You Asked, I Answered: Pt. 5

Chris will potentially kill me for posting this photo. I mean, it's on my facebook, so it can't be that bad. Lately I've made a habit of posting bad hair photos with these Friday "About me" posts, and I'm getting a little sick of looking at past bad decisions! This photo was taken two years ago at the College's annual art auction. I was actually the photographer for the event, but my friend Chelsea snapped this photo of us lookin' fancy.

So nothing really went as planned this week, and I'm so happy it's over. I'm finally feeling slightly better after being sick with first a sore throat and then a terrible cold/flu for a week! I hate being sick (I think that's kind of a given for anybody, though). Posting will be back to normal next week. We're headed North again this weekend for a friend's wedding and some much needed quality time. Our lives seem to be moving a little too fast paced for my comfort lately, I always feel much better up North.

So, below are more questions from my Formspring account...

Do you have any tattoos? Do you want any?

I have three tattoos (you can see an earlier comment where I discuss what they are), and I really want more!

Who are some of your favorite bloggers? or do you read mostly non-OOTD (outfit of the day) blogs?

The blogs I check out daily are all of the girls from the Delightful Dozen, and a majority of the blogs listed in my links section. I also read a lot of art blogs regularly, and some lifestyle blogs (The Rockstar Diaries, A Cup Of Jo, For Me For You). I also like to check out the blogs of my reader's, I think there is a great diversity there (though I don't often leave comments for the sake of time).

How do you edit your photos?

I use Photoshop CS4, however I rarely change anything other than bringing up the levels a bit and adding some vibrance. I also admit to occasionally clone stamping out a zit or two.

a lot of people have asked me about the "rainbows" in some of my images, that effect is gained by pointing your lens towards the setting sun and positioning the sun just out of frame (you'll see spots dash across your viewfinder).

The best time to shoot is either early morning or around 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening. Shooting mid-day will give you harsh shadows and blown out colors.

Where do you get inspiration for your outfits? Your style is amazing!

Thank you! I get my inspiration from a lot of places, I read a lot of fashion-based history books and a ton of magazines. I also love art, and get a great deal of inspiration from going to museums and gallery events. I love color, pattern, and texture!

hi, im from Mexico, Tijuana, i love everything you wear, how do you get your clothes? sorry, i dont know english :C

Thank you! About 90% of my clothes are bought second-hand at thrift stores, church and charity shops. On rare occasions, I'll buy something from a store in the mall or an outlet, like J.Crew, Forever 21, or H&M. I also receive some clothes from my sponsors (Items that are listed "C/O"), which are all pieces I would purchase online anyways.

I'm originally from upstate NY so not only do I love looking at your outfits (and hair, wow) whenever you post scenic pictures of the gorgeous Northeast it makes me so happy. Do you think you will ever live anywhere else or do you love it there like I do?

Thank you! I love New England so much, I grew up in Maine, my dad lives in New Hampshire, and now I'm in Massachusetts. I'm open to living anywhere if the right opportunity comes along, but right now I'm really happy living in the community that I do. I love having four distinct seasons, and the accessibility of the eastern states. I also really like that there is a lot happening, but at a comfortable pace.

I love Upstate NY too! I did a lot of traveling there last november, there are quite a few posts from when I was in Albany/Saratoga Springs frmo around that time. A lot of my friends from college are upstate NY'ers, I would love to live in the Hudson Valley someday, it's so beautiful!

You're awesome! My friend is going to Montserrat and he told me about this blog! I have now been viewing it often and been so inspired by you. Thanks for re-igniting my interest in fashion. I have been in such a rut lately!

Thank you so much, that really means a lot! I think blogs are better than magazines in the sense that they allow instant access to millions of individual styles, the inspiration is endless! I actually started my blog when I was in a major fashion rut, it really helps me explore my style more and completely re-ignited my passion for fashion as well, to the point where I realized I wanted to make a career out of it! I hope your friend enjoys Montserrat!

Would you like to get a master's degree sometime in the future?

