Enter to win two tickets to the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour in What’s Haute Magazine’s 5 days of giveaways!

To usher in the 5^th month (May), and to thank you, dear readers, for helping us reach over 500 followers on Twitter, What’s Haute is celebrating with a weeklong giveaway! Our 5-day giveaway will consist of various prizes to thank you for your support.

Today’s prize is ‘BIG’! It’s a gift certificate for two tickets to the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour, which runs daily (an $84 value). The gift certificate never expires so you can use it anytime!

The Sex and the City Hotspots Tour incorporates more than 40 locations from the movie and the TV show including the shop where Charlotte bought her “Rabbit,” the trendy Meatpacking District, and a stop to drink a Cosmopolitan at ‘Scout’, the bar owned by Aidan. It’s the perfect mix of shopping, drinking, and sightseeing in the hip neighborhoods of New York City. There are also locations from Sex and the City: The Movie interspersed in the tour.

Tour highlights include:
• Shopping at the store where Charlotte bought her “Rabbit”
• A stop at “Scout,” the bar owned by Aidan
• Enjoying cupcakes like Carrie and Miranda
• Going on location to the art gallery in SoHo where Charlotte worked
• Shopping at the hottest boutiques & stores in Greenwich Village
• Visiting Buddakan, site of Carrie and Big’s wedding rehearsal dinner
• Seeing new locations from Sex and the City: the Movie

*To enter to win, simply click the links to follow What’s Haute Magazine on Twitter and On Location Tours on Twitter. You can also become a fan of What’s Haute Magazine on Facebook. If you’re already following or a fan, leave a comment below letting us know and you’ll be automatically entered!

For extra entries, tweet the following: “Please RT: I want to win 2 tickets to the Sex and the City Hotspots tour from @WhatsHaute and @onlocationtours!“.

(The contest is only open to those who live in Canada, the United States or Mexico.)

That’s it! The winner will be randomly selected on or around May 15, 2010.

Special thanks to On Location Tours for sponsoring this giveaway!

Click here to enter more giveaways on What’s Haute.

About On Location Tours, Inc.
On Location Tours, Inc. is a bus tour company based in New York City, specializing in TV and movie location tours. On Location Tours also operates the tour of Sopranos Sites and Gossip Girl Sites, the New York TV and Movie Sites, Washington DC TV and Movie Sites, and the Central Park Movie Sites. The company was founded in 1999, by Georgette Blau, a 1996 graduate of Skidmore College.

On Location tours has launched Sex and the City girlfriend getaways and bachelorette packages that include the tour of Sex and the City Hotspots by limousine, dinner at a location used in the show, and entrance into one of the nightclubs where scenes from Sex and the City were filmed!

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit On Location Tours or call 212-209-3370.

Relax, rejuvenate and refresh with Exhale Spa on Rue La La

A few weeks ago, I had the chance to meet with Rue La La insiders at their Exhale Spa event. I chatted with the Marketing head (who recognized What’s Haute Magazine immediately – I’m guessing I shop at Rue La La a bit much!) about the sample sale site’s designer offerings and company direction. She assured me that Rue La La was not your typical sample sale site, but rather a lifestyle site. Thus the sponsored event at Exhale Spa.

The evening was divine. Bloggers and editors gnoshed on champagne, fruit and cheese while we were treated to signature services from the Well Bar. I got a pretty pink mani while others received lip exfoliation, facials and a few even bravely participated in Exhale Spa’s Core Fusion class. It was the perfect event to usher in spring, a time to relax, rejuvenate and refresh.

Today on Rue La La, treat yourself to some holistic pampering, reconnect your mind and body and experience some essential core training in the Exhale Spa Boutique! Locations include New York, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Santa Monica and South Florida.

Packages will be available Thursday, April 1 at 11AM ET for 48 hours.

Click the link to sign up for Rue La La!

