KristieRebuilds

Tag: fearless women

  • This Pandemic Has Affected My Style, How Bout You?

    This Pandemic Has Affected My Style, How Bout You?

    Before the pandemic, I was all about dressing up. I’m talking form-fitting dress, heels and the perfect accessories to match. This was my go-to look all day, everyday.

    Although, I still love wearing dresses, I can’t tell you the last time I’ve worn heels (even though I’ve bought new ones) and my accessories are very minimal. It’s so bad these days that I think I’m doing good when I’ve changed out of my night clothes from the night before. To say my style has changed since this whole COVID thing is an understatement.

    Here’s how I noticed things have changed…

    I’ve been working from home for the past several years. While my fiancé works out of the home. Before the pandemic, even on my lazy days, I’d make sure that I was “cute” before he got in the house this evening. I mean, it was so important for me that he likes what he sees when came home. This is still super important to me but nowadays, my idea of being “cute” when he gets home is brushing my teeth and making sure my oversized shirt has no stains on it. There was a day during the pandemic when I found out all of the effort didn’t matter as much as I thought it did.

    I put on a cute dress, light makeup, did a lik’ extra something to my hair. I even put the shoes that I would wear with the outfit by the door so he can capture the entire look. About an hour after he got home, I started to started making dinner. Before I got into it he says, “are you gonna put on something more comfortable?” I reply, “I wanted to look cute for you!” His response was the best;

    I’ve been in full quarantine looks ever since. Oversized tees, biking shorts, t-shirt dresses, etc. It’s one of the best compliments he could’ve ever given me.

    The lounging, comfy clothes have been fun. But I’ll admit that I can’t wait to put on a sexy dress, heels, and red lipstick to celebrate the re-opening of the city (COVID free, of course). Until then, you’ll find me working at home in my comfy, oversized tees.

    What about you? Has the pandemic changed your style? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • What’s It Like To Be Pregnant During A Pandemic?

    What’s It Like To Be Pregnant During A Pandemic?

    This pandemic has been interesting, to say the least. I’ve always been a bit of a germiphobe but this has sent my paranoia to a whole new level! All while being pregnant?? 🤦🏾‍♀️

    These days, I wash my hands so much that I forget if I washed them, so I wash them again. My hands look like that of a 80 year old woman. The constant washing has changed the texture. And not in a good way.

    Then there’s the hand sanitizer. We are blessed to not have any problems finding some in my area but let me tell you. We keep a bottle in the car. One is each room and one in my purse. Sooo, in addition to washing, I sanitize my hands like crazy. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    This pandemic has changed my pregnancy mood from joy to worry. I don’t want it to fly by without enjoying the moment. But I certainly didn’t have as many fears in my 1st and 2nd trimesters as I do now. I try to just keep in mind that I’m doing my part in keeping the world safe.

    The information I’ve read about COVID-19 while pregnant is conflicting. Some say you are no more vulnerable than anyone else. Others scream, “Protect you and your baby! You are more vulnerable due to your immune system.” Who knows what the truth is. So, I just do my best to follow the guidelines.

    This is my first baby so I’m already stressed about everything from making sure we have enough diapers to dealing with anxiety over what labor & delivery will be like. Adding a global infection hasn’t made it easier. This pandemic has kept me up at night. Seriously.. Having a stomach the size of a watermelon and running to the bathroom every 30 minutes has already killed my good night sleeping. I knew that I cant continue to live like that.

    So to help me get through it, I’ve sworn off all news reports and any online stories about COVID-19. I mean, some of those stories were so sad, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I decided to just focus on positive things to keep me in a good frame of mind.

    Let me just tell you other ways this pandemic has affected my pregnancy.

    Firstly, I don’t go into any stores. My fiancé does that part. We make a list of the things we need. He goes in to get everything and I sit in the car and wait for him to come out. There are certain things I’m so particular about. (Like organic body wash). But when he comes out with something other than that. I try not to make too much of a big deal about it. He does it all…post office drop offs, grocery shopping, runs into the convenient store when I NEED a Kit Kat. With no complaints. So how can I complain??

    Browsing through the stores to get last minute baby items like bottles, pampers, pacifiers or bibs is no longer a thing. I’ve had to order everything online and wait for it. And things that come in the mail are super slow these days so needless to say that I spend a lot of time checking shipping carriers websites for the latest tracking information.

    When it comes to going to the doctor, things are SO different! A mask must be worn the entire time. My temperature is checked upon entry along with a series of questions about how I’m feeling. Every two chairs are taped up to make sure that we are able to social distance. In addition to the fact that no one can go in with me. So, my fiancé has to wait in the car the entire time. He hasn’t missed any appointments. I know it’s hard for him because he misses out on hearing the heartbeat and seeing the baby on the sonogram. Plus, he doesn’t think I ask the doc the right questions. It’s gotten to a point where I take notes of questions to ask so I can make sure he’s well informed before I make it back to the car.

    Now, that I’m only 4 weeks from my due date I have a doctors visit once a week. It includes testing, a sonogram, and some type of belt that is used to monitor the baby’s heart beat. This requires me to sit in a big leather chair. As soon I get out of it, I’m damn near drowning my arms in sanitizer since they touched the chair. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    I’ve been told by my doctor that only one person can come with me to the hospital when I go into labor. And that person will not be able to leave for any reason. They can leave when me and the baby leave. Which is fine with me cause I didn’t want to be alone in the hospital, anyway. Although, my mom and brother aren’t too happy about it. I do regret that they won’t be there to share the experience with me. But we will all be able to enjoy the baby when he gets here. So I have a feeling that they will quickly get over it.

