White Feathers

No One Can Take Your Lace Dress c/o ModCloth

Shoes: Thrifted ($10)

Belt: Vintage (gift)

Tights: UO ($4 sale)

Bracelet: Vintage (old)

Necklace: Loan c/o Kdikio Vintage

I had about a 10 minute window this afternoon to run out and take some photos, we're finally getting some much needed rain. Today is one of those windy and rainy pre-fall days where you just want to curl up in a sweatshirt and hide out indoors. Which is exactly what I'm doing. We got some cooler weather this weekend too, which has aided the trees to start turning, pretty soon Fall will be in full swing in New England!

I was happy to be able to break out some tights this morning, I tried this dress this past weekend sans-tights and it was a little too short for my comfort. Tights make me much more comfortable with really short clothing. I love how the blue, brown and white work together. I've been looking for the perfect white dress all summer, I love this one from ModCloth and I could immediately imagine it with a brown belt and tights. Sure it's a little short, but the lace is so pretty and I love the three quarter sleeves, even though it's white I plan to wear it long after labor day with tights and a sweater.

I found these shoes last week at a thrift store in New Hampshire, they're new, but I bought them because they remind me of 60's loafers with the little square heel. I love new shoes that look old, you get all the comfort of newly designed footwear but the style of something vintage.

Also stay tuned for a another giveaway on Wednesday, this one is going to be really fun! All I'm going to say is pay close attention to my accessories today and tomorrow!

I once again didn't get any images of my weekend, Chris and I drove to Maine to visit my Mom on Friday and stayed until Saturday night. We went peach picking, had a bon fire and ate smores. Sometimes weekends are too good to stop and take photos!

How was your weekend?

Thursday

source

Just a little something to help you get through the day. Kittens and Dolly, that's all it takes.

Remember to enter the giveaway below. Outfit post to follow later today. That is all. XO -J

Shop Closet Update!

Ever wish you could shop my closet? Well, nows your chance! I spent the majority of my day cleaning out my nightmare of a closet and updated the Shop Blog this evening with a bunch of skirts, tops, dresses, and bottoms. I'm enjoying the extra room in my closet immensely and I'm sure my suffocated clothes are enjoying the room too. Below are some photos I took during the cleaning process, I thought my dresses looked pretty hanging from my bed-frame like that. Sorry though, these dresses aren't available in the shop.

(note: these items are not available in the shop)

Need to do some school shopping? Check out my shop blog for everything you need (well, almost), you may even recognize some items from my old blog posts!

I know I said last time that there would be shoes, and I still definitely have that planned for the next shop update!

A Classic

The only images i managed to get of my weekend:

Shirt: J.Crew outlet ($40)

Suede Skirt: Thrifted ($2)

Shoes: Vintage from Flea Market ($10)

Necklace: J.Crew sale ($30)

Belt: Vintage (from mom)

Sunnies: UO ($10)

Camera: Canon AE-1 (Mom's)

I always enter each weekend with the good intention of taking more style photos, but always end up with maybe one set of outfit photos. Usually something gets in the way, typically the weather. This past weekend Fall was in the air! The weather was beautiful, but there was a little bite to the air that told you it's not far off. Chris and I had some errands to run, so I took advantage of the situation to get dressed up. My opportunities for dressing up have been few and far between lately, since I'm mostly working from home my uniform during the day is usually jeans and a t-shirt.

For this outfit, I was inspired by the buttoned-up collars seen this past season in the MiuMiu look-book. This is of course extremely more casual, but you get the idea. The camera is actually not an accessory, I shoot a lot with my mom's old Canon AE-1, which is of course a classic. For the longest time, there was a light leak where the cartridge sits but Chris fixed it by sliding one of the rubber washers from his old plugs around it. It fit! I have about six rolls right now waiting to be developed, once I get them back I'll post some!

I also am sporting some new sunglasses. Sadly, my favorite Fred Flare Carrie's were squished by Chris a few weeks ago, I picked these up when we were in Boston last week. They're much smaller, and I'm still not convinced, I miss my Carrie's! I think I'm going to have to order a new pair.

