I’ve always been a big fan of separates – they can easily be mixed and matched and, even though I know intellectually it’s just one garment, it always feels like multiple outfits in one. Having said that, I can be pretty picky with my separates – I need my skirts fuller than full and I need my tops to be the exact right amount of fitted, skimming my curves and tucking neatly into the waistband of a range of bottoms (I don’t really do untucked). Enter my latest collaboration with Heart of Haute.
I‘ve been a fan of Heart of Haute for many years – and even have some of their pieces back when they were Heartbreaker Fashion. Lead by a mother-daughter duo, Heart of Haute specializes in vintage-inspired garments that are all handmade in California. Not only is it important to support small businesses (which we all know I love), but it’s especially important to support companies that foster ethically sourced fabrics and sweatshop-free made garments.
So, I was beyond excited for the chance to work with them – take two of their separates for a twirl and share my thoughts on fit and fabric. I decided to review one of their famous Estelle Blouses in polka dot aqua and the Haute Circle Skirt in a cheeky navy plaid. Although I could have styled them together, I decided to open the closet door wide to the endless styling possibilities that come with separates….
The Estelle Blouse
When it comes to my version of the perfect blouse – I look for breathable fabrics (I live in a Southern climate ya’ll!) and versatility, with a dash of whimsy. For me, the Estelle Blouse has is all. Made out of 100% aqua cotton, bespeckled with tiny white polka dots, I can see this getting heavy rotation in my wardrobe. She buttons up the front with seven white buttons, and closes at the neck with a sash. I love the bright, summery color and the cute little cap sleeves. She’s a perfect work staple – managing to have a bit of sass, but keeping it very professional.
I ended up going with the medium in this blouse, which is 35-36” bust and 28-29″ waist according to the size chart. Mine fit me like a glove and was pretty TTS (measuring 36-37″ bust and 29″ waist) – quite literally hugging my curves thanks to darting and tucking neatly into my high waisted skirt without any bulk. The M was definitely the way to go for me (and the other Estelle blouse I own is also a M). As most well-endowed ladies will know, button gaping is the enemy. This is definitely a blouse made with a woman’s curves in mind – it fit beautifully at the waist with hardly any button gaping at all.
I absolutely LOVE the sweet details on this blouse – the print, the gathers along the shoulder line. And if your bows kind of look like they’ve had one too many drinks at the bar despite your best bow-tying efforts (no? just me then….), Heart of Haute even provides a really handy video on how to tie the perfect bow on every blouse page. Turns out, I’ve been tying them wrong my entire life.
Outfit #1 Details:
Top: Estelle Blouse in polka dot aqua c/o Heart of Haute
Skirt: vintage, Killer Diller Duds (similar here & here)
Belt: Altar’d State
Handbag: Beleza Vintage (similar here)
Shoes: Seychelles (similar here & here)
Haute Circle Skirt – Navy Plaid
Ohhh circle skirts, how do I love thee? You are fuller than full and can twirl with the best of them. You handle my crinolines with aplomb and always sit, perfectly shaped atop my hips, swishing gracefully as I go about my business. Needless to say, this Haute Circle Skirt in Navy Plaid makes me verrrry happy. It is a beautifully full circle skirt made out of a linen/rayon blend in a large blue check. I love the contrasting navy waistband and trim along the hem. And as any vintage-gal will demand, there are pockets (!) tucked neatly into the sides.
Like the Estelle Blouse, I opted for the medium in this skirt – as promised, it was 29″ at the waist, and fell 26″ from waist to hem (including waistband). On me, it hit right at the knee and handled two crinolines without even breaking a sweat. The skirt is unlined – which actually makes it GREAT for the sweltering summer we’re suffering through in North Carolina. But, I already have fall and winter outfits dancing in my head, with navy tights and cute red sweaters…
As a long waisted gal, I LOVED the wide waistband (which was 2″). When waistbands are too narrow, I find they sort of sink into my waist when I bend or sit and get pretty crumpled. This one held it’s shape throughout my busy day, which I definitely appreciated. The print also manages to be bold, but a perfect neutral. I don’t know how it accomplishes such a feat – but I can see it as both a standout piece with neutral accessories, or as something to get my pattern-mixing game face on with.
Outfit #2 Details:
Top: Best Vintage Ever (similar here & here)
Skirt: Haute Circle Skirt in Navy Plaid c/o Heart of Haute
Handbag: vintage (similar)
Shoes: boutique in Melbourne (similar here & here)
The Estelle Blouse retails for $64-$66 (sizes xs-3x) and the Haute Circle Skirt retails for $98-$102 (sizes xs-2x) – both of which are available from the Heart of Haute website. If you’re saving your pennies, Heart of Haute has an awesome Sale Rack (which I have frequented on more than one occasion), where they offer samples or flawed/irregular garments for a discounted price. You can always use the code HAUTE10 for 10% off your purchase!
If these prints don’t call to you the way they called to me, the Haute Circle skirt also comes in a black check the Estelle Blouse comes in a range of color options (foxes, I’ve got my eye on you) – and there are even sleeveless (Ella) and sleeved versions (Elsa), depending on your preference.
Heart of Haute ships worldwide and even offers overnight shipping if you give them a call first. I also spied a new addition to their site called Custom Haute, where you get to choose the fabric and garment and have a piece custom made for you! I haven’t tried it out yet, but I’ll be sure to share my thoughts when I do. This definitely seems to be a company that celebrates a woman’s individuality.
You can also keep up with Heart of Haute on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram to stay ahead of sales and see new items that will be coming soon.
Now, ‘scuse me, but I’ve got to go mix and match some new outfits!
xoxo
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Any items in a post marked with a “c/o” (courtesy of) a retailer mean I was provided with an item for free in exchange for a review on my blog. I always provide my honest opinion of any item I’m reviewing, regardless of whether it was sent to me as a courtesy item or if I purchased it myself. In addition, this post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links or ads on this site, I may make a commission from that click and/or purchase at no cost to you, which helps with the day-to-day running costs of my blog.
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