In My Element

Sweater c/o Lulus

Dress c/o Lulus

Tights: AA

Necklace: gift from Chris

Bracelets: Forever 21

Aerin Boots c/o Blowfish

Photos by Christen of From the Woods

This rain is officially driving me bananas. Yesterday was day three and I was determined to actually get some outfit shots. It's definitely been an adjustment getting back to a normal 40 hour week, especially since Chris is now on a similar schedule as well. I've been shopping around for a new camera lens in hopes of being able to take self-portraits again soon. I love having other bloggers to collaborate with at work, but I've also been taking self-portraits forever (before this blog was even an idea) and I miss those projects.

Well, the weather has finally cleared a bit today and it's actually feeling like chilly November. Rumor has it that we might even see some snow this weekend! I have my fingers crossed, I would love to have a little (a little) snow on the ground for Thanksgiving.

October 4, 2011: Rose, Navy, Grey, Olive

Sweater c/o Lulu's

T-Shirt: Madewell

Jeans: Madewell

Belt: American Apparel

Booties c/o Blowfish Shoes

Happy October everyone! The weather has been so summery lately that September seemed to just flash right by. Yesterday though, we finally had some cooler weather. I'm still getting over last weeks nasty cold (thank you for all the get better's), so comfort is key to me. When I received this cozy sweater in the mail from Lulu's, Chris saw it on the bed and said "is this a blanket...with arms?" I can tell you thats exactly what it feels like when I wear it! I paired it with some super soft jeans, an easy t-shirt, and a pair of surprisingly comfortable heels for polish. Blowfish makes the most comfortable shoes, I love this pair of houndstooth booties, perfect for fall.

I can't get over how insane the past month and a half has been. I thought things would calm down after the wedding but not the case! Something pretty big has gone down this past week and I can't wait to tell you all about it! BUT it's still a big secret...so you'll have to wait! And no, I'm not pregnant. People always seem to think that when a newlywed has news.

Mini Spotlight: ModCloth, Ruche, Blowfish, & Mitu Vintage!

Clockwise from top left: Tank: ModCloth, Blazer: Ruche, Necklace: Mitu Vintage, Loafers: Blowfish Shoes, Shorts: ModCloth

This week's Swap DC has had me thinking of swap style. With the advent of another swap comes the inevitable "but what do I wear?" question. A veteran swapper myself, I have been to enough clothing swaps to tell you this: wear something comfortable that you can move in! Sure, you'll be socializing with other bloggers and you want to look cute, but what are you really there for? The clothes! So when those doors open and you rush in and start swapping, you want to make sure your cute outfit also has staying power:

DC will be hot! Start with a breezy tank like The treasured Moments Top from ModCloth, this won't bunch or ride up and it's thin enough to try stuff on over it. Next, add some statement shorts like the Pep in Your Step Shorts, also from ModCloth, donning shorts insures you won't have to worry about flashing people as you would in a skirt or dress. No one wants squished toes, so make sure you wear some easy to walk in loafers like the Nexi from Blowfish. Opt for simple jewelry, like this vintage chinese lion necklace from Mitu Vintage. And For those post-swap drinks you'll definitely be needing, throw on a light blazer like the Make Me Blush Blazer from Ruche.

Have fun DC'rs! and remember you can receive 25% off your tickets with the code ORCHIDGREY!

June 30, 2011: Black, Leopard, Friendship Bracelet

Dress c/o Lulu's.com

Casita Wedges c/o Blowfish shoes

Belt: Off a vintage dress

Sunnies; Gift from ex-coworker

Necklace: Madewell sale ($14?)

Friendship bracelet: "The wolf store" in York, ME- from Punky

Black cross back Bra: American Apparel

I like working in a place where my co-workers give me friendship bracelets, and I have to say, the bright, woven bracelet trend is one that I can definitely get behind. They're easy to make, affordable, and tie easily on to extremely tiny wrists. I like the color it added to my monochrome outfit yesterday. This is one of my favorite dresses, it's perfect for hot summer days like yesterday. The sheer fabric feels fantastic blowing against my legs. Except, you know the downside of the maxi dress/skirt trend? Driving in them. For a little height I added my ever-comfy Casita wedges. I also really love how this black bra looks under the dress, especially how it crosses in the back.

I'm off to my other job this afternoon, what are your plans? The weather in new England is finally acting like summer, take advantage!

Have you entered the Mitu Vintage giveaway yet?

