The Green Violet

9.29.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 02:50:00 +0000

Dress: Columbia
Tank: local boutique
Sweater: Woman Within
Shoes: Off the Beaten Track

I just started taking a photography class at the local branch of the University of New Mexico. I've been wanting to take a photography class for what feels like forever. I had some friends back in high school that went to a different school and they got to take an amazing class, complete with darkroom training. I was so jealous! The first time I tried to take a photo class was in college; however, I went to a tiny liberal arts college and no one but art majors ever managed to get in. After that, I have tried at various times to take a class, either while I was in grad school or at local community colleges, but it never worked out (mostly because I forgot to check the schedules until halfway through the semester). However, I think it must have been fate because this class is shaping up to be really inspirational. The instructor is a quite talented landscape photographer and we have already covered the basics like ISO, aperture, and shutter speed, and delved into some photoshop. Hopefully, my pictures will be improving around here soon! Especially if I can remember to head out to take pictures before it gets too dark!

June in Idaho

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 03:08:00 +0000

Sorry for the radio silence around here, folks. At work, I've been out in "the field" (as we geologists like to call it) almost every day, working some long hours. All that there is time for in my life these days is sleeping, eating, and taking Petey on walks (mostly because he gives me that face if I don't). Next week promises to be more reasonable, work-wise, so hopefully I'll be back to my irregularly scheduled posting!

For now, I'll leave with two photos I took in Idaho back in June. I spent an awesome ten days in both Idaho and Wyoming, visiting with friends and enjoying some outrageous scenery. If you scrutinize the lower right-hand corner of the photo below, you'll discover the real reason that we all went to Idaho. Rafting!

08.30.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:46:00 +0000

Dress: Vintage Swirl Wrap Dress (etsy)
Shoes: Kork-Ease
Bracelet: Gift

I am SO EXCITED about my new-to-me Swirl dress. Seriously, I've been looking for one for a long time and when this one popped up on Etsy, I knew that it had to be mine. The pattern is so amazing! I love the colors! It looks perfect with my new Kork-Ease's! I could go on and on, but instead I think I will just wear it until it falls to pieces. Have ya'll found anything exciting recently? Isn't it just the best when you find something you have had on your wish list for what seems like forever?

8.24.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 20:29:00 +0000

Cape: Free People
Skirt: Woman Within
Tank: Target
Shoes: Clark's
Belt: Thrifted
Bracelets: Market in Mexico, gift, Made in Jackson Hole

This morning felt like the first true day of fall, right on time for Labor Day here in the U.S. Although its been getting pretty cool at night for a while now, today it was still 56 degrees F at noon, windy, and cloudy. Exciting stuff! I can't wait for boots and cozy sweaters and ski season. So, it seemed like the appropriate time to post photos of my new cape. I wore this a couple of weeks ago to dinner and let me tell you, it was more than a little warm for the weather. However, I think it will make another, more seasonally appropriate appearance this afternoon. This cape is a totally new type of sweater for me and I have absolutely no idea how to wear it. I'll guess I have to try it with everything and see what works!

I hope that those of you in the U.S. have a great holiday tomorrow and don't have to work. Any exciting plans? We're hoping to have a lawn games tournament, complete with croquet, bocce ball, and badminton!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 05:43:00 +0000

Well, I had some fabulous photos all ready to post for all you lovelies, but I ended up spending the better part of the evening giving the old blog a face-lift! I think its looks much classier now, but I still have a long way to go. Figuring all this stuff out is hard! Anyways, pop over and give it a look if you are so inclined.

Next on the list... Discus commenting.

8.25.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:44:00 +0000

Shirt: Thrifted
Tank: Target
Jeans: Target
Shoes: Clarks
Bracelet: MADE in Jackson

Last Wednesday, as I was getting dressed for work, I thought I would try to fit in a little more around the office. After all, nothing says geologist like jeans and plaid shirt, right? It's what all the guys wear! Joking aside, I was just looking for something comfy and casual and figured it wouldn't hurt to try to look more like a geologist and less like a personal style blogger for the day. It is the geology that pays the bills, as it turns out! Of course, I couldn't resist adding a little blogger touch as soon as I got out of the office- because, no, of course I didn't prance around the office with my shirt tied up like I was headed to the beach! I don't think that would fly, even in my super casual office environment!

