Heart of Haute Blog

Hello Heart of Haute Honeys, It seems not-so long ago that I was sitting in a hallway at Cal State Fullerton waiting for my next class to start. I spent many hours in my sketch book coming up with new designs; simple things to get Heart of Haute started. Back in those days, we were only selling on eBay and Live Journal communities.  The Heart of Haute Halter Dress, The Heart of Haute Halter Top, Aline Skirt, and Sweetie dress were the very first items in our line.  I can tell you that some of the styles I came up with are still in our line today. As months and years go by, some styles prove to be true classics in the eye of my fashion-friendly female customer. Styles like the Sweetie Dress and the Super Spy Dress, which have both been our line since 2005.  When we notice a decrease in sales and interest on a particular item, we may eventually retire a design. The Halter Top and its big sister, the Heart of Haute Halter Dress, are two of our original designs we decided to put away- but surely, not for good! I recently began receiving e-mails and requests on our facebook page for our original halter top. In efforts to keep things moving forward, I would regretfully tell the customer that item was no longer offered.  Though, after some thought about it and enough requests, we decided to bring this classic piece of Heart of Haute design history back into action! Here's a look back at some of our original photos on models- these date back to 2006. Miss Bernie Dexter Cherry Dollface Jasper James   The Heart of Haute Halter Top is now available on our website for order. I realize these are short tops, but I always advise those who don't want to bare their bellies to layer it over another halter or seek out a high waist-ed skirt or pants. Here's to an excellent summer, Heart of Haute lovers. Grab your halter tops for only $28.99! We will be adding more print options in the coming days. With Love & No Regrets, Mandie Bee        

Prom as we know it today has is origins in formal banquets that universities held in spring for their graduating classes. The popularity of Prom increased with American prosperity and the cult of the teenager in the  mid-twentieth century. Prom fashion has thankfully become more personal and flexible in recent years - no longer is it required to have your satin shoes dyed exactly to match. If you are looking for a unique (and handmade) look for prom, Heart of Haute has the options you have been searching for. The layered satin Juliet dress is romantic and elegant, with floral scalloped lace and a bare back.  The Antoinette Dress covers your shoulders while having a see-through lace back, in burgundy or black. Looking for a classic 1950s style? The Marseilles dress can be worn over the shoulder or as a halter.  The Milan dress has a vintage shape in a trendy shade of pale green sateen, or classic black. A vintage prom look requires more than just a dress : hair, make-up and the perfect accessories are needed to complete the image.  Retro hair styles are perfect for prom, and you don't have to have long hair. Check out the ultra-popular Vintage Hairstyling Book, or any of pin-up model Cherry Dollface's hair and make-up tutorials. If you have naturally curly hair like me, check out Angelique Noire's  vintage hairstyle tutorials. Don't forget a hair flower or two to add to your updo! The Glamour Girl Shrug can add a bit of rockabilly or even punk style to your prom dress. For the perfect retro cat eye, I use gel eyeliner. Give yourself time for a test - it takes a bit of practice.  I find that it is easier than liquid, but gives you a sharper, darker line than a pencil. Keep the brush really clean for the best result. A retro or vintage inspired prom dress is just one of many styles that can help you look (and feel) great on the big night, even if you are old enough to chaperone your friend's kids, like me! Mrs. V

Hello Heart of Haute Fans! Mandie Bee here. I've been busy buzzing around getting things done over here at HoH HQ this Spring. I've been meaning to post this blog entry for a while because I wanted to share my experience working with one of my favorite models! During Viva Las Vegas,  my crew of lady friends (Katrina, Tara, and Sabina) and I were busy preparing for a quick photo shoot with the darling and dreamy Teer Wayde of Melbourne, Australia.  Teer has been a fan of Heart of Haute for years and we've been a fan of hers!   In her blog, Curves to Kill, she shares her favorite finds as well as  product reviews from various fashion lines. We are happy and honored to be among the brands she favors and reviews! While I was having my makeup done by Sabina (because I was also shooting that day), I had a ton of questions for Teer. So, I had a verbal interview with her as my eyelash glue was drying. It was kind of comical talking to her with one eye nearly glued shut, but I guess that's my way of doing things.  Casual, short, and sweet. I personally wanted to know about her and get her opinion on a few things as well.   So here are some fun facts about Teer:

• She enjoys Celtic Punk music.

