Thursday, June 30, 2011

June 30, 2011: Black, Leopard, Friendship Bracelet

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?

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

ModCloth Summer Sale!


Who doesn't love a sale? ModCloth has marked down hundreds of items for summer (including bathing suits), all at 35%off! The sale lasts through June 30th at 5PM ET. Just enter the code SOHAUTE during checkout to receive the discount. What makes this sale even sweeter? You can shop without regret with ModCloth's free returns and exchanges!

What do you have your eye on? I just grabbed the Cherry A La Mode Dress, which I can't wait to wear with some long necklaces and strappy sandals (I think it'll be perfect- and forgiving- for a summer ice cream date)!

Monday, June 27, 2011

An ordinary happy moment...


I was so excited to open up the ModCloth blog today and see...me! They had a great little blurb about the ever popular Ordinary Happy Moments Dress by Dear Creatures. Dresses are a summer staple of mine and many other girls, but unfortunately dresses are often accused as being "cop-outs": you throw one on and you're done, no thought needed. I disagree, I think the three images above are the perfect example that with the right accessories, one dress can go a long way. Don't you love how Rhiannon accessorized with her sling? And I love Jennifer's cute black hat. I love dresses that incorporate a variety of colors such as this, the more colors in the dress, the more color options you have to accessorize with!

Friday, June 24, 2011

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!

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Something completely different: Cookies!

When I posted to Twitter last night that I made vegan cookies, a couple of lovely ladies requested the recipe. Having no posts planned for today, I thought I would do something different and post my tried and true recipe, adapted from The Garden of Vegan, one of my all time favorite cookbooks. Now, I'm not vegan, but I was vegetarian for a long time, and during that time (which included college) I accumulated a mass of vegetarian and vegan cookbooks. I loved the Garden of Vegan series for it's simplicity, the recipes were easily adapted to a vegetarians diet, and most importantly, easy to change up and experiment with. I still use them often. Anyways without further ado:

Julie's Version of "Maureen's Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies" (adapted from The Garden of Vegan)

You will need:

3/4 cup flour (I use whole wheat)
1/2 cup dry sweetener (regular old sugar is fine if you're not vegan)
2 cups rolled oat flakes
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 slightly overripe banana
1/3 cup olive oil (I use extra virgin)
1/2 cup maple syrup (the real kind)
1 tbsp vanilla extract
(Here's where I change it)
what it calls for:
1- 1 1/2 cup chocolate chips

What I actually put in:
1/2 cup coconut flake
1/2 - 1 cup raisins
1/2- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional at this point)

What to do:
Preheat oven to 350*f. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sweetener, rolled oats, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a blender, blend together the banana, olive oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Pour banana mixture into flour mixture and stir. Add the coconut flake, raisins, and chocolate chips (and whatever else you feel like), and stir until well combined (it won't be as doughy as regular cookie dough). Spoon heaping tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet and press flat with your fingers or the spoon, the cookies will seem crumbly, but they'll be solid after baking, don't worry. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are browned. Let cool and gently peel off cookie sheet. Makes about 10-14 cookies. Refrigerate to keep fresh. Enjoy!

Note: this recipe was adapted from Tanya Barnard and Sarah Kramer's The Garden of Vegan cookbook

PS. To everyone attending the Lulu's.com & Swapaholics clothing swap today in SF, sadly my feet are still firmly planted on Massachusetts soil. I was very unfortunately unable to attend, but I'll be thinking of you as I make espressos and smoothies this afternoon! Happy Swapping! If you still haven't nabbed your ticket, you can still use the code ORCHIDGREY to receive 25% off!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

June 21, 2011: Black, White, Blue

Shirt: American Apparel
Vintage Skirt: Thrifted ($3)
Shoes: Thrifted ($5)
Necklace: Brimfield ($1)
Bag: Borrowed from Punky
photos by Punky, thank you lady!
Punky and I had a little photo shoot in the hallway at the office yesterday afternoon, I love working with other bloggers, they don't look at you like you're a freak for wanting to take portraits in a stairwell! I wore this outfit briefly on Sunday evening, and decided to re-create it for work yesterday. It's hard to tell, but the bag matches my little black and white necklace beneath the collar of my shirt. I wish it stood out a little more, that's why I usually wear longer necklaces. Is it obvious that blue/navy and white is my favorite color combination? I feel like every outfit I've worn lately is the same recipe, but blue and white is so summer to me. It just always feels fresh. Do you have a favorite color combination? One that works every time?

