KristieRebuilds

Tag: fashion tips

  • Here’s What’s Next For The Fashion Not Fear Collection

    Here’s What’s Next For The Fashion Not Fear Collection

    New pieces are set to be released in the Fashion Not Fear Collection! Usually, each piece is dropped one at a time but I’ve decided to do things a bit different this time around.

    This time the entire collection will be dropped at once. Pieces have been completed, some are in the works, and others have yet to be made. But I’m definitely getting them done.

    When the new collection drops, they will be featured in a virtual trunk show! So, stay tuned for the upcoming announcements on these new pieces that you’re closet will be dying for!

    Here is a rough draft of a piece that I’m finishing up, right now.

    Illustration of green fearless top and black skirt

    Can’t wait to share the rest of the collection! Would you watch the virtual trunk show?? Thoughts on the sketch?? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Making The Fashion Not Fear Dress That Was In An Art Exhibit

    Making The Fashion Not Fear Dress That Was In An Art Exhibit

    Last year, I told you about an invite I received to make a dress that will be put in an art exhibit from October 2019 through February 2020.

    Destined By Design: A Celebration Of African American Fashion was the name of the exhibit. How could I say no? It was one of my first times making a dress that was for special occasions. And it was definitely the first time I ever had something that I created in an art display. It was such an honor!

    If you didn’t get a chance to visit, you truly missed out. The talent made by other black dress and jewelry designers was amazing. Here is a look back at the process of making the dress and how it turned out.

    Sourcing the fabric

    Picking fabric for a dress

    First time making a corset, so had to use part of a pattern for help!

    Making a corset dressMaking a corset dress

    Making a corset

    Dropping off the dress at the Texan Cultures Institute

    Family coming out to show support!

    Fashion not fear dress on display

    The dress on display

    Fashion Not Fear Dress exhibit Handmade fashion not fear dress Black designers

    My name on display!

    Black fashion designer

    Black dress designer art exhibit

    Thanks to the curator who invited me to put a dress on display along with family, friends, and everyone who came out to check it out! It means the world!!

    I was thinking about having a contest to give the dress away to one lucky winner. What are your thoughts on that and the dress?? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 4 Pieces You Can Cop When You Want To Wear The Fashion Not Fear Logo

    4 Pieces You Can Cop When You Want To Wear The Fashion Not Fear Logo

    The Fashion Not Fear logo is about showing the world just how fearless women can be. It’s about being strong, confident, and fashionable enough to feel like you can take over the world. Accomplishing your dreams and pushing through boundaries (even in heels).

    The logo means even more to me nowadays with everything that’s going on in the world. Choosing fear at a time like this will drive you damn near crazy! Fear has no place when you have to battle something.

    Here are 4 pieces available right now, that have the FNF logo.

    Fearless Women Tee

    Fearless Women Phone Case

    Fearless Women Hat

    Fearless Woman Socks

  • That Fashion Not Fear Dress I Told You About Is Now On Display At A Museum

    That Fashion Not Fear Dress I Told You About Is Now On Display At A Museum

    This past Sunday was the reveal of the, Destined By Design: A Celebration Of African American Fashion & Design, exhibit.

    The exhibit celebrated Texas, black designers…all women. I was shocked, honored and over the moon to be asked to make a dress.  Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to get a Fashion Not Fear dress on one of those mannequins.

    The event was only two hours long but it seemed like a worldwind because of alot of it was new to me.  Mainly, because that day was full of a lot of firsts for me.  

    It was the first time that my mom and some of my other family members got a chance to see my work in person.

    It was my first tome making a cocktail dress (which is my new favorite thing to make now.)

    112B58B6-D90F-4E65-BD86-9B8FCA950B0A.jpeg

    It was also the first time I got a chance to be on a panel and speak in front of a lot of people.

    Talking at event

    I will tell you all about that later. For now, here is a peak at the exhibit.

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    I’m only giving you sneak because I REALLY want you to go check it out in person (if you can).  Can you guess which one is Fashion Not Fear??

    The installation will be up until February 29, 2020 at UTSA Institute Of Texan Cultures 801 E Cesar E Chavez Blvd San Antonio, Texas.