I've had these shoes for awhile now, but never seem to be able to get shots of them. I bought these back in May at a local flea market brand new but vintage. They are the perfect oxfords, I can't wait to wear them with ankle socks as soon as the weather is cool enough! Chris and I went to the same flea market on Sunday and found some awesome things for the wedding, which I'll be posting later this week!

I also have a long overdue shop update planned for this week. I finally bought some more mailers and did another closet clean out! Stay tuned!

Did you have a nice weekend?

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!

Queen of Bees

Chris keeps asking me to predict the future, I wonder why...

Dress: Sound of Style Dress c/o ModCloth

Turban: Vintage ($10)

Sunnies: Vintage ($2)

Shoes: Karen Millen v. Buffalo Exc. ($40)

This is actually a repeat of an outfit I wore this past weekend. It's one of those outfits that started the day as a basic dress and sandals and by days end had morphed into something completely different and slightly more complicated. But awesome. I love when that happens, sometimes inspiration doesn't hit until later in the day.

I found this turban at a vintage store while out on a thrifting excursion with my friend Jess. It's one of those things that I put on as a joke to show her, and once seeing it on my head I was convinced it must be mine. Paired with some huge vintage sunnies, and some major platforms it's the perfect 70's revival ensemble. Or, all I need is a feather and a large brooch and I match Marco the Magi behind me. Maybe I can pick up some extra hours as a part-time fortune teller.

Chris follow-up appointment went well today, his hand is healing! there is going to be one gnarly scar though! I'm keeping things short tonight, we just got back from Boston and have some dvd's of Monster Quest to power through.

Goodnight!

Summer Hits

it was hot today.

Shirt: J.Crew Outlet ($40)

Shorts: Thrifted ($6)

Belt: Thrift gift (mom)

Ring: Crystalised Ring c/o ModCloth

Necklaces: c/o Noble Town Vintage & Dolly & Boy

Sandals: Volcom c/o Pac Sun

It's still summer. It's still hot as hell. These are the facts that I've been forced to come to terms with the past couple of days. I've been telling myself to avoid the shorts section at the thrift store, thinking that it's almost over and purchasing shorts would be silly and fruitless at this point. Ha! I got in my car this afternoon and the thermometer read 101*! In need of a little inspiration I took a trip to my local thrift place, knowing that the shorts I tried on a few days ago would most likely still be there, they were.

I've been living in a certain pair of cut offs all summer, and they're looking a little worse for the wear. I love the faded floral pattern of these, especially when paired with my favorite button up and darker accessories. I'm not sure if I want to leave them cuffed or hem them, thoughts?

This weekend was delightfully low key, no hospital visits for anyone involved! I really enjoyed just hanging out with Chris and running errands, it doesn't take much to please me. Our hospital free-week ends tomorrow though, we've got to head back into Boston tomorrow afternoon for a follow-up. I'm glad he's on the upswing, and at least healing. We both are rooting for an actual cast tomorrow, so that we can draw stuff on it. Poppeye tattoos? A squid? there are so many cast-drawing possibilities!

Have a good night!

Dear Creatures Fall 2010

It's rare for me to feel compelled to post about upcoming collections, mostly I feel like designers and their wares are more than adequately covered across all forms of media, especially blogs. However, I felt obligated to break my mold today as soon as I laid eyes on the upcoming Dear Creatures Fall 2010 collection. Swoon. The styling of the pieces is perfect, I love the simple red lip and unfussy hair, it's all very french to me. I've set my sights on that first dress on the left, it will be mine. Time to start saving my pennies.

Image Source

Stay tuned for an outfit post later today!

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!

