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

What better way to start off 2022 than buying something pretty? If you're going to buy new jewelry this year, consider classic sustainable jewelry from Aurate! The New York based brand is doing what it can to make the jewelry industry more ethical and sustainable.

All of Aurate's gold is sustainable; it's 100% recycled and is able to be reused without losing quality or harming the environment. In addition to their gold, Aurate only uses sustainably harvested pearls from family-run farms. I found this pretty cool video showing how on farm sustainably grows and harvests their pearls.

If gold and pearls aren't your thing, never fear because their diamonds are also ethically sourced using the Kimberley Process. This ensures that the diamonds are not from conflict regions and there are no human rights violations behind the scenes.

This is what I wore for our Christmas Eve celebrations. I actually ended up changing into burgundy jeans once I got to my parents because I realized the suede coating on these was peeling away from the pants, not a cute look. So, sadly, this is the last outfit post featuring these faux-suede pants.

Sweater: Inis Crafts Fishermans Sweater (Marshalls)

Faux Suede Jeans: Blank NYC 'Persuede' jeans (South Moon Under) 

Sandals: Lanvin studded leather 'City' sandal (The RealReal)

Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)

Some other sustainable and ethical brands to shop:

Everlane - Longtime readers will know of my Everlane tee obsession. Pretty much all of my tshirts are from the brand, but they're getting a bit worse for wear, so I may need a stock up soon! I also love their cashmere sweaters! 

Stella McCartney - If you want some high fashion sustainable clothing look no further than Stella! I have a polar bear sweater and crazy pair of jeans I love. If budgets weren't a thing, I would own much more.

Sézane - I haven't bought anything from Sézane yet, but many of my blogger friends swear by the brand. I've been meaning to make a purchase, perhaps 2022 is my year to buy one of their gorgeous sweaters or dresses! 

Resale/Pre-Loved - Another great option is shopping resale sites. Buying something pre-loved instead of brand new will keep clothes out of the landfills and give them a second life. Roundabout is one of my favorite local places (they ship too!) but I also frequently check The RealReal and Vestiaire Collective when I feel like browsing my favorite designer brands or looking for a specific item.

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

Who doesn't love dainty diamond rings? They're the perfect simple accessory for any look no matter how wild. I paired this adorable twist diamond ring from Aurate with their infinity heart ring for a simple touch of sparkle in this slightly bold outfit.

This dress from Edun is one of my favorites. I just love the print and silhouette. I'm actually following a couple pieces on eBay, The RealReal and Poshmark made in this same print. (I'm super sad that the company went out of business, they always made such pretty pieces!) It is also super soft and perfect for these early Fall days where it can get warm in the afternoon. We took these photos in the morning and by the afternoon it had warmed up to the 70s.  

One of the things I love about this dress is it is very easy to wear. I don't have to worry about finding a fun necklace to wear with it because the print is all I need. Rings, on the other hand, are always a good idea so I'll usually load them up when I wear a crazier dress. I kept it simple this time with just the two Aurate rings and my wedding set but I would also opt to add in some more statementy rings a la Phoebe in Friends.

Fall leaves were taking a little while to show their colors this year but luckily this particular tree at least had some yellow and orange when we took photos.  I always wish that Fall could last longer, it's my favorite season. I want to drive through beautiful red, orange and yellow trees for longer than a couple weeks. Enjoy the crisp air and that scent of Fall. Then we're stuck with months and months of no leaves and cold weather, boo! They're saying that we may have a milder than usual Winter this year which would be nice. But, then again, global warming is not something to be excited about.

In related news, how is it already November?! Only a few more weeks until we're celebrating Thanksgiving in the US and then Christmas month begins! My other favorite season (although technically not a season, but you know what I mean, ha ha...)

Dress: Edun via ThredUp

Boots: vintage via eBay

Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye via eBay

Rings c/o Aurate (mini stackable diamond ring & infinity heart ring)

Stud earrings will always be my earring of choice because they are so easy to wear and sleep in without worry. I'm notorious for wearing the same pair for weeks on end but thanks to Aurate I've been swapping out my earrings more often because I've grown a small collection of cute pairs from the brand. 