    Be sure to tag me in your pics @bluelabelsboutique, I would love to hear your thoughts on the dress.  It includes some great designers of fashion, jewelry, even quilts.  You won’t regret going to check it out.  Trust me.

    Will you be able to check it out? Did you see anything you liked??  Let me know in the comments

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • When A Sketch Comes To Life: Meet The Valorous Skirt

    When A Sketch Comes To Life: Meet The Valorous Skirt

    Happy Monday to you!! I hope this past weekend gave you everything you needed to make this a great week.

    I’ve been hinting about new releases from the Fashion Not Fear Collection for the past few weeks on the blog and social media. Well, the wait is finally over!

    The Valorous Skirt is here.

    This textured beauty turned out exactly how I imagined it. Although, it took much more time than it usually takes to produce a skirt. But there is a reason for that.

    The reason? Two words…couture details. I’ve been doing lots of research on techniques that can take a skirt from good to amazing. Each time, couture details has come to the forefront. They are seemingly small sewing techniques but they pack a major style punch when it comes to fitting, stability, and improves the overall construction, for sure.

    Some of the couture details the Valorous Skirt has been lucky to receive is ribbon hemming and hand-stitched zipper. Both of which make that garment look good from the inside out.

    The texture of the skirt sticks out, literally. The print is so unique.

    The oversized pockets stick out just enough to create a structured skirt that is everything. Yes, it has pockets!!!

    It comes in sizes small to extra large. As you know, Fashion Not Fear pieces are limited. So don’t hesitate to cop yours.

    Thoughts on the Valorous Skirt? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Two City Fabric Tour + What Do You Look For In A Dress?

    Two City Fabric Tour + What Do You Look For In A Dress?

    A new collection from Fashion Not Fear is in the making. I am currently in the planning stage, so nothing has actually been made yet. As a matter of fact, the only things done is deciding on a color scheme and simple sketches of some ideas.

    Fashion not fear sketch

    With these two pieces in mind, it was time to get some fabric ideas. My love of travel means I would do anything to do a road trip. Austin and Houston would be good placing to source fabric. Sounded like it was time for a fabric road trip!

    Austin was first up. Although, I’ve spent many days and nights in Austin, this would be my first time looking for fabric. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get there from my home. So, it is the perfect distance to do ANYTHING and come back the same day. Honestly, my fiancé and I are good for hitting up happy hour or taking our bikes to ride around downtown.

    Even though this was my first time looking, I knew exactly which store I wanted to go to. I follow this store on IG. They seemed to offer unique options. Let’s go!

    We hit the road early, ate at our favorite poke restaurant and headed out. My Google search and Maps apps both said the store was closed but I prayed it was a mistake.

    It wasn’t.

    After checking out a few more stores; it was time to move around.

    Next up…Houston. As soon as I entered H-town, I found some hot spots.

    Luckily, I was successful in finding fabric, trimmings, and fabric basics so the Houston trip was definitely a success.

    The collection is something I’m already proud of. I am aiming for each piece to have the feminine details that make us feel pretty that we all love.

    Everyone likes something different when it comes to girly, dresses. What are some feminine details you like to see in a dress?? Is it lace, chiffon, floral patterns, shoulders out, a certain fit or front split?? What is it?

    Let’s talk. Let me know in the comments what you look for in a dress??

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • I Almost Passed Out When I Was Asked To Participate In This.

    I Almost Passed Out When I Was Asked To Participate In This.

    A few months back, I received an email that left me stunned…

    It read (in part)

    “I am curating an exhibit at the Institute of Texan Cultures (A Smithsonian Affiliate museum) to feature Black designers. I am looking for original designs that can be put on display. That can be clothing, shoes, accessories doesn’t matter just as long as it is an original design by a Black designer from or in Texas.”

    YES!!!!! Was my answer before I got to the part where she asked if I was interested.

    She went on to say it will be on display in September. She also said a sketch of the item will be needed for approval.

    I couldn’t believe she asked me. It was such a big deal. I had to knock it out of the park.

    I knew exactly what fabric I wanted to use for the dress. It had a unique pleated design that I’d been eyeing for a very, long time. Plus, it came in the PERFECT shade of blue.

    I whipped up a sketch of my dress idea and sent it to her by email. Providing all of the fabric details (of course!)

    Fashion not fear blue dress illustration

    She loved the idea!

