KristieRebuilds

Author: KristieRebuilds

  • 4 Major 🔑s To Wearing High Heels

    4 Major 🔑s To Wearing High Heels

    The transition from wearing flats or sneakers as a little girl to wearing high heels is a definite right of passage. It’s a life changing event that takes you from girl to grown ass woman.  Like going from training bra to Victoria Secret.  Or from clear chapstick to colored lipstick.  I’m talking serious fashion milestones here!  When I was younger, I would scroll through pages and pages of fashion magazines admiring the models shoe game.  Just dying for the day to do the same thing.  Around 13, my mom decided that I was “grown enough” to start wearing heels.  That same day, I ran to the mall, allowance in hand, in search of the tallest high heels that I could find.  I still laugh at the amount of time that I practiced walking around the house until I made my debut to the world.  Once I perfected, I hit the ground running…literally.  Nowadays, shopping for 8 hours, carrying around a niece or nephew, chasing someone down (😏) all gets done in heels.  Which is why I’ve given myself the title of being a Stiletto Specialist.

    You’ve seen women who are tip-toeing, limping, crawling, and hopping their way in high heels.  And if that someone is you, don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.  It has to stop. Take note of these four major keys to rocking high heels:

    funny girl falling in high heels

    🔑 #1: Get your size, not someone elses’ – That horrible feeling when you see a pair that you really want but they only have size 7 and you need an 8 is enough to buy them anyway.  But don’t do it.  No matter how much they have reduced the price.   Obviously, there won’t be any strutting going on if the shoes don’t fit.   Try them on.   Keep in mind that your feet will naturally shift a bit forward as you walk.  Make sure there’s enough room for your toes to twinkle and they aren’t rubbing the back of your heel.

    girl in shoe store falling in high heels

    🔑 #2: Break ’em in – Shoes get even more comfortable when they have a bit of wear on them. Strut them around the house to break them in before taking them for a spin outside.  Or try using a shoe stretcher.

    girl falling in high heels

    🔑 #3: Balance Your Lady Lumps – Heels basically make you walk on the balls of your feet.  And even on your tip toes in some cases.  Which makes posture a major key!  Shoulders back, tummy pulled in, and booty poked out is ideal.  It will help to keep you centered and balanced too.  No wobbling for you.

    🔑 #4: Be confident – Confidence is a major key when it comes to doing anything.  Because if you don’t believe it, no one else will.

    Share these tips and let’s stop wobbling women everywhere!  Are you a Stiletto Specialist? Share a tip!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fearless Woman: S.T. Wilkinson

    Fearless Woman: S.T. Wilkinson

    Traditionally, we share our fearless woman stories on Fridays but let’s just consider this the late edition. 😉  This weeks’ story is certainly worth the wait.

    S.T. Wilkinson has gone through some things that most of us couldn’t imagine.  From being declared an invalid due to a tragic accident to beating the odds on another level.  You have to hear it to believe it…let the inspiration begin!

    S.T. certainly confirms that although you may not be able to control what happens to you.  You can definitely control how it affects you moving forward.  Feeling inspired?  Let us know…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • The Next Runway Show

    The Next Runway Show

    If you have been following FNF, then hopefully you know that styling models in Blue Labels Boutique for various runway shows is one of my many talents.  😉

    Traveling to different places, meeting new people and spreading the fashion love has been amazing!  Our most recent runway show was earlier this year at the Spirit Fashion Show on the Carnegie – Mellon Campus in Pittsburgh, PA.   It is one of my favorites, to date.

    blue labels boutique planning for runway show

    I am happy to announce that we are back at it!  That’s right, beauties. We will be hitting the runway on October 22nd at the Mid- America Center in Council Bluffs, IA.  We are in the process of making final outfit selections as we speak. (please excuse the clutter)

    Runway shows are more than throwing clothes on a model and telling them to walk.  It involves lots of plotting, strategizing, styling, fittings, music, and more.  The outfits should convey your message and the models must feel awesome wearing it.  Also, the crowd should get style inspiration and feel the need to run shop immediately.  There’s alot going on, to say the least.  blue labels boutique spirit fashion show carnegie mellow university

    The theme for this show is to inspire everyday women with work, school, party, and other overall post-worthy  OOTDs.  Then, how to transition those day looks to night.  But before the models can slay the runway, the room must be filled with music that will get everyone dancing in their seats.  Which is why the track list is made up of songs like; Work, Trap Queen, and slightly oldie but goodies like Shake It Off by Mariah Carey.  I’m dancing just thinking about it!

    road trip holding hands

    In true FNF style, we are taking the road trip from Texas to the show in Iowa. Hey, we have special cargo and it has to get there in one piece, right?!  Not only that but who wouldn’t love a road trip?!  I have found that the scenery from the passenger side of a sedan is much more interesting than flying (depending on your destination.)   So, a 14 hour drive will give us plenty of time to take in a few sights.  This fashion trip will take us through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska/Iowa (the location is pretty much right on the border of both.)  I’m so excited to see cities like Tulsa, Witchita & Topeka, and Omaha to name a few.  If you live in the area come out to see the show and shop with us.  Plus, make sure to follow FNF for behind the scenes info!

