Heart of Haute Blog

It's time for our annual Holiday Boutique!

We know you'll be out and about Thanksgiving Weekend- make a point to stop by our 2nd Annual Holiday Boutique Sale!!! Support Small Business onSmall Business Saturday

We are teaming up with 2 of our employee's lines for the day.
Check out Lily Duenas' Lil' Lou Lou , classy hand made hair accessories, children's clothing & more!  Also featuring Linda Heredia's special custom geeky chic and comic book girly looks from 1138 Clothing!!!

10am - 4pm There will be snacks!!!

949 N Cataract, Unit M San Dimas CA 91773

Everyone that walks in the door will be entered to win a goodie bag full of accessories, a HOH gift card, and more!!!

Yes, we KNOW so many of you wont be able to make it because you don't live here, so we will be offering the Haute Honey Happy Hour throughout the day for all of our Instagram followers to get in on the deals AND ALSO be entered to win another goodie bag full of great stuff you don't wanna miss out on!!!

It's going to be a fun day of shopping, sipping & snacking!  See you there!

Who doesn't love springtime!  Flowers, warmer weather, brighter colors, longer days, it's all good!  But we've gotten so accustomed to the cold of the winter our closets may not be ready just yet!  Here's 5 easy ways to help you transition your winter wardrobe to spring! 1. Replace dark colors with brights - With the lovely little flowers on their way it's time for all of us to start thinking brighter!  Bold and bright colors make any outfit more fun, whether your favorite is Aqua, Coral, Lavender, or Pink.  Textured fabrics like Honeycomb Dimensions add an interesting pop to solid colored frocks.   Sundresses like our classic Sweetie Dress, and our newly refreshed Maybelline Dress are great for this season. 2. Switch fitted with flowy - Pencil skirts and wiggle dresses are popular in the fall and winter months, but spring is all about flirty, flowy and full skirts! Swing dresses are the best because they keep you cooler as the weather starts to warm up. And of course you can dance the night away!  The Milan and Marseilles Dresses have full circle skirts that are perfect for this season, and are available in the loveliest of florals.  We also have full skirts on their way this season - Keep your eye on our new arrivals! Tea party anyone? 3. Bold patterns - Pack away the plaid and hide the hounds-tooth! Just until next fall that is!  Replace them with polka dots and florals in pastels and brights.  Bold florals like the classic Rosa and the new Ariel just scream flirty fun.  Every retro loving gal's wardrobe needs vivid fabrics like Russian Dolls and Teal Damask. I can't resist those adorable babushkas! 4. Change up the accessories - The easiest way to add some spring fun to your everyday outfits is to add a flower or two!  Daisies are my favorite spring flower, but you pick whichever you like best!  Bright accessories like the Pinup Couture Amoeba Bag in Turquoise Glitter are a spring must have. And their Wicker Purse just makes me want to have a pinup picnic!

Can't forget a new pair of sunnies - Tres Noir 'Ultra Lux' and a lovely little necklace like the Blingy Bow.  The brighter the accessories the better you feel I always say!

5. Switch up your layers - Springtime means skirts will be getting shorter and sleeves will disappear soon enough. But in the mean time, especially with the weather that can't decide if it wants to be warm or still cold, it's important to keep a little sweater handy.  The Sweet Sweater is wrinkle resistant so you can just throw it in your bag in case the evening gets chilly! It's available in solids or spring patterns.  The Betty Bolero is a great choice for when you want to wear your favorite sundress but need a little extra sleevage! Available in White, Black, and Red, so it'll go with virtually any outfit! Enjoy sprucing up your wardrobe! Ali for HoH <3