Also, I got these super comfy Clark's sandals while I was in Texas a few weeks ago and I have been wearing the crap out of them. Its a good thing I decided to go with the practical pair of shoes during that shopping expedition (I found a totally cute but not very practical for my lifestyle pair that I forced myself to leave behind). They are doing construction at our office and we have to take a hiking trail to get to our office from the parking lot. Only in New Mexico!

08.22.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:27:00 +0000

Shirt: Free People (new!)
Cardigan: Banana Republic (gift)
Jeans: Woman Within
Shoes: Off the Beaten Track

Sorry for that little break I took from blogging! Just when I was getting back into the swing of things, I headed off on a few long-weekend vacations. All that traveling pretty much rendered me totally incapable of looking cute or taking photos. Never fear, there aren't any other vacations on the horizon and I did manage to go on a bit of a shopping spree while visiting my parents, so expect to see some exciting new items around here! Actually, who am I kidding? Even my old stuff counts as new if I haven't blogged it yet, right?

So, I hope ya'll like my new shirt! The ruffles and trim at the bottom hem seemed a little girly for my taste, but the high quality and the 50% off price tag meant that I just couldn't pass this one up. Maybe it will help me push my style boundaries? What do you think, any styling suggestions that don't involve my old standby of a cardigan?

08.08.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 04:42:00 +0000

Dress: Ross
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Birkenstock

One of my co-workers got married a couple of weeks (ok, maybe months at this point) ago. I actually had my whole outfit planned out weeks in advance because I have to take advantage of every opportunity I get to dress up here in the extremely casually and outdoors-ily styled northern New Mexico. Mind you, I was still planning to be over dressed, but its all relative, right? There was just one problem, I didn't have a pair of shoes that I thought would work. This was obviously before the purchase of these babies, which are clearly perfect for every occasion. See, further justification for their purchase! But, I digress.

I was running some errands in Santa Fe (the closest city of any consequence) and decided I would just pop into Ross and see if they had any deals on shoes. Well, I should know myself well enough by now to know that I can't ever just pop into Ross to look at shoes. A visit to Ross that does not include a full perusal of the dress section would practically be criminal! Well, I emerged at least an hour (if not two) later, with this dress, another dress, and a pair of shoes. Because this dress was so shiny and new, I just had to wear it to the wedding, eschewing the previously plotted outfit! Fortunately, another co-worker is getting married in a few weeks, so that outfit should get its time in the sun!

I didn't manage to snap any photos of this dress at the wedding, so I set out on Monday to re-photograph the dress. I swapped out my shoes for something a bit more practical for rambling about in the woods, and I like how much more casual it made the outfit. Now, instead of considering these re-photos, I'm going to consider them pre-photos. I must wear this again as soon as humanly possible (which means sometime I am not going to work, as I just don't think I can convince anyone that this insane print is office appropriate).

08.04.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:10:00 +0000

Dress: Made by me
Belt: Etsy (came with vintage dress)
Sweater: Woman Within
Leggings: Kohl's
Shoes: Target

Last Thursday, I went in search of some new scenery. We have a ton of beautiful locations in my town, but a lot of the best views are on someone's property or right next to a road that is next to a steep cliff. We have a lot of cliffs around here. I don't know about ya'll, but I'm not so into posing it out right by the road. I'm fairly certain that I look totally ridiculous while attempting to take my photos (as evidenced by the out-takes), and I'm not quite ready to explain to the world why I think personal style blogging is so awesome. I'm sure ya'll all know how I feel. However, the locations for my last three posts are all within 15 minutes of my house. I know that if I keep seeking them out, there will be plenty more for me to find. When I found this spot, I was even rewarded by a rainbow! Doesn't get much better than that after a long day spent in the office. The desert is a truly spectacular place.

08.03.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 01:33:00 +0000

Dress: Boutique in Santa Fe
Sweater: Columbia Sportswear
Shoes: Nine West
Sunglasses: Oakley via steepandcheap.com

Ya'll, I seriously can't stop with the neutrals! What's wrong with me? A simple click through my archives will quickly prove that I'm not typically a neutrals kind of gal. Maybe I'm getting more boring in my old age? Although I'm currently loving beige and white, I think (both you and) I might get a bit bored, so let's hope it's a passing phase! I promise to punch it up next post with some bold colors.

