Fabulous Online Boutiques | Anique Michelle, Affordable and Stylish Fashion

I was sent a few pieces from a brand new online boutique called Anique Michelle. The site features trendy and stylish finds at an affordable price. It's hard for a fashion die hard like me to stick to a budget but everything at Anique Michelle is under 50.00. I was surprised by the high quality of the merchandise and shipping as well. Visit Anique Michelle and revamp your fall wardrobe without breaking the bank. View the boutique here. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from the store.

This rhinestone studded "In Crowd" vest is a must-have for fall. It looks great with a pair of tailored shorts as it is shown here but il work just as well with a black turtle neck or back turtleneck dress. You wil be able to carry it over into next summer. Vest, $20.00.

This dress is called 'The Sexy Secretary" it's a quite fitting name since it makes for a great work dress. If you plan to do cocktails after work just throw on a pair of dangly earrings, red ipstick and gold heels. Dress, $40.00.

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Resort Ready With Shop Moderne Boutique

Get away in style with Shop Moderne Boutique. They have an amazing selection of dresses and tops perfect for your tropical hideout. Shop Moderne carries one of my favorite lines, Sky which offers sexy and comfortable styles with a lot of style. Sky dresses are popular among the Palm Beach fashionistas and are perfect for nights out on the town in a hot city. Shop Moderne also carries all-year essentials like Ed Hardy tees and Harajuku Lovers sweat suits. Take a look at the entire selection at Shop Moderne here.

P.S. Shop Moderne owner, the fabulous Janet H is giving our readers a special 20% discount on all purchases just use the code "LOVEHM20" Not for use with sale items. There's also a free gift added to your order. Click here to start shopping. Enjoy. (Image Courtesy of Palm Beach Post)

Interview With Princess Kasia Al Thani

Princess Kasia Al Thani is not only beautiful but inspirational and extremely stylish. In 2008 she started the premier unique luxury gift site Savoir-Faire. It forges together iconic ambassadors for luxury such as Allegra Hicks, Anya Hindmarch, Etername, Charvet, Kelly Hoppen and Bill Amberg, to name but a few. There are gifts for Baby, for Her, for Him, for Travel and for Home. We had a chance to get Princess Kasia's insider tips on everything from who inspires her style to the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make.

HM: Describe your style in one word.

PK: Elegant

HM: What is your best-kept style secret?

PK: It’s a secret

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop?

PK: At Chanel.

HM: Who is your fashion icon?

PK: Daphne Guinness.

HM: What is the biggest mistake a woman can make when getting dressed?

PK: Carrying a dull and boring bag. A bag needs to stand out.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your experience in launching an online boutique?

PK: Hard work, patience and perseverance pay off in the end.

HM: What advice would you give to young fashion professionals trying to make their fame?

PK: Never let anyone discourage you, multi-task, and don’t forget to laugh.

HM: If you could give women a tip to be fabulous what would it be?

PK: Be positive, look after yourself (hair, nails, etc) and, most importantly, exude confidence.

Going BoHo Featuring MoonSpark

Boho divas rejoice, I've found the perfect online boutique for the best Boho glam finds, MoonSpark. The new boutique offers a full range of clothing and accessories all in one place. I am totally in love with the ethnic inspired shift dresses showcased on MoonSpark as well as some great accessories. Go subtle or full on but either way incorporate at least one Boho piece into your look this season. Visit MoonSpark.
This dress is simply stunning! I love to wear mine with thigh high suede boots and merino wool tights. It looks fabulous under a plain black or camel coat. Dress, Jovonna, Buy It Here.
A great belt that is tribal enough without looking kitchy. Looks great paired with basic dark denim, gold heels and a white tee paired with a long gold chain necklace. Buy It Here.

A cute dress by Mina. Perfect for Sunday Brunch or an informal party or meeting. Pair with great ankle boots. Buy It Here.

Retro Chic Featuring Unique Vintage

There's something about vintage clothing that gives you an aire of lush seduction. When you wiggle yourself into a vintage dress with a cinched waist and glamorous details you'll feel automatically transformed into a vintage sex kitten. The featured dresses are from one of my favorites from a boutique called Unique Vintage. I first read about Unique Vintage in GLAMOUR and thought I would scope out the scene and might I say I was very pleasantly surprised and everything surpassed my expectations. My all time favorite dress, "The Wiggle Dress," by Stop Staring is featured below. This dress puts a sexy twist on the LBD and has the most dive feminine touches. The most notable aspect of this fabulous dress is it's exquisite silhouette that will flatter all figures and enhance your curves. Visit Unique Vintage today and add some Retro Chic into your look and stand out from the crowd with something that's truly unique.

