Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
A Wedding in DC
This is so late, but last month my quasi-step-sister (her pops was married to my ma many moons ago) got married in DC.
Wish I would have taken more pics, but I left my good camera at the hotel and my point and click wasn't working on much of anything but a high ISO leaving the pics rather grainy for someone who prides herself on her picture taking skills. Then it conveniently died. Or maybe I was just thinking about how I was the last person in the extended family of siblings to be single and though I am the youngest, it gave me a mad case of the shakes. Probably that. Anyways, here are some pics:
Wish I would have taken more pics, but I left my good camera at the hotel and my point and click wasn't working on much of anything but a high ISO leaving the pics rather grainy for someone who prides herself on her picture taking skills. Then it conveniently died. Or maybe I was just thinking about how I was the last person in the extended family of siblings to be single and though I am the youngest, it gave me a mad case of the shakes. Probably that. Anyways, here are some pics:
My four nieces! Too cute. Tori, Cali, Ari, and Lily.
Shera and Anthony!
A lovely couple.
It was at the DC Hilton.
My oldest brother and his family:)
What kind of harlot wears red to a wedding? Oh, wait. Me. To every wedding. Bam. I wish you could see my necklace, it was pretty amazing. I will have to post pics another time of it. It is that good. At least my hair stayed somewhat straight in the INSANE humidity. Generally I have a nice fro going on in said conditions, but I think I spent about 2 hours with my straightener. I don't know how you DC folks can handle it!
My other bro and Kendall, his niece.
And that's about when my camera died. Soooo, that's all. (Basically I just wanted a reason to post pictures of my nieces again.)
Treasury!
Thought I would share treasuries on here from now on, so here is one from this morning(click on the title to see it on Etsy):
Friday, June 24, 2011
Giveaway Shout Out: Please Note
Wanted to direct your attention over to the blog, Please Note, where there is a sweet 4th of July giveaway going on that features a necklace that was purchased from my shop. Scoot on over and enter to win some great, patriotic finds!
Adorable finds, right? So go enter! It ends on Wednesday!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Looking for Sponsors for a Giveaway of the Mega Variety
My pal Lauren (over at A Wild Tonic) and I are gathering interested Etsy businesses for two large giveaways next month. What we would like is 5-6 businesses per giveaway with a prize valued at 15 dollars or more. We will run the giveaway for an entire month on each of our blogs, with one winner in each giveaway winning the entire 5-6 package prize.
In return your business will get massive exposure and we can add extra entries such as following your Facebook page or your Twitter account.
Interested parties can contact me at bluebutterflyvintage [at] yahoo [dot] com.
In return your business will get massive exposure and we can add extra entries such as following your Facebook page or your Twitter account.
Interested parties can contact me at bluebutterflyvintage [at] yahoo [dot] com.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Front Page!
Today was the first time I have ever had a treasury that I curated hit the front page on Etsy (see below). It was pretty mega. As I watched Wimbledon, my favorite sporting event of the year, I watched my treasury about Wimbledon hit the FP. It was MEGA.
New Giveaway! from Eklectic Xplosion - Closed Winner #47
Today's giveaway comes courtesy of BBV sponsor, Eklectic Xplosion. It is the wonderful gray clutch seen below. See more pics here. This clutch has a value of $16.
Description:
We truly can never have to many purses! The perfect little clutch that would be a great addition to any wardrobe! In good Vintage condition.
Length:8"
Width:5"
Color: Light Gray/Charcoal
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 Eklectic Xplosion 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:
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 July 7th. 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.
Description:
We truly can never have to many purses! The perfect little clutch that would be a great addition to any wardrobe! In good Vintage condition.
Length:8"
Width:5"
Color: Light Gray/Charcoal
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 Eklectic Xplosion 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 10x's per day) The tweet should look like this: #Win A Clutch from @eklecticx via @bbvintage http://t.co/LUHauu8 #giveaway #vintage
- 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 @eklecticx or @bbvintage (or both) on Twitter 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 July 7th. 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.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Review: Here, Home, Hope
Recently I was sent a copy of Here, Home, Hope written by Kaira Rouda. It was a great summer read.
The main character is going through changes in her life (a new career, amongst many others) that can be easily related to by anyone who reads it. I love that she has a T2C list (things to change) and they are sprinkled in through out the novel. Add in different elements of humor when relating to the local know it alls and such, and you realize that this could be about any town in America.
I definitely recommend this book for summer trips as it is such an easy read. Rouda has a way with words that make them seem more like a conversation than a book, which is one of my favorite aspects of her writing. I also love the multiple pop culture references, though one time my creative writing professor told me things like that could alienate certain readers. I was not one of those readers. I love pop culture references.