I thought the (non-) colors in this outfit would look perfect with some aspen trees, so I had to seek some out for these photos. I love their white bark and the beautiful color and shape of their leaves. I think they are my favorite tree (though I am also partial to maples), which is perfect, because this is definitely becoming one of my favorite dresses. I'm hoping to take better advantage of the beautiful surroundings that I get to enjoy every day here in northern New Mexico and share them with ya'll in my outfit photos. Check back tomorrow for some of the best scenery I've posed with yet, including a rainbow!

07.28.11: In which I succumb to a few blogger trends...

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 04:33:00 +0000

Shirt: Old Navy
Cardigan: Old Navy
Jeans: Woman Within
Shoes: Kork-Ease
Bag: Gift from sister
Necklace: Vintage Egyptian Faience Beads, Gift (restrung by me)

Ring: Made, Jackson Hole, WY

Last Friday I wore an outfit that proves that I am not as immune as I'd like to think to the influence of the blogosphere. As spring progressed and the weedy, dry, grasses of New Mexico grew, so did my desire (nay, need) for a pair of vintage inspired wedges. Flats and flip flops would simply not do this summer, as they had in many summers past (27, to be exact). On this, the summer of my 28th year, I would buy myself a real pair of grown up sandals. It seemed that every time I opened up my laptop, I would be inexplicably drawn to ebay or zappos, searching for the perfect (on sale) pair of sandals. And, though it broke my little deal loving heart just a tiny bit, in the end I settled on this pair and paid full price. However, I love them and have justified the purchase by telling myself that this style has been made and worn by fashionable ladies for 50 years, so surely I will be able to get 50 years of use out of them. Right? 'Cause a neutral-colored, cork wedge never goes of of style? Right? And to go with my new shoes, I just had to buy a pair of skinny jeans. And, that's the end of my story about how I succumbed to the evil (genius?) influence of the rest of the personal style blogosphere.

7.18.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:40:00 +0000

Skirt: REI
Shirt: Gap (ancient)
Cardigan: Ross (?)
Shoes: Target ($5!!)

So, my office is super casual, as you could have probably guessed from this all knit/jersey outfit. However, what might surprise you is that my office is SO casual that an outfit such as this (as in, one in which I am not wearing jeans) still garners comments such as "why are you so dressed up?". Yes, that's right, welcome to New Mexico, also known as the the land where people are confused if you aren't wearing pants. Ok, so maybe that also has something to do with working in the environmental consulting field, but sometimes I just want to look like a girl!

Please feel free to admire three of my current obsessions, found below. The first is my new bag, which was a gift from my sister. She recently returned from a two year stint in Nicaragua and brought me this lovely bag as a (much belated) birthday gift.

The second is my new $5 pair of shoes. While trying to escape the heat and smoke (from all the wildfires in the state), I took an ill-founded trip to Target in search of some air conditioning. I did manage to enjoy the AC, but only just barely, as I was distracted by all the pretty colors and amazing prices. When the closest Target is an hour away, it suddenly transforms from "ugly big box store" into an exciting wonderland!

Ok, I am seriously in love with my third obsession. I purchased this bracelet on a recent trip to visit a friend in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (photos forthcoming). She took me to this store called MADE, which was seriously amazing. Just imagine walking into a store featuring items from all of your favorite Etsy sellers. Yes, it was that good. Anyways, the note that came with this bracelet said that it was made from a 1920's era spoon.

P.S. I missed ya'll, promise I am still reading everyone's blogs. I just need to get better at commenting!

3.11.11

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:48:00 +0000

So... I took these like three weeks ago. Better late than never, right? I'm working on this blogging thing slowly!

Dress: made by me, upcycled from t-shirts
Tank: lane bryant
Leggings: sock dreams
Socks: sock dreams
boots: Frye (ebay'd and new to me!!)

So, I just got these boots. I'm totally obsessed with them! Turns out, ebay is the way to go when you want nice shoes for cheap! Of course, the sizing is a total crap shoot, but I lucked out. FYI, ladies, after extensive research I think these Paige Riding boots are the Frye boots with the biggest calf diameter . The size 10 fits my 17" calf just fine!