The Biggest Fleur’t

Hello cheeky lady! Every girl needs to embrace her inner goddess. No wardrobe is complete without an arsenal filled with weapons of mass seduction. Lingerie is the ultimate confidence booster. Since we all don’t live it up in the Moulin Rouge, women occasionally need a break from the traditional sex kitten lingerie. Fleur’t lingerie is comfortable, cute, and classy. It’s not your conventional lingerie; rather it entertains the needs of the women who wear it. It’s perfect to lounge in, yet alluring enough to feel sexy in. The camisoles designed by Nancy Yoo are so versatile… you’ll live in them. The peek-a-boo lace is irresistible and the fabric is soft and inviting. Don’t forget to check out the matching boy shorts. They come in fun and fabulous colors that will satisfy any mood. Your significant other will adore the sheer, lacy thongs as much as you will. It’s time to trade in your hanky panky panties, and get your Fleur’t on . It’s more than a bare necessity.

-Therese Quiao

Interview with Pamela Peckerman, Founder of Bag Trends

We love to visit the site Bagtrends.com to get the latest scoop on what's haute in the handbag world. So we had to get the inside scoop on style from the fashionista who started it all, Pamela. With several internships at some of our favorite magazines like Instyle and a journalism degree from NYU, Pamela has an intelligent take on fashion. Here's what she had to say about her style.

HM: Describe your style in one word.
P: Elegant

HM: What is your best-kept fashion secret?
P: Pashminas. Love them for winter as a thick scarf. Love them for early spring and fall as a throw. I have them in a dozen colors and it’s just a great way to complete my preferred elegant/ladylike looks. Plus if a particular color is in style this is a nice way to inject it into my fashionable repertoire. My other little tidbit is BBC - bags, babbles and coats. That is where I invest my money because a fierce bag, ring or coat can last you a lifetime.

HM: Where is your favorite place to shop for handbags?
P: Of course I love Shop Bag Trends! But I also like Saks or if I know the designer really well I’ll go to them directly or to their showroom.

HM: Who is your style icon?
P: I love Grace Kelly, both Audrey and Kate Hepburn, and Lulu Guinness.
What is the biggest fashion mistake a woman can make when it comes to handbags?
Multibagging. I can’t stand when I see a nice bag and then a paper bag from Victoria Secret or Bloomingdales. Find something that fits your life. Or if you let’s say carry a laptop occasionally, find a case that matched your regular bag so that there is some continuity.

HM: What is one lesson you are grateful for learning throughout your career in fashion?
P: Don’t be afraid to try something. There are many outfits I put together that I feel I would never have the courage or maybe even the vision to put together if I wasn’t constantly surrounded by amazing designers, stylist and fashionistas.

HM: What advice would you give to young fashion handbag designers trying to make their fame?
P: E-mail me because I’m usually good at getting back to designers especially if they are asking for advice. But, seriously, I would say it’s great to have unique ideas, but it’s equally as important to know the business of fashion. That means understand how to create your brand and your story (so you stand out) then us that to either get your own press or hire a pr firm. A great pr firm can make your brand. PR is expensive and there are a lot of options out there so do your homework and ask around for referrals or go on websites of designers you like and see who reps them.

HM: If you could give women a fashion tip to be fabulous what would it be?
P: This is actually sort of a spin from a line a journalism professor once told me. She said “Never put out a story if you don’t have at least one to-die-for line in it.” Meaning that one line that just makes you smile and feel great that you wrote it. So, with a fashion twist, never step out the door if you don’t at least have one item on that makes you smile and feel amazing about being you. For me it’s usually a handbag (of course), but it could be your scarf, skirt, pin, even a hair cut.

Interview with Shahnaz Hughson of Bombay Gal Boutique

Indian Rugs, Ganesh Murals and Moroccan tiles gives this Historic Downtown Atlanta Shop an exotic, opulent feel. Boutique Owner Shahnaz Hughson opened Bombay Gal to sell pieces that embody everything a working woman, a mother and a wife would want to wear. New to her 30's, she noticed a void in the market for women transitioning from their 20's into their 30's.

Shahnaz has her own designed collection. The pieces are a celebration of color and texture culminating into a collection that is irresistible. Inspired by culture and color from all over the world, from casual wear to sophisticated evening wear. The pieces are made from semi precious stones and materials such as brass, enamel, wood and resin. These are handpicked, each material from destinations from all over the world to create these beautiful designs by hand.

Interview with Owner Shahnaz Hughson:

HM: What inspired you want to start a boutique?
My Love for fashion, and the idea of contributing to the world of Fashion.

HM: What do you look for in clothing companies when buying?
I look for pieces that woman can wear several ways. Having a few different looks makes me feel like my money is well spent.

HM: What are your best sellers?
Our Jewelry.

HM: Who is your typical customer?
A working woman, a mother, a wife etc….women that are not fearful of embracing new looks and styles.

HM: What sets your boutique apart from the others in your area?
My Boutique features items and styles from all over the world, brought back from my travels of exotic foreign lands. I have designers from Cuba, Brazil, India, Peru, Nepal etc. This is what sets us apart. Also, the fact that you can find the most unique pieces in an exotic setting for affordable prices.

HM: Georgia’s boutique culture is growing rapidly. What do you think is the cause of this new boom?
I feel that a lot of young, ambitious, confident people are moving to Georgia. I also feel that Georgia is kind of an untapped state. This is great because we feel like we can bring our ideas and our creations, and not feel overwhelmed with the competition. I feel that previously we were a very trendy state….where malls and shopping centers were the place to go. Now, with cute boutiques and specialty shops popping up, we are really mixing things up and adding to the flavor.

