Summer

Green Wrap Skirt & Summer to Fall Transition Pieces

August 18, 2018 by The Partial Ingredients

It’s unfortunate being so busy that I haven’t been able to post as quickly as I’d like. I feel a bit of a time crunch since August has sped by and Fall is quickly approaching. It’s not a good feeling when you feel like you’re running out of time. It would be nice for everything to slow down so I have more time to post more Summer ideas! In California, this wasn’t really an issue since the temperature swings were so mild in comparison. I could post about Summer stuff all year long, but alas, Colorado has other ideas. At the same time, I’m very excited for Fall to get in full swing so I’m feeling a bit ambivalent!

Here’s one of my late Summer looks featuring this lovely wrap skirt from Zaful. I have been having a love affair with wrap skirts and dresses all Summer it seems like! I am a huge fan of this color and floral pattern. It’s a bit like a modern Ditsy pattern, and there’s so many different outfits you could wear with this one. Since this skirt has a longer length, it could easily be worn as a Summer/Fall transition piece. It would look fab with a suede or denim jacket, or even a chunky knit pullover! Since it’s still in the 80s here, I went with a summery plain white tee and sandals, but as an affordable transition piece it is worth checking out. This boyfriend style tee from Urban Outfitters is such a comfy and soft option for a white t-shirt. I personally am super picky about t-shirts and this one has a nice loose cut and the fabric is very soft. Since the boyfriend style runs looser, I ordered a size smaller and the fit is perfect!

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Top: Urban Outfitters, Skirt: Zaful, Shoes: Nature Breeze, Bag: eBay

Summer Stripes

August 12, 2018 by The Partial Ingredients

Sometimes when you’re nowhere near the beach, you just gotta recreate it yourself right? That was the goal of this outfit. Since I live in a landlocked state now, I was missing the beach a lot recently and I wanted to create the beachiest Summer outfit possible. Also, it’s back up to mid-90 degree temperatures so that might have had something to do with it! I spied out this vertical stripe 60’s inspired mini dress on Urban Outfitters and had a big time nostalgia flashback–it reminded me so much of my favorite beach towel that I knew I had to snap it up. The stripe pattern was almost exact, I couldn’t believe it! I also love the 60’s inspired silhouette and the light and breezey chiffon fabric. The fabric has a double layer with a black slip underneath which really makes the stripes pop. I love the muted retro colors of this dress and the fact it’s not SUPER bright. I kind of avoid bright stripey patterns and this isn’t like that at all.

I’ve also been kind of obsessed with this woven circle bag. They’ve definitely become more popular lately on social media which means that you can find them for much cheaper on sites like Etsy, Amazon and eBay. This particular one I found off eBay brand new. If you’re looking for a bag like this, I highly recommend going to more affordable sites first before you buy a branded bag for a big markup! That said, you will be seeing a lot of this bag in the future because it goes with so many darn things–I can’t seem to get it out of my outfit ideas! Same goes for these shoes, there are a lot of more expensive choices that are just like these, but I found these on Amazon and so far they have been way worth it. The dress however, was slightly more expensive so sometimes you just have to pick your battles and know when to splurge or save!

Outfit Details: Dress: Urban Outfitters, Bag: Unbranded, Shoes: Nature Breeze

Outfit Set:

Summer Storms

July 8, 2018 by The Partial Ingredients

You wouldn’t know it but just about when I was finishing up with this shoot it started hailing like crazy, hence the title of this post. Not even rain to start, just straight up hail out of nowhere. Colorado weather is just ridiculous sometimes. I do love a good Summer thunderstorm, but this outfit was intended to feature clothes for hot Summer days–days where you would rather wear nothing at all but can’t because of some pesky nudity laws. I recently ordered some “wedgie” style cut off Levi’s jean shorts for just that occasion because I’ve heard they are super comfy and great for Summer. Turns out everyone was right, they really are perfect for hot heather and I guess they make your butt look okay? Maybe? I don’t really see much of the wedgie thing but I do like the high waist look a lot. They look fab with crop tops and tie-waist shirts too!