    I told my Mom that I can’t wait until I have the baby so I can stop worrying so much. She laughed and said, ” You’re gonna worry even more when he gets here!”

    She’s probably right. I’ve decided to stop worrying so much about the things I can’t change. Follow the guidelines while trying to enjoy the days until the baby arrives. Also, to stay positive and prayed up until this thing is behind us. Or for whatever our new normal is to come.

    How has this pandemic changed you? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 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

  • 10 Fearless Fashion Mantras That Will Break You Out Of Your Routine and Speak To Your Soul

    Most of us have the same morning routine throughout the week. Wake up, eat, put on whatever is the easiest, go to work/school, come home and get ready to do it all over again the next day.

    So, how does a girl find ways to throw in some fun with all of this routine going on?? Especially, when there’s no getting out of work or school?? Fashion, of course! Fashion and your style is the one thing that makes separated you from everyone else at your job or school. Yes, we are all different. But your style is what makes people take note of your individuality and personality without knowing a thing about you. Why ruin this by wearing what everyone else is wearing. Or actually caring about what people have to say about it for that matter?? Don’t waste your time.

    Here are 10 fearless fashion quotes that will inspire you to break up your routine, encourage you to wear whatever you want to wear all while throwing a finger to the haters!

    Fearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantraFearless fashion mantra Fearless fashion mantra

    Which are your favorites?? Feel free to share them on social media and tag me @bluelabelsboutique!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Here Are Some Of The Best Sayings About Fearless Women We’ve Shared On IG

    Here Are Some Of The Best Sayings About Fearless Women We’ve Shared On IG

    Who doesn’t love good mantra?? Sometimes, it’s just what you need to push you through one of those days.

    Here are some of the best ones that we’ve shared on Instagram.

    Fearless women quotes Fearless women quotesFearless women quotesFearless women quotes

    Now, press on fearless ladies!! Which ones are your favorite?? Let me know in the comments…

    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 💋

  • 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

  • Tips On How To Find Your Signature Style

    Tips On How To Find Your Signature Style

    There are some serious benefits to finding your signature style. To name a few:

    • Online shopping is much easier.
    • It helps to build one hell of a capsule collection! (Because all of your pieces can be styled together.)
    • Saves you time on planning outfits for events (Because you know what works.)

    Now, that the surface has been scratched on the benefits. Let’s take a look at how to harness your signature style.

    Unleashing the beast is much easier than you might think and can be broken into 4 main categories: Fit, Fabric, Feelings, and Accentuation.

    FIT

    If the fit is off; you might as well stay at home. Being real about your size is important in obtaining your signature style. You can buy a size 8 but if you wear a 12; then the fit on the 8 just won’t do. And that’s okay! Size doesn’t matter, fit does.

    Georgia Peach Dress – Drusilla Shay

    There seems to be a misconception that wearing something really tight with make you look smaller. But that’s completely wrong! The opposite happens. The only thing wearing something too small does is push what was supposed to fit comfortably in that skirt somewhere else. You end up with a belly roll you didn’t have before. Get measured, try on, purchase made-to-measure pieces…do whatever necessary to ensure a proper fit. Wearing your signature style should not feel uncomfortable.

    Fabric

    This is probably one of the most underrated elements in garments for shoppers. See it, like it, buy it…is usually how it goes. But taking an extra minute to analyze the fabric will help you tremendously.

    Black floral printed handmade dress for women
    Gallant Dress

    Touch the fabric…

    Does it stretch? Is it transparent (when it shouldn’t be)? Are the seams falling apart? Does it feel cheap? When buying online; how does the store describe the fabric? Will it feel comfortable on your skin?

    You won’t regret taking the time to check out the fabric. Think about wearing a pair of white pants that are made from fabric so thin that you can your underwear? Not cute. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    Feelings

    How does the look make you feel? It’s that simple. Wearing something that makes you feel good changes your walk, talk, pushes your shoulders back, and your head up.

    Blue skirt with front split
    Always Royal Skirt

    I always feel better about life when I’m wearing something that I love. How about you?

    Accentuation

    What’s your favorite part of your body? Hips, butt, tummy, legs, maybe your cleavage is amazing…whatever it is; this is the area you should accentuate.

    Red handmade tank top for women
    Lipstick Top

    As a matter of fact, all of your styles should accentuate that area. Here are some styling tips to help highlight your hotspots.

    Best ways to accentuate cleavage: v-necks, scoop necks, leaving some buttons open on a top, and sheer tops.

    Best ways to accentuate your waist: fit n’ flare silhouettes, peplums; accessorizing with a belt, tucking in the front hem of a shirt, tie back tops, and cropped styles.

    Best ways to accentuate your legs: short dresses and skirts, wearing high heels, fishnets, skirts/dresses with splits, and high low hems.

    Best ways to accentuate shoulders & arms: tanks, strapless, and off the shoulder styles.

    Best ways to accentuate butt: bodycon dresses & skirts and belts to pull in waist.

    Smiley face handbag
    Smiley Face Bag

    Bonus tip: Confidence and a Smile. They make everything look better!

    Thoughts on these tips or want to add your own?? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