    Any suggestions on a must see landmark, amazing restaurant, or another pit stop that is worth seeing along the way?  Leave a comment and let me know!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fearless Woman: Rasheda Kamaria-Williams

    Fearless Woman: Rasheda Kamaria-Williams

    Happy Friday 💙

    We are back at it with another inspiring woman sharing her fearless story.

    Rasheda quit her 9 to 5 in order to pursue her passion of mentoring youth and making a difference. Find out how she’s empowering others in this weeks episode of Fearless Woman.

     

    Feeling inspired? Leave a comment!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • What’s Make U Feel Pretty, No Matter What?

    What’s Make U Feel Pretty, No Matter What?

    There is a distinct difference in being called pretty and actually feeling pretty.  You can receive compliments from the moment you leave the house until the moment you return.  That doesn’t mean that you feel it.  And if there’s one thing this fashionista knows is that you have to believe it to achieve it.  There is a great sense of security and confidence that comes when feel like you look good.  You walk around the room with you head higher, shoulders back more with a bigger smile.  Feeling pretty gives you the confidence to put yourself on full display.  No amount of compliments or wedding proposals will do it!

    Think about it this way…it would be very difficult for a person to stand in front of a room full of people and give a speech, for instance, if they didn’t feel confident.  Their insecurities would show through to the audience like a chiffon top.  That is one reason why  feeling it is so important.

    That thing differs depending on the person.  It might be your LBD you wear on special occasions or your first pair of leather stilettos.  For me, it is red lipstick.  No matter what I’m wearing or how bad of a hair day I’m having, popping red lips always make me feel sexy and confident.

    So, we asked four women “What’s the one thing that makes you feel pretty no matter what?”  and here’s what they said:

    jacqueline-moranti-whatmakesufeelpretty

    The one piece in my wardrobe that makes me feel absolutely beautiful and comfortable is a bodysuit. Bodysuits have a way of making me feel completely dressed in very little effort, no need to worry about tucking in or worrying about fixing your top because it always stays in place. This piece has the power to compliment your body like nothing else and mixes and matches with most of your wardrobe. Getting dressed in a haste is fun again especially when you feel good. Try a bodysuit and you won’t regret it!

    – Jacqueline Davis Moranti

    fashion blogger/designer, IG: @jdavismoranti

    pregnant woman wearing pink maxi dress

    I have a bright fuchsia maxi dress that I adore. It’s a maternity one so it’s saw me through two different pregnancies, and I can still wear it after baby too. It’s one of those pieces that no matter how big my belly is it always flatters, looks great and is a wonderful colour on me!  Here is a pic of me wearing it (and feeling great!) at 39 weeks pregnant with my second boy.

    – Mica

    blogger; awayfromtheblue.blogspot.au

    I recently found a quote from the beautiful and classy Sophia Loren,

    ‘Beauty is how you feel inside, and it reflects in your eyes. It is not something physical’.

    I embarked on a question of my own life and if it had become too jumbled.  With over 34 years of working in the hair and beauty industry, it makes sense to have insight in what makes you feel pretty.  The power of the hairdresser to transform a client and their inner beauty is a super power that only a hairdresser can really understand. Every day we are working with our clients and our focal point is to make them feel pretty and look beautiful.   The business of feeling pretty on the inside is a skill that takes many years to perfect. As a hairdresser it is important to be excellent listeners and remember to pay attention to the details.   We have numerous clients that come in to see us when their inner beauty simply needs a reset. As hairdressers it brings us joy to see our clients transform in front us as we perform our services and without a doubt you see it in their eyes and it’s not uncommon we get tears of joy when they depart a truly emotional expression of their inner beauty glowing with physical prettiness.   Go see your hairdresser and be touched by their super powers of making you look and feel pretty.