I would love to eventually get my Masters, but not for another couple of years. I'm so glad that I didn't go for my MFA straight out of college like a lot of my peers, while it may have been the right decision for them, I needed time to figure out the direction I most wanted to go. Which is still something I'm trying to figure out.

What T.V. shows do you enjoy watching?

I don't watch much T.V. because we don't have cable or satellite (it's too expensive), so any shows that I watch have to already be on DVD or on Hulu. It can be really annoying at times to not be able to turn on the T.V. for background noise when I'm doing something, but it's also excellent quality control! I like Mad Men, SNL, and Glee.

How did you grow your hair so long and healthy? I've been trying to grow it out and it's been difficult. Any tips?

First I should tell you that it's taken me about six years of growing-out to get my hair this length. I had a chelsea cut when I was a junior in college, and after that I decided I wanted it longer. It's important to keep cutting/trimming it, even as it grows, so along the way I've had a number of other hairstyles (including an ill-advised fashion mullet). While you may not be game for a fashion mullet, while you're growing it out get the ends trimmed a couple times a year. Contrary to what people believe, cutting it will not actually make it grow faster, but trimming off the scraggly ends as they appear will make it look healthier and you will end up cutting off less in the long run than if you were to grow it super long and then trim it, does that make sense?

As far as health goes, I eat a lot of Omega-3's, tons of avocados, and take fish oil supplements. The benefits of these foods are many, one of which is healthy hair. I also do not blow dry it, and don't use a lot of styling product, and only wash it two times a week.

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Have a question? Formspring me!

Have a great weekend!

You Asked, I Answered: Pt. 4

And the bad photos continue...

Circa 2004 with some of the worst hair and eyebrows ever

Is your whole family as stylish as you?

I'm sure they would say no, but I think they all have their own unique styles. My brother is probably the most obvious "yes", he's actually been on my blog a couple of times! He loves punk and wears some amazing things (some of which he stole from MY closet...I want that Exploited t-shirt back, John!), he even hand painted the Misfits "Horror Business" album cover on the back of his leather jacket. My mom is very outdoorsy and works in the deep woods as a surveyor, so her style is much more rugged. My dad and step-mom are both very casual (when they're not wearing their jumpsuits- they're both Chief Engineer Merchant Marines). And my sister is pretty casual too. I don't really know where I got the fashion gene, but my mom is really artistic.

What are your measurements? I feel like we have similar body types and I was wondering if it was difficult to find clothing that flatters your shape?

I'm 5' 5" 32-26-34, typically a size 2 or 4 in dresses and size 7 or 8 in pants. I used to have a hard time finding clothes, mainly because I didn't know what looked good on me. Over the years, I've learned what to look for in silhouettes: High waist skirts, shorts, and jeans look great on me, whereas skirts that hit at or below my belly button look terrible. Shirts and blouses (unless cropped) need to hit just below my hips or right at my pelvis. Short dresses and skirts look best, midi length is bad. Any clothing that accentuates my waist is awesome. This is part of the reason I wear a lot of older vintage and thrifted clothing, it's made for an hourglass silhouette.

I've also discovered stores over the years whose clothing is the most flattering, this is why you see a lot of J.Crew, ModCloth, and Urban Outfitters on my blog, I have a lot of luck at those places (especially J.Crew).

If you allow yourself to experiment with your silhouettes and play around with proportion, you'll slowly find what looks good. Don't pay attention to the size on the tag- I have pants in my closet that all fit me with a size range of 4 to 11 (!!!)- take a bunch of sizes into the dressing room with you and find what fits and feels best!

What college were you an admissions person for?

Montserrat College of Art (I also graduated from there)

What magazines do you read regularly/ have subscriptions for?

I subscribe to BUST (my all time favorite) and Teen Vogue. and I regularly buy regular Vogue. I also have been really enjoying Vanity Fair lately too. Occasionally I'll buy ReadyMade, Glamour, and Nylon. I can be a bit of a magazine junkie, but I'm trying to cut back because they're expensive!

