Sydney Ferris
Staff Writer
Love was in the air at dress shop Heart of Haute on Saturday as the small business, co-owned by mother-daughter duo Teresa and Mandie Becker held their first Galentine’s Day Party.
Heart of Haute opened on D Street in La Verne in October 2022 but has been highly successful online since 2005. Besides selling off-the-rack clothing, customers can also print their choice of fabric and bring it into the store to be customized.
The party was announced in early January. Tickets were sold on a first come, first serve basis and eventually sold out.
“We wanted to throw this Galentine’s event because we’re fairly new and wanted to build awareness and meet some people in the community,” Mandie Becker, owner and designer at Heart of Haute, said.
The store was decorated in hues of red and pink, with the windows showcasing dresses and prints that expressed the feelings of love, romance and all the enthusiasm Valentine’s Day brings. Upon arrival, guests were greeted with cookies, lemon bars and their choice of refreshments. Guests were also given $10 off anything they purchased.
The Galentine’s Day Party included makeup tutorials by professional makeup artist Mia Valdez, a Valentine making station, a Valentine’s day themed photo booth, an appearance by Instagram celebrity cat Lola and her owner Amber, a raffle prize of $100 in store credit and a fashion show.
“It’s always fun to get together with like-minded women,” Heather Manning, a special education teacher for Orange Unified School District, said. “I hadn’t been to the new store yet, so I was wanting to see where it was and what they had in hand. It’s nice to be able to see a variety of things.”
The fashion show highlighted an impressive range of looks, going from office and professional attire to fun prints such as leopard, peacock and cupcakes and finishing off strong with bridal dresses.
“I like the dresses; I actually got my high school dance dress here recently,” Gabriella Alvarado, Sierra Vista High School student, said.
While the models were changing into different looks, professional makeup artist Mia Valdez taught the attendees how to create the perfect red and nude lip looks. The Becker’s and Mia wanted to collaborate on this event because they realize fashion and beauty go hand in hand.
“Valentine’s Day is so fun, and I wanted to show that everyone can wear a red lip, whether it is for a holiday or a date night,” Valdez said.
Besides the fashion show and makeup tutorials, guests were encouraged to shop, mingle among themselves, eat, make Valentine’s Day cards and of course, introduce themselves to Lola the Cat and her owner, Amber. Lola is a well-behaved 3-year-old Scottish Fold who enjoyed socializing and taking pictures in the photo booth with the guests.
“The event was great fun,” Teresa Becker, owner and designer at Heart of Haute said. “I think everyone enjoyed it. Most people here are already customers, so I think they were happy to come in and take part.”
Heart of Haute’s first Galentine’s Day party proved to be a success. The Becker’s sense of vintage and pin-up style is sure to make them stand out. Whether you are looking for a classic but chic dress, a classy beret or a sparkly blouse, Heart of Haute is sure to have it. D Street has gained yet another blooming and growing business.
Heart of Haute is located at 2306 D St in La Verne and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Mondays through appointments.
Sydney Ferris can be reached at sydney.ferris@laverne.edu.
Sydney Ferris is a junior communications major with an emphasis in public relations and a staff writer for the Campus Times. Her interests include sports, fashion, beauty and animals.