With many of Aurate's earrings you can buy singles or pairs which makes it super easy to customize stud earrings for your tastes. They have a new diamond moon, lightening bolt, gold letters, birthstones and more! All can also be made in yellow, rose or white gold so there truly is something for everyone. I bought a Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring in rose gold so I could swap out one of my pearl studs for added interest.  Such a fun addition to my jewelry box. 

This order was the first time I chose items that weren't in stock at the time of purchase. This means that I got to follow along the progress of my earring being made! Aurate doesn't keep a ton of pieces on hand so that you don’t pay for extra inventory costs and they produce less waste. I got emails throughout the whole process so I knew when to expect my jewelry.

Status emails from Aurate

Since my jewelry collection is growing it may be time to figure out a new display solution. Currently I have a wooden jewelry box my grandpa made where I store old pieces. I also have a clear plastic tray organizer with multiple boxes so I can grab my most worn pieces with ease. For some of my bigger necklaces I have a really cute wall hanger that my Mom made with fun knobs on a piece of teal painted wood, similar to this piece. I did get Aurate's Travel pouch for when I go on longer trips and want jewelry options, super convenient!  How do you store your jewelry?

I was going to wear the pearl studs for my brother's wedding reception last month but there was a delay in shipping due to a hurricane and they didn't arrive in time. I opted to go for my fun rose gold Sensu Ear Jackets from Aurate along with my pearl necklace instead!

He got married in a small ceremony last year so this year was technically the reception. I wore the same dress to his small scale wedding but wasn't about to not wear it for the big gathering! To make it different I just switched up my accessories. Easy peasy!

Dress: Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop 

Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood Lola pearl sandals (Net-a-Porter) 

Bag: Purple Prada Cahier in Viola (Rebag via Vestiaire Collective)

Simple Pearl Necklace c/o Aurate

Sensu Ear Jackets c/o Aurate

Opal ring + bracelet: Grandma's

Happy almost Fall! This time of year is full of gifting opportunities for my family. We have my wedding anniversary (plus my parents' and my brother's,) my birthday, my Mom's birthday AND my sister's birthday (tomorrow!) Christian's birthday is in the mix as well.

I have been featuring Aurate on the blog since 2018 and have yet to be disappointed in a purchase. I am definitely a fan for life. Whether your loved ones like classic diamond necklaces, bold necklaces, birthstone jewelry or simple rings, Aurate has you covered! They even offer different shipping options. If you're buying gifts you can request each item be packaged separately. If you're purchasing for yourself or want to be environmentally-friendly you can choose their Sustainable packaging, just a pouch to keep your pieces safe in transit.

I always have a hard time buying gifts for my Mom because she has everything she needs or wants. Jewelry is always a good choice - you can never have too many options! I've also gotten her fancy candles and random knick-knacks from Home Goods. One year my brother got her a pasta maker attachment just because he thought she would have fun with it. This year I went with adorable Mini Deco Triple Hoop Earrings (top left earrings in the photo below!)

Christian and I are celebrating our 3rd anniversary so, if we were going by traditional gifts, we would get each other something leather. Crystal is the "modern" third anniversary gift but I think leather is better. My parents celebrated their 39th anniversary earlier this month which means lace (or coral/ruby if you go in between 35 and 40 year gifts.) Christian and I don't generally do big gifts for our anniversaries but I think it would be fun/nostalgic to start going through the traditional gifts. Do you go by the traditional gifts for your anniversary or do you go with the flow?

In honor of our anniversary I got myself this vegan leather travel pouch for my Aurate jewelry. Now it will house all my gorgeous pieces for easy viewing and access, can't wait to fill it up with more! I chose the super pretty seafoam color but they also have green, terracotta and blush! They actually just introduced black and taupe earlier this week!

Sweater Dress: Miss Selfridge (Lord & Taylor)

Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Athanasia' in Croc (Moda Operandi) 

Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye 

Earrings: Aurate Gold Twist Huggie Earring 

Necklace: AURATE X KERRY: Lioness Pendant & old chain