Partial Ingredients

Everyday Style & Recipes. Est. 2010

spring

Charcoal & Sienna

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When it comes to personal style, where do you get your color palettes for your outfit or closet? When I’m in need of some aspirational color goals, I usually turn to nature for guidance. This look was inspired by a recent early Spring hike in the canyon. This marled mini dress from TopShop (now sadly closed/absorbed by Asos) was a perfect addition for my neutral color scheme in my closet. Where I hiked in the canyon was just beginning to turn green due to recent rainstorms, and the reappearance of wildflowers added an injection of whites, purples and yellows to the landscape. The overall appearance of this landscape was mostly a mix of reds, blacks, greys and browns, hence the color scheme for this dress. The area I hiked was also home to a wildfire several years ago, and there’s still a lot of evidence of that in the landscape with the blackened trees on the hillsides. Yes, if you were wondering I am a total dork when it comes to colors.

Now back to the ‘fit: these vintage Bruno Valenti shoes add such a beautiful pop of color into any neutrals based ‘fit. Do you ever look back at your thrifting finds, and think how lucky you were to stumble across them? These simple lace-up booties look great with just about everything — from skinny jeans, to skirts, to dresses. They have been an A+ addition to my closet recently. Also love the added vintage vibes to every outfit without looking dated or “costumey.” That’s one thing I try to be aware of and actively avoid when shopping for anything vintage. Does it make you look like you’re an extra in a period movie? If the answer could possibly be ‘yes,’ avoid at all costs!! Or not, you know, whatever floats your boat, lol.

Outfit Details: Dress: TopShop; Tights: Target; Shoes: Bruno Valenti; Necklace: Vintage/thrifted; Bag: LeatherStrata

Touch of Grunge

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I usually don’t get sick of Winter until at least January after all the holidays have passed, but this year seems to have sped that up a bit. In any event, I am in the mood for a Spring outfit! This look is one part Spring and two parts Fall, featuring this pretty Boho top from Abercrombie. I love blouses like these because they are timeless and versatile. Pair them with a skirt, cardigan, jeans — whatever! It’s one of those items that should belong in every minimalist capsule wardrobe IMO.

Adding to this look are a couple more Fall inspired items made for your capsule wardrobe, like these Chelsea boots by Sutro which have been my fav for a couple months now. They’re so comfy and look good with just about everything! Since we are still in the dead of winter, this look would be perfect paired with a trench coat or cozy cardigan to keep yourself warm! I also went with a touch of grunge with these high-rise distressed jeans from Levi’s which have been featured in a lot of my previous blog posts. A simple pair of black jeans is another closet staple of mine, distressed or not — though I like to have both options in the closet!

Outfit Details: Top: Abercrombie & Fitch; Pants: Levi’s; Boots: Sutro; Bag: Teddi Joelle; Necklace: Urban Outfitters

Babydoll Swing Dress

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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

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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

Linen & Silk

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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

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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

Lavender Vintage

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It has been such an odd Spring season that even the folks who were born and raised here in town are weirded out.  You know it’s abnormal when even the locals are remaking on it!  On the days I have been able to wear Springy stuff, I always jump at the chance to wear pretty skirts and sandals.  This one from Adored Vintage has been one of my go-to midi skirts this Spring!  I am loving the pastel floral vibes, and the button front look.  It gives a bit of a vintage feel without looking dated or costumey.  Adored Vintage has been one of my favorite recent vintage shops lately, they really have some lovely offerings.

Recently I’ve been into oversized linen blouses with tie-front waists.  This one from Perennial Vintage on Etsy came a bit too oversized to wear as-is (I think it might actually be a men’s shirt, but oh well.)  I loved the sage color so I didn’t want to return it.  All was not lost though, there is a trick to taking in too large blouses.  I just roll up the sleeves and tie up the front ends and behold–a much more fitted, wearable shirt!  Beats having to learn how to sew and tailor right?  Tie front shirts look fab with skirts, shorts, and jeans….soooo pretty much everything!

