Heart of Haute Blog

Pin up or pinup images got their name from the way that they were "pinned up" on the walls of barracks, bunkers, office walls, ships, and even planes during war time. These alluring photos and illustrations were created to help raise the "morale" of the many young men serving long, dangerous tours away from friends, family, and love. 1940s era pinups were a part of a long history of soldiers customizing their gear and living quarters - a tradition that continues today. 

From Rita Hayworth in her nightgown to Betty Grable in her bathing suit, patriotic pin up girls were everywhere, even in Yank - the unfortunately (or appropriately) named weekly magazine published by the US Army.  Winston Churchill jokingly dubbed Jane, a blonde cartoon pin up drawn in the Daily Mirror Newspaper 'Britain's secret weapon.' War time pin ups even moved out of photos and postcards to be painted on jackets, the side of tanks and bombers, and tattooed on many bodies. Pin ups were depicted in dresses, lingerie, bathing suits, sometimes even less. 

 

Pin ups in modified military uniforms were created to show sexy support for the war effort. The sailor or Navy pinup has always been popular, appearing even in early Sailor Jerry tattoo designs. This iconographic look is patriotic, retro, and above all sexy. Nautical style is always fresh and classic, and Heart of Haute can help you use the best of this venerable vintage American look to create a memorable modern pin up figure. We have curated an amazing Patriotic pinup style collection - red, white and blue looks good on you! Perfect for 4th of July parties, parades, and the many summer festivals that we all enjoy.

Our Sailor dress is a classic - based on the pattern of a vintage dress, it has nautical pin up style without looking too much like a costume. Available in a patriotic palette of red, white and blue! In cool, crisp 100% high quality cotton, this dress is versatile and flattering with side ties for a perfect fit. Our sweet anchor print in pale blue can be found on our Matey Dress and Ella Top. Add a matching headband for a Rosie the Riveter inspired vintage look. You can even get the Baby Beverly Dress in Blue Anchors for the perfect mother daughter photo look! 

 As we celebrate the unique country that we live in, why not do it in a unique outfit that was made in America by Heart of Haute? A special thank you and an extra kiss from Heart of Haute to all of those who have served in the U.S. Military - past, present, and future! 

 

You may have noticed a beautiful new face adorning the HoH website and instagram feed lately....  Well she's a blonde bombshell who spends her days portraying every pinup's idol Miss Marilyn Monroe at the very fun Universal Studios Hollywood!  Check out our interview with this lovely lady.

 1. Tell us 5 fun facts about yourself! - I play a dead hollywood icon at Universal Studios, Hollywood! - I'm obsessed with Chipotle - all my friends know to give me a Chipotle gift card for my b-day. - My favorite movie is 'A League of Their Own' and I can quote the whole thing! - I have a weakness for men in nice suits. (like Jimmy Fallon , and Roger Sterling from 'Mad Men') - I have a good sense of humor and love meeting people with one too, most of my friends should be on SNL!

 2. How does vintage inspired fashion make you feel? -Vintage inspried fashion makes me feel unique and classy - you don't find many women dressing like this today, and when I do decide to dress vintage when I go out I will always receive a compliment from a stranger, and not a man but usually a fellow woman! Once I got hired as Marilyn at Universal Studios I had to become familiar with all her movies and any documentation there was on her, and when I was researching I fell in love with the classic old hollywood world of glamour.   Not only did I love Marilyn but I started looking up other famous movie stars from the era and became fascinated with their style and history.  My top girls are Betty Grable, Lana Turner, Anita Ekberg, Hedy Lamar and Rita Hayworth.  These women shaped me, I wanted to look like them, act like them, and I quickly found other people shared the same interests with modern takes on the era.. then I found clothing stores, models & burlesque performers and I just can't get enough!  I guess what I'm trying to say is that I love companies like Heart of Haute who are keeping the classic glamourous style and fashion alive!  

 

Look who stopped by! The fab @pinuppalmer modeling our Mercedes Dress in 'Cinderella Green'. -Alisa #HeartofHaute #PinupPalmer #VintageHair #PinupModel #RetroClothing #MandieBee #Retro

A video posted by Heart Of Haute (@heartofhaute) on Apr 22, 2015 at 1:22pm PDT

3. Have you always been confident in your curves? -Curves, what curves? Haha! In highschool I was flat everywhere and skinny - flat enough to play checkers on. But after going through the awkward stage I found role models with the same body type as me like Gwen Stefani, who I thought were gorgeous!  I took lil bits and pieces of what they dressed like and made it my own.  Plus now I can thank Chipotle for the little butt it gave me - still getting used to that! :p   

4. What are your top 5 favorite Heart of Haute pieces? - Only 5??!

• I'll start with the Hilda Dress - the little puff sleeves always make my arms look good and my waist look smaller!
• the Marseilles Dress in Baby Blue Sateen - It makes me feel like Cinderella!  Good for disney-bounding!
• The Gigi Tee is a very sexy top and I feel a bit like Wanda Woodward from 'CryBaby'- who I adore!
• Super Spy Dress in Black - it's mysterious, tight-fitting and classic. I feel like scatting while wearing it!
• My favorite piece is the Diva Suit in Ivory - I have never felt more like Lana Turner in my life. It's great for business yet so well fitted, and comfy!

