2020 has been quite a year! Unfortunately, amongst other things, it led us to not be able to have a runway show. All of the shows that we were scheduled to appear in were cancelled.
But there’s always next year…hopefully!
One thing is for sure, I won’t take for granted being able to participate being in a show. I never realized how much it was missed until the option was no longer there. So, for reminiscing purposes, I wanted to show you the last show we did in 2019.
Take a look at time Fashion Not Fear was put on a runway! You will notice something about their face accessories. Am I a fortune teller or what?? Plus, wait til the end to get all of the outfit details.
Which was your favorite look?? Let me know in the comments…
A few weeks ago, I started working on a new collection for the annual SPIRIT Fashion Show that I’ve been showcasing at for the past few years.
SPIRIT Fashion Show 2019
Unfortunately, this years’ show was cancelled due to the pandemic. But it is on for next year, so no worries.
I had already sketched out the 8 looks that I was going to be making for the show. One style was completely finished and I was putting the final touches on the second look when I got the notice about it being cancelled.
No biggie, it was time to make a pivot to my designs! Not really so much the styles but the fabrics. It was no longer going to necessary for me to create 8 looks that had fabrics that coordinated.
The new handmade pieces being added to the collection have the feminine details FNF is known for but I wanted to add some dramatic sleeves in there too. I just love a good sleeve, I can’t help myself.
Here are some of the details you will see in the first two pieces set to be released this week!
This rack will be full of new designs soon. Stay tuned for these two new releases that will be coming out this week.
What do you think of what you’ve seen so far?? Let me know in the comments…
As you know by now, I spent last weekend in Pittsburgh for the slamming SPIRIT Fashion Show.
But fashion isn’t the only thing I did while there. Between fittings, rehearsals and the show; I tried to fit in time to see what the city had to offer.
Feast your eyes on some of the Pittsburgh sights, my fiancé and I were able to enjoy while in the city.
River in Downtown Pittsburgh
Duquesne Incline
Us with Heinz Field 😀
Andy Warhol Bride
Big ass fish from sandwich spot, Primanti Bros.
BTS at Runway Show
Have you been to Pittsburgh or live there? What’s your top spot to visit? Let me know in the comments.
Have you ever been in the midst of doing something and realized that you are doing EXACTLY what you were meant to be doing?Well, that’s how I felt this past weekend.
The SPIRIT Fashion show was on Saturday, April 6th in Pittsburgh at Carnegie Mellon University.In my last entry of The Life & Times Of A Fearless Entrepreneur, I gave you a small glimpse into everything that I’ve been going through since joining the SPIRIT show this year.
Getting everything together for this show has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life!No bullshit.I mean, this isn’t the first time I’ve participated in a fashion show.It’s not even the first time I’ve been involved in this particular show.This time was just much harder for various reasons.The main reason being that all of the styles were handcrafted by yours truly.And if something could go wrong, it did!
Before sewing a single thing, I started as I usually do.I sketched out my ideas.But that seemed to be the only thing that panned out prior to the show.It was pretty unbelievable.The first mishap was the lost fabric packages.Which I never found (by the way.)
After countless trips to the fabric store, cutting patterns, and carefully creating 8 designs, I took two extra special packages to be shipped by Priority Mail.This is my shipping process everytime a package goes out.But this time was different.The worker wanted to give me a hard time about everything from the type of tape that used to them not wanting to give me a receipt.He didn’t know who he was trying…obviously.
After winning that battle, I patiently waited for the required two days for them to arrive at the college. On the 3rd day, the tracking number was entered on their website. Out for delivery…it said. I called USPS, held for 68 minutes and the damn phone hung up on me. I immediately called back.The USPS worker answered, after another hour hold. By that time, I was in tears. I’m a gangsta but how much can a girl take?! LOL Anyway, his answer to me was, “We will do an investigation and get back to you within 3 day.”
3 days.Who the hell had 3 days to wait??
That package needed to be there ASAP!In the midst of freaking out on the guy, I received the best email ever.
Hey Kristie,
The packages were delivered yesterday.I will let you know how everything fits!
SPIRIT Design Team
I apologized to Mr. USPS and hang up the phone.
After my apology, I thought I could coast.Working on show deadlines was a thing of the past. That didn’t last long.
Then this happened.
Hi Kristie,
Here are pics of the styles.There were some issues with fittings.
SPIRIT Design Team
“Issues with fittings” was the nice way of saying it.Some dress sleeves didn’t fit.Two of the models couldn’t even slide their skirts up.I was horrified.How could this have happened?Something was wrong with the measurements.For sure.
I headed straight to the fabric store.There was much work to be done!With only 3 days to do it.The only thing I had to do was make two dresses, two skirts, and adjust a skirt set.How hard could it be??
