A Resolution Revolution

Let's talk about resolutions. I make them and some I follow thru, yet other times I fall woefully short. This year I have this blog to keep me accountable. I have three things I would like to accomplish and I think I can do it. Two of them are a bit easy. The third has been a goal for a while, but I finally feel like I can make it this year.

1. Model for my own Etsy pics-So I am a decent looking gal with a decent body. I think it is darn near time I get over my 'I look terrible in every photo ever' phobia and model my own clothes. Stores with models seem so much more polished than those without and even though I could ask friends/my cousin to, it just always seems so hard to sync up schedules. I'm hoping that at some point this year I can conquer said fear and model some dresses. Shooting for reaching this goal by summer, but maybe even sooner. Time will tell.

2. (Re)Start my artsy Etsy store-Yeah, I started out on Etsy with my photography and hair doodads. They are now completely gone and it's all about vintage. I think it is about time for me to restart the artsy. I make jewelry and have for some time, so I might sell that as well. Hopefully soon. Like January. This is the easiest of the three.

3. THE MEGA RESOLUTION-I plan on buying my first house this year. I am currently a single, 25 yr old gal living in my childhood home. It sucks. I love my Mom and I am grateful that she has let me live here for a while so that I could save some cash, but gosh I need a place of my own. And no more roommates. I have had more than enough of them. They provide hilarious stories later on, but I just want my own place. I'll be 26 in May and I think buying my own place this year would be a pretty proud moment for me. Fingers crossed!


So there are my three resolutions. What are yours?

And a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne:

Giveaway! Courtesy of A Wild Tonic (Ends 1-9-11)

New BBV sponsor (and rocking store in general), A Wild Tonic, is sponsoring this sweet giveaway. Stay tuned next week for a sweet little Q&A with Lauren, the owner and a dear pal of mine. Be sure to check her out on Twitter and her killer blog right here.


The Giveaway: This awesome, vintage purse.

-vintage '80s black shoulder bag
-really cool geometric pattern design
-zipper closure
-measures 12" x 2" x 7" with a 12" strap hang
-excellent condition
-has a front pocket with a snap closure, as well as multiple sections inside the main zippered area

How to win:
Mandatory Entry: This entry must be completed before any other entry. You must be a follower of this blog via GFC, then head over to A Wild Tonic and come back with a comment on your favorite item from her wonderful store. You have to do both of those things and leave ONE comment.

Really want to win? Extra entries:

• Heart her shop on Etsy. (One entry) 

• Follow her blog via GFC. (One entry)

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Up to 5x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win Vintage 80s Purse from @awildtonic via @bbvintage Ends January 9th http://t.co/dRFUUIR #giveaway #vintage 

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

• Become a fan of Blue Butterfly Vintage on Facebook and leave a comment. (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 January 9th. 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: Sponsor  is providing this prize for BBV for promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

Movie Mondays...The Prestige

5 Reasons I love this movie:

• The Nolan Factor - I love any movie this Christopher Nolan makes. Just saw Inception for the first time and loved that, too. His characters are rich in complexities. And that was the understatement of the week. I love how you have to slowly solve the puzzle in his films, without it feeling too gimmicky. Also, the ends are generally open to interpretation, which I love and hate, but in a good way:) I think this might be the best movie of the past five years and it makes me sad that it was not touted as such. It is AMAZING. 

• Christian Bale - Such an underrated actor. You don't think so, but he rarely gets credit for great roles that he has played. This is one of them. Or two.

• David Bowie - You have to love the fact the Bowie plays renegade inventor Nikola Tesla. Who else could? The first time I saw this was in a theater and I remember saying aloud, about five minutes after seeing him, "Oh my God, that's David Bowie." Yeah, it was a bit awkward. 

• Nikola Tesla - So, I'm a secret nerd and I have been my whole life. I love learning and I have been known to grow a bit obsessed with various historical figures. Nikola Tesla is on that list. The guy was pretty amazing and if you've never heard of him or know little about him, he is worth a search. 

• Magical - Love the use of a magic as a way for the two main characters to constantly one up each other. The way it begins to blend with reality, while also pushing further into fantasy is pretty amazing. Gosh, I just love it. Umm, can you tell that I LOVE THIS MOVIE? Yeah, I do.

The Trailer:


Song from the flick:

It's A Wonderful Life + The Killers = Golden

I should have posted the following video on Christmas, but better late than never. It involves my favorite movie and my favorite band, so obv it has to be good.






In other news, a sweater from the shop is featured in a blog post over at Vintage Seen. So, go check it out, mmmk?

