Final countdown...

I guess everyone is in a jolly mood and ready to party to celebrate a brand new year. 2011: Another new beginning of another chapter in life. I have worked out my personal budget for the whole year and briefly planned other things to do or projects. Keeping my fingers crossed that things that I have planned will work out smoothly. Going to keep this entry short and sweet. Have a great New Year everyone!

The look:
Vintage top from Vintage Packstocks (now known as anaabu)
Zip skirt
Square plastic buckle elastic belt
Heels
Silver ring from flea market

Time to reflect...

One, two, three... three more days to go before we ushering in 2011! It is exciting yet scary because there is a whole new world or new path to explore. Not sure what are in store for each and everyone of us.

Looking back through 2010, it has been a roller coaster ride, fulled of ups and downs. Well, that's what life is all about, right? Otherwise it would very monotonous, which can be dull. I guess every now and then we need a bit of drama in life; to spice up one's life so to speak.

Moving forward towards 2011. What I can do is to learn from mistakes from the past years and improve from there. Here, I have outlined some of the things that I need to work on:

Career
- hope to find a solution to 'passion or money'. Perhaps work for money during daytime and work for passion during at night or weekends?

Health
- exercise more.
- eat more veggie and fruits.
- count down coffee. This is quite difficult as I need to caffeine in the mornings. Sigh.

Finance
- save money into bank account each month (literally). I am very bad with this. I have always ended up using the money on something else. Vintage dresses? ;-)
- stick to monthly budget. Keeping my fingers crossed.
- thrift more instead of buy brand new stuff, unless I like the item very much (and within my budget), which I think it would be most unlikely as I like one of kind stuff!

Leisure
- spend more time with family and friends.
- hope to start proper sewing instead alterations. Bought a pattern magazine, FEMALE. Actually I have a couple of them but I have yet to sew anything for myself!

Picture taken from the cover of FEMALE for 2010 Autumn, website: http://www.boutique-sha.co.jp/

- hope to add frequency of blog entries especially on outfit posts. What do you think? Any comments?
- hope to travel to Paris. Do not know why that lately I am drawn to Paris. Because of flea markets?? Or affordable flights by AirAsia?? If not Paris, I guess Bandung would be a good place to shop for vintage dresses :-)

I think the above list is pretty much achievable (but not sure about the trip to Paris though). Well, at least there is something to dream, think about and work on. Life is all about the journey and not about the destination. Destination is like a target/goal we set to achieve and once it is achieved, we move on to the next target. Life goes on. It is a movement. All of us will reach our final destination at some point but how we spent and lived our life matters the most; our beliefs, our values, our deeds etc.

Christmas treasures

At times, at the least expected place, I never thought I could run into bundle or vintage stall in one of the hypermarkets in Shah Alam. As for my thrifting budget, since I have overused Dec's budget and it needs to be deducted from Jan's budget, I had no second thoughts on purchasing the blue dress below. It fit perfectly - no alteration needed. Pretty and well fitted dress. I am sold.

My sister gave me these two vintage dresses as Christmas gift! I am pleased and very happy. More dresses to add into my wardrobe. They fitted well but I need to shorten the dresses to give them a fresh new look. And I think the white bow shoes by Etienne Aigner in my earlier post would match these dresses, don't you think?

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. Can't believe that 2011 is around the corner. Have you thought of new year resolutions already?

Early Christmas: My Christmas Gift

It has arrived safely at last! My Christmas gift for myself; vintage Etienne Aigner handbag! Bought the handbag from RetroGalore on Etsy. And the bag was on S.A.L.E., the price was reduced to US$16. After much thought (budgeting) and researching on Etienne Aigner's handbag (to ensure the authenticity), I have finally came to a conclusion to purchase the bag. Quite a stressful process but it was fun though.

The handbag is made of deep burgundy soft leather. To check on the authenticity, I have read couple of websites and came across with these info:

1. Check the bag's hardware and accents. For designer's handbag, the zip is engraved with the designer's name.

2. Check the lining. Most vintage handbags' lining is made from fabric such as silk, faille or cotton. The lining lays flat along the inside of the handbag. Some linings printed with the designer's name.

3. Check the stitching. Stitches run in a straight line along the seams and the size of the stitches should be even. The colour of the thread should match the main colour of the handbag.

4. Check the quality of leather used. For this one, it is a bit tricky especially when you are purchasing online. You are unable to touch and smell but you can always ask the seller.

5. Look out for serial number. Though there is no serial number this handbag and I am not sure when serial number system started back then, to ensure the authenticity, I could do so based on the above mentioned points.

Overall, I am pleased and happy with my purchase. Wishing those are celebrating Christmas; Merry Christmas and enjoy the holidays. Have a blast!