How do you make time for working out? Is it usually a morning or evening routine?

I usually try and get there in the morning, because that's when I have the car (chris and I share our car), but sometimes I'll go with a friend in the evenings. I'll be honest, it's always a struggle and there are some weeks when I only make it once or twice, but i try to remind myself how how great I feel after my workouts. If you miss a workout, try not to beat yourself up about it, we're only human!

Have you ever had braces?

I've never had braces, there was talk of having to get them in the 4th grade, but my teeth straightened themselves out. My brother on the other hand, was not so lucky.

What was your major in college? and was it easy for you to find a job after graduation?

I majored in Photography in college, graduating with my BFA. After graduation, I moved home for about a year and worked some unrelated jobs, then found my job in Admissions. After working for admissions and also as a campus event photographer, I realized that I love photography but I didn't want a career as a photographer. I think the thing to keep in mind is that you may not immediately find a job that relates to your major, but if you choose to see the benefits of wherever it is that you're working you can still gain valuable experience that will carry with you when you DO find your dream job. So, no it wasn't easy finding a related job right after college, but I made the most of the positions I could find. Hope that helps!

How many cats do you have? do they get along well?

I have two cats, who are brothers. They get along really well, they hang out and play together a lot and I catch them snuggling on a daily basis. I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a little obsessed, they're so sweet!

What is your dream job?

I would love to be a wardrobe stylist. I think it would be a great way for me to mix my background in photography, with my love of working with clothes. Your outfit has the power to make you feel a certain way, I would love to help other women discover their own unique style and also help them with their confidence. I also think it would be extremely cool to work on movie sets in wardrobe!

Have a question? Ask me on Formspring!

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I am SO happy it's Friday! Do you have any fun things planned? Chris and I are going to Worcester's stART on the Street on Sunday, and I'm pretty sure we'll go out to breakfast too which is one of my favorite weekend things. Have fun!

You Asked, I Answered: Pt. 3

Circa 2006 in Vegas drinking beer out of a cowboy boot at a bowling alley.

Have you ever travelled outside of the US?

Yes, I love traveling and I'm lucky enough to have had parents who encouraged it. I've been to Germany (where we stayed with my mom's aunt), Ireland, and Japan. I was actually in Japan for about a month during college, I got to travel all over the country which was incredible. I've also been all over Canada, but where I'm from (Maine) that's a pretty common thing because we're so close- my mom, brother and I used to do a road trip to PEI every summer to go camping. I've also been all over the US. I would love to go overseas again, but right now my dream trip is to go cross-country.

Who is your favorite artist?

Ah, that's such a hard question! I would say it's a bit of a tie between William Eggleston and Cindy Sherman as all time favorites. Eggleston had such a knack for documenting people and places, and Sherman's concepts are really interesting to me. I also love Kiki Smith, Frieda Kahlo, Nikki S. Lee, Jeff Coons, Louise Nevelson and Andrew Wyeth. Those are pretty random, but a good example of artists whose works that have inspired me over the years.

What is your daily skin-care routine?

My routine is pretty basic: In the morning I splash my face with cold water, towel dry and apply Oil of Olay spf 15 lotion. I then wait about 15 minutes to apply make-up. For make-up in the summer I usually only wear liquid eyeliner and mascara (in the winter, I wear concealer too). At night, I use a baby-wipe to remove my eye make-up (pampers sensitive skin- it cheaper than make-up remover), wash my face with cold water and Alba Pineapple Enzyme facial cleanser, towel dry and apply the same lotion as before. In the winter, I apply Jojoba oil at night instead of lotion. About twice a week I use St. Ives Apricot scrub to smooth away any dead skin.

What is the most expensive item of clothing you have ever bought?

I once had to buy a bridesmaid's dress that cost $200, and keeping with tradition I never wore it again. Other than that, everything in my closet I paid under $100 for. If you want to count my snowboard boots, I paid $150 for them on sale at Chris' work! (Erica, if you read this the wedding was beautiful and I was so happy to be a part of it!)

