Notice

Will be heading to the North for about a week. Firstly, my sis and I will be heading to Penang for a mini break or holiday over the weekend and then to Ipoh for Chinese New Year celebration (not by plane though). Will explore thrifting scene in Penang. Can't wait! Whilst I am travelling, I would have limited access to Internet but I will try to post entries whenever I can. Weekend is around the corner and Chinese New Year is about 5 days away. Gong Xi Fa Cai to those who would be celebrating Chinese New Year! Have a great weekend everyone!

The cheongsam...

Here is the cheongsam that I have been working on. Just finished it, just in time to give it to my friend tomorrow. Hope she likes it and it fits well. It is not easy to start sewing again with difficult piece to start with. The sewing journey has been a learning curve for me. That is all for now, need to QC the cheongsam and thereafter heading to bed.

So little time...

Because of this lovely cheongsam inspired vintage dress, I received quite a number of compliments. Not very swamped at work but I am stress with the cheongsam that currently l am working on. Had the first fitting this afternoon and I needed to fix the collar, armhole and tighten the cheongsam a bit for better fitting. So many things to do, so little time. At times, 24 hours in a day aren't just enough, right?

The look:
Vintage dress
Clincher belt
Peep toe heels

A little appreciation...

I would like to this opportunity to thank all the lovely people out there for your kind comments and to those who are following my humble blog. Your comments are important to me as they mean a lot to me. I am happy and delighted that my blog has reached this level, from zero follower to seventeen followers, at the time of writing. Hope you have enjoyed reading my entries as much as I have enjoyed posting them (especially the thrifting adventures and etsy shopping).

A little update on the cheongsam; I managed to exchange the zip and at this moment I am working on the collars. Pending things to do are attaching the collars, sewing the side seams and attaching the sleeves before I could get my friend to try it on. Ok, got to continue my sewing. Stay tuned for vintage wear for work tomorrow!

WIP: Cheongsam challenge

All the sewing knowledge that I learnt are slowly coming back to me. The last time I made a cheongsam was way back in 2005. It takes a while to figuring it out. Just two little hiccups at this point - wrong zip length and I was stuck on putting bias tape around the mandarin collar. (And touching wood, hope there would be no more hiccups!) For the zip, tomorrow I will drop by at the haberdashery to get a new zip or to exchange the zip. Need to trial and error for the collar. Wish me luck!

Have a good week ahead!

Simple mind

Yesterday's outfit was a simply a floral dress with small ruffles collar. And I accessorized the outfit minimally - belt. At times, simple is still the best way to go. It is a hectic weekend with sewing and catching up on house chores, therefore this post will be short. Hope everyone is have great weekend.

The look:
Vintage dress
Thirfted belt
Strappy heels

If the shoes fit...

Buying shoes online is a bit tricky as you depend on the seller's measurement. The shoes that I purchased from etsy, two of out three pairs fit perfectly. There is a pair of shoes that snugs a little. Thus, I surfed the Internet to get info on shoe stretching.

I checked out eHow.com for answers and here are two really easy methods;

1. Wet method - wet the shoes from inside out, then put the shoes on and wear them until the shoes are dried.

2. Ice method - pouring some water into zipper plastic bags and place the bags into the shoes. After that, put the shoes in the freezer. As the water freezes and turns into ice, this will expand the leather.

My concerns on the above mentioned methods:

1. Wet method - this would be uncomfortable and may takes ages.

2. Ice method - not sure whether this would spoil the vintage leather itself.

Then I came across with a post by Sally Jane Vintage on shoe stretching which I think it is more workable:

1. "Put the shoe on with a pair of thick socks. Heat the leather for about one minute with a hair dryer to soften the leather. Walk around in the shoes until they are completely cooled off."

2. "Stuff your shoe full of damp newspaper as full as you can possibly do it and leave it overnight."

Now, it is time to put the first method into action...

Get ready with a pair of thick socks, a hair dryer, and the shoes

Heat the leather (I think I heated more than a minute...)

After putting the socks on, I tried to squeeze my feet into the shoes. At first, I could not fit them due to the thickness of the socks but once I heated the leather with hair dryer, slowly I can make my feet into the shoes. I heated the leather more than a minute and stopped heating the leather after my feet fitted into the shoes. The 'walking to cool the shoes off' part was a bit scary as I was worried that the shoes could not take such pressure and may fall apart. Perhaps I have exaggerated a bit but I have such concern. I walked slowly. Once the shoes are cooled down, I quickly tried them on without socks and to my surprise, it worked! It did not snug as before. Now the shoes are kept in a box with paper stuffed to ensure that they stay as it is. If this shall fail, I will proceed with second method. Keeping my fingers crossed.

