Katrina Lawrence

Here at Halftee (especially me personally) we have experienced a very tragic loss. Katrina Lawrence, one of my dearest friends in the world was taken in complications with child birth to a loving Heavenly Father. Team Katrina as everyone has been tweeting, face booking, texting and speaking about is still here, consisting of a loving father/husband, 5 sons and 1 daughter. Never before have I been so intimately involved in the passing of a loved one. I got a phone call from our best friend around 11 am, and was told to get to the Hospital quickly, Katrina was not doing well. I headed down and over the next five hours consoled her children, husband, parents, and loved ones, as we waited patiently for the outcome of the long drawn out surgery. 22-24 specialists/doctors were in the O.R. to assist in Trina's operation, and after 6 long hours and 25 pints of blood, she returned home. What does this have to do with me here at Halftee. I will never be the same, never look at life the same, her lose has forever etched in my heart how important family and friends are in this crazy world we call life. What does Katrina have to do with my Halftee blog?? Katrina was there at the very beginnings of Halftee. She and I spent hours working on brands, flyers, and contemplating how to get market penetration. She is a fabulous business women, and an incredible designer. She loved me through my insecurities and boosted me up so that I could see my potential. I love this dear friend and from the beginning of this Halftee chapter, she has been one of my BIGGEST fans. Over the next couple weeks we at Halftee will be doing a fundraiser of sorts to help Team Katrina in some monetary way, continue on with their journey here in mortality. Sooner that we know each of them will be reunited with their incredible kind, funny, beautiful mother. Thanks Trina for giving me the wings to fly and confidence to bring Halftees to women throughout the world!!

Winter layering shirts and midriff for women

When I started Halftee I thought that Halftees were perfect for the summer months, which they are, but as I grow in Halftee wisdom, I have come to realize, they serve just as good a purpose as an awesome Winter layering top as well. In fact I LOVE them in the winter. I get so hot so easily. My mother-in-law is always asking me, "where is your coat?" Most of the time it is hanging  in my closet and I have had no intention of pulling it out. I am rarely cold enough to lug a winter coat around. 

Summer Layering Tees and Camis

Bring out those summer layering tees and camis. We are getting closer to the sunshine and warmth that comes with late spring and summer. My favorite summer layering tee is my Halftee. Other summer layering tees, with all their bulk and tucking in or pulling down exhaust me. I love pulling out my favorite v-neck and popping a tank halftee under it. In fact one of my favorite t-shirts is Target's light weight perfect tees. They make a scoop and v-neck both of which look perfect with a tank halftee. I actually probably have 3 or 4 of these t-shirts. I would probably not have any if I had to wear the traditional summer layering tee under it. Wearing two full shirts would negate the perfect light fabric in the Target perfect t-shirt. I have to wear something under it because the v-neck is just a bit too plunging and all day I would be stressing each time I bent over. Hence the Halftee. 

Plus Size Layering and Clothing Options, XXXL XXL

This is for all of my XXXL Plus size layering ladies out there. Here at Halftee we are committed to empowering women of all sizes, to wear what they want, year round!! Here are she quotes we have heard just in the last couple weeks for our Plus Size Customers.... "Halftees have changed my life, I can wear so many more clothes out on the market." Halftees have read my mind, they cover exactly were I am most uncomfortable." I had a customer in today at the store and she kept going off on all the dresses and tops she has in her closet that she was going to pull out and wear with her new boyfriend halftee. Our Plus size women rant and rave about the wonderful benefits of having these little half-shirts in their closet.

Jewish women's modest layering options

Traditional Jewish Women are drawn to our half shirts, here at Halftee. While there are small details which may differ from community to community, traditional women's Jewish clothing tends to include sleeves that cover the elbows, shirts that cover the collarbone, skirts that cover the knees and clothing that is not too tight-fitting. In some Jewish communities women also wear stockings or tights to help cover their legs. Needless to say they are very series about modesty. Jewish women have very similar dress standards as the women in the Muslim religion. Women in both religions have dedicated their lives to modesty. I read a little comment on Yahoo Answers from a young women that was getting ready to convert to Judaism. She was concerned with how she could dress within the tznius standards, and still keep some sense of style and fashion. So many women out there are wondering the same way. They are all looking for "solutions" to their constant struggles between their faith and their desire to look "put together." 

