Heart of Haute Blog

As you may or may not know, Heart of Haute was started by and is stilled owned and designed by a mother & daughter team.  Designing fashions for young girls is nothing new to Teresa Marie, as she owned and operated a mother/daughter boutique in Downtown Covina for 8 years.  Even before then, she had a toddler line called "Sibling Rivalry"  So here at Heart of Haute we've had the Ava Adorable line since Teresa's granddaughter, Ava, was born! It's always been possible to match up Ava Adorable dresses with mommy size dresses, but we decided just in time for our Crowned Kitties print's release to put together some matching styles!

 

Introducing our new cute crown kitties print - in a lovely matching set for mamas and their little kittens!  Shown here is the Monique Dress, and the Enchanted Child Dress. We've also brought back an old favorite for the little honeys - the Baby Beverly Dress!  Just like Momma's Beverly, the Baby Bev features a cute square knot around the collar and contrasting belt! Start your lil sailors early!  The classic Sailor Dress for mommy and the Baby Sailor dress for daughter! Another sailor style, the Chambray Anchor print - in the Irene Dress and Ava Adorable Baby Sailor Dress. Also available the Russian Dolls print - shown here in the Monique Dress, and the Ava Adorable Enchanted Child Dress.

Also, if you're into more of a Mary Blair flair pattern, try the Diamantes print! Shown here in the Aline Skirt and the Enchanted Child Dress, but you can mix and match to your favorite dresses! It's easy to mix and match, whether it be a skirt and top combo, or the matching dresses!  You can also custom order your pair of dresses in any print you like, just send a detailed email to orders@heartofhaute.com and we'll put together your perfect matching frocks! 

Follow Heart of Haute's board Ava Adorable on Pinterest.

 

Hey there Haute Honeys! Hope you are all enjoying the first month of the year!  We've been busy bees here making tons of new products, and revamping the favorites with fresh & fun fabrics! Let's talk all about them...

  It's finally here! The long awaited 'It's Raining Cats' print has made it onto the Matey Dress, Ella Top, and Moxie Skirt by Mandie Bee.  I just can't resist these adorable topsy turvy felines. Mandie Bee's collection is form fitting for a gorgeous silhouette, and remember the Moxie Skirt & Matey Dress are slightly shorter than the rest of the Heart of Haute products!  A perfect fit for you flirty rockabilly babes to accessorize with your favorite ballet flats if you're running around all day, or a great pair of pumps for a night out! If you're not a cat lady, don't fret - we are on the lookout for a just as cute puppy print for all the dog mamas out there!               The Amanda Dress is one of those timeless dresses that make a unique addition to any retro-loving gal's wardrobe.  It's a vintage inspired dress that fits like a dream, and this particular print is just gorgeous.  A striking tableau of cerulean, dark blue and bright white flowers with spectacular detailing.  This sophisticated floral print is eye-catching and flattering on all skin tones.               Florance is a one of a kind print, it reminds me of picnics in the meadow, a fun, flirty date maybe? Especially when on the Beverly Dress, oh Bev is such a flirt! The fabulous Florance print is an array of teeny tiny blue and red flowers. Also available in the popular Sweetie Dress and the Amanda Dress.  I think they are best accessorized with the Pinup Couture Wicker Purse in black. I can't resist that adorable dainty fruit charm!             Winter Blossom is sure to make any lady the belle of the ball!  Stunning shimmery ice blue with golden florets that glisten as your skirt twirls.  Sound too good to be true?  It only seems like a dream, but it's the truth!  It reminds me a little of an ice fairy, but really it's a piece that can work in any season.  The fabric has a bit of a pearly sheen to it also, so if you're keen on standing out in a crowd, this dress is sure to make you shine your brightest. Also available in the Amanda Dress for those gals who don't like halters.         Just as a reminder dear Haute Honeys - join us on Facebook through the end of January as we are doing another Test Kitchen.  That's where we show you all the new prints and styles we've been working on and get your opinions on which we should keep!  As always we really appreciate your feedback! Here's just a little sneaky peeky of what could be coming your way! It's up to you!  <3 Ali for HoH <3

  [caption id="attachment_1551" align="alignleft" width="300"] The Monique Dress in Midnight Peacock[/caption] I am very excited to announce the arrival of our newest fabric print - Midnight Peacock.  As the cool sister to our famous Peacock Royale print, this one features a stunning color scheme of dark navy and light blues with the same lovely peacock surrounded by flowers.  This dress will truly stand the test of time as it is classically gorgeous.  Now available as one of our popular Monique Dresses, which has a lovely bateau neckline, a-line skirt, built in belt and side zipper.  Snag yours while supplies last! Let your inner peacock strut her stuff loudly and proudly this new year!

