We Are Still Wearing What Women Wore At The MLK Jr. March circa 1968

  • We Are Still Wearing What Women Wore At The MLK Jr. March circa 1968

    Happy MLK Day!

    Let me start with with a quick history lesson…
    Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and civil rights activist who played an intricate role in creating social change through nonviolent practices. His leadership started in 1955 and ended in 1968 when he was tragically murdered in Birmingham, AL. One of his most notable practices was The March in Washington on August 28, 1963. Where it was reported that the attendance was anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 people. Although women had to fight for their right to be on the speaking platform, I mean this was during the 60s, they showed up in droves to participate in the march. Which had me thinking, what kind of styles were the women rocking while they were fighting for human equality?

    The style from the mid-50s through the 60s ranged from clean & perfectly matched to trashy & bold. It was like Jackie-O decided to get rid of those modest suit sets to wear a mini and thigh high boots. Some of the styles we consider trend-setters today are some of the same pieces women were wearing back in the 60s while carrying a fist up or a with a sign that read, “We are all equal.”   As a matter of fact, you are probably wearing one right now. Take at the style then and how we are styling it now…

    Flares (or bell-bottoms) 

    suede rust trousers with sheer bodysuit
    Sade A. Spence | 📸 – Hamilton Wolfe

    Turtlenecks

    Bold Prints &  Culottes 

    Mini Skirts 

    Bold Colors

    The Babydoll Dress 

    Capes

    Historical events and fashion both have the classics that we will always celebrate.  Maybe history and fashion is related more than I thought.  Which is your favorite style from this era?

    (p.s. you can shop all of the current styles at http://www.bluelabelsboutique.com.)

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fearless Woman: Julie Coraccio

    Fearless Woman: Julie Coraccio

    Happy Fearless Woman Friday 💙

    FNF is excited to introduce you to this fearless lady!  Julie Coraccio is the first professional organizer in North Carolina who specializes in being green.  So, how does one go from being at a job where she is miserable to owning a successful business?  You have to check our her inspirational story to find out…

    Follow Julie to help you clear out the clutter.  Feeling inspired?  Let us know in the comments….

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fashion Hack: The Pom Pom

    Fashion Hack: The Pom Pom

    The pom pom has been seen on every handbag and/or keychain out there lately!  It is definitely one of the dopest trends in accessories right now.

    Although there’s nothing wrong with clipping them to your bag or keys, consider the fact that there are other ways to style it.

    Check out how the pom pom got hacked!

    Which hack was your favorite?

    Stay Fearless 💋


    Shop The Pom Pom

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    Ball & Chain Accessory $10

     available in 6 colors

  • Monday Blues

    Monday Blues

    It is sweater weather around most parts of the world. Even though, we are expecting temps in the low 70s this week  it will go back down to the 30s by the end of the week. That is Texas weather for you!

    With ups and downs like this, I’ve found layering to be a great idea in any weather.

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    Are you a fan of layers?

    (P.S. I have no idea why the pics are grainy! 🤔)

    Stay Fearless 💋


    Shop This Post

    Don’t Block Me Cardigan $29  | Bag Puff $10 | Twisted Necklace $8

  • 9 Tips To Being Fearless In Fashion For 2017

    9 Tips To Being Fearless In Fashion For 2017

     

    “Live in fashion not fear”
    “Fear holds you back, fashion takes you places.”

    One of the goals at Fashion Not Fear, is to fuel the fearlessness in you.  Being fearlessness makes you feel like you can do anything in the world.  And who wouldn’t want to feeling?!

    FNF believes one of the best ways to present your fearlessness is through the most universal language, fashion. Being fearless in fashion doesn’t mean that you just throw on anything and walk out of the door. It is more like a state of mind. You wear what makes YOU feel good, styled how YOU like, without a thought of what anyone else thinks about it.  Plus, you do it with so much confidence that no one can tell you anything and they won’t even try!  Sound like a plan?

    Well then check out these 9 tips that will keep you fearless in fashion in 2017:

    black woman holding money up at vendor show

    Fearless Tip #1 – Think twice before buying, if it costs more than $100

    No matter the budget, $100 is a nice piece of change. Don’t waste it on something that you’re not completely in love with! Super trendy items won’t be in style next season, possibly next month so don’t waste the money.

    thigh high boots with black dress

    Fearless Tip #2 – Thigh high boots make everything look good.