References;
http://www.ehow.com/how_5154364_spot-fake-aigner-purse.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_6022693_spot-fake-vintage-designer-handbag.html
http://www.freewebs.com/fakefendihandbags/

Stylish Blogger Award

I am very honoured and privileged to be tagged as a Stylish Blogger by Nana Stars*. Nana is my new friend who I met on Chictopia. I love her simple yet chic outfits and her colour combination.

In order to accept the award, I am required to complete the following:

1. Thank the person who gave me this award.
Nana, many thanks for giving me this award. It is a great honour. Dōmo arigatō.

2. Share seven facts about myself:

i) If I were not an administration officer, I would love to be a fashion stylist or costume designer.
ii) My major core field/subject at university is Mass Communication specialize in Film and Broadcasting whilst my minor is Archaeology.
iii) I used to make dresses for my doll when I was a child.
iv) I love and enjoy simple things in life like walking in the rain (not too heavy rain though), having a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day, snuggling under covers on a cold day to name a few.
v) My favourite movie is Lovers of the Arctic Circle / Los Amantes Del Circulo Polar.
vi) I am a cat person.
vii) My favourite artist/painter is Vincent Van Gogh.

3. Pay it forward to seven bloggers you adore and contact them to let them know they've been chosen:

Ana from ana and her talking bulb - love her style and admire her spirit
Kinsey from in kinsey's closet - love her simple yet chic style
Ashley from fancy fine - style icon
Lauren from blooming leopold vintage - lovely vintage outfits and great sewing projects
esme and the lane way - lovely vintage outfits
Izzy from Ye Ye! Style Blog - lovely vintage outfits
greer - adorable vintage outfits/style

Thanks again for the award and stayed tune for a secret to be revealed soon!

Floral dress

The look:
Vintage floral dress from flea market
Cardigan
Thrifted brooch
Belt
Pearl necklace
Peep toes heels

Last night I watched Chocolat and perhaps my look for the day was inspired from the movie. I love Vianne's costumes - the cut and rich colours. Wish I could have her wardrobe. Whilst looking for the perfect shoes to match the outfit, I could not help but to have few flashbacks of a pair of ivory or cream coloured shoes in one of the vintage etsy stores. Thinking that they can be the perfect match for the outfit.

Picture taken from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/52551217/sale-vintage-etienne-aigner-cream

The shoes are adorable, aren't they? I hope I am not making up excuses to buy the shoes. And the shoes are available in my size only. Gosh. Or do I need to chant this mantra; 'I don't need another pair of shoes. I have many pairs of shoes. I don't need another pair of shoes. I have many pairs of shoes...?' Don't think it would be an easy job.

On another note, hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Counting the days to Christmas? I know I am. So looking forward to the holiday or break.

I've got my eyes on...

It is eight days to Christmas! I bet everyone is in festive or at least in holiday mood. Almost every blogger that I am following has shared their wish lists. It is interesting to know about other wish lists. Well, I have got few things that caught my eyes;

Picture taken from http://www.piyanas.com/productdetail.php?cat=394.406&id=2560&lang=en

Came across Bistro Affair whilst I was hanging around and listening to sample CDs in Rock Corner yesterday. Great music to chill out after a hard day's work.

Picture taken from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/52287805/vintage-faux-silver-sewing-machine?ref=cat3_list_11

The vintage sewing brooch is very cute but sadly it is sold. :-(

Picture taken from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59919774/vintage-pearl-brooch-pin

The above vintage brooch is so elegant and classic. Love it!

Picture taken from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63017856/vintage-floral-tapestry-clutch?ref=cat2_list_28

Call it what you want - grandma's bag or auntie's bag - floral tapestry bag is one of a kind. A great addition to your wardrobe.

Picture taken from Etsy

These vintage Ferragamo shoes are so classic yet cute. Really can't take my eyes off them.

Picture taken from Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/59872583/navy-etineie-aigner-statement-bow-heels?ref=cat3_list_13

Yet another cute pair of vintage shoes from Etienne Aigner.

Wouldn't it be nice if we had enough money to use and save every month. No need to wait for bonus, which is the only time one can splurge. Now, I am patiently waiting for my Christmas present for myself. Keeping my fingers crossed that it would arrive safely. Weekend is around the corner and I am looking forward to chilling out and rest.

RM 50 Challenge: Did I give in to temptations?

Last Sunday, I managed to squeeze in thrifting outing into my schedule. My intention was to window shop or to spend the remaining of my thrifting budget for the month at my favourite flea market. Guess what? When I reached the usual vintage dresses stall, I could not help myself but to buy two dresses at RM15 each. Yes, I DID NOT stick to my vow. It was really hard to resist such lovely dresses at such great deal! Not only that, I spent RM5 on a skirt and a tie. Another difficult to resist great bargain. I guess, I have to deduct RM16 from next month's thrifting budget and this means that I have RM34 to spend in January 2011. Wish me luck for January 2011!