[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.

Summer's in full swing, Heart of Haute-lovers, and we have great new styles perfect for all the fun in the sun you'll be having! To help you stay true to your style, and stay cool in the heat, take a peek at our new Sugar Stripes Collection.  

The Maybeline Dress (shown below in Purple Stripe and Blue Stripe) is the perfect dress for your next BBQ, beach party, or even a night out at the local county fair. This sleeveless dress, with adjustable straps, is perfect for those hot summer days and warm summer nights. The Maybeline Dress even has pockets (and who doesn't love a dress with pockets?!)

Model: Stephanie Weber

Summertime is known for concert season! Headed to go see your favorite artist or band? Whether you're off to see a hot act at the Hollywood Bowl, or the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Hall, you'll be a show stopper wearing the Regina Dress (shown below in Purple Sugar Stripe.) It's just casual enough to be comfortable, but dressy enough for any special occasion. (If you're anything like me, fantastic live music is always a special occasion!) For a fancier venue, dress it up with your favorite pumps, or keep it simple, and more on the casual side, with a cute pair of ballet flats.

Model: Dollie Deville (www.therockabillysocialite.com)

  My favorite part about summer is that it stays light out later into the evening. Take advantage of the extra sunshine and show off the Vee Dress. Reflect the blue summer skies in the Blue Sugar Stripe fabric (shown below.) This dress has pockets, also! (Have I sold you on the pockets yet, ladies?)

Model: Dollie Deville (www.therockabillysocialite.com)

    Step into the sunshine and off to your next adventure while showing off your fabulous sense of style with our new Stripes Collection.  Don't forget the sunscreen!

Models: Stephanie Weber (left,) Dollie Deville (right, www.therockabillysocialite.com)

    With Love & No Regrets, Katrina Marie =^.^=      

For many years, I had my "work clothes" and my "real clothes." My work clothes were your typical boring unflattering dress pants, ill-fitting collared shirts, and floppy cardigan sweaters that I had somehow decided were what office jobs required. I put much more thought and effort into my "real clothes" and felt more comfortable in the unique dresses and outfits I wore to fun events with my friends. I have since largely integrated my work wardrobe and my "real clothes." I no longer have a division in my closet, and I am not ashamed to meet friends at the tiki bar right after work (in fact, sometimes that mai tai is essential and must be acquired ASAP). Many of us have requirements for work wear (no jeans, covering tattoos, natural hair colors) that are limiting, but they don't make expressing your style and feeling great impossible. If you are in a conservative industry or position of authority (yes, and yes for me), the rules (or rules you place on yourself) may be even stricter. Thankfully, a lot of retro dresses and other pieces work well for the office. I like skirts and dresses for work to touch the top of my knee when standing. Feel free to disregard my suggestions if you are confident that you are in a more creative or permissive arena, but I don't think that miniskirts belong at any type of office job. I also abide by no cleavage at work, but daring dresses and tops can easily be worn with a scarf or camisole. A few items that do more than their share of heavy lifting in my work wardrobe: Dresses - comfortable, cute, and great for those mornings when you forgot to pick an outfit the night before - no decisions to make! I wear both knit and cotton dresses most days of the week. Ponte knit is a great fabric that is comfortable yet has a very refined look. Cotton dresses will keep you looking sharper and feeling more comfortable in the warmer months. High-waisted black pencil skirt - any top tucked into this looks more pulled together. The three piece rule can also be helpful. Three pieces can make a more complete looking outfit. Skirt, shirt, sweater. Pants, top, scarf. Dress, jacket, scarf. Plain black blazer - great for making any outfit look like serious business. Look for jackets that are fully lined. A structured blazer thrown over a cotton dress like the Monique is a great look, and an easy way to make more casual dresses work appropriate. Leave the blazer at work during the summer to take the chill off of excessive air conditioning. A sleeveless Ella blouse and swing skirt like our Twirl Skirt is an outfit that can keep you cool during a hot commute. My business travel and or conference uniform is one blazer thrown over several knit dresses. It is as put-together as a suit and certainly more comfortable for long days in meetings. A large tote bag is essential for carrying your shoes, lunch, work, purse, and even gym clothes without looking like an overburdened pack rat. I have this canvas tote - it is stiff enough to keep its shape well, and has a zip top. It is decent enough to carry into a meeting, yet can be thrown into the washing machine. With spring comes many graduations, and then new jobs and internships. Take some time to really think about the look that you want to project at work, and invest in a few key pieces. You will feel better, and look great – the corner office is waiting for you! Mrs. V

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

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

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!