New City, New Job

Photo: Courtesy of ModCloth.com

I have some exciting news to share with you today! In last week's post about our big move, I alluded to a new job with a new company, many of you had some very close (if not entirely correct) guesses as to where I would be working: on Monday I began my new career with ModCloth as a blog & fashion writer! The words "Dream Job" do not do this justice, I'm so excited to be working with such an amazing company.

I've wanted to share this with you all so badly, and now I can! The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of interviews, apartment-hunting, saying our good-byes to New England, and getting settled in to our new home. I'm so happy to finally be here, and be grounded.

So, you may be wondering what does this mean for Orchid Grey? Things will stay roughly the same, but I will be taking advantage of our move and introducing some new topics (unrelated to my position). I've wanted to expand my repertoire for a long time, and now that we have a new place, with new space, I'll be able to! I will continue to have amazing sponsors on Orchid Grey, but ModCloth will no longer be one of them. Essentially, everything I do for my job will be completely separate from Orchid Grey, so if you'd like to keep up with me on ModCloth, you can definitely check out their blog.

If you have any questions, you can definitely ask me either on the Orchid Grey Facebook page, or below in the comments section!

And lastly, thank you all so much for being so patient with me over the past few weeks, I know posts have been scarce, but I'm so excited for what the future holds for Orchid Grey! Thank you all for your comments and words of encouragement (and recommendations on what to do in Pittsburgh!).

October 19, 2011: Live Free or Die

(photos by Chris)

Coat: ModCloth (bought with a gift certificate provided by the company)

Sweater: J.Crew outlet

Tank (under): J.Crew

Jeans: Madewell hiriser

Boots: Matiko via LF

Necklace: Flea Market

Bracelets: Forever 21

Well, Chris and I are back from the saddest weekend ever. Goodbyes are never easy, and when you're from a place where you can see your whole extended family within an hour, and all of your oldest friends, those goodbyes are even more difficult. After a great couple of days with my brother down here, we trekked up North to see family and friends before heading out on our new journey. We saw just about everyone we wanted to see, though for a shorter time than desired, even though we'll be back for Christmas (only a short couple of months away) it was still rough. While in New Hampshire & Maine, we made sure to visit all the places we love, including Cathedral Ledge. Chris and I used to take picnics up here all the time when we lived in NH, and I think it's one of the most beautiful look-outs, especially in the fall. It's strange leaving New England, I feel like being from northern New England is such a strong part of my identity, it'll be weird not living here anymore.

I've pretty much been living in this outfit lately, I bought this sweater last weekend and I love it so much, it's so easy to just throw on with jeans and be done with it. Crisp fall days are my favorite, I love being in a cozy sweater and jacket and tramping through the woods.

October 6, 2011: Chambray, White, Gold, Tapestry

Sweater: Swapped

Dress: J.crew

Shoes: ModCloth

Necklace: Swapped

It took me three wears to actually get a photo of this outfit, sometimes life just gets in the way of blogging! I first wore it this past weekend at the Gloucester Grand Prix, and then I wore it yesterday to work (that third time, I have no idea what I was up to). This sweater was one of last weeks Boston Fashion Week Sip & Swap finds, I love it! Give me breton stripes and I'm a happy girl. We're finally getting some cooler weather, and I love that I can add some layers to my outfits.

Tonight I'm headed into Boston with our friends from up north to see NOFX and Anti-Flag and I'm stoked! Just like old times!

September 27, 2011: Floral, Chambray, Brown

Dress: Vintage via thrift (old)

Shirt: American Apparel

Belt: American Apparel

Shoes c/o ModCloth

I'm back in action! After nearly a month of not taking my own photos, I dragged my camera out of hiding, dusted off the cobwebs, and took some outfit shots yesterday. I admit, I've been off my game, since I've had the wedding photos and NYFW to tide me over, I've taken a little break from getting dressed up. Which, believe me, wasn't a good idea. It took me for-ever to piece this outfit together yesterday. Like, way too long for what it is. It doesn't help that my camera is broken: I dropped it while running out the door to catch my bus for NYC, and the lens broke. Not good! It's all duct-taped up right now and not working very well. I guess I'll be saving my pennies for a new lens.

Yesterday was my kind of day: I did some work in the AM, grabbed a coffee with my husband (aka Chris...I just like saying Husband), and then headed off to Portsmouth, NH for lunch at the Friendly Toast and a stop at The Enormous Tiny Art Show with the wonderful Elise of Argyle Whale and Daphne of The Living Words (two amazing- and amazingly funny- ladies), there may have been a Savers pit-stop in there somewhere, too. The weather has been extremely summery lately, much to my chagrin. This always happens: I put away my summer clothes in favor for autumnal wools and flannels, and then BAM! it's 80 degrees again. Boo hiss. So, I made due by quickly taking in this dress which has been languishing in my to-be-altered closet for a year and a half. I added a little button-up and a belt, and then went with some almost-sensible-but-still-heeled clogs.

Orchid Grey & ModCloth Jewelry Collaboration!

