After a some back-breaking work, Haute Harrisburg has finally upgraded our blog! Yaaah! Woo hoo!

You can now visit our new and improved HauteHBG here: http://HauteHBG.com/

You can also get in touch with us on Twitter at Twitter.com/HauteHbg

Q. But what about your old posts?

A. Not to worry. You can still find old posts on HauteHBG.com. Just search or use the archives tool. The oldies but goodies hasn’t gone anywhere.

Thanks for your support!

Times are hard, but for the fashion industry, a slow climb in the market may help bring it back to life!

Just yesterday, retail and other consumer discretionary stocks lead in the market. This gain is one of the highest in four years. When consumer confidence is inching back, more fashion designers are willing to take great chances, introducing new lines and straying away from the safe. Keep an eye out. If the history of the stock market proves anything, it’s that when stocks rise, so do hemlines. Are you ready?

If you’re not sure what discretionary means, think of it this with: discretionary income is the money you have left over after taxes and necessities (rent, mortgage and food). These stock sales come from purchases with your discretionary income.

Boring Outfit
You’ve torn apart your closet, dresser and the stores only to find that the look you’re going for is nowhere to be found. Quick! Grab a colorful scarf and tie it around your neck. It brings the focus to your face, looks chic and has a slimming effect. And who couldn’t use all that?!

Hot Date/Wet Nails
You didn’t think he’d show up so soon, and here you are with a fresh coat of Candy Apple Red on your nails, anxious, nervous and refusing to touch the door. Spritz you nails with non-stick cooking spray. The oil from the spray will seal in the polish and provides a protective coating while your nails dry.

Makeup Stains
If you wanted to wear your face on your shirt, you’d get a nice graphic tee made right? Exactly. Find yourself a baby and permanently borrow a few diaper wipes. With a little dap, you can remove or closely reduce the damage done to your clothes. These bad boys are also great for knocking dirt or mud off of shoes.

Stuck Zipper
You run to the bathroom, only to find that your dress doesn’t want you to leave….at least not without a fight. When your zipper decides it won’t budge, try rubbing a bar of soap or a wax candle onto the area. With a little manipulation, the zipper should come unstuck.

Runaway Button
All is going well, until you notice your missing a button! This is a relatively easy fix. If you’re in a restaurant, discreetly ask the waiter for a bag tie and head to the bathroom. Strip the paper from the bag tie and use the metal to thread the buttonhole. Twist it at the back to keep the button in place.

SHAKE IT
Spring Fever: A First Friday Experience
What: An evening of dancing, drinks and living the “grown and sexy life.” ($10 if  previously rsvp’d at Music Man; $20 at the door).
Why: It doesn’t take a visitor to figure out that the Friday night scene doesn’t really work around here. Denm Inc has changed this, bringing together a classy crowd with the best old school, hip-hop and R&B, presented by DJ Gifted Hands.
Where: Angies, 1360 Eisenhower Blvd, Harrisburg. Visit Denm online here.

FLAUNT IT
Shique Clothiers Fashion Show
What: This new and amazingly edited store will feature it’s finest, along with a Barbizon Model and Talent Search and Live Mannekin/Model Show.
Why: It’s fashion. Need we say more?
Where: Colonial Park Mall, Harrisburg. Visit Shique Clothiers Web site here.

DOWN IT
2010 PA Wine Festival (3rd Annual)
What: Wine experts from around the world close in on Hershey, eager to present their finest.
Why: All the proceeds benefit the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. And you know HauteHbg loves the kids. (Tickets range from $45 to $95)
Where: The Giant Center, 550 W. Hersheypark Dr, Hershey. Visit the Web site by clicking here.

WATCH IT
16th Annual Jewish Film Festival
What: A collection of the best in Jewish films and filmmakers, this festival is a special jewel of the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg.
Why: Because who really wants to spend $10.50 on a movie ticket just to see a remake of the same old story. May 7, 8, 11, and 12. Movies and Showtimes Vary.
Where: The State Museum, 300 North St, Harrisburg. For more information, visit the Web site here.

Artist Stanley Mitchell infuses graffiti and style to create fresh new looks for print, fashion and more. His line, ArtSexMoney, is currently looking for fresh faces for the clothing line. Currently tearing up the roads from Harrisburg, Philly, New York and all points between, ArtSexMoney will be making a major splash… you don’t want to be left in the sidelines.

E-mail your pictures and comp card (not required) to Stanley here to make it happen.

Show me a man with a tattoo and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past. ~Jack London

There’s a saying that there are two type of people in this world: those who have tattoos and those who are afraid of people with tattoos. You don’t have to be hardcore to get your ink tonight. The first annual PA Art Review and Tattoo Party might give you a pass into the other world of ink.