June 24, 2011: Grey, Denim, Multi

Vintage Jordache vest: Thrifted ($5)

Silk pattern tank: Thrifted ($3)

Hiriser Jeans: Madewell (sale)

Bracelet c/o Kellyssima

Makai Sandals c/o Blowfish Shoes

Happy friday everyone! I'm so happy it's the end of the week, I'm exhausted! Chris and I are running around today, getting errands done before my brother comes this evening. Did you have a good week? I have to admit, I'm kind of glad this one is over, it's been long and the weather has been pretty miserable. I've been kind of stuck in a blue and white rut lately, so today, I forced myself out of it by donning three things that have been in my closet forever, but I've never worn. I bought this pretty silk shirt at Savers waaaay back in January, and am just now able to wear it without being freezing. I love the patterns on it. This vintage Jordache vest I've had for over two years, and I'm glad I didn't toss it or swap it, I love the grey suede and the back is faded in the most beautiful graduated pink and purple. And last but not least, I've had these Makai Sandals since the beginning of May and am finally wearing them, apparently I have a thing for grey.

What are your plans for the weekend? My brother and his girlfriend are coming down tonight and I think Polish food is in order. Tomorrow, I'm hoping for some sun so we can go to the beach! Have a great weekend!

June 20, 2011: Navy, White, Brown

Dress c/o Lulus.com

Shorts (worn beneath) c/o Ruche

Belt: American Apparel

Necklace: Black Sparrow (gift)

Bag: Thrifted ($10)

Gimmik Heels c/o Blowfish Shoes

How was your weekend? Ours was beautiful (and way too short), the weather has been unbelievable, just so, so gorgeous! On Saturday, Chris and I had the afternoon together, so after running a million errands, we decided to take a drive over to Salem and take photobooth pictures. It was so nice being by the water and walking around.

Since I've been working from home, and my coffee shop attire consists of ratty t-shirts and cut-offs, I've been making more of an effort to look put together the rest of the time. It's really easy (for me) to fall into the rut of excessive casualness when there's no everyday reason to get dressed up. Especially in the summer, when it's hot out, simplicity is key. That's why I love this dress from Lulu's: It's super light and breezy, but still looks nice. It was a little windy down by the water, so I added a cute pair of shorts from Ruche for modesty, I don't want to be flashing the whole boardwalk! I also wore my new shoes from Blowfish for the first time, I love them! Something I really appreciate about Blowfish shoes is that they're made a little wider, so they're super comfy and don't pinch. I felt wonderful in this outfit, and it reminded me that I really do enjoy getting dressed up, even though cut offs and a t-shirt can be so much easier.

(not our best work)

This whole week is looking like it's going to be gorgeous, do you have any fun plans? I'm working most of the week, but I'm hoping to make it to the beach one of these days.

Mini Spotlight: Blowfish Shoes, Ruche, & Mitu Vintage

Dress: Mitu Vintage, Hat: Ruche, Belt: Ruche, Necklace: Ruche, Wedges: Blowfish Shoes

So I thought I would do something a little different with this week's mini spotlight and show you a few of my favorite things from Orchid Grey's sponsors, in an outfit! Isn't this dress from Mitu Vintage cute? I think it would look fantastic with some spring-y accessories from Ruche, and a pair of comfortable wedges from Blowfish Shoes. Also, you can save 15% off your order from Blowfish Shoes with the code BFORCHID15!

May 23, 2011: Grey, Creme, Gold

Trench: Forever 21 ($20)

Dress: J.Crew

Belt: Thrifted ($1 old)

Necklace: Madewell ($15 sale)

Casita Sandals c/o Blowfish Shoes

I have to admit, I'm not in the best mood today. Monday is rearing it's ugly head, so I'm holding off until tomorrow to post about our trip to Portland, ME last week (and until I feel less pessimistic). I got called into work this afternoon, and sometimes I just have a really hard time adjusting when the direction of my day suddenly changes. Does that ever happen to you?

Anyway, how was your weekend? Mine was extremely productive. This is the outfit I wore on Friday, on the first sunny day we've had in about two weeks. I admit that it was a little cool to not be wearing anything covering my legs, but I was at work for most of the morning, so I was plenty warm. When this dress came in the store last week, I immediately scooped it up. Good thing too, because it sold out in a day, it's that cute. I added a belt to dress it up a little, and a gold necklace to tie in the gold belt. I know I've said it before, but the Casita sandals are the best shoes. They're perfect for work because they're dressed up but I can stand in them comfortably for hours.

Hope your monday is better than mine! Blargh.

