Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Sunstroke

 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-2_zpsd0172f63.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-7_zpsbf82638b.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-3_zpsb1dec148.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-1_zpsfbf3483d.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-4_zps7f6eba65.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-6_zpsc0ce6c16.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-5_zpsb7effc7e.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August262013-8_zpsbe163123.jpg
photos kindly taken by Elizabeth
What I wore:
Pants: Vintage/Feathers Boutique
Sandals: Zara (similar)
Fringe Necklace: gift from Moorea
Other necklaces: Vintage/Various
Bracelets: Vintage & Thrifted
Sunglasses: store in Austin (similar)
 
I wore this to celebrate my last night in Texas

When a sports bra is this rad, it's just asking to be worn as a top. Right? Right? Part desire to show off the strappy detailing and mesh panels, part desperation to just get a little breeze, this outfit was the most comfortable thing I wore all weekend. Perhaps not everyone's cup of tea, but that's fine, I like my tea particularly strong at times. After a long day of presentations and hot weather, it was a such relief to slip off my heels and put on something light and airy for the after party at Garridos.

A trip to Austin isn't complete without a trip to Feathers, easily the most lovely and well-curated vintage boutique I've ever stepped into. As if Debbie Harry, Chrissie Hynde, and Stevie Nicks had a love child. A really rad, occult-loving, guitar-playing love child. I picked up these super wide-leg palazzo pants and a pair of tie-dyed velvet shorts, which will be perfect for fall with a giant sweater.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Off Like a Prom Dress

 photo OrchidGrey_August272013-1_zps59e5e509.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August272013-5_zps6778295b.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August272013-4_zps294c7047.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August272013-3_zps5f2c001a.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August272013-2_zps18258e9f.jpg
Photos kindly taken by Elizabeth
What I wore: 
Dress: Vintage/ Dear Golden
Belt: J.Crew outlet
Heels: Seychelles
Necklace: Yard sale
Petticoat: Vintage

I wore this to relive prom in Texas!

Prom, without the raging hormones and with better clothes? Bring it on. If there's one thing I'm completely OK with, it's an excuse to get fancy. So, when I found out that TXSC would have a prom this year, I immediately knew what I'd wear, excited to actually have the chance to get dressed up in one of my absolute favorite dresses. This vintage dress is like a neon shot in the arm. It's awesome.

If you want to be technical about it, this was my fourth prom. And, not surprisingly, the best. The last time I waltzed into prom, I was on the arm of my friend Steph, wearing bright red bondage pants, a thrifted blazer, Ramones tee-shirt, and -- to my teenage dismay -- heels (they wouldn't let me in wearing the black Converse I so carefully selected for the event). Needless to say, this time around I had a lot more fun. And by fun, I mean I danced until I hurt myself. Jen and I were even nominated for 'Best Pals'...and won! Take that, high school.
 photo 581718_699552000061823_1670466862_n_zps6e56017a.jpg
 photo 1011232_699559400061083_965132507_n_zpsd9b7b0d0.jpg
 photo 988679_699552006728489_1950746739_n_zps7f04538a.jpg
 photo 21456_699559260061097_1025934373_n_zps96a2a97c.jpg
 photo 556391_699552126728477_1250634472_n_zps24c8b141.jpg
(I love these ladies)

So, totally dropped the ball on posting my talk last week. I'm on it, promise.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

On My Bod: Cozy & Cool

 photo OrchidGrey_August21_outfitinspiration_zpsd2eb4857.jpg
In this outfit:
Shorts: Vintage Levi's/Thrifted
Sandals: Birkenstock
Glasses c/o Bonlook
Necklace: Gift
Bracelets: Vintage

I always look forward to this time of year. The cool mornings require a cozy sweater thrown over chilly shoulders, the same goes for when the sun goes down. In anticipation of this weekend's backyard party, I dreamed up this comfy combination. Pairing the softest, rose-patterned cardigan with easy shorts and my latest obsession: my Birkenstocks.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Austin Ease

 photo OrchidGrey_August202013-5_zpsde92ff23.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August202013-1_zps961265bf.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August202013-3_zpsf3dfdb87.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August202013-2_zpsbf8f2429.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August202013-4_zps862f37fa.jpg
 photos by Elizabeth of Delightfully Tacky

What I wore:
Jeans: Vintage Levi's/Thrifted (similar)
Necklace: gift from (and made by) Moorea Seal

