Seamless Blog by Burgundy Fox — fashion

We sit down for a talk about creating a new brand and inclusivity with Kristen Allen, founder of Exclusively Kristen. She shares with us how the idea of Exclusively Kristen came to be and why exactly she wants to change the fashion industry.

Exclusively Kristen offers Fashion solutions for large busted women.

Exclusively Kristen shirts, blouses, and dresses are custom made to our exact specifications and demanding standards of quality. They are uniquely designed to fit and flatter buxom bust lines, with precise proportions and fabrics that provide stretch and eliminate pulling and gaping. Designed with the professional woman in mind, Exclusively Kristen apparel transitions from the workplace to the social hour with aplomb. Always chic, always appropriate, our designs allow the wearer to feel confident, classy and well-dressed for any occasion.

What we chat about:

-The why and how Exclusively Kristen (2:05)
-Why manufacturing is such a struggle (5:06)
-What she wants to see in the near future for her brand (6:44)
-What her educational background is and how it has pivoted (9:45)
-How she learned pattern design (11:21)
-Where she sees herself in the fashion industry (15:08)
-What feedback looks like for her brand (20:06)
-What is her go to underwear (24:59)

Links we refer to:

Kristen's Bio:

Kristen Allen is the Founder and President of Exclusively Kristen, a Brooklyn based e-commerce business specializing in clothes and accessories for large busted women. Kristen started the company because she knew firsthand that there was a large, underserved market of women who wanted flattering, properly fitted, and professional attire. So she set to work designing, manufacturing, and sourcing key pieces specifically for women with large bosoms -- and Exclusively Kristen was born.

Kristen's entrepreneurial pursuits began as a preteen when she started selling handmade jewelry in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. A few years later, she put her plans to start a small business on hold in order to focus on her education. She graduated from high school with honors and then attended Oberlin College. During her college career, she was awarded summer fellowships in the field of the biological sciences and in 2004, she graduated with a B.A. in biology. She then focused on a career in physical science as a lab technician and research assistant before deciding to go back to school in order to obtain a graduate degree in anthropology. As a graduate student at Temple University, she was awarded fellowships in order to do research during the summer at private hospitals in Central and South America. She was also a teaching assistant for introductory anthropology courses, which laid the foundation for her subsequent career in higher education. After a few years in higher education administration, Kristen decided that the time was right to launch her dream business: a fashion-focused company providing stylish solutions for large-breasted women.

Where to find her:

Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest

With warmer temperatures come invites to summer weddings. I love weddings. I do a little happy dance whenever a save the date appears in my mailbox. I drag the hubby or a girlfriend and get ready to rock the dance floor.

However, we must answer a big question before the dancing commences:

What to wear to these summer weddings, especially the ones outdoors?

Don’t you fret. I’ve got your back. Here are 5 tips for choosing the perfect dress to wear to a summertime wedding so that you keep your cool.

1. Pick The Right Fabric

I try to wear fabrics that breath and don't cling too much to my body. If you’re suddenly seated in an area that’s sun filled and hot you’re ready for it. I tend to stay away from 100% silk because I’ve experienced the dreaded sweat stain that waves all the class you had bah-bye. My go to fabrics are: cotton, linen/ cotton blend, lace, viscose, modal, silk blend and even a light weight polyester blend. This little lace number is playful and the contrast collar adds a polished detail.

2. Keep it breezy

I’ve found that if the dress has an airy feel it’s like natural air conditioning. Awww!! I tend to look for styles that allow me to keep my cool without sacrificing the dressier look needed for a wedding. I love lace, eyelet, silk chiffon, seersucker and swiss dot. I also tend to go with a shorter styles that allow me to move easily (hello dance floor) and keep classy all the way the home.

3. Wear shoes meant for walking and dancing

Grass and heels do not get along, so I recommend rocking a style that allows you to maneuver any type of outdoor terrain. You cannot go wrong with a block heel, wedge, sandals or fun flats like the ones I’m wearing. We all know how much happier we are when our feet are indeed happy feet!

4. Keep it simple

Yes, we know this, but we can’t help but overthink and make it more complicated than it needs to be (guilty). Since I’ve learned my lesson, I’ll pass it on to you so you can avoid the hassle. Keep the style simple and easy. You’re at this wedding to celebrate (hopefully) someone you really care about and be a part of a very important day in their lives. Show up, be yourself and have fun.

5. Include Pretty Little details  

When the temperature rises we want to wear as little as possible so accessorizing can be our savior! When it comes to glamming up simple styles, a cool textured clutch or fun earrings are great ways to add fun to any outfit. I’m currently obsessed with this style in gold. Even the way they move makes me feel breezy.

About the Author

Learn more about and contact Laura at www.lauratully.co. She'll be sharing style tips regularly here on the Burgundy Fox blog and you can follow all her stylish adventures on Instagram at @ lauratully.com.