Fashion

Green Gingham

July 12, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

It has been an abnormally hot Summer in Northern Colorado thanks to a “Heat Dome” (thanks 2020!) so this post and probably all the ones in the near future will be featuring the most Summeriest of Summer outfits. Give me all the lightweight dresses, tank tops and skirts please — like this gingham patterned dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. Like usual, the quality is up to their standard: it’s made from double-lined 100% cotton and comes with pockets! I am pretty much a loyal Abercrombie customer after they revamped their whole image and brand a few years ago. They have sales so frequently that you can get their items for a very reasonable price. The quality being much better than your average fast-fashion retailer gives you the most bang for your buck. It’s not as cheap as say H&M or Forever21 (this dress was on sale for $39.99), but I’m all about spending a couple bucks extra for better quality. Oh and this genuine leather shoulder bag was also from there and was on sale for like 15 bucks! It’s hard to find faux leather bags for that price, much less real leather.

Sandals and flats are also a must for this freaking hot Summer (I think we have had mid-to upper 90s for a solid week and a half now ughh). These woven flats from LaMar Lifestyle are a perfect lightweight and breathable shoe for your hot feets. Add a sunhat and you’re good to go for the weather, just don’t forget the SPF!

**Outfit Details:** Dress: Abercrombie; Shoes: LaMar Lifestyle; Bag: Abercrombie; hat: unbranded; necklace: Forever21

In Undertow

June 19, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

I still love festival fashion, even though all festivals are probably canceled for the foreseeable future. For me, festival looks aren’t about showing a ton of skin or getting flashy. I’m all about loose, breezy items that are comfortable to wear on hot days. Of course that means cotton tops, skirts and flats!

This top from Everlane is such a perfect tee for Summer. So lightweight! And I love the fact that it’s sleeveless. It’s been so hot lately (it set a record in Denver last week) that the least amount of fabric as possible is a must. Next up is this fab vintage 80’s skirt found on Etsy. I love Etsy for those vintage finds when you can’t venture into your local thrift store because a certain (ahem) virus has ruined pretty much everything, sigh. One thing great about fashion is that everything worth revisiting usually comes back around again (not you shoulder pads, you’re not allowed). While this pleated floral design is straight out of the 80’s, it seems so new right now!

Upslope’s Spiked Seltzer has been a must have drink for Summer!

Outfit Details: Top: Everlane; Skirt: Vintage (Etsy); Shoes: Free People; sunglasses: Ray Ban; hat: unbranded

Babydoll Swing Dress

May 25, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

I’ve never been a huge fan of babydoll dresses or tank tops as they tend to be a bit unflattering for me personally. I see them on other people and they look great so I think it’s just me! I think I am more of a ‘fit and flare’ gal. This babydoll dress from American Eagle is the exception and I love how it fits. It’s somehow very flattering even though its loose and flowy — not boxy or tented out like I would expect. It’s always nice to be pleasantly surprised by a great fit.

Since it’s been warming up here, I have been wearing this non-stop! It’s so light that it is perfect for hotter days. Seriously, I wore this when it was 89 degrees and it was a life saver. It looks great dressed up or down, as a casual look with sneakers or with heels or sandals. I’m partial to the Converse All-Stars myself. Spring days tend to have colder nights so I paired this with a cozy pullover sweater…perfect for late night bonfires during this gorgeous time of year. Today is Memorial Day and it’s great for a cookout or picnic. Make sure to wear it with a wide brimmed sunhat to protect yourself from those rays!

**Outfit Details:** Sweater: American Eagle; Dress: American Eagle; Shoes: Converse; Bag: Leather Strata; Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Bedhead & Denim

May 7, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

This post is all about Spring coziness — bring on the sweaters, messy hair and jeans! It seems like everyone is feeling sleepier and more morose lately. I think we’re in the doldrums phase of the lock down…and it’s taking a bit of a toll on everyone. Could be the boredom, could be the fact that the days are starting to feel the same.