What eyeliner do you wear?

I use L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black

How many tattoos do you have and do they each have a special meaning?

I have three tattoos: Two traditional swallows on my back and a set of script numbers on my wrist. The swallows I got about 6 years ago, they don't have a specific meaning other than my appreciation of traditional tattooing and my love for that specific bird (I grew up on a farm where there were a lot of them). In traditional folklore they also symbolize the coming of spring, which I like. The numbers on my wrist are a little more personal, they are the last four digits of the phone number of my family home, which burned down in 2004 while I was at college.

Where in Germany is your mom from and do you speak German?

My mother's side of the family is from Weilburg, Germany (my dad's side is Irish). She spent most of her formative years in the US but my Grandmother had dual citizenship, so they also spent a considerable amount of time with family in and around that region. My mom speaks German, unfortunately I do not.

You have probably some of the most gorgeous hair I've ever seen, and I read awhile back that you only wash it two days a week! I was wondering if you wash it after you exercise and if not, how you keep it from looking sweaty and gross?

Thank you! I DO only wash my hair about twice a week, and I don't typically wash it after going to the gym. When I'm working out I usually wear it up in a bun with an elastic headband wrapped around my head to keep fly-aways out of my eyes. I wait until after I shower to take it down. I don't know if that helps with keeping it less sweaty, or if I just have a really high gunk tolerance, but it seems to make a difference. You could always try using a dry shampoo to soak up any excess oils post-workout. I occasionally use Tresseme "Fresh Start". I like the texture that a little grime adds to my hair, and not washing it constantly keeps it healthy.

I always wondered, are you married?

Nope! Chris and I have been happily un-married for a little over 6 years. The topic of marriage has certainly come up in discussion, and isn't out of the question, but it's not a priority for us right now. (the answer to this question has clearly changed since then!)

I love your blog! Any tips for newer bloggers?

Thank you so much and welcome to the blogging community! Blogging can be tough at first, but I think staying true to your own voice is the most important thing. Write about what you love! If you're a fashion blogger, quality pictures help volumes with your readership, make sure they're in focus and well lit. Don't focus on getting sponsored, or getting X amount of followers, those things will come if you stick to it and enjoy yourself!

Have a question?

Ask me on Formspring!

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Chris and I are headed to Maine this afternoon to celebrate Punky's birthday. I'm so excited, the weather is perfect, and I can't wait to be sea-side finally! It's been kind of a crazy week, which ended with me losing my phone. I've had the same terrible Verizon phone for the past five years, and today I'm finally taking the plunge and buying an IPhone! Have a great weekend!

Remember, you still have time to enter the giveaway!

You asked, I answered: Pt. 2

I've really been enjoying going through all my old photos for these Friday posts. Chris, not so much, I don't think he likes having the past dug up and plastered all over the internet! so, just me today:

Circa 2007 while I still worked at Chris's step-mom's salon

Have You ever Been to Texas?

Yes! I love Texas, I've been to Austin a few times and every time I go, it's harder to come home. I've also been to San Antonio and Dallas.

How tall are you?

I'm five feet, five inches

When did you decide to pierce your nose?

I pierced my nose two years ago when I turned 24, it was a birthday present from Chris.

Where are you working now?

Right now I am blogging and freelancing full time.

How come you are so amazing? ;)

haha, thank you! I just try and be as authentic as possible!

I've just started using Blogspot and I was wondering, how do you add more than one tab at the top of your page? So far I've only got one that says Home.

My template was made by a graphic designer friend, I wish I could offer more information. I would maybe google it. Sorry!

What High School did you attend?

I attended a semi-private high school in Southern Maine (note: for those of you unfamiliar with semi-private schools, it often means that the population in the area in which the school is located is not large enough to warrant building a public school. Therefore the taxpayers pay for the local kids to attend, I was a local, not a boarding student)

What is your biggest insecurity?

