Here & There 12.31

Happy New Year's Eve! Chris and I are laying low this year. As much as I'm excited for the new year, I've never been much of a fan of the holiday itself. Instead, I like to start out New Year's Day bright and early, go for a run, and work on setting my intentions for the upcoming year. That rosy scene didn't exactly happen last year... so this time around I'm taking control and not going out. Plus, we live at ground zero for Philly's New Year's Day shenanigans, so it's a good idea to stay put until the madness is over (if you've never experienced the Mummers or living in their vicinity, it's hard to explain just how bananas things get). We're renting a movie and getting Indian takeout and I'm wearing leggings, so all in all a pretty ace evening in my boring little book! This weekend I'm hoping to work on a little recap of the past year, a post about my resolutions/intentions for 2017, and finishing up some freelance work, too. This past year, as much as 2016 been easy to complain about, really did bring some amazing things our way between all the ridiculousness, but I'm so, SO excited for what 2017 has in store. See ya next year!

How rad are these vintage studded jeans?

Would love to add this patch to my jacket (this pin too)

George Michael's life must not be sanitized

Asos is having a huge sale - love this cute pink dress, these gorgeous over the knee boots, and this cozy scarf

Save up to 50% off from Moorea Seal! Digging this handmade clutch and this great hat

The invisible workload that drags women down

This planchette necklace is gorgeous

Save an extra 30% off sale items from ModCloth - including this great lace-up sweatshirt and this gorgeous wedding-ready dress

13 things to give up if you want to be successful

Making room for hygge

This day planner sounds awesome

These handmade yoga leggings would be so fun for the gym

Is giving the secret to getting ahead?

WORN: Vintage Levi's 501s + ThredUp

Two phrases I never thought would ever escape my lips: I love mom jeans and ...oh, these jeans? I picked them up in Paris. But here we are. In the words of the Beibs, never say never, baby. (Also, the irony isn't lost on me that I had to go overseas to finally find the perfect pair of American-made vintage jeans.) Fashion and your own tastes can surprise you, and while these jeans would have been (and very much were) the bane of my existence as a pre-teen, I love them now.

Like any good closet staples, these vintage Levi's 501s and sweet ballet flats from Repetto have been on heavy rotation lately. The shoes were a score from ThredUp. Arrived brand new in their box, which still had the original price tag on it... but I'll get to that in a second. If you're unfamiliar with ThredUp, it's an online destination for gently used women's clothing. ThredUp is chock full of great pieces at prices similar to that of a higher end thrift store or consignment shop. You can buy and sell, which makes it a nice option for offloading pieces from your closet you no longer need or want, and there are often discount codes available and free shipping at certain thresholds... phew! Which means these gorgeous little leather flats ended up being just over $50. A very far cry from their original price from Bergdorf's, which was marked with the original sticker on the box at $350. Seriously... This is why I love thrift shopping, guys.

I learned early on in life that taking the time to scour the racks at thrift and secondhand stores will often reward you with pieces that you might not typically be able to afford, along with giving you complete creative control of your wardrobe. I have a collection of classic Coach and Dooney & Bourke bags as proof (all priced under $20, thank you very much). And one-of-a-kind vintage. And multiple items crafted from high end fabrics that would normally be laughably out of my price range. Plus, the satisfaction that comes with saying "oh, this old thing? I thrifted it for $6 bucks" really can't be beat. The time taken to comb through racks and drive to far-off Salvation Armies is far more rewarding to me than just popping into the mall to get exactly the thing I'm looking for. I like a challenge. I like to let the universe help me out a bit. And this year, I'm taking control of my closet and rediscovering my love for thrifting and secondhand in all its iterations, both online and IRL. It took awhile to comb through ThredUp to find a piece that fit my criteria (a piece my closet is currently lacking, well made, good condition, could work with multiple outfits and more than one season), but I approached it as I would any other secondhand shopping trip. You're not always going to find something, but eventually you will. And it'll be great. And sure enough, on my third site visit, there they were. The pair of walkable, go-with-just-about-everything shoes I've been looking for. And for a fraction of the cost of buying new. Resolution realized. Control taken. Secondhand forever.

Get the look: Schott NYC 'Ex-Boyfriend' Jacket // H&M Sweater // Vintage Levi's 501 jeans // Repetto "Camille" ballet flats via ThredUp // Zodiac 'Aquarius' ring via Moorea Seal

Note: A portion of the cost of shoes + shipping was provided by ThredUp. All opinions are my own.

