Dress Me Up Sundays: Happy Halloween!

In honor of Halloween, all the dresses today will be scary! Nah, just kidding. They will, however, be either black or orange. Trick or treat!

via rustbeltthreads

via bombshellbettiesvintage

via miskabelle

via awildtonic

via wildfellhallvintage

via clarapeyton

via bessgeorgette

via thelasthurrah

via babybirdvintage

Hope your Halloween was awesome! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for the reveal of my costume. The hair only caused about 4 meltdowns, but in the end, it was pretty sweet!

My Halloween Test Run

So as you could probably tell by the numerous costume ideas I have had on the blog, I pretty much love Halloween. Best costume ever? I have three that have been sweet. One year, when I was a kid, my mom got all Martha Stewart and we made my costume. It was a box of popcorn. All I did was wear white sweatpants and a sweatshirt, along with a white winter hat. She spray painted a white box and then took red electrical tape and went down  the sides in stripes. Then we hot glued actual popcorn to the top and wrote popcorn on the side. It was all kinds of awesome.

A few years back my friends and I went as smores. Two were graham crackers, one a marshmallow, and I was the hershey bar. That was pretty sweet. Also, two years ago I had to put together a last minute costume, which I chose Charles Nelson Reilly. Haha. So random, but back in the day at college we would watch the Game Show Network re-runs of Match Game from the 70s. He was our favorite. It consisted of a nautical inspired hat, some huge pink glasses, and a shirt with an ascot. Pretty awesome for last minute, but everyone thought I was Elton John. Pretty similar, I guess.

This year's costume has been cooking up for some time, but I feel like the world is plotting against me in an attempt to make it not happen. It will happen, I say!

So, if you follow me on Twitter, you probably know what it is, but I'm gonna keep it a bit of a surprise until I can hopefully get some pictures after the weekend to show you all. In any event, I began a trial run last night trying to get hair and makeup down.

Here are some hints:

As you can see, I was having some issues with both the liquid liner and the whole rollers thing. Normally, I don't even brush my hair, so trying to figure out rollers is a huge ordeal. Real impressed face in that second pic, no? Sorry for the darkness. I was at the bathroom mirror and the flash was ruining any other attempts.

Probably not enough clues just yet, so you'll have to check back Monday for the big reveal (hopefully).

Vintage Selling 101: FLAT RATE RULES

Welcome to a new little semi-regular column on the blog that will offer new vintage sellers some tips for your businesses. Established sellers, feel free to take any you want, as well:)

So, you've probably seen or heard the post office commercials about flat rate boxes. I believe, though could be wrong, that they come in 4 different sizes: a small that will run around 5 dollars, two different mediums that are nearly 11 dollars and a larger one that I think is something like 13 dollars.

While this is all great, what I really want to tell you about is the flat rate envelope. You've probably seen them at your local post office. They save me A LOT of money especially with my eBay things.

I live in NY and when I sell something like a pair of shoes for women or a thick flannel for guys, I used to either have to keep the shipping at a high level or lose money when someone from California would buy them. It was tough, because my two biggest buying pools are NY and CA. Also they're biggest discrepancy in cost for shipments.

One day, I ordered a new laptop cord that came in a flat rate envelope. It was strange, because they had it in the envelope in a way that completely seemed unnatural, yet it fit. The wheels began turning.

I decided to try some flat rates out and while I certainly can't fit men's shoes or even a size 10 in ladies, I can fit a number of items that used to cost over 9 dollars via Priority in these envelopes for 4.90. It's also great, because it doesn't leave the shipping a surprise. Everyone knows that they will have to pay the amount stated. I don't have to worry about refunding an overcharge to NY or losing a few dollars to CA, which if I were to sell 5 packages a day to that state (has happened), I would have been out 20 dollars. That starts adding up big time.

My advice is to try it out. You will be seriously shocked at what you can get into one of these things. Grab some next time you're there or you can even order them off the USPS website. They're free to take, so you just have to pay the flat rate once you package it up and bring it back/have it picked up.

Giveaway! Sponsored by LdyLux Vintage

Sweet new giveaway to annouce today, coming from the ever so darling, Nancy, over at LdyLux on Etsy. She has sweetly offered two vintage brooches up for grabs:

Lovely!

Want to win them?

How to enter: This one is mandatory and is a two parter. Become a follower of Blue Butterfly Vintage via GFC and then head over to LdyLux on Etsy. Come back to this post and leave a message with your favorite item from her shop.

Want more chances to win? Additional entries:

• Heart her shop on Etsy. (One entry)

• She also writes a blog. Become a follower of it on GFC. (One entry)

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Once per day)

• Enter any of my other giveaways that are currently running and leave a comment for each. (One per giveaway) 

• Leave a comment on any non contest post on this blog and leave a comment saying which post. (Up to 3 additional entries)

• Post this contest to your blog or Facebook page and leave the link. (One for either) 

• Follow @ldylux or @bbvintage on Twitter and leave a comment. (One entry for either)

• Become a fan of LdyLux or Blue Butterfly Vintage on Facebook and leave a comment. (One entry for either)

You have to leave separate comments for each entry. In other words, if you become a follower and tweet about the contest at the same time, leave one comment saying you're following and another saying that you tweeted it. Also, be sure to leave your email address in your comment. Thanks!

