have developed an eye for the basics, you can turn to other cloths – chalk stripes, checks, Prince of Wales, tweeds, corduroy, even velvet.

Price does not guarantee that a suit will look good, and indeed the most expensive suits, selected without a practised eye, are often unattractive and ill-fitting. There are a number of details that signify a well-made suit: pocket flaps; sewn rather than fused canvas lining; a button as opposed to zip fly; side adjusters instead of belt loops; working cuff buttons; matching lining inside the pocket flaps and jacket; a thread behind the buttonhole on the left lapel to hold stems.

Whilst most men's suits are ready-made, having a suit tailored brings with it the possibility of improved fit and the choice of cloth, lining, vents, pockets and button placement. There are two kinds of tailoring: made-to-measure and bespoke. A made-to-measure suit costs half again the price of a suit off-the-peg. The suit is made to a fixed pattern, but adapted to one's basic measurements: chest, waist, arms, legs and back. These details are sent away and made into a suit. When the finished product is returned, only small further changes can be made, like waist size or trouser length. A bespoke suit, on the other hand, is stagewise assembled on site over the course of a number of fittings (and costs twice as much as made-to-measure). Attention to detail is paramount, and much effort will be made to ensure a perfect fit. But beware of the tailor's eye for human defects: few men are constructed in the image of Ideal Man, and the tailor will spot and adjust for any peculiarities ruthlessly.

Keep in mind that a tailor is only as demanding as his client, so it is important to be a stickler for details. When having clothes made one learns by mistakes, and your first suit will not be your favourite, so it is wise to begin with an inexpensive tailor. The principal signs that a suit has been tailored is the absence of a label and the choice of lining, which is customarily bolder than ready-made linings. Burgundy is traditional, with crimson, salmon pink and bottle green also smart. Light and royal blue tend to conflict with blue shirts.
Keep It Haute
xoxo
Fashionista

Men Can Rock Haute Fashion Too

2008-05-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

How Can You Rock Haute Fashion For Men? Read And Learn.
Fashion and clothing shopping has always been seen to be a women's domain, something in which men until recently have not taken an active interest.

However for men, fashion and the pursuit of couture has always flitted in and out of favour. Think of the highly preened men of 17th century Europe with their puffed sleeves, lace collars and powdered wigs. Today men once again are interested in looking good, with roll models like David Beckham who enjoys shopping and has his own stylist - it is not girly to want to wear cool clothes and be individual looking.

Having said that most men do not lust after fashion as obsessively as their female counterparts and this reluctance to hop aboard the fashion bandwagon has meant that large name retailers are having to reconsider their investment in their range of male clothing lines as men are simply not spending enough money on clothes. Towards the end of 2001, 'The Acadia Group' in charge of some of the biggest names on the high street, including Topshop and miss selfridge, was to close the male departments of some of their biggest stores.

The managing director of Acadia claimed simply that "men are not spending enough". Furthermore "we are unable to cater to a market that just isn't interested" his point was fairly obvious -. If you don't shop then we will focus on those that do.

However the Christmas holidays of 2001 was a bumper time for male fashion shopping, a stark contrast to the views expressed by Acadia as shops reported an increase in takings from their male departments

It seemed suddenly there was a rise in the number of males keen to spend their dosh. But why?

The trend can be attributed to many things including an increase in men's style magazines and the changing patterns in the way designers are catering to male customers.

Homme and GQ are among the biggest selling magazines in the UK with FHM alone overtaking the sales of many women's monthly magazines. As FHM et al increasingly feature fashion in their pages, they are unintentionally encouraging more men to adopt an attitude towards fashion, something they have not being previously forced to do.

Designers that originally designed for women only are beginning to introduce lines for men while high street giants such as Benetton and Gap now have extensive male sections.

Who knows how long the trend will last, but for the time being it seems we have seen an end to the time when women use to shop and their partners had no choice but to stand around. The industry's changing attitude with the help of the media means that now while your partner shops, you can simply nip over to the male section to do some shopping of you own.

Come on boys don't be afraid to show your since of style, I'm sure it's a wonderful advantage in the long run.