New Year, New Style

2014 brought some wild changes into my life, especially over the last seven months, and with the obvious upheavals (moving, new jobs, new city) come the not so obvious ones. A smaller place means a smaller closet, and a busier schedule means not as much time to get ready in the morning. Since we moved, I've been slowly but surely cleaning out my closet, sorting through the detritus, trying to find what I truly feel comfortable in. Bags and bags have been taken to Goodwill and Buffalo Exchange, cherished pieces that I've just needed a break from have been packed into storage. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and assess.

With a new year, I'm looking forward to further streamlining things. Not changing my style drastically, but making small changes here and there to make my mornings and workday easier. I spend a fair amount of time at work taking photos, and I hate to feel encumbered. While I'm still drawn to the eccentric, for practicality's sake a good pair of jeans, ankle boots, and sneakers have become essential. The trend towards these solid, basic pieces is awesome in my book. I'll take a pair of sneakers over heels every day of the week.

It's my high school uniform, all grown up. Let's hear it for comfort and mobility.

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Get the look: UNIF sweater // slouchy beanie // Marc Jacobs sneakers // teddy bear jacket // DL1961 Jeans

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Get the look: UO vegan biker jacket // One Teaspoon Jeans //Superga sneakers// Ray Ban Sunnies // Asos 3 pack roll-sleeve basic tee

See Ya 2012!

If 2011 was a year all about major life changes- marriage, moving, careers- 2012 was all about settling into those changes and this new life. Looking back at my blog posts over the past twelve months or so, I can see myself settling in to our new city, our new schedules, and our new life. This year was not easy and I think I made that point quite clear; I started off this year on an emotionally low note, but I feel as if I can confidently say I'm coming out of 2012 a little older (literally, yes, also figuratively) and a little stronger than where I started. And you know what? I'm glad it wasn't easy, if it had been I'm not sure I would have as clear a vision for what I want for my future. I could recap all that happened in these past twelve months, but I'd much rather enjoy looking at some of my favorite images taken throughout the year. I'm ready to put the past behind me and work on making 2013 the best year yet.

Thank you for taking the time to read, comment, support, and advise over this past year. I don't think I will ever truly be able to express my gratitude for everyone who reads Orchid Grey, but please just know how much you're appreciated. If you're out on the town tonight, please be careful and have a wonderful last day of 2012! xoxo -Julie

Happy New Year!

Happy 2012!

Coat: J.Crew (cinema coat, last year)
Radiant Panache Sequin Top c/o Ruche
Shirt: Ralph Lauren (thrifted)
Jeans: Madewell High Riser (last year)
Loafers: Ralph Lauren (thrifted)
Bracelet c/o Motherland

Happy 2012! Did you have a wonderful time celebrating the new year? Chris and I stayed in because I was sick, but we still had a great time cooking food and hanging out. Because of my mystery sickness (we still don't know what it was, despite going to the doctors), this is about as sparkly as things got (on Thursday). But I love having a versatile sequined top in my wardrobe now! I have so many plans on how I want to remix this!

Have you made your New Year Resolutions yet? I've actually been thinking a lot about mine. 2011 was such a great year, I want to keep that momentum going. So, here are my 2012 Resolutions:

1. Continue to learn.
I've noticed something in the past few months: I haven't been reading as much. I want to push myself to get to the library when I say I'm going to, to check out new classes in the area, and to follow my interests.

2. Explore our new city and explore our new region.
We're now living in a part of the country that neither Chris nor I have ever really explored. Now that we're close to all these new states, I want to take advantage of that with plenty of road trips and new experiences.

3. Continue to push myself athletically.
In 2011 I went from using three pound free weights in my weight training regimen, to using twelve and a half pound free weights. This is something I'm extremely proud of, I have my arthritis under control and I'm stronger than I have ever been. I never saw myself as someone who could stick to an exercise regimen, but suddenly I am that person. This year, I want to get outside more for hikes, and start swimming at the gym.

4. Pay off debts and start saving for a home.
This will be the year that I significantly pay down my student loans and my credit card. Last year was hard, this year I'm vowing to get it done.

5. Go on more dates with my husband.
more romance is always a good thing.

6. Make more of an effort to write letters, and keep in touch.
This was one of last years goals as well, but it's especially important now that I live so far away from everyone I love.

7. Be more outgoing.
Here's my little secret: I have a terrible habit of being a recluse. This is another thing that is very important for me to change since we've moved. I want to do more and meet new people!