• She started her blog 3 years ago after numbers of people would e-mail her with questions about where she got her outfits for photo shoots. She thought it would be simpler and more effective to blog about the products she shoots in, that way the companies would receive recognition and her fans would get some great info, too!

• Teer found Heart of Haute while shopping online at PinupGirlClothing.com, one of our retailers.

• She loves Heart of Haute for our fit and overall quality. She says she adores the Ella top because the buttons don't pucker over her bust. Yes! A button-up blouse for busty ladies? It's true.

• Teer is also recognized as a plus size model and reminds us that beauty should never be associated with a dress size. She says she is definitely a promoter of healthy body image. Love your curves, girls!

• Her advice to ladies of all sizes? Girl. Wear what you want. If you've got it, show it off and be proud of yourself.

(Photos by: TaraOPhotos.com  Phoenix, AZ - Makeup by: Sabina Chowaniec  Phoenix, AZ) Meeting Teer was a good thing and I'm so glad we had the opportunity.  Girls like her are truly inspirational. She is a sweetheart and a joy to be in the presence of- this girl is for real! Even though we spent about an hour working on the photo shoot, I can tell she is a genuine person that means what she says. Thank you, Teer!  I really appreciate you taking the time to come over for the shoot and talking with us.  My friends and I were fans before, and of course still are. It was just really cool to meet you!   With Love & No Regrets, Mandie Bee    

The Sweetie Dress has been with Heart of Haute since day 1.  It fits well, it's classic, and ladies just love it how it flatters their figure. We love it, too! This halter dress features the oh-so classic sweetheart neckline, full swingin' skirt, and princess seems through the body for a versatile fit. This dress really does looks wonderful on every kind of figure! It's no wonder we offer it in 21 different ways! I say it's the ultimate sundress. Why? First of all, the majority of the materials we choose are 100% cotton and machine washable! That's right. No trip to the dry cleaners for these sweet things.  The Sweetie Dress is also a simple piece, making it open to many interpretations to accessorize. Add a belt. A petticoat, perhaps. A cute lace slip to pop out above the neckline. It's also rather cute to pair with on of our Betty Boleros. Most importantly, The Sweetie dress FITS. I can't tell you how many of these dresses I've had in my closet over the years. It's a good standby for those summertime parties, weddings, and outings.  We continue to offer this style in new fashion prints each season as it has proven to be a staple in many ladies' fashion diets.  If you were on the fence about this style, maybe now is the time to take the plunge and find yourself lookin' sweet in one of our Sweeties.   I recently received this e-mail from a happy customer named, CarlyAnn, about our ever-popular, Sweetie Dress.

My name is CarlyAnn, and I just have to say I love your Sweetie Dress. I have never, NEVER been able to find a dress that fits my body off the rack without a single alteration- and certainly not online! I took a chance and purchased my second Sweetie thinking that maybe I just got lucky with the fit of the first one. But low and behold, it's two for two! I simply need to thank you for your amazing product! Please don't ever retire this cut!

Thank you, CarlyAnn for your testimonial!!!