May 14, 2011 (Swapday): Black, Creme, Yellow

Photos: Kev

Top: Vintage thrift ($3)

Pants: H&M ($9)

Casita wedges c/o Blowfish Shoes

Necklaces: Madewell & Black Sparrow

Bracelets: Borrowed from Punky

What I wore to the Swap: really comfy clothes. It's been flipping cold lately and all I wanted to be was comfortable, and that's what I got. I've been looking for printed trousers at thrift stores lately but haven't found any to my liking, but I love these cheap-os from H&M! Mainly I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a trend i wasn't sure I would like, I like the printed pant look on others, but I'm more of a jeans, skirts, dresses girl.

This outfit was perfect for what the day brought with it. I got up early, helped set up for the swap and then got to swapping (and then cleaning up). This outfit was easy to move in and kept me at a generally good temperature throughout the day. To add a little color to the black and creme, I threw on some of Punky's woven bracelets. I also cannot recommend the Casita wedges from Blowfish enough, they are the perfect height and super comfortable.

Ps- a BIG thank you to Kev of Jenloveskev for the photos!

Mini Spotlight: Ruche, Blowfish & Pulp Vintage!

Happy Monday! Today , Monday is living up to it's reputation: it's cold (I had to turn on the heat!), dreary, and generally gloom and doom. These are some things that make me look forward to sunny June weather:

A few items from Ruche that I'm loving right now: The Truly Inspired Top, Mint Condition Shorts, and the Feeling Sanguine Dress. So pretty!

I'm Kind of in love with these sandals from Blowfish Shoes: the Wren, the pretty purple Lowbow, and the Luster. Perfect with a summer dress!

Add a few patterned separates from Pulp Vintage: A sheer orange skirt, the perfect summer bag, and a peppy polka-dotted blouse.

April 20, 2011: Stripes, Black, and Gold

(photos: Chris)

Dress c/o Spotted Moth

Sweater: J.Crew (sale)

Belt: Vintage

Bracelets: Vintage

Umbrella: Target (old)

Casita Wedges c/o Blowfish Shoes

What I wore to work yesterday afternoon. As much as I've been preaching low key outfits, I'll admit to enjoying the excuse to dress up a bit. It definitely wasn't warm enough out to go without tights, but once I got into the store I was fine. This time of year is so strange, today it's freezing and drizzly and tomorrow looks like it will be beautiful (I hope). This dress from Spotted Moth was packed up with my Spring and Summer stuff, and I'm so happy to have it in rotation again, it's one of my all-time favorites. I love it paired with a cardigan and sandals, the Casita's from Blowfish Shoes are the perfect shoes for work, the little wedge gives a bit of a lift and they're super comfortable.

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today, so am taking a much needed day off. I plan to answer overdue emails (sorry), clean up the house, and clean out my closet in preparation for tomorrows swap (this doesn't sound like a day off at all). Are you having a nice day?

(Hi, white legs)

Receive 15% off your order from Blowfish Shoes with the code BFORCHID15!

March 9, 2011: florals and dusty rose

TShirt: Madewell (find it here)

Sweater: LOFT (swapped)

Skirt: Thrifted and hemmed ($3)

Belt: J.Crew outlet (gift)

OTK socks: American Apparel

Bracelet: Vintage (swapped)

Necklace c/o Noble Town Vintage

Garren heel c/o Blowfish Shoes

These photos are deceptively spring-y and frankly I'm surprised they came out at all! When I stepped outside to take my shots, I was met with a surprisingly strong wind (not good when you're wearing a skirt), freezing temperatures, and a bit of snow. Boo. Afterwards I was forced to go inside and put on some thick tights and boots in anticipation for work, but for a short amount of time I enjoyed this outfit. Personally, I can't wait to pack away my tights and thick socks, sweaters and wooly jackets. I want light and airy dresses, easy skirts, and breezy windbreakers.

Anyway, last week I found myself on Newbury Street (in search of a wayward W-2 form) and stopped into Madewell. There is something irresistible about a perfect t-shirt, I think it's the comfort factor. I picked up two of these in rose and a rusty brick color (you can see it here in a really bad picture of my face) and have been wearing them non-stop. I liked how the casual tshirt looked with the floral skirt, and of course I just had to find a way to incorporate my new Garren heels. I can't wait for it to really warm up to wear these cork beauties with long dresses and skirts! Is there something you're looking forward to wearing in the coming season? Something special you've been saving?

Stay tuned for your chance to win a pair of Garren's of your very own!