There ain't no words for the beauty, the splendor, the wonder...

Dress Your Best, day three!

T-Shirt: Out of Print courtesy of ModCloth.com

Red Licorice Belt: Courtesy of ModCloth.com

Jeans: Vintage via thrift ($6)

Shoes: Steve Madden ($19 sale)

Sunnies: UO ($4 sale)

Chris says that hair isn't a body part because if you cut it off, you won't die. I disagree. It grows from your head, it's a body part. And, while you may not die by cutting it off, I know I'm not the only one here who has experienced the post-haircut meltdown where you realize your brilliant "shag" is actually just a mullet (true story). So today is day three (for me, 4 for other's) of Dress Your Best Week, and if you haven't figured it out already, one of my favorite parts of myself is my hair! I have always had fun with my hair- at least when I wasn't sobbing over a bad cut/color decision- and I actually used to work reception at Chris' mom's salon back in New Hampshire. Working at the salon, I met some amazing girls, it was so fun to be around creative people who loved their jobs, and of course I learned a lot about styling my own hair! I've always gone back and forth about attending hair school, someday maybe I will! One of these days I really want to do a post about all the styles I've had, maybe once I get my scanner set up.

I went with a decidedly 1970's vibe with my outfit, because I thought it worked with my big, kind-of-feathered hair. I got this amazing Lolita t-shirt from ModCloth. These Out of Print shirts have been making the rounds in the blog world lately, and for good reason, they're so comfortable! Like that perfect 1970's worn-in t-shirt of your father's (minus the holes and axel grease). I chose the Lolita print because it's a v-neck which is more flattering on me, but also because it's my all-time favorite book (I may or may not be harboring a stolen copy of Lolita and Valley of the Dolls from my hometown library...I'll never tell...). What is your favorite book?

ModCloth.com is a sponsor of Orchid Grey

Dress Your Best Day 2!

Dress: Thrifted & cut ($3)

Belt: Vintage Thrift ($1)

Tights: Urban Outfitters ($14)

Cardigan: J.Crew Outlet (old)

Ring: gift from Punky

Shoes: courtesy of Vintage Shoe Love

For today's Dress Your Best look, I chose to focus on a body part that I never expected to ever really love: my legs. First, a little back story: I never thought much of my legs and knees, I ran track all through middle and high school but was never very fast. They were useful for snowboarding, and running and that's about it, but otherwise caused me nothing but grief. I've always had issues with my knees in particular, in middle school I collapsed getting out of the shower and found out it was because I had inherited my family's long ligaments. I had to wear a leg brace for a long time (which was uncomfortable) and every now and then my knee cap will dislocate (really gross, I know). Last summer, after installing a gallery show, I had severe pain in my knees for weeks and they had blown up to the size of softballs, I finally went to the doctor and found out that I had arthritis and bone spurs in both knees caused by untreated sports injuries. Awesome. Well, that was all the incentive I needed to finally take care of myself! I joined a gym, stopped running on pavement, and lost 15 pounds. Pounds that are no longer crushing down on my poor knees. So, I'm happy to say that I finally love my legs, they were the motivation I needed to take care of my entire body.

To highlight my new favorite feature, I wore a pair of heart tights and vintage black heels from Vintage Shoe Love. Heels are still tough for me to wear, but this pair is pretty low, and with some re-enforcement inside they're downright comfortable!

There are so many more bloggers taking part in Dress Your Best, go here to see who else is participating!

Vintage Shoe Love is a sponsor of Orchid Grey and kindly provided the shoes in this post

Gonna get me a gal that'll go out on the town (plus shop update!)

Hyperrealism Dress: Courtesy of ModCloth

Sweater: Second-hand from friend

Belt: Vintage ($1)

Necklace: H&M ($9)

Shoes: Guess ($24)

So this week is Dress Your Best week over at Academichic, when I received the email asking me to participate, I immediately said yes! One of the reasons I was drawn to blogging in the first place was that blogs offered something that magazines didn't: a true representation of very shape and size body imaginable. I loved the idea of Dress Your Best, it can sometimes be too easy to get hung up on one's flaws, having a whole week devoted to our best parts is a refreshing idea! So my first gold star this week goes to my figure.