I wore this in Texas for the Minnetonka dinner & Lulu's swap

On my first night in Austin, I headed over to the Minnetonka dinner, hosted by Tieka. Along with a seemingly never-emptying wine glass (seriously, the guy was on it) and excellent food, we were able to preview the spring 2014 Minnetonka line. I've long been a fan of Minnetonka, so it was cool to see how the brand is evolving and interpreting current trends for 2014 (these classics are still my favorites though). It was the perfect way to ease into the weekend and catch up with all my favorite blog ladies before heading over to the craziness of the Lulu's swap (and boy, was it crazy). After attending and hosting plenty of swaps in the past, I was keeping my expectations in check, just in case I didn't find anything, and because they can get real, real fast. But as soon as I walked in, I snagged the vintage dress I had my eye on, and a super versatile striped midi-dress from Lulu's. I'm stoked, and they'll both be on the blog next week.
I must have jinxed myself when I packed so well for Timber, because man, my suitcase for Austin and San Fran was not a well-planned affair. Forgetting entirely that-- even though I'd be there for four days-- I'd need more than four outfits, I underestimated what I'd need. So I threw together items I knew had worked before: a super light top, vintage jeans, and a jacket (because, yes it's Austin and 100 degrees, but Austin also has AC. Super cold AC), and added this amazing patterned jacket from Lulu's and a necklace given to me by Moorea. I'll tell you right now, I didn't take this necklace off all weekend.

A very big 'Thank You' to Lulu's for providing me with some rad clothes to style for the weekend!

Monday, August 19, 2013

Austin in Photos

 photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-7_zps9b068a57.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-1_zpsace0a1e6.jpg
  photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-2_zpsa5f8a08c.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-3_zpse08d454f.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-5_zps1831b9da.jpg
  photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-8_zpsc2065608.jpg
  photo OrchidGrey_Austin2013-6_zps6c851dc6.jpg

Oh Austin, you are one of my favorite cities. This trip, like all the others, was just wonderful, but I also officially crossed Austin off my "Places I'd Like to Live" list, based solely on the temperature. It was hot. Big surprise (I knew to expect that). I was really hoping to explore the city beyond where I typically spend my time while I'm there (South Congress- a welcoming, easily accessible street filled with food, vintage stores, and other interesting things to look at), but the heat, lack of a car, and the conference prevented that from happening. Photos took a backseat this time around, in favor of a lighter bag, a strain-free shoulder, and a slightly less sweat-inducing outfit. And, as I look at these photos now, I realize they were all taken on the same morning- the morning I left! Out little Air BNB crew rose early for one final Austin breakfast at South Congress Cafe, which was followed by a little shopping as we made our way down the hill towards taxis and, eventually, home (or San Fran in my case).

Friday, August 16, 2013

Why Texas?

 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-12_zps16c9445a.jpg
 (photo taken by Kev w/ Elizabeth's camera)
This was my second -- or third? I have no idea-- year heading to Austin for the Texas Style Council Conference, and in my opinion, it was the best year yet. These days, I'm pretty particular about the blogging events that I choose to attend, because to be honest, they often stress me out (or rather, cause a lot of anxiety). I worry I won't recognize someone, won't know someone's name that I should, that I'll suddenly forget how to make small talk, all of these things have happened before (I'm a worrier and over-thinker, as much as I'd like not to be). But Austin/TXSC is different, it's more than just panel discussions and meet-and-greets and who-wore-it-bests, TXSC offers the chance to really connect and reflect with those you know-- or don't know yet-- from the online world. And, at least for me, for three whole days I get to hang out with (almost) everyone who's dear to me from blogging that I never get to see in person, and that's pretty awesome. At TXSC I can be myself and learn from those I admire.
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-9_zpsbf338279.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-14_zps4d0fd607.jpg (photo by Chelsey)
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-8_zpsd3a7125c.jpg
 (photo by Elizabeth)
Rather than getting a room at the Hyatt, where most attendees were staying, I ended up renting an Air BNB with Moorea of Moorea Seal and Chelsey of The Paper Mama, and I'm so glad I did! It was my first time meeting these wonderful women, and they were the perfect conference companions. Our little house was the ideal home base for the time that we were there, and had it not been over 100 degrees, we could have easily walked everywhere we needed to go (maybe next year, Texas). On the first night, we attended the Minnetonka Moccasin party, hosted by Tieka. It was so nice to  decompress after an early morning and a rather bumpy flight (why is the flight to Texas always bumpy?). After the Minnetonka party, we headed over to the Lulu's swap! It was pure insanity, but so much fun! I always appreciate the chance to catch up with the people behind the brands that I work with on this blog, I've worked with Lulu's -- and Ruche, who also sponsored the conference-- for a few years now, and I consider the ladies behind the brands my friends, so it's always wonderful to see them. The swap was great, but crazy! Jen and I hid out in a corner for awhile sipping drinks because it was just so hot (and the drinks were just so good). I snagged a gorgeous vintage dress and a striped midi dress from Lulu's that I can't wait to show you next week.
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-3_zps0bee46da.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-4_zpsaf178577.jpg
(photos by Peter Tung)
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-3_zpsd6900ac2.jpg
(photo: Lulu's) 
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-10_zps4e12f1e3.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-11_zpsd3f84bc0.jpg
On Saturday, we rose bright and early to head over to the Hyatt for the speakers breakfast held by Ruche. After catching up with everyone-- and meeting Katie from Skunkboy, and Elsie and Emma from A Beautiful Mess, who were just as lovely as you'd expect-- I snuck out with Jen, Kev, and Chelsey for a little early morning thrift shopping at Savers. I was tempted to head out on the thrift/shopping tour, but four straight hours of shopping with a very large crowd would have been a lot for me. I much prefer shopping with a small group, that way I can find things for the people I'm with and leisurely shop for myself. After our shopping trip, I headed out for lunch and a little South Congress browsing with the Lulu's girls, before heading back to our Air BNB to get ready for Prom!
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-5_zpsedc0915d.jpg
Last year, I spoke on a panel focused on blogging while working a full-time job, and this year, while my topic was similar-- bringing balance to your life, blog, and work-- the panels were set up differently, and in my opinion, were much more effective. Rather than have a group of speakers in a giant, impersonal auditorium, we were assigned small "classrooms" and the topics were much more discussion based, which I loved. Besides my habit of veering off topic, completely forgetting that I was holding an iPad with notes on it, mentioning cats too much, and wildly gesticulating with my arms, I think it went pretty well. That hasn't stopped me from rehashing everything in my head obsessively, thinking about how it could have gone better. Oof. I'll be sharing my presentation on this blog next week (yes, I promise to, I know I said that after Boston, but I assure you this presentation is much more thorough and there are more cat pictures, so, you know).
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-6_zpsb79505c8.jpg
(photo from Moorea)
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-7_zps59aa0b43.jpg
(photo from Chelsey)
 photo OrchidGrey_TXSCAustin-13_zps7362223a.jpg
(photo from Elizabeth)

