The Sweltering Sweater

Boho Beauty

2:10 PM

[[OUTFIT DETAILS: DRESS - TOPSHOP]]

PC: @andys115

If you follow my Instagram (see bottom of post for direct link), then you know that I went to Chicago a month ago for a wedding. While I was there, I wanted to explore a few shops that I hadn't been to/that aren't near me in Minnesota.

After a few hours and no success, I was growing somewhat disappointed with what Chicago had to offer (Sorry Chicago, you're a cool city, I just wasn't feeling shopping that day). Nothing had captivated my attention and I didn't feel like I needed to have anything I had tried on thus far. As we stepped into TopShop - our final location we wanted to check out - I saw this gorgeous boho dress.

Not only does it have a beautiful, somewhat tribal pattern, but the way that it flows and the movement it gives when worn is nothing short of girly and majestic.

To finish this boho look, I paired it with these chunky heeled sandals and a small wristlet from Fossil. The blocky sandals give a strong look to contrast the femininity of the dress and the wristlet dresses up the outfit without overtaking the dress.

Show me what styles you're loving this summer and don't forget to show me your favorite sustainability pieces with the hashtag #SustainableSS

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Pretty in Primp

4:45 PM

[[OUTFIT DETAILS: DRESS]]

PC: @andys115, taken at the bascilica of st. mary's

Out of all of the styling changes I've made over the years, the most surprising to me is my love for dresses.

Although I was never super sporty or labeled as a tomboy, I usually chose comfort over style when I was in high school.

What I've found now that I'm a few years into college is that I still value comfort, and if we're honest I like to sleep in, so quick and easy is a must as well. Dresses make styling so easy, it eliminates a piece of clothing in the choosing process and all you have to do is decide on shoes and a necklace.

But what about days when you have to be fancier? What about situations when a shift dress and flip flops doesn't quite cut it?

To that I would say that although dressy does mean you have to put more thought into an outfit, it does not necessarily mean more discomfort or more time.

Take this Primp Boutique dress for example. It's dressy, it has multiple focus areas of design (neckline, high low skirt and color) and it is quick to slip into. The movement of the long skirt portion gives it a feminine/regal effect and the tie gives even the most rectangle shaped women a waist. Although the name of this blog may remind you of Molly Ringwald in a frilly, 80's cheap prom dress, this Primp one is anything but that!

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Part 2: Comfy and Conscious

11:15 AM

[[OUTFIT DETAILS: SHORTS, all other pieces are either old, re-purposed or were bought at a clothing swap!]]

PC: +Angi lihnakevic , taken at Centennial Lakes Park, MN

If you didn't read the last blog (read here), I am trying to be more environmentally conscious when choosing what I am going to wear and what I promote on the blog.

Some may think that this is an easy choice, but honestly it isn't. It involves a decision to go against the normal blogging (and consumer) route. This means that although I will also promote newer pieces I've purchased, I will include many past pieces as well.

Don't get me wrong, wearing the newest and latest and greatest is fun! But being able to put outfits together made from pieces I already have will not only make this blog more environmentally friendly, but it is also reflects a more realistic way of dressing. How may of us really have tons of money to blow on new clothes all the time?

For this post, I wanted to use the same top as in part 1, but show how you can make it look more casual. The multi buttoned shorts, bright shoes and polka dot bag make this look fresh and fun.

Before I stay on my soap box for too long, I wanted to add that I would love if my readers got involved as well! Tag your photos with #SustainableSS and show me how you remixed different pieces in your wardrobes to create new looks!

Let's Connect!

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Part 1: From Re-purposed to Ritzy

9:23 PM

[[OUTFIT DETAILS: Repurposed]]

PC: @angi_jenny, Taken at Centennial Lakes Park

In an effort to promote sustainability and discourage over-consumption of textiles, I wanted to create a two-part blog post that shows how you can take a "re-purposed" piece of clothing and make it new!

So, for the next two blog posts, I will use re-purposed pieces and I will show how to style them two different ways.

For this post, my top and bag are "re-purposed" pieces.

Maybe you're asking "What does that mean?"

For me, re-purposing or recycling means either 1) I am not the first owner of this piece or 2) I was able to prolong the life of the garment OR in some cases it can mean both.

In this case, I was not the first owner of the coach bag or the top. Neither of them were in horrible condition so I didn't give them new life, but someone could have easily thrown them out of passed them off to Goodwill without a second thought. Instead, both were donated to a clothing drive I had recently attended.