Tag: style

  • The Final Days @The Shops At La Cantera Pop Up Went Like This…

    The Final Days @The Shops At La Cantera Pop Up Went Like This…

    As you know we had a pop up shop for 8 days at The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio, Tx.  The first four days was from April 20th to 23th.  I went over all the details week one here.  Now, take a look at how the final days went…

    It all started like it did like it does every show, with my fiancé and I loading all of the merchandise, racks, tents, etc from the parking lot to our spot.  From there it takes about an 1-2 hours to neatly hang everything and place all accessories in its’ proper place.

    pictures of the blue labels boutique pop up shop at the shops at la cantera

    You never know what to expect at these events.  That’s why it’s always important to bring your patience.  I love to talk and have no problems with keeping myself busy.  Although, at least once a day, I send out a help! signal because I am in desperate need of  a potty break or snack.

    It also helps that other small businesses had pop up at the event.  Lucky for me, one of them just happen to sell wine.  A girl has to stay entertained… 🍷

    blue labels boutique owner holding a glass of wine

    Additionally, my girl, Manni, was there in a BLB ‘fit.

    mannequinatbluelabelsboutiquepopupshop 2
    The Hello Merlot Top & Skirt Set

    I also had the pleasure of meeting so many new bombshells!  Corresponding with people through social media and email is one thing but in-person is a whole ‘other level.  Who knew that I would be asking questions from what to a wedding to how to make your boobs look good in a spaghetti strap dressed.  I am telling you…these pop ups make me feel like I am in fashion heaven!

    blue labels boutique pop up shop
    📸 – shared on IG @springmarket featuring a San Antonio Beauty Queen

    On Saturday night, I was at dinner and it was ruined once I noticed how fast the trees outside the window were swaying.  Not this again.  If you read last weeks’ post them you will know that wind is not my friend.  The only thing that I could think about during the entire dinner, “can the canopy withstand that type wind?”    I mean, it’s a nice canopy but that doesn’t mean that it was sturdy.  I worried and thought about it so much that we decided to take a trip back to the shop to make sure things were okay.  And Thank God we did!  The canopy was on three legs and clothing racks were making a trip down the sidewalk!

    bluelabelsboutiquepopupattheshopsatlacantera

    Other than the uncontrollable acts of God, the pop up was a complete success.  Thanks to everyone came out to shop, chat, look around or simply take a card.  I truly appreciate it!  And to those of you who are not in the San Antonio area, no worries, we might be coming through your part of the map.  Be sure to follow us so that you can come get your dose of fearlessness when we are in your town!

    What city should we pop up in?  Let me know in the comments…

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Here Is What Happened at The Shops At La Cantera Pop Up: Part 1

    Here Is What Happened at The Shops At La Cantera Pop Up: Part 1

    I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend filled with doing all of the things that make your heart happy! After all, isn’t that what the weekends are for, after the hustle you put in throughout the week?

    I am happy too say that my weekend was certainly filled with one of the things that make my heart happy.  Last week, we announced that we would be participating in The Spring Market held at The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio, Tx.   The event is for 8 days.  Opening day was Thursday through Sunday (yesterday).  Here is how the first weekend went.

    As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, setting up a pop up shop is no easy task.  It involves checking inventory, sourcing new pieces, pricing, hanging, setting up a canopy and much more. The planning for the event starts waaay before the event actually begins.  In order to save time, I try to do as much pre-work as possible, that way, I won’t be a hot & sweaty mess before the event actually begins.  Which is why I stayed up to the wee hours of the morning last Wednesday doing last minute things like putting together clothing racks and testing out my idea of a pop up dressing room. But I’ll get back to that in a minute.

    Upon arrival on Thursday morning, my fiancé and I loaded everything on the back of my dads truck and drove (through San Antonio morning traffic 🙀) to The Shops At La Cantera.  We found the designated space and proceeded to unload boxes, racks, etc and carry them from the parking lot to our space.  So much for not being a sweaty mess.

    About 2 hours later, BLB was set up and ready to go!  The only one thing missing was the dressing room.   After 6 clothing racks and a 6 foot long table, there was no room left in the 10×10 space for this…

    blue tentJPG

    Oh well, maybe next time. The show must go on, so lets do this!

    blb owner at pop up shop

    Any day that I can connect with people and introduce them to Blue Labels Boutique, is what I would consider a successful day. I certainly got a chance to meet new people who who adore unique dresses and accessories as much as I do!

    pic of glam fringe dress blue labels boutique
    IG Pic @arleen_popup_queen

    During the weekend, I happily answered lots of questions, “Where do you get the clothes from?”, “What size would you recommend?”, “How often do you get new stuff?” But one of the most frequent questions asked was, “Is this a purse?”

    camera bag and sunglasses blue labels boutique

    “Yes…yes it is.”  I would answer.