Hey there Haute Honeys!  I was just going through some of our stock today and as always my eyes got caught on a little black dress.  We all have at least one in our wardrobes!  It got me thinking about the origins of the 'LBD'... According to fashion historians (wouldn't it be awesome to have that job!) the Little Black Dress can be credited to the early 1920's designs of CoCo Chanel.  The whole point of the LBD was to be versatile, long-lasting, accessible and affordable! Prior to the 1920's black was generally a color that was only used for mourning and funerals. It was actually considered indecent for a woman to be wearing anything black outside of those circumstances!  Glad I wasn't around for that!  Then in the post war era, around the 1950's, Hollywood's famous femme fatale characters (and an era of sexual conservatism) sort of took the little black dress back to it's original reputation of being the wardrobe of 'dangerous women.'  Not exactly the choice for the wholesome housewife! Then, thank goodness, in 1961 Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy came together to create the epitome of 'Basic Black' accessorized with pearls in "Breakfast At Tiffany's." And ever since then just about every woman has at least one LBD in their closet.  It's a wardrobe staple piece! Let's just say I'm very happy to live in an era where ladies can wear just about whatever they like! So I've put together some outfit inspirations featuring a few of the Heart Of Haute Little Black Dresses! The Anita Dress is a sassy wiggle dress that has a classic vintage silhouette that I just can't resist!  It reminds me of something Dita Von Teese would rock anyday!  With a below the knee hem and quarter length sleeves, the Anita is a perfect choice for cooler nights out.  I like to pair this one with red and gold accents like these Christian Louboutin pumps, the classic Pinup Couture Bow Handbag, and some Tres Noirs Ultra Lux Sunglasses if it's a daytime outing.  Don't forget the red lips! The Marseilles Dress is for more of the girly-gals! This one is satin so it has a gorgeous sheen to it that catches the moonlight (and perhaps the eye of that prince charming?) just right.  A full swingin' skirt makes it the perfect dance partner, showing off that gorgeous back with criss cross straps. Ooooh la la, don't I love it!  In my opinion this particular dress goes well with pink accessories like the gorgeous Viva to the Diva Pink Rose, lovely pink jeweled earrings from Asos, and these light pink sandal pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.  A lovely choice for a pink-lovin' pinup princess! The Aimee Dress is every bit as fun as the lady it's named after - trust me, she's my sister! I like the Aimee Dress for those times where I'm just not sure where the night is going to go, because it's perfect to dress up or down!  I pair it with my favorite saddle shoes or even a pair of Converse! - 'cause let's face it, nobody want's to be stuck in heels at your friend's brother's band's gig at the Whiskey a Go-Go!  This dress is a great choice for rockabilly babes and pinup princesses alike.  It's the perfect combination of comfort and cuteness!  I like to accessorize the Aimee with beetlejuice stripes and green accents like this adorably creepy skull bracelet from Infectious Threads and Serpentina lipstick from LimeCrime.   Oh Vera... how do I describe your subtle sexyness?  Vera is one of those silent but deadly dames.  She let's her style do the talking and yet she still is the center of attention.  Featuring a tiny peplum waistline and stunning collar, the Vera Dress and her daring hemline are for the bold fashionistas out there.  I styled the Vera with Rsvp Cailyn plum pumps and the Posh the Limit Hat by ModCloth. What do you think, Haute Honeys? Do you have a favorite little black dress? <3 Ali for HoH <3

[caption id="attachment_1532" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Heart of Haute Holiday Gift Guide[/caption] The holidays have snuck up on some of us again!  For those of you who have been prepared for months now - good for you!  Teach me your ways!  I however am a notorious gift shopping procrastinator.  There's so much pressure to get something creative, something they don't already have, something special that shows them how much you care.... right?  I've put together a useful little guide that's full of fun, flirty gifts for any retro loving ladies in your life.  Whether you're shopping for mom, sister, group of best buddies, girlfriend, or wifey!  Every pin up cutie could use a little Heart of Haute in their stocking this holiday! [caption id="attachment_1533" align="alignleft" width="150"] Pin Up Couture - Amoeba Bag in Champagne[/caption] 1. My personal favorite - the Amoeba Bag by Pin Up Couture. Nothing says I care about you like a gorgeous sparkly vinyl handbag!  It's curvy, eye-catching, classic and basically goes with anything.  Makes a great gift because the neutral champagne color can go from Winter straight into Spring!  This bag is also available in Aqua Glitter for the adventurous spirit and Black Glitter for the classy gals.   [caption id="attachment_1534" align="alignleft" width="150"] Tres Noir Ultra Lux Sunglasses[/caption] 2. Oh la la - every doll needs a perfect pair of cat eye sunglasses. No doubt about it!  The Tres Noir Ultra Lux Sunglasses are an elegant accessory and protect her beautiful eyes with 100% UVA UVB protection.  She'll feel like a diva every day!  These sunnies are available in Gold Sparkle or Black & Pearl.     [caption id="attachment_1535" align="alignleft" width="150"] Betty Bolero by Heart of Haute[/caption] 3. The Betty Bolero - just enough of a sweater, not too light, not too thick!  Perfect for over our Sweetie Dress on a lovely summer night.  In red, navy, white or black, a must have in any retro-inspired wardrobe!     [caption id="attachment_1539" align="alignleft" width="150"] Mitzi and CO 2014 Pinup Calendar[/caption] 4.  What about the men in our lives?  The Mitzi and Co 2014 Pinup Calendar is full of perfect pinups and hot rods!  A great gift for all those brothers, uncles, cousins, and mechanics you have to shop for!  Besides, who doesn't love a colorful pin up girl calendar?     [caption id="attachment_1540" align="alignleft" width="150"] Fancy Rose by Heart of Haute[/caption] 5.  Let's face it, every lady loves roses!  And every lady deserves roses, no matter the occasion!  The Fancy Rose comes in black, red, navy, purple, and ivory - so there is one to match every one of our dresses!  They are the perfect size and make a wonderful accessory to any retro inspired or modern outfit. So sassy!  For twice the sass - Check out our extra large Viva to the Diva Rose!   [caption id="attachment_1542" align="alignleft" width="128"] Seahorse Pendant by Heart of Haute[/caption]  6.  Stocking stuffer!  An adorable aquatic buddy on a long gold chain, is just lovely with any outfit.  This sweet little Seahorse Pendant is a great gift for any of the gals on your list!  With just the right amount of nautical charm.  This necklace is made in the U.S.A. with love!  Check out our whole collection of Jewelry.       7.  Still can't decide? No worries!  If you have no idea, you can always give her the gift of shopping!  That way you can be sure she'll get something she loves!  Thanks to you! We have Gift Certificates available anywhere from $25-$2,500!  You can choose to have the Gift Certificate e-mailed directly to you so that you may print it out and give it to the lucky lady in person OR we can e-mail it to her directly!   Make this holiday shopping season easier on yourself by checking out the Gifts Section at Heart of Haute!  There are plenty of handbags, shoes, jewelry, hair bows, sweaters, and more to choose from!  A gift from Heart of Haute is sure to make her smile.

