Tag: made by hand

  • I Found The Fabric For The Dress Sketch That I Recently Shared

    I Found The Fabric For The Dress Sketch That I Recently Shared

    A few days ago, I shared a sketch of the next dress being made for the Fashion Not Fear Collection.

    Dress sketch

    In that post, the question was asked if the dress should be made from a printed material or a solid color material. The poll question was also asked on IG story. Print won by an overwhelming margin on both platforms.

    Fabric poll

    After you helped to pick a fabric style, my search was on! I knew I wanted something that was rich in color. But also something that has sort of a vintage look.

    Well, without further ado…check out the fabric that was selected.

    Green printed fabric

    It has colors of green, yellow, white, navy, orange and specks of other colors too. I searched high and low for a textile that would match the look I was going for. And this one nailed it!

    Fashion sketch and fabric

    And so the sewing is about to begin. Can’t wait for you to see this one completed. What are your thoughts on the fabric? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Prints or Solids?

    Prints or Solids?

    Each time began to source fabric for a new piece to add to the Fashion Not Fear collection, I always have this burning question that has to be answered before I start deep diving. Solids or prints? I’ve made lots of looks using both. And I’m certainly not going to make a look out of fabric that I don’t love. But I do wonder how do you (the consumer) feel about the textile being used?

    When I considered what my answer would be if I asked the question myself. My immediate answer was prints. Hands down. In my opinion, prints adds a unique touch to the look before ever deciding what will be made from it. You might see others in the same color that you are wearing. But when have you ever ran across someone who was wearing the same dress and print that you were wearing?? Damn near never. I would think. Prints are fun. They tell a story all on their own. Leopard prints seem to say that you have a wild side. While a nautical print might say that you are on a vacation. Florals give off this feminine feel. While an ethnic print might say that you want to show off your heritage.

    Solids on the other hand tell a different story. All black is classic and sophisticated. Reds are fiery while representing love and lust. Solids are classic and timeless. But that is actually what I like about solids. They never age. They will forever be in style. There is nothing like a great fitting black or red dress. You just can’t go wrong with sticking with those classics. Now that I think about it more. Maybe solids are my favorite??

    I looked through the collection of Fashion Not Fear styles to determine which I usually go with….solids or prints. It looks like prints win for me. And when it came down to choosing one of my favorite looks from the collection. I chose a print. So, maybe I do like prints more??!

    Im so confused…

    I’m in the process of creating new looks for Fashion Not Fear. I’d love for you to help me decide on what type of fabrics to get. What do you prefer…solids or prints?? And why? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Calling All Bodysuit Lovers!! The Minty Fresh Bodysuit Is Here

    Calling All Bodysuit Lovers!! The Minty Fresh Bodysuit Is Here

    A few weeks back a preview of the next Fashion Not Fear drop was released.

    Lace mint green bodyguard

    So excited to announce that the bodysuit made from that fabric has been loaded onto the Blue Labels Boutique and is ready to go!

    Mint green lace bodysuit

    This adorable bodysuit looks great with everything from your favorite pair of jeans and skirt to nothing at all. 🤷🏽‍♀️

    The minty green color just screams Spring! Hopefully, we will be able to get out there and enjoy the weather.

    Mint green bodysuit

    Shop this handmade beauty at Blue Labels Boutique. Thoughts on the bodysuit?? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • A Look At The Fabric Used In The Next Fashion Not Fear Drop

    A Look At The Fabric Used In The Next Fashion Not Fear Drop

    As you know, new pieces are steadily being made for the Fashion Not Fear Collection. And when I say steadily I mean that there are about 2-3 new drops each month. Limited drops (which is why keeping you informed on the new things coming is essential.)

    A new piece is currently in the beginning phase. I love the color and lace so much that I had to give you a peek into the latest textile being used.

    Mint green lace fabric

    It’s mint green, lace and will be fantastic! Can’t wait to show the final piece.

    Any thoughts on what will be made?? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless💋

  • Go For Bold In A Set Made From Authentic African Fabric

    Go For Bold In A Set Made From Authentic African Fabric

    The Power Top and Skirt set is made up of authentic waxed African fabric. The background and cylinder shapes are made with colors of green, navy, ivory, and orange.

    African printed top and skirt set

    The sets features a top that has a deep v-neck and a slim-fitting pencil skirt.

    You can wear Power Set together or with different pieces. Shop the Power Top and Power Skirt while it’s still available.

    Thoughts on this authentic African fabric used? Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • A New Spring-Approved Dress Was Released In The Floreal Collection And You MUST See it!!

    A New Spring-Approved Dress Was Released In The Floreal Collection And You MUST See it!!

    The Garden party dress is the latest drop in the Floreal Collection from Fashion Not Fear Collection  As you know, things a bit different from other designers.  

    There is no planning involved when we start a collection.  The way I usually do it is like this.    

    I go out and shop for textiles that grab my attention or that I will are different and will grab YOUR attention.  More than likely, I already have some ideas in mind of what styles I would like to make.  Then, I buy the desired fabric.  The amount of fabric purchased depends on the budget is set that particular shopping trip.  I tend to lean towards the limited stock.  The more unique, the better!  Which is why I always tell people to buy it if you like it because you might never see it again.  But we every single portion of fabric until it is all gone.   Doing our part in sustainability!  💁🏽‍♀️

    That is no different with the Floreal Garden Party Dress that we just released.  This dress is one of my personal favorites because it is just so girly.  From the Spring-ready print, how the middle accentuates the waist, to the way the dress falls gracefully above the ankle.  

    Floral Garden Party Dress $46.99

    floral printed women's dress

    This Garden Party Dress dress goes right in line with all of the other feminine pieces created with the Floreal fabric.