Haute Honey Rachel Jensen of Chicago Chic reviews her favorite Heart of Haute dresses and separates!

If you're a pinup lover and have an instagram you've probably seen some photos of this gorgeous doll floating around your feed!  This curvaceous lady is Rachel Jenson of the popular Chicago Chic Blog.  She reviews the most glamorous of clothing companies, including Wheels & Dollbaby, and Dita Von Teese. We collaborated with this lovely lady and couldn't believe how beautiful her photos are! Her corseted curves and porcelain complexion make a beautiful silhouette for our pieces! Check her out in the Estelle Top in Black:  

 

Looking ravishing as always in the Sweetie Dress in Red Gingham paired with our classic Mandie Bee Sweet Sweater in White:  

Topped off with matching Lil Lou Lou hair bows! This dress in Red Gingham is perfect for Valentine's day!  And a classic spring choice. Rachel takes our spring classic and makes it fantastic!  

Can't get enough? Follow her on:  Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Facebook

Meet Ruby Roxx! A simply stunning internationally published model, who's just so talented and a real sweetie! Aside from modeling for 7 years, Ruby is also the editor in chief of Beauty Mark Magazine - a brand new body positive publication. This curvy, Canadian cutie models for many pinup and alternative clothing and lingerie companies, and luckily she modeled a few of our favorite frocks as well!

We've got some treats in store for you, dolls!

The first new print that's coming soon is a lovely little fabric we call 'Peggy Plaid.'  ...and there may be a similar version in black and white! This new print comes in two versions - Gold and Slate.  'Shimmer Gold' is a lovely ivory background with bursts of gold.  This fabric and the dresses it's made in are subtly chic and quite lovely to behold.

Our newest floral print, 'Isabella', is a gorgeous mixture of bright spring colors on a black background. Need something new, now?  Check out our newest dress styles and fabrics >> here !

Who doesn't love stripes?  I sure do!  Our lightweight, stretchy striped fabrics come in blue and in red.  These garments are versatile, comfy, and flattering on all body types!   One of my favorite dresses is the Lou Lou -We’ve alternated the stripe pattern to make Lou Lou just as interesting and fun as you are! This dress features a drop skirt for that classic vintage beachy look. It’s sleeveless with a cross v neckline, and is soft to the touch with a slight stretch. The Terri Top!  A quarter length sleeved top with small rouching in the bust.  In the words of lovely retro fashion blogger Teer Wayde - "The lightweight, curve hugging and super soft Terri Top is the best stripe top I've worn in years! Usually having a curvy body you tend to fear horizontal stripes but not me, I love them. This top is beautifully constructed and works so well with my body shape." You can read her full review of the Terri Top here.   A new addition to the collection - we've taken the ever so popular Marilyn Tee and made it in stripes!  Red, or Blue! (Can you see we've got a theme going here?) Also, the Gigi Tee, a close cousin to the Marilyn, has a rouched elastic neckline for a peasant style feel.   We didn't forget the feetsies!  The "Effie" Stripe Sandal from Bettie Page Shoes is an adorable canvas open peep toe sandal with adorable bow design!  Available in all the versatile favorites - Red, Black, and Navy. What do you think, Haute Honeys?  Have you got enough stripes in your life? ;) Shop our whole collection! -Ali for HoH  

We've been getting rave reviews on our all new Hilda Dress!  Have you had your eye on Hilda for a while? It's hard not to when she's just so eye-catching! This dress is different from our other styles as it has adjustable ties on the sleeves and an elastic neckline to ensure the best possible fit for you.

Retro fashion blogger Sarah Forshaw says she's infatuated with the neckline!  Read her review on the Hilda in Rosa - a fabulous print for springtime!