These shoes are pretty much the perfect summer sandal–I haven’t stopped wearing them because they look great with everything and are super comfortable. To complete this look I added this cute little cactus print bag that has been a favorite of mine and a wide brimmed hat for sun protection. Just as a side note, it is really important to wear hats people, sun screen only does so much and only stays effective for a couple hours. I wear this hat almost exclusively for utilitarian reasons, but that doesn’t mean sun protection can’t look cute too!

Outfit Set:Outfit Details: Shirt: eBay, Shoes: Nature Breeze, Hat: eBay, Bag: Etsy, Shorts: Levi’s

Ochre & Blush

June 20, 2018 by The Partial Ingredients

I’m been a big fan of mustard tones and over the last few months it seems like it’s become a trend. I’m not complaining–I love seeing more of this color! Before it started making the rounds, it was kind of hard to find the perfect hue. Sometimes mustard yellow looks a little too bright for me instead of the rich, golden tones that I prefer. These “boyfriend” style pants from Pendleton are pretty much the perfect golden-y ochre that I’ve been looking for and I’m super excited to finally find them! And if you’re wondering, I believe they sell this color under the “curry” tag. That’s another thing, it’s almost impossible to search for mustard yellow because brands tend to sell it under random names.

To complement the chinos, I went with a clean and simple menswear inspired look with this very lightweight button down and leather oxfords. I am obsessed with these U.S. made oxfords from Walkover! They’re made from bison leather and designed with a good year welt construction, which is one of the best ways to build a long lasting shoe. You know when you hold something and it just feels like quality? Those are that feeling in a nutshell. As for accessories, I love pretty little details just like this leaf ring in matte gold from the Etsy store, Vermeil Supplies. They have very affordable accessories that add just a little something extra to an every day look.

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Pants: Pendleton, Shirt: Conversation Pieces, Shoes: Walkover, Bag; Hustle & Hide, Ring: Vermeil Supplies

Rust Romper

May 27, 2018 by The Partial Ingredients

It has really started to warm up here it’s crazy! It’s been in the mid to upper 80s all week so I’ve been brainstorming more Summery things to wear. After living on the California coast, where summers usually reached only the mid-60s, I am not used to wearing….fewer clothes I guess? I was out in a t-shirt one day and I felt so naked! Maybe I’m just used to layers and not wearing any just feel weird to me now. As for Summer ideas, I’ve been a lot more into rompers lately. They are so comfy to hang out in on a hot day, and they look great with sandals and Summery flats. I’m pretty much in love with this romper from Forever 21, mostly because of the color and material. It’s so soft and flowy, it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all–which is what I’m looking for on hotter days. I’m a big fan of the color too–it’s just gorgeous right? Love those rusty red tones.

Onto the accessories: this bag from Pendleton is one of my favorite recent additions. Love the design and size! The neutral colors make it super versatile and could easily become one of my everyday bags. I don’t like carrying around a lot of stuff in a huge bag so this is a good size for me. The necklace is…I guess you could call vintage? Because I actually got it as a gift when I was a kid years ago. Honestly, I have no idea who even made it. It’s a traditional medicine bag/amulet and I thought it would be fun to bring it out into the light. If you are looking for a comparable one, I looked around and found an Etsy store that makes very similar designs that you can check out. They are really cool looking necklaces!

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Cardigan: Bajee, Romper: Forever 21, bag: Pendleton, Necklace: vintage, Shoes: Free People

Loafers & Ivy

August 21, 2017 by The Partial Ingredients

I’ve always been ambivalent about the high rise/”mom jean” trend and I was never quite sure if they looked great or terrible. A bit of a tough call! But I recently made the plunge and picked up a pair of these classic Levi’s just to see what all the buzz was about. I was surprised by how flattering the fit was! The high waist line does accentuate the hips a bit but not in a bad way. And to be honest, I do remember my mom wearing a pair just like these back in the day–and I’m pretty sure she still does (hey mom!). I can’t fault her for it–these jeans are comfyyy! They feel sturdy like they will last a long time too. These jeans are technically made for working outdoors but I think they look nice a little more dressed up. I wore these with a light chiffon button down and black loafers. One of my favorite recent purchases is this great woven circle bag! The bag is made from woven straw and is a perfect size for toting your stuff at the beach or as a simple every day bag. In terms of whether I’m sold on high rise denim across the board I’m not so sure but I’m definitely a big fan of these!