While I certainly have my insecurities from time to time, over the years I have made a greater effort to not focus on them. I am not a saint, there are certainly things about myself that I sometimes wish I could change, however there is no use obsessing over them because in the grand scheme of things, they just don't matter. I think I have a lot more to be thankful for than to fret about, and I remind myself of that every time I start to feel bad about any one little thing.

Do you have any scars on your body? If so, how'd you get them?

I have a lot of scars, received in a great many ways: Chickenpox, climbing- and then falling out of- trees, falling off bikes, etc. I was a rough kid.

If you could go on vacation for the next month with an unlimited budget, where would you go?

I would drive cross-country in a heartbeat.

Do you follow any other blogs that aren't fashion related, like fitness, or nutrition, or lifestyle? Any suggestions?

I do! it's hard to keep track, I tend to jump here and there in my blog reading. I love reading cooking blogs like Smitten Kitchen and Ming Makes Cupcakes and I follow a lot of art blogs (there is a list of "Artists and Designers" under my blog roll that I highly recommend). I also love Design Sponge, Camp Comfort, For Me For You, A Cup Of Jo, City of Dionne, and the Rockstar Diaries. I don't read any fitness or nutrition blogs, I keep myself updated through other websites for that sort of stuff (self magazine, vegetarian times, etc.)

Aside from Savers & Modern Millie...where do you shop for thrift/vintage?

I hit up the Salvation Army but rarely have any luck, I also try to visit as many church and charity shops as possible when i drive home to Maine because they tend to be cheapest. The majority of my wardrobe was bought from these kind of shops, as I typically don't have enough cash to go shopping at vintage boutiques. I always recommend going to thrift stores when you're traveling, most of my clothes were bought at out of state stores and carted home!

Well, that's it for today. the weather today is perfect, and Chris and I have spent most of it lounging at the park, taking pictures, and hanging out with our cats. It's one of those days where you can tell Fall is slowly trickling in and all I want to do is bake pies and curl up with a book or a movie or both! Have a lovely weekend! xoxo

Have a question you would like to ask? Formspring me!

You Asked, I Answered: Pt. 1

In 2004 we looked like babies!

(and half my head appears to be baby pink)

How did you and your b/f meet?

Chris and I met in high school at a skateboarding competition when we were 15 or 16. I had seen him around and was always interested, but that day I fell particularly hard for his huge mohawk and leopard print pants! Despite being friends since then and skating and going to shows with the same crowd, we actually didn't get together until I was a sophomore in college. We had a long distance relationship for two and a half years which was a lot of work and really tough, but I think that just made us stronger, we've helped each other through some amazingly tough times. It's kind of hard putting this into words with out sounding overly gushy, we've now known each other now for ten years and have been together for six.

How did you develop your sense of style?

My sense of style has developed over a very long period of time, and I think it's still developing! I think my style now is really informed by all the styles I've experimented with over the past ten years and all the things I love. Though I think I'm less literal about it now, I've been into 50's and 60's fashion for a long time and before that I was heavy into punk rock. I also love art, and find myself drawn to patterns and textures. Basically I wear what I love and I love taking something unexpected and making it work!

how do you stay in shape? =] You have a great figure, and I'm just looking for any ideas =] thank you!

Thank you! I usually go to the gym four or five times a week, I do three days of cardio and two days of strength training. I also eat really healthy, paying attention to eat as many fruits and vegetables and whole and raw foods as possible. I try to only eat meat once or twice a week. I also take a multi-vitamin and fish oil daily. I also love riding my bike in the summer and in the winter I snowshoe and snowboard.

Do you have any tips for getting a job in college admissions?

You need to be a great public speaker, like teenagers, be ok with traveling alone for four straight months out of the year, and be really confident in your delivery and confident in the college you work for. It helps to start out at a school you are familiar with (I.E. your Alma Mater). You must have excellent communication and time management skills. Be aware that being an Admissions Counselor is not typically a "career" most Admissions Counselors will work for three to four years and then either move up in Higher Education or move on with a different career. It's a great chance to travel and see the country but it burns you out fast.

