Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Here & There 9.30

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I can't believe it's the last day -- the last night! -- of September. This month has flown right by and I'm spending these last few hours exactly how I want to be: Drinking wine, watching Scandal, and blogging. Am I a stereotype? Perhaps. Am I perfectly content to be? Sure. This past weekend was so good, my mom came to town and I got to play tourist and tour guide. Despite waking up with one hell of a cold on Saturday, I had a great time and it was exciting to show my mom our new home.

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// Vintage 60's moccasins from Jess Amity


// Love this cute vintage sweater from WoldMamaVintage - save 15% w/code 'ORCHIDGREY'

// How gorgeous is this incredible hair pin

// Essentially how I feel about the Internet lately.

// These are pretty bad ass.

// Dead boyfriends and rebel girls.

// I can't stop laughing at this: Women who want to be left alone in western art history.

// These jeans might just be perfect.

// The perfect thing for fall.

// On my list of things to try: this beautiful facial serum.

// Some very unexpected maps.

// Awesome travel tips from Anthony Bourdain.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Worn: Calico Silk

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It's finally boot season! As much as I love my Birkenstocks, I'm happy that the weather is cool enough to be able to switch up my footwear. A new season always means new inspiration, something I've been in desperate need of lately.

With a new job that requires me to be taking photos for half the day (not complaining at all), I've been feeling a little stumped when it comes to personal style. I need to be comfortable, and for someone who is generally uncomfortable 85% of the time, that's a difficult thing to achieve. Even now, I'm wearing pajamas and I'm not that comfortable. My body just rejects any form of restriction. I completely envy women who choose to live in yoga pants and flip flops. If I didn't like color and pattern and clothes so much, I'd be right there too. But I do love those things. And so I must get dressed. This kind of lack if inspiration/fashion distress usually happens when I go through a big transition, it's a new job and new city, so it's only natural that I might start to desire a new look as well.

Instead of buying up everything in sight, I've been methodically purging everything in my wardrobe that doesn't matter and that I don't love. Which is, embarrassingly, a lot. I've become a bit of a regular at Buffalo Exchange, and as much as I've resisted buying anything while I sell stuff, I couldn't resist bringing home this amazing vintage silk mini dress. It's true, I've mostly been drawn towards neutrals lately, but I can't shake my soft spot for gorgeous patterns, and this dress IS IT. I'm looking forward to wearing it as a top with destroyed jeans and boots as we get further into fall.

Get the look: Dress: Vintage (similar) // Boots: Seychelles // Sweater: J.Crew (similar) // Bag: Omnia Vintage (c/o - similar) // Bracelet: Studebaker Metals.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Autumnal Goals

It's strange that fall is officially here. Since we moved, the days and weeks have been flying by at an alarming rate, and as much as I've anticipated this new season, it's hard to believe summer is already past. I've mentioned more than once how excited I am to transition into a new season, summer was wonderful, but it was also marked by a fair amount of disruption and for most of it I felt mentally disorganized. Along with anticipating cooler weather, I've also just needed a tangible transition to help me change my mindset, of both myself and my surroundings. That sounds like I don't like Philadelphia and that's not what I mean ... what I mean is that I'm ready to stop feeling like a tourist in my own town and maybe put a little more effort into connection.

The equinox, especially the autumnal equinox, is a time to seek balance, and that's exactly what I intend to do this year. What I need to do. It's always struck me as funny -- really sort of counter intuitive -- that our busiest season, whether it's with work, school, social calendars, etc is a time when the earth is putting itself to bed and allowing itself to rest. Why don't we do the same? I'm pretty good at taking care of myself physically, but it's become clear these past few months that I also need to practice better self care when it comes to my mental well-being. I need to take the time.

I recently wrote about the idea of "taking time" for work, and someone left a comment that really stuck with me. Basically, it boils down to: Devote an hour each day to your own personal wellness. It's such a simple idea, but one that easily gets lost in the fray. "Wellness" can mean anything, really, that you do for yourself, reading, working out, volunteering ... whatever. Unfortunately it's an idea that has been a bit lost to me lately. On this (almost) equally balanced day I'm making the resolution to seek balance in my life this season.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Currently + Here & There 9.22

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Oof. Coming off a real long week last week but a really great, productive weekend. Currently:

Sorting through a ton of outfit pics that I took but haven't had time to post. I've been attempting to reach some sort of balance in my life lately, which has proven to be a bit of a struggle. I still love blogging, but sometimes it feels so great to just not be on the internet.