One of my absolute favorite features of my body is my shape, I love having an hourglass figure and I love dressing an hourglass figure. So, when I saw this dress on ModCloth, I knew it would be perfect on me. I was sure it would sell out fast, but there are still some on the website! It's a little step out of the ordinary for me with the bright florals and sweetheart neckline, but I love it (I did have to tailor it a little by bringing in the sides of the top). It makes me feel like a modern pin-up, it'll be perfect for a summer date! To accentuate my small waist, I added a black belt and threw on a little sweater because it was freezing out!

I haven't always been so comfortable with my body, in high school I wore a lot of baggy clothing. It wasn't until college that I really learned to love my body. When I found rockabilly music (Trivia! the title of this post is a lyric from a Roy Orbison song) and pin-ups, I really developed an appreciation for my curves, here was a subculture that celebrated a "classic" figure! I eventually fell out of that scene, but my appreciation for curves and a little something to grab onto is still with me.

Don't forget to check out the other bloggers participating in Dress Your Best!

What parts of your body do you love?

PS- You didn't think I forgot did you?! I updated Shop Orchid Grey this afternoon! There are four new items up and many more to come! I'll also have more pictures of the swap later on in the week, I'm glad you all liked the video!

ModCloth.com is a sponsor of Orchid Grey and kindly provided the dress in this post

Sneak Peek: Over the Weekend

I had such a great weekend! I'm so excited to say that! Here is a little sneak peek at what I was up to on Saturday (I'll have more pictures of the event tomorrow!):

The Swapaholics from Amy Chase on Vimeo.

Video taken by Punky of Punky Style, Haberdash Vintage, and the Swapaholics!

I have to say, I am super awkward in front of the camera, they interviewed us separately about our blogs and I'm pretty sure I addressed a pile of clothes the whole time rather than look at the camera. I noticed that I'm a little shifty eyed too, I think it's because of the amount of public speaking I do, I'm always making sure I make eye contact with everyone while I speak! We're our own worst critics, huh?

It was so nice to see Jen and Punky again, they are both amazing girls and I wish I got to see them more. It's amazing, I never expected to connect with as many people as I have through this blog.

I hope everyone had a great weekend, I'm keeping things short tonight because I'm in the middle of finishing up final edits for a freelance project for the College. Have a good night!

Slow Days of Summer

Another beautiful day today!

Dress: TjMaxx ($25)

Shoes: Salvation Army ($6)

Belt: vintage from friend

Necklaces: courtesy of Noble Town Vintage

The wind today was absolutely ridiculous. I had all of these grand plans for a photo-shoot in a new location, but had to rethink the whole thing because of the sheer windy-ness! I'm pretty sure I have accidentally flashed my whole town from the wind blowing up my dress. I'm over it, I need a solution! So the grand photo-shoot will have to wait until another day, this little nook is really pretty right now anyways. The flowers shielded me from the wind and some overly curious gawkers too!

I've been making a noble attempt at breaking in these wedges. I found them brand new at Salvation Army back in January (they're from Target originally), and they're a little narrow. I'm finding that as I wear wedges more and more, I'm getting a little addicted to the extra height!

Couturious Scholarship Winner!

Remember the Couturious Scholarship contest? Well we have chosen a winner for the $2000 prize:

Connie Chang from Otis College of Art and Design!
Her winning look:

Connie writes: "Hello, my name is Connie Chang and I am currently a Fashion Design student at Otis College of Art & Design. Fashion and fine art has always been my favorite subjects since I was very young and am continually educating myself to grow to become a bridal designer someday. I enjoy expressing myself through creating art and I love exploring those who create their own. I admire genuine people with kind hearts and passion, and believe success simply comes from hard work and determination. As much as I love traveling, "Travel Chic" is a perfect way of expressing the style of outfit I prefer to dress while I am on the road."