Check out the book trailer:
More info on the author here.
Follow her on Twitter here.
Check out places to buy the book here.
This review was made possible due my affiliation with One2One Network.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Vintage (Inspired) Clip of the Week: Freaks and Geeks
Yeah, I know a TV show from 1999 doesn't qualify as vintage, but this show takes place in the 80s, so let's say vintage inspired.
I LOVE THIS SHOW. Classic Sam clip with his new "Parisian night suit".
I LOVE THIS SHOW. Classic Sam clip with his new "Parisian night suit".
A Comparison Shopping Site for Lovely Readers in Canada
Are you one of my wonderful Canadian readers? Do you love to shop? Might I suggest a comparison site? Canada Post Comparison Shopper provides up-front pricing in Canadian dollars and ensures that all products are available in Canada. Finally, a user-friendly online shopping experience that puts Canadians first.
You can find any number of items available from other sites whether you are searching for clothing, houswares, or something as specific as concerts on DVD.
Next time you are searching for something to buy, don't overpay. Check out the Canada Post Comparison Shopper and know that you are receiving the lowest price out there.
This post is brought to you by Canadapost.ca.
You can find any number of items available from other sites whether you are searching for clothing, houswares, or something as specific as concerts on DVD.
Next time you are searching for something to buy, don't overpay. Check out the Canada Post Comparison Shopper and know that you are receiving the lowest price out there.
This post is brought to you by Canadapost.ca.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Customer Appreciation Time!
Jessica, one of BBV's lovely customers, recently bought this dress:
And sent this picture in:
And sent this picture in:
Love that dress and I love customers who send in photos proudly rocking their new frocks! Thanks, Jessica. Looks great!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Hot Deals
I have an account with Eversave, which is a bit like a Groupon site, but mostly related to shopping and such. I thought I would start sharing the deals once in a while on here.
Today you can:
Express yourself with unique and eco-friendly bracelets, candles and more from Pure Designs for Living. Choose from two options.
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Jun 13, 2011
-$4 for $8 worth of products
-$12 for $24 worth of products
Sweet stuff and a great deal. There are some great items for baby showers, weddings, or graduation gifts that would be awesome for all of your summer event needs.
Today you can:
Express yourself with unique and eco-friendly bracelets, candles and more from Pure Designs for Living. Choose from two options.
Offer expires: 11:59 PM - Jun 13, 2011
-$4 for $8 worth of products
-$12 for $24 worth of products
Sweet stuff and a great deal. There are some great items for baby showers, weddings, or graduation gifts that would be awesome for all of your summer event needs.
Friday, June 10, 2011
The Writing Process: Name Game
When I write, one of my favorite things to do is pick the names for each character. I even consult various websites to check out baby names and their meanings.
Last week I began a new project and it has started off quite well. The ideas are aplenty, but what I want to know is, which name do you like better: Connor or Cameron? I want it to be a common name, because I hate reading things where every character has some crazy name, but at the same time I don't want it to be too common.
It is currently Connor, because Cameron reminds me of a guy I knew in college who looked like a porcelain doll and I always assumed there was some horror movie about to play out there. Creepy, right? I know.
In other news, one of my items was on the front page yesterday. It didn't sell (siiiigh) but I did sell three things while it was up there, which has be a direct correlation(yayyy). The item was this sweet hat you can grab for 19 dollars in my store:
So stop on over, because most of the store is still half off to help out a very worthy cause: my bank account.
Last week I began a new project and it has started off quite well. The ideas are aplenty, but what I want to know is, which name do you like better: Connor or Cameron? I want it to be a common name, because I hate reading things where every character has some crazy name, but at the same time I don't want it to be too common.
It is currently Connor, because Cameron reminds me of a guy I knew in college who looked like a porcelain doll and I always assumed there was some horror movie about to play out there. Creepy, right? I know.
In other news, one of my items was on the front page yesterday. It didn't sell (siiiigh) but I did sell three things while it was up there, which has be a direct correlation(yayyy). The item was this sweet hat you can grab for 19 dollars in my store:
So stop on over, because most of the store is still half off to help out a very worthy cause: my bank account.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Buying Vintage Online: A Beginner's Guide
I have been selling vintage for a few years now and as anyone who has ever worked in the retail business can tell you, you will encounter quite a variety of customers from the kooky to the just plain rude. I know a lot of people who want to buy vintage and become wonderfully, kind, normal customers, but are scared as they are first timers, so here is a short list of things that you should keep in mind when buying from a vintage seller. Check back next week for more tips!