Anticipating the autumnal equinox. Chris and I pretty much spent all of Sunday cleaning and organizing and our place feels so good and ready for the new season. I can't wait for fall.

Working on being kinder to myself. It kind of blows my mind how different of an experience this move was compared to when we moved to Pittsburgh. In a lot of ways it was easier -- an easier transition, an easier season to move in -- but mentally, well, I've been rough on myself these past couple of months and I've been working on quieting my inner critic

Watching a lot of old movies on Netflix and Hulu. After watching the new T.V. version of From Dusk Till Dawn, I finally watched the original and was reminded of how much I love Quentin Tarantino movies.

Looking forward to my mom coming to visit this weekend! She'll be our first house guest in our new place and I can't wait for her to see it, and to show her our favorite Philadelphia spots.

Happy about finally getting out running again. I missed it! And running is so much better when it's not a million degrees.

Wearing: Above - Tee, Slip (similar), Jacket: Vintage // Sandals: Zara (similar - on sale!) // Necklace: Free People.

A few more things that caught my eye:
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// Black Crystals just added new styles to the shop and I'm in love. This opal moon necklace is gorgeous. Save 15% w/code "orchidgrey"

// Loving this cute tan crop top from Wolf Mama Vintage. Save 15% w/code "orchidgrey"

// An adorable dress for fall from Melissa Hojnacki.

// How I'll be honoring the autumnal equinox. What are your plans?

// 25 famous women on not having children. Word.

// The best (and most interesting) Wikipedia article.

// An adorable skirt for fall (wouldn't it be cute with a fuzzy grey sweater?)


// High school girls can be brutal, but they can also be great.

// 3 fall outfits inspired by my favorite films.

// I would love to visit this place.

Monday, September 15, 2014

Here & There 9.16

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Let's hear it for fall weather! It's finally cooling off, my clothes are all unpacked, and I feel somewhat human again. All I need to do is finally get a (much needed) haircut, get my monstrous eyebrows under control, and I'll be back to normal. Cheers to the start of your week, hope you're feeling good and positive.
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// The loveliest fall dress from FP - how gorgeous is that silhouette? So flattering.
// Love this tooled leather hair pin from Jess Amity, those colors!
// This jewel-tone handbag is just so pretty - the opposite of rustic fall colors, but still autumnal.
// Always excited when Black Crystals rolls out a new style. Loving this amethyst druzy necklace. Save 15% w/code 'orchidgrey'.
// Wolf Mama Vintage always has the best stuff - how amazing is this vintage Dooney & Bourke bag? Save 15% w/code 'orchidgrey'.
// The coolest handmade dress from Melissa Hojnacki - love those back buttons!
// Dig the photo above? You can read the full post here.
// Amy Pohler is rad. That is all.
// How to start a running routine.
// The chicest pregnant woman I have ever seen.
// Forever 21 is killing it for fall: Love these loafers, these flatforms, this jacket, this coat, this skirt, and this sweater.
// Well, these photos are just gorgeous.
// Stephen King's most hated expressions.
// I think I need these in my life again.
// Tieka looks amazing in this outfit. Love love.
//What to eat before a short run.
// 25% off tops at Asos, including the most perfect tee shirt.
// Just got these running tights and I love them - great fit and amazing price (I take a M for size reference)!

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Worn: Final Days Of Summer

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It could be easy to complain about the brutally hot day forcasted for today, but I know it's summer's last gasp. The air -- and more importantly our apartment -- has finally cooled a bit, especially in the mornings and evenings and I'm so happy. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a nice cool weekend so I can finally finish unpacking.

Another upside of this suddenly cooler weather? I can wear one of my favorite combinations: Shorts and a sweater or sweatshirt. I don't know what makes it so cozy, but there's just something about wearing the layers up top and having your legs free. The best.