References:
http://www.ehow.com/how_5337191_stretch-leather-shoes.html
http://sallyjanevintage.blogspot.com/2008/01/shoe-stretching.html

Fashion project: Flared skirt part 1

Finally, I am glad to present to you fashion project: flared skirt part 1. It took me a while to draft the pattern as my drafting skills is a bit rusty and there were other distractions. I took the advantage that today is holiday to do fabric cutting and overlocking. Phew. Just in time for today's post.

Here we go:

Drafting the pattern

Fabric cutting

Making faced waistline

Overlocking cut materials

Stay tuned for part 2. Oh, one more day to go to the weekend. Any special plans for the weekend? I have accepted a challenge (technically not really a challenge but helping a friend of mine) to make a cheongsam in 7 days. Will be busy with sewing...

Yet another red alert

Another (almost) red alert. Perhaps Chinese New Year is about a week away. When dressing up for work, I tend to be minimalist. It is either let the attire or accessory does its job. A lovely print dress does not need much accessorizing. I like to keep it simple yet stylish. So happy that tomorrow is a holiday. Yay! Enjoy the evening and the holiday tomorrow.

New addition

Yay! Safely received my new vintage shoes, which I bought from etsy. It really made my day, especially after a hard day's work. Very delighted to receive the parcel and I did not open the parcel on the spot. I waited and waited till I got home.

The seller packed the shoes in a plastic bag and covered them with thin papers.

Phew... it was good to know that the shoes are in good condition. They look like they were hardly worn by the previous owner. I bet the previous owner was a fashionable lady. The shoes fit perfectly and I love them - the colour, the woven leather, the design, just everything about the shoes. They are so lovely and I know just the right dresses to pair with them...

OMG, MNG

Did you know that there is a MANGO (MNG) outlet in IOI Mall, Puchong? Yup, there is one and I went there yesterday. And did I leave the shop empty handed? Nope. I bought two pairs of pants and a black pencil skirt at RM19 each! No joke. These items were on sale or clearance. Wish I could snap photos of my purchase but I am too tired to do so after just got back from work. Apologies for this. This is a short post. Have a great week ahead.

Red plaid alert

Weekend is here! It is good to have some time to chill out and relax but I am behind schedule for fashion project. Trying to fit in sewing into my schedule. At times, after work, I feel tired and wanted to relax and not doing nothing at all (besides blogging and checking out etsy). Or on Sunday,s which is the best day to catch up on stuff, there is always unexpected invitation. or outing.. Perhaps it is better for me to learn to say 'NO' to certain things and have a bit of my 'ME' time?

The look:
Plaid vintage dress
Thrifted belt
Strappy like heels
Beads necklace

To-watch list

Remember I mentioned about old movie nights. Well, I have given it a thought and came up with these films:

Roman Holiday


Bonnie and Clyde


Annie Hall



Flashdance


What do you think?

In the mood for cheongsam

Cheongsam that I made few years back

Chinese New Year is just couple of weeks away. Although it is not necessary to wear a cheongsam during Chinese New Year but at times, wearing one makes me feel more Chinese. Sometimes, people tend to label me as 'banana' - yellow on the outside but white inside. The term 'banana' refers to Chinese who are sort of Western-ised. I studied in a Malay medium school instead of a Chinese medium school. Therefore, I do not know how to read and write Chinese. Strange? Maybe.

I love cheongsam as it has subtle sexiness; without revealing loads of skin. It is tight fitting with high slits on both sides. It allures the mind to imagine... ehm..better stop here. I think you got the picture. If you want to see more beautiful cheongsams, I would suggest to watch 'In the mood for love' by Wong Kar-Wai. Maggie Cheung looks gorgeous in the all the cheongsams.

I can smell the weekend! :-)

Blue shoes and yellow belt

My first 'vintage dress for work' post. l love the print, the colour and the collar; pussy bow. Bought the dress from a flea market and luckily the dress does not need any alteration at all. Phew... save me some work. Do I look like a secretary?

The look:
Vintage dress
Yellow elastic belt
Blue heels

Buying vintage shoes online

The packages that I have been waiting for have finally arrived. But I never thought I would be receiving two packages at the same day though. Perhaps, today, 11th Jan 2011 is a special date? In December, besides shopping for a vintage bag, I have tried my hands on online shopping for vintage shoes.

I was scared because I was not really sure what to expect. Just imagine that, I need to visualise how the shoes would look like on me and at the same time I am unable to touch, feel and try the shoes on. But once I have convinced myself that it would be ok; there is nothing much to worry about, I have begun my vintage shoes shopping on Etsy.

Before that, I need to obtain my feet measurements by drawing my feet on two separate pieces of paper. Measure the tip of the toes (the longest point) to the end of the foot. This would be the length of foot. Then measure the widest part of the foot. These measurements are useful when deciding on the size of the shoes.