1. Vintage Runs Small. Seriously small.
You wouldn't believe the difference in what a size ten was back in the 50s as compared to today. Have you ever heard someone say that Marilyn Monroe wore a size 16? Yeah, it may be true, but a 1950s size 16 is probably around a size 6 by today's standards. Not quite the same.
In shoes it is the same story. I wear a 7.5 and one day found the most AMAZING shoes that I saw from across the thrift store. I ran to them as the sound of angels playing harps chimed in the background. I saw 7.5 printed on the inside and I couldn't believe my eyes. And then...I couldn't even jam my fat feet into them.
My feet aren't really fat, but buying vintage may make you feel a bit saddened over wearing a size you never thought possible. It is the opposite of today's vanity sizing. You have to get over the tag size and just know that you are rocking some amazing clothing. It was probably made better than anything you could find on the racks in a store that tells you you're a size 2 when you are an 8 anywhere else.
2. Vintage Runs Small...Part 2
This is a point to take seriously. Always, always, always measure a similar clothing item in your closet before you blindly buy a vintage piece in a size that you think is correct. Even if you know that vintage runs small and you generally wear a size or two away, take the time to measure. As a seller, I can't tell you the number of times people have messaged me saying something doesn't fit, even with disclaimers in both of my online stores concerning checking measurements as I do not accept returns for items that don't fit. It takes time for sellers to accurately measure everything, so don't let that effort go to waste. Utilize it. You will be happy when something you wanted so badly arrives and fits as if it had always been yours.
3. Vintage Runs Small...Part 3
Repetitious right? This is more about questions I get all of the time and goes along with measuring an item of clothing. If an item says "would best fit a small" and you wear a large, please don't send the seller a question asking if it will fit you. We are not all knowing when it comes to sizing, although I am sure a few sellers are close. I can generally tell what a medium is in clothing, because that is what I wear, just as I can usually tell if a shoe marked 7.5 is actually a 7.5. That being said, I really couldn't tell you if the extra small is more like like a small or vice versa. Use the measurements provided. Your idea of a large may be different from mine, the same way Abercrombie's idea is different from Banana Republic's.
4. We are human.
A bullet not about sizing. How novel! In the flaws section or condition of an item, many sellers list any obvious flaws such as stains or sticky zippers. These flaws are quite obvious. I know this may sound crazy, but it is possible that a seller, maybe, just maybe, could overlook a flaw on a shirt and not list it. If this happens, don't get angry. Don't assume the seller is trying to pull one over on you. Don't rush to the feedback system and throw down some heavy words. Kindly send the seller a note and describe the flaw they did not list. If you have a camera readily available, you could even send a pic. A good seller will offer some compensation. I say some, because a tiny dot stain that will likely come off via dry cleaning does not warrant a full refund, so don't get greedy. If the seller doesn't offer any type of refund, then you can consider a neutral or negative, but don't quickly write something without thinking about the situation, which brings us to the next topic.
5. Quick negatives.
As stated above, if you EVER have a problem with your order, don't go to feedback before contacting the seller. It is quite rude to that actually. In my Etsy experience, I have I had one neutral feedback and one negative, both times without any contact from the buyer beforehand. The neutral says nothing in the comments, which should be another section, but I will just say it here: do not leave a neutral/negative on Etsy without stating why. It is aggravating to the seller and to the people who want to check out ratings prior to purchase. A blind negative doesn't help anyone.
In the other instance, a buyer rudely left me a negative for a pair of shoes they said were narrow and not listed as such. All measurements were listed and the shoes were 3.5 inches in width. That is not narrow. That is a buyer who doesn't really know what size shoe they wear.
Most sellers strive for 100% perfection. If you think about it, I could receive 100 ratings and 99 people could be elated with their experience, while one person who feels particularly upset over something that may not even be my fault can leave a negative and even though it is ONE person that 99% looks so much less impressive than 100%. Can you imagine if you lived every aspect of life that way? No, because it is not realistic. My rule of thumb when buying is that you shouldn't be afraid to purchase anything from a seller with 97% or better in feedback. If 97 people were happy and 3 weren't, odds are really in your favor.
Thanks for reading and if you sell vintage, feel free to add some tips in the comment section below. A second list will be posted next week!