    -Susana Montero

    Managing Director of La Unica Salon

    Stephanie Russel

    Both sets of my pearls are very sentimental to me! My brother whom is a veteran gave me these pearl earrings on arriving home from a deployment overseas. My bracelet was given to me for my 30th birthday by my beautiful friends as I was having a particularly rough time, recovering from a car accident. I was in a wheelchair for several years, this photo was taken two weeks ago during a photo shoot for my upcoming book, ‘Shine Your Light!’ I love wearing my pearls! They make me so happy as they were given to me with so much love! ❤

    – Stephanie Russell-Farnham

    Author of, “Shine Your Light!”

    It doesn’t matter what it is, just make sure you have the one piece that you can always count on!  What’s the one thing that makes you feel pretty no matter what?

    Stay Fearless 💋

    Don’t forget that you can always shop BLB when looking for something new.

  • Your Brunch Will Be Lit With These 6 Tips

    Your Brunch Will Be Lit With These 6 Tips

    When I was a teenager, I used to think of brunch as something snobby, sidity people did on Saturdays at overpriced hotel restaurants.  Visions of older women in Chanel suits wearing oversized shades, carrying a miniature size dog in their leather satchel while calling everyone, “darling” danced in my head.

    Fast forward some years and my perspective has completely changed.  If you asked now, I’d say, that brunch is a great way to celebrate the completion of another hard week of work.  It’s the ultimate welcome party for the mini vacation that we call the weekend.  When done properly, there is good food, light-hearted conversation that don’t involve work, strong mimosas, and a cute ass outfit!

    Here are 6 tips a fashion chic can use when planning her next brunch.

    blue labels boutique brunch invitation paperless post blog

    (Invite made per Paperless Post)

    1. Invites are important!  Yes, texting is convenient and there is nothing wrong with sending one.  But an invitation can set the precedence for a good party.  It gets people excited for what’s to come over a yet message.

    mimosas at brunch

    2. Ok, now that you have enticed your guests with whats to come, you have to make sure that the other components of the party lives up to it.  First things first, the mimosas.  People hear brunch and automatically think of mimosas or is it just me?  Nevertheless, they will inevitably be the star of the event. Because if they are watered down, warm, or somehow unpleasant, your guests won’t hesitate to say it.  Thankfully,the recipe is pretty easy.  Mix 1 part champagne with 1 part orange juice in a champagne flute.   But if want different, this Cranberry Mimosa Recipe  is a nice alternative.  Don’t forget to garnish. 😉

    pic of brunch food
    📷 by Sasha Zvereva

    3.  The food is important but after a drink or two, people are going to eat the food anyway.  If the mimosas are the star, then consider food to be its’ co-star.  Breakfast staples likes bacon, eggs, muffins, and fruit is fitting.  While turkey sandwiches, salad, and soups are nice options to include lunch options.

    iphone laying on counter
    📷 by Álvaro Serrano

    4.  Music – Your attendees will be sitting pretty on your couch or dropping it like it hot in the kitchen based on your music selection.  If hiring a DJ isn’t in the budget, save yourself some money by using your phone.  Create a playlist of popular songs, oldies and albums that can play on rotation.

    dominos on table
    📷 by Moritz Schmidt

    5.  Have an activity/entertainment – You can break out a board game or karaoke if you are having a small soiree.  But for bigger events, go big with live entertainment, or a runway show.  Entertaining your guests is a must!

      6.  The Party Host Must Be Fly – A mini or maxi dress, OTS top with denim, or whatever you feel good in is the best option.   Pick something that you look just as good picking up trash as you would dancing in, thats all part of being a good host.  The party must go on!

    Are you a fan of brunch?  What tips would you add?

    Stay Fearless 💋

    Shop looks at Blue Labels Boutique

  • Fearless Woman: Shanon Lee

    Fearless Woman: Shanon Lee

    Happy Fearless Woman Friday 💙

    As you know, on Fearless Woman Friday we shine the spotlight on a woman who is well…fearless.  Your idea of what it means to be fearless may be something completely different from how I or anyone else in the world defines it.  Someone might consider themselves to be fearless because they ran a marathon that they never thought they could.  Being fearless could be the person who quit their comfy cubicle job with a consistent paycheck, to become an aspiring signer with no paycheck.  That’s really what they wanted to do but that little voice (or the voices around them) said it could never happen.  Being fearless is simply, living the life that you want, accomplishing your goals without letting fear hold you back from doing whatever that IT is.  You define your own fearless life.

    I’m happy to introduce Shanon Lee as this weeks’ Fearless Woman.  This writer and filmmaker shares her story on how she survived rape and domestic violence.  And the mantras that she shares are perfect!

