Happy Monday! Some of you might not put the words happy and Monday together for various reasons. Mainly because 2 days of being off from work is long enough to start thinking about never going back. I try always look at Monday’s as a fresh start to make an impact or improve on something. It’s like a weekly reset button.
In addition to the reset button, we decided to also push rewind on Instagram. Here are 3 of my favorite shots that was shared on the @bluelabelsboutiques‘ page.
This top view of one of my favorite sweaters is everything! The Don’t Colorblock Me Sweater is perfect for jeans and those baggy sleeves, need I say more?
This shot really showed off the details that I appreciate about the Bee Bangle. It’s a unique piece that will make your wrist happy.
Saturday
BLB had the pleasure of going to Houston to be a vendor at their annual mural festival. The short drive from San Antonio to Houston was amazing. But once we got there, it seems like everything that could’ve went wrong, did. The brand new canopy that arrived days before was missing parts. For some unknown reason, the clothing racks were acting crazy so we could only use one. There was no room for a table to display things. So I had to stack plastics tubs and cover it with a tablecloth. Did I forget to mention that it was 90 degrees out? But none of this mattered because the show must go on So if it meant standing under the blazer sun while holding the company banner, than that’s what it meant. Anything for fashion! Thanks to everyone who shopped with BLB out there!
There you have it, 3 of my favorite things shared on IG last week. Follow us @bluelabelsboutiqueto get your fearless dose. If you’re an IG user, comment with your handle below so we can be social! 😉
If you know anything about yours truly, then you know that I love a good road trip! Sightseeing, unexpected weather changes, food stops, searching for the cleanest restroom for a potty break, seeing how people really live in different parts of the country, rest stop naps, and the quality time you get to spend with those traveling with you are just some of the things that make road trips special. And our trip to Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA was no different. It checked off all of those boxes and more! Check out how it went…
Before I get ahead of myself, let me tell you a lil’ bit about the university and why we went in there first place. Carnegie Mellon University is a top tier global university that was founded in the 1900s by philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie. They ranked #23 in the 2016 edition of Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. The university also has quite a notable list of alumni ranging from artists like Andy Warhol, actors including Joe Manganiello, Blair Underwood and fashion designer Gela Nash-Taylor (co-creator of Juicy Couture) to name a few.
Sammie Walker, the Spirit Show Design Chair, contacted Blue Labels Boutique to inquire about our interest in being a part of their annual Spirit Fashion Show. She went on to say that the event is in its 29th year and is produced by SPIRIT; their Black Awareness and Multicultural Organization. This years theme was Paladin: Guarding Our Identities Through Expressing Them Genuinely. They wanted to convey the message that we should strive to be people with the knowledge of our past, origin, culture, and to represent them with grace and dignity. Who could say no to that type of message? Not only did I happily accepted but I chose to take it a step further by going out to Philadelphia to check out the show in person. The things left to do was to style 10 looks for the show, create a playlist for the runway, ship the items to the school in time for rehearsals, and plan a trip to Pittsburgh. How hard could that be? 😳
If you are anything like me, when you saw the word paladin, you were thinking, “what the hell does that mean?” Don’t feel bad, you certainly aren’t the only one. By definition Paladin is being a champion; a defender or advocate of a noble cause. Once I found out what it meant, it was time to figure out how to convey this message through style. My research found that those who were referred to as paladins wore body armor, weapons and carried shields while leading their pack in a war to fight for their beliefs. After weeks of going back and forth with ideas, I made my final list of outfits and shipped them to the CMU campus.
Since the show was scheduled for Saturday (Apr. 9th) we decided to hit the road on Thursday afternoon so that we wouldn’t have to be in a hurry. Our compact sedan was packed with pillows, blankets, a cooler filled with goodies, two outfits each (not including gym clothes) and we started our journey! Pittsburgh is 1,494 miles away from San Antonio and according to Siri, it would take 23 hrs/3 mins to drive. Let’s do this!
Ohio Welcome Highway Sign
West Virginia Welcome Highway Sign
When I was able to get my phone ready fast enough, I captured Welcome signs as we crossed state borders. It’s interesting to see what each state uses as their tagline, West Virginias’ Wild & Wonderful is definitely a favorite.
Snow Selfie!
Check-in time: Notice the temperature on the dashboard, 37 degrees!!