The classic Heart of Haute swing skirt will have you dancing all night. This dress is currently available in Teresa Floral Blue, Teresa Floral Red, Amber Rose, and Rosa. But we have more prints coming in the Hilda Dress very soon! Keep your eye on our Sale Rack, too! We have limited edition Hilda Dresses on there, including one in Blue Anchors! :) Ali for HoH<3

Hey there Haute Honeys! Am I using too much alliteration already? Whoops, I can't help it lately! Anyways - I'm here to introduce you to two of our newest fabrics! They're fresh! They're fun! They're funky! They're NOT for the faint of heart!  These retro inspired prints are bold and colorful, only fearless fashionistas for these frocks! (I know, I know, quit it already.) The first is Diamantes - it even sounds fancy! One of our pals says this print reminded her of the artwork of Mary Blair, I think I agree! This very retro harlequin fabric is indeed funky and colorful.  Definitely for the gal that doesn't mind standing out in a sea of gingham!

The Monique Dress is a good choice for this fabric as it's bateau neckline show as much of this awesome print as possible!

Also available in the Maybeline Dress, which is a great choice for spring and summer!  It has ties on the shoulders to easily conceal your bra straps and keep things in place. I love the Maybeline because it reminds me of the dresses I used to play dress up in at my grandma's house.  The one's that I eventually coveted and wore to school once they fit me just right!

Oooo so purdy! Floresitas is another bold print featuring tiny hints of blue and yellow on a stand out pink. Man I would love to have some high waisted shorts in this fabric! But I digress. Floresitas on the Monique Dress seems like a no-brainer, especially since we haven't had any kind of pink Monique's for a while!

Be sweet and sassy in the Sweetie Dress - the classic vintage style halter dress with a sweetheart neckline. The Sweetie really is universally flattering, no matter what size or shape! What could be more perfect? So whaddaya say?  Are you ready to go bold this spring? :) Photos by Mandie Bee / Modeled by Pinky Swear <3 Ali for HoH  

 

Just who is this stunning lady?  You may recognize her as one of the models on our website!  This is Teer Wayde - plus size model, fashion blogger, and body positivity advocate.  Teer's aim is to help ladies of all sizes dress for their bodies and be comfortable with who they are.  In her blog, Curves To Kill, she reviews clothing from companies near and far, showing them off with her modeling skills.  She gives an honest opinion on each piece and styles them with accessories and some awesome shoe finds!  Teer has been published several times and is a part of the real size model movement.

 Teer in the Maxine Dress in Rosa Even though Miss Wayde is all the way in Melbourne, Australia, we manage to join forces and get her expert opinion on many of our garments.  She and our founder Mandie Bee even got to meet and shoot together last year when Teer came to the US for Viva Las Vegas!  Here's just a few of the shots she's done in Heart of Haute pieces.

The Jolene Dress in On the Dot Most recently, Teer and Katherine Davis Photography braved the heat of the Australian summer and took a drive out to a gorgeous backdrop to shoot in some of her favorite Heart of Haute frocks. And don't we just adore the results!  You can read all of her reviews on her blog. The Etta Dress in Blue Anchors Teer started pinup modeling as a hobby, and since then her career has taken off.  She loves pinup fashion and all things vintage inspired. This fashionista is an expert at picking a wardrobe that fits her body type perfectly, and is well known and loved for her work.

The Monique Dress in Amber Rose There are definitely still not enough body positive images in the media today.  We're sick of the skinny vs. plus size debate. All sizes are beautiful, and we're all for happy, healthy models! Teer is a role model for gals of all shapes and sizes who want to change the definition of beauty in the fashion world today.  

The Super Spy Dress in Navy Before we changed our name from Heartbreaker Fashion to Heart of Haute, Teer reviewed quite a few of our dresses and separates.  Read Teer's previous blog post where she reviews the Hilary Dress, Tara Top, Beverly Dress & Monte Carlo Dress. Also read Teer's first blog post featuring Heart of Haute where she reviews the Marilyn Tee, Vogue Pencil Skirt, & Super Spy Dress.

The Monte Carlo Dress in Lake Want more Teer?  Follow her on Facebook, Tumblr, &  Twitter, Teer Wayde is represented by Bella Models, and can be contacted at her official website  www.TeerWayde.com <3 Ali for HoH <3

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to shoot Miss Dinah DeRosa  in my home for Heart of Haute. I've recently had to take photography into my own hands for our company and I'm learning more and more as I go along.  It's a lot of fun, creative, and also a ton of work. I have a GREAT appreciation for photographers as well as models. I've been on both sides of the camera and I know how much work goes into a shoot for both parties. *whew* Dinah has been modeling since she was 17 and she's a natural. In addition to modeling, you can find her managing the Unique Vintage store in Huntington Beach or dancing on stage for The Hula Girls.  To be graced with Dinah's presence, you'll find yourself not only looking at a very attractive lady, but a very attractive soul. This girl is one of my favorite models to work with for a reason. Very genuine, kind and just a really cool chick! Here's just a few shots from our photo shoot...       With Love & No Regrets, Mandie Bee!