Autumn Dreaming

Madewell Dustbowl Denim Shirt ($88)

Talonalia The Magpie Necklace ($35)

J.Crew Solid Rip-Stop Field Jacket ($98)

Pendleton Buckle Bag ($298)

Jeffrey Campbell Pixie Boot ($179)

ModCloth Leg Up Socks ($18)

ModCloth Brave the Wave Skirt ($30)

With the recent string of 90 degree scorchers, all I find myself dreaming about these days are the crisp days of Autumn. Fall is my favorite season in New England, and I'm especially looking forward to it this year because I will actually be able to slow down and enjoy it, no more crazy travel life for the school! I can't wait to go apple picking, go to the fair in Maine, bake pies, and maybe take a drive through the White Mountains of New Hampshire; all things I grew up doing that remain as some of my favorite activities now.

I'm also finding myself fixated on all of the pre-fall items my favorite online shops are beginning to receive. My summer dresses are all but exhausted, my cut offs look tired, I can't wait to layer! I put together this Autumn-esque ensemble with that in mind, it's a celebration of the colors of Fall: deep plums, reds, oranges, greys, and golds.

What are you excited for this Fall?

Hot as hades

So, I almost called this post "Cycle Chic" but then I noticed that this outfit isn't particularly chic. And you know what? It's too hot to care. It is so bloody hot today, one of those days where you step outside and instantly start sweating. A tshirt and cut-offs day.

T-Shirt: J.Crew Outlet ($5)

Belt: Thrift gift from Mom

Shorts: Self cut (really really old)

Necklace: c/o The Refinery Boutique

Cycling Cap: c/o Mister Nutter

To be honest, I've been a bad blogger: I was supposed to post about this awesome hat by Mister Nutter last week (before August rushed in), but life decided to blow up in my face. It seems to be serendipity though, the day I decide to post about my new cycling cap, there is a bike race in town! This week is Beverly's (my town) homecoming week, which means fireworks this weekend and the Beverly Grand Prix today. The Prix is actually more fast paced than you would think, there are probably 100 cyclists who have 40 minutes to make as many laps as possible around a pre-determined route. It's really pretty exciting! The action in town inspired me to break out my own bike for ride. I thought this cute nautical necklace complemented the jaunty polka-dotted cap so well, I really love how laid back this outfit is.

So as promised, some ring photos! Chris did such an amazing job picking it out, it's perfection art deco style. The band and little diamonds around the edges are all original from the early 30's. Our friend Emily who is a jeweler was going to scrap it, but Chris gave it another life:

And here are some photos I took at the prix this afternoon:

Phew! It's been quite a day! Chris had his hand surgery this morning and other than some post-op pain, he is doing fine. We've both been up since 4am though, which is WAY too early in my book. After spending seven hours in the hospital today, I've decided that we're ordering out tonight!

Goodnight!

EDIT: as per Kimberley's request, my bike is a vintage Concord "Mixtee" that I bought at a flea market for $60

Over the Weekend: The Swapaholics

As Chris and I were driving to the swap, I thought to myself : "I don't need any more clothes, I'll just hang out and watch the madness"... yeah right, fat chance! The Swapaholics are so good at their jobs, it's impossible to resist maybe just taking a peek at the racks. And then finding loads of awesome stuff. And then maybe taking home a fuller bag than planned. And then being totally stoked on your finds for the next four days. But seriously, Punky and Melissa, know how to host a good swap, I look forward to them every time I go! I was especially excited this time because Chris came with me, and we would also be seeing Jen and Kev, and their friend Adam. The swap was held in the same general location as last time- an old factory building in Worcester's canal district- but in the basement rather then first floor. It was the perfect space for an event like this, nice and open and light. It was also the perfect space for pictures!

Above Photo: Kev

That image on the left shows just how chaotic the swaps get, every thing is over in-seriously- 20 minutes!