Keep It Haute
xoxo
Fashionista

Ahhh ha ha ha

2008-04-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

WE ARE LIVE!!

2008-04-09T16:41:00.000-07:00

Greetings Fashionista's and Fashionistador's We are offically live and on line
www.hautemagazine.com

Please go on and look, give us your feedback. Please keep in mind that the online preview is just that a preview! If you want the real thing you will have to subscribe!

How Haute Is Summer?

2008-03-29T21:12:00.000-07:00

Want to know the secrets of Hautes Summer Style?
It's about time to dress up for summer! It's the time to manage your wardrobe and get some fashionable pieces for refreshing hot summer days. Let's take a look at hottest trends for summer 2008.
Designers often choose muted shades for autumn-winter collections, and spring-summer often stuns with vivid colors. The trends of 2008 are no exceptional: We will see bright and bold colors on clothing, accessories and everything you can wear. Even "Technicolor brights" - neonic pink, green, yellow and orange - are fashionable once again. If clothing of such colors is too bright for you, pick several accessories to highlight your regular wear. Purple was the hit of the past season and it is still around for spring and summer 2008. But the shade of colors has changed a lot: forget the deep purple and violet, meet lilac, subtle amethyst and lavendertones.
The sweet lilac shade fits another hot trend of summer 2008, the pale azure denim fabric.
If you're looking for trendy patterns, reveal the blossom of your beauty with floral prints. Look for clothes with flower motives all over them, because a single herb embroidered on a blouse or jacket is not enough. If you don't feel like wearing colorful floral patterns, there's another classic combination ready for spring and summer. It doesn't matter if you choose black on white or white on black - it will be the most fashionable pattern of the season. All possible combinations of B&W ruled the runways and they will rule the streets for sure. Let's not forget ethnic trend; it's on top once again. Choose tribal inspired patterns and ikat fabric clothing and combine it with chunk tribal jewelry to create a safari-chic image.
Can you imagine spring fashion without a skirt or a dress? Spring and summer trends wouldn't be complete without amazing dress. Squishy skirt is the top for spring and it will hold its positions on summer as well. Choose high-waist silk organza skirt to stun everyone. This type of skirt looks great with another fashionable detail: the cropped jacket. The fashionable length of skirt and dresses became shorter; even though the knee-length remains popular, the hottest trend is a few inches above the knees.
Feminine glamour will take over all the women. Forget the image of bad girl and look like a lady, because you are one. Highlight your figure with lovely little dresses and see-through details. Naughty decorations are recommended for spring and summer of 2008: outfit decorated with ribbons, lace and bows will make you feel and look very feminine. Corset as outwear is trendy once again; wear it on top of shirt for sexy sophisticated look. The trend of transparent clothing doesn't make you walk around half naked: playing hide-and-seek with several layers makes you appear mysterious and alluring. Glamorous ancient Romaninspired dress is another fashionable wear of spring and summer 2008. Choose intricate pleated dress, one-shouldered dress deco...

Keep It Haute!
xoxo
Fashionista!

Issue Launch...

2008-03-26T22:13:00.000-07:00

We are working out a few kinks in the first issue. We have the proof in our hot little hands. We will be launching the website with the full issue in mere days! so keep your eyes peeled for the launch and sign up for our newsletter.

News News News

2008-03-15T20:14:00.000-07:00

We have been super busy at Haute. New fashion spreads, interviews, articles and daily creative submissions. We have added a new member to our team and he has helped us launch our new weekly newsletter feature. You can now subscribe to our Magazine, Online Blog, and a weekly newsletter. With our new newsletter feature we will be keeping you up to date on what is in and Haute in the fashion world. We will update you on local goings on, and maybe even worldwide happenings. So sign up and join the army!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEW ONLINE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Haute New Swimsuits!!

