This month I had the pleasure of preparing for another sponsored post with Aurate (see the post next week!) I opted for something over my gifted amount and paid the difference. Boy was it worth it! I chose this topaz ring to match a vintage necklace my grandmother gave me years ago that I wear quite frequently. The shape is different but it has the same 3 diamond pattern on the sides, how weird is that? Meant to be!

In other news - we're getting our second dose of the vaccine this morning! YAY! So excited to finally be able to go back into the grocery store (Trader Joe's, here I come!!) and get a haircut, ha ha.  Although I'm sure we'll still be taking advantage of all the curbside pickups other stores offer.

THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. mīere the label Women’s Cotton Knit Sweater in Terracotta ($68.87 including shipping)

1. FRAME Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Crop in Sunnyside ($30 via Poshmark, retail $189, $18.67 after ad money)
   

Shoes:

1. Splendid Harvest Mules in Tiger/Cheetah Print - also here ($25.80 via eBay, retail $118, used ad money)
   

Handbags:

1. None yet

Accessories:

1. None yet

Activewear:

1. None yet

Gifted from Brands:

• Vintage Emerald Cut Ring - London Blue Topaz c/o Aurate ($50 after gifted amount)
  

Spent in March: $50

Worn on another cold Spring day. It was nice in the sun but pretty chilly otherwise! I wore this to have a quick visit with my (vaccinated) Grandparents on Easter! It was so nice to be able to see them in person! I'm sure my Grandma was getting tired of my emails - I would send her photos of things I had baked or Christian's garden updates, ha ha.

Cardigan: Cocogio (Marshalls),  Sweater: French Connection c/o Marshalls, Snakeskin Texture Jeans: Jolt (Marshalls), Sandals: Mules: Kelly & Katie Amour sandal (DSW), Sunglasses: Gucci aviators, Earings c/o Aurate Pearl Studs, Necklace: Acanthus Jewelry

It may be Spring, but that doesn't mean temperatures have warmed up! Wore this for Easter and chose these floral pants to add some color/Easter feeling since I was not about to wear a dress. For some reason I always seem to wear the same pieces with these pants. I've worn this sweater, belt and bag with them in previous outfits. I guess if it's not broke, don't fix it.

In non-outfit news, we're getting our first dose of the vaccine tomorrow!! I'm terrified, yet excited. I'm not a big fan of doctors, shots or needles so this is going to be very stressful for me. BUT I would rather get a shot and potential side effects than suffer through full blown coronavirus.  For those of you in CT or NY struggling to find an appointment, this Facebook group may be able to help with tips! And if you are in dire need of assistance they have people that will help book for you. There are similar groups for other states. Will you be getting the vaccine when it's available to you? (no judgement if not - as long as you're still following safety rules the decision to get the vaccine is up to you!)

Sweater: FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend (Net-a-Porter), Cherry Blossom Print "Ryan" Pant c/o Banana Republic Factory (Clinton Crossing Premium Outlets), Sandals: Everlane The Double-Strap Block Heel Sandal in Strawberry, Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Belt: Marshalls, Simple Pearl Necklace & Pearl Earrings c/o AUrate

 

Christian and I braved the freezing temperatures last Saturday to take these photos in between all our errands for the day. Everything was in the car except for photos so I basically froze just for the blog. We started our morning at Home Depot curbside pickup for soil, then headed to take photos on the way to the grocery store for some sale purchase. To reward us for completing our tasks we got lunch at Wendy's.

I wanted to put the focus on my super fun Splendid Harvest mules so I opted for a simple black sweater and cropped jeans to really show them off. Obviously it was a little cold for them outside but a perfect outfit for indoors.

Everyone knows I'm a sucker for leopard print, but what you may not know is Christian loves tiger print (and hates leopard...gasp!!) so when I saw these shoes had both of our favorite animal prints I had to get them. As I shared in my January wardrobe update, I missed out on them the first time around because I was waiting for a better sale price. After they sold out I followed a few pairs on eBay and waited until one went down to just over $25 to pounce (if you'll pardon the pun.)

Sweater: Everlane 'the cashmere crop v-neck', Jeans: Everlane high-rise skinny jean in mid-blue, Shoes: Splendid Harvest Mules in Tiger/Cheetah Print (eBay, boot version), Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium shoulder bag in Nile Shark Embossed Leather (Bag, Borrow or Steal) Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop, Rings: Sofia Zakia wedding rings and others c/o Aurate, Necklace: Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop

*This post was made in partnership with Responsival.  Thank you for supporting brands I feature* 

It's almost Valentine's Day and what's a better gift than beautiful gold necklaces!? Even if you're not attached you can be your own Valentine and get yourself something special. Christian and I don't generally do Valentine's gifts - just cute cards like these from LovePop! With a little help from AURate I treated myself to a couple things. For a bit more of a Valentine's Day feel I chose a super cute Infinity Heart Ring in white gold to match my wedding set. My second piece is more of a statement but still something I could wear every day.

The moment they announced their AURATE x Kerry: The Lioness Collection in November I knew I had to get one of the pieces! I opted for the more affordable Lioness Pendant at $150 (Rather than the GORGEOUS necklace version for $530.) I have a few gold chains so I can effortlessly switch up the style of the necklace. Maybe even a mixed metals version with silver!