How was your Christmas? What did ya get? My top present is a toss up between my new Cynthia Rowley handbag and Puma socks. Haha. A bit of a difference in value, but I really love those socks. Do share:)

Merry Christmas and Some Cats!

The blog is going on a break for the weekend, so I will catch you lovely ladies and lads on Monday. I know you're terribly sad, so I leave you with some vintage Christmas cats! You're welcome in advance.

Haha, so that last one isn't so vintage, but it is hilarious. Anyways, everyone have a safe and happy holiday! Merry Christmas!

Real California Cheese: Pair Savvy

Today, I have a pretty sweet new app to talk about for you wine and cheese lovers out there. That should be everyone, because who doesn't love wine and cheese? And it is completely free!

Pair Savvy is a user-friendly application that works on both iPhone and Android devices and allows users to search by cheese, wine or beer varieties based on personal preference. California cheesemakers make more than 250 varieties and styles of Real California Cheese, everything from bandage wrapped Cheddar to award-winning Brie.

Here’s how it works: 
Download Pair Savvy to your mobile device and you can select by cheese, wine or beer. If you don't have a compatible mobile device, users can still use the Pair Savvy site to find savvy pairings.

Pair Savvy will come up with a pairing that has a list of suggested cheeses, California cheesemakers and brand names they can purchase at retail.  So cool!

Some pairings even suggest fruit accompaniments, which is great when putting together a cheese plate or display.  Users can also save pairings and rate the pairings they have tried.  There’s even a “Surprise Pairing” option for the more daring at heart. 

This fun app is available for free download, just in time for holiday events.  A beautiful, perfectly paired selection of cheeses and beverages will make you the most celebrated host or hostess and the favorite guest at every party you attend. 

Real California Cheese Pair Savvy is available today to most smart phone users through their mobile browser: pairsavvy.realcaliforniamilk.com

For the iPhone:  Visit the App Store, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free (available soon).

For Android users: Visit the Android Marketplace, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free.

Better yet, Pair Savvy is linked to RealCaliforniaMilk.com so the app will update automatically with no need to download future updated versions. 

Dairy products – including cheese – made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms.  Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are family-owned. California produces more fluid milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.

Disclosure: I was asked to write about this topic due to my involvement with One2One Network. I was not paid for this promotion.

The Opposite of Holiday Cheer

So, today I had two strange/annoying messages sent to me on the Bay(eBay). I won't get into them, but let's just say it took every fiber of my being to not respond in a snotty way. Well, the third one I was just sent via Etsy, became the unlucky gal with a mega snark response. Now, I know it is quite close to Christmas and I am supposed to be nice here, but let's take a look at her message:

"Just to be honest, I found this exact pair in size 9 at a thrift store for $4. Same brand and everything. They are awesome quality and I grabbed them up! I just don't think it's fair that you're selling them for $50."

Now, I won't say her name here, because frankly, I don't want to get sued, but seriously? I think the best part has to be that they're not even in her size! They're a 7. She felt compelled to message me about a pair of boots that wouldn't even fit. That's dedication/a serious amount of time on your hands.


So, now you're all curious about my response, correct?


Sure, you are.


I won't deny you that gem of a message. In its entirety no less:

Well, just to be honest, that's your opinion. This has to be the strangest message I have ever gotten on Etsy. I have been running a vintage clothing business for 3 years and have been on Etsy since February. Take a look at my recent sales and you will see three pair of similar boots (one Danexx) that I have sold this week for similar prices.

They are marked 50 because I am having a 20% off sale, so the program I use will auto mark them down to 40 later tonight, but I am sure, just to be honest, that it is still too high in your opinion.

If they're not even in your size, don't you have better things to do than to message a random seller to complain about their prices?

And what makes you the ultimate source for what is fair on Etsy? This isn't some charity where I am ripping people off. Of course I am making money off the sale of these boots, that's why I sell things on here, you know, to make money. This is a business and selling vintage is my full-time job, so I'm pretty sure I know what I can and cannot mark my shoes. You have no idea how much I paid for them, so you should probably hold your judgment next time.

Perhaps you can take the time you spend messaging sellers that you don't know about the price of items you're not even interested in buying and put that towards more $4 thrift store finds. Hey, you could even start your own Etsy store and charge what you think is a fair price.

Thanks for the tip tho!
Jenn

It was a bit mean, sure, but it was the wrong time for a message of that nature, lady. So glad we got that settled. I know that the customer is always right, but the person who has no intention of buying your item, can be wrong. You know, just to be honest.

I Love Michelle Williams

This gal just has an amazing head on her shoulders(and not just because of her wonderful hairstyle). I watched this interview today and loved it. She seems so much more grounded than many of the actresses out there.

Also, does anyone rock the pixie/side swept bang quite like her? I dare say not.