2008-03-05T10:49:00.000-08:00

Hello Haute here! wanna know how to shop for a swimsuit Haute style? well please hang on to every word i am typing!
Thousands of people migrate to southern California each spring and summer to soak up the sunshine and splash in the ocean. Luckily for those of us without cars, we already live in this warm-weather paradise. As the days have steadily heated up, students have piled out onto the quads and into the pools for some tanning and relaxation. The only thing better than spending a day in the sun is looking really hot while doing so, so it’s time to start scouting out the season’s best swimsuits.

There are so many options for swimsuits now (e.g. tankinis, mix-and match sizes, classic bikinis, or those weird contraptions that look like a one-piece from the front and a bikini from the back) that everyone should be able to find one that fits their body and their personality. To max out your swimsuit style, read on for what’s hot this summer.

The first decision you’ll need to make when picking a swimsuit is what you are actually going to use your suit for. Please do not deceive yourself into thinking that you can jet ski, water ski, surf, or leap off of high dives in a string bikini. I have read enough embarrassing moments in magazines to know that if you attempt this feat your suit will fall off, and there will be a group of hot guys standing right next to you when it happens. If you cannot pass over a suit held together by four knots, save it for tanning, and invest in something a little sturdier for your rough play.

If tiny suits do not strike your fancy, and instead make you want to book a flight to Alaska, do not forget about the classic one-piece, also called a maillot. This style gets bashed as matronly and un-sexy, but with a low neckline or a deep-cut back (a la the beach version of Hillary Swank’s Oscar gown), a one-piece can be revealing while still keeping your stomach under control. If you are a little more willing to show off your abs, try a tankini. If you go this route, however, please choose one that shows a few inches of skin between the top and bottom. If the two pieces meet or overlap you will achieve what my friends and I fondly refer to as the “squashed torso look.”

This season a few big trends have emerged that translate well to swimsuits. One of the biggest is fruit: according to the April issue of Cosmopolitan, “fashion is bursting with fruit flavor,” and the March issue of Nylon, a New York-based publication that is artsier and cooler than most, featured a spread of clothes dotted with apple, cherry, and pineapple prints. Besides the aforementioned fruits, you can try strawberries and limes for a fresh look. The fruit trend also works well on beach accessories, like tote bags and sandals. I would, however, caution against wearing a straw hat covered with clusters of plastic cherries. No one except the Chiquita banana girl should wear fruit on her head.

Several other prints are also big this season. Despite predictions that the polka-dot trend of a few years ago would die out, spots are still going strong. Instead of the classic black with small white dots, a more current look is big dots, in lots of colors. A white suit with pink, green, orange, or purple dots would turn heads. (Here, white suits deserve a special mention. No color makes you look tanner than white, and white in bright sunlight can be blinding and beautiful. However, if your suit actually gets wet, transparency issues arise. Please, to spare all of us awkwardness, make sure than any white suit you buy is extra-thick fabric, and double lined.)

If polka-dots make you feel too cutesy, a good option is animal prints, which have recently made a resurgence among celebrities. Leopard and zebra prints remain the most popular, and have been seen on boots, purses, slip dresses, and jackets. Giraffe prints are also big, and less predictable than leopard. The risk with animal prints is going overboard (e.g. Shania Twain in her video for “That don’t impress me much”), but since swimsuits are made up of so little fabric, they will add just the right amount of edge to your look.

A huge look for spring and summer that requires less of a wild side is the color green. Green comes in enough variations, from forest to kelly to lime, that it compliments any skin tone. For this season, the brighter the better. Green, with its obvious associations to freshness, growth and life, can be calming and peaceful even while it grabs attention—lime green induces way fewer headaches than does neon orange. Green also lends itself to hot color combinations: try pairing it with turquoise, bright pink, or yellow, depending on the shade of green.

I hate devoting so little space to the issue of boys’ suits, but really, all you need to know is: unless you’re playing water polo, avoid Speedos. Any style of trunks, from solid colors to Hawaiian prints, is just fine. Unfortunately, trunks don’t give boys many options for concealing less-than-defined abs. Your best bet is to go to the gym.

As the semester plugs along, we’re all going to get stressed. The best remedy may be to slip on a new swimsuit, grab a towel, and head outside to bask in the sun and in your own hotness.
Keep Haute!!

xoxo
fashionista!