    Thigh high boots makes anything look sexy.  And sexiness in fashion is definitely for the fearless.  Over jeans, with a short skirt, with a maxi skirt…you can’t go wrong.  Keep a good pair of thigh highs in your closet.

    hand wearing gold stack rings

    Fearless Tip #3 – Give your nails the big O

    Oval shaped nails are fashion forward and fearless. A manicure is one of the easiest ways to bring on the fearlessness.

    Ellie putting on bold lip color

    Fearless Tip #4 – When in doubt, wear a bold lip color.

    Ever had those times when you feel under-dressed or like your outfit is missing something? Slide on some bold lipstick and you will instantly see a difference. Red lips, for instance, take you from casual to glam. It’s the perfect accessory!

    black women kissing herself in the mirror

    Fearless Tip #5 – Remind yourself who you are, so you won’t be waiting for someone else to do it.

    Confidence is key to being fearless. But the confidence has to come within and not from others.  Look in the mirror to remind yourself, write out daily affirmations…whatever it takes.  Value yourself so that others around you will too!

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    Fearless Tip #6 – Know Your “It” Piece

    Find that one garment that always makes you feel and look good.  It doesn’t matter what time of month or event. Once you find it (if you haven’t already) put it on whenever you need a bit of a pick me up.   There’s nothing like a great outfit to do that trick.  For me, it a slinky black jumper. What’s yours?

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    Fearless Tip #7 – Focus On Your Uniqueness

    We were all created to be different. So, why do some people spend so much time trying to be like someone else?  Focus on what is unique about you and learn to love it!

    black women is burgundy top and trousers

    Fearless Tip #8 – Wear a bra that makes everything sit in the right place

    One of my favorite style tips to share is to wear a good bra. It makes your clothes fit and hang on you better. Plus, nice looking cleavage never hurt anyone.

    blue labels boutique on social media

    Fearless Tip #9 – You are more than how many likes or follows you receive.

    Social media is a powerful tool that let’s you connect with people all over the world. It is super fun and what was life like without it? But don’t let it be TOO powerful in your life. The amount of likes or follows should not give value or take away any value from your life.

    Remember, being fearless doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when you are afraid or feeling less confident.  It just means that you are feeling the fear, but doing it anyway!  Which tips would you follow in 2017?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • How To Bring Something Blue To The Next Wedding You Attend

    How To Bring Something Blue To The Next Wedding You Attend

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    Have you received any yet?  I’m talking wedding invites! If you haven’t, don’t worry.  We are only a few days into the new year.  And since approximately 2.1 million couples get married each year, your invite is bound to arrive!  There was a time when my inbox and mailbox was flooded with wedding invitations.  Ok, so flooded sounds exaggerated maybe the word consistent is more appropriate.  But at least once a month, there was a wedding to attend.  At one point gift cards and wedding gifts were calculated in my monthly budget.

    Lately, the invites are less consistent but they still arrive, none the less.  And no matter how many weddings I’ve attended, there has not been a time when the bride didn’t bring up one or all of the seemingly crazy superstitions.  Either “the bride & groom can’t see each other the night before the wedding”, “it can’t rain on the wedding day“, “it CAN rain”, “the bouquet must be thrown over a certain side”…they go on and on.  Not to mention “something borrowed, something blue”.  However, that one didn’t seem so crazy after learning that something blue represents purity, love, and fidelity for the union.  Who wouldn’t want that for any couple?  So when Zoe from, Milly Bridal UK, reached out to ask Fashion Not Fear what we would wear to attend a wedding this year.  I happily answered, “something blue”.

    Check out 4 dresses to wear to your next wedding, that will wish the happy couple purity, love, and fidelity for years to come!

    millybeadedbluedress
    High Neck Chiffon With Beading
    Vintage Inspired Lace With Trumpet Hem
    navybluebeadedcocktaildress
    Satin Strapless With Beaded Bodice
    navybluehighlowsexycocktaildressmilly
    V-neck Chiffon With Asymmetrical Hem

    Milly Uk offers so many different styles in this hopeful hue.  And don’t be afraid to shop the Bridesmaid Dress UK and Wedding Dresses UK options that they have available.  No one has to know.  😏 Do you believe in any of the wedding superstitions?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Fearless Woman: Anita Bentata

    Fearless Woman: Anita Bentata

    Happy Fearless Woman Friday  Saturday!  💙

    We usually feature our fearless woman on Friday but we decided to make it Saturday this week.  I figured since today is the last day of 2016, might as well kick off the new year with some inspiration that we could all use.