Tuesday Dudes' Day: Loafing About

A bit late to get these for Christmas, but I liked these posts so much that I think they will be a weekly thing for the dudes out there. Some loafers today.

via bluebutterflyvintage

via vintageshoescloset

via mygmascloset

via dontstopvintage

via timelessvintageshoes

via oliverandalaexa

Movie Mondays...Gossip

5 Reasons I love this movie:

• The Idea - We live in the age of speed gossip and even tho this was made prior to Facebook/Twitter/Texting, it still explores the crazy way a tiny piece of fabricated information can balloon into something terrible, sorta like a creepy version of that game telephone that I used to play as a kid. 

• James Marsden - Even though he is a mega skeevster in this flick, he is just so damn charming/ridiculously attractive. 

• The Guy from Boondock Saints - Or Norman Reedus. What a woefully underused actor caught up in that crazy post Boondock Saints near boycott(Remember the writer/director thought he was the king of Hollywood and then everyone around him also suffered post-Boondock career letdowns? No? Do some research, it is a pretty interesting store we learned about in one of my film classes). I heard he was on The Walking Dead, which is great, because he's better than so many overused actors out there. 

• The Apartment - Droolworthy digs in that old factory turned loft. Seriously, I want to live there.

• Screams 2000 - This movie was made in 2000 and it shouts it from the wardrobe, to the band Tonic being played in the background, to the obligatory appearance by a cast member from Dawson's Creek (Yeah, Pacey!).

The Trailer:


A Song from the Soundtrack:

Dress Me Up Sundays (On a Monday): Golden Coast

Forgot to post this yesterday. Some lovely dresses in a variety of golds.

via ironorchidvintage

via floriavintage

via hinterlandvintage

via reluctantdamsel

via smallearthvintage

via wildfellhallvintage

via heightofvintage

via thrush

via rustbeltthreads

via simplethrift

via awildtonic

Giveaway! $25 to Spend at Diamond Favors

Do you have a wedding in the spring? How about an upcoming baby shower? You need to check out Diamond Favors. They have great products for your bridal showers, baby showers, and many other kinds of party favors. One lucky BBV winner will win 25 Dollars to spend over at Diamond Favors. Pretty sweet, right?

How to win:
Mandatory Entry: This entry must be completed before any other entry. You must be a follower of this blog via GFC, then head over to Diamond Favors and come back with a comment on what you might buy if you win. You have to do both of those things and leave ONE comment.

Really want to win? Extra entries:

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Up to 5x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win $25 to Spend at Diamond Favors via @bbvintage http://t.co/1BBxRTx #giveaway

• 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) 

• If you use Stumble Upon, then stumble this page and leave a message with the time of said Stumble. (Three entries for one Stumble...just write "Stumbled" in three different comments with the time in one of them)

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

• Become a fan of Blue Butterfly Vintage on Facebook and leave a comment. (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 December 30th. 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: Sponsor  is providing this prize for BBV for promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

You all did it! 500 followers by the end of 2010! Thanks so much for everyone's support.

I have decided that the sunglasses giveaway will end on December 28th, so you have some time to get your final entries in!

Thanks again and be sure to stick with BBV into the new year for plenty of new and exciting things.

Hot for Shoes Saturdays: Shoes from Wildfell Hall Vintage

Today's collection is solely (harhar get the pun?) from a wonderful Etsy shop and BBV sponsor, Wildfell Hall.

These are just a few examples of her wonderful shoe stock. Head over to her store for more, as well as other sweet, vintage finds.

Want to become a BBV sponsor and be in a post like this? Email me at bluebutterflyvintage@yahoo.com for more info.

Register at No More Rack

Hey! If you haven't heard about the website No More Rack, you are missing out. They have several amazing deals every day that are around til they run out. If you register with the link below, you will get a free ten dollar gift code to spend on their items. I did it a couple weeks ago and got a sweet pair of over the knee boots that I literally had to pay 2 dollars for. No joke.

Here is the link:
http://www.nomorerack.com/?cr=4115

Do it by noon (EST) today and it will really help me out. You rock!

UPDATE: I see they have changed it so it has to be a 20 dollar item that you spend your 10 on, but the deals are so great that is still majorly worth it. 

A note about the last few giveaways

They were incorrectly marked as open worldwide with a note saying the winner had to pay for postage. That is incorrect. That was only for one of the 25 giveaways that has already ended.

They are only open to the US and Canada. Winners most certainly do not have to pay postage on their winning  items. Sorry for any confusion.