Hautes Bare Necessities

2008-03-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

If you’ve picked up a magazine or followed fashion show coverage at all, you know by now that art-influenced clothes, intensely vivid pastels, safari-inspired pieces, and sheer fabrics are the buzzwords this spring. We delved deeply into these trends and pulled out some specific styles and key items that we think are going to stick this season. So without further ado, we’re happy to present our Spring 2008 Preview, featuring our favorite looks and picks that are sure to become popular with young Hollywood.

Talented designers function like a canary in the mine: they act as a translator of the collective unconscious. When Marc Jacobs staged his most recent Spring 2008 collection in reverse - opening with his final bow, followed by the final look (#56) & then the rest of the run-of-show in descending order - he sent out look after look with underthings peeking out through transparent layers. Consciously or not, he was tapping into a major theme of our time: what lies beneath the surface of things.

So I'm here to just fully warn you Spring of 2008 is going to be a major parade!
Get ready!
Keep it Haute
xoxo
Fashionista!

Haute Simple Makup!

2008-02-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

Spring is a great time to renew your image and try out new things. What items should you have in your cosmetics bag? Make-up artists and designers suggest a bold and bright image for the spring 2008. The colors dedicated for make-up are so playful and bold that you need to be a real fashionista to wear them. On the other hand: let the spring be colorful and bright!

Flushed cheeks is one of the loveliest trends of spring 2008. Soft and cute flush is recommended for both daytime makeup and evening makeup. Pinky peach blush fits even the most bold lip color for that special occasion; it also works well to enlighten natural looking makeup for the day. It's the best way to highlight face features and make you look fresh.

Three big tendencies dominate the lip make-up area. Nude lips effect is still very popular, especially when combined with smokey eyes and natural-looking blush. The trend of nude lips does not mean you can't use lipstick or gloss; feel free to add some color and a bit of shimmer, but keep it natural. If you're not into natural look, you won't miss if you choose classic red. This color is right for every season, that's why it's called classic. If the image of fatal woman doesn't attract you at all, try sheer red lipstick. Be careful about other makeup details while wearing the classic red lipstick: it's a very strong accent and you really don't need black eyeliner or strong blush. The third tendency is the funniest one, because it suggests candy-colored lips. This trend won't look good on elder women, however if you're a teen or if you feel young forever, orange, pink, hot coral and even fuchsia are the hottest colors of spring 2008. A candy color on lips is quite a bold statement, so one shouldn't overdo other details.

Natural beauty becomes more and more trendy. Full eyebrows are the hottest look of spring 2008. They should be well groomed, but excessively thin arches are out of the question. You may even want accentuate them with dark colored liner because the strong eyebrows is going to be the most popular. Matte foundation is another natural-looking trend. You don't want your skin to be glossy on spring 2008. Even bronzers are matted especially if you use them on face.

If bold lips are not for you, bold eye make-up is recommended for this season as well. Both pastel and bright metallic eyeshadows are going to be popular. Pastel eyeshadow is meant to match trendy multicolored layers and floral patterns of clothing. Choose light green, lilac and eggshell blue to achieve the trendiest look. If pastel tones seem to be too boring for you, go for Crayola Colors. Choose only one color as this image is very bold and playful and you don't want to end up looking like anime heroine. Choose shiny metallics and liquid eyeliner for evening make-up. Shimmer on eyelids is the top look for evening as well as the cat eyes image. If shine and sparkles don't attract you, remember the classic smokey eyes make-up; it's popular once again.
Keep it HAUTE!
xoxo
Fashionista!

Haute New Spring Dresses!

2008-02-09T13:43:00.000-08:00

Haute Here,
Dresses have appeared on the scene this spring with a new burst of energy after a year of continued popularity. Feminine white and pink dresses remain the garment of choice among women in the "elegant, conservative" crowd, while casual striped dresses are winning favor among somewhat tomboyish teenage girls and young women, and functional jersey wrap dresses are being adopted as office wear by working women. Dresses have become a hot item among women from all walks of life, and the range of occasions on which they are worn is growing.