Tieka just did a video on how she does her hair. I love your hair, are you willing to give up your secrets?

I have done quite a few hair tutorials already and have more planned. To read the ones I've already done, you can go here:http://orchidgrey.blogspot.com/search/label/hair

what does your closet/wardrobe look like? i'm not only curious, but in dire need of inspiration on organizing a lot of stuff. thanks!

My closet is not something to be envied! I'm sorry to say I am probably not the best person to turn to for organization inspiration, most of my clothes live on my floor right now, and my shared closet is a mess. I do however keep my shoes organized on an old wooden painting ladder, it comes in handy when I need to reach something high and makes my nicest shoes look cool!

how often do you wash your hair?

I only wash my hair once or twice a week. I use Head and Shoulders shampoo to cut out gunk and Herbal Essences "Tousle Me Softly" conditioner. I air dry it overnight and between shampoos I *occasionally* use a dry shampoo to soak up any excess oils.

what college did you go to/work at?

I went to Montserrat College of Art and later worked there. Check it out, it's amazing: www.montserrat.edu

Formspring is proving to be a useful tool, I think I'll start posting some answers each Friday as they come along. Have a question? Formspring Me!

Holiday Loot (plus more Q&A)

I feel like I've dropped off the face of the earth. In reality, I think I am still in Christmas recovery. I always go into the holidays thinking "this year I will simplify", unfortunately Chris and I have 5 families collectively, which complicates things no matter what. I've really just been putzing around the house since Sunday, so no outfit post until (hopefully) tomorrow.

I will however share some of my loot! Since Chris and I live together, most of what we receive for Christmas is meant for the both of us (i.e. a coffee maker -thanks mom!- and coffee -thanks dad!-). So I secretly love it when I get something special just for me. Chris' step-mom inadvertently gave me the Teen Vogue Hand Book (left) by giving me a cookbook I already had. Kerrie from work was my secret santa, and apparently reads my blog (or is psychic) because she gave me the little Moleskine Notebook (center) I blogged about here. And I am so excited about the little cropped lace vest from my mother (right), it was hers from the seventies and she found it while cleaning out a trunk in the basement. What was your favorite holiday gift?

Q&A with Orchid Grey

(are you getting sick of this yet?)

How do you have time to post on your blog and what motivates you? -Ashley

Finding time in my day to get a post up can be really difficult, I work a pretty demanding full time job and sometimes when I get home, all I want to do is veg out! Right now, I am trying to get up early enough so that I can blog in the morning and not have to worry about it when I get home from work. blogging can be really demanding, but it's something that I love to do, and feel compelled to do, so I make time. I think the motivation comes naturally, I love clothes and fashion, and I love sharing my ideas, so this is something that I enjoy doing everyday. There are definitely days that just don't work out (like yesterday), and I have to just let it go sometimes. The blog has actually helped me motivationally in other aspects of my life, I feel like I am more productive at work because I have an outlet for my ideas at the end of the day and it's helping me keep a more consistent gym schedule because I figure that I blog everyday, so why not get exercise everyday too? I think it helps that I have a pretty quiet social calendar too! I don't go out during the week, I save the fun stuff for the weekends!

how old are you?-Urooba

I am 25...I'll be 26 in 29 days!

do you ever feel like your style makes people take you less serious or that people assume you are immature because you dress fashionably? -Pamela

I am lucky enough to work in a creative environment where I have a little more leeway than the typical office worker. I have certainly had bosses in the past who I am sure would have preferred I wear a business suit, but it was never a vocalized issue. I'm sure I've come across people who have taken me less seriously, but they are too few and far between for me to care. I dress for myself, while always keeping the situation at hand in mind whether it's work or a family function. Everyone in my office is constantly mistaken for college students- including the director of Admissions! There have been a couple of times where I was mistaken for a high schooler...but I would much rather be mistaken for a 17 year old than 37 year old!

I hope you all stay warm and toasty on this freezing cold night!

It's only 14 F outside! Ahhh!

What I Wore: Thursday

Turtleneck: J.Crew outlet (20.00 ?)