Outfit Set: Outfit Details: Top: Etsy/vintage Skirt: Adored Vintage Shoes: Amazon Bag: Etsy/vintage

Prairie Dress & Spring Cuts

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Spring is always a wacky time in Colorado, it’s never clear when you can wear Spring attire or bundle up in layers again.  Lately I’ve been into longer “prairie” inspired dresses and when it finally warmed up I jumped at the chance to wear this one from Adored Vintage! Adored Vintage has been a recent favorite online boutique–they have so many gorgeous options for Spring!  It was hard to limit myself to just a few pieces since they’re all amazing.  Love the ditsy floral pattern and the color of this one.  While I salivate over Christy Dawn dresses, the price point is a little much for me, and this one is way more affordable.  And just as beautiful might I add!  Since I’m on a dress and sneakers kick (no pun intended) these converse All-Stars add a perfect casual vibe to make it a more every day or “out to brunch” outfit.

Oh, and as you’ve probably noticed already, I lopped off a good 8 inches of my hair a few weeks ago.  Does anyone else grow out their hair and cut it all off for Summer?  It feels amazing getting rid of the unhealthy ends and the excess weight!  Since I’ve gone with longer hair styles for several years, I had to relearn how to style short hair, and that required an addition of several products into my routine.  I’ve always loved natural waves but it was so easy to throw wet hair in a braid and be good to go in the morning.  Now that’s not really possible so I’ve started using Bumble and Bumble’s BB Texture Cream and Ouai Wave Spray on damp hair in the morning.  I just scrunch with my fingers and voila–laid back beach waves!

Outfit Set:Outfit Details: Dress: Adored Vintage; Shoes: Converse; Bag: Unbranded; Necklace: Forever 21

Vintage Florals

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Lately I’ve been enjoying the warmer weather and getting into more vintage items for Spring.  Being able to wear dresses and skirts without tights or boots has been amazing!  Instead of going to the local thrift store, I’ve been finding some really awesome boutiques online that have great vintage finds.  I recently discovered a couple Etsy shops that sell dresses and other items from all different eras.  This floral dress is from FoundPretty and looks to be from around the late 80’s/early 90’s.  I was drawn to the pretty pattern and flowy shape of the dress.  It’s a perfect dress to layer up for Spring!

While this is easier said than done, I always try to keep vintage pieces looking modern.  My general rule of thumb is one or two vintage items max per outfit.  Anything more can, but not always, start to look a little costumey.   I personally love pairing dresses with laid back sneakers like these “Old Skool” Vans for a fresh, updated look.  And you get to avoid wearing heels which is always a plus!

Vintage Florals - The Partial Ingredients blog

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Dress: FoundPretty, Bag: Vintage/Etsy, Shoes: Vans, Cardigan: Bajee Collection

Spring Blazer

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When Spring has officially sprung, the weather can get a little funky. It’s almost, barely but not quite t-shirt weather! So close but not quite. So what to do? Throw on a blazer over a t-shirt of course! I’ve been loving casual looks with oversized blazers lately. I usually associate blazers with work outfits, but they look great dressed down too. Who would have guessed they work great with jeans and sneakers? This one from Zara is oversized and inspired by menswear suits. Love the pattern on this one and it’s a perfect outer layer since the material is a wool blend.

Another recent obsession has been anything Levi’s (though you probably got that impression by the t-shirt already). Love these super skinny 720 high-rise jeans in Azurite–I feel like they’re the perfect lighter wash jean without looking too mom-ish. They have a more modern look with a perfect amount of stretch. Oh, and did I mention their jeans are super affordable? It’s a win-win! To complete this casual look I added a pair of comfy sneakers that also look great with blazers–these Van’s “Old Skool” sneakers have been my go-to shoes for a while now. They’re surprisingly versatile, and look great with both jeans, dresses, and skirts!

Outfit Set:

Outfit Details: Blazer: Zara, Jeans: Levi’s, Tee: Levi’s, Shoes: Vans