After driving for a while, we took a 4 hour nap in rainy Arkansas at a Rest Area (yes, people do that) and got back on the road. The more North we drove, the colder the temperatures and it got real, real fast! When we left Texas, the temperature was in the mid-80s but as we drove into Ohio the temperature had dropped to 37 degrees. We decided to stay at a hotel for the evening in Columbus, OH. A warm, cozy bed and having dinner that didn’t come from a drive thru was definitely something that we were looking forward to. I was also hoping the under eye bags and red eyes would clear up by morning. 😳
After a wonderful nights’ sleep, a hearty breakfast and quick workout, it was time to make it to our final destination.
We finally arrived in Pittsburgh around 5pm on Saturday and showtime was at 7pm. So that left us with very little time to check-in to another hotel, get ready, and head back out to the show. But as usual, we made it happen. I took a quick pic of what I wore for the night before running out of the door. Originally, I was going to wear a leather mini with tights, a cable knit sweater and a moto jacket but when that wind hit my face, I knew I couldn’t do it! I wore this dress instead which wasn’t much better. I was still freezing!
We arrived at CMU minutes before the show was about to start. I met up with Sammie and quickly met the team behind the show before grabbing my seat.
The emcee came out and got the crowd ready for what we were about to see. He introduced the first act which was from a member of The Arts Greenhouse, a hip-hop music education program that serves Pittsburgh teens. He was on point with a rap that he did for the crowd.
The stage was set and the show was ready to begin…
The first designer down the runway was a collection entitled; Versus: Amor Noir by Sam Sanders. Two beauties came out and ruled the stage in sexy, floor length black and white dresses that had a unique structure and strong shoulders. They were truly Paladin warriors!
The show then had an inspirational dance routine performance entitled, Four Women.
After their powerful dance performance, models floated across the stage wearing a collection entitled Kawaii Overload by Grace Wong.
Grace Wongs’ collection was followed by, Versus IV: Simple Elegance by Sam Sanders. They hit the runway with trendy street-style male and female designs! Take a look at a quick clip from the runway…
Their runway was followed by, Josh Abah, whoperformed an inspirational speech.
Next, First Kiss Boutique graced the runway with unique body jewelry and accessories.
The runway continued with looks from a colorful collection entitled, Spring Tides by Fine Designs LTD by Leslie Lewis-Harris.
The Spring Tide blew in a collection entitled, Dolos Volos by Myles Blodnick & Alex Walker. Theyset the runway on fire with unique stylish looks that had all of the textures, colors, and sexiness that all fashionistas fall for! Check out this quick clip of their models leaving the stage…
After Dolos Volos exited the runway, Amos Evans,hit the stage and blessed everyone with a beautiful rendition of the song, Lift Every Voice & Sing.
Next up BLUE LABELS Boutique…
See the full BLB runway right here 👇
I was so proud! These girls ruled the stage, each representing their culture to the fullest!
(P.S. You may have noticed that I didn’t walk out behind my models like its done traditionally. I decided to watch the show from the audience instead of backstage. So I can actually watch the show and see what everyone else gets to see for a change!)
The final designer to hit the stage was Sharrell Rushin with her collection entitled, Tragic Twenties.
The last performance of the night was by Alpha PHI ALPHA Fraternity: The Omnicron Chapter. They stomped to hip hop beats and I couldn’t barely sit in my seat!
The shows endsand Director, Alex Walker throws on his cape and the models came out together showing their unity…Paladin style. Talk about closing the show with a bang!
As you can see, if you weren’t there, you missed quite a show. It was inspiring to see such talented, innovative students and designers who were involved. BLB would like to thank each and every person who worked to produce the show and everyone behind the scenes. As well as all of the students and all of the models who tore up the runway rocking BLB gear. Thanks for the invite. We look forward to watching each and everyone of you fulfill all of your dreams!
Wanna shop looks from the show? They are all available at Blue Labels Boutique 😉
Monday was closing day at our first pop up shop and it was quite the experience. Being able to talk to, laugh with, and share fashion stories with actual Blue Labels Boutique bombshells was amazing! Also, the experience taught so many lessons. From learning what it really takes to run a boutique, full-time, when you are the only employee to being able to effectively throw professional shade when faced with mean-spirited, know-it-alls. 😏
For those of you who didn’t get a chance to stop by and for those who are already missing it, we got you! Take a quick tour of the space and get ready to raise your glass as we celebrate the completion of our first pop up shop!