Well thank God we’re still in that phase of Spring where oversized sweaters can still be worn. Can you imagine being in a lockdown in the heat of Summer? Sheesh, no thanks. Comfy sweaters and messy hair are made for this moment! These jeans from Levi’s (721s), while entirely optional at home, are nearly as comfy as leggings since they have a nice amount of stretch to them. Love the classic blue wash too! Oh yeah, and when I do go outside in this outfit, I will be wearing these Birkenstock’s — the comfiest footwear ever! Just waiting for that day to get out and enjoy it. For now I will keep busy with working on the garden and brainstorming more Spring and Summer looks!

**Outfit Details:** Sweater: Forever 21; Jeans: Levi’s; tee: American Eagle; shoes: Birkenstock Mayari

Spring Violets

April 14, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

Spring is always a weird time–65 degrees one day, snowing the next. This outfit brought to you by the fickle nature of Spring, when you really want to wear a dress and sneakers, but you also gotta wear tights and a cozy sweater because we’re not quite there yet. It’s close though! I can feel it. The rhubarb plant in our garden sure knows it’s Spring, snow and freezing temperatures be damned! I’m always amazed at the early Spring plants that can tough out a freeze.

This sweater, from American Eagle, is a perfect pullover and so soft! I feel like these types of ultra soft sweaters don’t really hold up during the washer/dryer — they get kind of dry and scratchy but this one has held together quite well! The skirt is actually a full length chiffon wrap dress from Abercrombie and I absolutely love the pattern and the quality of this one. It has become a closet staple since you can easily dress it up or down.

Since warm weather is right around the corner, we recently splurged a bit on these incredible linen sheets from Cultiver (which were on sale but still pricey for sheets). I hate being hot at night (I mean, who does) but waking up at 3AM sweaty is the actual worst. These sheets are made from a 100% natural flax fiber that is breathable and helps regulate temperature. I was a bit unsure about Linen as a material to sleep in. Kind of scratchy right? But nope, I was pleasantly surprised that these come soft right out of the box. They are seriously the most comfortable sheets ever and worth the splurge. They come in a variety of colors that are all so gorgeous, I kind of want them all!

**Outfit Details:** Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch; Sweater: American Eagle; Tights: Target; Necklace: Etsy; shoes: Vans

Linen & Silk

March 30, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

All dressed up and nowhere to go = the current theme of the month(s) due to COVID-19. But that’s alright, sometimes when you’re #socialdistancing it’s important to put on something nice to feel normal again. The latest Spring look features a few of the best quality materials to go for — linen and silk! Don’t buy full price though since these can get pricey! You can find great deals online for well made clothing, like this top from Everlane which was on clearance for a big discount. Gotta love when clearance items are still available in your size! This top is light and breezy and so perfect for Summer that I’m almost looking forward to hotter weather to try it out. I sized down on this top and I’m glad I did since it’s meant to fit fairly loose.

The skirt and shoes were found at Roolee, a boutique online store, which has tons of great items for reasonable prices. I was overall happy with the quality of the skirt and shoes — especially the skirt which is made from a linen blend and comes with pockets. I am aaalways a fan of skirts/dresses that have decent pockets. The material is super breathable and perfect for Summertime, the beach…picnics–you name it!

**Outfit Details:** Top: Everlane; Skirt: Roolee; Shoes; Roolee; Watch: Stock Watches

Spring Blues

March 22, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

To talk about the latest Spring looks feels a bit strange and out of place. A lot has changed since I last posted. I think at this point everyone is on the same page with current events (like, you literally cannot escape the news right now) so I won’t beat a dead horse. In an attempt for normalcy I felt like I should probably update the blog though.

So, how about jeans folks?! Lolz. I will say, these ultra high-rise Levi’s are pretty awesome. These are their 721 style in a medium wash with just the right amount of cotton (75%) and just the right amount of stretch. I wouldn’t call them true denim jeans because of the decent amount of stretch but they aren’t quite full on “jeggings” either. A perfect blend I should say! And soooo comfortable. I wouldn’t call them as durable as cotton jeans but the comfort factor makes up for it because 100% cotton jeans are so stiff and take forever to break in. To add to the comfort factor, I included this classic waffle weave top from American Eagle, mostly because I just love the color. It’s just so pretty, and looks great with blue jeans! I admit it’s more of a Fall color but I think rustic orange can have its place in the Spring. Adding in my favorite pair of Chelsea boots by Marc Fisher to give this outfit a more minimalist vibe. Happy Spring ya’ll!

