Boston Beginnings

My first post from Boston! How exciting. I moved into my dorm on Friday. After hours of rearranging and organizing my extremely hot room, it finally ended up feeling quite homey. For the past couple of months, I have been stocking up on vintage pictures and craft items to fill my room with. I am pleased with the turn out because the room is much bigger than I expected. Thanks to these lovely ladies pictured above, my first week at Northeastern has been more than amazing. I had my first day of classes today and I start work tomorrow. Everything seems to be falling into place, and I could not be any happier. 

Until next time, Mandy

Vintage Garage

I always love checking out vintage markets in the city, so when I heard that the vintage garage was open on Sunday, I made a last minute decision to attend. Even though I was there strictly to "window" shop, there were tons of neat things that I wish I could have brought home with me. I was tempted to buy another coat, but I know that my mother would have killed me. I don't even know how I am going to fit my wardrobe in my dorm, so I am not allowed to buy any more clothes at the moment. Speaking of clothes, I should really start packing up my closet. I leave for Boston in a week!

Until next time, Mandy

I Think It's About Time I Get A Bike

shirt: from my friend. skirt: urban outfitters. shoes: target. scarf: vintage.

So I kind of had a red theme going on the other day, so when I saw this adorable bike with the red sign, I just had to take pictures with it. It is little things like this that make me love going into the city. I hope to find more cute places today, because I am headed downtown in a few hours. Erin and I are meeting up with a friend of ours from Indiana for a day of picture taking and hopefully coffee because I am a tad bit exhausted.
Until next time, Mandy

I Like Raiding My Grandma's Closet

dress: grandma's. shoes: target. belt: thrifted.

While I was unpacking my bags from a stay at my grandparent's house, I found that I accidentally grabbed my grandmother's shirt out of the closet. Since I had already brought it home, I decided to wear it. Why not, right? I turned this shirt into a dress, and I couldn't be more happy with the look. I am going to miss raiding my grandma's closet when I leave for school in a few weeks.

Until next time, Mandy

70s Vibe

dress: bazar. shoes: are my grandma's.

Hello my lovely readers. This was an outfit post from the other day, but I am just now getting around to putting it up. I was thrilled when I found this dress. I love the 70s vibe and bright colors, oh and I can't forget to mention the sleeves! At the moment, I am listening to Of Monsters and Men while I overpack my suitcase because I am leaving for Boston in the morning. College orientation here I come! I cannot believe how fast this summer has gone by. I am ridiculously excited to see the city, but a tad bit nervous about getting all of my school information. Also, the whole icebreakers and forced socialization thing is not my favorite. I don't enjoy playing awkward games with people I don't know. However, I am sure the next three days will be filled with exciting events and interesting people. Expect pictures and stories upon my return.

Until next time, Mandy

Project Restyle: Floral Shorts

After months of wanting to learn how to sew, I finally had my first sewing lesson the other day. My grandmother's friend is brilliant at sewing. She actually made all of her own clothes during high school. She offered to teach me awhile ago, but due to busy schedules, we never got around to it. However, on Friday we were both free, so I brought over some dresses to her house so she could teach me how to alter them. We spent the afternoon chatting and sewing, and when it was time to go home I didn't want to leave. I was inspired to keep on sewing, but since I'm still a newbie I wanted some cheap clothes to practice on. Saturday morning, I woke my grandma up for a trip to Savers, one of the thrift stores near my house. I always see clothing at thrift stores that I think would be cute if only they were shorter, smaller, and often less grandma-y. Somehow the long mumu baggy dresses always seem to have the best patterns. Finally, I was able to buy those potentially cute clothes because I now know the basics of altering. I walked out of the store with three bags full of clothes to work on. My first challenge: these floral shorts.

What the shorts looked like before. I loved the pattern and color, but I didn't enjoy the baggy, to the knee length.

After cutting off 6 inches, I began to sew the hem. I ended up sticking myself with the pins a few times and I almost sewed my finger, but there were no major disasters. 

shorts: thrifted. shirt: urban outfitters. boots: urban outfitters. sunnies: anthropologie. 

Voila! I can now wear them in public. I love the finished product, and my successful first sewing attempt has made me want to sew every day. So I have decided to start a new project/blog series in order to inspire me to work on my skills. What do you think? Each week, I will write a Project Restyle post about a thrift or vintage find that I have altered. They may not be the most elaborate projects, but I feel accomplished when I am able to wear the finished piece. Also, if any of you restyle your thrift and vintage finds, I would love to have you as a guest blogger for the series. Some weeks I may not be able to finish a piece, so I would love to have some other bloggers as part of the project. If you are interested in guest posting, email me at graceandviola@gmail.com for more details. 

Until next time, Mandy

Out and About

Happy Easter everyone!

My week has not been very picture worthy due to my insane allergies and massive amounts of homework. Why teachers need to assign me papers over Easter break, I will never know. Also, it's a little difficult to get any good pictures of myself when my eyes are red and puffy and my head feels like it weighs a million pounds. However, I did snap a few photos when I was out running some errands with my mom yesterday. We went to a couple of shops, including one that was full of vintage dishes. I was in love. I am planning on going back there when I move into my own apartment.

Until next time, Mandy

Look What I Bought

After school, I went across the street to target to see if they had these shoes that I really like. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me, but I did take some with my phone.

My mom gave me a brown pair of these shoes for christmas and I wear them all of the time. They were only nine dollars so I decided to paint the sides gold. I really like the way they turned out, so I wanted to buy another pair. Target only had a black pair in my size but I bought them because they were only five dollars. Do you think I should paint these too? If so, what color?

Another pair that I decided to buy were these tan suede booties. I don't have any tan shoes and I do love the chunky heel.

These were really cute flats, but I did not have enough money with me to buy them. I might have to go back because they are a great pattern for spring.

I also found these raincoats. I have always wanted a really bright, fun raincoat, but I could never find one. They had green, blue, pink, and yellow. I am thinking of going with the traditional yellow. What do you think?

I am going downtown tomorrow for some thrifting/vintage shopping. I cannot wait. I need a little relaxation time, and what is better than great clothes and food?

Until next time, Mandy