1. Vintage Runs Small. Seriously small.
You wouldn't believe the difference in what a size ten was back in the 50s as compared to today. Have you ever heard someone say that Marilyn Monroe wore a size 16? Yeah, it may be true, but a 1950s size 16 is probably around a size 6 by today's standards. Not quite the same.
 |
| Oh, to be a size 16. |
In shoes it is the same story. I wear a 7.5 and one day found the most AMAZING shoes that I saw from across the thrift store. I ran to them as the sound of angels playing harps chimed in the background. I saw 7.5 printed on the inside and I couldn't believe my eyes. And then...I couldn't even jam my fat feet into them.
 | ||
| The shoes that launched a thousand tears...in my heart. |
My feet aren't really fat, but buying vintage may make you feel a bit saddened over wearing a size you never thought possible. It is the opposite of today's vanity sizing. You have to get over the tag size and just know that you are rocking some amazing clothing. It was probably made better than anything you could find on the racks in a store that tells you you're a size 2 when you are an 8 anywhere else.
2. Vintage Runs Small...Part 2
This is a point to take seriously. Always, always, always measure a similar clothing item in your closet before you blindly buy a vintage piece in a size that you think is correct. Even if you know that vintage runs small and you generally wear a size or two away, take the time to measure. As a seller, I can't tell you the number of times people have messaged me saying something doesn't fit, even with disclaimers in both of my online stores concerning checking measurements as I do not accept returns for items that don't fit. It takes time for sellers to accurately measure everything, so don't let that effort go to waste. Utilize it. You will be happy when something you wanted so badly arrives and fits as if it had always been yours.
3. Vintage Runs Small...Part 3
Repetitious right? This is more about questions I get all of the time and goes along with measuring an item of clothing. If an item says "would best fit a small" and you wear a large, please don't send the seller a question asking if it will fit you. We are not all knowing when it comes to sizing, although I am sure a few sellers are close. I can generally tell what a medium is in clothing, because that is what I wear, just as I can usually tell if a shoe marked 7.5 is actually a 7.5. That being said, I really couldn't tell you if the extra small is more like like a small or vice versa. Use the measurements provided. Your idea of a large may be different from mine, the same way Abercrombie's idea is different from Banana Republic's.
4. We are human.
A bullet not about sizing. How novel! In the flaws section or condition of an item, many sellers list any obvious flaws such as stains or sticky zippers. These flaws are quite obvious. I know this may sound crazy, but it is possible that a seller, maybe, just maybe, could overlook a flaw on a shirt and not list it. If this happens, don't get angry. Don't assume the seller is trying to pull one over on you. Don't rush to the feedback system and throw down some heavy words. Kindly send the seller a note and describe the flaw they did not list. If you have a camera readily available, you could even send a pic. A good seller will offer some compensation. I say some, because a tiny dot stain that will likely come off via dry cleaning does not warrant a full refund, so don't get greedy. If the seller doesn't offer any type of refund, then you can consider a neutral or negative, but don't quickly write something without thinking about the situation, which brings us to the next topic.
5. Quick negatives.
As stated above, if you EVER have a problem with your order, don't go to feedback before contacting the seller. It is quite rude to that actually. In my Etsy experience, I have I had one neutral feedback and one negative, both times without any contact from the buyer beforehand. The neutral says nothing in the comments, which should be another section, but I will just say it here: do not leave a neutral/negative on Etsy without stating why. It is aggravating to the seller and to the people who want to check out ratings prior to purchase. A blind negative doesn't help anyone.
 |
| Don't be this buyer. |
In the other instance, a buyer rudely left me a negative for a pair of shoes they said were narrow and not listed as such. All measurements were listed and the shoes were 3.5 inches in width. That is not narrow. That is a buyer who doesn't really know what size shoe they wear.
Most sellers strive for 100% perfection. If you think about it, I could receive 100 ratings and 99 people could be elated with their experience, while one person who feels particularly upset over something that may not even be my fault can leave a negative and even though it is ONE person that 99% looks so much less impressive than 100%. Can you imagine if you lived every aspect of life that way? No, because it is not realistic. My rule of thumb when buying is that you shouldn't be afraid to purchase anything from a seller with 97% or better in feedback. If 97 people were happy and 3 weren't, odds are really in your favor.
Thanks for reading and if you sell vintage, feel free to add some tips in the comment section below. A second list will be posted next week!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner
Congrats to Julie or #130 for winning the bracelet from Designs by M'Ayanna. Sometimes it pays to get in that last minute entry!
Thanks to everyone for entering and be sure to check back later today for a new VINTAGE giveaway sponsored by World Vintage over on Etsy. Check out her store banner to the right, while you're waiting.
Thanks to everyone for entering and be sure to check back later today for a new VINTAGE giveaway sponsored by World Vintage over on Etsy. Check out her store banner to the right, while you're waiting.
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