Dear Dyalova, ...

Dear Dyalova,

You have asked about vintage-but-cool dinner wear for 'Oscar theme' night. Well, I have rummaged my vintage wardrobe and came up with the following outfits for you. Hope you find these useful. Feel free to comment!

Little black dress 1: Not sure if mini hat clip on is your thing but I have incorporated it in this outfit. This adds a bit of theatrical element into your outfit.

Little black dress 2: Classic is always the safest way to go but play with accessories or colours to avoid dullness.

Lace shift dress: Use minimal accessories and let the dress does its work. Add colour to make the outfit goes 'wow!'.

Floral print: This is boho-chic. Again, use minimal accessories.

To the rest of readers, if you have any favours or questions (fashion or styling related), please feel free to drop me a line. I would be delighted to assist you in any way I can. Cheers!

Purple rain

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend so far. For myself, I attended two parties since Friday night- work/staff Christmas party and friend's birthday celebration. Work/Staff Christmas party was good fun and there was exchanging gift amongst staff. Managed to wake up and take photos before heading to work earlier today. I had two cups of coffee, trying to stay awake throughout the day. Friend's birthday celebration was a nice evening with good food and company. Oh, Christmas and New Year are around the corner. How time flies...

The look:
Vintage jumpsuit from Vintage Packstocks (now known as anaabu)
Thrifted belt
Strappy heels

White tank top 101

With Polyvore, it is so much easier to style outfits. Earlier under Fashion Experiment, I have styled few looks of white tank top. Now I am back with another three sets of white tank top looks for work, play and party. I love the party look the most. What is yours?

Hundredth post: Oh what a journey!

I could not believe that this is my 100th post! It has been a wonderful journey of learning new skills and experiencing new things (blogging, ployvore-ing and of course online shopping domestically and lately internationally) and making new friends along the way.

This blog started off as a platform for me to become my own stylist so to speak. I have a dream to work in a fashion magazine as a fashion writer or fashion stylist. Before I started to blog, I applied for a position as fashion writer but to no avail. Maybe due to the formal education I received which did not prepare me well enough to enter the glamorous world of fashion. This did not hinder me to pursue a short course in fashion design and dressmaking, although I work in a totally different industry now. Reality bites. Need money to pay bills etc.

What I have in store for Colourful Buttons in the future? I am not sure but most likely to maintain current features; v-day, fashion project, polyvore - outfits, thrifting stories. But I am thinking on a small scale project. Please feel free to share your thoughts; your favourite posting, favourite feature or anything you have in your mind. I would like to hear your thoughts.

My outfit for today; this is one of two first vintage dresses purchase. From that moment on, I fell in love with vintage. My vintage dress collections have grown tremendously over the time. And I believe it is still growing but on a slow and moderate rate.

The look:
Vintage dress from flea market
Thrifted belt from flea market
Strappy heels

Hope everyone is enjoying the day off. Have a great week ahead too!

Counting the days...

Placed my order for my Christmas present and now I am counting the days to receiving it. So look forwarding to it. Should I share it with you? Just a little hint - it is a vintage bag. Sorry for being so secretive. I experienced unexpected unsuccessful online purchase. One month or so, I ordered a pair of light brown oxford heels from a blog shop. It was delayed and when arrived in the hands of the blog shop owner, the shoes were in bad conditions. The blog shop owner was considerate and kind enough to refund the payment of the shoes. It was disappointing but there was nothing much I do. Keeping my fingers crossed that my Christmas present will arrive safely - it is long journey from US to Malaysia.

The look:
Vintage batwing blouse from Vintage Packstocks (now known as anaabu)
Denim pants
Thrifted belt
Tiered necklace
Flat oxford shoes

Etsy-diction

Now, I am hooked on Etsy (besides Polyvore). It is like a huge virtual flea market (if you select vintage option). Almost every night, I am checking out vintage bags and brooches. All the items are priced in US Dollars and items are pricey due to additional cost such as shipping and of course the conversion of US Dollars to Ringgit Malaysia.

I have my eyes on few things - bag and brooch - and I am already thinking about my Christmas present for myself already! Now I am working out the budget and finding more information on the bag. What bag? It is a secret at this moment. At times, I would question myself whether I need this bag or not, does it worth to buy all the way from US,... Since when getting a present for yourself would be this tough?? Sigh...

Anyway, weekend is here. Hope everyone has great plans for the weekend. Enjoy!