The next three nights were the longest and crankiest days of my life.This madness carried on until 4am on the morning I was scheduled to fly to Pittsburgh.I had to be at the airport at 630, so I was running off fumes by the time the plane hit the friendly skies.
After a safe arrival, I got tried again.First by trying to overcharge me for a rental car and secondly because our hotel room was somehow no longer available.Went to war with both, won, and then hit the town for a bit of a tour.
The next day was showtime!I went to CMU early in the day to meet up with the girls and finally fittings.It was a relief to know that the pieces fit great.
That’s when I knew that all of the madness was worth it.Sleeplessness nights, lost packages, frantic calls and breakdowns. It was all worth it.
#BTS shots
Now you know the steps that lead up to the show.Shots from the runway very soon.Stay tuned!
Did you catch these beauties on the runway?? My mother blessed me with these masks that she did by hand and these aren’t the only ones! She killed the masks the girls are wearing. They are a must see! Big, big, big shoutout to my Mama for doing this!
A daze.That’s how I would describe the last few weeks.It’s been a daze.As I’ve told you before, BLB and FNF is a one woman show.From blogging to running the online store, pop ups, monthly newsletters, designs, cutting patterns, finding fabric….I do it all.So, anytime there is more added to my plate….I get overwhelmed.But in a good way.There is something about having alot of shit to do that makes me feel like I’m conquering the world.
So, needless to say when I accepted an invite to participate in the 2019 SPIRIT Fashion Show, I knew things were going to get….excitingly overwhelming!You might’ve noticed that there has been a few gaps in my posting on the blog and social media lately.The reason partially is because of the new designs I’m working on.I can sew all day when I have a creative idea that I want to add to the store with little to no issues.But that isn’t the case when I’m working on something that has a deadline for some reason.
It seems like if a deadline is involved in what I am creating, everything can and will go wrong.In the process of making the new looks for this show, I have experienced so many mishaps.For instance, two orders of fabric were lost in the mail.Okay not two…just one.The other one was stolen off of my porch.I was completely pissed about that, to say the least.Since then, I’ve been giving my neighbors the side eye.One of them took my damn package.What are they going to do with 10 yards of red scuba knit fabric?They could’ve even returned it back to my porch after seeing what it was.I would’ve let it go.But did that happen?Nope. I still haven’t gotten over it.Can you tell?
That is just one of the issues that have come up during this creative process for the students of CMU.Fabric has gotten stuck in my sewing machine like never before.I removed a pocket from adress and it created the BIGGEST hole you have ever seen.There was no fabric available to remake it so the entire look was ditched.
I can go on and on about all of the crap that has happen.But I wouldn’t change any of it!Sure, when I am in the middle of it, I want to rip my braids out! After resolving the situation, I move on and try to forget all about the crying fit I just had over a broken needle.As crazy as it sounds…it is all worth it.The morning after I dropped out the 9 looks that will hit the runway, I couldn’t help to reflect on how tough things seemed.
Looking at the postal receipt, I came to the realization how much I’d grown as a designer.I mean, last year, was my first time putting my handmade designs on the runway.It wasn’t all me though.My mother and Aunt helped me to sew alot.But not this year!Every, single design was made by yours truly.You will however, see the models wearing something on their face that was created by my mother.I gave her a vision and let her do her thang.They turned out amazing.Can’t wait for you all to see.
Soooooo, make plans for the evening of April 6th to sit back and enjoy what is sure to be an amazing event!Want to see what I’ve been working on??You can go to spiritfashionshow.com/tickets for the show details and tickets if you will be in Pittsburgh.If not, you can livestream the show.Stay tuned because I will drop the link here and my social media platforms.Also, look out for a signature cocktail recipe that you can enjoy at home while watching the show.
Thanks for reading.I gotta get back to it.My fearless journey continues!Let me know if you will be watching the show in the comments…
An announcement was made on our IG page. Did you catch it? Okay, if you didn’t then…read on.
I am excited to announce that Fashion Not Fear will be on the runway at this years SPIRIT Fashion Show! The SPIRIT Fashion Show is the longest running fashion show EVER. It is held each year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
This is their 32nd year and it will be lit (as the kids say)!
This years’ theme is about the journey of introspection. The idea is to express self discovery and rectifying flaws through style. The show will be on Saturday April 6th. And ya’ girl has already been working on this! Seriously, I have lace, thread, chiffon, and needles all over the place.
This will be my third year participating in this event. The first time, it was a mix of dresses, pants, shorts, etc. The second year, was the first time all Fashion Not Fear dresses hit the runway. So, of course I have to kick things up alot.
This year, you will be able to shop directly from the runway. They will be available on bluelabelsboutique.com immediately following the show! If you don’t live in Pittsburgh or surrounding areas, then don’t sweat it. You will be able to livestream the show.
There will be other talented designers in the show. Along with other artists.
9 new Fashion Not Fear dress styles at one time. This will be something that you DON’T WANT TO MISS!