Women's magazines introducing spring trends are playing up dresses on the covers of their most recent issues, and stores have been giving the dress a special place in their displays. One of the reasons for dresses' popularity is the growing variety of designs available. This year's lineup includes a large number of wrap dresses, body-conscious tight dresses, metallic A-line dresses, and other items with a clean, simple line, along with short dresses reminiscent of the futuristic outfits popular in the 1960s and sporty dresses, making for a diversity not evident last year, when dresses with frills, lace, ribbons, and other soft embellishments were the mainstay. This year there is something for every taste and occasion.

Another new development is length. Hemlines have been raised, and most dresses, despite their different styles, are short. Hemlines 20 centimeters above the knee are standard, and many rise as high as the top of the leg. Short dresses are not just for the very young but women of various age groups. Young adults daringly reveal their youthful legs, while women in their twenties and thirties wear dresses over leggings or skinny jeans. Dresses used to be considered feminine, formal clothing suited to weddings, parties, and other special occasions. Today, there has been an about-face in attitudes, and they are considered a versatile item that goes with just about anything.
Keep it HAUTE
xoxo
Fashionista!

Rock A Hat Like Haute

2008-02-09T12:47:00.000-08:00

Haute Here,
Would you like to know how to rock a Fedora hat like Haute Can? Well read and learn.

The Fedora is most commonly known as a "Gangster hat," a hat which saw such widespread use and particular popularity amongst infamous prohibition-era gangsters such as Al Capone and Bugsy Siegal that it will be forever more associated with them.

With the distinctive front pinch and wide, floppy and pliable rim the fedora is a distinctive hat indeed. The actual name Fedoraâ came about due to a stage play which was running in 1882. The main character, Princess Fedora Romazova, wore a hat just like it, thus it became known as a Fedora.

It may be a wedding, a day at the races or any other chance to dress up, but that special occasion demands a special hat and we are sure that you will find just what you are looking for with the loving help of Haute. If you are interested in fashion hats, you know that there are all types of hats that you can wear. However, have you ever thought of paying attention to how you wear them? How you wear Hats has a lot to do with how they look on you and whether or not they make a statement about the outfit that you are trying to rock. If you want to find the coolest hats, you can check out our fashion magazine "Haute" for a little support on the latest caps and hat trends.

Pay close attention to the way you are wearing your hats. If you are a hat person, and you have always found yourself wearing hats, you can easily be seen in baseball caps or fashion hats. However, most of the time the two don’t go hand in hand. If you want to find good hats for women and good hats for men, you have to keep in mind what your style is and how you plan on incorporating that into your hat wearing use.

First of all, if you play sports, you are probably accustomed to hats. If you have a baseball or a football or even a hockey or golf game to get to, you are probably used to wearing hats, but in this case they are probably not fashion hats, but hats that are used for a purpose, such as sun hats. Such baseball caps and other types of hats can be used for sun protection, and this is often why they are used during sports games – to protect you from the sun. This is why people began to wear hats during sporting events, and this way it sticks.

If you aren’t into sports, you can still be into hats. Wearing hats for fashion is something that has become very popular because you are finding yourself in situations in which wearing hats is great for you. Great fashion hats can come in many brands, but Trilby Hats, Beanies, Fedoras, Bowlcup hats are all very popular brands. If you are into fashion hats but you can’t afford the name brand hats, you can also buy fashion hats that are made by different companies but are just like the name brand fashion hats.
Well Ladies & Gents, Make sure you keep it HAUTE
xoxo
Fashonista.

Subscribe We need your support!!

2008-02-01T09:10:00.000-08:00

We need you to subscribe to make this a success!!! CLICK THE BUTTON!!!

How Haute Are Stripes & Plaids?