HALFTEE on ShopNBC and The Shopping Channel in Canada

Well this week has been a very exciting week, we have been on ShopNBC as an anchor brand for one year. Also, the Shopping Channel in Canada, debuted Halftees on Wednesday. Noelle flew out on Monday to help with the production of the three- 30 minute segments. She was very excited, she had been working so hard providing before and after pictures, samples and whatever else they needed to make this debut a success from the first minute. When she got there she was able to help pull together outfits, the set and the script. Something she does extremely well. I love watching and waiting on the outfits she is going to be wearing and then what she has chosen for the models to help showcase the Halftee. Home Shopping Networks is the best way for Halftee to help women around the world understand the concept of wearing a half-shirt. So often we get blank stares, or the horrified, "I would never look like that in a half shirt!" Each of these reactions come from women who really don't understand what we are offering them: freedom, less bulk , and complete comfort! While Noelle dances around the set between the mannequins, samples, hosts, and models she is able to bring to life the brillance of the Halftee. She allows women to become excited about the opprotunities having a Halftee in there closet provides. 

I am a Mormon Woman and modest clothing and layering is important to me

I am an LDS woman, mormon woman, or woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Any of these names describe "what I am, at the very core." Because of this faith, and before Halftee, I was in a constant battle of wearing today's fashions and always needing extra coverage. As a mormon women, I often times feel so restricted, as I enter into a store to see the new styles for that season. A lot of the time I felt like I had a very "NO" experience as I combed through the summer tanks, maxi dresses, and sleeveless tops. The thought of wearing two shirts so that I could wear these styles was so frustrating. As a mormon women, I am committed to dressing modestly and keeping my shoulders covered and wearing a modest neckline. I can remember sitting rocking in my brown and gold retro rocking chair, wondering, "are Mormon women alone in their quest for Fashion and modesty."

Half t, Half-Tee, Half Tee, Half-t, or Half Shirt is what people call HALFTEE

It's kinda funny that everyone has their own way of spelling and pronouncing the name of HALFTEE.  Whether it's Half T, HalfT, Half Tee, or Half-Tee, we don't care, we are just happy you are loving our products!  We have been at this business of designing layering tees for women for many, many years now.  We are always asked how we spell our company name, and we usually get an odd look when we spell the correct way to them.  Most people want to know why we named the company this way, and it's a pretty simple answer.... we sell half shirts, so it just made sense to us to name our company HALFTEE Layering Fashions.  

I'm not saying you have to spell our name the right way, we are just always entertained when people spell our company name in funny ways.  We had one person ask us why we named our company "HALF TREE", I am pretty sure that was the funniest one we've ever gotten.  They told me they thought it was some way for our company to go green.  Now that was funny!  When I told him we had nothing to do with "trees", we both laughed and got a kick out of it.  

Our company has grown so rapidly over the past 2 years, that we are so excited that people are searching for us, and using their own spelling for Halftee.  We are now on ShopNBC and the Shopping Channel in Canada, so as we grow, our brand is much more recognized and respected.  Women all over the world love what we've done, and that is the best compliment a company can get, to receive almost 100% positive reviews on their products.  This is the part of the business that has been the most satisfying, to see how much it helps people keep their wardrobes usable during seasons when they normally couldn't.  Isn't that amazing?  

Cute inexpensive easter dresses and outfits for my kids online

SO excited for the weather outside right now! It is sunny and the perfect temperature for little people and all of their imaginations. I woke up this morning and started thinking of all the things that I needed to get done, and I remembered that Easter is right around the corner.  I love Easter, I pretty much love any Holiday that is done and celebrated in a day. But Easter, is one of my Favorites, it brings with it the opportunity to really remember of our Savior and His sacrifice for each of us, and then to be able to celebrate that He lives, it is marvelous. Along with the celebration of Christ,  comes all the new life, little green leaves emerging from the ground, buds on the trees, grass trying desperately to turn green, made yard clean ups, I LOVE it all. 