Outfit Details: Chiffon top: eBay, Jeans: Levi’s, Shoes: Steve Madden, Bag: Etsy

Outfit Set:

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High Summer

July 30, 2017 by The Partial Ingredients

I came across this Zara A-line skirt recently and totally fell in love with it. I like little injections of Boho style here and there and this skirt does the trick. How cute is that embroidery? I feel like you could dress it up or down, either way works. I went with a more summery night out type of look. I paired it with a basic white t-shirt, suede ankle boots and a comfy moto jacket for cooler evenings. This jacket is made out of a faux suede material and crazy enough I actually prefer it to real suede. It’s a lot more flexible and lightweight than the real stuff. This skirt tends to run small so order a full size up than your usual size.

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Jacket: Lulu’s, Skirt: Zara, Tee: Levi’s, Shoes: BP, Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

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By the Flower Fields

July 23, 2017 by The Partial Ingredients

I’ve had quite a busy summer with hardly any time to write but I’m finally taking advantage of some time I had today to update. The flower fields are in full force nearby and are totally stunning right now. I’m not even sure what they are exactly but they are quite impressive when you’re surrounded by whole fields of them! Sadly, they will only last a few more weeks before they’re gone.

Lately I’ve been into clean, minimal summer looks and this one fits the bill. When it’s too hot to think it’s time to whip out the lightweight tops and sandals. These suede sandals are super comfy and add a nice pop of color. They are totally affordable too and come in a bunch of colors. They run a bit small so I would recommend ordering a half size up. In my opinion, everyone needs a classic button down in their closet and this one is perfect for hot weather. Lightweight rayon for the win! Not every button down will do; I sometimes get annoyed by how constricting they feel–especially in the arms. This shirt is not like that at all–so floaty and comfortable! The jeans I’m wearing are an old pair of trusty Joe’s which I had tailored a while back (seriously, you gotta do this at least once). Customizing the fit was 100% worth it and not inordinately expensive. I like to roll up my jeans just above the ankle to get a more laid back “boyfriend” style look and it’s a nice way to add variety to your denim. It’s also an excellent way to prepare for potential flash floods because you never know! Heh.

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Top: Bajee Collection, Jeans: Joe’s Jeans, Shoes: Sam Edelman, sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Golden Hour

June 6, 2017 by The Partial Ingredients

Things have been hectic over here and it’s been a while since I’ve been able to update. I wanted to share a few of my favorite early summer finds recently. I never would have guessed I’d get into rompers but I recently found this one with a great tropical print and had to give it a try. When it arrived I totally fell in love with the print and how comfy it was. It’s perfect for the beach or just going out and about. I paired it with a slouchy long cardigan for when it’s cooler and summery leather sandals. These sandals are perfect for casual summer nights out and go well with so many things.

A few other recent finds is this watch by Stock. This brand caught my eye a few years ago and I just loved the minimal design. At the time I wasn’t able to snag it but this time I didn’t let it get past me! I’ve always wanted an everyday watch as an accessory. The watch is technically unisex but the band had enough holes to fit smaller sized wrists which is a huge plus. The strap is a beautiful matte tan leather and overall the construction is gorgeous and high quality. The bag is another recent score from Etsy. I came across this Etsy shop that hand makes their leather bags and saw this beautiful cross body bag with cognac colored leather. It’s a messenger style that can fit a wallet in the small pouch and a small laptop in the larger. Super convenient and holds everything I need to go out and about. The leather is beautiful, durable and the bag is very well made. There were some natural imperfections from the leather but that just gives the bag more character!

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Cardigan: American Eagle, Romper: Forever 21, Shoes: Lucky Brand, Bag: Etsy, Hat: eBay

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Minimal Boho

November 5, 2016 by The Partial Ingredients

I like the Boho 2.0 trend but in smaller doses. I can’t stand when it starts looking sloppy with too many layers and too many patterns. I think I might be scarred from all the floppy peasant tops with flaired sleeves from the early 2000s–nope nope nope! I would call this a more minimalist interpretation of the new Boho trend from recent years. I paired a clean cut button down top with a patterned paisley skirt and strappy sandals. Then I mixed the patterns slightly with a screen printed bag. I love the color and pattern of this skirt. You can easily dress it up or down but I prefer it more casual and beachy. …