You may have heard the saying, “accessories make the outfit,” and even though my own closet is slightly lacking in accessories, I have to agree. A beautiful dress without accessories is still beautiful, but add the finishing touches of a few accessories, and you my friend, have yourself a look to call your own!   If you browse a little in the “Accessories” section on our own website, you'll notice the cute bows and headbands by Lil' Lou Lou. The Lil' Lou Lou products that we offer are made exclusively for Heartbreaker Fashion, but this small company based in Riverside, California offers a range of accessories that will have you turning heads when you wear them on your own head. Not only that, but Lil' Lou Lou also offers a small line of vintage-inspired children's clothing to help send your little Susie or Johnny down the rocking rockabilly road early (can we say “mini-rockabilly?”) Not only do I have the pleasure of working with the designer and owner, Lily Dueñas, here at Heart of Haute Headquarters, but I also got a chance to find out more about the rockabilly scene from her point of view, and the story behind Lil' Lou Lou.

The Lil' Lou Lou 4 in 1 Headband, in Darla Pink exclusively for Heart of Haute.

  When did you start Lil' Lou Lou? I started back when I was still attending CalPoly [Pomona] and that was in 2007.   What made you decide to start your own company? It was kind of by accident, really. My friend from the fashion department [at school] saw that I was struggling a little bit, because at that time I was working in retail, and my paychecks weren't the greatest. She told me that she would make things, and sell them at different art walks, rockabilly shows, and so on. She suggested I make my own things to help pay for my textbooks and bills, so that's how I started making different things and selling them at different shows. I would always tell my customers, “Thank you so much for buying this, because not only are you helping me [with my company,] but you're also helping me buy my textbooks so I can pass my classes!”   Why did you choose to do accessories and children's clothing? I chose accessories because I would go to rockabilly shows, and I always kind of saw the same things. I never really saw something that I – not that I couldn't wear myself, but for example, bandanas. I would buy bandanas, but it takes that extra step to iron it, and fold it, and iron it some more. I just thought, “What would work for me, and work faster?” Especially when I was running late but still wanted to look cute! I just came up with things that I would wear, but would also be easy for someone else that was in the same shoes I was in. The children's line – I've always wanted to do something like that, especially because I would see my nieces and nephews and I just thought they were so darn cute! I just thought maybe it would be a good idea to come up with some vintage inspired clothes so I could dress them.   So they like wearing your clothes? My nephew LOVES the button up shirt that I have [in my line.] He doesn't fit in it anymore, but because he knows Auntie made it, it's his favorite shirt. I need to hurry up and come up with something new, because it does NOT fit him anymore, but he doesn't want to get rid of it!