Skirt: Vintage Thrift (2.99)

Tights: Urban Outfitters (3.99)

Shoes: Target (6.99)

Belt: Vintage Thrift

So yes, this outfit is from last week. Thursday to be precise. I woke up with pretty big hair that morning and decided to push my outfit in a 60's mod direction. I think my style leans more 60's lately anyway but this is maybe a little more obvious- I just need to get my scooter fixed and I'll be all set! I really like that it's not just black and white, I'm utilizing the entire greyscale here with grey stripes and two toned grey tights. If you look closely you can see a geometric pattern in these stockings from Urban Outfitters (I love the bargain basement in Harvard Square!), they are one of my all time favorite pairs.

Is everyone ready for the upcoming holiday? Today was more low key for me, I wrapped some presents and then went to my dad's in New Hampshire to celebrate my Step-Mom's birthday. This evening my mother and I watched "Butterflies Are Free" which is way better than it sounds. It's a 1970's movie starring Goldie Hawn (who I love) who also has some amazing fashion in the movie. It's instant watch on Netflix right now and I highly recommend it!

Tonight I'm just gonna answer a couple of questions because I'm sleepy and I have to get up early tomorrow! :

Q&A With Orchid Grey

(continued...)

What's the one piece in your closet you absolutely can't live without? that you might even run into a burning building to save?-WhatANerdWouldWear

I love everything in my closet pretty much equally but there are some things that used to belong to my mother that I hold close: A couple of hand made dresses, some scarves, and an uncharacteristically saucy brocade cocktail dress from the 80's. There is also a swing dress that my late aunt made that means a lot to me.

If you only had one pair of shoes to wear for the rest of your life, what shoes would they be?- Jen Lainy

I know this is going to sound completely un-exciting...but black ballet flats. They are classic and go with (almost) everything. If I couldn't have black flats I would go with brown orthopedic oxfords- my mother would never yell at me for wearing unsensible shoes!

The last question tonight was posted by Linda in response to my last post, I hope she doesn't mind I post her question here, but I think it's a good one:

Do you feel as though you can't post your tattoos...?-Linda

I haven't posted about my tattoos mainly because no one has asked. The two sparrows on my back mean nothing and are really just a tribute to my love of traditional tattooing and rockabilly culture. I have never shown them because it would be awkward (I never wear clothes- other than bathing suits- where you can easily see them) and they really need to be touched up. The numbers 3807 on my wrist- occasionally visible in my photos- are the last four digits in my old phone number. The number is a tribute to my family home that burned down in 2004. I don't show this one because, well they're just numbers, and the tattoo itself looks less than hot. Another touch-up for another day.

Have lovely nights!

xoxo

Over the Weekend (plus: more Q&A!)

Wow, I can't believe it's already Monday! How was everyone's weekend? I guess technically, it's still the weekend for me because 5:00 P.M. on Friday marked the beginning of a two week vacation! I love working for a school! On Saturday morning I started the trek home to my Mother's house in Maine, because Chris has to work in Mass until Christmas Eve, getting home was a little more complicated than usual. I woke up bright and early to catch a 7:30 train to Boston and then boarded the Amtrak to Portland. The images above are from my trip. I love riding in trains and watching the landscape roll by- the little cottage in the last picture is my cousin's! When I arrived in Portland, my mother was waiting for me. We finished up some Christmas shopping and then went for seafood chowder- one of my favorite meals!

Ok, now on to the next order of business: answering more of your questions!

Q&A With Orchid Grey

(continued...)

Do you link everyone that asks you to exchange links.. even if you're not crazy about their blog? -Tieka

Wow, Tieka with the hard questions! To be perfectly honest, no I don't. I like the links on Orchid Grey to be a representation of the blogs I read (almost) everyday. Don't be insulted if I don't add a blog right away though, I'll always check back to see the progression, and I still don't link every blog I love- mainly because I am spending most of my "blog time" writing posts and not necessarily updating my blog list.

