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
*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
Christian decided to do some experimenting with these photos and I love the way they turned out! This Autumn Cashmere landscape sweater remains one of my favorite pieces in my closet. It's super soft and the print makes it fun! Perfect for an afternoon walk in the park. Right after we finished these photos the clouds rolled in so we caught the lighting at the perfect time!
I brought my new Phillip Lim Pashli bag even though I didn't need it because it hasn't been worn yet (I bought it in September!) and I thought it deserved a proper blog debut!
Sadly I can't find this sweater anywhere for resale BUT I was able to find a ton of similar styles on etsy and ebay!
Sweater: Autumn Cashmere Landscape Sweater, Pants: abercrombie + fitch corduroy pants, Mules: Franco Sarto 'Dolly' (DSW), Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators (bought in Italy), Bag: 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Medium shoulder bag in Nile Shark Embossed Leather (Bag, Borrow or Steal)
I didn't intend on taking outfit photos this day. Christian and I went for a walk in the park for a Pokemon Go event (yes, we still play, haha!) and it was a chilly September day. We stumbled upon this pretty area of the park (sometimes these are all cut down so it doesn't look as nice) and I decided to have Christian snap some photos with his phone.
Upon viewing the photos I realized these jeans, although SUPER comfortable, are not the most photogenic. They're a little loose in the wrong places. This sweater and leather jacket combo on the other hand is perfection. I will definitely be re-wearing the top half of this at some point. It's been quite a while since I wore this jacket which is a shame. I used to wear it ALLLLL the time when I first got it in 2012.
Giveaway
While Christian and I are still staying extra cautious, many people are starting to get back into old routines, but we should all still take as many precautions as possible. That includes wearing masks and using hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces. Obviously I took my mask off for these photos but whenever we are near people it is always in use.
Today I'm partnering with Nakturnal to give one US-based reader a College Care Pack PPE kit from Get Go Care! It includes 60 packets of moisturizing & hydrating hand sanitizer, 15 high-quality, disposable masks and 5 durable, latex-free, disposable gloves.
Get Go Care, based in Illinois, was founded this year because of the need for PPE among not only essential workers but also students. The products are made in China at an FDA-approved factory.
To enter: Leave a comment stating who you would gift a Get Go PPE Kit to and why!
a Rafflecopter giveawayLeather Jacket: Theyskens' Theory 'Juno' (Nordstrom Rack, similar), Cashmere Leopard Print Sweater: Nili Lotan 'Abbey' sweater in Shiraz c/o Shopbop, Jeans: J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral (Gilt Groupe), Sneakers: Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker (DSW), Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop
It was a big shopping month in terms of items added to my closet. Luckily the out of pocket cost wasn't large. As I shared earlier this month, I finally took the leap and replaced my Ray Ban Erika sunglasses with part of my Shopbop partnership credit. I also bought a few new things for the warmer weather during their Spring Event.
Long story about another purchase below:
I ran some errands with my mom earlier in the month and we stopped at DSW. I tried on a few pairs of breathable, thin sneakers (because I don't own any) and liked a pair by Sperry but they were $65. It's really hard for me to find sneakers I like because they all feel too bulky. I don't mind that in the case of my crazy custom Nike ID's but those aren't really athletic wear, more of a fashion statement. There's also my purple Puma's but those aren't exactly versatile either.
When I got home I added them to my cart and searched for some coupon codes and found a 20% off plus a $10 reward I had. Then my mom offered me the rest of a gift card she had so they came out to under $15! I'd say that's worth a purchase! I was hoping to wear them to Disney in May (one of the activities we're doing requires closed toe, walk-able shoes) but I fear that trip will be cancelled due to COVID-19.
April will definitely be very light on the shopping because of our stay safe at home orders. I am trying not to buy anything unnecessary that will put more pressure on postal/package workers.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
Clothes:
- *NEW!* FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
Basics:
- J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
- *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
- *NEW!* Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99)
Accessories:
- *NEW!* Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
- *NEW!* Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158)
Gifted from Brands:
- none yet
Total spent in March: $14.83
Total spent in 2020: $14.83
These jeans on the other hand are rarely worn. Mostly because they attract anything that floats and I constantly have to lint roll them. They're also a little too low rise and I always have to pull them up, haha! But I LOOOOVE how super skinny they are so sometimes I'll deal with the annoyance. Plus, the back zipper detail is fun.
Purple Blazer: Evan Picone (shop blazers), Green Snakeskin Print Sweater: T. Babaton (Aritzia), Jeans: J Brand Ankle Zip Skinny Jean c/o Marshalls (shop more J Brand), Shoes: BCBGeneration Yerra slip on sneaker (DSW), Bag: Emm Kuo 'Calle Bahia' (Roundabout), Sunglasses: Chanel (shop oversized sunglasses)
The Chowder Pot in Branford has been one of my favorite restaurants since I was young and now Christian loves it too. Their honey butter bread is divineeeee! I usually ask for a second one to take home when we're getting out check.
We ran some errands in the morning on Saturday and got to Branford a little too early for the Chowder Pot's 11:30 opening time so we decided to take photos at the library to kill some time. BOY was it cold. Can you tell I was freezing in these pictures?
Sweater: Everlane "The Wool-Cashmere Square Crew" in Crimson, Jeans: J Brand 811 Photo Ready Mid-Rise Skinny (Gilt), Boots: Audrey Brooke 'Mirie' (DSW), Sunglasses: Chanel, Bag: Chanel Classic 2.55 Double Flap (shop pre-loved Chanel)