Lily's nephew wearing the Josh Button Up Shirt

  Is there a story behind why you named your company Lil' Lou Lou? Yes, it's a combination of all my nicknames: Lil, Lils, Little Lily. My cousin's kid couldn't really say my name, so he started calling me “Lou Lou.” I combined all of my nicknames together, and that's how I came up with “Lil' Lou Lou.”   Have you ever heard of “Little Lou Lou” the cartoon? Yes, and you know people always ask me, “Oh, Little Lou Lou like the cartoon?” and I say, “No, as in ALL my nicknames.” Yeah, I get that a lot.   Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs? Well, it just kind of comes to me – no I'm just kidding! Fabric, if I see something at the fabric store. If I see a certain color it might spark an idea. I could be driving down the street and something could just. . . it's anything really. I don't ever really sit in front of the computer and Google “vintage stuff.”   What was your first product and what inspired that? It was the 4-in-1 headband. The fact that I did not have enough time to keep folding and ironing my bandana so it would be small enough for my head (laughs) because I have such thin hair, so I felt like the bandana was too bulky in the back! For other girls it would look really nice because they had nice, full hair, but for me I felt like it just didn't look as flattering, like “Darn, I need to do something!”

Instructions for the Lil' Lou Lou 4 in 1 Headband.

  What originally drew you to the “rockabilly scene,” and what is your favorite part about it? It was the clothes, the fashion. I LOVE the way women used to dress back then. I feel like it was classier – not that people aren't classy now, but there was some kind of magic or something, that when you're little you're just like, “Dang, that's awesome!” You know, like the princesses? You would see these ladies in fitted dresses, with full skirts. I just loved it. My favorite part is when I get to go to shows and see legends that are still performing. For example, I went to see Wanda Jackson, and I've seen her – I don't know how many times – but I never get tired of it because when else am I going to have the opportunity to say that I got a chance to see Wanda Jackson? I get to hear her stories, and how certain songs came about, or how she used to date Elvis. I think that's one of the best parts, for me at least.   What's your best kept hair and/or accessory styling secret? Bobby pins and a teasing comb are my best friends! I have really straight, fine hair, so when I'm running late I know that if have a couple bobby pins, I can tease it, do a quick pin curl, throw on a bandana and I'm ready to go. Those two have never failed me.   Is there any technique that you like to use specifically when you style your hair? I've always used sponge rollers. When I was little my mom would put the pink ones in my hair! I did try pin curling my hair, and I've been doing that lately. I use a sculpture pin curler.  Everybody's different, so once you get to know your hair, then you'll know what works for you. Try different things, and find out what works best for you.   Who is your style icon/inspiration? I get happy when I talk about Dita [von Teese] (laughs.) I LOVE Dita. She is just amazing! I was at another Wanda Jackson show, and I was wondering if Dita would be there, because I know she's a fan, too. She was! She was just there with everybody. There is something about her that makes you feel welcome. She's really down to earth, and I really like that about her. I got the chance to meet her at Viva [Las Vegas,] and I was so nervous! She was so nice. She was talking to me as if she'd known me from “way back when!” I obviously like the way she dresses and all that, but after I met her, that's when I realized she's really down to earth. That's what I like about her. She's being nobody else but herself, and I think that's a really positive message.

Lily and her boyfriend, Anthony, with Dita Von Teese.

    Do you have any advice for anyone that is considering starting their own business? Baby steps. Take baby steps. It's very important. I feel like sometimes you get desperate, or you want things to happen quickly, but it's better if you do things step by step. You learn along the way, and you learn from others instead of just jumping into something that might not last as long.   What are three things you want your customers to know about your company that they may not already know?   I'm proud to say that Lil' Lou Lou is manufactured in the USA. I don't think a lot of people know that. When I'm out selling, people think I just went to downtown [LA] and bought stuff to sell. I think it's really important for people to know these aren't just products that were imported from China. I made the patterns myself, and I also cut everything myself. I sew some products, but I also have contractors that I send out to.   My personal style is a mixture of different eras: 40s, 50s, and 60s. Lil' Lou Lou is also a blend of that, too. So even if it's a “die-hard 50s girl” she'll still able to wear something from the line, but even if it's a 40s girl, she'll be able to find something. It's just a mixture of all the things I like, and I'm pretty sure they like it, too!   My website's coming soon, and I'm really excited about that! That should be some time this Spring or Summer, so they should look out for that.     You can grab your own Lil' Lou Lou Heart of Haute Fashion exclusive accessories on our retail site.  For more information, or to check out the rest of her line, visit Lil' Lou Lou on Facebook!     With Love & No Regrets, Katrina