ABAYA, HIJABS, and JILBAB Islamic modest layering options

I have had much interest in other women's "reasons" for wanting to dress modest. The ABAYA & JILBAB need modest layering options as well.   They seem to have the same modes Modesty has always been my underlying reason behind, why I love Halftee Layering Fashions. In my religion, we as women, are asked to cover our shoulders and keep a modest neckline. I was reading about Islamic women, recently, and was taught a few of their personal obligations to their religion and beliefs. Their traditions about how to dress are extremely conservative  and as I read I appreciated the time, effort and sacrifice Muslim women are making as they dress each day, especially Muslim women that live anywhere outside her cultures' geographic location. Specifically Muslim women living in America, where fashion is seeping out of every pore in our society. Every magazine, commercial, billboard, portrays the ideal fashion conscious woman and it seems the more fashionable the less modesty plays a role. Muslim women are required to cover their whole body, especially their chests. Could a Halftee help a muslim women live up to her beliefs and still allow her some flexibility in her wardrobe? The traditional ABAYA and JILBAB, are long sleeved and high chested, usually loose in the fit, I wonder if a turtle neck would provide the same amount of coverage but give the Muslim women some options? Wouldn't that be wonderful! Just as Halftees has opened the doors of fashions for so many other women of other faiths, maybe Halftee could do the same for these faithful women. 

Cute summer tanks, tees or camisoles for girls

I was looking in my closet this morning, wishing so bad I could justify putting on a pair of shorts. I am so ready for the warm weather to hit. My kids are ready too. Both of my girls are starting to pull out those summer tanks and tees that have been tucked away, and wanting to bring them back alive with the weather warming up. I love layers on little girls. I love the cute summer tank with a long sleeve halftee, put together with a skirt and cute pair of legging, and topping them off with a cute pair of flats or boots. Little girls are loving their halftee, for the exact same reasons their mom's are. The layered look without all the bulk. They too are over the long layering tanks or camisoles.

Long layering t-shirts or camisoles for modesty

A lot of women ask, "why didn't you start Halftee sooner?" We can't believe we have had to wait this long for something so great. All this time wearing our long layering camis and other layering t-shrts to help us be modest and we could have had Halftees. 

Well I agree, but let's go back in time a bit. It was around 8 years ago when I thought about how wonderful it would be to throw away all of my long layering t-shirts or camisoles or simply chop them off and have just exactly what I needed. Unfortunately it was around that she time that the blissful low rise jeans were super hot and in style. The major fashion dilemma that we were all running into was that our tops had not caught on to the fashion trends. So our jeans were hitting us lower on the hips but fashion had not extended the shirts to cover up the difference. Our midsections and bums were being exposed or they were covered up until we knelt down, bent over or lifted our arms up. Are you seeing the visual? Although we loved our new low rise jeans, plumber's crack was on a rise. We needed those long layering camisoles to help us keep the tummies tucked in and our bums under cover. Once again, fashion has evolved and with some time fashion has added the much needed length onto the t-shirts and beautiful tops so that wearing low rise jeans aren't such a hazard. Timing is everything! That transition really started happening about 4 years ago, exactly around the same time I was chopping my long tank tops off and designing the first Halftee. It was time to take the extra length off the camisoles and wear what we needed, coverage in the neckline and on the arms. So say good bye to all the hassle, all the fuss and say hello to Halftee. 

Layering is important for women and girls

When I decided to start Halftee, shortly after, we took a family trip to Disneyland. I love to "people watch," but on this trip I may have entered the realm of stalking. I wanted to see how many women and girls actually wore layering camis. It blew my mind how many women and girls spent the majority of their day pulling, tugging, and adjusting their camis, camisoles, under tops, and under shirts. 

All women of every size, every age, every culture were layering with an undershirt. It was crazy hot outside too, not only were they tugging and pulling their layers they were burning up. It was in those few days in Disneyland that I realized I was not alone in my layering world, fussing all day with the under shirt just to wear the top shirt I really wanted to wear. I even followed a woman wearing a Sari, she needed a Halftee too!! It was so exciting to think about all the women that were going to LOVE halftees. All I needed to do was get these things made. Layering is so important in our lives as women. For one thing layering is an amazing "look" in the world of fashion. Layering, adds dimension to what would be a "boring" outfit. Adding a pop of color under those button down tops or those simple v-neck t-shirts is a great way to add dimension and make a fashion statement. But guess what, we want the camisole look without the tugging and pulling, without the extra fabric and heat. We want to throw on a killer maxi dress and not find ourselves in a restroom lifting up our killer maxi dress and pulling down that camisole (we all have done that). We need to make our fashion statements with a Halftee, no more full camis, camisoles, under tops, or under shirts. Be confident, Be beautiful, Be you in a Halftee.

Why Halftee Layering Shirts Expand Maternity Wardrobes

Let's start with why I decided to begin Halftee..... Two reasons...