With Love & No Regrets,

Mandie Bee

I can't wait until tomorrow night - Mad Men is finally back! My Sunday nights will again be filled with style, scandal and scotch on the rocks. One of the things that I truly love about Mad Men is the diversity of the characters, and the women in particular. Not all women want the same thing, or go about finding it in the same way. Many shows have explored this territory - 10 years ago, the question was; are you a Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, or Miranda? Now, the choices are Betty, Joan, Peggy, or Megan. Heart of Haute can help you express your inner Man Woman! For the polished, traditional Betty, try the Ella Top by Mandie Bee - crisp cotton, sweet prints, and a prim bow. The structured Milan dress from HoH in the Katherine floral print is a retro style dress right out of Betty's closet. Joan's looks is sexy, but not overly revealing. She wears a lot of rich colors. The Vanessa Dress in a new green stretch sateen is a perfect choice, and of course every Joanie needs a great sexy high waist pencil skirt in a bright red. Peggy's style is a little more subtle, a professional mix of her youth and conservative past. The Beverly Dress is new Mint Lynette is soft without being too sweet. The Moxie Skirt in Black Plaid can go from the office to happy hour. Hip, well-traveled Megan Draper would love the striking mod style Doreen Dress in Black Plaid - great for a night out seeing your friend's band, or maybe an audition. The Tara Top in bold stripes is a comfortable 100% cotton knit, great for your long days of rehearsal and modern dance classes. I know that the new season of Mad Men will bring us excitement, intrigue, and loads of fashion inspiration. If you want to dig deeper, my favorite recaps that focus on the incredible visual style of Mad Man is the Mad Style series on Tom and Lorenzo. Happy watching - join me with a whiskey on the rocks tomorrow night! Mrs. V      

About a month ago, we made the epic 3-hour journey to Las Vegas, Nevada to show at the semi-annual MAGIC trade show.  Heart of Haute has been going twice a year for over 4 years. This particular trade show is one of the best known in the fashion world. Apparel companies of all styles and business size attend and show their collections. Out of a 10x10 space, Katrina and I sell to retail shops so they can make Heart of Haute dresses available to you in your local town!   We always-always-always encourage our customers to shop with our retailers. If you step into any department store, you'll see a lot of well known brand names like: Levi Strauss, BCBG, and Betsey Johnson , even our beloved Hello Kitty.  Any retail store that carries multiple brands has a buyer to plan and stock the shop. All of these companies show at the MAGIC tradeshow.  Also in attendance?  Our friends at Fables, Queen of Heartz, Lux DeVille and Unique Vintage! In this Photo:  Lauren Shade, Barrie Kaufman, and Stephanie Castro Here I am with pieces from my Spring collection for Mandie Bee.  I'm wearing the Ruby dress in the Blue Anchor print. My dress form has on the newly-popular Etta Dress in Yellow bees. On another day, I wore the Marleen dress from Heart of Haute. Seriously- this dress is one of my favorite wiggle dresses. On our last night, we had to make a stop at Frankie's Tiki room.  I know this is a regular stop for many Vegas visitors. If you haven't been there yet, you just gotta check it out!   With Love & No Regrets, Mandie Bee!      

Dapper (adj.): neat and trim in appearance; very spruce and stylish There are two things that this particular Heart of Haute fan always has, and probably always will, love with every girly fiber of her being: Disneyland and getting dressed up (or as I like to say, “getting fancy!”) Thanks to the brilliance of a fellow named Justin, an event that combines these two loves of mine was created: Dapper Day.   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="600"] Morganeli for Welton Becket and Associates, 1965 Tomorrowland[/caption] Inspired by the original concept artwork of Disneyland's designers, who portrayed park guests enjoying Disneyland's attractions dressed in their finest threads, Dapper Day is held twice a year (an all day event in Spring, and an evening affair in Autumn.)  It is also celebrated at Walt Disneyworld in Florida, and EuroDisney in Paris. A schedule of meet-up times is available, giving event goers a chance to meet like-minded stylish people, and make new fancy friends, (this year, they even had a singles mixer!) However, participants are encouraged to enjoy the Disney Parks at their own leisure. The Dapper Day events have also expanded to include a cocktail party called Folly, which is held in Los Angeles at different venues throughout the year.   While the Dapper Day website encourages participants to dress to the nines, they like to remind guests that this can mean anything from vintage to contemporary chic, and even dress uniform for those in active military duty, or retired military. I, of course, love to take the opportunity to choose from the Heart of Haute dresses I happen to own myself. Dapper Day has become an event that I keep in my calendar, and look forward to. I attended the most recent one last month, which marks my third Dapper Day Event. This time, I decided to rock the Beverly Dress in Peacock Dimensions (this dress never fails me!) as well as my favorite sunglasses of all time, the Ultra Lux cat eye sunglasses by Tres Noir in Pearl Horn.   Take a peek at some of the photos from that fancy, fun-filled day. (There were even a few Heart of Haute fans, showing off their Heart of Haute dresses!)   This lovely lady was spotted in our Monte Carlo dress!!!   And check out this Heart of Haute in our Beverly Dress in Cerise.   The Beverly really is popular. Here it is in the new Peacock Lynette!   I could go on and on about why Dapper Day has become so special to me, but I don't think anything I could say would really do it justice. There's something about being at Disneyland, surrounded by fellow fancy Disney-goers that's wonderfully magical. Whether it's the nostalgia for a time when dressing your best meant more than buying a skin-tight mini-dress at the mall, or the twinkling lights on King Arthur's Carousel at night as the backdrop for a picture perfect evening, Dapper Day has a way of enchantment that doesn't even need pixie dust (sorry Tinkerbell!)   With Love & No Regrets, Katrina Marie  >^.^<