           Short Sleeve Floreal Top $19.99 & Floreal Skirt $63

    floral printed short sleeve top and matching skirt

    Floreal Crop Top $25

    floral retro crop top and matching skirt

    Short Sleeve Floreal Top $19.99 

    1ec99466-7309-4818-b4ea-e64bf20ed167

    All pieces are limited!  So, don’t miss your chance to to wear one of these pieces.  Which ones could you see yourself rocking??  Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

     

  • Have You Heard?? The Gutsy Top and Skirt Set is here!

    Have You Heard?? The Gutsy Top and Skirt Set is here!

    Simple, sleek, and sexy are the best words to describe the latest pieces released in the Fashion Not Fear Collection.

    Simple because the construction isn’t fussy or complicated.  Which means you can go crazy with styling options!

    Sleek because the material is so soft and silky against your skin.

    Sexy because a wrap skirt is just that.  It hugs your body perfectly and gives you a sexy look with every step you take.

    Check out the Gutsy Top and Skirt set.

    Olive green top and wrap skirt1E601666-BC28-46BD-BC40-6EE9732CC3FCB873D597-A377-4282-9E03-B9533F6A162826C87493-3D02-4ADA-BF7E-0D6F47652C8F40FB9A14-0DA9-4422-8244-1A207DF9BC3396A037D3-87F2-4779-8855-F0AB051562ADProcessed with VSCO with c1 presetProcessed with VSCO with c1 preset

    Now, here’s the thing.  As you know, FNF pieces are limited. Size large only. I actually prefer it that way. I mean, in my opinion, there’s nothing like wearing something that you know everyone and their mama won’t be in. I know we are on the social media world where it seems like everyone wants to look like everyone else. But I’ll admit that I don’t play by those fashion rules. This girl right here, likes to be unique and authentic.  What about you?

    Let me know your thoughts on the comments.

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • When The Inside Is Just As Pretty As The Outside

    When The Inside Is Just As Pretty As The Outside

    When you wear something, the outside of the garment is what the world sees.  The person not wearing the garment, doesn’t get to see what’s on the inside. Which is the way it is supposed to be but have you ever heard;

    “It’s what’s on the inside that counts?”

    That saying can apply to fashion, too!

    In my quest to make Fashion Not Fear THE label to wear, I continue to try to push my skills.  Constantly, researching details that can set this label apart from others.  In doing so, there’s one topic that kept revealing itself…making the inside just as pretty as the outside.

    When you are shopping for pieces, do you ever think about turning it inside out to see what the inside is working with? Most of us don’t.  We normally see something hanging on a rack or online, fall in love with how it looks and buy it. But, have you ever looked at the details inside of the garment?

    What do seams look like? Is there thread hanging everywhere or does it look polished?  How’s the zipper or button holding up?

    There’s so many things to consider.

    Making the garment look pretty on the inside doesn’t just improve its’ appearance. It also adds to the strength and durability of a piece.  Who wants to spend their hard earned money on something that will bust out of the seams as soon as you slide it on?

    With this new information in tow, I started working on what’s on the “inside” of bustier being created for the next drop in the FNF line.

    Satin bustier for women6224A739-9320-4E84-8EAC-24CFE628065804D75975-536A-4FA0-A740-FC0EC539A288Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

    What are your thoughts on the garments inside? Does it matter to you or nawl?? Let me know in the comments…

    Plus, watch out for the drop of the Bodacious Bustier on Monday!

    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 💋

  • A Couture Story: Angie

    A Couture Story: Angie

    You might hear the word, couture, thrown around here and there.  The truth is, some of the people who refer to their garment as couture might not be 100% on that.  I asked around to see what people thought, couture, meant.  The most popular response I received is, “something that is made by a designer.”  And although that is an excellent guess and partially true, it still isn’t couture.  The word couture is actually defined as:

    the design and manufacturing of fashionable clothes to a client’s specific requirements and measurements; fashionable made-to-measure clothes.

    If couture sounds like something you are into.  Then you might want to bring your eyes closer to the screen.  Ok….now that you are really close, check out this announcement.  Blue Labels Boutique now offers couture services!!!!  Yes, you read that right.  You now have the opportunity to order styles that were made specifically for your body!

    Why order couture you might be asking??  🤔

    Here are some of the benefits to buying couture…

    • One of a kind pieces, you won’t see everyone else walking around with your dress
    • Fits better since it is made based on your measurements
    • You have to opportunity to participate in designing the look
    • Lifetime of adjustments offered
    • Personal shopping experience 

    Angie was a recent couture shopper.  She reached out from Dallas, Tx, requesting a black, off the shoulder dress, for a holiday party.  I got right to work!

    I asked if she would mind sharing her couture experience.  She happy accepted.  Here is what she said….

    Is this your first time buying a couture dress?

    Yes, it was my first time buying couture.

    How was the experience different from shopping off the rack?

    Being able to select my own fashionable design made just for me in mind.

    Would you ever buy a couture outfit again?

    Yes, I would purchase again.

    Did you find the experience convenient? Why or why not?

    Yes, because it was custom for me.  I didn’t have to go from store to store.

    What was your biggest concern when you placed the order?

    My biggest concern was that is wouldn’t be the exact design that I chose.  But it was that and more.

    If you could give one piece of constructive criticism (if any) what would it be?

    None at this time.  You listened to my thoughts and requests regarding the dress.

    Did you find the pricing to be suitable for the dress you received?

    Yes, pricing was on point.

    Thanks to Angie for sharing her story!

     If you are interested in shopping couture or have any questions; send an email to Kristie@bluelabelsboutique.com.

    Thoughts on this couture story??  Let me know in the comments….

    Stay Fearless 💋