*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
Cashmere Sweater: Ellen Tracy, Jeans: Free People 'Jax', Flats: Restricted 'Memo' (DSW), Labradorite Necklace: Indulgems (Gilt), Sunglasses: Gucci aviators in tortoise, Bag: Dark Purple Chloé Faye (eBay)
UPDATE: I should never pre-write these a week before the month is over. I made a couple purchases in last few days. One hasn't arrived yet so I'll include it next month.
I made a DSW purchase with a bunch of store credits and coupons. I bought a pair of purple suede Sam Edelman sandals which will hopefully replace my current pair that is slowly disintegrating (they're SUPER old.) Sadly they don't make the exact same style anymore but this one is similar. I also bough a cute pair of black flats to take advantage of a 25% off 2 pairs deal and wound up essentially getting those free after my $10 and 2 $5 credits. My purchase also got me a free backpack so I think I did pretty well.
UPDATE 2: I decided to add this to October since it arrived on November 1st! As I was preparing a blog post for a wedding look I wore, I came across a dress I've been wanting since 2012 (the blog proof) for $32 on eBay. I followed it and the next day the seller sent an offer of $25 for it, so I HAD to get it after texting a couple friends for the nudge I needed - aka confirmation that it was a good purchase. I can't remember the retail price from 2012 but I would say it was at least $500. Unfortunately I found out that Edun went out of business last year, which is such a shame because it was a sustainable brand and promoted artists in Africa. Now I'll cherish my 3 pieces more (and maybe buy some more secondhand if I see anything good)
Original Copy:
I made it through October without shopping! It helps that I had 3 super busy weekends at the beginning of the month so I couldn't really shop in store. I also had less extra money this month thanks to taking half of September off for my honeymoon. (the perils of freelancing and not having paid vacation!) I've been pretty good at resisting online shopping too. I just fill up carts and then abandon them to get the shopping bug out. Anyone else do that or is it just me?
I'm hoping to keep this up through the end of the year, but we'll see if any of the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales get me! Or Net-a-Porter's Winter sale...always dangerous when that pops up! I will have some Shopbop money coming in soon thanks to my temporary partnership with them but am not sure if I'll wait until the few months is over to buy something big, or just a few things here and there.
THE (modified) RULES
- Be mindful of purchases
- Quality over quantity
- Basics are best
Clothes:
- Autumn Cashmere Landscape Cashmere Crew ($240, retail $440, Christmas + ad money)
- Sandro burgundy double breasted blazer ($36 via Roundabout Resale, retail ~$500)
- Massimo Dutti white wool blazer ($19 via Roundabout Resale, retail $130-$250)
- Rag & Bone 'Jackie' purple leather trimmed wool jacket ($32 via Roundabout, retail $495)
- eight sixty floral camisole dress ($7 via eBay, used ad money)
- Joie 'Johnesha' black polka dot tiered dress ($39.99 via Marshalls, $398 retail)
- *NEW!* Edun red printed silk dress ($25 via eBay, $500+ retail)
- J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($5, retail $30, used gift card)
- J.Crew Ribbed flare-sleeve turtleneck ($8, retail $45, used gift card)
- J.Crew Midrise skinny jean in velvet ($10, retail $80, used gift card)
- AG Jeans 'The Evan' pleated linen pant, Sulfur Harvest Olive ($39 @ Marshalls, $178 retail)
- Splendid Arabesque Cargo Short in Antique Military Olive ($29.99 via Marshalls, $108 retail)
- Lanvin Studded Suede 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- Lanvin Studded Leather 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money)
- Ancient Greek Sandals 'Apteros' in Crosta Wine ($158 in Athens, used ad money)
- Ancient Greek Sandals X Gas Bijoux 'Stephanie Charms' in Natural/Red Charms ($254 in Santorini, used ad money)
- *NEW!* Sam Edelman 'Gigi' ($12.49 via DSW)
- *NEW!* Restricted Memo Flat ($12.49 via DSW)
- Mini Leather Bag (25€ in Italy, used ad money)
- Olive Leaf + Branch + Pearl Necklace ($50 in Santorini, used ad money)
- *NEW!* DSW Backpack (free with purchase)
- Simple Pearl Necklace c/o AUrate
Total spent in 2019: $245.46