    On Thursday & Friday the weather was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!   But on Saturday, things changed. The temp dropped to 60 and it was super windy! My canopy kept taking flight and I almost passed out every single time.  I spent alot of time holding it with one hand or praying to God that it landed on its feet.  (Note to self: put sandbags on all four legs and not just the back two). Not to mention the fact that the wind almost knocked a clothing rack right onto a customer!  Thank goodness she had quick hands and didn’t get hurt. Needless to say, I was horrified. 🙀  (Sorry again ma’am, if you’re reading this.)

    The connections I made were immeasurable.  For instance, on my first day I met a women who worked at a department store in the area.  She bought a dress however, she had to return it the next day because it didn’t fit.  I processed her refund and she left  but, she came back shortly to give me a Starbucks coffee.  “Thanks but you didn’t have to do that!”  I said with surprise.  Her reply was, “I know, I’m doing it as a blessing.”  It’s so nice to be reminded that there are still really nice and thoughtful people left in the world.

    holding coffee at blue labels boutique pop up shop

    So, that was the first weekend in a nutshell. It was quite the adventure.  Thanks to everyone who came out to shop with me! Don’t forget that you still have time to shop with the pop up this weekend.  Come out to The Shops At La Cantera in San Antonio from Thursday (4/27) to Sunday (4/30) from 10a-6pm!

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Here Is What We Went Down At The SPIRIT Fashion Show

    Here Is What We Went Down At The SPIRIT Fashion Show

    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 email is future top royal blue zipper skirt blue labels boutique
    The Future Is Female D.I.Y Top X Always Royal Skirt Model: Ally Hoover
    the female is future top royal blue zipper skirt blue labels boutique
    The Future Is Female D.I.Y Top X Always Royal Skirt Model: Ally Hoover
    colrblock womens tank dress blue labels boutique
    Outline Dress Model: Bernie Yu
    colorblock tank dress blue labels boutique
    Outline Dress Model: Bernie Yu
    green, navy, white tennis dress blue labels boutique
    To The Courts Dress Model: Brooke Carter
    lime navy white womens tennis dress blue labels boutique
    To The Courts Dress Model: Brooke Carter
    baby blue dress with cutouts blue labels boutique
    Victoria Baby Dress Model: Catherine Mondoa
    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:VictorianLaceDress.jpgpose2
    Victoria Baby Dress Model: Catherine Mondoa
    pink dress with front cutout
    The Serena Dress Model: Mindy Miller
    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:MrsSerenaDresspose2
    The Serena Dress Model: Mindy Miller
    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:Tricolorskirtpose2
    Heart Females D.I.Y Top X Colorblocked SkirtModel: Katie Liston
    heart females color blocked pleated skirt
    Heart Females D.I.Y Top X Colorblocked Skirt Model: Katie Liston
    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:MsDramaQueenDress.jpg
    Drama Queen Dress Model: Lauren Hall
    pink satin shift dress blue labels boutique
    Drama Queen Dress Model: Lauren Hall
    peach off the shoulder dress blue labels boutique
    Mrs. Georgia Peach Dress Model: Njaire McCoy 
    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:JustAskingSkirt
    Fearless D.I.Y Top x Just Asking Skirt Model: Noel Lau
    plaid off shoulder dress button front blue labels boutique
    Don’t Plaid Me Dress Model: Ravyn Clark

    SPIRITFASHIONINTRO2017:Girlsgrouptogether

    [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?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Here Is Our Top Pick For Bringing In Spring + Giveaway Winner Announced

    Here Is Our Top Pick For Bringing In Spring + Giveaway Winner Announced

    Spring 2017 is a little bit over 2 weeks away (March 20th to be exact).  The sunny days and warm temps are nice but who is eagerly anticipating the bold colors and patterns that pop up during this time?!

    The Too-Tied Dress is one of our top picks for celebrating the arrival of Spring.  It comes  in our favorite color of the moment, royal blue. Plus, the tie up sleeves add the quintessential characteristic needed for any fashion not fear approved outfit…a unique detail.

    The Too Tied Dress (sizes s-l $29.99)

    New Spring finds are being added to BLB in the upcoming weeks!

    Congratulations to @theselfishunicorn on Instagram. She is the winner of the Lady Luck Bag.  Thanks to everyone who entered and be sure to enter this months giveaway.   What are you most looking forward to this Spring?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • 9 Tips To Being Fearless In Fashion For 2017

    9 Tips To Being Fearless In Fashion For 2017

     

    “Live in fashion not fear”
    “Fear holds you back, fashion takes you places.”

    One of the goals at Fashion Not Fear, is to fuel the fearlessness in you.  Being fearlessness makes you feel like you can do anything in the world.  And who wouldn’t want to feeling?!

    FNF believes one of the best ways to present your fearlessness is through the most universal language, fashion. Being fearless in fashion doesn’t mean that you just throw on anything and walk out of the door. It is more like a state of mind. You wear what makes YOU feel good, styled how YOU like, without a thought of what anyone else thinks about it.  Plus, you do it with so much confidence that no one can tell you anything and they won’t even try!  Sound like a plan?