The 25 Days of Giveaways...Giveaway #25 Courtesy of Buffalo Blue Designs

The final giveaway for the MEGA 25 Days of Giveaways is from the lovely store Buffalo Blue Designs. It is a pretty mega giveaway so here are a few pics and some info the lovely piece up for grabs:

Constance Handstitched Upcycled Necktie Collar-Woolly Warmer

Bring a little of the boardroom into your everyday fashion- or bring a little fun into the office! Ties aren't just for the guys anymore... and they're showing up everywhere!

Constance features an upcycled vintage or handmade necktie carefully folded and hand stitched in fun and eye-catching patterns for an effect that will make you the CEO of style! Kidding aside... these are really a lot of fun and great for any occasion- it will become your go-to accessory. Wonderful with a white t-shirt or over a little black dress- perfect under a suit jacket in lieu of a shirt.

Fastens with a dress snap in front for ease of wear and removal.

Backed in soft poly fleece.

Colors: Red, Yellow, Navy Blue

*100% acrylic (vintage necktie

How to win:
Mandatory Entry: This entry must be completed before any other entry. You must be a follower of this blog via GFC, then head over to Buffalo Blue Designs and come back with a comment on your favorite item from her wonderful store. You have to do both of those things and leave ONE comment.

Really want to win? Extra entries:

• Check out her blog and leave a message with a post you found interesting. (One entry)

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Up to 5x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win An Upcycled Necktie Collar from @Buffalo_Blue via @bbvintage in the 25 Days of Giveaways http://t.co/OwZ5GcB #giveaway #handmade 

• 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) 

• If you use Stumble Upon, then stumble this page and leave a message with the time of said Stumble. (Three entries for one Stumble)

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

• Become a fan of Buffalo Blue Designs 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!



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

This contest will run until December 20th. 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: Sponsor  is providing this prize for BBV for promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

The 25 Days of Giveaways...Giveaway #24 Courtesy of Dani Calve

Today's giveaway comes from Dani Calve on Etsy. This lovely headband:

How to win:
Mandatory Entry: This entry must be completed before any other entry. You must be a follower of this blog via GFC, then head over to Dani Calve and come back with a comment on your favorite item from her wonderful store. You have to do both of those things and leave ONE comment.

Really want to win? Extra entries:

• Heart her shop on Etsy. (One entry) 

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Up to 5x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win Pink Flower Headband from DaniCalve via @bbvintage in the 25 Days of Giveaways http://t.co/DpeVoA4 #giveaway #handmade

• 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) 

• If you use Stumble Upon, then stumble this page and leave a message with the time of said Stumble. (Three entries for one Stumble)

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

• Become a fan of Blue Butterfly Vintage on Facebook and leave a comment. (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 December 19th. 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: Sponsor  is providing this prize for BBV for promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

The 25 Days of Giveaways...Giveaway #23 Courtesy of Designs by M'Ayanna

Today's giveaway comes from an Etsy shop (and BBV sponsor) Designs by M'Ayanna. It is this lovely green bracelet. So festive for the holidays!

How to win:
Mandatory Entry: This entry must be completed before any other entry. You must be a follower of this blog via GFC, then head over to Designs by M'Ayanna and come back with a comment on your favorite item from her wonderful store. You have to do both of those things and leave ONE comment.

Really want to win? Extra entries:

• Heart her shop on Etsy. (One entry) 

• Follow her blog via GFC. (One entry)

• Tweet about this contest daily and leave a new comment for each tweet. (Up to 10x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win A Holiday Bracelet from @MAyannadesigns via @bbvintage in the 25 Days of Giveaways http://t.co/efeSTnV #giveaway #handmade

• 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) 

• If you use Stumble Upon, then stumble this page and leave a message with the time of said Stumble. (Three entries for one Stumble)

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

• Become a fan of M'Ayanna 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 December 18th. 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: Sponsor  is providing this prize for BBV for promotional purposes. I am not being paid for this promotion.

Happy Holidays!

So, we have multiple Christmas tree action going on in my casa, at the moment, but my Mom did a pretty great job with the one in the living room. If you follow me on Twitter, you may recall tweets the other day about going to choose the tree and the man who sold it to us. Let's just say it was hilarious. Anyways, it is all silver and blue. More pics to come as the season goes on.

 

I will be sure to take some during the day so you can see it better. I love the ones without the flash, but then you can't see the sweet colors. And yes, she did use the fake snow in a can on it. Martha Stewart-esque.  Loving the new owl ornaments.

In other holiday news, check out my nieces from the holiday party we went to yesterday:

And as if that weren't an overdose of cute quite yet another one of the twins watching a train go by from my Grandma's apartment:

 

Catch ya soon with some more holiday posts! In the meantime, how does everyone else feel about holiday decorations? Does your tree have a theme? Speak!