Viva Las Vegas. Swing Dancers, Rockabilly and Vintage Enthusiasts flock by the thousands from all over the world each year to make it to this massive event!  It's like a subcultural adult prom that occurs every year.

I've been going with Heart of Haute to vend since 2006. One of our employees, Angie Alamilla, looks forward to Viva every year! In fact, Angie has created a basic style guide for the Viva-goer.  A car-show look, a casual day-look and an evening-look.

While there are TONS of events going on at Viva, one of my favorite things is to see what other girls are wearing.  I especially love walking around and spotting all the Heart of Haute out there, too!

We will have all of these items available for sale at the car show!

(with the exception of the Marsielles dress).

The Car Show look:

  Tres Noir "Ultra Lux"  Sunglasses 

The Sweetie Dress   This print will be exclusively sold at Viva Las Vegas and not on our website!

The Casual-Day look:

The Ellie Top in Mustard

and the Vogue Pencil Skirt in Black

The Evening Look:

The Marseilles Dress from Heart of Haute

See ya in Vegas!

 With Love & No Regrets,

Mandie Bee

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

Hey Heart of Haute Fans. It's Mandie Bee here. So, word on the street is Heart of Haute will be having some incredible deals this holiday weekend. And by street, I mean my office computer...because that's where I come up with this stuff! If you want in on the secret, you've come to the right place.  Friday has you saving 15% on the entire site plus free shipping on orders of $300 or more! Saturday and Sunday? Easy. Check out the HoH Sale Rack via our Facebook page. And Monday is super sweet, too. Spend $100, get $25. I've decided this year to make things very simple. No coupons. That's right. Just shop easy knowing that you'll be saving. No more feeling left out because you don't have the special coupon code. No more "hey, where do I input the coupon? I'm confused!". That's right, my dear Heart of Haute fans. This year, all you got to do is worry about what you'll be sporting for all those upcoming holiday parties and what's on your Christmas list! If you've had your eye on something for yourself, this is the weekend to grab it! ....and if you're hunting for some lovely holiday apparel, may I suggest our Dynasty collection?  These dresses are 100% cotton with a gold metallic print! They shine in just the right light and look fabulous in photographs!                                   Also in this group, the Empress print. A white background with gold metallic print. Our friend, Dinah DeRosa, really rocks the Beverly here!                                                           Heart of Haute is also a great place to find cool gifts for $20 or less!  You may find our selection of Jewelry to be just right for the lady in your life!                                   We also have Mitzi's 2013 Pinup & Hot Rod Calendar for the fellas!                         So whatever your reason, this really is the season to shop with Heart of Haute and save a pretty penny! Happy Thanksgiving, Dolls.  Enjoy the Black Friday, Weekend Sale, and Cyber Monday offer! With Love & No Regrets, Mandie Bee