Monday, June 20, 2011

June 20, 2011: Navy, White, Brown

Belt: American Apparel
Necklace: Black Sparrow (gift)
Bag: Thrifted ($10)
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: Spotted Moth, Le Mode Accessories, Pulp Vintage & Bluesville, USA


The weather is finally acting like summer, which means lighter on the layers and heavier on accessories. Accessories are an easy way to make a simple outfit more special, especially if you're focused on wearing as little clothing as possible because of the heat. I love the combination of a crop top and maxi skirt, the Shortbread Crop Top and Avocado Maxi Skirt from Spotted Moth look great together. Add some sweet earrings from Le Mode Accessories, a vintage belt from Pulp Vintage, and a bright handbag from Bluesville, USA, and you're ready for a fantastic day out in the sun!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

June 14, 2011: Madras, Denim, Brown, & Creme

Shirt: J.Crew Men's section ($9 sale... seriously)
Hi Riser Jeans: Madewell ($? on sale)
VIntage shoes c/o Haberdash Vintage
Necklace: Black Sparrow (gift)
Bag: Thrifted ($10)
I post a lot of very dressy outfits on here, and while all of those are outfits that I do wear, I sometimes feel as though it's not an exact representation of my every-day style. This is the kind of outfit that I am found most often in, somewhat boyish, and comfortable but pulled together. I love men's button-up shirts, they are probably the most common item in my wardrobe. Since I'm rather flat-chested, I dislike the darts sewn into women's shirts and find men's to be more flattering and comfortable. This madras shirt from J.Crew is my favorite at the moment. It's super soft and comprised of my favorite go-to colors. This is what I wear when I'm out running errands or working from home (like yesterday).
Are you having a good Tuesday?

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Meine Großmutter (a little family history)

When I was home this past weekend, my brother and I ransacked the basement, looking for embarrassing photos of each other. Instead, we landed on my mom's collection of family photographs dating back to the early 1800's of our family in Germany. My favorites were the ones of my Grandmother when she was young. She grew up in Weilburg, Germany and after meeting my grandfather during WWII, moved to the states in the early 1950's. I love seeing these little snipits of her life, both during and after the war:
(she is the one wearing the wide-brimmed hat)
(middle row, second from the left, striped dress)
(on the far left- she was in a theatre group in Greenfield, MA- not really a can-can dancer)

(these two might be my favorites, in the forest in Germany helping her father and sister with an archeological dig)

("C" is my grandmother, Charlotta. I love this photo as well, the house in Weilburg was damaged by bombs several times, my mom has a painting that was hanging in the house during one of the bomb strikes and it still has shrapnel lodged in it)

My mom and I really need to sit down and catalog all of these photos, before no one is left to ID them. When I was younger we visited my great-aunt in Weilburg, and I really hope to go back someday to rediscover where we're from.

Do you know your family history?

Mini Spotlight: Blowfish Shoes, Ruche, & Mitu Vintage


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!

Friday, June 10, 2011

Off to Vacationland

Striped shirt: American Apparel; Cut-Offs: Old; Khaki Shorts: J.Crew outlet; Bathing Suit: J.Crew;
Necklace: Spotted Moth; Fragrance: OLO Lightning Paw ; Duffle: Dad's from College

Packing for Maine in the summer is so deceptively simple, compared to what I have to bring in January. In the winter time we can't get away with fewer than three bags each, but in the summer this is (almost) all I need. I feel like I'm forgetting something! Bug-spray? Bug-spray.

I'm off to spend 24 hours at my moms house, most of which will be yard work. I'm hoping to sneak off to the beach tomorrow afternoon though (shh...).

Have a lovely weekend!

Let's meet in San Francisco!


San Francisco readers I'm talking to YOU! The Swapaholics are coming your way, and this time we've teamed up with Lulu's.com to bring you one heck of a clothing swap! The swap will be seeded with 200 Lulu's items, hidden among all the other swap treasures, just waiting to be discovered.

Want to go? Reserve your tickets here. Orchid Grey readers enter ORCHIDGREY where it says "enter discount code" to receive 25% off ticket prices!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

New Delightful Dozen Post!