It seems like spring has finally sprung around here, hope things are looking lovely in your neck of the woods, too!

Hello, Old Friends !?!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:57:00 +0000

So, yeah... it's been a while. Like almost a year. But I think that I finally have my life under control here in New Mexico, after a couple of moves and some growing (adjusting?) pains! And you know what, I really, really miss having a creative outlet. Don't get me wrong, making money is awesome (even if it means I have to have a real job that starts at 7 AM), but life was way more entertaining when I was thrifting for the shop and blogging all the time. I've made some great friends here, and even a few lovely ladies who enjoy crafty-time with me, but I don't really feel like I'm pushing myself to be creative every day and I miss it. So, I'm going to attempt to start the ol' blog back up! Hopefully, I can re-find my place in the interwebs, a place where people appreciate my wacky outfits and my attempts at photography. So, if anyone is still hanging around, thanks a billion and I'll try not to disappoint! And for those of you whose blogs I have been silently reading for the last year, I promise to chime in and encourage you in your creative efforts, also!

Now... on to the outfit!

This is something a have found myself wearing a lot recently, something about the plaid and the boots just seems so appropriate for New Mexico! Right?
Dress: Target
Cardi: Old Navy?
Belt: Ross
Leggings: Vera Wang for Kohl's
Boots: Vintage, Etsy (I LOVE these. Some may say I am obsessed)

And, I would be remiss if I didn't show you a few of my new favorite home furnishings, now that I have a big girl grownup house all to myself.

My new-to-me, vintage console stereo. It plays the radio, records, AND my Ipod. $20 at Goodwill. Amazing!

I've had this one for a while, but now I finally have a place to put it! An amazing framed vintage Gucci scarf that depicts the four seasons.

Giveaway! yay!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:38:00 +0000

Just wanted to let ya'll know that I'm doing a giveaway over at the Sewn Natural blog, owned by the lovely Jen! Jump on over to see the details and be sure to check out her eco-friendly shop on Etsy, it is full of lots of beautiful things for children of all ages! Check a few of my favs out below...

Spring gnome baby up-cyled dolls! Precious!!!

This elephant is too cute for words! Plus, her name is Petaluma!

They don't call it the Land of Enchantment for nothing!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 00:44:00 +0000

New Mexico is lovely... much more so than most people think!

All this magic is (literally) right out my back door!

New Mexico Textures

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:34:00 +0000

Sorry for the long absence, ya'll! I'm still getting settled in here in New Mexico and enjoying every minute of it! Petey and I went on a little hike on Sunday and I remembered to bring my camera (and more importantly, my Nikon 1.8f lens which I am still totally obsessed with). It makes the harsh New Mexican landscape look soft and buttery! Here are a few shots, with more to follow soon:

Green Violet Vintage, now reopened!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 03:05:00 +0000

I forgot to mention it in my last post, so now ya'll get two posts in one day! I just wanted to let ya'll know that Green Violet Vintage is back open for business! If you've had your eye on anything but couldn't purchase it because the shop was closed, swing on by and pick it up!

I've made several attempts to visit some thrift stores in Northern New Mexico, but all my attempts have been foiled (mostly because none of the thrift stores seem to be open)!!! If anyone knows of any thrift stores in the region, please do let me know!

New Mexico!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:55:00 +0000

Well, it looks live I've become about a once a week blogger! Whoops! I promise to (at least try to) get better once I get a bit more settled in. I've been busy with unpacking and decorating galore (and of course, working lots of 10 hour days out in the field)! I'm so excited to finally have a place to hang up all the art and photos that I love. I've had so many roommates for so long that I haven't gotten to every fully make a house my own. I'll have to share some photos with ya'll once I get things a bit more in order. For now, I just wanted to drop in to let ya'll know that I am REALLY enjoying New Mexico; from the people to the scenery, everything is really quite fabulous! I've been skiing every weekend and generally exploring the area. Just check it out for yourself:

I snapped these shots by the Rio Grande near Santa Fe. It sure is lovely here!