I'll be back next week with my presentation and outfit photos-- so many outfit photos-- until then, have a lovely weekend!

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Back to Life

 photo OrchidGrey_TimberSky_August112013_zps958bc661.jpg
(photo taken at Timberfest)
Getting back into the swing of things after traveling for two weeks is proving more difficult than I'd like to admit. I wish I could just jump right back in and be on top of all the bills and cleaning and work (and blogging), but you know, I'd rather spend a little extra time with the man in my life and snuggle the cat. I'd rather just be home. Those things can wait (though apparently not blogging because, hello), the weekend will be here soon enough. How about you? How is your week going?

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Into the Woods

 photo OrchidGrey_August82013_zpsccf03cd2.jpg
Timber, day three or four, and things are looking...real woodsy. See those rings around my ankles? As gnarly as it looks, they're actually just marks from my boots, but still. I'm so glad I brought my sneakers, they took a beating and the typical matching toe-holes wore through, but they were a welcome relief at the end of the day after slipping off my boots. Moccasins would have been awesome, but I wasn't thinking. There was one morning where, because of how sick I was-- oh yeah, I was super sick during all of this, per usual when I travel-- I woke up at what must have been around 5:30am and watched the sun rise from the wooden footbridge that marked the entrance of the festival. With the mountains in the distance, and complete silence surrounding me, it was the most beautiful thing. That kind of beautiful silence is hard to come by these days, only found on especially early mornings, or when I'm home visiting my mom in Maine.

Life has been moving uncomfortably fast lately. I've been catching snippets of people's Texas Style Council Conference updates, but haven't had time enough to even sit down and sort the rest of the photos taken during Timber, let alone TXSC. A good problem to have I guess, traveling and being busy, but I wouldn't mind a day void of responsibilities. A day to really devote to slowing down again and maybe feeling that fleeting moment of calm felt on a footbridge at 5:30am.

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Into the Woods: Timber! Day Two

 photo OrchidGrey_August72013-2_zps22f2e0aa.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August72013-1_zps5ffcca03.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August72013-5_zpse59fad53.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August72013-3_zps831cb428.jpg
 photo OrchidGrey_August72013-4_zps850d3330.jpg
Photos thanks to Alyssa Catalano
What I Wore:
Jacket: Vintage (similar)
Top c/o Lulu's
Shorts: ModCloth (find 'em here)
Booties: Seychelles (find 'em here)
Sunglasses: shop in Austin, TX (similar)
Necklaces: Gift/Vintage/ 'The Sun' Necklace c/o Sisters of the Moon
Bracelets: swapped/ gold bracelet c/o Lulu's 

I wore this to Carnation, WA for Timber! Outdoor Music Festival, Day 2

Looking considerably more entrenched in the woods on day two of the festival. Shorts were a nice change of pace from the short skirt of the previous day, easier to move in, a little lighter. These white shorts were an easy 'yes' for me: pretty enough to dress up, but also easy to dress down with a few layers. I absolutely love the scalloped edge.

I do have actual images showing this festival -- like, there was actually music -- one of these days I'll get to editing them.