Self Salon Brooklyn - Blogger Beauty Night

You know the questions “If you were running out of a burning house, what three things would you grab?” and “If you were on a deserted island, what three things would you want with you?”. Well, in both instances for me, at least one of those things would be a bag of hair care products, including shampoo and conditioner, some sort of hair treatment, a blowdryer and a flat iron. I’m a little obsessed with my hair (I try my hardest not to have bad hair days), so when I was invited to check out Self Salon and get a hair glossing and blowout, I jumped at the chance.

I trekked over to Williamsburg, Brooklyn and immediately felt relaxed when I entered the fresh and airy, all-white space. The space was like a large art studio and the atmosphere was so calming. It was just what I needed after a long, stressful week! I chatted with some fellow bloggers, nibbled on Greek food and had a few glasses of wine before Jeffrey started my hair glossing process. The process was simple – he put the gloss in and just let it sit for about 20 minutes. Once it was rinsed out, Jeffrey was working on another blogger so the adorable owner, Maria Barca, took care of me.

Maria was nothing short of fabulous. To begin with, she was a sweetheart and super nice – a quality that seems to miss many stylists – at least most of the ones I have encountered. She explained everything that she was doing to my hair, and asked me many questions like what I wanted in terms of styling, what types of products I used and/or preferred, etc. This was all in an effort to get to know her client’s (my) needs well so she could provide the best service.

In addition to the amazing service, she is also an amazing stylist! She gave me a blowout which was very relaxing (I kept dozing off!) and fairly quick (no all-nighters here) which turned out beautiful. Then she offered to give me one of her signature “dry cuts” – I graciously accepted. I liked that she offered but didn’t push it, and even gave me a mirror and spun my chair around to show me exactly how much she was going to cut. No stylist has EVER done that before – they usually just start cutting away and you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. When she was done, my hair had that shine, bounce and swing that you typically only see in hair commercials.

If you want awesome service, and ‘commercial-quality’ hair, hop on a train to Brooklyn and grab yourself a seat at Self Salon. It’s only $45 for a blowout and you’ll be in and out in a flash. A hair glossing goes for an affordable $75, and lasts for approximately 10 washes. They also have a ton of other services (like coloring, highlights and hair treatments) hair and beauty products that you’ll want to check out. And Self is currently running a 20% off special until October 31st, in case you needed another reason to check them out. They also provide other services like acupuncture and makeup. I’m heading back soon to get a bridal makeup consultation so check back soon for photos of that! Learn more by visiting their website at SelfSalonBrooklyn.com.

Self Salon
147 Grand Street (between Bedford and Berry)
Brooklyn, NY 11211
Telephone: 718.599.1449
Email: selfsalon@verizon.net

Directions: L train to Bedford Avenue, walk south on Bedford to Grand and turn right
J, M or Z trains to Marcy stop, walk north on Bedford Avenue to Grand and turn left

Click here for more specials at Self Salon.

Love Brunch? Have a Spoon-ful!

I’m a bit of a foodie, especially when it comes to breakfast. So when I was invited to check out tbsp & spoon’s new weekend brunch service, how could I possibly pass up the chance?

“Fresh and local” is the mantra that tbsp & spoon operate on. I spoke with owner Melissa Chmelar who told me that all of her food (save for the breads) is made from fresh ingredients delivered daily from local farms. (She gets the breads from Balthazar bakery). She’s also very eco-aware. She believes that supporting local businesses lowers her carbon footprint by sourcing locally and not flying in organic ingredients from all over the world.

Chmelar launched spoon first as a catering service, and later launched the spoon storefront, selling delicacies like cake and pancake mixes, spoon’s “Best Ever Granola” and fresh flavored curds and jams. Soon followed tbsp, a lunch destination.