“I’m so proud to share this Lioness Collection, and all that it represents, with you. In both aesthetic design and in cultural meaning, each piece is built to embody the values of this unique moment while also honoring timeless truths. Make no mistake, the lioness is a queen. Her beauty is incomparable. Her strength is undeniable. She is a warrior, built for the hunt, and a nurturer, devoted to her pride. She is magnificently regal, and yet in the world of the Lioness, democracy and collaboration rule. In the #LionessPride there are no egos, there is no pecking order, just fierce felines winning collectively. You are a fierce lioness - beautiful, powerful, communal, and winning. And in our shared community we are a #LionessPride. So this collection is for you. I hope that it adds beauty, joy and strength to your day. And I pray that these pieces remind you of the sisterhood of this pride. WITH LOVE, KERRY”

Selling directly to consumers helps Aurate keep costs down. Many pieces are made to order so they don't have unneeded stock. Pieces are made in New York City so there are no import taxes which also drive up prices. This $150 lioness pendant from AUrate could cost upwards of $390 at traditional retail prices. Each product page shows this information so you can see the difference, just like another favorite store of mine - Everlane!

You're also getting a lifetime quality guarantee with your purchase. They re-plate, polish, and repair your jewelry when needed. Additionally, for every order, Aurate will donate a book to a child in need in your name. 

P.S. If you want to add a little sweet treat to your Valentine's celebrations, get your hands on Hershey's Lava Cake Kisses! They only sell them this time of year so stock up if you like them! (I only bought 1 bag so far, trying to behave!

Sweater: Madewell (Shobop), Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme, Flats: Restricted 'Memo' (DSW), Earrings: Aurate Pearl Studs, Rings: Sofia Zakia Wandering Star Ring & Altair Ring, Aurate Infinity Heart Ring, Necklace: AURATE X KERRY: Lioness Pendant on my own chain

It's the last wardrobe update of 2020! And last post too. What a wild year it has been. 

I  almost made it through the month without a purchase and then J.Crew Factory did a 75% off clearance sale so I picked up a few things on the 27th, still waiting for them to arrive. I got 2 leopard tops (because I'm addicted) and a purple men's sweater (that I also got Christian for Christmas) because I can never find a good dark purple in women's clothes! I used ad money so I don't feel too bad.

A couple items for a sponsored post in February also arrived. Now I have a whole month to take the photos, woohoo!

THE (modified) RULES

1. Be mindful of purchases 
2. Quality over quantity
3. Basics are best

1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
2. Burberry beaded owl sweater via eBay ($75, retail $2950 in 2012)
3. Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans via eBay ($15 after ad money, retail $735)
4. Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop ($236.25, retail $630)
5. Nili Lotan Cashmere Abbey Sweater c/o Shopbop ($133.88, retail $525) 
6. Mickey Mouse Football Jersey in purple ($28; used gift card)
7. Disney State Fair Connecticut Tee ($17.47; used gift card)
8. *NEW!* J.Crew Leopard Terry Sweatshirt ($12.50, used ad money, retail $49.99)
9. *NEW!* J. Crew leopard cotton tee ($6.25, used ad money, retail $24.99)
   

1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
2. Madewell Camp Shorts in Faded Rosebud c/o Shopbop ($35, retail $50)
3. *NEW!* J.Crew Washable merino wool-blend crewneck sweater in aubergine ($15,used ad money, retail $59.99)
   

1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99) 
3. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished leather sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($112, retail $289; used side hustle money)
   
4. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' leopard-print leather slingback sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($74, retail $185; used side hustle money)
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs buckle boot in burgundy via Cocos On the Green ($48, retail $495; used ad money)
   

Handbags:

1. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158) 
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium shoulder bag in Nile Shark Embossed Leather via Bag, Borrow or Steal ($220, retail $895)
   

 Accessories:

1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
2. Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop ($55)

1. SPANX Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings in Indigo Leopard c/o Shopbop ($68)

1. AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
2. AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)
3. AUrate Gold Twist Huggie Earrings (retail $80)
4. AUrate Stackable Twist Ring (retail $80)
5. AUrate Mini Infinity Ring (retail $70)
6. *NEW!* AUrate x Kerry Lioness Pendant (retail $150)
   
7. *NEW!* AUrate Infinity Heart Ring (retail $80)
   

Total spent in December: $0

Total spent in 2020: $324.83

Total in 2020 with ad money and gift cards included: 1895.99 (1,158.38 was Shopbop gift cards)

My brother got married last month in a small backyard ceremony. He had originally planned a larger event at a venue but he and his wife decided to postpone that until next year and do an intimate event at our parent's house this year. It was our immediate family, the wedding party, a couple of his friends and my Grandparents (which I was a little weary of.)

I've felt weird about posting this outfit because of current circumstances, but it has been over a month and no one in attendance got sick so I think we were successful in keeping to current protocols. My Mom made masks out of fancy fabric to match the decor on the tables and we tried to keep to our small bubbles of safety.

I bought this dress in June when I was still in wishful thinking mode that we'd be able to have the real wedding. But I guess the silver lining is I get to wear it again next year! This time I wore it with the Nicholas Kirkwood heels I wore for my own wedding, a necklace handed down to me from my Grandma (which I also wore to my wedding) and my cute pink ostrich Marc Jacobs bag. The bag was pretty much just a prop for these photos since I didn't actually need it.

Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop, Nicholas Kirkwood Lola pearl sandals (Net-a-Porter), Necklace: Topaz and diamond necklace, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Perfect Purse ostrich-effect PVC' (Net-a-Porter), Gold Twist Huggie Earrings in Rose Gold c/o Aurate, Bracelet: Ten Thousand Villages