    “What will the dress be made of?” – she asked.

    “Pleated chiffon.” I proudly answered.

    So, it was set! I would be making a dress to be displayed in a museum for all to see. Plus, I was asked in May, the display wasn’t until September so I had plenty of time! Right??

    Wrong!

    I received a follow up email in June asking about the status of the dress. I had the sketch and knew where I going to buy the fabric from. That was about it.

    Why is she asking so early was my first thought. Instead, I told her about my progress or lack of.

    “Can you have it don’t by July 20th?” was her reply.

    “Sure!” I answered. But I was sweating bullets. Then, I felt puke at the back of my throat.I thought I had a good 4 weeks!

    The weeklong family vacation that was already planned and paid for left me with only 1 week to make this dress!!!

    Could I do it?? I knew I work good under pressure but this type of pressure was too much! It is too soon in my sewing career to think making this dress was going to be a piece of cake. Something ALWAYS goes wrong. Always.

    And it did! First up, I found out that the fabric couldn’t get to me in time. I needed this fabric!! What was I going to do??

    Make it happen! That’s what. And that what I did.

    After a week of sleepless nights filled with looking for new fabric and sewing; the dress was safely dropped off to a coordinator at the Texas Cultures Institute in San Antonio, Tx.

    The design is a bit different from the sketch. Especially since I had to change the fabric. But I love it so much! Stay tuned to find out how the dress turned out and how you can go check it out in person.

    Thoughts?? Let me know something special you have going on right now in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Last Day For This Sale!

    Last Day For This Sale!

    Don’t miss this!

    SHOP NOW!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Always Royal

    Always Royal

    Tees and skirts are always a good idea in my style book. From going to the office to date night, it’s such a great mix of casual and dressy. That’s a win win in my book!

    Blue split front skirt

    Blue split front skirt blue Labels Boutique

    The bold blue of the Always Royal Skirt isn’t the only thing I adore about it. The sexy front slit and faux zippers don’t hurt. Plus, it’s easy to style with something as simple as a tee.

    Thoughts on rocking tees and skirts?! 🤔 Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

    Always Royal Skirt $35

    Fearless women T-shirt

    Fearless Women T-Shirt $25

  • Sustainable Fashion: Is BLB Contributing?? 🤔

    Sustainable Fashion: Is BLB Contributing?? 🤔

    Sustainable Fashion. It was something that I’d heard about here and there. Through all of the articles I read each day, one that was discussing details about sustainable fashion, wasn’t a topic that I considered to be click worthy.

    Until recently.

    My intrigue increased during one of my Netflix and chill sessions. I ran come across some documentaries that was about sustainability in fashion.

    Then, members in a few groups that I’m in posted about watching some and highly recommended them. I took note.

    After doing my research and finding out exactly what sustainable fashion was, I wondered if my business would be considered sustainable??

    The process of taking a garment from nothing to something can greatly effect the environment. From transportation emissions to filling up landfills with tons of unused fabric. More than 20 billion tons according to some reports.

    Sustainable fashion is meant to curb that. If you arent familiar with the term, Sustainable Fashion basically refers to apparel companies who take certain measures to reduce their carbon footprint. This can be done reducing their factories, changing their dyeing process, reducing textile waste, etc.

    Without intention, here are some ways BLB is contributing to sustainability. (I think.)

    Cutting fabric patterns

    • The fabric used to make the handmade collection, Fashion Not Fear, is purchased in very small quantities.
  • Making handmade styles
    • The remaining scraps are used to make random small things…headbands, crops, belts, headwraps, etc.
  • Handmade matching burgundy top and skirt set
    • Pieces are sold in sets. The more someone can switch up the same style, the less they might waste but something they will never wear.
    • Big companies use multiple trucks and factories to run their business. Blue Labels Boutique using a compact SUV for everything. Besides the Priority Mail used for shopping.
  • Spools of fabric
    • Textiles used to make Fashion Not Fear come from various places. I make it a priority to shop from small mom and pop style shops. Shopping with them keeps us and them from contributing to impacts on the environment.
  • Spools of thread
    • Any fabric that absolutely, positively can’t be used is donated to various charities.

    Does it sound like BLB is contributing to sustainability? Does sustainable fashion matter to you or no??? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