I bought both of these pieces in August and was waiting for the perfect time to wear them together. That ended up being my cousin's baby shower this past weekend. It was a little chillier with random rain sprinkles so I didn't want to wear a dress and, since the sweater has some sparkle in it, I thought it would be a good alternative.

Sweater: Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater (The RealReal)

Pants: J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple/Aubergine Velvet (The RealReal)

Shoes: Nicholas Kirkwood suede Prism pumps (NET-A-PORTER)

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

Topaz Necklace: Grandma's, BubuRuby Gemstone Chain necklace 

Rings: Grandma's opal, Aurate Vintage Emerald Cut Ring - Topaz

Earrings: Mejuri loop earrings 

It's the time of year for one of my favorite sweaters! This landscape sweater from Autumn Cashmere definitely makes a statement. It was the perfect piece to wear on our trip to Vermont. Just look at it with the Autumn leaves behind it. I'm in love. 

I was also excited to finally wear my new purple velvet jeans! They are super comfortable, even being high waisted. They are going to get a lot of wear this fall and Winter.

Sweater: Autumn Cashmere Landscape Intarsia Sweater

Jeans: J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet (The RealReal)

Boots: Vince Camuto 'Davilla' (Marshalls/eBay - I have 2 pairs, this is my replacement pair, ha ha) 

Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)  

Sunglasses: Ray Ban 'Erika' c/o Shopbop

I broke my no spending streak! But I used blog profits so technically still didn't spend "real" money.  I got a site credit/promotion for $25 off a $50 purchase at TheRealReal so I did a quick (aka all night long) browse and found a couple things to splurge on. Some new with tags jeans and a really cute Marc by Marc Jacobs sweater. After all my years of blogging still one of my favorite brands (even though it was discontinued in 2015, haha.) I also threw in an $8 tank to get me to the $50. Since that was so cheap I'm splitting the $25 between the sweater and jeans for wardrobe price purposes.

Upon writing this post I found out, according to WWD, that J Brand won't be selling jeans on their website and in department stores anymore. Hopefully this doesn't mean they will disappear because they're one of my favorite jean brands! (Especially the Maria high rise)

Beginning with the summer 2021 collection, J Brand will be sold via Fast Retailing’s divisions, Uniqlo and Theory stores.  The brand’s Web site will be paused in spring 2021 and will  eventually be redeveloped.  It is conceivable that J Brand would open freestanding stores in the future.

I also got a $15 credit for Madewell and was trying to resist using it but then yesterday they had extra 40% off sale and free expedited shipping. I ended up buying two v-neck tees for $4. Can't beat that! They should be here tomorrow. Apparently I had a purple theme this month.

I also got a few new things for a sponsored Instagram post this month. Some workout clothes from Dona Jo. And I got new pieces from Aurate for a post next month. Stay tuned!

THE (modified) RULES

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

MY PROGRESS

 

Clothes:

1. *NEW!* Marc by Marc Jacobs cropped sweater ($12.50, retail $298, used ad money)
   
2. *NEW!* J Brand Maria High Rise in Purple Velvet ($7.50, retail $228, used ad money)
   
3. *NEW!* Current/Elliott "The Muscle" leopard print tank ($8, retail $75?, used ad money)
   

1. mīere the label "Frankie" knit sweater in Faded Black ($56.92, $32.15 if we omit shipping)
2. *NEW!* Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Spiced Plum ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)
3. *NEW!* Madewell Whisper Cotton V-Neck Tee in Sahara Sand  ($2, retail $19.50, used ad money)

Shoes:

1. Ancient Greek Sandals Kore of Berlin ($365, used Shopbop gift cards + ad money + 15% off)
   

Handbags:

1. None yet

1. None yet

Activewear/Swimwear:

1. Ryka "Belong" Walking Shoe in Plum Red/Burgundy via DSW ($26.58, $79.99 retail)

Gifted from Brands:

