Weddings seem to be finally back on after they came to a screeching halt due to COVID. Although, I myself had to have a courthouse wedding due to the pandemic. Can’t wait for a do-over in a beautiful gown (but I’ll save that story for another day).
If you find yourself back to receiving invites and not knowing what to wear. Don’t stress yourself. Stay in and let us do all of the work. Here are some ideas on what to wear the next time you’re on the guest list. And they can be sent right to your doorstep, of course.
The Audacious DressThe Keeping It Mod DressMs. Georgia Peach DressThe Floreal Garden Party DressThe Too Tied DressThe Victoria Daisy Dress
If none of these do it for it, try out the only jumper we have, the Too Tied Jumper. It’s cute and you can’t go wrong in black. 🤷🏽♀️. Oh and don’t forget the tissue.
Any style can be worn by any body type. What matters is the tailoring.
Floreal Top and Skirt Set
Neutrals will always be the most popular picks. Pops or color are great. But I’ve found that the “most shopped” pieces are almost always neutral colors like black, navy, ivory, etc.
Unflinting Blazer Dress
The saying, “Beauty is pain” is a lie. Wearing something that is comfortable is essential.
Don’t Plaid Me Dress
How the inside looks can be just as important as the outside. Who wants to wear something that looks like it’s going to fall apart?
Inside of the Bodacious Bustier
I’ve learned so much since started the Fashion Not Fear handmade collection. And I’m still learning something new everyday. Would you agree with what I’ve learned or no? Let me know in the comments…
The Audacious Dress just dropped in the Fashion Not Fear Collection. It mixes the classics of gold buttons and maxi length with a beautiful vintage inspired, printed fabric.
I previously shared the original sketch that was to be made with puffy sleeves. But after taking a poll on IG, I decided to nix the sleeves.
So glad I did…
Size small already sold out! Only size medium and large remains. As you know, pieces in the Fashion Not Fear Collection are limited so grab yours while you can.
Thoughts on the Audacious Dress? Let me know in the comments…
Not too long ago, I posted a sketch of a new dress being made for the Fashion Not Fear Collection.
I’ve really been wanting to get my followers more involved in the process of making this dress. Everyone has options they want to share. And I love hearing them!
The first question I asked on IG stories was whether to go with a solid or a printed fabric.
Printed fabric won by a landslide. So, I took a lot of time to find a vintage inspired fabric to make this dress out of.
After getting advice on the fabric, I posted another question a few days ago to get advice.
The bodice was being made. After putting on one sleeve, I left the other one off to ask, “Should the dress be made with or without sleeves?”
100% voted to go with no sleeves. That’s what I was thinking. Which is why I asked. Plus, it’s gonna hit almost 100 degrees this week. So, this girl wants her arms out.
Be sure to follow me on IG so you can be apart of the next creation. Plus, there is an AWESOME giveaway happening on there right now. Look for the post on our page.
This look will be finished this weekend. I’m so excited to share it with you. Thoughts on the changes?? Let me know in the comments…
In addition to offering a handmade collection, Fashion Not Fear, on Blue Labels Boutique, made-to-measure and custom looks are also available.
With this option, I receive lots of requests to make custom dresses. Especially for special occasions like a birthday party, prom, bridal party, etc.
Although, I’m soooooo grateful for the opportunity to make something special for a person. It does come with its challenges. The main one being…prices.
Typically, someone reaches out through social media or the boutique to inquire about pricing of an item that they want made. Once I receive it, I ask a few questions and then advise them that they will receive a response within 48 hours.
During that time, I research the cost of materials needed. In addition to adding in the labor cost.
You can’t make it for $50?
That’s a typical response. Keep in mind they want a dress like Beyoncé had on that is made up of sequins and rhinestones with a 50 foot train. $50??? Are you serious??? The inquirer doesn’t consider the price of fabric, thread, zippers, buttons and any other supplies that may be needed. Let’s not forget that there is also a fee for the time required to make a skillfully, handmade garment. You wouldn’t expect a professional like a plumber to fix your pipes for a couple of dollars, would you?
Nope, I can’t make it for that amount.
This is usually my reply. If I could make it for a lower price, I would. But you can’t even get fabric for $50!
People try to haggle with me about the price. I’ve even been accused of trying to overcharge people. I take a lot of pride in making garments. At a reasonable price. It’s easy to buy wholesale and offer that on my site. (I do that too.). But the time and effort it takes to create a custom garment is much more labor intensive, time consuming, and satisfying.
My thought is…you can run to some fast fashion place and buy a dress. But it will be like everyone else’s and the fitting could be off. Mass produced pieces can usually be found for a lower price. But it’s hard to find what you want, when you know what you want.
Wearing something that was made specially for you just hits different. And the price you spend to get it is worth it. Plus, unlimited alterations until it fits exactly how you want. You can’t go wrong!
So, the next time you want to purchase a custom look, heres a few things to consider…
Fabric has to be found and most of the time it isn’t cheap
Notions such as buttons and zippers also cost money
You are buying something that others won’t be wearing specially made for you.
If you have a budget set, let the maker know when you make the inquiry.
Life long alterations are available.
Be realistic and open-minded.
Soooo, that’s why I can’t make a dress for $50. 🤷🏽♀️ Have you ever bought a custom look? What was your experience like? Let me know in the comments..
Interested in getting something custom? Check out more information here! I’ll be nice. I promise. 🤞🏽
A few days ago, I shared a sketch of the next dress being made for the Fashion Not Fear Collection.
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.
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.
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!
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…
Prints won by a very large margin. So this dress will definitely be made from a printed material. Stay tuned for the reveal! Thoughts on which I should go with??? Drop them in the comments…
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…
The Minty Fresh Bodysuit was released a few days ago. This is the first bodysuit available in the Fashion Not Fear Collection!
Check out theses pics to show how it was made…
Found this beautiful Lacey fabric during a sourcing trips. There is never a rhyme or reason to my sourcing. Sometimes I just see a textile that I like and go for it. Other times, I have something specific in mind and I look for fabric that will match the look that I’m going for.
In this case, I found the fabric before the idea. So, I’m trying to figure out what to make from it.
After deciding on a sexy bodysuit, I start cutting out the fabric.
Once everything is cut. I bring out a fit model to try it on. 😉
After perfecting the fit, everything is sewn together. The only thing left to do is add snaps.
And it’s done!
Thoughts on the technique or bodysuit?! Drop ‘em in the comments…