Presented by RSC Entertainment, this local event is slated to bring together artists, musicians and tattoo enthusiasts together for a showcase like never before. Each piece presented tonight , whether clothing, shoes, art, or tattoo is made to order by one of the many artists from the Midstate at the event — making being badass much more simple than you thought. No chains required.

If art on paper is intended to bring up emotion, then art on skin is pure ecstasy. Your chance to experience both starts tonight!

Date: Tonight!
Time: Tattoo Party starts at 5. The after party begins after inking.
Venue: P.S. Studio
1150 South Cameron St (rear)
For More Information: Contact Leonard Smith-Manning at (717) 370-9645
Special Notes: You MUST be 18 and up to receive a tattoo unless you previously contacted management.

For more information on events at P.S. Studio, visit them on the Web at PSstudio.info

I had the opportunity to interview Allison Heyden, a fashion designer who took a lifelong dream and turned it into reality. With fashions featured in Neiman Marcus, New York Times, CNN, and Teen Vogue, as well as the Patriot News, Allison is pressing full speed ahead in the fashion world and coming to a store near you soon.

 “Everyone should have that one piece of clothing in her closet that makes them feel young, beautiful and makes you stand out from the rest.” That one piece, Allison wishes, is from her collection.

If you’ve never heard of this visionary, you’re missing out! Growing up in the Central Dauphin area of Harrisburg, Allison Heyden, who now resides in New York, did not allow her environment to deter her dreams. I had a fortunate honor to sit down with Allison briefly and ask her a few questions about her background, collections and inspirations. She was gracious enough give us a look into what started her on the path of designing as well as a look into the journey she took to be living her dream.

A recent graduate from the Savannah College of Art and Design,  Allison’s clothing label  Allison Heyden Designs, is making a splash in the fashion world. She recently showcased her talent in a fashion show at Level 2.  After developing  two new collections, Allison worked with her longtime hairdresser to captivate the audience and showcase style in Downtown Harrisburg.

According to Allison, “ It took about a month from start to end to have the samples ready, packed and sent to Harrisburg, models fitted and alterations completed by show time.” But don’t think it was easy:  Allison did everything herself. This is what determination and perseverance looks like. As a “hands-on” person, Allison oversaw the whole process from the sketched to the alterations.

How did she know this was the job for her? From a young age of around 5 or 6 years old, Allison began to draw on anything she could find.  She used to dress her Barbie’s in different outfits and even used her younger sister as her personal life- sized Barbie to pin clothes on as well. Allison said her mother knew from them on, fashion was what she was interested in and believed would end up doing when she grew up. She was lucky enough to speak with Marc Jacobs while at school and he told her that the best designers are the ones that start from the bottom with nothing and rise to the top. He was a big help and mentor to the school and encouraged Allison to trust her instincts despite what others might say.

 “My dream is to be featured in Bryant Park for Fashion Week.”

When asked, who do you design for? Allison, very honestly said, “Myself!” Allison’s collection holds pieces that anyone can wear. Even her grandmother wears some of Allison’s designs to events she attends.

When home in Harrisburg, you might spot her at First Impressions  or downtown at Plum Bottom. Allison likes the boutiques because they have a smaller selection but different, stand out pieces you might not find at the department stores. To learn more about Allison or her collections, follow her on Twitter http://twitter.com/allisoneheyden; her Facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/allisoneheyden or visit her Web site at www.allisonheyden.com.

The husband and wife team of Smithwares knows their audience. With small kids of their own, they get to test drive new designs and see if the marketing team of toddlers agree. With the motto of ONESIES, T’s, SOCKS and anything that ROCKS, Smithwares’ handmade designs are sure to please event the pickiest of little people.

Best of all, any local/HARRISBURG(ish) purchases are hand-delivered!

Check out Smithwares at The Hodgepodgery on 3rd St, or you can visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/smithwares.

It’s no surprise that when fashion meets music, a beautiful love story is sparked. Whether one influences the other is always a question, but the ultimate outcome is always sexy. Enter the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and Neiman Marcus. So haute it’s scandalous.

This Thursday, May 6th, the Harrisburg Hilton will play host to the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra’s Fashion Premier, Celebrating 80 Years of Music. The event will feature a morning reception & photo shoot, followed by a to-die-for fashion show at noon by Neiman Marcus. Aside from beautiful music and clothing, there will be a grand drawing for:

- 6 Days & 5 Nights at Ashford Castle in Ireland
- 4 Days & 3 Nights at Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa in Bermuda
- $2,500 Shopping Spree at Neiman Marcus
- LeVian Chocolate Diamonds Pendant
- Dinner for 10 at the Golden Sheaf Restaurant

Tickets are still available! For more information, visit the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra Web site or contact Sandy Henry. Special thanks to my good friends over at VigorOnline for helping me to bring this story to you.