I absolutely loved Connie's "Travel Chic" look, definitely something I would wear to explore the streets of Italy or France in the summertime! Congrats Connie!

It's a rainy day sunshine girl

Happy Cinco de Mayo! The weather has been unbelievable this week, aside from a random thunderstorm yesterday afternoon, it's been just gorgeous. I love this time of year, when you haven't begun to take the weather for granted and it's not hot or humid enough yet to warrant complaints. Everything is so green too, it's amazing! I know I sound all dippy about this, but after a particularly harsh and ugly New England winter, Summer just seems like a miracle. Like something you kind of forget exists November through April, and then all of a sudden it's here!

Dress: Church sale altered ($2)

Shoes: Salvation Army ($6)

Belt: Thrift store find from Mom ($1)

Anyways, on to my outfit: I love the satisfaction an entirely thrifted outfit brings, like you beat the man or something. Take that society. I found this dress last year at a local Church rummage sale. When I bought it, it was super baggy on top and had some particularly gnarly sleeves, something a granny probably donated. I originally bought it thinking I would make it into a skirt or something, i really liked the linen-type fabric, and didn't see much hope for it staying a dress. Well, I was wrong, after hacking it with scissors and taking it in about 6 inches either side up top, I really love it! I've really been feeling dresses this week with minimal accessories, they're a little too easy!

Do you have Cinco De Mayo plans? I'll be making Jen's tostadas and drinking Coronas with my honey. Certainly quieter than the typical bar scene, but I like it that way!

Oh, and wow! I never expected the response I got for my new Shop Orchid Grey feature! Thank you all! Everything is spoken for right now, but there will be another update next week, so stay tuned! xoxo

Shop my closet!

So I'm really excited to announce a new feature on Orchid Grey: "Shop Orchid's Closet". It's been something I've been slowly working on for a long time now, and the torrential downpour this afternoon motivated me to finally finish it (rain puts a damper on picture taking)! I recently came to the sad realization that it is virtually impossible to fit another single piece of clothing in my side of the closet (making Chris' nearly empty side look awfully tempting!), so it was time for a clean-out.

I'll be posting a few pieces a week- there are only about three items up right now- and it'll be a mix of vintage and new clothing. I have a huge amount to post, so there is definitely more to come!

You can check it out here!

Daily Style and a little Over the Weekend too!

It finally felt like summer today! Summer in a BIG way too, it was so humid but I'm not complaining, this is what I wait for all year in New England: the magical transition from cold Winter, to tepid Spring, to totally worth it Summer. And on days like today, where it was almost 80 first thing in the morning, there is nothing easier than throwing on a dress and some espadrilles.

Dress: Vintage from flea market ($8)
Belt: Vintage (gift)
Bag: Thrift from Salvation Army Saugus, MA ($10)
Shoes: You Know the Espadrille courtesy of ModCloth
Necklace: Courtesy of NobleTown Vintage
Bracelet: Vintage via Savers ($2)

I love how breezy this vintage dress is (sometimes a little too breezy, I pulled a Marilyn this afternoon, whoops!) and I actually decided as I was getting dressed this morning that all I want to wear this summer are dresses! They are seriously so easy and require absolutely zero thought. Paired with classic espadrille wedges and a straw tote, it's a simple combination that can work for weekend or at the office (which was where I was today). I guess I need to stock up on basic dresses so they are easy to re-mix.

While I was taking my photos, I had a special guest:

I see this cat everywhere! Today he followed me around meewing, I know he has a home though because he's a bit... chubby. So cute though!

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So, I hope everyone had a good weekend! I only have a couple of images to share, it was just too nice outside to bother with a camera! On Saturday, Chris and I took a walk through town and down to the beach...

On our way we discovered that the Public Library was having a book sale:

We found "The Little Lame Prince" (a bit like "the Little Prince"...but lamer?), "Judy and Jim" (which has a cute image of a boy and a rabbit on the cover), and "The Princess Diana Paper Doll Book of Fashion" (do I really need to explain this awesomeness? I love Lady Di). The weather was so so so beautiful!