Compare these measurements with the desired shoes' measurement. If there are differences, mostly probably it may not fit well but I would try to find in my own shoes collection if I have any shoes with such measurements. Or I would refer to the most comfortable or best fit shoes' measurement as guideline.

I purchased one of these pairs of shoes without doing much research on buying vintage shoes online. Here are some guidelines (after doing my research):

1. Buy leather vintage shoes. Leather are more durable than vinyl.
2. Condition of the shoes; do they need lot of touching up/repair? etc
3. Shoes that are made in Italy and Spain.
4. Shoes with chunky heels for more lasting life.

Communication with the seller is very important therefore, ask questions to seek clarifications - about the shoes, the packaging etc. Don't assume.

Anyway, I am glad the shoes arrived safely!

To my surprise, without bubble wrap, the shoes arrived in good conditions. The seller just wrapped the shoes with thin paper and placed them inside an envelop and then in another envelop.

Pick classic design. Classic is the safest design but it is your call.

Condition of outer sole. In good vintage condition.

Minor peeling inside of the shoes.

As for the second pair of the shoes, the seller shipped them in a box. Received in good condition.

In good vintage condition.

Condition of outer sole is in very good condition as if it is a new pair of shoes.

Hope this is useful to you when buying vintage shoes online. Good luck and happy shopping!

References:
http://video.about.com/vintageclothing/How-to-Salvage-Vintage-Shoes.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how_2164742_buy-vintage-shoes.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5511450/how_to_buy_vintage_shoes_online.html?cat=46
http://www.vintagevixen.com/articlesBuyingGuide/vintageShoes.asp

Something sexy

Picture scanned from stockings' packet

There is always a subtle sexiness in a pair of back seam stockings especially in black colour. When talking about back seam stockings, there first image crosses my mind is ladies from 1940's, walking along street, nicely dressed in beautiful dresses paired with pretty heels and in back seam stockings. It is lady-like yet sexy. I have asked a colleague of mine to purchase this from the UK as I have tried to find them almost every departmental stores and boutiques here. If I am not mistaken, I think I came across fishnet stockings with back seam in Blush! which unfortunately is not really I wanted in the first place. Now, I own a pair but I am not sure when to wear them.Save it for special occasion?? Have a good week ahead!

Oh I am so excited...

How was your first week of 2011? So far, so good? I am very excited with the things I have planned such as sewing projects and vintage items to be purchased on etsy (things that I have got my eyes on. Keeping my fingers crosses that they are still available). I have other ideas as well such additional outfit post on every Wednesday, yard sale (I have been slowly clearing my wardrobe, hope some of the items are able to find a new home!), try my hands on handmade handicrafts and old movie nights. What exciting and interesting projects that you have planned for the year?

The look:
Vintage blouse (fruit prints and eyelets) from flea market
Shorts
Thrifted green beads necklace from flea market
Leaf necklace
Watch
Flat brown oxford shoes

Finally...

At last, I have made and put my header or banner on my blog. Many months ago, I bought few packets of buttons in different colours and I have forgotten where I have put them. Last night, whilst looking for fabric for fashion project, I stumbled upon them. I have looked for them for ages but could not locate them. At last, the mystery of missing colourful buttons is solved.

Other header or banner designs are shown below. I like the one that I am using. What do you think?

On another note, have a great weekend!

Between wanting and needing...

The above is (small) part of my shoes collection; oxford shoes. I have flat oxford shoes in black, black and white and brown whilst there is a pair of black oxford heels. But, wait a minute, I think there is a missing pair - brown oxford heels. I have been looking for a pair of brown or tan oxford heels for a while now but to no avail. Well, not exactly, it was just that I was unlucky. Ordered a pair through an online blog shop but the shoes arrived in not so good condition at the hands of the seller. The seller was kind and considerate enough to check with me first prior sending them to me. To cut the story short, the seller refunded my full payment for the pair that I ordered.

Picture taken from: http://leclothespo.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2010-10-25T03%3A35%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7

Came across another blog shop that sells the exactly the same pair as the pair that I ordered earlier. Cost of damage is below RM100.

Picture taken from http://www.zara.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product/11755/en/zara-W2010-s/50917/14492/BLUCHER%2BMEDIUM%2BHEEL

Or to purchase from ZARA as they are having SALE now. The damage would be RM169.90.

To buy or not to buy? I want them but do I really need them? Sigh.

Sneak peek: Fashion projects

Pictures taken from Pattern Drafting, Kamakura-Shobo Publishing Co. Ltd, 1967

Picture taken from Teenager no. 15 Special Edition: Blouses, Joie Inc, 1978

One of my new year resolutions is to get back to sewing. This would be perfect for fashion projects feature. I have not drawn a pattern and properly sewn an outfit for ages. This would be challenging. Selected few easy designs to start with. Now it is a matter of finding the time to draft the pattern and sew the outfit. Hope this will turn out well. Keeping my fingers crossed.