    I am excited to introduce you to this weeks’ fearless woman.  Anita Bentata became fearless at age 16.  How does a woman become fearless at such an early age?  When you have been through some of the things that life has presented to Anita, it might help you to understand better.

    Feeling inspired? Leave a comment and let us know. If you would have a fearless story to share and would like to be considered for your own episode, email me at Kristie@bluelabelsboutique.com. I hope you all have a wonderful celebratory weekend and we will see you in 2017.

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Before You Cop Your Next Piece Of Jewelry, Consider This…

    There are so many reasons why jewelry is essential for styling.  It is so essential that your selections can take an outfit from hello to hell no.   Sidenote: choose wisely.  However, trying out new trends can be fun and easy.  Since most styles that you are eager to try can most likely be found in any budget.

    If you are shopping for a new way to dress up those lovely little digits of yours, then you have found yourself in the right place.  BLB just added these amazing ancient cuff rings.  Each one gives a feeling that it came from the distant past and can no longer be found anywhere else in the world.  As if they were found in a tomb on the finger of some kind of ancient royalty.

    Take a look at the meaning behind these ancient inspirations.

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    Elephants are said to represent strength, honor, stability, and patience.  Some have also thought that they bring luck, fortune, and protection.

     

    fullsizerender-1fullsizerender-2ancient inspired gold ring with black etching blue labels boutique

    The details on these feature a technique called etching which dates back to the Middle Ages.

    turquoise ancient inspired cuff ringThe turquoise stone is thought to be the oldest stone in history.  It is said to represent protection and strength.

    Before copping your next piece of jewelry, consider one that has a story to tell.  Or at least looks like it.  😏

    Stay Fearless 💋


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    Shop Ancient Inspired Rings 

  • Fearless Woman: Tegan Matthews

    Happy Fearless Woman Friday 💙

    I am so excited to introduce you to Tegan Matthews.  She has been through homelessness, going without food and things that most of us couldn’t imagine.  But through it all, she has become a successful author, speaker, and created the Fearless Female Podcast.  You must hear her fearless, inspirational story.

    Feeling the fearlessness?  Leave a comment and let us know.

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 3 Tips A Fashion Girl Can Use To Keep Leather So Fresh and So Clean, Clean…

    3 Tips A Fashion Girl Can Use To Keep Leather So Fresh and So Clean, Clean…

    I recently emailed a customer to follow up with her to see how she felt about a leather dress she purchased from BLB.  Her reply was, “The dress is cute but it is wrinkled and I don’t know how to get the wrinkles out.”  I promptly replied with a list of care tips to rid the dress of wrinkles so that she can get right to styling it.

    Today, I was reminded of our conversation when the temperature hit 27 degrees and I found myself in the back of the closet digging out my leather pants, dress, gloves and all things leather!  Denim is cool but leather or faux leather in this case will definitely keep you warmer and some might argue more stylish.

    So, if you have find yourself breaking out the leather or shopping for some, you can follow these easy tips that will keep your leather so fresh and so clean, clean!

    tan leather dress burgundy suede heels burgundy puff keychain

    Tip #1 – It goes without saying that you should never apply a hot iron directly to leather.  It will melt, in case you didn’t know.  Instead, you can lay a thick towel or cotton pillowcase on top of the leather garment.  Then iron it.  Or turn it inside out, cover it with a towel.  Make sure the iron is on a low/medium setting and keep your hands moving!   Keeping the iron in one position could damage the material.

    picture of laundry basket

    Tip # 2 – Spot clean with warm water.  Never, ever toss a leather item in the washer.  Spot clean dirty areas with warm water and mild soap.  You can also hand wash and hang to dry.

    Clark Street Mercantile Hanging Clothes

    Tip # 3 – Let it hang or lay flat.   When ordering online, it is possible than the item may get wrinkle while being folded during shipping.  Once it arrives, immediately remove the item from the packing materials and hang it.   Make sure it is hanging properly on the hanger or    lay out flat to avoid creases and other bumps.  It will help the wrinkles to start falling out naturally.  Always keep it stored that way to keep the wrinkles from returning once they are gone.

    It is that easy!  Special thanks to the customer who had the question, you know who you are.  😉  How do you care for your leather?

    Stay Fearless 💋