1.27.09 (and, I'm still alive)

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 03:06:00 +0000

Please forgive me for being gone so long from the blogosphere! It is taking WAY longer than expected to settle in. I promise I have been reading all of ya'lls lovely blogs, I've just had such spotty internet access that I've haven't been able to comment. Anyways, here is a much belated birthday outfit post. Here is what I wore on my 27th B-day when I arrived in my new home- New Mexico!

Shirt (a new fav): Just thrifted
Jeans: Ross
Shoes: fuzzy inside flats from Target

And, here is the view from the overlook without me blocking it! I'm so lucky to be living in such an amazing spot!

I've Arrived!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 18:26:00 +0000

I finally made it to New Mexico! After a few days of recovery and insane moving things, I've managed to find a new place to live and am starting my job on Monday! Yay! I took a photo an hour (during the daylight hours) on my drive and made a fun little movie. In case you were wondering, here is what almost all of I-40 (the central east-west highway in the U.S.) looks like from a moving vehicle:

More fun New Mexico photos coming soon!

On the Road (again)

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:13:00 +0000

Here is what Peter and I look like approximately 18 hours into a 25 hour cross-country move in scenic (ha!) western Oklahoma. Tomorrow I'll arrive at my new home in New Mexico on my 27th birthday, so I better get some sleep because I'm looking rough and I want to start this new adventure off right!

I'm in packing hell!!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:27:00 +0000

This is what it looked like yesterday:

Today it looks 10 times worse! Ahh!

Last night, all sorts of lovely people met me downtown for my last night out or, as I like to call it, my "peace out, bitches" party! I took my camera but only remembered to take a few photos.

Then, I finished up the evening with a drink at the massive and impressive Grove Park Inn (where our president stayed when he visited our fair city). Here is the Skyline of Asheville from the hotel's huge porch.

I'm hoping to head out of town tomorrow afternoon, if I can manage to cram all of this stuff into a horse trailer, my mom's tahoe, and my subaru. Keep your fingers' crossed for me!

Big NEWS!

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:41:00 +0000

Well, lovely readers, I'm sorry I've been a bit MIA for the last week or so. I have some big, exciting news but I wanted to wait for it to be final before I blogged about it (didn't want to jinx anything)! Well, I FINALLY got a new job that I am sooo excited about. I'll be doing actual geology and be spending a lot of time out in the field. The down side is that I have to leave North Carolina, but the up side is that I'm moving to New Mexico! So, needless to say, things have been a bit crazy. I've moved across the country a few times now, so I guess it should be old hat at this point but it really never seems to get any better. All the packing is making me insane, but at least I have an exciting new job and location to look forward to. New Mexico is the 'Land of Enchantment' after all, so I can only expect amazing things.

Here a few lovely photos of New Mexico from Flickr users (click for source):

All of these amazing images are getting me super excited to get out there and get started! Too bad 24 hours in the car are standing between me and this lovely landscape.

So, you might be wondering what this means for my blog and Etsy shops. Well, things will probably be slow around here for a while but I am going to try to photodocument the move and blog about it when possible. I'm going to put my shops on hold for a little while but I hope to keep them active once I get settled! I can't wait to see what kind of vintage clothes I can find out west. I definitely won't be quitting my blog, though the focus may change a bit because doing geology doesn't exactly call for a super glamorous wardrobe. I just couldn't part with all you lovely folks I've met through the interwebs! So hopefully you will be seeing lots of amazing scenery photos and some outfit posts when I have a day or two off. I can't wait to improve my photography skills, I've already got my eye on a few new lenses I just might be needing to capture the western landscape.

Once again, thanks for being so lovely! I have a good friend who claims that this is the "Year of Magical Thinking" and that if we think magically about what we want, we can make it happen. It has worked for me so far! So, I wish some magical thinking for all of ya'll this year, I hope magical things are happening for you also!

MLK weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 02:08:00 +0000

For those of us here in the states, today was Martin Luther King day which (for those of us that have real jobs) means no work on Monday! In celebration, a few of my friends and I rented a cabin up in the mountains. It was by no means deluxe, but there was good company, a hot tub, and lovely scenery and thats really all a girl needs! Here are a few snaps I took (the last one is with my super exciting new lens- it makes night look like day).