Get the look: Sweater, shorts, & jewelry: vintage and/or thrifted, Birkenstock sandals

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Autumn Inspiration

Lately I've felt a little adrift when it comes to my personal style. Over the years I've amassed a lot of flotsam that I just don't need, so rather than accumulating more, lately I've been working on paring down and getting rid of the extra noise in an effort to truly love what I have and feel great in what I'm wearing. More easily said than done.

But, I am so excited for a new season. This summer has been great, but I'm ready to start playing with texture and layers again. I've been turning to Pinterest and some new blogs to collect inspiration for fall and I'm looking forward to soft neutrals paired with pops of red, practical shoes (yay), and jeans, jeans. and more jeans...
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Image via Pinterest
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Image via Fashion Me Now
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Image via Pinterest
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Image via Fashion Me Now
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Image via Pinterest

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Here & There: 9.7

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I just rolled in from spending the weekend in West Virginia for our friend's wedding, and man was it magical. I needed some fresh mountain air and friend-vibes. We even got a little taste of fall, too. Much needed. Now I'm watching Drunk History with the cat. Also much needed.

Here's what caught my eye this week:
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// How incredible is this antique military jacket from Jess Amity? So gorgeous and perfect for fall.

// Love the border print along the hem of these jeans.

// The color of this crop tee shirt just gets me, so pretty.

// Totally in love with this tote (see what I did there?)

// This vintage style mini dress from Melissa Hojnacki is adorable.

// How amazing would this vintage denim skirt from Wolf Mama Vintage look with a cropped sweater? - Save 15% w/code 'orchidgrey'

// A simple moon necklace for fall from Black Crystals - Save 15% w/code 'orchidgrey'

// A particularly cute kitty.

// I've been obsessed with The Clymb lately. Our goal for fall is to go camping and hiking more and I've been checking this site constantly.

// A 15% off sale is going on over on ModCloth. These wedges would look rad paired with shredded jeans and a grey sweater.

// Making this recipe right now - can't wait to try it tomorrow morning.

// I'm a sucker for closet organization tips.

// This made me laugh.

// A great quote. What was your worst job?

// Girl voice.

// Perfect cardigan for fall.

// If Disney princes were real.

// Andrew W.K. is basically the most awesome.


Thursday, September 4, 2014

Worn: '90s Floral

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I am welcoming September with open arms. Ready for this heat to just end once and for all. I know I already said it, but this summer has been a weird one, long and drawn out, and I feel as if a new season, one with slightly cooler days, is what I need right now. This past weekend was wonderful and much needed, but it's about that time when you start to hear the collective cry of "is it fall yet?", and this year, I'm right there with 'em adding my voice to the chorus. I'm ready to stop sweating. I need to get out of this funk.

Mostly, I'm excited for cooler days so Chris and I can actually do some real, live, hiking. Not these relatively tame walkabouts we've been doing (which I've enjoyed, don't get me wrong). I've been compiling a hefty list of trails I'd like to do, and hiking is just better when done under a canopy of fall foliage.

This outfit was assembled out of pure necessity. It was above 90 degrees on Sunday, we had to run up to South Street, and this was the breeziest thing I could find. Also, Birkenstocks with everything because I just can't handle anything else right now.

Get the look: Dress: Thrifted (similar) // Bag: Omnia Vintage (c/o - similar) // Sunglasses: Thrifted (similar) // Birkenstock 'Arizona' // Necklace: F21 (similar) // Bra: Aeropostale (c/o - similar) // Rings: Vintage & from a West Virginia truck stop.

Monday, September 1, 2014

Weekend Diary: So Long Summer

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Can you cram an entire summer into four days? Pretty much yes. And that's exactly what we did. I was lucky enough to have Friday off from work, so we kicked off our miserably hot, long weekend early with a trek through the John Heinz at Tinicum Nature Preserve, which was gorgeous and full of birds, as promised. Saturday morning we left early and spent the day hiking through the fields and exploring ruins at Valley Forge, and today we finally relented to the heat and went to the beach.

Despite entering the weekend with absolutely zero plans, we had a really, really great time, and I have to say our timing for Ocean City was perfect. We were driving in when everyone else was leaving, which meant a nearly empty boardwalk and low-key crowds on the shore. Sometimes playing it by ear is precisely what you need to do.

See ya summer.