Did you have a good weekend?

Daylight

I love the College that I work at, but sometimes working at a small school can feel like going to a family reunion everysingleday, and today has been one of those days! I was so happy to get home and just sit with my cats (one of my favorite after-work relaxation methods). It was windy beyond belief this afternoon, which spelled potential disaster if I bought my tripod outside, so just a few indoors pictures for today.

Top: H&M ($25)
Jeans: BDG (gift)
Necklaces: Courtesy of Noble Town Vintage

Something that always brightens my spirits is mail! Well, as long as it's not bills. So you can imagine my excitement when i walked up to my mailbox and there was a package waiting for me. Sarah from Noble Town Vintage was so sweet to send me a couple of her hand-crafted necklaces. I love them, and just couldn't help wearing them both immediately. I really like how they look together, and with the stripes on my top. Noble Town Vintage is such a great shop, not only does she sell great vintage but Sarah now sells her hand-made jewelry crafted from recycled materials.

I feel like this post is like the opposite of yesterdays, it's all stripey and moody. This is a great example of my go-to outfit for days like today. I just wanted to be comfy and mobile.

What's your go-to outfit?

The winner of the Noble Town Vintage giveaway was Clare, thank you to everyone who entered! I'm hoping to have more giveaways soon, so keep reading!

Haberdashery!

Blue Suede Cape: courtesy of Haberdash Vintage
Belt: Vintage ($1)
Tights: UO ($14)
Dress: AA ($40)
Shoes: GAP ($34)

How amazing is this blue suede cape from Haberdash Vintage? I have been searching for the perfect cape for months now and had yet to find anything special. Well my search was over when Punky presented me with this beautiful royal blue number. It came with a separate belt, but for convenience sake I just used the belt I was wearing with my outfit today. I think it works just the same. I really wanted to do more of a dedicated photoshoot with it, but unfortunately the sky was clear on my lunch break only so I had to work with what I got (it's thundering out right now!). You may have noticed my photo shoots have been a bit different lately, the truth is that after spending the cold winter months with just the parking lot as a backdrop, I'm bored with it! I've been taking advantage of the nice weather and exploring different locations.

To celebrate the 1 year aniversary of Haberdash, Punky is offering 30% off for Orchid Grey readers! Use the code "ORCHIDGREY" at checkout. Thanks Punky!

Don't forget to enter the Noble Town Vintage giveaway!

Spooky little girl

Don't forget to enter the Nobletown vintage giveaway below!

I would like to introduce you to one of my favorite places:

Earrings: Courtesy Noémiah Bijoux

Dress: H&M ($13)

Sweater: J.Crew outlet ($20)

It may sound odd to some that one of my favorite, most relaxing places is the local cemetery, but it is! This particular cemetery is just a few blocks from our apartment and I love walking through it on warm days. There was a warm breeze blowing off the ocean this evening, a perfect time for a stroll. Along the way I came across this great tree, when the wind blew, all the little pine cones shook and made the most amazing sound.

I felt like my long, black dress was very fitting for the somewhat somber surroundings. To add a little sparkle, I added these amazing feather and chain earrings from Noémiah Bijoux. I'm not usually an earrings person, but I love this pair. I've actually been wearing them a ton on the weekends, they go great with a simple jeans and tee-shirt ensemble. You should definitely check out Noémie's shop, she makes everything herself and has some great pieces!

Thank you all for the encouraging words yesterday.

life can get pretty rough at times, and I'm so thankful and appreciative

that I have the support of so many people! You all are amazing!

Glamour.com

source

Have a hot date coming up? Head on over to Glamour.com to check out Glamour's 14 Cute Spring Date Outfits featuring me and some of my other favorite style bloggers! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't freaking out about being on the Glamour website, thank you Glamour for featuring me! I guess now I'll have to plan a "Spring Date" for this weekend!