    And don’t miss her movie…

    Shanon Lee movie, Marital Rape Is Real

    Feeling inspired?  Let us know…

    Stay Fearless and cheers to the friggin’ weekend! 💋 🍸

  • 5 Stylish Ways To Tie His Shirt To Wear For Yourself

    5 Stylish Ways To Tie His Shirt To Wear For Yourself

    Often, I find myself reaching for my guys’ oversized shirt when it is time to throw on something comfy to lounge around the house.  Yes, I have my own loungewear but there is this underlying sexiness that comes along with prancing around the house in his shirt.  Or so I’ve been told. 😏

    So it had me thinking, why not take it on the road and rock the shirt the next time you go out?  Best of all, there’s no cutting or seamstresses needed. Here are 5 ways to make your guys shirt a perfect fit simply by tying it.

     

    Which is your favorite?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 7 Styles To Shop For In Fall/Winter ’16

    7 Styles To Shop For In Fall/Winter ’16

    Fall officially started a few weeks back.  But you can’t tell some of us that because we are still enjoying warm, sunny days, denim cutoffs and time by the pool.

    Depending on where you reside, a leather moto jacket will comfortably keep you warm. Or you may find yourself in need of some serious gear to protect you against Mother Nature.  No matter which storm is headed your way, now is a better time than any to make sure you are stylish for its arrival.

    Check out these 7 styles to shop for that will help you to fashionably, fight, fierce colder temps in Fall/Winter ’16…

    1. Let Your Shoulder Lean

     You can continue to rock cutout styles as the weather changes.  Thank goodness for that.  Make the look cold weather ready by going with long sleeves.

    long sleeve dress with cutouts at shoulder outfit
    Blood Red Dress | Chloe Boots

    2.  Velvet, Suede, Leather, oh my…

    Fringe Choker
    All Wrapped Up Skirt
    Don’t Rust Me Flares

    One of my personal favorites about colder temps is the ability to wear other textures.  Suede, leather, velvet and other thicker materials don’t get to really play during the Summer.  Everything from suede flares to velvet skirts, leather gloves and more.  Fall is definitely the time to experiment with different fabrics.

    3.  Rock the Trench

    A trench coat is one of the best combinations of chic and flattering when it comes to outerwear.  The belt creates a defined waist and the bottom slightly flares out.  Thus, showing off the hourglass you’re hiding underneath.  🙌

    sleeveless trench coat for women blue labels boutique
    Sleeveless Trench Coat | Chinese Laundry Booties | Rimmel Lipstick | BLB Accessories

    4.  Show your military support.

    womens military inspired jacket, khaki womens cargo trousers, blue labels boutique
    Salute Jacket | Chic Trousers

    Military -inspired styles will be all over the place this Fall & Winter.  Rock it and prepare to be saluted like a fashion solider.

    5.  Something mint, something blue…

    These sorbert colors are usually in abundance during the Spring/Summer but don’t let that stray you.  Pairing these light, girly colors with dark, edgy colors is the color palette for Fall/Winer ’16.

    mint colored dress with bell sleeves outfit
    Belle Of The Ball Dress | Choies Boots | BLB Accessories
    womens suede shift dress silver accessories silver loafers
    Suede Baby Dress | Shoes – Pinterest | BLB Accessories

    6.  Luxe Outerwear 

    Stylish outerwear is of the upmost importance during Fall/Winter seasons for obvious reasons.  Since it will probably be seen alot more that your outfit, make sure to select one that makes you feel great

    7.  Wrap Up In Wool

    Will Wool Off The Shoulder Top

    Wool will effectively keep you warm, for sure.  But that doesn’t mean wearing a hot, chunky cable knit sweater.  This two piece wool set is a great example of just how fly wool can be.

    Which is your favorite?

    Stay Fearless 💋

    Looks available at Blue Labels Boutique.

  • Fearless Woman: Desh Dixon

    Fearless Woman: Desh Dixon

    Happy Friday, we finally made it!  Am I the only one who’s ready to kick off the heels and pop a bottle? Soon enough, let’s get to the business, for now. 🍷

     I am super excited to share with you the story of this weeks’ fearless woman.  Desh Dixon is author of the book, “No More Broken Records: 5 Tips To Change Your Tune and Transform Your Life”.  She finished the book in 2014 but the judgement she feared would come along with opening herself up kept her from releasing it.  Then something happened…

    Find out what that was and how she is empowering other women not to settle in this episode of Fearless Woman.

    She dropped some serious jewels about self worth and fearlessness, didn’t she?  Thanks for sharing!  If you to keep up with Desh, you can find her on FB @petitewithpurpose and Twitter & IG @DeshDixon, and her book is available on Amazon.

    nomorebrokenrecrodsbookbydeshdixon

    Feeling inspired?  Leave a comment!

    Stay Fearless 💋