Frock Band Dress c/o ModCloth

That Ain't All Folks Heel c/o ModCloth

Belt: Vintage

The Orchid Grey Bracelet: ModCloth

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to announce this collaboration with ModCloth! A few months back they contacted me about creating a vintage inspired piece of jewelry for their site, I was so excited, I immediately set about scouring northern New England's best vintage and antiques shops to find something amazing. I had all but given up hope when I finally found my muse: An amazing gold bangle with lion heads. Lion heads! I mean, you all know how cat-crazy I am, it was the perfect inspiration piece. I loved the power represented by the two lions, juxtaposed by the femininity of the bracelet.

I'm so proud of the final product, I've been wearing my bangle in secret since I received it in the mail. Well, today is the big reveal! You can check out the ModCloth blog post here and snag a bangle of your very own here!

Funny story: When Chris and I went to take these photos in the park, what I expected to be a quiet and quick photo session turned into mayhem. When we arrived at the walled garden-in-the-park, there were pre-teen boys everywhere! It was like Lord of the Flies. Seriously, they were playing some kind of insane running game and screaming their heads off and jumping out of trees. Miraculously, and to my astonishment, one of the boys told his brethren "Hey, don't run over here because there's photography happening". Surprisingly considerate! Anyways, that's why I look a little grumpy, it was the most awkward blog-photo experience I've ever had.

You can grab a bangle for yourself here!

NYFW: Aubergine and Chambray at Lucky FABB!

(Photos taken by Jen)

Blazer: Vintage thrifted ($5)

Dress: J.Crew sale ($15)

Hat: H&M ($15)

Belt: J.Crew (gift)

Bag: Vintage/Thrift Coach ($14)

I Got Sole Heel c/o ModCloth

When planning all my outfits for New York, I got a little frustrated, as much as I wanted to wear all my favorite combinations of fall attire, the weather had other plans and decided to call for rain and humidity. On the day of Lucky FABB however, I got my wish for a relatively cool and rainy day. Out of all my NYFW outfits, this one was by far my favorite. This vintage blazer has been in my closet since spring, but went unworn until NY. I love the deep purple, velvet elbow patches and purple buttons. I paired it with a new dark eggplant hat from H&M and a J.Crew dress, and the most versatile shoes in my closet from ModCloth. This specific dark purple is my all-time favorite color, but is so hard to find, whenever I come across a piece of clothing of this hue, I immediately scoop it up. You will definitely be seeing this outfit again this fall!

Lucky FABB was a great experience, it was incredible listening to what Diane von Furstenberg and Rachel Roy in particular had to say, two independent women who managed to remain relatable despite their fame and notoriety.

NYFW: Polka-Dots and Hot Pink at ModSwap!

(Jen took my photos)

Dress c/o ModCloth

Chain Bracelet c/o ModCloth

Shoes: Urban Outfitters sale ($9)

Watch c/o La Mer via Lucky FABB

The highlight of our NYFW trip was definitely Friday night's ModSwap. For this swap, The Swapaholics teamed up with ModCloth to host a night of swapping and socializing, not only was it super fun, but this swap was also my first "away game" as Brand Ambassador for The Swapaholics. By the time Friday rolled around, I just wanted to wear something super easy and comfortable, setting up swaps is tiring and I needed to be able to move. I chose one my favorite polka-dot dress from ModCloth, and added bright pink accessories and shoes.

It was such a great night! All of the fabulous ladies (and gent) from ModCloth were amazing and I was so excited to see 1/3 of the Delightful Dozen as well!

Jen and I

Veronika, Jen, Me, Punky

Kim, Punky, Me, Ashley

The amazing ModCloth team & The (amazing if I do say so myself) Swapaholics

(photos c/o Adam Towner)

NYFW: Cornflower and Cranberry at the Lulu's Brunch

Dress c/o Lulu's.com

Belt (from a dress) c/o Lulu's.com

Tights: AA Super Opaques

I Got Sole Heel c/o ModCloth

Chain Bracelet c/o ModCloth

Bag: vintage/thrifted coach ($14)

Man, it feels great to post some non-wedding outfit shots! I do have a few more wedding related posts planned, but I'm taking a break. It has taken me about a month to get back to a normal routine after August-wedding-madness, and I'm SO HAPPY it's all over. Don't get me wrong I loved my wedding, but it's crazy how one event can completely consume your life, where the HECK did summer go? This week, I'm looking forward to taking it easy, and welcoming autumn air into my life. It's been a bit chilly and I think it's time to switch over most of my summer wardrobe to fall. Also, after a few weeks off from styling outfit shots, I have so much inspiration and so much to share with you guys. I'm totally pumped.

Anyways, I digress. This outfit is from Fashion Week! I'm working a bit backwards, as I wore this on my last day in the city. I've had this dress from Lulu's for awhile, but have been saving it to wear with tights...it's a tights kind of dress i.e. it's short. Anyone who has been reading O.G. for a while now will probably recognize my favorite colors here, I love muted blues and purple-y reds, especially paired with my favorite brown shoes. Lulu's was very kind and invited me to a brunch they were hosting at the Crosby St.Hotel, possibly the fanciest hotel I've ever seen. It was great to catch up with/ finally meet some of my favorite ladies like Tieka, Ashley, and Emily.