Thanks for riding on the passenger side of the BLB journey. Follow us to make sure you stay up to date on fashion, living the fearless life, and where we will be popping up next!
In a recent post, I caught you up on some of the latest things that have been going on at BLB. Runway shows, Holiday Shopping Events, a new web series…yep, we have been busy. We are excited to give you even more of the latest info….BLB opened our first pop up shop!
The pop up shop is set in a home that was built in 1800s and is a neighborhood known as one of the oldest areas in San Antonio.
Front of the building
Inside wall cutout
Take a look at the wavy, concrete walls…
A 45 minute trip to pickup clothing racks turned into a 2 hour trip due to traffic and construction. After getting there right before closing time and stuffing the boxing into a compact car, this is how we were left looking.
We filled the racks with jumpers and sexy dresses,
blazers and bodysuits.
I decided it would be a great idea to mix in antique style furniture due to the age of the building. Older furniture passed down from family was painted for a facelift and used to display clothes and accessories.
We re-painted a bookshelf and left out the shelving to use it as an armoire!
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I hope you enjoyed the sneak peek of our new pop up shop. Come in so that you can see the rest! We will be in the La Villita area until the end of February. Come shop with us!
A few weeks back, we made the announcement that we will be doing a runway show with Coco Productions. The runway theme, Dark Romance, created a sophisticated, sexy vibe that we couldn’t wait to express through styling.
If you didn’t have the pleasure of attending, we missed you, and we really wanted you to be there. But like a true fashion friend, we wanted to make sure we keep you in the loop. That’s what fashion friends are for, right?
Take a look at what you missed…
As soon as we arrived at the venue, we immediately started to unpack all of the boxes and garment bags that we brought it. My sister, also assistant for the day, was caught here really getting things together…go Sis!
We used BLB logo cards as a way to keep track of each models accessories and simply placed their accessories by their name. This helped out alot when the show started. After setting up the clothing rack, hanging up clothes, fittings, adjusting, etc. Show time came before I knew it!
Thanks to everyone who came out to support our first runway show!
Whether there’s only one product to capture or multiple products, photoshoots can make for a long day. There’s so much involved. First comes the vision, then you have to be able to convey that vision to the photographer so that they can capture the look. There’s making sure you have models, make-up, the perfect look for the perfect model, lighting, time constraints, fabric emergencies and the list goes on! All of this getting worked up only to get what you deem to be the “perfect picture”, one single picture. 😳
Although the audience only gets to see one picture, there’s alot going on behind the scenes. Take a look at the shit we should’ve shown from our last photoshoot!
Off to a good start with Mimosas!
Getting pretty, my favorite part. Let’s beat this face boo!
The models know how to strike a pose.
Our photographer is prepping the scene.
Girl please…I’m more fearless than you are!
By the end of this take, they were both jumping for fearlessness!
“Stand like this??”
“I can fly!”
“Don’t laugh, don’t laugh!”
Our “it’s a wrap” faces!
As you can see there’s lots of fun going on behind the scenes of a photoshoot. Can’t wait to share behind the scenes from the next one. Want to see the final shots? Check out the Taupe It Back Vest and the Cape Dress. Happy shopping and thanks for reading!
Last week, we shared our collaboration with Style Lush Tv. It was all about how to rock bold lips. Go bold or go home…remember that? Well, if you didn’t get a chance to check it out, here you go.
Nevertheless, lots of pics and videos were taken at the photo shoot so I decided to share some outtakes and videos that occurred during the shoot. Take a look!
“Oh, are you already taking pics? Caught me!”
“Ummm…who am I blowing kisses to?”
“F these cameras, I’m looking good!”
“I’m feeling myself, feeling myself”
“How do we look with our hair up…sexy?”
“Hold on boo, let me help you with that”
“More wine please!”
“Hold on, let me get in my zone”
Thanks for for doing a great job ladies! And don’t forget…go bold or go home!
Photo shoots can be so fun! Playing dress up, putting on makeup, and someone following you with a camera…sounds pretty great, right? But most of the time, you only get to see what they want you to see. We recently had an impromptu photo shoot to take advantage of the warm day we were having in the middle of Winter. Here are some funny outtakes that didn’t make the cut!
How many more pics are we going to take?!
Stop making me laugh!
I’m bout to pull my hair out!
Stop making me laugh! No, you stop making me laugh!
See the full BLB runway right here 👇
The time on the clock dwindles down to zero in the second quarter and the girls get lined up and ready to go.