That simple! This contest is open to readers in the US and Canada.

This contest will run until November 8th. After that a winner will be chosen using a random number generator over at random.org. The winner will be the person with the comment of the corresponding number. I will then contact the person via the email left in your comments. If no answer is received in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.


PS-Have a new business that you want to promote? Have an old business that seems a bit stagnant? Just wanting some close-to-free publicity? Contact me at bluebutterflyvintage [at] yahoo.com to talk about sponsoring a giveaway on BBV. I will send you some fancy stats. Yes. Fancy.


A note for The Man: LdyLux is providing this prize for BBV and promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

Customer Appreciation Time

So, I've started a new thing on Etsy. Wanna hear about it? Sure ya do. Anyone who sends me a picture wearing or using an item they buy from me, will have it posted on the blog and receive 10% off their next purchase.

Today is the first time it has happened and I'm so excited! Elizabeth bought a hat from me last week to wear to steeplechase. She dressed it up with a feather and someone else added some flowers.

The original purchase looked like this:

And the picture that Elizabeth sent me:

Looks great, Elizabeth! Thanks for sending it in:)

Movie Mondays: On the Edge

5 Reasons I love this movie:

• The Surprise-So, when I list things on Etsy, I usually pop a DVD in for background noise. The other night I checked out Netflix on demand and I'm not sure how, but I came across this flick. Pretty soon listing was over and I was glued to the TV.
• Cillian Murphy-The guy is hot, has a killer Irish accent (that's real), and is a good actor. Before I saw this I just remembered him as the d-bag in Red Eye and a Batman movie. After I saw it, I added a bunch of his movies to my queue. Yes, he's that good. Like right here:

• It's Mental-I have a strange curiosity when it comes to mental institutions, so naturally I'm intrigued by any movie that takes place in one. Most of this movie does.
• Sarcasm-Loads of it in this flick. Also, sarcasm with an Irish accent seems more effective. I might try that sometime.
• Soundtrack-Not sure how this movie could afford some of the songs that play in the background, but I'm not complaining. I'll take a nice tune from The Frames or David Gray any day.

The Trailer:


Couple of sweet tunes in the flick:






Like I said, this one is certainly on demand if you have Netflix. Go watch it. SO good!

Update on the 25 Days of Giveaways

Just a reminder that you will definitely want to check out the blog beginning at the end of November (and everyday before that as well). Several awesome sponsors have signed up for dates on the 25 Days of Giveaways. Here is the list so far:

11/26...Kindle Ugg Cover...Pads and Pockets
11/27...Vintage Grab Bag of Awesomeness(my words, not hers)...Wildfell Hall Vintage
11/28
11/29...Red Dainty Lace Circle Earrings...Jade Rose Boutique
11/30...Vintage Scarf and Pin...Blue Butterfly Vintage
12/1...4 Headbands...Pretty Knotty
12/2...Brinique
12/3
12/4
12/5
12/6
12/7
12/8
12/9
12/10...A Wild Tonic
12/11...15 Dollar Store Credit...Pretty in Pink Vintage
12/12
12/13...Necklace...A One of a Kind Boutique
12/14
12/15...Handmade Rose Ring...Blue Butterfly Vintage
12/16
12/17
12/18
12/19...Pink Peony Headband...DaniCalve
12/20...Buffalo Blue Designs



There are also a couple that have agreed, but have yet to pick dates. Want to get in on the action? Feel free to email me, my contact info is at the top of the page. Thanks!

Hair Crush: Keira Knightley

I have rather long hair, but I am also quite adventurous with it. In the past five years it has been as long as the middle of my back and as short as a chin length bob. It's also been blonde, red, brown, and ultra dark brown. Yeah, I'm a bit ADHD when it comes to hair. It has, however, been a long brown for about a year now and I am considering a change. Until I do, I am going to feature several cuts and colors that I'm digging at the moment. And away we go:

Keira Knightley is gorgeous and I loved her with her longer locks, but she looks even better (if possible) with this sleek new bob. I love the soft curls style above. It doesn't hurt that she has amazing cheek bones, but even still, awesome new 'do that really makes her big, brown eyes a major focal point. Lovely!

Interview, Review, and Giveaway...The World Famous on Etsy

Awesome new giveaway courtesy of The World Famous. We will get to that in a minute, but how about a few questions with owner Gen. She seems like an awesome chick with a rockstar vibe.

One of her sweet hats.

Interview:

1. What's your "day" job?

Being a superhero? No just kidding. Recent college grad on the hunt for a job. Nothing yet.