I would like to know more about your involvement with the art world. I was so impressed and blown away by your hosting an art show at your place and how you turned your apartment into a gallery space. You guys put so much work into that and it looked fantastic, not to mention that I love that you took showing art into your own hands and created your own alternative space for showcasing it. Would you do something like that again? -Chic

Chic is referring to this post from August (back when my pictures were tiny!)

I attended a small, fine art's college from 2002 until my graduation in 2006. I hold my BFA in Photography, but also enjoy printmaking and lots of other creative pursuits. Aside from my full time job, I also do occasional freelance work documenting events and other people's artwork. The This Collective Pull shows were started by a close friend and fellow artist, Bea Modisett as a way to pull together local artists in hopes of forming a more active community. The show was incredibly stressful, but so worth it in the end. Many young artists have a hard time finding venues to showcase their artwork post-graduation, holding an apartment show is (I think) one of the simplest solutions. There are more Collective Pull shows in the works and (I believe) I will be lucky enough to collaborate with Bea again on the next one. However, there is an active effort to find a legit venue- it's a messy process turning your small one bedroom into a full fledged gallery space! (PS- Thanks Chic for the support!)

You seem to strike the perfect balance between using fashion to express who you are, without losing its potential for experimentation, playing 'dress-up' and expressing who you would like to be (if that makes any sense). What are your thoughts on this balance?-Inge

Oh Man, another hard one! This question is incredibly flattering by the way Inge, thank you! I believe strongly in the saying "dress for the job you want, not the job you have", most of the outfits posted to Orchid Grey are outfits that I wear to work throughout the week. It's a delicate line, balancing between what you like and what is appropriate to wear in an academic setting. I'm also 25, I've had time to wear costumy things, in high school I loved punk rock and in college I fell in love with rockabilly and psychobilly music. At these times I felt like I had to dress to fill a certain stereotype (and to be accepted by my peers in both scenes), which was incredibly exhausting. I don't really know what I'm getting at...I guess I just dress to please myself now and I think I just naturally am prone to experimentation, I also don't have a lot of cash to spend on clothing so I am somewhat forced to experiment and try new things. Does this make sense at all? No? Inge wins for hardest question ever. Ok, on to the next question...

You've talked alot about work before... but, what is it that you do ?- Holly

I am a college Admissions Counselor at a small, fine arts college. My job entails: traveling for three months straight every Fall to recruit students (I visit upwards of 70 high school art departments between mid-September and late-November), processing the applications that those recruited students send in, reviewing applications and portfolios, making decisions on their entrance, advising families during the financial aid process, quelling parents concerns, giving tours of the college, holding prospective student interviews/portfolio reviews, getting them to deposit, making sure those deposits hold, data entry (lots and lots of data entry), and helping them move in as freshman. And then starting all over again. There is so much more to it than that, but that's my job in a nutshell!

I was following your blog for awhile before I noticed your septum piercing. I love how it juxtaposes with your (don't hate me for calling it this) ladylike style. Do you have any other interesting body modifications?- Chelsea

Why did you get that nose piercing (sorry i don't know the specific name of it) rather than just a plain nose stud instead? :)-Bella

What was your reason for piercing your nose and what was your reaction when you had it pierced? Did you jump? cry? yelp? not feel any pain at all? -Ash

Chelsea: Apart from my septum piercing, I have three tattoos: two on my upper back and one on my inner right wrist.

Bella: I got my septum pierced because this was the piercing I liked. Nostril piercings look good on some people but wasn't my style, I like mine much better (for me). I really don't like the ring that's in it right now though, I want a seamless gold hoop instead. (ahem boyfriend...birthday's coming up!)

Ash: I pierced my nose because I had always wanted to and figured "why not?" and my boy offered to make it my birthday present. When I actually got it pierced my eyes watered when they pushed the needle through- they actually had to pierce it twice because I have a "deviated septum". I didn't cry but, it's definitely painful, but no worse than getting a tattoo.

Have a happy Monday night!

More answers to your questions coming tomorrow! xoxo