    Well then check out these 9 tips that will keep you fearless in fashion in 2017:

    black woman holding money up at vendor show

    Fearless Tip #1 – Think twice before buying, if it costs more than $100

    No matter the budget, $100 is a nice piece of change. Don’t waste it on something that you’re not completely in love with! Super trendy items won’t be in style next season, possibly next month so don’t waste the money.

    thigh high boots with black dress

    Fearless Tip #2 – Thigh high boots make everything look good.

    Thigh high boots makes anything look sexy.  And sexiness in fashion is definitely for the fearless.  Over jeans, with a short skirt, with a maxi skirt…you can’t go wrong.  Keep a good pair of thigh highs in your closet.

    hand wearing gold stack rings

    Fearless Tip #3 – Give your nails the big O

    Oval shaped nails are fashion forward and fearless. A manicure is one of the easiest ways to bring on the fearlessness.

    Ellie putting on bold lip color

    Fearless Tip #4 – When in doubt, wear a bold lip color.

    Ever had those times when you feel under-dressed or like your outfit is missing something? Slide on some bold lipstick and you will instantly see a difference. Red lips, for instance, take you from casual to glam. It’s the perfect accessory!

    black women kissing herself in the mirror

    Fearless Tip #5 – Remind yourself who you are, so you won’t be waiting for someone else to do it.

    Confidence is key to being fearless. But the confidence has to come within and not from others.  Look in the mirror to remind yourself, write out daily affirmations…whatever it takes.  Value yourself so that others around you will too!

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    Fearless Tip #6 – Know Your “It” Piece

    Find that one garment that always makes you feel and look good.  It doesn’t matter what time of month or event. Once you find it (if you haven’t already) put it on whenever you need a bit of a pick me up.   There’s nothing like a great outfit to do that trick.  For me, it a slinky black jumper. What’s yours?

    ballinhalftimerunwayshow2

    Fearless Tip #7 – Focus On Your Uniqueness

    We were all created to be different. So, why do some people spend so much time trying to be like someone else?  Focus on what is unique about you and learn to love it!

    black women is burgundy top and trousers

    Fearless Tip #8 – Wear a bra that makes everything sit in the right place

    One of my favorite style tips to share is to wear a good bra. It makes your clothes fit and hang on you better. Plus, nice looking cleavage never hurt anyone.

    blue labels boutique on social media

    Fearless Tip #9 – You are more than how many likes or follows you receive.

    Social media is a powerful tool that let’s you connect with people all over the world. It is super fun and what was life like without it? But don’t let it be TOO powerful in your life. The amount of likes or follows should not give value or take away any value from your life.

    Remember, being fearless doesn’t mean that there aren’t times when you are afraid or feeling less confident.  It just means that you are feeling the fear, but doing it anyway!  Which tips would you follow in 2017?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • For Fringe Addicts Only

    I buy it as soon as I can get my hands on it, I choose it over most other style details,  I would go above and beyond to get it.  “My name is Kristie and I’m addicted to fringe.”  It has taken me a long time to recognize that I actually have a problem or do I?  I mean, am I the only fashionista that finds this ornamental border of loose material addictive?!  I think not!

    Fringe adds edginess, glam to anything it gets its hands on.  There is also something about feeling those tassels of material sway as you move that makes people take note.  And isn’t that the whole point, anyway?

    Last week, I went to my parents house and walked in on them watching a tv show, Rizzoli & Isles.  During the show, one of the main characters suggested that the other main character buy some new clothes to update her style.  The style challenged character bought a suede and leather moto jacket that had fringe along the shoulders to update her wardrobe.  Instead of the women appreciating this magnificent piece of art they did just the opposite by basically calling it a gaudy mess.  This jacket was a fringe addicts dream!  It’s so unfortunate that they didn’t know a good thing when they see it.  No wonder why I don’t watch the show.  smh

    But who’s worried bout naysayers, anyway?  To prove that fringe and I will continue to be soul mates, I’ve curated a list picks from Blue Labels Boutique for you and/or for the Fringe Addicts in your life. 😉

    blackfringebackpack
    Fringe Backpack $49
    camelfringebackpack
    Fringe Satchel $44.99
    gold-black-fringe-bottom-dress-fullfront
    Goldie Dress $39.99
    nyn2916gdbur
    Fringe Suede Choker $15
    cfh1023gdgod
    Royal Goddess Head Chain $15
    jzb2428bro
    Cut It Out Clutch $29
    jeb0075gdgoda
    Get Your Bangles Together $25
    mmk31039gdgry
    Tassel Bag Accessory $15
    nyn20851gdgod
    Paladin Body Chain $19

    As you can see, you don’t have to wear a jacket lined in fringe to show your love.   From subtle to all in your face, there are all kinds of ways to feed your fringe addiction.  Are you an addict?

    Stay Fearless 💋

  • Giveaway Announced!

    Giveaway Announced!

    Chokers are is a stylish way to dress the neck these days.  It’s the perfect mix of feminine and edgy.  Luckily, we are putting one lucky winner in the choker game by giving away the Lace Neck Choker!

    black lace choker blue labels boutique

    Simply, leave a comment to be entered and winners announced next Friday (11/25).

    Stay Fearless 💋