Heart of Haute Blog
Blog Share! Miss Amy May in the Sweetie Dress
Fresh Fabrics for Funky Fashionistas
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!
What Have We PinUp To? Making new stuff!
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
Winter Wedding Ideas and Bridesmaid Dresses from Heart of Haute
The Angelica Collection
Though our Sweetie Dress is one of our best-selling styles. Don't worry, we have other styles to choose from! The Hillary Dress in Angelica Pink also has princess seams and ties in the back. This dress also has an empire waist (for an even better fit) and a bow tie at the collar for a finishing touch (I don't know about you, but I LOVE bows!)
Not a fan of an empire waist? Or maybe you're looking for a more simple silhouette? The Monique Dress in Angelica Turquoise might be more to your liking. This dress has a bateau neckline with an A-line skirt – simple, but equally as flattering. It even comes with a matching belt!
Once the summer heat starts to fade, the cooler air might have you wanting a bit more coverage. Pairing these dresses with a cute cardigan usually does the trick, or you might opt for a style that will cover your shoulders. The Beverly Dress in Angelica Purple has those same features for a great fit – princess seams, ties in the back, and an empire waist – all in one fantastic dress (with sleeves!) Another one of our best-sellers, this dress also has a rounded collar with a cute self tie.
Want even more coverage? Then the Mallory Dress in Angelica Turquoise is the dress for you. This dress has a full skirt, empire waist, and ties to cinch in the middle. Its overlapping V-neckline is also great for Haute Honeys with a more voluptuous figure. It even has cute little bows at the sleeves for an added detail (more bows!)
My favorite part about this line, is that the fabric itself has a subtle metallic detail that shimmers in the light. Whether it reflects the sunlight during summer when the days are longer, or glows under the moonlight in the crisp fall air, the Angelica Collection will have you looking heavenly.
With Love & No Regrets,
Katrina Marie
The New Heart of Haute Fashion Catalog for 2014, version 1
It is complete. The thing I work the hardest and longest hours on. One of the most important pieces of media we create over here at Heart of Haute. It's like "The Book" in the movie, The Devil Wears Prada
Luckily I'm much happier than Merril Streep's character and I don't really drink coffee a certain way and I am very kind to my assistants. In fact, I find myself assisting them more often....What? You haven't seen that movie? I swear it's not a chick flick. It's really good.
Anyway- what am I talking about? OH YES! It's our Bi-Annual catalog. Yes, I make this catalog for our wholesale customers (those are customers who purchase our garments in bulk to resell in their shops), but I also make it available for everyone to view. Why? Well, honestly after all that hard work I put into it- and this time I shot and edited about 40% of the images myself- I want to TELL EVERYONE ABOUT IT!!! Yes, I am proud and usually exhausted when this project is complete. The great thing about working on this catalog is that each one gets better and evolves from the one before it. I am always learning new things about editing and photography when I make this thing. I dread the 3-4 weeks I spend working on this book, but I also look forward to the challenges it brings. The headaches and heartaches, but in the end, the finished product is well worth it.
I share it with everyone because we group our products in fabric families so you can see the line as a whole rather than figuring out what prints the Beverly does or doesn't come in. You also get a sneak peak at what will be available in the coming months....so you know how to plan out your wardrobe for next Spring of course!!!
With Love & No Regrets!
Mandie Bee
Pin Up Cowgirl and Country Style with Heart of Haute
The country girl is a staple of mid century pin up imagery. The sweet and sexy rural cowgirl is an icon of American style. Often dressed in gingham, denim, bandanas, and a cowboy hat, it is a look that combines innocence and toughness. A general fascination with the American West has been an enduring staple of international pop culture.
Western films have been popular since the era of silent movies, but they had a surge in popularity in the 1940s and 1950s. Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Jane Russell and many others starred in Western films - pinup images from these movies were popular during World War II. Soldiers and Sailors got tattooed with the image of the sexy cowgirl, a motivation for and reminder of home in the American countryside. In addition, as cities and suburbs grew, I think that many people felt a fascination with and idealization of the "good old days."
Whether you are going to the "Hulabilly" themed Tiki Oasis, or just looking for some vintage American summertime style, we have the unique - and American made - pieces that can make your retro look! For a complete outfit, try our Sweetie sundress in all American gingham or the Peggy Sue Dress in picnic-perfect ketchup and mustard prints.
Our Heart of Haute halter tops will help you create the ideal country heat. Available in many colors and patterns, including the bandana-influenced Annie print. Our Ellie Tie Top in red gingham or Mustard picnic print has a sweet, cropped casual look with a little more coverage than a halter. Don't forget our matching headbands and bows! Our Gretta gingham blouses will bring a Western element to any outfit - even at the office! Our Gigi tee - in white or black - matches perfectly with our print skirts or your cowgirl jeans - right out of Jane Russell's "The Outlaw" wardrobe!
Your Retro Tiki Weekend Wardrobe
Me (on the right) with friends at the Mai Kai
- Bring more than one bathing suit. A lot of the events are poolside, and you don't want to be pulling on a soggy suit after a midnight dip in the Ocean. A stylish swimsuit cover up, like our quick drying Knotty Dress, is also a must.
- At the Hukilau, the Mai Kai can be quite warm inside. I like a cocktail dress that will still keep me cool. The Sweetie Dress in Hip Kitty has an authentic vintage shape, and a print that will help you stand out in the sea of floral aloha wear. Get to the Mai Kai with plenty of time before your dinner show reservation to enjoy the gardens and the great happy hour prices in the Molokai Bar. The Moonkist Coconut is my favorite drink.
- The Paradise Dress has a great retro wiggle dress shape in a perfect tropical pattern, with a faux sarong front that ties at the waist.
- There is a lot of standing, dancing, and walking around. I like wedges for just a little more comfort.
- Tiki Oasis has a theme each year - for 2013, it's "Hulabilly." For this mix of Hawaiian and country rockabilly style, bring our Ellie Tie Front Top in Red Gingham, a sweet Heart of Haute top, or gingham headbands and hair bows. Our best selling Sweetie Dress comes in red, blue, olive, and black gingham - the perfect fit for this "Hawaiian Hootenanny."
- Accessories! These parties are not the time to be subtle. I always bring tons of hair flowers, sunglasses, and jewelry. A few extra to loan to your best friend is always a good plan.
- I don't actually stay at the official Hukilau hotel(s). I like the Best Western Oceanside. It's right next door and has a cute little pool and free breakfast.
- Don't overdo it! Take a nap every afternoon and alternate drinks with water. Have some snacks in your room and wear sunscreen.
Like it and Win it Contests on Facebook!
Heya Heart of Haute Fans! It's Mandie Bee here. I wanted to share with you a little somethin' new I've been promoting recently. The "Like" it and Win it contest! 1-2 times a month, I will post a specific item that will be up for grabs! 1 lucky random winner will be chosen within days of the contest start and win the featured dress!
This Week's Like it and Win it dress is the Sweetie Dress in Black Cerise!
Be sure you join us on Facebook to get in on the fun!
http://facebook.com/heartbreakerfashions
With Love & No Regrets,
Mandie Bee
What Do I Wear to This Wedding?