I have a new post up on the Delightful Dozen blog today! Have you wondered what we do when something doesn't fit correctly? I also did my first post for the Swapaholics yesterday. Man, Wordpress is so different from Blogger!

Today is supposed to be a hot one, I can already tell it's going to be brutal. The ocean spared us from the 90 degree heat everyone else experienced yesterday, but today is going to be 95. The cats are draped all over the apartment, and will remain motionless until the sun goes down tonight. Summer in New England has arrived, one day it's 55 degrees and then the next it's 95! So it goes, I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. I think this year is the year we invest in an AC. I'm off to the air conditioned bubble of the cafe this afternoon, what are your plans for the day?

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

June 7, 2011: Chartreuse, Creme, Brown

Shirt: hand-me-down (free)
Skirt: Madewell (sale)
Bag: Vintage (gift from Chris)
Necklace: Vintage ($20)
Belt: AA ($16)
I have a feeling I'll be wearing this outfit a lot this summer, I love it! I wore this briefly on Sunday, and even though it was for a short period of time, it was long enough to make an impression as incredibly comfortable. I love how long skirts feel blowing against your legs! I bought the skirt last week when Chris and I were in the city, and I'm very pleased. it was pricier than what I usually spend, but I love it. Plus, after this i'm trying really hard to not buy anything new for the rest of the summer (I love summer clothes a little too much). the necklace was a purchase from a few months ago, it's weird to me because the daisies are so cute, but they're carved out of bone, two ideas that don't go together to me. My bag is a birthday gift from Chris from back in January. And these shoes I've actually been wearing non-stop, I love them! So far they're my favorite summer sandal, super comfortable and they go with everything, i would definitely recommend them.

So thank you SO much to everyone who left such encouraging comments on yesterday's post about my new job! My first day went great, and I'm anxious to put plans in motion. I'm also so excited to be able to spend a little more time reading and commenting on everyone's blogs, i feel like I've been so out of touch! if you asked a question yesterday, I'll definitely get to answering tomorrow!

Monday, June 6, 2011

June 6, 2011: Chambray, Creme, Multi

Dress: J.Crew sale ($15)
Cardigan: J.Crew outlet ($10)
Bracelet: swapped
Necklace: Madewell sale ($7)
Bag: Brimfield flea ($30)
As I mentioned on Friday, I start a new job today: I am extremely excited to announce that today is my first day as a Brand Ambassador for
The Swapaholics! I'm SO excited to get started! Basically I'll be repping the brand in all aspects, from doing guest posts on the Swapaholics blog to building community and readership (among many other things). I can't even explain how excited I am to be doing this, if we were talking in real life, I would be jumping around and talking gibberish.

Someone mentioned -correctly- in Friday's post that it seems like I've been jumping from job to job a lot, and yes, in the past year I have (I've had three different jobs since last September: one I'm keeping (the coffee shop), one was a placeholder (my retail job), and the other was the worst decision ever (AA)). June 18th will be the one year anniversary of when I left my job as a College Admissions Counselor to pursue other things (a job I held for 3 years), and looking back I was definitely naive to think I could find a perfect fit right away, finding the perfect fit takes time, patience, and extremely hard work. In an economy such as ours, it's easy to stay in a job just because you have it, but when that job is making you absolutely miserable, I don't think it's worth it. That is probably the exact opposite advice of all of our mothers and fathers, but I've been happier in this past unsteady year than I was in all of the secure ones. I don't want to come off as defensive, because the comment definitely wasn't mean (it was actually very nice, thank you), but it made me realize that maybe I should address the job changes I've gone through. I think there are a lot of people going through a similar situation, considering how many people I know who are having a hard time finding a job or have been laid off recently.
Ok, so on a different point, this is what I'm wearing! I bought this dress after hemming and hawing over it for the past few months, watching it sit in the sale section. The shape is definitely different than what I usually gravitate towards, but I loved the ruffles and it is super comfortable. Since I'm going into the office today, I added a cardigan and my favorite *sensible* shoes. To break up the blue and creme color scheme- which I seem to be wearing a lot of lately- i added a colorful swapped bracelet and my vintage bag. I didn't want to be too office-y because I'm going out tonight to meet Veronika from Tick Tock Vintage and the Delightful Dozen! I can't wait!

Anyways, if you have any questions for me, feel free to ask! and wish me luck, I'm off to work! xo