So, these are my resolutions! Are you making resolutions? What's top on your list for things to do this year? Things to change?

2011 in Review

Welcome to the largest post in the history of Orchid Grey. Steel yourselves...

This year has been- to date- the craziest year of my life. I usually find myself debating whether or not to do a re-cap at the close of each year, but this time there was no question at all. I mean, holy crap. Did I think last January that I would be living in Pittsburgh by October? Noididnot. So, without further chatter, for those of you brave or bored enough: here it is.

January

Chris and I spent last New Years literally in the middle of the woods. I was honored to be a guest ModStylist for ModCloth. I celebrated National Swap Day with Jen and Punky. And celebrated my 27th birthday.

February

In February I traveled to NYC for the IFB Conference with Jen and Punky where I caught the worst cold ever. We creeped on Lady Gaga. The Delightful Dozen launched a new blog. I started volunteering at the Essex Shipbuilding Museum running a ship-themed scavenger hunt and teaching simple machines, as I searched for a full time job.

March

In March, Punky and I attended the TjMaxx spring preview. We had Buddy Brunch with some of our favorite friends. And Visited home more as we ramped up our wedding plans.

April

In April, I volunteered at the Earth Day Clothing Exchange, where I won tickets to Wine Riot for putting on a mint colored snow-suit and dancing like a robot. We also attended the Whiskey Plank party for the schooner being built next to the Shipbuilding Museum. I was volunteering a lot for the Swapaholics and the Shipbuilding Museum at this time as I continued my job search.

May

In April, Chris and I celebrated our seven year anniversary! We spent the night in Portland and saw Steve Martin and the Canyon River Band, which was one of our best dates ever. Our friend Hans moved to California and we welcomed his sweet cat, Louie, into our home. We also went to Brimfield for the first time. And helped out at the Canal District Swap & Shop.

June

June had us traveling back and forth to Maine almost every weekend as we scrambled to plan our wedding. Somewhere in there I landed a contract position at Swap.com with the Swapaholics and left my retail job for a barista position at a local coffee shop. After this move, things improved significantly. I was working for a company I love, drinking way too much coffee, and enjoying summer.

July

July began on a sad note with the sudden passing of Louie.We celebrated the 4th of July with our wonderful group of friends. I participated in ModCloth's Dear Creatures/Be The Buyer collaboration (my dress was picked!). Took some photobooth pictures with my husband-to-be. And saw Prairie Home Companion at Tanglewood. I was also running around like a chicken with my head cut off because we were getting married in one month.

August

August was the best, most friend filled month ever. Chris and I received our engagement photos. I had an amazing bridal shower. We saw Alison Krauss and Union Station at Meadowbrook. Even though all our wedding photos were posted in September, we were actually married on August 20th. Looking back, I'm so glad we decided not to elope (something we had discussed). Now that we find ourselves 1,000 miles away from home, the days spent with friends and family leading up to our wedding day hold so much love and meaning for us, those days made all the stress worth every second.

I actually never finished posting about our wedding. But it was the most amazing time. The love showed by our friends and family still gets me a little "verclempt".

September

We rolled right into September with the start of NYFW and the Lucky FABB conference. The Swapaholics hosted ModSwap with ModCloth. I attended the Lulu's.com brunch. And announced the blogger jewelry collaboration with ModCloth! The Orchid Grey Bracelet is still available! My contract with the Swapaholics also came to a close.

October

October was the slowest month blog-wise, but quite the opposite life-wise. In early October, after many, many interviews I received some of the most exciting and anxiety producing news ever: I got a position at ModCloth as a Blog & Fashion Writer and would be starting in...THREE WEEKS! Bold, italic, capital. Needless to saw, we were excited. and terrified. We also needed to find a place to live, immediately. After an extremely tough year and a half looking for a full-time job, I never expected to find it in Pennsylvania. All of our energy went into finding a place to live in a city we'd never even seen, and spending as much time with our friends and family as humanly possible (included in this was a night of re-living high school at a NOFX/Anti-Flag show and having the greatest time ever). It didn't seem real, and I admit that I shut out blogging a little. After so many close calls with job interviews, I felt like I was walking on eggshells with this news. That if I talked about it, everything would be taken away. So, that's why I dissappeared a little in October, and the explanation for the hinting tweets, etc. Thanks for sticking with me.