Above 4 Photos: Chris

Above Photos: Adam

On the left is Punky, Jen, and I and on the right is Punky, Jen, and Melissa (holding little Penny)

Above Photos: Kev

So like I said, of course I found stuff! I made an effort to be very selective about what I grabbed, I generally stayed away from too summery things, like shorts or t-shirts, and focused on things that needed updating in my closet and could easily bring me into Autumn. This proved to be a winning strategy because I walked away with some great finds. I've been in desperate need of jeans and pants lately, and came away with three brand new pairs:

Photo: Me

From the left: GAP skinny jeans, GAP cropped cords, BDG ultra skinny jeans. I was eyeing those cords in the store, but the GAP didn't have my size, it must have been fate when they made their way to the top of the jeans pile, I think the yellow color will be perfect for fall.

Photo: Me

I also found two dresses and a skirt. The darker floral pattern will easily translate for colder weather with some dark tights thrown on underneath, and I loved the watermelon color of the dress in the middle (which, incidentally used to be Melissa's!).

The Swapaholics host swaps near and far, if you would like to keep updated on Swaps in your area (yes, they travel outside of Massachusetts), you can visit their website for more details! You can also follow them on Facebook here! And don't forget to follow me on Facebook!

I had such a great time, and I'm happy Chris enjoyed hanging out with everyone. I think his hand has been really bringing him down lately, tomorrow he goes in for surgery to hopefully get it fixed once and for all. We spent the majority of the day in the hospital again, I'm looking forward to this fiasco to be over!

Tomorrow I'll have an outfit post, along with ring photos!

Weekend Style File: Swap Style

How was your weekend? Lovely? I hoped so! I had an extremely refreshing weekend, after the chaos of last week dealing with hospitals, broken hands, my brother moving, and happy engagements, I was really excited for what the weekend had in store for me. On Saturday, Chris and I woke up bright and early to drive to Worcester to attend another swap hosted by the Swapaholics! I was so excited to go, it's always exciting to score some sweet free clothes, but I was even more excited to hang out with Jen, Punky, and Melissa, and maybe see some more blogging friends in the process! I was also excited that Chris got to come with me this time, last swap he had to work, and I was happy he got to see what the swaps are all about!

All Photos: Kev

On me:

Dress: Vintage ($20)

Shoes: Forever 21 ($13 sale)

Sockettes: Know By Heart Socks c/o Modcloth

Bag: H&M ($17)

Belt: Ribbon (from another dress)

On Chris:

Vest/shirt/tie: J.Crew Outlet

Jeans: RRL Selvedge

Shoes: Thrifted and resoled

Glasses: Ray Ban

(and no, I don't dress him)

I know this is a pretty dressy outfit for a day spent swapping clothes, but dress-up occasions are few and far between these days. I was happy to wake up Saturday morning to find the weather in the mid-70's, finally a cooler day! It was perfect to break out the socks with sandals look I've been dying to try, to tell you the truth, I kind of hate socks, they always make my feet feel constrained, which is why I've really been living in sandals this summer. I fell in love with these pink ones from ModCloth though, and decided to give them a try. They went perfectly with my new-to-me vintage dress, which I picked up at a shop in town on Friday. I realized when I bought this that it's been forever since I actually bought vintage deliberately, rather then finding it at a thrift store. I love vintage shopping, but rarely have the money for it, this pretty dress was just too amazing to pass up though (I did end up hemming it to a more flattering above-the-knee length). To toughen it up and balance the black hearts on the tights, I added a black ribbon for a belt, and my black studded bag.

Winkle Pickers: Jeffrey Campbell ($40 sale)

I was smart enough to pack some flat shoes, knowing I wouldn't last more than three hours in the heels, I changed into my JC's later in the day. Isn't Jen's dress pretty? It's not pictured, but it has the cutest lace panel in the back. After the swap we headed to Punky's for a cookout, which was much needed.

Sunday was even more relaxed, I spent the day on the beach in Gloucester with two friends who began a cross country journey this morning. I didn't take pictures, because it wasn't that kind of day. But it was nice and we ate watermelon slush and got sunburned (i know).

I have SO MUCH to catch up on this week, I haven't forgotten about ring photos, and all the other stuff I have planned, it's on the way!

Tomorrow I'll have a full re-cap of the swap, including my finds from the day!