*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.

 

I have been so "lazy" with my outfits this Winter. I try to come up with interesting looks utilizing different things in my cloet yet I always fall back to the jeans and sweater combo. It's not a bad thing but I'm feeling bored with my style. Definitely a pitfall of working from home. I don't have occasions to wear my "fun" clothes as much and then on the weekends I'm usually hanging at home, running errands or at my Grandma's for a few hours. Not peak blazer or fancy clothes wearing time. So I continue on with my winter uniform, cycling through old and new sweaters.

This time it's a sweater I've had for a LOOONG time - eight years - it's been on the blog quite a few times in varying degrees of "stylish." I used it to recreate a Michael Kors runway look in 2012 and rang in 2017 in London at the New Years Eve fireworks.

Also wearing my new J Brand jeans today! I expected them to be like my "super skinny" pair and tight to the legs but they were a little looser. Perhaps if I got the 26 they would've fit more like I imagined, but I was too lazy to go through the exchange process, especially because they might have sold out and I would've been out of luck. The dangers of sample sale sites.

Fisherman Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls, shop more turtleneck sweaters), Jeans: J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral (shop more J Brand jeans), Boots: Miu Miu (Roundabout, shop more booties), Bag c/o Orox Leather Merces Petite (shop more crossbody bags), Earrings: Opals from my Grandma (shop more fine jewelry earrings)

Last week I played hooky for the day and drove up to my friend's house in Massachusetts. From there we, along with a friend visiting from Australia, drove up to New Hampshire to visit the Ice Castles! I had never been so I was pretty excited. Unfortunately none of us were dressed warmly enough despite our layers. We stayed for 10 minutes before our toes started to freeze, ha ha! But it was so worth it even for that short amount of time. Who doesn't love an adventure?

P.S. I FINALLY found the brand that makes these boots my Grandmother gave me from YEARS ago.  I linked a bunch below. Debating buying myself another pair for when these fall apart because I wear them so often in Winter.

Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls), Jeans: Current/Elliott (The Outnet), Boots: Vintage Snowland Moccasin Ankle Boots (from Grandma), Scarf: Madewell Houndstooth Patchwork Scarf, Faux Fur Leopard Coat: Sisters - vest version (Marshalls), Bag: Etienne Aigner (thrifted)

How was this 8 years ago!!? Insane how time flies by, right? My life has changed quite a bit since I wore this, yet I still own everything in this outfit. Back then I was living in another town with my best friend and commuting to New York City for work 4 days a week. Now (after living with my cousins for 4 years) I'm back with my parents, working from home, with exciting things on the horizon. Stay tuned. *wink wink*

Sweater: Inis Crafts (TJ Maxx), Jeans: Free People (Gilt Groupe) gift card, Booties: No.704b. (DSW), Bag: LAUREN Ralph Lauren (Lord & Taylor)



The original:

Who doesn't love purple with a bit of leopard print? I've always enjoyed this outfit so I'm glad I was able to re-wear it recently. I also added in my Louis Vuitton Epi bag because the burnt orange was too perfect with the purple and white.

Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls), Skirt: Chanel (Roundabout Resale), Heels: Miu Miu (eBay), Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)



The Original:

This is the first outfit that popped in my head when I thought about styling these boots I first posted last week. So far these boots are down to $6 per wear (I paid $12,) and I only need to wear them 10 more times to be at the optimal $1 per wear many strive for. I do love a good deal! Especially one that perfectly matches my Chloé Faye.

Turtleneck Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls), Jeans: rag & bone skinny jean in Iris (Shopbop), Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 'Five Station Blackened Arrowhead' (South Moon Under), Patchwork Boots: Impo 'Omega' (DSW), Bag: Chloé Faye (eBay)

My New Years Eve is normally spent on my couch at home watching movies. This year, however, I was standing in front of Big Ben watching the London fireworks! What an experience! I live an hour and a half from New York City but would NEVER go to those fireworks because you have to camp out all day for a good spot. Luckily for Londoners they've started making the event ticketed to avoid crowds and the need for camping. We did have a bit of a wait (40 minutes) to get into our section, but once we were in there was plenty of space for all.

Sweater: Inis Crafts (Marshalls), Jeans: FRAME (Shopbop), Boots: Grandma's, Hat: Kensington Palace Shop