November

In November, we started settling into our new home of Pittsburgh. We explored parks and new places, and I started getting back into the habit of blogging again. Through my job, we started meeting new friends. We also spent our first holiday ever with just the two of us. Thanksgiving was the most perfect this year, with a hike, the Muppet Movie, and too much food.

December

And now it's December. We're still settling in to our new city, and think of New England probably too often. We traveled home for the holidays. And I found some new places to thrift. Life feels like it has slowed down a bit, but I know it's just because we're settling in.

I know that each year brings it's lessons, and this year's lesson was all about looking forward. There were times of panic, of being unsure of what the following day, week, or month would being. I started 2011 by giving myself an ultimatum, that I would either figure my life out, or else just go to trade school. I felt bleak at the beginning of 2011. The last few months of 2010 had been rough, I had been chewed up and spat out and I just wanted things to get easier or at least better. But the thing about ultimatums is: they're unrealistic. It's ridiculous to put a time-line on your life. Somehow the puzzle pieces started coming together though, and even the bad experiences that I'd had began to take new meaning and I noticed how those experiences contributed to the possibility of success. I hope I'm making sense. I guess I'm just glad that we kept looking forward and pushing forward.

I'm very interested to see what 2012 has in store for us. 2011, you were a real doozy, but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks for the memories.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read this blog, I have exciting plans for Orchid Grey in 2012, and I can't wait to have you all along for the ride! Please have a happy and safe New Years! See you next year (har har har).

2010 Re-Cap: Part 1

Wow, I really can't believe it's the last day of 2010, this year has just completely flown by! I'm going to do a re-cap of the year in two parts sharing some of my favorite memories, today is part one and I meant to have part two ready for this afternoon, but these things take longer than expected so it'll be later in the weekend. In part one we'll look back on January through June:

January:

In January things were pretty quiet, I introduced my second "Hair-Do How-To" and I had my first magazine feature (and promptly ordered five copies)!

February:

In February we introduced the Delightful Dozen, I celebrated Valentines day with my sweetheart, Bea and I had our second collaborative show with This Collective Pull, and Jen and I travelled to NYC where she told me she was expecting baby Rowan and we celebrated NYFW with some amazing ladies!

March:

In March Chris and I attended the illustrious Trashfinders Ball, I launched a third "Hair-Do How-To", I found some amazing shoes, and professed my undying love for Barbie. Oh and Zephyr finally got his close-up.

April:

In April, I was ecstatic to announce that I had been chosen as ModCloth's "Blogger of the Moment", I debuted the "Orchid Grey Dress", Chris and I celebrated our 6 year anniversary, and i showed you one of my favorite places.

May:

In May I introduced you to the Swapaholics, I appreciated my body in "Dress Your Best Week", I started taking better care of myself, and the weather finally got warmer!

June:

In June my little brother shocked everyone and graduated from high school, I celebrated the one year anniversary of Orchid Grey, I watched two wonderful people get married, somewhere in there I left my job as an admissions counselor, and i posted more photos from the swap!

I'll be posting July through September later on this weekend so stay tuned!

Have a happy and safe New Year!

auf Wiedersehen 2009!

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Dress: Rodarte for Target (44.99)

Belt: Vintage (3.00)

Tights: TjMaxx (4.99)

Heels: Guess (34.99)

Bracelet: H&M (2.99)

Photos taken by: Chris (xoxo)

Hello January! Hello 2010! Did everyone have a festive New Years? I'm so excited to be welcoming in a new year (and my birth month!), I have a lot of plans for myself and lot of plans for Orchid Grey. Have you all been thinking about your resolutions? It's a new decade too don't forget, any plans for the next ten years? I know it's a lot to think about!

Here are some of my goals for the next year...

1. Get (and stay) organized! My computer desktop is a mess and I'm really due to clean out my filing cabinet, time to hop to it!

2. Be smarter with my money! This is something I always say I'm going to do, and this year it has to happen!

3. Make this blog bigger and better! I have some exciting things planned (including that elusive hair post I've been procrastinating on!)

4. Find more opportunities to show and promote my artwork! This includes (finally) getting a professional website!

And some goals for the decade...

1. Get a job in fashion! I am always telling people to do what they love and it's time to take my own advice!

2. Get married! Preferably to Chris, hopefully it won't take ten years, haha! Ahem...

So my beautiful readers, I want to know your resolutions! What are your plans for 2010?

Have a safe and happy weekend!

P.S. Check out how the beautiful Tieka and Jen styled this same Rodarte for Target dress, we're style triplets!