1. Has any one ever been nursing, one arm is holding the baby and the other most likely holding up the shirt so that it does not fall onto the baby's face. Well, as life may have it and a lot of times when you have multiple children, you must use the 'holding hand to do something else."  Doing something else is not an option when you have a layering shirt on plus another shirt. It's too much fabric and without fail the two shirts will slip down and get in the way of the sweet angel just wanting a get a peaceful meal (again rare when you have multiple children). Well this was my dilemma, trying to nurse with two shirts. I was so tired of the juggling act. Why did I have to wear two shirts to wear only one. One day while I was nursing my little baby boy (number 5 in the Barker brood) I had had enough. Women needed a haltee, a shirt that gave the look of a a full layer but ended right under the bust. At the end of the day that is all we need, a little help with our arms and a little help keeping the "sisters" covered. 

Modest Clothing For Layering

Modest layering clothing, and modest layering tops, are they important?  Noelle and I just spent four days in Las Vegas at the Magic Fashion Trade show, speaking to anyone who would listen. Our entire week was dedicated to teaching boutique owners around the world how layering provides an option of modesty. Modest Layering tops in the fashion world is a bit non-existent, but it does not distract women from wanting to wear today's fashions. They need layering options! They need to be able to dress modestly without losing their style. Halftee Layering Fashions gives women options to dress in today's fashions, modestly, with out all the hassle and fuss. Women are constantly on the look out for ways to cover their "sisters" and cover their arms. Women feel 100% more beautiful, and confident in Modest layered clothing if those two problem areas are covered. 

Modesty layering shirts for todays women!

It was so exciting to share with boutique owners our product because they are in the trenches everyday, with women, helping them find their fashion selves. As the boutique owners caught onto our vision, they were super excited to bring Halftees into their store, and bring them to their customers. They were giddy as their minds did the "closet stares" of the many ways they were going to show off their new product to their customers. They kept expressing how they were going to be able to shop the show different because with a Halftee in their store, they could sell every new style, every new fashion. So exciting, to be able to bring hundreds of women into our world of modesty without sacrificing the end product! 

So exciting to help others bring Beauty and Confidence to more women around the world! Life is amazing when YOU can feel modest in all the areas we need and eliminating the extra fabric in all the areas we don't need them. Welcome to the world of Halftee, Confidence, Beautiful YOU!! 

Layering Shirts for Maternity, Pregnancy, and Nursing

Layering Shirts for Maternity, Pregnancy, and Nursing

Ok, so we all know that layering shirts for pregnancy make all the difference right?  Let me explain.  So, you all may know that I just had my seventh little baby, Clancee Elizabeth. Yes that is correct 7 little kidlets. No I am not crazy (well maybe a little) and they are all mine, and no there are no twins.  My oldest just turned 11 in October and then we go down 9, 7, 5, 3, 2, and baby. Now for the first five I did not have a Halftee. It was that experience as you all know that drove me to design a halftee and begin the Halftee adventure. It is funny that with the last three babies, I have fallen deeper in love with Halftees. For the regular regime of a women's life Halftees are the ultimate problem solver. When layering for maternity, or layered as a nursing mother, they take on a whole new definition of "Problem Solver." 

Halftee is unlike any other layering top

It probably does not come as a surprise that I layer with a halftee almost everyday, you know it is kinda what I do and I always feel so guilty if I am not supporting the Halftee dream. So with that said, every time I sit down to nurse my little one, I absolutely love that my Halftee with its signature 2 inch band can be popped up and stays in place while I am nursing. Trying to keep two shirts in place, while wrestling other little monkeys is a lot harder then one, and having a little less to worry about while nursing is heaven. 

So with my deep love as a nursing mother towards Halftees, it only seems natural that all my friends having babies of their own, get a very unique baby gift. No I am not handing out cute baby outfits, you guessed it, my friends are getting Halftees. I am sharing the Halftee love with them. Such a great way to spread the love!! My friends are loving them too and realizing how amazing they really are as they tackle the nursing world. 

So what is my point to this post....Halftees rock, of course! But they really rock for pregnancy, or as tops for nursing mom's out there. If you are needing a super unique baby gift, give your girlfriend a Halftee. They will love you for it. Changing their nursing experience one halftee at a time!! 