• Pearl and Gold Bar Duo Stud Earring - Rose Gold c/o Aurate  
• Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Rose Gold c/o Aurate  
• Gold Bar Stud Earrings - Yellow Gold c/o Aurate  
• Janey Sport Sandal - Pewter c/o Aetrex 
  
• *NEW!* Active Biker Short in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
• *NEW!* Adjustable Bra in Jungle c/o Dona Jo
• *NEW!* Urban Tank in Pitanga c/o Dona Jo
• *NEW!* Destination Aura Beaded Necklace in Marrakech c/o Aurate
• *NEW!* Endless Gemstone Station Necklace in Rose Quartz c/o Aurate
  

Spent in August: $0

Spent in 2022: $83.50

As I mentioned in my January Wardrobe Update, one of my oldest blog friends launched a children's clothing line (with some pieces for women too!) called Mīere the Label!  I've known Jamie-Lee of Mademoiselle for over 10 years now. Crazy to think I've been blogging for that long! 

We were able to meet in person way back in 2011 when she took a trip to New York City from New Zealand. She now lives in Australia with her husband and baby boy. I have loved watching her blog following skyrocket over the years and seeing her success! Now with her clothing line I'm even more proud. 

Enough gushing, on to the clothes! Jamie is the master of basics so I know anything she creates will be perfect right down to the last detail. This first sweater, made with organic cotton, has beautiful stitching, open rolled neckline and is super cozy. She designed it oversized so that mothers can easily breastfeed while wearing it. Obviously I don't need to worry about that, but the loose fit makes it perfect for wearing around the house as well as out and about. Tucking it into jeans instantly adds more dimension.

With this line, Mīere wanted to "create a capsule of everyday essentials that really last the distance for our little ones, so that you don't have to be constantly thinking about buying the next size up." I think it is genius that she designed them to be a little oversized so they grow with your child. They don't look huge but can easily be worn for way longer than your standard baby clothes sizes. I never know what size to buy for my friends and family, this makes that less stressful.

Not being satisfied with only creating a line that looks beautiful, the company is focused on being natural (even the shipping bag is compostable!)

At Mīere we strive for design perfection and no one does that better than mother nature.  With this in mind our collection is made using natural fibres, and sustainable materials such as organic cotton and bamboo.

If you're looking for the perfect gift for a new Mom in your life I would suggest buying her a matching set of sweaters as a unique gift! Check out the baby knitwear and don't forget mommy! Mīere also has socks, pants, sweatshirts and more is on the way!

Prices are in Australian Dollars and with the shipping cost (to Connecticut) I paid $88.86AUD which converted to $68.67USD. Since it's coming all the way from Australia shipping does take some time, but I got mine in just over 3 weeks.

P.S. Mīere means honey in Greek, which I find adorable because babies are sweet just like honey! I do love a clever name! (Jamie's Grandmother was from Greece so I love that she's using part of her heritage)

Sweater: Mīere the Label women's cotton knit sweater in terracotta, High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme, Boots: Cordani (Roundabout), Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 Starburst necklace (South Moon Under), Sunglasses: Chanel, Hat: Walt Disney World

P.P.S. Here's an adorable shot of her son in the matching baby sweater.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by mīere (@mierethelabel)

*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

I'm writing this post on Monday November 2nd, the day before Election Day, dreading what is to come in the next few weeks. But at least I can look back on this nice and cozy outfit I wore for a quick run to the farmers market a few Saturday's ago. Christian and I stocked up on our favorite pesto before the farmer's market season is over. We bought 1 to use right away and 3 to freeze and get us through Winter! 

I wore my new boots for the occasion and paired them with super skinny jeans and a matching cashmere sweater. Basic and perfect. I also realized that this sweater is 7 years old now, wow!

Another set of phone photos because I wasn't planning on taking outfit pictures, so the color is a little off on some of them because Christian's iPhone wasn't cooperating, ha ha! I am glad I was able to get some pictures with pretty fall foliage. I didn't get to see much this year because we've been home so much.

Cashmere Sweater: Everlane, High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme, Boots: Marc by Marc Jacobs Burgundy Buckle Boot (Coco's on the Green)

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!

Leather 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