After only a few weeks of brunch service, already the restaurant was jam-packed (no pun intended). The retaurant’s ambiance reflects the owner’s background - a smart mix of rock and roll and country. When you first walk in, you are greeted by a selection of spoon products in kitschy mason jars and labeled cans, along with a mouthwatering selection of freshly baked goods – brownies, luscious cupcakes, etc. The rustic, shabby chic interior (much more chic than shabby), personal service (Chmelar plays equal roles of hostess, waitress, cashier and manager) and pleasant waitstaff helped me relax while eagerly awaiting Chmelar’s signature comfort food.
The menu consisted of a selection of homespun favorites ranging from the traditional (pancakes and bacon) to the fun (breakfast pizza), to the grown-up (brook trout and grits). I opted for the Baked Eggs in a Skillet – a mix of herbed shiitake mushrooms, russet potato hash, seasoned ground pork sausage, fresh spinach, poached eggs and parmesan flakes. The skillet was pleasantly flavorful, and was accompanied by wholegrain toast and fresh apple butter. I also had to have spoon’s famous buttermilk pancakes, topped with fresh whipped cream and blueberries, along with blueberry maple syrup with a side of double smoked bacon. The pancakes were incredibly fluffy and cake-like, and the syrup was deliciously light. The meal was just the perfect size – not too light, not too heavy, and was absolutely heavenly. There’s nothing better than fresh ingredients to make for a sumptuously fresh meal. I loved the pancakes so much that I even purchased the mix and syrup to take home with me!

If you’re in the mood for some farm fresh eggs, fluffy pancakes, juicy jams and more? Head over to tbsp & spoon!

tbsp Brunch
Saturday and Sunday – 10:30 am to 4:00 pm
17 West 20th Street
New York, NY 10011
646.230.7000
www.spoonnyc.com

Not in NYC? No problem – shop spoon online!

Lucky Shops 2008

It’s no secret that I’m a shopaholic, bagaholic, shoeaholic, etc. Living in New York is my excuse. I mean there are stores everywhere; you literally cannot escape from shopping! So, to make myself feel better about my shopping/spending addiction, I love to hear about special deals, sample sales, shopping events with a bunch of discounted designer items. I went to Lucky Shops for the first time last year and vowed to return year after year. Why? I got tons of designer stuff at amazing prices. For instance, I purchased a brand new Devi Kroell Tiffany shoulder bag for close to 80% off the original price! A pair of Michael Kors shoes and several designer clothes also followed me home.

With the holidays coming up and the economy suffering, Lucky Shops is just what we shopaholics need. The 2008 event promises even more discounted shopping fun – up to 70% off retail prices! Virtually every designer ever seen on the pages of Lucky Magazine will be showing their current and off-season items, so you can shop a wide range of designers like handbags from Devi Kroell, Kooba and Rebecca Minkoff; footwear from Havainas and Nine West; jewelry from Bing Bang, and Lauren Wolf; and haute apparel from See by Chloe, Mara Hoffman, Cynthia Rowley, and so much more!

Get your tickets here before they sell out. You won’t want to miss this haute shopping event!

Where:
Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY

When:
VIP Shopping Party • Thursday, November 6 • 6PM -9PM $250
First Dibs Friday: November 7, 10AM - 7PM, $35
Saturday Shop-a-thon: November 8, 10AM - 5PM, $20

Cocktails served Friday 3-7 pm and Saturday 1-5 pm. Must be 21 years or older.

Nothin’ But a Good Time at Harrahs

It was the Facebook post that piqued my curiosity:

“If you’re:

a) On the East Coast somewhere
b) A fan of pop culture, entertainment, celebrity, etc.
c) Write about it
d) Know who Bret Michaels and Jackie Collins are

Then shoot me an email - I have something for you that you’re going to like.”

I know curiosity killed the cat, but Bret Michaels and Jackie Collins? I couldn’t pass that up. It turned out to be a blogger night hosted by Peter Shankman. Myself and several other bloggers were invited to spend the night at the luxurious new Waterfront Tower at Harrah’s hotel and casino in Atlantic City.

Upon arrival, my guest and I checked in (VIP, I might add) and went directly to our fabulous room with a view, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Hurriedly, we changed and met Peter and the bloggers for dinner at The Steakhouse restaurant. We dined on a 5-star meal consisting of common indulgences like king crab legs, steak and shrimp, along with specials from the chefs. Cocktails were flowing, and the company and conversation were cool.