HM: Are there any distinct favorites among women in Atlanta and the surrounding areas such as a special style or accessory piece?
I think personally we are big on Accessories in general. Big bags, big bold jewelry the more the better is truly what we believe. Also Vintage is huge here.

HM: What’s new at Bombay Gal?
Right now the new jewelry collection. I just debuted it in the store last week for spring and summer…using great Antique Indian beads and enamel. The collection is very Bohemian, earthy, eclectic, as well as affordable.

HM: What is the main emotion the customer should feel when walking into Bombay Gal?
That they are in some Exotic, Foreign Country.

HM: What are your plans for the future?
The plans for the store are to have a few more stores maybe in Mexico, New York and Miami. And for the Jewelry collection I would like to wholesale my creations so you can get Bombay Gal designs in your state no matter where you are.

HM: If you could give advice to women who are thinking about starting a boutique what would it be?
Besides knowing your customer, I think it is very important to have a theme. Personally, I think this is what sets us apart from all the rest. Anyone can open a boutique and have clothes in it….make it a story. Make it an experience people will not forget. Whether it is through customer service or through the unique items in the store. Give it your best…..I guarantee it will be successful.

Bombay Gal Boutique
238 Auburn Ave
Atlanta, GA 30303

404-399-7224
info@bombay-gal.com

Interview with Bella Bella Boutique Owner, Aline Machado

Aline Machado: Owner, Bella Bella Boutique

Thirsting for super sexy lingerie and mood enhancing products? Discover what is new in the industry, coming from fabulous Florida! Here is our interview with e-tailer Aline Machado, owner of the beautiful Bella Bella Boutique.

HM: What inspired you want to start a boutique?
A: Having a very stylish mother, teaching me how to be a lady all my life, at age 9 I knew I wanted to own a fashion boutique. And being in the fashion industry for so many years my passion got bigger and bigger.

HM: What do you look for in clothing companies when buying?
A: We specialize in fine lingerie, specially from new designer with fresh approach and beautiful styles. We look for quality and good price.

HM: What are your best sellers?
A: Spoylt lingerie from London is a must-have in the designer level, Sensualle Thongs are always sold out due to their unique cuts and embellishments, Lola Luna are the most spectacular G-strings in the world, made in South of France with beautiful lace and Swarovski crystals, Booty Parlor is loved by many celebrities.

HM: Who is your typical customer?
A: Our clientele is between 18-50 years old, usually sophisticated, fashion-forward and stylish. We have many doctors and lawyers as well many college students clients. We also have high profile clients including celebrities.

HM: What sets your boutique apart from the others in your area?
A: We carry some exclusive brands from London, Australia, Colombia and Brazil. We have added brands that cater to women from all continents.

HM: Florida’s boutique culture is growing rapidly. What do you think is the cause of this new boom?
A: Population growth and people being more fashion focused and looking for something different or hard to find. I had a customer that was so happy to find Bella Bella for her Nougat London Bath products that she could only get at Harrods in London.

HM: Are there any distinct favorites among women in Aventura and the surrounding areas? A special style or accessory piece?
A: Brazilian cut panties and sexy thongs are adored by Miami women.

HM: What’s new at Bella Bella?
A: Soon we will have exclusive gift sets by Bella Bella with products to cater to the 5 senses all in one gorgeous luxurious boxed set.

HM: What are your plans for the future?
A: We will be starting our own brand of lingerie.

HM: If you could give advice to women who are thinking about starting a boutique what would it be?
A: Lots of research, great PR, knowing your niche customer, keeping your overhead low, the perfect location and lots of passion!

Bella Bella Boutique
3600 Mystic Pointe Dr. Suite 1114
Aventura, FL 33180
305-407-8759

Every one is a star in California Feat. Lisa Kline

Let's face it, we've all at a time in our lives wished we were a Californian girl. The perfect golden tan, blonde highlights and joie de vivre are standard in Cali as is a shopping spree at Lisa Kline. Lisa Klien offers delicious threads for every type of fashionista. From Glamour girls to surfer chicks Lisa Kline is a personal fave of trendsetting girls about town. As a special offer to HM readers, take 10% off purchases by entering the code "hautemimi" at checkout.

Get 15% Off at Manhattanite!

Manhattanite is one-stop-shopping for the next big thing and the ultimate online portal for effortless New York City style. Check out their chic fashion lines and fun gift ideas.

Exclusive promo for Haute Mimi readers - 15% off the entire site! Offer expires 2/14/08.

Promo Code: HauteMimi

Salon Kitty - London

Salon Kitty carries exquisite Australian designs by Wheels and Dollbaby (seen in OK! Magazine and You Magazine) and Peep Toe Shoes, as well as other fashionable fashion lines.

"I have always felt that all women, no matter their shape or size have the right to feel good about themselves. Fashion really does have the ability to make people feel positive about the way they look and this shows in how they then present themselves to others. All women have a special outfit that they feel comfortable in or confident in, whether it be a skimpy little top or a pair of sweat pants."

- Alicia, Founder of Salon Kitty