2008-01-31T21:54:00.000-08:00

Hello Haute here,
Have you ever just wanted to go a little crazy with Stripes or Plaids, maybe even combined them both but don't really know how to be suitably attired? Well haute's here to lend a helping, yet fashionable hand. Stripes and plaids! They’re always fashionable and can be made into the most professional appearing garments that can emerge from the sewing room. Skip the worn-out, tone-on-tone look when putting on a suit and tie. Try mixing your patterns by accenting your suit with a striped shirt ( Feel free to add a Tie Gentlemen). To make two different patterns work well together, make sure they're the same size (for example, big plaids with big stripes, small plaids with small stripes.) But if you're wearing two striped items, make sure the stripes are varied in size (some thick, some thicker).

Here's a fashion cheat sheet:

Bigger, bolder patterns make you look bigger.

Horizontal patterns make you look wider.

Vertical patterns make you look taller and thinner.

Trouser cuffs make short legs look shorter.

Mixing it up

Combine your casual and dressy clothing this Summer & Winter. Remember, layering in the Winter or Combining your favorite patterns in the summer is always FUN ( key word FUN ) so please Ladies and Gents have a little FUN with your fashion wear. Try layering a single-breasted suit coat with a cool, casual, button-down shirt over a dark tee shirt. Then pull on your favorite older-looking jeans. Wear your suit trousers with a tee shirt, white button-down shirt, and a jean jacket. And by all means, leave the tie at home Gentlemen. Remember, contrast makes this Summer & Winter look really work. Choosing what's comfortable can make fashion work for you. So get BOLD. There's no reason not to attract a little POSITIVE attention to yourself.
Keep It HAUTE! xoxo
Fashionista.

What Haute is Loving Right now

2008-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

A pump on a bare foot is pretty sexy! But what we are loving right now is the fun and funky blend of crazy socks and funky shoes. Mixing Stripes and polka dots brings me back to when I was a kid in the 80's. The in your face combo proves that the wearer of this style meant to do it! Try it for yourself and let us know what the feedback is!!!

Keep it Haute

How To be Haute on a Budget!

2008-01-23T16:52:00.001-08:00

Have you ever scrolled through a magazine, and saw someone in the top of the line high fashion and you really wanted to own it and rock it but with your own since of style? Well I'm here to teach you how to rock high fashion on a low budget. Few designer shoppers can walk into a high-end clothing store and buy a Dolce & Gabbana purse, with gold trimming, Internally Flawless Italian leather with the Ideal size. If you are like most shoppers seeking designer products, you have a limited budget. However, you still want to get the best and most beautiful items within your budget. You can take some simple steps that will ensure you to get the best damn outfit possible. For many women and men, designer clothing simply isn't in the budget. However, you can still afford to purchase and wear high quality clothing if you learn a few techniques.When stores or companies have sales that's really when you get down to the wire to try and get there early so you won’t be the last to choose. The early bird gets the worm, So to speak.If you have a favorite store or two that you like to browse for your clothing needs, become familiar with the store and its policies. In fact, don't be afraid to go on a little shopping mission on a different day than you normally go. Many stores will run specials on their slowest traffic days to reward the customers who do venture in to visit. There are often early morning bonus buys to entice customers to spend their hard earned money for a few trendy threads.Many stores also offer special rewards such as larger discounts, free shipping, and free gift-wrapping to their most loyal customers.If you are technologically inclined, a simple internet search may provide you with a handy site to browse the store's merchandise, locate additional branches, as well as the opportunity to sign up for an e-mail account.Many stores, chain and individual, sell discounted designer clothing and accessories year round. If you are fortunate enough to be within driving distance to the outlet stores, then you have many good bargains waiting for you. The designer merchandise in these stores may have slight imperfections that you can easily overlook due to the super low purchase price.If you do your research diligently, you can maximize your savings so that you can afford the pricier clothes. Whether you are shopping for an outfit for a special family event, possibly a night on the town an executive's power lunch, or a special dinner date, a little homework can provide you with the perfect outfit at the perfect price.
Keep it HAUTE!xoxo
Fashionista.

What is a Fashionista?

2008-01-23T14:57:00.000-08:00

This is a gently sarcastic term for a person who is an enthusiast for fashion. It covers not only the dedicated followers of fashion who wear the clothes, but also those who write about them. And it can refer to those who design, make, model and publicise clothes, and the fashion buyers whose decisions determine the success of a collection.