**Outfit Details:** Top: American Eagle; Jeans: Levi’s 721s; shoes; Marc Fisher; hat: unbranded

Charcoal & Sage

March 1, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

Happy March 1st! It’s gotta be Spring, right? Oh wait, it snowed today, lol. I have been so excited about Spring looks that I have been trying to incorporate them into cold weather times. Hence this perfect Spring dress from Abercrombie & Fitch. I love the sagey color and 90’s style floral print. It’s made from a thicker material and is fully lined–love the quality that Abercrombie has offered lately!

Next on my list are these fabulous boots and while they look like Doc Marten’s they aren’t! They’re actually Solovair, which was at one point the manufacturer of Doc Marten’s but since then the companies have split off. I’ve wanted a pair of Doc Marten’s forever, but these Solovairs are made in England and are just as good, if not better made. These are Solovair’s Astronaut boot, a slightly lower style than the typical combat boot. I like the lower ankle height because it provides a little more versatility in what I can wear it with. The cost on these are just a bit under Doc Marten’s Made in England styles so for me this was a no brainer decision to go with Solovair instead. This style is a nice way to update the 90’s classic and I am super into it!

Outfit Details: Leather Jacket: Zara; Dress: Abercrombie & Fitch; Shoes: Solovair; tights: Target

Pointelle Sweater

February 9, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

It’s been a very mild January/February so my thoughts have been turning more toward Winter-to-Spring transition looks. This pointelle sweater from Asos fits the bill as it’s very cozy but also has a bit of a Spring vibe going on. The length is pretty average and not overly cropped which is gives it some versatility. It looks great with high-waisted jeans but works well as a pullover with dresses and skirts. It’s always a treat to order something online and surprise–the thing is majorly cropped! And nowhere does it say on the listing that it is of course. This seems to be one of the casualties of online clothes shopping, especially with fast fashion brands (looking at you Forever 21). Luckily, Asos just made a normal sweater of normal length –incredible, I know! I paired this sweater with some comfy jeans from Levi’s–I’m a big fan of their stretchier jeans. They are ridiculously comfy and feel like you are wearing leggings!

Lately, I’ve been slowly putting together some minimalist capsule wardrobe ideas and a cozy reading corner in the new place! Still works in progress but I’ve chosen a few neutral and minimal looks suitable for everyday, work or travel. Shown below are a few tops that fit perfectly into a more minimalist wardrobe. Simplification will be the key word for me in 2020!

**Outfit Details**: Sweater: Asos; Jeans: Levi’s; Bag: LeatherStrata- Etsy; Shoes: Anthropologie; Jewelry: Etsy

Inside Life

January 25, 2020 by The Partial Ingredients

After moving to a new place, decor and furniture are still works in progress–hence this outfit shoot was all about the minimalism! Plus, when January hits I’m pretty much over Winter stuff and just want Spring already! This midi skirt from Adored Vintage is one of my favorite every day skirts that lends itself well to more minimalist looks. I also love the pattern! I have this weird thing about polka dots where in order for me to be on board, the dots needs to be small and unevenly spaced. Is that super weird/OCD? Probably, oh well.

Anywaaays, to complete this look I threw on a basic ribbed pullover top from Forever 21. The ribs/stripes are a nice way to add in some subtle pattern mixing/texture while not actually doing full on pattern mixing (but I am a fan of that too!). Forever 21 is so great with these staple items for your closet–especially semi-cropped tops like these. I like to wear shorter tops with skirts (especially the high-waisted kind) so there isn’t a whole lot of fabric to tuck in and make it messy. This look was meant to be worn while out on a warm, Spring day — now all I need is for it to be April to make it work!