What I Wore - Mixing My Prints + Halftee Review

{My youngest sister, Abigail {Abby} wanted to join me today.}

What I'm Wearing: Striped Oversized Tee made by me // Oversized Floral Skirt Lauren Ralph Lauren {secondhand} // White 3/4 Halftee c/o halftee.com // Tan Wide Belt F21 // Owl Necklace F21 // Key Necklace F21 {gift} // Earrings handme-down from Mrs. Amber Apple // Oxford Heels F21 // Red Nails a-list Essie

Alright, this outfit is not the normal me. It's more of a boho-chic look. Which is normally not what I wear. But, I really wanted to wear this top today, and I didn't have much that matched & looked good except this Ralph Lauren skirt. I think it is good to sometimes mix up your style and try something new. Another thing I did that was new was layer two necklaces together. I've always like this look on others, but I never tried it out on myself - until today that is.

Now, I didn't have to add the white halftee under this striped tee. But I wanted too. Wearing it underneath this type of top gave me a confidence that my shirt would never slip too low any which way, and that nothing I didn't want to show would be seen by others. It was great! Another awesome thing about halftees? They are only half a t-shirt. Why is this such a good thing? It means there is no added bulk under your shirts! Which is really good. Also, the halftee has no decided front, or back. Which is great if you want an even higher neckline; personally, I don't. Oh, there is even one more great thing about their shirts. They are so soft & comfy and they fit snugly. I picked out a small and it was a perfect fit for me. Definitely check out their size chart before ordering. I can't wait to order more halftees for the summer!

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I LOVE My Halftee

Friends, I was contacted by Halftee last early last week and was asked if I'd like to check out their product. After perusing the website and getting *excellent* customer service via instant chat, I decided that this is an awesome product to share with you all! Not only is this a great maternity wardrobe staple, but Halftee is a great option for women and girls who want to layer without so much fabric or add modesty to a more revealing top or dress. I embraced the maternity marketing, obviously, and love the idea that you can lift a top or unwrap a wrap dress with a half shirt underneath for nursing. Also, a layering piece that will fit my body through my entire pregnancy? Yes, please! It doesn't have to fit the belly! I chose to try the 3/4 Halftee in white. It's an obvious color choice, but the sleeve length will be able to transition with me between the colder and warmer months. Last night was a perfect opportunity to try out my new piece!

tunic: Old Navy

leggings: Target

halftee: c/o Halftee

boots: Payless

necklace: gift from CB

I went to church for a meeting with my mentor and although my outfit isn't necessary revealing, the low cut "V" in the front comes a bit lower than I'm willing to show. (This was also an emotional, DEEP meeting with God, so excuse my no-makeup approach. I knew tears would be shed.) Especially at church! My Halftee covered what needed to be covered, added a little extra warmth without fuss and creases from a full layered shirt, and didn't change the integrity of my outfit at all. I was so comfortable, I could have slept in it! The fabric is thick, sturdy, but soft cotton that stretches with your body, but doesn't stretch out or give too much. 

I ordered one for Little S. to try as a layering piece under her sleeveless dresses so she can wear them during the earlier Spring months. I can't wait to show you hers! 

*disclosure: The reviewed product was provided by Halftee. All opinions are my own and I truly believe in this awesome product!

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Modest Neckline: Halftee

Product Review - Work Wear with HalfTee

Have you ever seen a dress where you instantly fell in love with the cut, style, or fabric but then deflate when you notice the sleeves are short? Well this has happened to me countless of times and I have to say I have often walked away without making a purchase. I really hate layering long tops under dresses as it keeps me too hot and uncomfortable (plus I hate the added bulk eww) When I received an email from HalfTee asking me if I could try out her half tee tops I was over the moon to say the least. I have been looking for something like this product for such a long time but could not find anything even close!

I chose to review the Turtleneck Long Sleeve Half Tee which is basically a long sleeve top that is cut off just below the bust. It is made of 90% cotton and 10% spandex (so there wont be any gross over sweating) in the the colours black and white.

I chose size medium based on their size chart and it was a perfect fit. I loved the fabric, it was perfect for an under top as it had excellent stretch and was breathable. I wore it at work all day and honestly forgot I was even wearing anything underneath my dress. It fit so well it literally felt like I was wearing nothing. There was no riding up (as long tops often do) no twisting and turning and was completely adjustment-free.

Honestly it is probably the most practical and must have hijabi item I have reviewed in a long time. This item is so awesome that now I wish I had all the colours to play with!

They have a multitude of fabrics and styles to choose from and at competitive rates! You cannot go wrong! Head on over to HalfTee and have a look at their large selection and tell them Hijab Revival sent you!!

P.s keep your eyes on Hijab Revival as I will be wearing the white half tee with a gorgeous jalabiya soon!! 

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