You can get all of the show and ticket info at spiritfashionshow.com. Plus, you already know I will keep you updated here and on IG (@bluelabelsboutique). I can’t wait to show you what I’ve been working on.
Will you be at the show or will you be able to livestream it?? Let me know in the comments…
You’ve watched the livestream, you have seen the sketches; now here is your chance to see pics from the runway.
LaShae Gordon in the Hydrant Top & Skirt | 📸 by Christina Jin
LaShae Gordon in the Hydrant Top & Skirt | 📸 by Kohei Arai
LaShae Gordon in the Hydrant Top & Skirt | 📸 by Tyler Davis
Oluwatobi Ajimoko in the T-Shirt Dress with Fearless Belt 📸 by Kohei Arai
Oluwatobi Ajimoko in the T-Shirt Dress with Fearless Belt📸 by Kohei Arai
Oluwatobi Ajimoko in the T-Shirt Dress with Fearless Belt📸 by Kohei Arai
Njaire Mckoy in the Sheer Hoodie & Reverse Denim Skirt | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Njaire Mckoy in the Sheer Hoodie & Reverse Denim Skirt | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Njaire Mckoy in the Sheer Hoodie & Reverse Denim Skirt | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Lovisa Brandon in the Suspender Dress | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Lovisa Brandon in the Suspender Dress | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Lovisa Brandon in the Suspender Dress | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Bernice Yu in the Floral Top & Skirt Set | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Bernice Yu in the Floral Top & Skirt Set | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Bernice Yu in the Floral Top & Skirt Set | 📸 by Kohei Arai
Now all that’s left is for you to decide what you want because you can shop the collection on May 7th! Let me know what your favorites are in the comments…
Hooray, it’s Fri-yay! I know it sounds corny but I couldn’t resist. ☺️
It was previously announced that BLB would be participating in the 2017 SPIRIT Fashion Show at Carnegie Mellon University. The event was last Saturday in Pittsburgh, Pa. I originally planned to attend the event but things changed at the very last minute. You will get the details on that later…
I was sick about missing the show and not being able to support the students from the audience. But since this was BLBs second year styling the CMU students for their annual show I knew one thing for sure…THEY WERE GOING TO KILL IT! And they didn’t disappoint. The message this year was resisting against the limits put on women.
Take a look at what went down at the SPIRIT FASHION SHOW ’17: RESISTANCE.
The Future Is Female D.I.Y Top X Always Royal Skirt Model: Ally Hoover
The Future Is Female D.I.Y Top X Always Royal Skirt Model: Ally Hoover
Outline Dress Model: Bernie Yu
Outline Dress Model: Bernie Yu
To The Courts Dress Model: Brooke Carter
To The Courts Dress Model: Brooke Carter
Victoria Baby Dress Model: Catherine Mondoa
Victoria Baby Dress Model: Catherine Mondoa
The Serena Dress Model: Mindy Miller
The Serena Dress Model: Mindy Miller
Heart Females D.I.Y Top X Colorblocked SkirtModel: Katie Liston
Heart Females D.I.Y Top X Colorblocked Skirt Model: Katie Liston
Drama Queen Dress Model: Lauren Hall
Drama Queen Dress Model: Lauren Hall
Mrs. Georgia Peach Dress Model: Njaire McCoy
Fearless D.I.Y Top x Just Asking Skirt Model: Noel Lau
Don’t Plaid Me Dress Model: Ravyn Clark
[all images are by Aaron Friedlander]
Special thanks to CMU as well as all of the models and people behind the scenes. Must success to each and every one of you! You can see more about the show at https://www.spiritfashionshow.com. Of course, you can cop all of these looks at BLB.
Enjoy your Easter weekend & let me know what you think about styles from the show?
Happy First Day Of Spring 2017!! That’s right, Winter is officially over! I am lucky enough to have been enjoying Sunny days for quite some time. You can’t beat Texas weather. But, I know that those of you on other sides of the map (and world) are counting down the days until sunshine shows itself again. You might not feel the change yet, just hold on, she’s coming!
Last week, the announcement was made that BLB will be returning to the SPIRIT Fashion Show this year. We will be styling the CMU students in pieces from our new Spring 2017 Collection. Wouldn’t it nice to get a preview of what styles will be hitting the runway? I thought so too! Here is a sneak peak of three pieces that will be on the runway; April 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, PA. On the Carnegie Mellon University Campus, of course. Feel free to shop the dresses now, while you still can! You’re welcome. 😉
To The Courts Mini Dress
She’s Gone Hollywood Necklace
Always Royal Skirt
New pieces are added each week, so make sure you check back (enter website) often. Get ticket information for the eventhere. Don’t forget to email me at Kristie@bluelabelsboutique.com, if you want to shop the Style Suite while we are in Pittsburgh.
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.
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.
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!
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!