After dinner, our group headed to The Pool for more VIP treatment. The Pool was a grotto-like nightclub surrounding (duh!) the hotel pool. Inside, palm trees, cabanas and scantily clad cocktail waitresses instantly transformed the hotel to an exotic destination in the Caribbean. While we sipped on more libations, a line formed across the other end of the pool to meet Bret Michaels. Uninterested in waiting in line, I snuck up on the side and managed to get a close-up shot of Bret, who looks even more ‘interesting’ in person.

Numerous drinks later, we were headed back to our room, comfortable bed calling my name. Because of a serious hangover, I never got to meet Jackie Collins but hanging with Peter Shankman, indulging in the finest food and drink, meeting the coolest group of bloggers and Bret Michaels at the Pool was well worth it.

• Peter Shankman of Help a Reporter
• Ross Currie and Jill Ivey of Phillyist
• Jen Miller of Down the Shore with Jen
• Jane Porricelli of Pinks & Blues Girls
• Chris Shott of The New York Observer
• Douglas Quenqua of The ClickZ Network and The New York Times

Win a $50 Gift Certificate to Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club

The eponymous Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club is an Upper East Side late-night haunt and celebrity hotspot with an impressive décor and even more impressive cuisine. Featuring French fare fused with Asian influences, the sumptuous menu consists of everything from signature plates, like the lobster brulee appetizer, to braised short ribs and foie gras, and an ‘irresistible’ chocolate soufflé for dessert.

Now for the first time, Bruno Jamais is open on Sunday nights as well, for drinks, dancing, live entertainment and dinner, with a reduced price menu from 6pm to 2am! Select a bottle from the two wine cellars and mingle with celeb diners like Bill Clinton, Kim Cattrall, Chris Noth, Billy Baldwin, Chazz Palminteri, The Gastineau Girls, Fat Joe, Spike Lee, and Fergie, the Duchess of York.

Enter to win a $50 gift certificate to this luxurious restaurant! All you have to do is enter your email address to subscribe to What’s Haute (at the top of the page).

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.brunojamais.com.

Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club
24 East 81^st Street
(between Madison and Fifth Aves.)
New York, NY 10028
(212) 396-3444

Vosges Haut Chocolat

You consider yourself a chocolate snob so you prefer something a bit more haute than Hershey’s. Why not indulge in some haute chocolate?

Vosges Haut Chocolat is the luxury brand for chocolate lovers; the Louis Vuitton for chocoholics. The chocolates are designed to stimulate your senses and create a cultural experience “through the exploration of spices, herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, nuts, chocolate and the obscure”. Founder Katrina Markoff personally selects each ingredient to bring you chocolate as you’ve never tasted it.

The taste infusions will delight your senses with unexpected flavor combinations and hearty ingredients. Indulge in international truffles from Europe, South America and the Caribbean, infused with exotic ingredients like Ancho chili, Ceylon cinnamon, Taleggio cheese and Sicilian sea salt. Eat exotic candy bars from the pleasant - Barcelona Bar with hickory smoked almonds, grey sea salt and deep milk chocolate - to the perplexing - Bacon Exotic Candy Bar with Applewood smoked bacon, smoked salt and deep milk chocolate. And if that wasn’t enough, treat yourself to Vosges’ gourmet chocolate collection, filled with dainty Mini Party Cakes, Couture Cocoas, Exotic Ice Creams and Chocolate-Covered Organic Tortilla Chips.

Get your high-class chocolate fix at Vosges.

*For the month of February, Vosges is hosting Valentine’s Day Chocolate + Henna Soirées in New York, Chicago and Las Vegas! The events will feature “custom henna painting by Stephanie Rudloe, savory Indian munchies, Vosges Haut-Chocolat’s signature confections infused with aphrodisiac spices, chocolate-filled goodie bags and bubbly to make your heart flutter.” Check out Vosges events for more details.