*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.

Thanksgiving look number two! Although, technically, this was the first one I wore. This was my outfit on actual Thanksgiving day at my parents. We had a small gathering with just the immediate family. Then on Saturday we went to my Aunt's for a slightly larger celebration. 

I was surprised to realize I haven't worn this Saint Laurent blouse and burgundy velvet skit together before. Both of these have been holiday staples over the years so it was only natural to finally pair them. Also broke out one of my favorite pair of shoes for the first time in quite a while.

Blouse: Saint Laurent silk patchwork blouse (eBay)

Peep-Toe Boots*: Alexander Wang suede Freja boot in brick red (The Outnet) 

Skirt: LC Lauren Conrad Velvet Pleated Skirt c/o Kohl's

Purse: Wink & Winn (giveaway, no longer in business)

Necklace: Olive Branch Pearl Stilvi Necklace, bought in Santorini 

*Note: There was a version of these boots made for an H&M collaboration a few years after I bought mine so make sure you're getting actual high end ones if you want to recreate this look in the same quality. Or if you want a budget version, go for the H&M pair, just make sure you don't overpay for those! (I noticed one site had the H&M boots listed for almost $400)

 

I've had a version of this outfit saved as a photo on my phone since 2017 (was one of my options for this trip to the pumpkin patch) and FINALLY wore it. I just never had (what seemed like) the right occasion. This year I decided to wear it for Thanksgiving! In my original idea I had a plain black long sleeve shirt and different black boots but I switched it with a v-neck and over the knee boots. My original boots were more durable for walking around the pumpkin patch but since I'd just be hanging out inside I could switch it up!

It was probably not the smartest choice for a day full of eating, though. The shorts are high waisted and very tight with not much give so they're not great for sitting. Or eating tons of turkey. But, hey, at least I looked good!

Of course it was SUPER cold and windy when we took these photos. So pardon if I look frozen.

Sweater: Everlane 'the cashmere crop v-neck'

Tweed Colorblock Shorts: Proenza Schouler (Roundabout) - buy the matching jacket here

Boots: Audrey Brooke 'Mirie' (DSW)

Bag: Louis Vuitton Epi Leather Sac D'Epaule (HauteTrader)

Necklace: Acanthus Jewelry 'Gemma'

Finally getting around to posting photos from Halloween, just in time for Thanksgiving. We enjoyed a perfect Dall day in the park. The trees were definitely showing off and the park was very crowded! Luckily we found a quiet corner to take some photos in. I've had this sweater since May 2020 but this is the first time it's getting outfit photos not taken in my closet. I even wore the same jeans this time because they're the perfect match.

A very similar version - higher neck, slightly different owl and a little darker - is available on eBay or Vestiaire Collective. It's actually the one I DIYed years ago. Sadly, it's not as good of a deal as I got.  I still can't believe the seller let it go for $75. WOWZA! According to the eBay listing they "bought [it] from Net-a-Porter for £1595. This piece sold out almost instantly and is now an iconic, almost impossible to find Burberry Prorsum collector’s item."

Sweater: Burberry beaded owl knit (eBay)

Jeans: rag & bone high rise ankle skinny jean in burgundy

Bag: bought in Venice

Ballet Flats: Chanel caviar leather 'Cap Toe Ballet Flat' via eBay

I loved this outfit, sadly the pictures do not do it justice. This is nothing against my amazing photographer, I just remember being super uncomfortable and in a rush when taking these because we were near a busy street.  (people kept walking in front of me and starring, as non-bloggers do, ha ha. Luckily no one was walking directly on the street behind me.) We had just finished checking out the Annual Scarecrows Along Main in Historic Wethersfield and it was fairly crowded because it was the last weekend before Halloween. 

As many of you know, I have social anxiety so taking photos in public is always a huge ordeal for me. Normally we try to do photos away from people, but I really wanted pictures in this outfit and it was getting too dark to go somewhere secluded (plus we went with my Aunt and Uncle and didn't want to take too long for them.)

Just imagine me looking happier and less awkward.

P.S. Did you know cheesy landscape sweaters like this are in style again this year! So glad I bought this a couple years ago when it wasn't as in, even though people said it was weird, ha ha! Goes to show - buy what you love even if other's don't agree, one day they'll be hunting for something just like it! Who wants to buy me this fun Sea New York sweater with sheep!? So cute. Shop some more below!

Sweater: Autumn Cashmere Landscape Intarsia Sweater

Jeans: Everlane high-rise skinny jean in mid-blue

Mules: Franco Sarto 'Dolly' (DSW) 

Bag: Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag in Croc c/o Shopbop