2. How long have you been knitting and how did you get into it to begin with?

I've been knitting for about 8 years and crocheting for 2 years.

3. What are five words you would use to describe your Etsy business?

We cater to the rockstar.

4. Anything else you would like to tell potential buyers?

Hmm... HI!

5. Most played song on your playlist?

Anything by Gary Puckett and the Union Gap


Review:
I was graciously sent two hats for the blog. One to review and the other for a giveaway. I chose to review the yellow slouchy beanie.

I have to say that wearing this around town brought me back a couple years to walking around on my college campus. I love the youthful feel of the hat and the bright yellow color is so uplifting!

I said in my last hat review that I often have a tough time with hats, because my hair is quite thick, but that wasn't a problem with this one. Awesome fit and I have to say, I definitely felt like a rockstar. Or maybe more of an indie acoustic star.


Where you can buy one: Right over at The World Famous on Etsy.

How to win this one:

Gen has awesomely chosen this pink and white striped beanie to give away to one of you lucky readers. This part is mandatory: You must be a follower of this blog via GFC and then head over to The World Famous on Etsy and come back with a message stating your favorite piece from her store.

Really want to win this? Additional entries:

• Heart her shop on Etsy. (One entry)

• Leave a message with your biggest rockstar moment. (One entry)

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Once per day)

• Enter any of my other giveaways that are currently running and leave a comment for each. (One per giveaway) 

• Leave a comment on any non contest post on this blog and leave a comment saying which post. (Up to 3 additional entries)

• Post this contest to your blog or Facebook page and leave the link. (One for either) 

• Follow @bbvintage on Twitter and leave a comment about it. (One entry)

You have to leave separate comments for each entry. In other words, if you become a follower and tweet about the contest at the same time, leave one comment saying you're following and another saying that you tweeted it. Also, be sure to leave your email address in your comment. Thanks!

That simple! This contest is open to readers in the US and Canada.

This contest will run until November 5th at midnight Eastern. After that a winner will be chosen using a random number generator over at random.org. The winner will be the person with the comment of the corresponding number. I will then contact the person via the email left in your comments. If no answer is received in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.


PS-Have a new business that you want to promote? Have an old business that seems a bit stagnant? Just wanting some close-to-free publicity? Contact me at bluebutterflyvintage [at] yahoo.com to talk about sponsoring a giveaway on BBV. I will send you some fancy stats. Yes. Fancy.


A note for The Man: The World Famous provided me with a hat for review and is offering this prize for promotional purposes. I am not getting paid for this promotion, but I was given the hat for free. While it was sweet that I got a free hat, the free nature of said hat did not influence my review of the product.

Dress Me Up Sundays: A Mad for Plaid World

Who doesn't love a nice plaid?

via ikahn

via craftycrowvintage

via vintagecalling

vialandmvintage

via bombshellbettiesvintage

via raleighvintage

via violetfolklore

via mariesvintage

via miskabelle

via revivalvintage

I like them all, but I LOVE the top two. Big time. 

Be sure to check back next week for more lovely picks. Also, don't forget about the MASSIVE 25 Days of Giveaways. Check the progress here, including details about how you can participate.

Hot for Shoes Saturdays: A Little Southwest Style

Some nice southwest vibes for you today.

via bluebutterflyvintage

via dakotasvintage

via thewishingwardrobe

via jewelsinthehay

via vintageshop11

via 20twentyvintage

Be sure to come back next week for a new batch of killer shoes. Also, be sure to enter some giveaways and check out the progress on the 25 Days of Giveaways on the tab above.

wtf?

So, I'm not a fan of Kate Hudson's acting(although she was quite good in Almost Famous, but I feel like she was just playing her real life self). That being said, I do have to admit she is very pretty, but what's going on here?

The length on the dress is bizarre, not mention the general fit, and the hair? I don't want to trash on someone who is way hotter than me, but then again, doesn't she have people to make sure moments like these don't happen? This isn't just out for a jog and getting your pic taken when you're all sweaty, this is an event, with loads of photographers. Come on, Kate. You can do better.

Of course, I'm probably just jealous that she dates this guy:

A total guitar god and lead singer of the band Muse, Matt Bellamy.

Well, I am jealous, but also, that's just a terrible effort. I just can't get over how bad her hair looks.

Friday Fashion Picks: Headbands on a Budget

Here are some sweet headbands I found on Etsy, all of them under ten dollars. Nice.

 via goldcoastchic

via lulafairy

via dashleydesigns

via briizylove

via theposiepocket

via blossomchicboutique

via rufflesandfringe

via jlyman01

via twentyfivedesign

Get a sweet piece for your holiday parties without breaking the bank. 

PS-Don't forget to check out the lovely giveaways to the right of this post. Lots of sweet stuff to be won:)

Also, still looking for sponsors for the 25 days of giveaways. Check out the dates that are still open right here. Great way to get some traffic to your store around the holidays.